In the world of high-school sports, less than 3 in 50 players are skilled enough to go on to play Division 1 baseball for a college. Jordan Jackson ‘15 is one of those lucky few who are able to capitalize on the opportunity of a lifetime.

Jackson, a four-year Jones baseball player, is the model of a hard worker. Constant training sessions with his team on and off the field as well as practice with personal trainers have refined his game.

In games, Jackson has exhibited such a high quality of play that colleges began to scout him. One college in particular gave him an offer so good that he couldn’t refuse.

“Oakland University,” Jackson said with a sudden burst of enthusiasm. “There I can accomplish the ultimate goal – going pro.”

Oakland offered Jackson a full-ride scholarship that placed him on their Division 1 baseball team, an opportunity that most players never get.

“His natural ability and God given talent carried him a long way,” said Jones Varsity baseball Coach Michael Strok ‘05.

Natural ability sets Jackson far ahead of other players his age. Strok explained that he has “certain aspects of his game that you just can’t learn. Fast hips and extremely quick hands give him an edge”.

Jackson took a more humble approach to the reasoning behind how he attained his scholarship. “Jones Baseball really helped. Practice with the team pushed me to become a better player,” said Jackson.

Practice helped to improve the skills that Oakland saw in him: his quick reactions with catching and his fast throwing.

He also attributes his success partially to his serious approach as a student in Jones.

“The main goal of a high-school athlete should be to keep your grades up. That makes it easier to get into schools on a scholarship. Schools want a player who doesn’t have to worry about eligibility,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s sense of personal responsibility and consistency in effort is exemplified both on as well as off the field.

“His work ethic hasn’t changed at all [since he got the scholarship],” said Coach Strok. “He’s still doing everything that he had to do to get to this point.”

Keeping a positive mentality about putting in work for baseball is easy for a player like Jackson.

“My passion for the game has only gotten more intense over time. As your understanding increases, your love for the sport does too.”