Up and coming baseball catcher, Ellis Alexander ’25 speaks on what it’s like to work towards getting a D3 offer at Macalester College. The senior had his eyes set on scoring an offer long ago.

“I started really working for it at the end of my sophomore year. I attended a baseball camp at University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and one in Washington, DC,” said Alexander. 

As he gained experience from high school and club teams, Alexander realized that his game had something special to it, and could land him a future as a collegiate baseball catcher.

“I began to notice that I stood out, and that I really wanted to continue playing baseball in college,” said Alexander. 

Eventually the catcher came across Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, which he committed to earlier this year on Oct. 23, 2024.

“The baseball team at Macalester is a winning program. I could see myself succeeding there. I could see myself playing there,” said Alexander.

There is a great deal of responsibility and critical thinking that goes into a catcher’s unique leadership position on the diamond.

“Before I can determine what pitch needs to be thrown, I need to know my pitcher, what he can throw and what pitches he can best utilize, how many runners are on base, where they are, and the order of the lineups,” said Alexander. 

Alexander mentions how his experience playing for the Jones Eagles has shaped him into the valuable player he is today.

“My position with Coach Rosene and Coach Stroke has really helped me become more of a leader,” said Alexander.

Alexander has learned to read the field with expertise and confidence.

“I feel like just remembering what people did in their previous at bats and knowing how to get them out goes a long way,” said Alexander.

His calls are proactive.

 “My personal favorite is getting the runner at second because it gives me a sense of relief. Whenever I usually do that, that means we’re pretty much up in the game,” said Alexander.

Alexander has had a lot of big ups in the past year.

“Some of my proudest moments of my career as a catcher were probably last year. That’s when I really stamped my name in the Chicago Public League organization at an all-city conference,” said Alexander.

Success for Alexander is reflected both on the field and in the classroom.

“When I was looking into college, I wanted to go to a place where I would feel very challenged academically. I’m a student first,” said Alexander. 

Macalester seems to be the best fit for Alexander now.

“I knew that I could exceed and be where I want to be at Macalester, where I can play ball and excel academically,” said Alexander.

Although Alexander is happily content with his commitment, there is one chilling downside to playing a spring sport in Minnesota.

“The only thing bad is the weather. It’s gonna be really, really cold, but playing in Chicago prepared me for that,” said Alexander.

Alexander will continue making winning plays as he enters a new chapter.

“I’m feeling pumped up, ready to get into things, and ready to start college. It’s good to know where I’m going next year,” said Alexander.