Deer Lakes grad shows 2-way prowess in All-American season at Cal U.
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Jacob McCaskey is spending the summer in sunny Palm Springs, a popular vacation spot in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California.
Thousands of tourists might be there to enjoy the hot springs, golf courses and spas or maybe some hiking or horseback riding.
McCaskey is there to work.
A recently named NCAA Division II baseball second-team All-American for Cal (Pa.), the Deer Lakes graduate wants to keep developing his abilities as one of the most versatile ballplayers in the country. The Palm Springs’ Power Summer Collegiate League was the perfect place to get to work and enjoy the summer.
“Mostly, I want to have fun,” said McCaskey, who was the 2018 Valley News Dispatch player of the year. “I want to make sure I keep seeing the ball well, pick some brains. There are a lot of knowledgeable guys here, both coaches and players. I want to learn what I can and make my own philosophy.”
McCaskey is a rare breed among college players, excelling both as a position player and pitcher. During his junior season at Cal (Pa.) this spring, he started all 41 games, playing shortstop, third base, second base, first base, designated hitter and pitcher.
“I love this game more than anything,” he said. “To me, I’m just playing a game. I show up to the field knowing that I could have any role on the team. That’s fun for me. I want to go play different positions; I want to pitch.”
He was among the leaders in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and Atlantic Region with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs. He hit .357 (50 for 140) with a .418 on-base percentage and .664 slugging percentage. He also hit three grand slams.
On the mound, he was 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA, 32 strikeouts and one save in 23 innings over five appearances. He tossed a complete-game victory against Gannon in the final game of the regular season.
In the field, he had a .954 fielding percentage with 87 assists. His highlight of the year was turning a double play in the PSAC Tournament that was featured as the No. 1 play on SportsCenter Top 10.
? WATCH ?
The spectacular double play by Anthony Venezia and Jacob McCaskey in yesterday's PSAC Tournament was the No. 1️⃣ play on @SportsCenter Top 10 ?? pic.twitter.com/B8OXMgW1fR
— Cal U Athletics (@calvulcans) May 13, 2021
“I have to do double the work sometimes, which is fine,” McCaskey said. “It’s nice because after high school, you are asked what you want to be (pitcher or position player), but I’m still able to do both. That’s something I wanted to do after high school.”
He was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region second team and All-PSAC West first team at shortstop. Earning All-American honors from the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association was a great way to cap a special season.
“It’s hard to describe,” he said. “You know you had a good year. It felt great. It was a little bit more rewarding (to be honored).”
McCaskey will spend the next month playing for the LumberJacks in the Power Summer Collegiate League. Through six games he is batting .263 (5 for 19) with two home runs and seven RBIs and also has thrown 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on one hit with six strikeouts and four walks.
“It’s a lot of fun. I’m having a blast,” said McCaskey, who also is playing games in the Southern California Baseball League, leading to plenty of time on the diamond.
He plans to be back at Cal next year as a senior and hopes to stay with the game after college.
“I want to play this game as long as I possibly can, however long that may be,” he said. “I want to enjoy the moment and play as long as possible.”
???????? ??????@CALU_baseball Jacob McCaskey was named the Male Athlete of the Year. He led the team and set career highs in virtually every offensive category. McCaskey started games all four INF positions, plus recorded 2 wins, save in five pitching appearances. pic.twitter.com/as3496xUfG
— Cal U Athletics (@calvulcans) June 25, 2021
???????? ??????@CALU_baseball Jacob McCaskey was named the Male Breakout Athlete of the Year. He led the team with a .357 avg/10 HR/48 RBI after entering the season with a .276 avg/2 HR/28 RBI in his career.
TOMORROW – Freshman of the Year pic.twitter.com/0Czi15jTMx
— Cal U Athletics (@calvulcans) June 22, 2021