Artz signs on to play collegiately at Saint Joseph’s University – Baseball Factory

Jake Artz, a talented 2016 outfielder from Mercersburg Academy in Harrisburg, PA has signed on to play collegiately within the state of Pennsylvania for Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. The 5’10”, 165 pound student-athlete was a postgraduate student at Mercersburg after graduating from Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg.

He’s been a vital part of Mercersburg since coming to the school, creating a fellowship for Christian athletes. In addition to his skill set on the baseball field, Artz will participate in the 55-meter dash and long jump for the team’s indoor track & field team this winter according to Mercersburg’s website.

As a sophomore in February 2013, Artz attended an Under Armour Baseball Factory College PREP event in Mechanicsburg, PA (just outside of Harrisburg) and from his first event until the Omaha National World Series four months later, improved his 60-yard time (7.16 to 7.02) and solid defensive skills with his quick footwork and natural ability to play the position. Scouts also saw a player blossoming at the plate each time he attended a Player Development event.

During the Baseball Factory National World Series at Pirate City in August 2013, Artz went 6-for-9 during game play in the tournament to showcase his already-above average hitting grades. He was a leader on the field and a high-energy guy that scouts remarked, “will be a great addition to a college program in a few years.”

Artz’s hard work paid off big time in January 2014, selected to the Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament where he again showcased his defense and a simple, yet effective approach at the plate, hitting line drives all over the field that yielded big-time results.

The scouts were right in 2013; Artz will be a great addition to a college program and he will now get that opportunity to play at the next level with the Hawks of Saint Joseph’s University.