Former Professional Pitcher
jeff.andra@edwardjones.com

I first met Jackson Longhofer when I started giving Jackson's select 9 year old team pitching lessons. Jackson was talented but that team was very strong so Jackson's chances to pitch were limited in those days. He was also a very good athlete and played centerfield most of the time for that team. As the team got older, I continued to help out with the pitchers so I had regular interaction with Jackson until about age 15. Even though he still wasn't getting a lot of innings on the mound he still worked incredibly hard at his pitching showing me great desire on his part and dedication to something that most kids at that age wouldn't have put the time in on if they weren't getting regular game action.

As he went into high school at St. Thomas Aquinas, he once again had strong upperclassmen that he was battling with for mound time. He never gave up though continuing to hone his craft. He also hit a growth spurt and became much taller and his velocity really picked up. It was enough to earn him a chance to pitch at Emporia State University even though he didn't pitch a lot in high school. This is where he worked extremely hard in the weight room to add muscle to his taller frame and started resembling a college level pitcher. After some time at Emporia State he found an opportunity at Park University closer to his home town and that's where he really hit his stride. He was pitching often and at a high level. He continued his success in the offseasons in the collegiate Ban Johnson summer league. Earning multiple all-star designations in that league.

As you write to me, I am not surprised to hear that he would like to continue his baseball journey overseas. His love for the game has shown through the last 14 years of work he has put in. Things didn't always come easily to Jackson on the mound but he never gave up. The adversity he faced at times would have driven others to look into something else. In fact, when I think back to his ultra talented 9-year old baseball team, as of last year he was only 1 of 3 young men still playing baseball at any level. I think this is where Jackson's greatest benefit to you will be. His ability to keep pointing forward and focused on his goals no matter what success or hard times he faces will be an inspiration to those who play with him and surely impress those who coach him. If his role is more on the coaching side, he will be able to help guide players to keep focused on the prize no matter what this difficult game sends their way. Finally, he has been exposed to some high quality coaches at his various stops so he will be able to draw on the knowledge they have given him for the last 14 years. I think he will be a big asset to your organization.

Park University, Head Coach
clundy@park.edu