O’Fallon High School baseball pitcher commits to become a Missouri State Bear
An athletic 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher with an 89 mph fastball, O’Fallon junior Kaden Joggerst would have had many options and offers as he went through the college recruiting process.
But all it took was one.
After showcasing his ability as a member of the St. Louis Pirates Select Team and considered one of the top underclass pitching prospects in Southern Illinois, Joggerst has given a verbal commitment to attend and play college baseball at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, beginning in the 2021-22 season.
The son of Brandon and Kim Joggerst, Kaden Joggerst pitched in just four games during his sophomore season for the Panthers varsity a year ago. But pitching for the Pirates last summer, Joggerst’s size, athletic ability and arm impressed the college scouts. Joggerst gave his verbal commitment to the Bears last fall.
“I chose Missouri State because the program has always been at the top of the Missouri Valley Conference for many years along with being a well respected Division I program,” Joggerst said. “Missouri State has also had many years of success on the pitching side thanks to coach (Paul) Evans.
“Last, the location was very helpful, so hopefully in the future my parents can watch me play and not have a far distance to travel. I had other Division I schools recruiting me, but I knew Missouri State is where I wanted to go. Missouri State has had a great track record with local players from the area, and the chance to play at a Division I school is always something I have strived for.”
Joggerst, 17, will join another O’Fallon pitcher as members of Bears pitching staff. Hayden Juenger, the 2018 Belleville News-Democrat Large School Player of the Year, has a career record of 3-5 in just over a year at Missouri State.
Currently, Joggerst is staying in shape while hoping there will be a summer baseball season. The Illinois High School Association canceled its spring season two weeks ago because of the coronavirus pandemic and Joggerst is still waiting to hear the status of the summer season with the St. Louis Pirates.
“I was very disappointed not being able to play this spring, especially with the time and effort I put in over the fall and winter to get ready along with all of my teammates,” Joggerst said. “The worst part was having my friends who were seniors lose their final year. I’ve been able to spend way more time with my family than usual which I really enjoy. I’ve been working out every day and playing catch trying to keep my arm in the best shape possible.
“I hope we have a summer season, but I understand that it is a fluid situation and no one is certain about this summer. I love playing baseball and I would hate to lose a spring and summer season..”
O’Fallon hurler credits Huber for development
A three pitch pitcher who has a 2-seam fastball, slider and change-up in his arsenal, Joggerst has also been aided in his development by former college pitcher Brett Huber at the Batters Box in Belleville.
Joggerst said Huber has helped him become a much better pitcher.
“Coach Huber has helped me in every way possible when it comes to pitching,” Joggerst said. “He has taught me a tremendous amount about the mechanics of pitching. He also has helped me on the mental side of the game by reminding me to control my emotions and learning when to throw certain pitches in different situations.”
That development has made Joggerst an elite high school prospect heading into the 2021 season according to O’Fallon coach Joe Bauer.
“Kaden would have been one of our top arms this spring and is just scratching the surface as far as his potential. He had a great summer (2019) with the Pirates and started to get a lot of interest late summer,” Bauer said. “Missouri St. saw him out in Kansas City and he committed about a month later. I’d expect him to be one of the guys leading our staff in 2021.”
Panthers standout now looking toward future
As for now, Joggerst is waiting to see what happens with his summer season. He plans on continuing to work with Huber in anticipation of his senior year with the Panthers and then his freshman year in college beginning in 2021.
“It was a pretty easy choice after I made my official visit last September. I felt really comfortable with the current players, coaches, academic counselors, and campus during the visit,’’ Joggerst said.
“I am excited about the future, but realize that I have to continue to work on improving my skills and getting better everyday.”