Upper St. Clair graduate drafted by Toronto Blue Jays
Jake Casey makes name for himself
Though his father, Sean, lived the life of a professional baseball player, Jake Casey never fathomed such a career could become a reality until his grandfather, Jim, put the notion into his head two years ago.
During a 150-day hospital stay after two open-heart surgeries, the 85-year-old decreed that he was going to live to see Jake get drafted.
“I was nervous because I didn’t think he would be coming home from the hospital but dad’s so resilient,” said Sean, who played 12 seasons in the major leagues. “Those were tough days but he said that he was waiting to see Jake get drafted.”
“When I heard him say that back then, I thought that sounded cool,” Jake added. “I’d love for that to happen.”
On July 14, the Casey dream came true. Jake was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round of the MLB draft. He was the 442nd player picked.
Though the event was held at the Coca Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta, across the street from Truist Park, the home of the Braves, the Caseys celebrated in their home in Upper St. Clair. Jim was present with his wife, Joan, 84.
“I gave my grandpa a huge hug. I’ll embrace that moment forever because it was so special,” Jake said.
“The fact that he made it through was a miracle,” he continued. “Knowing that was his motivation for getting healthy and moving around and supporting me was really cool for everybody, not just me.
“It was a great moment. An exciting day. One filled with overwhelming emotions,” Jake added.
Waiting to hear his name announced on the MLB Network’s live coverage before receiving the affirming phone call proved “stressful” for Jake. He had a notion it might be the Blue Jays because their scout, Tom Burns, had been in close contact with him. In fact, Burns had scouted many of his Kent State University games.
This spring, Jake earned All-MAC first-team honors after batting .356 with 74 runs, 27 home runs and 55 RBIs in 56 games. He also added 20 doubles and 20 stolen bases.
Over his four-year career at Kent State, Casey compiled a .277 batting average with 149 hits, 155 runs, 41 home runs, 34 doubles, and 127 RBI across 161 games.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. The draft is so tough to gauge,” Jake said. “I had an idea of who was reaching out to me though because I knew their scout really liked me. I was in close contact with him. So when they reached out to me, it wasn’t a random pick.”
Casey was a prime selection partly because of a recent showing at the MLB Draft Combine. Held at Chase Field in Phoenix, the event brought together top collegiate and high school prospects nationwide for five days of intensive workouts, interviews, and evaluations by all 30 MLB teams. During the combine, Casey ranked seventh in the 30-year dash with a 3.58 time. Additionally, he ranked in the Top 10 in Exit Velocity.
“It definitely helped me,” Jake said. “Not a lot of teams knew me. They may have known the name because of my dad but it was good to go out there and showcase my skills. My speed, my power, my athleticism,” he added. “I felt I did a good job with that and helped myself get my name on the map. I let people know that I could play, hit, hit for power and run.”
Since Little League, Jake excelled on the diamond. He started at shortstop at Upper St. Clair under the management of Jerry Malarkey.
“Jake was an impact player because of his leadership and ability,” said Malarkey, who also coached his father and brother, Andrew. “Jake was always a hard-working kid and he’s always been dedicated to baseball. His approach and focus was unsurpassed.
“He came from humble roots, worked hard and was someone upon whom you could rely. He was the ultimate team player. Never selfish,” Malakey continued. “He was even keel and didn’t let things affect the way he played or treated his teammates. He’s a testament to how hard work can enable you to attain your goals.”
USC was the stepping stone for Jake to enroll at Kent State and pursue a degree in sports psychology while playing baseball.
“At USC, I was surrounded by great people all the time. Great coaches and good resources. They put me in a position to go to Kent State. The foundation there prepared me as a man to take the next steps in my career.”
At Kent State, Casey developed into a major league prospect thanks to Jeff Duncan. After his freshman year as a designated hitter, the Blue Jay manager switched Casey to the outfield.
“I loved being in the outfield. Making diving plays and putting people out,” Casey said. “I remember when I was younger one of my favorite players was Mike Trout. I loved the way he played the game and robbed people of home runs with his sensational plays. So I was glad to make the change and I owe that to Coach Duncan.
“I learned a lot from a lot of guys when I was younger and I got my feet wet but Coach Duncan is a tremendous figure in my life. He shaped me not only as a player but as a man. He pushed us as a team and created a winning culture and turned me into a better player and leader.
“There have been a lot of influential people in my life but he was there for four years. He prepared me to take the next steps in my baseball career.”
Jake left for Florida on July 16 where he is expected to sign a minor league contract and attend what is in essence a training camp. The draftees meet each other and get to know each other. Eventually they will be assigned to play in rookie leagues to develop their skills and adjust to professional baseball.
“Obviously, the goal is to make the big leagues,” Casey said. “Right now, it’s just to get better and figure everything out and just have fun. Enjoy the game, my teammates, my new team and do whatever I can to help them when and whatever level I am at.
“Just make them say, ‘Hey, that Jake Casey is a great guy. A great teammate. A great player. He works hard.’ My goal is to become the best player I can be. Become the best version of myself.”
While his surname is Casey, Jake is not Sean. He is himself. He said that he “blocked out the narrative” of being a son of a former MLB player a while ago.
“Sometimes when I was younger and growing up, I had to deal with that pressure a little bit. When I got older, I realized it was all in my hands. What I put into the game and what I wanted to do with myself would be determined by the work I put into it.
“My dad is a great resource for me. He’s been my coach, my best friend, my dad and my mentor but I have taken the pressure and whole story narrative out of it by just doing my thing, putting the work in myself. In that way, I have made my own name for myself.”
Jake though doesn’t mind being one of USC’s distinguished graduates. In addition to his father, Kevin Orie, Mike McHugh, Kevin Slowey and Tom Sulliver were among other alumni drafted into the Major Leagues by the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins respectively. In addition, Jerry Berteotti played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It’s good to carry on the legacy. I know I am representing Upper St. Clair, the township and the people in it and I think it’s a blessing to be in this position,” he said. “There is a lot of gratitude there to be the next guy in line to play professional baseball for USC.
“I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude. Most of all the hard work I put in my whole life has led up to this point and it all came down to the moment I was drafted. I’m glad to get this opportunity and I trust in God for whatever he has in store for me. I didn’t worry about the team that drafted me because that was the plan He set for me. I’m just concerned now about the opportunity that I am going to get. It didn’t really matter what round as long as I got an opportunity.”