Yano Selected to Northwoods League All-Star Game
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Rising senior
Jayson Yano of the Stevens Insitute of Technology baseball team was chosen to participate in the Northwoods League All-Star Game on July 21.
Yano, who is currently playing for the Rochester Honkers, is 5-2 with a 2.40 earned run average. His five wins are tied for the most in the North Division, and second in the entire Nothwoods League.
While having a little downtime in-between starts, Yano was able to answer a few questions in regards to his experiences playing in one of the most prestigious leagues on the summer ball circuit.
Patrick Duffy: What's the biggest difference you've noticed between the Empire 8 and the competition in the Northwoods League?
Jayson Yano: The Northwoods League has incredible depth. 1-9 there are no free at bats. Each hitter competes each and every pitch. Each team has top of the line starting pitching and the backend bullpen guys can really throw it. The amount of draft prospects and top tier talent really separates the Northwoods from E8 competition.
PD: What does making the making the All-Star game mean to on a personal level?
JY: It is incredibly humbling. It's a goal of every player out here to compete to the best of their abilities and hope to be an All-Star. But it means so much more for me. I am out here competing and proving people wrong that a Division III player can succeed. I am grateful to be representing Stevens and all DIII athletes on a level with top talent from each division and across the country.
PD: How has playing in a premier summer league like the Northwoods League benefitted your growth on the diamond?
JY: Playing with players with such talent has pushed me to get better out here every day. I love to pick pitchers brains whether it's pitch sequence, pitch grip, workout routines, or even mechanics. You get to learn from the best of the best out here.
PD: With classmate
Greg Jakusik also playing for the Honkers, how has having a teammate out in Minnesota helped you grow accustomed to playing/living out there?
JY: It makes the transition much easier because he is a familiar face and we understand each other on and off the field. We have the same host family so we are together 24/7 pushing each other to go to the weight room, get our work done on and off the field, and enjoying some downtime with our host brothers and sister.
PD: What lessons have you taken from Coach Aldins and Coach Freeman to take your level of play to the next level?
JY: They taught me to work hard and stay committed. They let the guys play summer ball every year knowing how tough it is to play such a grueling schedule but by grinding it out and working hard success will come.
PD: Coming off a season in which you became the first player in Empire 8 history to be named Pitcher and Player of the Year, what goals and expectations do you have for yourself heading into your senior year?
JY: Personal goals are great to have because they push you to be better, but in the end getting to play baseball in Appleton (site of the Division III World Series) in late May is the primary goal. I just hope to push Stevens baseball to new heights and along with my teammates that we can really show Division III what a program Coach Aldins and Coach Freeman have built.