Baseball: Prospect senior Jack Landwehr constantly on the go

Updated: May 14, 2012 8:06PM

Jack Landwehr has never rested on his laurels. Although the Prospect senior holds a school pitching record and has led his team to state, Landwehr is constantly trying to make himself better on the diamond.

“Every year, he’s gotten better,’’ Prospect coach Ross Giusti said. “He’s constantly working on something to improve his game. He’s always trying to find something to work on and that’s just the way he is. The kid comes to practice every day working hard, running and going through his routine and it rubs off on other people. ‘’

Landwehr has already set the school record for career wins with 24 and counting through late last week. Last year as a junior, he led his team to a third-place finish in class 4A.

“I really got knowledgeable by watching baseball,’’ Landwehr said. “I just watch and learn. My dad [John] is really knowledgeable about the game. When I get home from the game, he’ll pick me up and tell me what I did wrong and what I should correct. That’s a big help to me to have that knowledge when I go home.’’

Landwehr is “the man” at Prospect. He will play both corner spots when he is not pitching and he is also the third hitter in the lineup. This is his third year playing on the varsity team with an average of .361 and 19 RBI.

“All I would say is that Jack has certainly made his mark on our program and has helped our program reach another level,’’ Giusti said. “He’s one of those high-octane kids that always going, going, going. He has that persona where kids want to be like him especially under-level kids.’’

A good example of his baseball knowledge was demonstrated in two separate outings against Glenbrook North last season.

In his first start against the Spartans, Landwehr was rocked for eight runs and was chased from the game in the fourth inning. Later that season, he faced Glenbrook again in the supersectional and threw a complete game while only giving up two runs.

“I just love being active and doing stuff with my friends,’’ Landwehr said. “I have to keep moving around.’’

Landwehr’s reputation for coming through in big games has earned him the nickname, “Ballgame.” His pin-point control has seen him give up only 22 walks in the last two seasons.

He will be taking his game to Illinois State next year as both a pitcher and a third baseman.

“ There’s a lot of options with Jack at the next level,’’ Giusti said. “I think pitching would be first. I also believe that he can catch. He hasn’t done it yet but it’s the type of thing with his arm, his mentality and his baseball IQ, I think he could compete behind the plate.’’

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