Ohio State University commit Jack Texter has fulfilled his dream of playing for the University just down the road, donned in a scarlet and gray uniform. He didn’t waste any time getting into baseball. With his older brother as inspiration, Texter picked up the bat and ball at the age of four.
“My brother started playing before I did, and I followed in his footsteps in just about everything,” Texter said. “Baseball was no different.”
Texter dabbled in the world of basketball during middle school but decided to put all his focus on baseball. Around the age of 16, Texter realized the potential he had to play at a high level in college.
“Since then I have been pushing myself to get ready for that first day on campus and beyond,” Texter said.
Despite a triumphant ending to his recruiting process, Texter’s high school baseball career was littered with hardships and challenges.
“I had elbow surgery [in the] fall of my freshman year, not allowing me to pitch until the next winter,” Texter said.
This forced Texter to take 15 months off, recovering and waiting to return to the mound.
Getting through the lows as an athlete requires having a strong support system. Texter has always been able to find an idol in his dad.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad. He is the most determined and caring person I’ve ever met,” Texter said. “He’s always been there for me. He’s my hero.”
Along with the support from his dad, Texter has always had a strong passion for baseball. He has the drive to play baseball at peak performance for as long as he can.
“It’s always been my goal to play baseball at the highest level I can,” Texter said. “The success, along with the failure, always keeps me coming back for more.”
Even through his injury, Texter kept his eyes on his goal. He began the college recruiting process to continue his pursuit of D1 college baseball.
“The recruiting process for me was pretty up and down,” Texter said. “Offers came in bunches, but then there were also down periods where I didn’t talk to any new schools for several weeks.”
Despite the struggle to maintain contact with some coaches, Texter was still thoroughly sought after by many.
“Before I committed, I had about ten offers,” Texter said.
Finally, the offer Texter had been waiting for rolled in; after a career riddled with difficulties, Texter had earned his ticket to the next level.
“My family and I were thrilled when the OSU offer came in,” Texter said “They had been the #1 school on my list since the beginning. Coach Mosiello and his staff have built a great culture and environment that I can’t wait to be a part of.”
Even with plenty to look forward to in his future, Texter has his sights firmly set on this coming UA baseball season.
“I have a good feeling our team has a chance to go far in the playoffs,” Texter said. “We have a great group of guys who have been getting after it this offseason. It will be exciting to see how this season plays out.”
Not only has Texter found success on the pitchers’ mound during his time at UA, but he had the opportunity to create memories that will outlast his athletic career.
“My favorite baseball memory is probably our Spring break trip to Myrtle Beach in 2022,” Texter said. “I had a great time with the team and played some good teams with a lot of success. That was also my first time starting a high school game on the mound, which I will never forget.”
In his farewell season at UA, Texter has high hopes for the team but also has some parting advice for the next generation of baseball bears.
“Some advice I would have for student-athletes is that hard work always prevails,” Texter said. “If you put your head down, stay positive, and keep going back to work, days on end, people will take note.”
