Selected in the 30th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Jack Herman was selected by the Pirates. Herman was the leader of the Vikings successful season. A four year varsity starter, Eastern baseball coach Mr. Christ knew from the beginning that Herman was a special talent. “I knew from his first at-bat as a Freshman, a double, he was clearly someone who would be special,” said Christ.

For Herman he couldn’t be having more fun living his dream. “It’s pretty awesome. Being able to wake up every morning and do what you love and get paid doing it is great,” said Herman. It is not always easy playing in the minors, it is a grind, but Herman has grinded his whole life.

Herman is a very competitive player. Christ had glowing praise for Herman. “In my many years of coaching, he was the only 5-tool player I have ever had,” said  Coach Christ. Five-tool players are very rare, even in the majors. A 5-tool player is a player who possesses plus skills in power, contact, speed, fielding, and throwing. The combination of skills and mindset are a big part of why the Pirates are very high on him.

The minors are tough. Long road trips, hot summers, and poor conditions lead to a tough life. Herman wakes up everyday at 6:30am. He practices until 11am, and then prepares for a noon game.  It is a grind but he does not let one game get to him. “The biggest thing I have learned is being able to separate baseball from outside life. After having a bad game, it’s easy to let it ruin your whole mood and day and makes it harder to come back the next day and perform,” said Herman. That mindset is a lesson that he has carried with him his entire baseball career.

After being drafted last year, he was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Pirates, where he tore it up. In 37 games he hit .340, .435 OBP, 2 HR, and 22 RBIs. His .340 average was good enough for third in the Gulf Coast League. That kind of production led to Herman being named the only Pirates GCL all-star. For an 18 year-old that is incredible. This year, after spending sometime in extended spring training, he will be playing with the Pirates Single A affiliate.

The key to his success: consistency. “I feel like just being consistent and taking every day one day at a time. Just going out and putting your head down and working hard allows you to do that [succeed],” said Herman.

Coach Christ is not at all surprised by Herman’s success. But the baseball world was surprised. Piratesprospect.com called Herman “a potential late round gem”.

Prospect1500.com echoed the same idea. “Herman could be an absolute steal after being drafted in the 30th round.”

Despite the early success, Herman kept working on his game this offseason. He worked on improving his power, alongwith maintaining his speed and strength. He also wanted to work on being consistent in the outfield. “Coming into spring training, I wanted to show that I improved in one or two aspects of the game,” said Herman.

Herman’s potential is sky high. He is valued by the organization. He has a strong worth ethic. And he has production to show. “I think he is to be a major league baseball player,” said Coach Christ.