Peters Alum 'Living the Dream,' En Route to Big Leagues

A 2008 graduate continues to keep his eye on the prize after by the Houston Astros. 

J.J. Jankowski, a pitcher for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League, was selected by the Astros in the 34th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

Selected as a senior at Catawba College in North Carolina, following a stint at Miami University (Ohio), he was also picked in high school by the same organization but chose education. 

Now with the team, he said it's been a great experience. 

"I'm living my dream," he said. "Every day I try to get better to move higher and higher up. We have great fans, and it's a great atmosphere for baseball." 

A spot in MLB isn't the only goal he's set—Jankowski is working hard to earn his undergraduate degree, which he's finishing online at Robert Morris University. 

Currently in Greeneville, he's appeared in 15 games, with a 4-0 record, two saves and an earned run average of 2.70.

After playing for the Peters Indians, the Miami RedHawks (formerly Redskins) and the Catawba Indians, he said he's learned some of the best advice: 

"No one can tell you you can't do something," he said.

Jankowski said he's hoping they can make a push for the post-season. His team is currently in third place in the Appalachian League West division.

As for the time he spent growing up in Peters, he said there's nothing like that "home feeling," and seeing his friends and family.

"It's a comfort zone for me," he said. 

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