No College Experience, No Problem for Jake McCutcheon

Jake McCutcheon just finished his high school career at Francis Howell and is committed to Missouri State to play ball next season. He decided to spend his summer in O’Fallon, developing his skills with the Hoots. The Prospect League is a league for college athletes looking to showcase their skills over the summer. Majority of the players have college experience, if not are full time starters at their respective colleges. However, despite being the only High School senior on the Hoots this season and the youngest player on the team, McCutcheon has found success early this season. 

The Bear commit has played in 11 games this season for the Hoots, going 11 for 28 (.393), driving in two runs and playing dynamic defense wherever he is placed. McCutcheon has been unwavered by college level pitching. 

“I feel like putting the ball in play and good things will happen,” said McCutcheon. “That’s all you can control and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. 

On June 15’s 8-7 walk-off win over the Normal Cornbelters, McCutcheon legged out a bunt hit in the ninth inning to keep the line moving and continue the rally. He might not have the power of his older teammates, but what he lacks in power he makes up for in athleticism and baseball IQ. 

“Just play the game, that’s [bunting] what you’ve got to do sometimes,” said McCutcheon.

McCutcheon is coming off an incredible senior season at Francis Howell, where he slashed .482/.544/.799, clubbed six home runs and drove in 38. He also stole  16 bases in 19 attempts for the 32-10 Vikings. Francis Howell took home third place in Class Six in the Missouri High School State Tournament. 

The Hoots currently sit a 14-11, just a game behind in the loss column to the Alton River Dragons. McCutcheon says the hot bats have allowed them to not only catch the  River Dragons, but possibly pass them and secure a home playoff game at the end of the season. 

“The bats just got hot, I feel like we’ve been hitting well every game,” said McCutcheon. “We’re scoring six or seven runs, and if you do that you’ll win most games.”