Jaeger Signs Pro Contract with Thunder Bolts

by | Jun 22, 2017 | Headlines, RRSN News | 0 comments

LAKELAND, Fla. — When former Southeastern University pitcher John Jaeger finished signing his professional baseball contract, he made history for the program.
Jaeger’s signing marks the sixth-straight season an SEU baseball player has signed to continue their career at the pro level.
The Tracy, California native inked a deal with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League.
“I’m truly blessed for getting an opportunity like this,” said Jaeger of joining the Crestwood, Illinois-based program. “It’s been my life goal to be able to play baseball at a higher level and get paid. It goes along with the saying, ‘if you love your job so much, you will never have to work a day in your life.’”
Jaeger was named Honorable Mention NAIA All-America, posting 11 saves in 27 appearances and sporting a 2-1 record and a 2.36 ERA. In 42 innings pitched, Jaeger held opponents to a .230 batting average, and just seven extra-base hits in 182 batters faced. He struck out 50 against 15 walks.
He will join a bullpen that has another former Fire closer in 2013 grad, Tyler Murphy.
The teams in the Frontier League are not affiliated with Major League organizations, however, any MLB team can sign a player from the league and put them into their own system.
“This league is one of the best out there,” said Jaeger of the Frontier. “Every hitter throughout the lineup can hit. I have to sharpen my focus from the beginning to the end of my outing.”
Along with Murphy, 2015 alum Willi Martin is in the league with Southern Illinois.

Related Stories

Grace’s men’s tennis season ends at NAIA tournament

Grace’s season ends at NAIA tournament MOBILE, Ala. - Another memorable season for Grace’s men’s tennis team reached its conclusion on Wednesday. The No. 14 seed Lancers lost to No. 3 Keiser 4-0 in the Second Round of the 2025 NAIA National Championships. Grace was...

Participants set for IBCA/IHSAA Underclass Showcase events

For 2025: Girls’ event June 12 and boys event June 27, both at Ben Davis       The 23rd IBCA/IHSAA Top 100 Underclass Showcase basketball events have been set for June 12 and June 27. The 2025 girls' IBCA/IHSAA Top 100 Underclass Showcase will be Thursday, June 12 at...

Bielema Agrees to New Six-Year Contract

Bielema Agrees to New Six-Year Contract CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has agreed to a new six-year contract through the end of the 2030 season, Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced Tuesday. The agreement is pending University of...

Bethel Women’s Tennis falls in first appearance at NAIA Tourney

MOBILE, Ala. --- In the program's first NAIA National Tournament, the Bethel Pilots were swept by the LSU-Alexandria Generals 4-0 in the first round against a Generals team that is in their 10th appearance. DOUBLES 1. Nahia Echaide / Kanu Rajawat def. Kaavya Palani /...