Jay Wladkowski is a senior outfielder on the Baseball team who came to us from Norwood, MA and is a graduate of Norwood High School. Over the course of his career with the Bears, Jay has made the All-MASCAC First Team twice (`22 and `23), was named the MASCAC Player of the Year (`22), and in 2022 he was named to both the ABCA/Rawlings Third Team and the D3Baseball.com Third Team. With a career batting average of .324, Wladkowski has amassed 144 hits including 37 doubles and 8 homeruns, 113 RBI’s, drawn 67 walks, and has a fielding percentage of .949. See below for a Q & A with Jay Wladkowski himself!
Q & A with Jay
1. What is your favorite memory while playing for BSU Baseball?
Winning back-to-back MASCAC championships and getting to host a regional at Alumni Park in 2023. It was also a great memory in 2023 because we were able to play Endicott and I got the opportunity to play against my brother at home in front of our family.
2. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken cutlets with rice and carrots
3. What is your definition of Team Culture?
I think that team culture is sharing the same goals and working together, whether it is on the field or off the field. Having a close relationship with teammates and getting along with each other off the field will lead to on-field results and a good team culture.
4. Aside from basic necessities, what are three things you could not go a day without?
Coffee, my phone, and friends/family
5. If you could have any job for a day, what would it be and why?
A professional athlete because I think they have a cool day-to-day routine, and I would think it would be fun to live a life in their shoes for a day.
6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
Being part of a team helps me become less selfless while on the field. When I am playing, I am not playing for myself but for my teammates. Being part of a team also lets me be competitive, not only in games but even in practice. This also allows me to learn and improve on skills like leadership and teamwork to work hard and compete to complete our goals as a team.
7. Which teammates can you always count on to make you laugh?
Riley Thornell or Scott Emerson.
8. What is your favorite hype song prior to a game?
Trophies by Drake
9. If you could sit and ask President Clark any one question, what would it be?
If you were a BSU student for a day, what would be the first thing that you do?
Statement from Head Baseball Coach, Greg Zackrison
“Jay is one of the most naturally talented players I’ve had in my coaching career. At times his talent stands out, especially his arm, the other team stops and watches his throws from the outfield during our pregame practice. Jay is a 5-tool player and a key to our offensive success.”
Statement from Teammates Cam James & Kyle Suraci
“The first day Kyle and I met Jay, we went down to the field to play some catch and hit some baseballs. At the time, I was a catcher and Jay was a pitcher. So, I told Jay, let’s do a flat ground. The first pitch that he threw was about 90mph and spiked me in the ankle. Kyle was laughing, while I was in pain, through all that, Jay is still our friend.”
Don’t forget to follow THE BEARS on our social media platforms to catch the student-athlete spotlight each month!
- Instagram - @bsubears
- Facebook – @BSUBearsAthletics
- Twitter - @bsubears