Campus Newcomer: Bishop Heelan RHP Jaron Bleeker

We continue our Iowa Baseball campus newcomers series, with an incoming freshman who just finished off a run to the 3A State Championship. Bishop Heelan right-handed pitcher Jaron Bleeker was the ace pitcher for the Crusaders and now will turn his focus to his upcoming freshman year at Iowa. He is rated as the #3 RHP in Iowa and the #366 RHP in the country by Perfect Game.

As a junior at Heelan, Bleeker appeared in 11 games, with seven starts, posting a 0.68 ERA over 51.1 innings. He totaled 64 strikeouts to just ten walks, while opponents averaged just 0.41 hits per inning. Jaron was 3A First Team All-State selection for Heelan team that finished with a 27-13 record.

This past season as a senior, Bleeker appeared in 12 games, with ten starts, posting a 1.29 ERA over 70.1 innings. He totaled 96 strikeouts to 23 walks, while opponents averaged just 0.51 hits per inning. The Crusaders advanced all the way to the 3A State Championship game where they fell to North Polk. Jaron is expected to, once again, be a First Team All-State selection.

We caught up with the 6-foot-3, 195 pound right-hander from western Iowa to preview his freshman year with the Hawkeyes.

Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?

BLEEKER: I move into Iowa City the weekend of August 17-19 and I’m pretty excited for when that day comes. I’m excited for the challenge of being a student athlete and for all the new possibilities and opportunities that Iowa City has to offer.

Q: What number do you plan to wear and why?

BLEEKER: I’d like to wear 23 as that’s the number I’ve worn throughout high school, but knowing that’s probably not available I’m ok with any number.

Q: You were a First Team 3A All-State selection last year and you’ll probably be the same this year when the awards come out. What does it mean to you to see yourself come up on those postseason award lists?

BLEEKER: Being selected as a first team all state baseball player is an honor as this shows that the whole state respects you as a great ball player. Getting recognition for the hard work I’ve put in is refreshing.

Q: What pitches do you have in your arsenal (speeds)? What would you say is your best pitch?

BLEEKER: Fastball 89-91 Top 93. Curveball 76-78. Slider 81-82. Changup- 82-84. I would say my best pitch is my changeup on a good day. It has lots of movement and generators lots of swing and miss when thrown right.

Q: What’s it been like helping your team to a state tournament berth in your senior season? You had the walkoff hit in the substate final, how satisfying is a moment like that knowing you are playing your final games at Bishop Heelan?

BLEEKER: It was an amazing playoff run from getting out of substate to going all the way to the state title game. The walkoff hit in the substate final was truly a dream come true and something that not everyone gets to experience on a baseball diamond. To get to experience that and celebrate with my teammates knowing my season and career at Bishop Heelan is almost up really means a lot.

Q: Looking back at your recruitment, what stood about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?

BLEEKER: My choice to come to Iowa came from always wanting to play there as a kid and always being the school I wanted to go to. When colleges started reaching out for baseball I always had my eyes on Iowa and just wanted for them to give me an opportunity.

Q: Were there any other teams that you heavily considered during your recruitment?

BLEEKER: There were a lot of JUCO’s like Kirkwood and Iowa Western and such that were recruiting me and Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Those were all heavy considerations if I couldn’t go to Iowa, but Iowa was where I wanted to be and they wanted me as well.

Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?

BLEEKER: I’d say I have a good, but young relationship with the coaches. As a late commit I haven’t been around the coaches as much, but I have a chance to develop a good relationship with the coaching staff when I get on campus. Right now I talk to Coach Sutherland the most but I assume when I get on campus I’ll talk to the pitching coach, Coach Kenny more.

Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa Baseball team?” How would you describe your game?

BLEEKER: I’m an efficient strike thrower who has lots of room for development and growth as well as good positive teammate that wants to see the success of people around him.

Q: Have you gotten to talk much with new pitching coach Sean Kenny? How have those early talks with him gone?

BLEEKER: I’ve only talked to Coach Kenny once but I thought the conversation went well and he seems like a great fit and someone who I’ll talk to a lot as I get to Iowa.

Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? Current players?

BLEEKER: I’m familiar with all the incoming freshman and who they are, but I don’t know any of them to well. From watching games I know players on the teams, but nothing more than names.

Q: What are your goals for your freshman season at Iowa? What areas of your game do you want to improve?

BLEEKER: My goals at Iowa during my freshman year are to develop as much as I can and gain more weight/muscle to then obtain more velo and strength. I want to improve my each one of my pitches shape and design.

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