By Bobby Narang
Nazareth Academy High School sophomore Jaden Fauske is making up for some lost time.
A heralded baseball player who committed to play for Louisville University before playing his first game of his high school freshman season, Fauske had to wait his turn in 2022 to become a starting player.
“Even though he committed to Louisville prior to playing in his high school career, he didn’t get to start early last season,” Nazareth coach Lee Milano said. “He never complained, was a great teammate, but when he got a chance, he took advantage of it. He’s been extremely impressive.”
Fauske said he gained a different perspective early in his freshman season by watching the older players conduct themselves. He admitted he was motivated to earn his playing time.
“It was tough last season,” Fauske said. “Coach (Lee) Milano made me earn everything. He didn’t give me a spot because of who I was. We had a lot of talent on the team last year, and won State (championship). We had a lot of great players. There were only so many positions on the field. Playing time was tough.”
By the middle of his freshman season, Fauske had proven to be an indispensable player for the Roadrunners. He played a key role in the Roadrunners winning the Class 3A State championship last Spring, then followed that up with a stunning season at the plate and on the mound to spark Nazareth to a second consecutive State championship in early June.
He was named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year after hitting a robust .487 with 36 RBIs and scored 38 runs. The right-hand pitcher posted a 4-0 won-loss record with two saves and struck out 49 in 33 innings.
“This year I just relaxed and didn’t try to do too much,” Fauske said. “In my freshman year, I was trying to prove myself with one swing. I got anxious. I was swinging at bad pitches. I was more relaxed this year and let the pitchers come to me. Pitching-wise, I started to get the ball a lot this year, and just attacked hitters and pounded the zones.”
Milano said Fauske is a rare young player not fazed by big moments.
“I’ve never seen him overmatched at the plate,” he said. “We’ve not had many players who have come in as a freshman and made such a big impact. He’s still got two years ahead of him. His first two years have been extremely impressive.”