Jack Lausch’s Path from Football to Baseball Success

Jack Lausch, the 2021 Daily Southtown Football Player of the Year, chose to continue playing football in college, committing to be a quarterback at Northwestern. Despite this focus, he kept the possibility of a baseball career open. Initially recruited by Notre Dame for baseball, he shifted gears when Northwestern extended a football scholarship. Lausch was clear about his intentions. Baseball was always in the back of my mind, he explained. If baseball was going to be the thing, it would come back to me. I never ruled it out.

That foresight paid off. After rejoining the Northwestern baseball team following two years away, Lausch was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. He was picked on July 12 in the 17th round as the 512th overall selection of the MLB draft. Lausch expressed his excitement. It’s a dream come true, he said. It’s awesome to have a shot. All you can ask for is a chance to improve and hopefully become a major leaguer.

Lausch’s return to baseball comes after playing both sports in his redshirt sophomore year, contributing significantly to Northwestern’s baseball success. In 2024-25, he started as quarterback in 10 football games and also in 43 out of 44 baseball games. That summer marked his decision to dedicate himself fully to baseball. I knew other people had been playing baseball year-round, he reflected. It was really hard to step away from football, but it was all for the opportunity I have now.

His performance on the diamond was notable, leading Northwestern with a .312 batting average, 16 home runs, and 41 RBIs. This success came amid a big week for Brother Rice’s baseball program. Zion Rose was a high MLB draft pick, and Luke Lawrence signed with the White Sox. Brady Cunningham secured the MLB High School Home Run Derby win. Now, Lausch prepares for his first minor-league assignment in Arizona.

Reflecting on his journey, Lausch shared, I want to enjoy it and have fun, but I also want to go out there and show people what I can do and that I’m here for a reason. His journey highlights a commitment to perseverance and adaptability.