(Editor’s Note: This is the 15th installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence, Robbie Mascia, Jacob Abran, Tyler Camastro, Jason Davis, Michael Garcia ,Vincent Bourne and Nate Lewis. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Some swings from this past season pic.twitter.com/zsD0SC1hnt
— Jack Yonkman (@jack_yonkman) December 4, 2025
Regardless of what new innovations come to the game of baseball, power will always be a valuable skill. In the case of Division sophomore Jack Yonkman, he put his power on display all summer.
It was a tremendous season for the slugger. Over 36 games played in PG events for Showtime Select he batted .524 over 106 plate appearances in which he notched 12 doubles, 6 homers, 39 RBIs, 17 walks and just 10 strikeouts. Additionally, he scored 33 runs and compiled a stellar 1.501 OPS.
He was rewarded with several accolades such as 2nd team All-American and 7 All-Tournament teams including the BCS National Championship. He finished top 10 in the east coast in RBIS and top 10 in the nation in home runs.
His summer coach, Steven Lee, had the following to say:
“Jack has the potential to be one of the best hitters I’ve ever coached joining guys like Dylan Santucci and Andrew Lenski. He’s got great hands and elite rotational power paired with a high level baseball IQ. He was a staple in the middle of our lineup at Showtime. He put together one of the best offensive seasons I’ve ever seen from a 14-year-old in just their second year making the transition to the big field. From the first practice I saw him in December 2024, I knew he’d be a smart player coming from Division and playing for Coach Tuttle but I was also extremely impressed with his ability. From there it was really just about getting him to have a better understanding of what to look for in certain situations and certain counts which he was able to very quickly.”
His hitting coach, Gregg Downing had the following to say:
“Jack has made some really strong strides since we started working together. The biggest improvement has been how he’s learning to move more athletically within his frame. As a bigger-bodied hitter, it’s important he understands how his body likes to move – not forcing positions that don’t fit him. We’ve focused on individual adjustments that allow him to stay more dynamic, create better sequencing and unlock bat speed without sacrificing control. The bat speed gains have been noticeable. He’s starting to generate force more efficiently and the ball is coming off differently – more carry, more authority. That’s a product of both mechanical refinement and him beginning to understand his movement patterns. Easy 95-98 MPH exit velos. If his body continues to mature the way it should over the next two years, he has a legitimate chance to be one of the top power bats on Long Island in his class. What excites me most, though, is his work ethic and discipline. Those two traits will be his biggest assets over the next 24 months. He shows up ready to work, he listens and he applies adjustments. The sky is the limit for him.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Yes, ever since I was around 2 years old I have loved the game of baseball. It has always had such a positive impact on my life. I do not play any other sports.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
There are so many people who have had a positive impact on my baseball career, but some that standout is my Mom, she truly has been my number one supporter my whole life through thick and thin, she also is my ride everywhere, she gets me to all my practices, and always is pushing me to be better young man every day .I would also say my dad, my high school coaches; Coach Tuttle, Coach Chenicek, Coach Inciarrano, and Coach Robins. These guys have shown me a lot, not just on the baseball field, but what it means to be tough and to be a better man, and also what it means to be part of a brotherhood. The Showtime Select coaching staff; Joe Fusco, Tom O’Neill, Steve Lee, and most importantly my family for always being there to support me, and push me to the best of my ability.
Any family members that played college sports?
Out of my family two people were athletes in college one was my mom. She was an All-American soccer goalie at Southern New Hampshire University. There is also my cousin John Kalkau, who was a pitcher at Stony Brook University.
How have you enjoyed your time playing for Showtime?
My time at Showtime Select has been absolutely amazing. Every day since I joined just over a year ago, I find more and more reasons why this was the best baseball decision of my life. From the moment I stepped into Team Fransisco’s facility for my first workout they have treated me like a family member they knew for 10+ years. There is a family there like no other, and so much trust is involved as well. It’s like everyone knows they have each others back for life. A perfect example of this would go to my Coach Steve Lee, he is someone that has truly been a game changer for me. Not just on the field but off the field teaching me life lessons and always being in my corner and of course making me a better baseball player. Another great example of this is Coach Joe Fusco, he has truly been amazing for me, and just like Coach Lee, I’m never afraid to call them and ask for help on anything. He has helped me so much and I am truly grateful for both of them. The whole staff over there truly have changed me, most importantly changing my mindset and giving me confidence I never thought I had. I believe there is no better culture in the world than at Showtime. Because of how we carry ourselves during a winter workout or in a National Championship down in Florida (which we hope to achieve in the upcoming year). It’s all the same and they do an amazing job at preparing us for anything and everything in baseball and in life.
What were you looking to improve on this offseason?
Over this off season I was looking to become a better athlete and a better fielder. I have had tremendous help from the guys over at Xceleration Sports. I feel I have gotten a lot stronger and just become an all around better baseball player.
Goals for 2026?
My goals for this upcoming year will be to win a national championship down south with Showtime Select. Another extremely important goal for me and my teammates in school ball is to focus on winning a county championship for Division. But most importantly, it is becoming a better human being, and creating good habits that will last a lifetime.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I do work with private instructors, for hitting I work with Gregg Downing at 5 Tool Training. Gregg has helped me exponentially, when you look at my swing from a year ago today it has changed drastically. He really has taken my game to the next level. Then for lifting I work with the guys over at Xceleration including: Jay Fransisco, Steve Wilk, and Kendall Clark. These guys have been such a help for me this past winter and have really helped me out with my overall athletic ability. They have a great environment over there and have taught me a lot about how to lift and how my body works.
Favorite professional athletes?
My favorite athletes are Buster Posey and Fernando Mendoza. I idolize these two guys because of how they carry themselves on and off the field, no matter how much success they have they are always humble and hungry for more. A quote from Fernando that really stuck with me is that “Toughness doesn’t need to be loud, it can be quite and strong”. This is how I try to approach not just baseball but anything in life, to just keep working, put your head down and the results will come. Another thing that really stood out to me with Buster Posey is how whenever he would hit a home run or make a game saving block or throw out a really good runner. He would just put his head down and go onto the next play and stay humble.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
My favorite restaurant on Long Island has to be Taco Joe’s, Me and my friends go there a lot.
Favorite app on your phone?
The app that I favorite the most is Snapchat because I get to stay connected with my friends and share good memories from hanging out.
Favorite musical artist?
Zach Bryan
Favorite TV Show?
Friday Night Lights
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is probably Indiana because I have a lot of family there and it is always a good time.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a old Ford Bronco.
Best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve ever been on was in 2024 when I went to Myrtle Beach and we won the whole thing. But the trip with the most learning experience was definitely this past time when I was in Florida. It’s keeping me humble and hungry.
