Tom Jakubowski Reaches 100-Hit Milestone

Tom Jakubowski’s name is going exactly where it belongs, up next to the other greats that have been a part of the baseball program.

Jakubowski earned that honor when he blasted a double to left-center field in the second inning of West Deptford's 4-3 win against Overbrook to join the 100-career hit club.

“That’s just a great feeling to be up on that board with all of the great hitters that have come through here,” Jakubowski said. “I just settled in, got my pitch and drove it. It’s just a great feeling that I can relax now and just hit.”

Jakubowski got a standing ovation from his teammates in the dugout and the fans at .

“Tommy’s been one of my best friends since we were little, so it’s cool to watch him succeed and go on to bigger things next year,” senior Brandon Glass said. “I’m happy for him.”

“It was great to see him get his 100th hit,” said West Deptford coach Mike Rucci. “I know he was kind of pressing a little bit against Paulsboro, and it was great for him to get that hit. He deserves everything he gets. It’s tremendous to see that.”

Coming off of a season where he hit over .500 and drove in 49 RBIs, Jakubowski opened his season a little off by his standards. However, he has found his swing in recent games.

“I started off slow in the beginning of the season,” said Jakubowski. “I was changing my stance. Last year I was really open and now I am more closed and short to the ball. Now I feel like I am settling in and getting good hacks.”

A little over a week ago, Rucci made a major change in his lineup, moving Jakubowski from the clean-up spot to leadoff. It was a head-scratcher to many at first, including Jakubowski.

“I was like, ‘What is Coach Rucci doing with us now?',” said Jakubowski with a laugh. “I’ve hit leadoff once in my life and it didn’t work out well. The first day I did it (this season) we had a doubleheader, and I was 5-for-7 and got on base seven times. I just feel like I can produce there and do whatever I can to help the team.”

Rucci said the idea of having Jakubowski hit first was something that was discussed from the beginning of the season.

“We talked about it early and then we didn’t pull the trigger on it,” Rucci said. “Then we decided maybe it will get him going. He has been swinging the bat pretty good in there. He puts together quality at-bats and makes the pitchers throw some pitches.”

“I feel comfortable there and am just going to do what I can,” Jakubowski said.

‘What he can’ is an awful lot, as evidenced by his joining the 100-hit club.