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The past few days have been full of great recruiting news for the Michigan State Spartans football program, but today’s news is less than exciting for Spartan fans. Three-star 2019 wide receiver signee, as well as baseball commit, Jase Bowen has chosen to forgo his college career to begin his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball.
Michigan State will always hold a special place in my heart, but today a childhood dream of mine came true. I officially signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates to begin my professional baseball career. Couldn’t think of a better first job. Go Bucs pic.twitter.com/5l67C0f31c
— jase bowen⚾️ (@Jase_bowen32) June 19, 2019
Bowen originally announced his verbal commitment to MSU’s football and baseball team in April 2018, and signed with the football squad on early signing day on Dec. 19., 2018. The two-sport athlete will instead focus his future strictly on baseball.
The Pirates selected Bowen in the 11th round of the MLB Draft out of Toledo Central Catholic High School. Fellow 2019 signee, defensive end Adam Berghorst, was drafted in the 14th round by the Texas Rangers. He’ll have a similar decision to make.
In an exclusive interview I conducted with Bowen following his commitment to the Spartans, he told me that the ability to play both sports was a major reason he chose Michigan State:
“I chose Michigan State because it always felt like family to me,” Bowen said. “Both the baseball and football staffs have always treated me great! I love the home-like environment there.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bowen said about playing both football and baseball at MSU. “I’ve been wanting to do both for as long as I can remember, and for that to come true really fires me up!”
Bowen would have been a versatile athlete for the football team, with the ability to play wide receiver, return kicks and punts, and even take handoffs. He was likely to play shortstop for Jake Boss Jr. and the baseball team, but also could have gotten some looks in the outfield.
While this is disappointing news for Michigan State fans, it’s hard to fault the young man for making this difficult decision and living his dream. We wish Jase all of the best!