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Teddy Eyink Commits to Purdue Fort Wayne for Baseball

By Joe Ginley '12 , 12/13/19, 10:00AM EST

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Eyink notched nearly 2 strikeouts per inning in 2019.

The latest in a long line of talented Eyink brothers is going to play college ball. 

Teddy Eyink has committed to Purdue Fort Wayne.

The Saint Ignatius senior announced his commitment late last week. Eyink becomes a Mastodon as Purdue Fort Wayne rebuilds its baseball program with new coaches, some new players, and a transition to the Horizon League. For Eyink, it's a perfect fit academically and athletically, offering him an opportunity to grow into his enormous potential. 

"I really liked the coaching staff. It felt like home there," Eyink said. "I felt it was a good fit because it was a medium-sized school, which is what I was looking for. Baseball-wise, I fit in on the field and on the team. They have guys who are similar to me in thinking and playing. I thought it would be a good fit for me overall."

Teddy is the third and last Eyink brother, following in the footsteps of Jack '18 and Leo '19. Though Teddy is excited to forge his own way in a new city and a new school. 

At the start of the process, Eyink knew little about Purdue Fort Wayne. As of a month ago, he had received offers from several schools, but did not feel like any of them were a good fit. Then, the Mastodons came calling.

"Purdue Fort Wayne reached out to me through Coach Ganor a few weeks ago," Eyink said. "I went on a visit a couple of weeks ago. I really liked them."

A school of over 10,200 students, Purdue Fort Wayne is in Northeast Indiana, "located in Indiana’s second-largest city and offers a traditional campus experience within a thriving metropolitan setting." Offering a nice campus just 3 hours away, it made sense for Eyink. 

The school also offers his preferred major – information systems and technology. With a 3.2 GPA, Eyink is a good student and determined to receive a quality education to launch into a successful career. 

His work ethic will make it possible. If you ask his coach, Brad Ganor, he'll tell you about Teddy's relentless work ethic in the classroom and on the field. 

"His work ethic is one of the things that Purdue Fort Wayne was so excited about," Ganor said. "He's such an animal in the weight room. He hones his craft and works hard to get better every day. You can't say that for everybody, but for Teddy, you can. They're getting a guy who is relentless with his work ethic and has God-given talent that's only going to improve in the coming years." 

Eyink's potential is incredible. The 6'3, 195-pound right-hander currently touches the upper-80s on the radar gun with his fast ball, consistently hitting 86-87 miles per hour. But in the next year, Eyink could hit in the low 90s. His arm is lively and only getting stronger. 

"Teddy has got a ceiling that he doesn't even realize is out there yet when it comes to his baseball ability," Ganor said. "He's gonna be so good for us this year, and beyond." 

As a junior, Eyink did not pitch a ton on a senior-laden team. But in his appearances, he showed flashes of greatness.

Eyink pitched 8 innings in 9 appearances in 2019. The big righty struck out 15 hitters, flashing his dynamic fastball. Eyink finished with a 4.38 ERA, but his 15 strikeouts in 8 innings is very impressive. And he'll have more chances to record big numbers in 2020. 

His role for the Wildcats for 2020 is not yet determined. Last season, Eyink worked as a reliever, a lockdown closer asked to help in the late stages of games. During summer ball, Eyink worked as a starter, and he may do so again in spring ball. He added a slider/slurve and worked more on his changeup. Whatever his role. Ganor expects him to contribute "significant innings in crucial situations."

Eyink just wants to help in whatever way he can. 

"On the baseball field, I want to contribute as much as I possibly can," Eyink said. "Regardless of how it is, on the field or bench. Overall as a team, the obvious goal is to repeat as a team. Also, I want to develop, too."

Ganor also expects Eyink to be a lead-by-example guy for the Wildcats this season. Teddy is not a loud guy, but he's a great example of how to work hard at your craft. 

"He is quiet, but what a worker. Early on, you wondered if he was engaged, but as I've gotten to know him, I've seen that he's diligent about his work and getting after it," Ganor said. "He's not a rah-rah, get in your face kind of guy, but he's a lead by example guy. I'm excited that he's got this opportunity and to see what he can do for us this season."

This season and in the years ahead, Eyink's future is very bright. He's got great things ahead if he keeps working hard.

In the meantime, Eyink has plenty of people to thank. 

"I want to thank my coaches and my family, as well as my friends who have helped me along the way. I'm thankful to everyone who's helped me through the process because it's been rugged. I really want to thank everyone who's helped me."

Congrats, Teddy!