Tracy High senior John Jaeger confirmed his plans last week to attend University of the Pacific on a baseball scholarship.

Jaeger, a right-handed pitcher and outfielder for the Bulldogs, has played on the varsity team since his sophomore year. He also has five years experience with Club All Star in Stockton, where he grew as a pitcher under the guidance of Pacific alumni J.D. Hardcastle and Pat Macfarlane.

Jaeger signed his letter of intent Friday, Nov. 16, affirming a verbal commitment he made a year earlier.

Jaeger said Hardcastle’s instruction in particular taught him intricacies of pitching, such as how to read a batter’s body language to select the best pitch for the situation.

“He didn’t just tell me what to do — he taught me how to think on my own,” Jaeger said. He added that Tracy High’s pitching coach, Tony Crivello, helped build the skills Jaeger gained with Club All Star.

Jaeger said Pacific’s was the best offer he got, in large part because he can continue his baseball career with a local team. He will major in sports science and physical training.

“I wanted to be close to home, so my family could watch me,” he said. “If I need to, I can help out with my travel ball team.”

• Contact Bob Brownne at 830-4227 or brownne@tracypress.com.