The Baltimore Orioles have an impressive collection of prospects, and quite possibly the best farm system in baseball. When looking over the O’s treasure trove of farm gems, it becomes obvious that they’ve been drafting head and shoulders above the rest of the baseball in recent years. However, when the Orioles selected LHP Jared Beck out of Saint Leo University in the 2022 MLB draft, they soared to even loftier heights.
Beck was drafted by Baltimore in the 13th round (pick #377) and stands seven feet tall. His overall size and length of limbs can be a real asset on the mound, if he is developed properly. Think of Randy Johnson, “The Big Unit,” only bigger, and without a mullet.
If Beck reaches the majors, he would officially be the tallest pitcher in the history of MLB.
Beck’s coach at Saint Leo, Rick O’Dette, believes that he has much more to offer than just his imposing height.
“Obviously Jared is extremely tall and projectable.”, O’Dette told OSDB Sports. “What separates Jared from others is his competitiveness and the edge that he goes to the mound with. I have had very few players compete at his level.”
“Jared has some nasty stuff, too. One of his best outings this season happened at Flagler. He was throwing 90-94 mph and located all 3 pitches well throughout the night. He went 5 2/3 and struck out 12.”
Saint Leo had a record-breaking season and played host to the regional championship for the first time in school history.
As a senior, Beck led the Lions in strikeouts with 105, ranking him third in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). Beck was also fourth-best in the SSC for opposing batting average (.217). Saint Leo didn’t ultimately win the title, but the Lions roared loud and proud, making magic along the way.
While ODette's Lions prepare to make another run at the NCAA Division II national championship, Beck is eyeing the bigs.
Imagine Beck in Baltimore orange and black, towering on the mound, menacing the batter’s box and whoever stands in it.
“I think the key for me to ultimately have success at the MLB level is to put all of my strengths together and develop a routine that fits me the best,” Beck, who signed w ith Baltimore on July 26, told OSDB. “One pitcher that I look up to and emulate is Clayton Kershaw. We have a similar pitch repertoire. Another would be Randy Johnson because of his presence on the mound.”
“My goal is to work to be my absolute best at everything, from the weight room to the field, as well as honing in on my nutrition and diet. As of right now, a normal day would be breakfast in the morning followed by stretching and activation before we throw. Then, I will go through a pre-throw routine. After I throw, I condition and hit the weight room. After everything is done, I address arm care.”
“We’re on a 6-day routine ramping us up for game time.”
Beck has been a starting pitcher for his entire baseball life, except for a few relief appearances during summer ball in 2021 with the Savannah Bananas.
While wearing an ill-fitting Bananas uniform, Beck posted a 1.05 ERA in 13 appearances with Savannah, including a save. The Bananas, known nationally for their zany antics and unconventional approach to the game, won the championship that year.
Anybody know how to sew? Even our XL pants don’t fit our 7-foot pitcher, Jared Beck 😂 pic.twitter.com/jZXYnje19g
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) June 29, 2021
“So far, my favorite baseball experience would have to be winning the Coastal Plains League Championship game at home with the Savannah Bananas,” Beck beamed. “The whole year was a great time that I’ll never forget.”
Now that Beck has tasted sweet victory with the Bananas, he has an opportunity to be part of the homegrown winning culture that is currently brewing in Baltimore. For a kid that grew up with a Cal Ripken Jr. ball in his trophy case, it’s a dream come true.
“No matter what I’m asked to do.” Beck said, “I am going to make sure that I’m ready to go.”
