Image Credits: https://images.app.goo.gl/M9YSPvUTNekZFVPu9

Being a catcher is one of the most difficult things in professional sports. From framing pitches, keeping pitchers composed, and staying on the same page with every player on the field it can get challenging, something Pittsburgh Pirates 12th round draftee catcher Camden Janik embraces. 

“It’s hard to believe I have come this far. Hard work does pay off.” Janik stated.

Camden Janik was born in Wauconda, Illinois, on July 16, 2002, to a baseball and softball family. His father, Ron, introduced him to the game at a very young age and has been his mentor and coach throughout his entire youth. Ron played baseball at Lewis University from 1990-1995. Older brother, Ty played for Purdue University where Camden spent a lot of days watching him and BIG10 baseball as a whole. Sister Calli has recently started her collegiate career with Mount Mercy University’s softball program. Also having ties to Michigan State where his mother Cherie went, colleges started to recruit Janik very early on.

After getting an offer and visiting Illinois University he loved the academics, the baseball program, and the proximity to home the school offered. He committed to Illinois stating it was an opportunity to represent his hometown state. He played in limited action his freshman season stating it was frustrating but looking back on it was beneficial to his career. He could focus on his coursework, balancing the life of a student-athlete, and being a sponge to everything around him. 

This paid dividends for his sophomore season as he earned the starting job as the team’s catcher slashing a .308 average, 27 RBIs, and 9 home runs. Recording hits in 39 of his 51 appearances as well starting his season with a 10-game hitting streak and 17 straight games of getting on base. 

His junior season saw many more eyes on the phenom and he did not disappoint. He was 9/16 throwing out runners (56%), T-6 in Big10 hits (80), 10th in Big10 average (.356), and only striking out 11 times all season. All of this effort plus a grand slam at Purdue to help his team win the Big10 regular season championship was the highlight of his young career. Being around his teammates who have been there throughout their three-year journey together and getting rewarded with a championship is something Janik will always be grateful for. The end of the season saw the catcher earn Academic All-Big10, All-BigTen First Team, Midwest All-Region First Team, and All-American Third Team. 

Janik made 9 appearances with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League this summer having 3 RBIs and hitting .267 in his first taste of professional baseball. 

On July 16, 2024, the call came from the Pittsburgh Pirates that they were going to select him with the 354th pick in round 12 surrounded by his family. 

Pittsburgh has been in constant contact with Janik since he first began his NCAA career and that communication is a huge reason why the Pirates were on the top of his draft list. The next couple of days will see the trip to Pittsburgh to sign his first professional contract and then off to Bradenton, FL. 

He’s most excited to be around his new teammates who share his way of thinking and feed off each other to compete in this new challenge. 

Camden Janik has always had the dream of becoming a professional baseball player but the mindset and journey haven’t been easy. From still hitting with his dad every day, to helping train the next generation of catchers, he hopes that he can inspire kids to chase their dreams and motivate them with his work, words, and faith. 

Camden Janik fast facts

Worst conditioning moment: SO year sleds day before Thanksgiving break

Walk-Up song: Working for the Weekend

Jersey number: 17

The hardest pitcher he faced: Rhett Lowder

Models game after: Younger: Joe Mauer    Now: Mike Trout

Player looking forward to playing with: Henry Davis

Funniest Illinois Teammate: Connor Milton, always making others laugh

Favorite Bat: DeMarini Voodoo

If not baseball? : Football, something in sports

Pregame Meal: Steak (medium)

Favorite Away Stadium: Nebraska 

Most looking forward to playing in: Victory Field (AAA) played many games there growing up

Best part of his game: Receiving

Advice to catchers: be the pitchers best friend, get to know them on a personal level,