ONCE ANDREW Bartek set foot in Annapolis, he knew this was no normal recruiting visit.
The Jefferson baseball senior took a trip to the Naval Academy this past fall and instantly wanted to become a Midshipman.
“The campus is amazing,” Bartek said. “Right when you walked on, it was just like that ‘wow’ factor.’ After spending the night with the guys there and looking at the field and the facilities, I mean it’s very nice. Top-notch. It was very cool. I really felt like I belonged there.”
Bartek, who fielded offers from six other schools, signed with the Naval Academy Thursday. He’s believed to be the first student from Jefferson to sign with a service Academy.
“A D-I scholarship is always huge,” Jefferson baseball coach Tommy Knight said. “And then you take into consideration that it’s the Naval Academy, not only for baseball but it’s a career choice for him. It’s huge for him. We’re excited for him to have that opportunity.”
Bartek — who credits Knight, travel ball coach Brooke Richards and father Greg for his development as a player — began playing in Jefferson’s program in the sixth grade. Knight has watched him grow into a college prospect during that time.
“You start talking about scouting whether it be at the college level, the major league level, whatever, they’re always looking for upside,” Knight said. “And Andrew’s upside is definitely there. He has the ability that not a lot of kids have and he can do a lot of things with the abilities he’s been given.”
Bartek’s signature ended an involved recruiting and admission process for the pitcher who throws in the low 90s.
“Long,” Bartek said. “It was very long.”
The process included a physical test, medical examinations, essays, numerous applications, letters of recommendation, interviews and even a congressional nomination from Paul Broun.
“Just a lot of steps to go through,” Bartek said.
Bartek’s scholarship to Navy means he’ll work with Ryan Mau, the Midshipmen’s pitching coach. Bartek met Mau at a showcase when Bartek was 16. Mau’s style of developing pitchers was one of the deciding factors in Bartek’s decision.
“He takes what you have,” Bartek said. “He doesn’t try to change you and to mold you into a certain type.”
Bartek isn’t certain exactly how much playing time he’ll see next year for Navy, which reached the NCAA regionals last year. But he’s been told he can contribute immediately.
“Freshman year, any playing time is good,” he said. “The longer I stay there, the more I develop as a pitcher. Of course, I hope I’ll get more chances to show them how I’ll do.”
In the classroom, Bartek plans to study engineering due to his love of math and science. A five-year enlistment awaits Bartek following his graduation from Navy. It’s a tour of duty he’s looking forward to.
“Actually, I am,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting for sure.”
Bartek finds himself in select company. Over 20,000 applicants apply for the Naval Academy, but only 1,100 are selected.
“Honored,” Bartek said of that distinction. “That’s really the one word I can say about it. I’m truly honored that I got the chance. I mean, so many applicants and only a few get chosen and just the fact that I got chosen, I’m very honored to be there.”
