Deer Lakes grad Jake McCaskey signs with Washington Wild Things

Former Deer Lakes baseball standout Jake McCaskey has signed a contract with the Washington Wild Things in the Frontier League.

The right-handed pitcher, who played four seasons at PennWest Cal (Pa.) and one more at Division I Gardner-Webb, will play for his second pro team in as many seasons after suiting up for Northern Colorado in the Pioneer League in 2024.

McCaskey logged 44 2/3 innings across 35 games for Northern Colorado. Pitching mostly in relief with one start, he finished with a 2-1 record and a 5.44 earned-run average in the hitter-favored league.

He struck out 44 and walked 23.

A two-way player going back to his high school days with the Lancers, McCaskey also collected 56 plate appearances for the Owls.

McCaskey formed a strong foundation for his collegiate and pro career with four varsity seasons at Deer Lakes from 2015-18.

In his final season with the Lancers, McCaskey hit .448 with six doubles, five triples and 14 runs batted in.

On the mound, he combined a fastball that reached the high 80s, a curveball and a slider to fashion a 5-2 record with a 1.54 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings.

With McCaskey in the lead, Deer Lakes qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs. The Lancers fell 1-0 in the first round. It was a pitcher’s dual between McCaskey and West Mifflin ace and former Gannon pitcher Ben Visnesky.

He finished his high school career as a four-year letterwinner, a three-time first-team all-section selection, and the 2018 Valley News Dispatch Player of the Year.

McCaskey signed with Cal and finished his four seasons there as an ABCA second-team All-American, a D2CCA second-team All-American and a multi-time All-Region first- and second-team pick.

He also appeared on multiple All-PSAC West all-star first and second teams.

In 20 total pitching appearance for the Vulcans, including 13 starts, McCaskey tallied three complete games, a shutout, a save and an 8-5 overall record.

He worked 82 2/3 innings and struck out 98 with 42 walks and 74 hits allowed.

At the plate, McCaskey hit .322 with 22 home runs and 121 RBIs.

He is familiar with Wild Things Park as Cal plays its home games in the stadium.

With the NCAA allowing a fifth year because of the covid pandemic, McCaskey took his talents to Gardner-Webb, under the direction of Serra Catholic, Thiel College and Seton Hill University grad Jim Chester, for the 2023 season.

He pitched in nine games for the Bulldogs and made four starts.

He struck out 13 batters in 14 innings and hit .248 with six home runs and 38 RBIs.

The Wild Things open the 2025 season on the road May 9 with the home opener slated for May 13.