Libertyville's Eichmann finds the right fit at Purdue

If it wasn't going to make sense for him, Joey Eichmann was content with attending college and not playing competitive baseball.

That's because the Libertyville senior knows, when all is said and done, it's about making cents. Lots and lots of them.

“It was really important to me that I had a school that I liked, where I actually could see myself at for four years,” Eichmann said. “Purdue offered that to me.”

The pitcher found his location.

Eichmann gave a verbal commitment Sunday night to Purdue, where he plans to major in economics and pitch for the Big Ten university located in West Lafayette, Ind.

“I am committed and have a spot on the team,” said Eichmann, who was not offered a scholarship.

A key member of Libertyville's varsity rotation since his sophomore year, the 6-foot-4 right-hander went 8-0 as a sophomore and 3-0 last year, when his spring was interrupted by an elbow injury that did not require surgery. He's 4-1 this season, which includes a complete-game effort against Lake Zurich in which he struck out a career-high 12 batters. He pitched 5 innings and got a no-decision in the Wildcats' 10-inning loss to Mundelein on Tuesday.

Despite his success, Eichmann was not offered a Division I scholarship. He was steadfast on not committing to a school until he found a right fit.

“Playing baseball (in college) was very important, but I wasn't going to sacrifice to go to a school that I didn't want to go to,” Eichmann said. “Because ultimately it's about school and academics, and not four more years of baseball —although I'm really glad it's worked out (with baseball).”

Eichmann has made, by his count, five visits to Purdue. After his trip last weekend, with parents John and Sarah, he informed Purdue head coach Doug Schreiber of his decision.

Schreiber's Boilermakers are 30-13, including 10-5 in the Big Ten, and have a first-place showdown this weekend with Michigan State.

Last year, Purdue won 33 games, its most since 2000. Schreiber is in his 13th season as head coach.

“I like all the coaches down there,” Eichmann said. “They're really nice. The pitching coach (Ryan Sawyers) is a lot of fun. He's a big jokester. Coach Schreiber spent a lot of time with me and my family. And the other coach, (Jeff) Duncan, is really cool too.”

The recruiting process was long and not easy for Eichmann. The best thing about it for the future econ major is that all the studying and decision-making is over.

“I'm so relieved,” Eichmann said with a laugh. “It's definitely an experience that I don't want to go through again.”