Suwinski's Success Starts With His Family

A year ago, Jack Suwinski was in high school taking classes and playing high school baseball. Now, the 18-year old is a starting outfielder for the TinCaps. For most teenagers, going from high school to a professional career isn't typical nor is it easy. For Suwinski though, the transition has been comfortable thanks in large part to a matureness beyond his age. Plus, it doesn't hurt that he has a supportive family rallying behind him.

After a high school baseball career at Taft High School in Chicago and a travel ball career that lasted from the age of 9 through his senior year, Suwinski was ready for a collegiate career at Indiana University. That's until the San Diego Padres drafted Suwinski in the 15th round of last year's draft and gave the then 17-year old an offer too good to pass up.
"Deciding to sign with the Padres was a matter of being ready and knowing that I'm ready," said Suwinski. "This is something I've wanted to do my whole life. So just knowing that the opportunity was right and it was the right time led to my decision."
After spending his first professional season in the Arizona League with the Padres' rookie league team, Suwinski opened the 2017 season in Fort Wayne. For family members, having Jack play with the TinCaps allows for more frequent visits.
"Me and Jack are really close," said Jack's sister Heidi Suwinski. "Starting last summer when he was gone, it was really hard because my best friend was gone. But I love having him three hours away. I'm pretty busy, but I try to come out here as much as I can. Whereas, if he's in Arizona or with any of the other affiliates, it's way harder to get to. So this is super convenient for us."
While the close proximity is good for the family, Jack enjoys it as well.
"Now that my dad's retired, he likes to come out to whatever he can make," Jack explained. "I know my mom and sister like to come whenever they can make it too. But they're also busy working or going to school, so I know it means a lot to them when they can get away and come watch me play."
The encouragement that his family has shown has helped Jack throughout his time in the minor leagues.
"It's awesome to have them there supporting me because I know they love to watch and I love to have them there," Jack said. "They've always supported me, always been there for me, and done everything they can."
As Jack and his older siblings, Heidi and Natalie, grew up, the Suwinskis were active in sports. There wasn't any shortage of events for Jack's mom, Ann, to attend.
"Kind of a difficult family with two young kids (Jack and Heidi) being in all kinds of activities," Ann said. "You're on the go nonstop. It's a commitment to all that and a sacrifice, but it's worth it. There's nothing that's more important than your kids."
Jack's father, Tim, feels the same way.
"They (the kids) were committed, and we were committed parents with them. They can testify to that. Getting up at five in the morning, making breakfast, getting them in the car, and driving all over the place."
Jack echoes his parent's words.
"We were a pretty athletic family. My sister (Heidi) played softball and she did swimming too, and I also played travel baseball and swam sometimes, so it was very busy. But my parents were willing to do whatever it took for me and my sister to do what we wanted to accomplish in our athletic careers."
That family bond has only strengthened through the years. While Jack may not see his family every day, he stays in touch when his busy baseball schedule allows him to. The conversations don't always involve baseball, and Jack likes it that way.
"I try to keep the topic off baseball," Jack said. "I talk about it enough being here and outside the field with the guys. So I like to catch up and see what they're doing and see how they've been, what's new with them, and what I'm missing over there. It's really necessary for me because then I can just reconnect with my family and know that there's other important things, and baseball isn't the only thing I should be focused on or worried about, or it's not the only thing that should be going through my head. I should be able to have a good conversation with my family."
As for on the field, Jack's dad offers an analogy between his own career and his son's.
"I was a carpenter, so you serve an apprenticeship, work your way up through the ranks," said Tim. "I worked my way up and became very successful, and I think Jack is doing the same thing. He's an apprentice, starting at the bottom, and he's working his way up. It's a matter of earning your position. There's no entitlement. It's all earned."
Jack has already earned his way onto a full-season baseball roster as an 18-year old. If the hard work continues, combined with Jack's talent, there's a good chance a long, successful professional career is in his future. No matter what, there's one guarantee: Jack will have his family cheering him on and supporting him the entire way.
"There's nothing much more fun than watching your kid in any sport," Ann said. "You never get tired of watching your kid play. We are having the time of our lives watching Jack."