Penn-Trafford grad Jordan Sabol has big year for Saint Vincent baseball

Saint Vincent baseball coach Mick Janosko knew he had someone special in Jordan Sabol during the shortened 2021 season.

And when he talks about Sabol, you can understand what makes him so special.

Sabol is a leader even though he’s only a sophomore.

He started in center field for the Bearcats during a trip to Florida as a freshman, and he isn’t about to give the spot up very soon.

The 2019 Penn-Trafford grad had quite a 2021 season for the Bearcats. He was a first-team All-Presidents Athletic Conference outfielder and earned first-team all conference honors in the playoffs.

He helped them play in the school’s first PAC championship game.

“The season went pretty well,” Sabol said after enjoying the sunshine and boating in Florida. “It was neat to be part of the team that played in the championship game.”

Saint Vincent lost to Washington & Jefferson in the finals.

Janosko took Sabol out of the leadoff spot for the tournament, and he excelled in the second spot of the order.

“He did a great job for us,” Janosko said. “He was very deserving of his honors. He’s an outstanding outfielder. He tracks balls down extremely well. His teammates kiddingly said the world is covered by two-thirds water and one-third by Jordan Sabol.”

Sabol hit .402 with 41 runs scored, 51 hits, three doubles, two triples and 19 RBIs. He also swiped 16 bases.

Sabol’s approach at the plate is simple: He wants to be aggressive and go after the first pitch.

“The first pitch is sometimes the best pitch you’ll get as a batter,” Sabol said. “I played in Johnstown last summer and faced a lot of good pitchers. That helped me.”

Another asset Sabol possess is his speed. He has the ability to cover a lot of ground in the outfield.

“I like to play shallow because I go back better on a fly ball than if it’s in front of me,” Sabol said. “I have natural speed, and I worked hard in high school to improve it.”

Sabol runs a 6.7 60-yard dash, according to Janosko.

“He’s done a great job for us,” Janosko said. “I moved him out of the leadoff spot for the tournament, and he did well. He’s extremely intelligent player. He bunts for hits and does all the little things.”

Janosko said during his exit interview with Sabol, he told the coach that he might go to the mound.

“We’re losing our top left-handed pitcher, and he’s willing to help the team,” Janosko said. “He said he’s going to pitch in the AAABA League in Johnstown this summer.”

Sabol said he pitched in American Legion ball for Bushy Run and because Saint Vincent graduated a lot of pitchers, he hopes he can help as a relief pitcher.

If he pitches as well as he plays the outfield, Janosko has a gem.