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Baseball's Jack Lafflam Commits to the University of Arizona

11/11/2024

Brophy senior pitcher Jack Lafflam has committed to playing and attending the University of Arizona in the fall.

“I am excited about the development side of the program and playing at the next level,” said Lafflam, who originally made his verbal commitment on Sept. 22, 2022. “Coach Vance and Coach DeRouin have transformed their pitching program. They are one of three college teams using the new pitching technology. I am looking forward to it.”

Laffam will play for Head Coach Chip Hale, an Arizona alum and former Major League Baseball player and manager with the Diamondbacks.

“The coaches were the main reason behind my decision,” said Lafflam. “Chip Hale is a great guy and, talking to the players, they love to play for him. Many of my family have attended the U of A, and I have always been a fan.”

Lafflam went 5-0 on the season in 2024 with a 1.50 ERA over nine starts.

“We were competing,” recalled Lafflam of the team's success last season. “We won a lot, but they were close games a lot. Competing to the last out with that group was fun and bonding. We overcame a lot of adversity, but we did it together. It was a good year.”

He was an All-Premier first-team selection and AzBCA and AIA 6A Conference second-team all-state choice.

“Jack will be the first four-year varsity player in my tenure at Brophy and the first since 2005,” said Head Coach Josh Garica, who played and coached at Arizona. “Throughout his career, he has been one of our go-to players in high-stakes games, including his standout performance last year when he threw six shutout innings in the state semifinal. Since his freshman year, Jack has shown remarkable drive and commitment to daily honing his craft.”

“Beyond his skills on the field, Jack has been an invaluable asset to our program, not only as a player but as a role model for other pitchers. While he possesses a great deal of natural talent, what truly sets him apart is his work ethic and humility. I am excited to watch Jack compete at the next level at the University of Arizona, where I am confident he will continue to thrive as a baseball player.

Lafflam will join teammate and fellow Arizona commit Benton Hickman as the anchors of the Bronco rotation in 2024. He is looking forward to sharing the challenge of the experience and competing for the Wildcats. But they get to play their final season for the Broncos first.

“I am not done yet,” said Lafflam of his senior season. “I have to treat every game like it is my last game, with intent on every pitch. I look forward to competing on every pitch and showing what I got.”

Lafflam has been projected as a player Major League Baseball will be scouting this season.

“I will work with U of A regarding the draft, and I want to go to U of A, but at the end of the day, there could be other opportunities,” said Lafflam. “It is too soon to tell because we need to see how my high school season goes. It is my dream to play Major League Baseball.”

Lafflam will participate in Brophy’s Collegiate Commitment Celebration on Nov. 13.