Jordan Walczykowski Shines at Area Code Games: A Memorable Experience in Long Beach
Following his selection to the prestigious Area Code Games, Hard 90 Baseball alum Jordan Walczykowski had an unforgettable experience in Long Beach, showcasing his talent alongside the best high school baseball players in the country. The Area Code Games, held from August 5-8, brought together the top underclassmen from across the United States, selected by MLB area scouts. Jordan, a class of 2026 left-handed hitting centerfielder from Jesuit High School, was one of the standout performers on the Oakland A’s Area Code team.
Arrival and First Impressions
Jordan's journey began on Sunday, August 4th, with check-in and batting practice (BP). At check-in, the Oakland A’s Area Code team, composed of the top players from the Northwestern United States, met for the first time. Many of these players were familiar faces to Jordan, having competed with or against them in some of the nation’s top tournaments. Among them was his Jesuit High School teammate, Sammy Kane, making Jesuit the only high school with two players represented on the team—a true testament to the strength of their program.
The players received an impressive array of gear, including a full uniform, a chain with their number, Oakley sunglasses, warm-up gear, and other essentials such as a bat, elbow guard, and a custom bag. This gear not only prepared them for the intense competition ahead but also underscored the significance of the event.
Batting Practice and Scouting Presence
After picking up their gear, the players headed to the Long Beach locker room to change and take on-field BP. The atmosphere was electric as players launched balls all over the yard, with exit velocities in the high 90s and low 100s. Jordan held his own, posting several high 90s and even hitting a 100. The stands were packed with scouts from every Major League team and top NCAA programs. Coaches like Tony Vitello from Tennessee, Jay Johnson from LSU, and Tim Corbin from Vanderbilt were all in attendance, personally scouting the event.
The Games Begin
The following days brought intense competition, with Jordan’s Oakland A’s team playing four games against some of the nation’s top teams: the Brewers (SoCal), the Reds, MLB Breakthrough, and the White Sox. The tournament featured eight teams in total, each representing a different region: the A’s, Brewers, Nationals, Rangers, Reds, White Sox, Yankees, and the MLB Breakthrough team. Each team consisted of 25 players, representing the cream of the crop in high school baseball talent.
Jordan’s team finished with a 2-2 record, with playing time evenly distributed among the athletes. Each pitcher threw two innings, while position players saw approximately 18 innings in the field and had between 7 and 10 plate appearances.
Jordan's Performance
Jordan made the most of his opportunities, leading off the game with his first at-bat against a pitcher whose fastball clocked in at 93 mph—quite a jump from the warm-up speed of 82-85 mph. The pitching was top-notch all week, with average fastball velocities in the high 80s with most in the low 90s, and each pitcher wielding at least one strong secondary pitch. Defense was tight, and the hitters were exceptional.
Jordan emerged as one of the offensive leaders for his team, going 3 for 7 with a .429 batting average. He drove in two runs, stole three bases, and scored once, proving himself against some of the best competition in the country. His performance did not go unnoticed, opening doors to numerous college and professional conversations.
A Transformative Experience
The Area Code Games provided Jordan with an incredible experience, both on and off the field. Competing at such a high level, under the watchful eyes of MLB scouts and top college coaches, was a milestone in Jordan’s baseball journey. His success at the event is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the strong foundation he built at Hard 90 Baseball.
As Jordan continues to pursue his dream of playing at the next level, we at Hard 90 Baseball are incredibly proud of his achievements. His experience at the Area Code Games not only showcased his talent but also demonstrated the bright future ahead for this young athlete.
Congratulations, Jordan, on an outstanding performance at the Area Code Games. We look forward to seeing where this journey takes you next!
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