2019: Appeared in 6 games…struck out 7 in 11.1 innings
2021: Appeared in 9 games, started 2...record of 1-1...struck out 12 in 21 innings...WIAC All-Academic
2022: Appeared in 5 games, started 2...struck out 8 in 8.1 innings
Career Bests:
Single Game IP: 5.0 vs. UW-La Crosse 4/13/22
Single Game Strikeouts: 4 at Edgewood 4/6/22
Season IP: 21.0 in 2021 Season
Season Strikeouts: 12 in 2021 Season
K/9: 8.64 in 2022 Season
Season ERA: 7.15 in 2019 Season
Majoring in Building Construction Management
Parents/Guardians: Richard and Yolanda Jesse
Getting to Know Rich
What do you plan to bring to the UW-Platteville baseball program in 2020?
I plan to contribute and to help make a difference for a great group of guys.
What is your nickname? How did you get it and who gave it to you?
Rocket. A senior my freshman year gave it to me one day and it just stuck.
Who are the role models in your life and why?
My parents are my role models. They taught me to work hard for anything that I want and put my all into everything.
Who or what inspired you to play baseball and why?
My dad did. I remember days when I was little just going into the backyard and throwing the ball around. Things like my dad pulling me out of school early and going to watch a White Sox game with him and my grandpa who was a season ticket holder, throwing the ball around in the backyard, and even sitting in the living room and breaking down the game helped to plant the seed for my love of the game.
Favorite baseball moment as a Pioneer or in high school if you are a freshman?
My favorite baseball memory as a pioneer was coming out against UW-Oshkosh and throwing three consecutive shut out innings as a reliever.
If you were a superhero what would your name be and what superpower would you have?
I would have super speed with the name Rocket.
Pre-game rituals or game day superstitions:
I wake up and put in my earbuds and eat some breakfast. I stay quiet and listening to my music, and get tuned in from square one when I wake up.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Hardworking, Dedicated, Fun
What advice would you give to future Pioneers?
Work hard every step of the way. Take absolutely nothing for granted. Every day is an opportunity. Every rep matters.
If you won a million dollars what would you buy?
Peanut butter.
What is one thing you would put on your bucket list?
Skydiving.
What place would you like to visit most?
Greece.
What are your hobbies away from baseball?
My hobbies away from baseball include lifting and carpentry.
Favorite sports team/player?
I’ve always been a Chicago Whitesox fan and growing up and Mark Buehrle was my favorite player growing up.
Favorite movie?
Miracle.
Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind and what are their names?
I have two dogs. Max, he is a Rhodesian ridgeback and Georgia and she is a coon hound.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would most likely be a snow leopard because they’re an apex predator and they just look awesome.
Is there anything you like to eat or any food combination you have been called "weird" for liking?
I don’t really have any weird food combinations, I’m a big fan of peanut butter and I’ll eat anything you can throw on a grill.
Last Updated: 5/12/22
