JJ Shimko was also named PGCBL Player of the Week for Week #2

JJ Shimko (South Carolina Upstate University) has been named Albany Dutchmen Spotlight Player of the Week #2 for the week of June 8-14.

Shimko, the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter for the Dutchmen, was also named PGCBL Player of the Week earlier this week. 

To say Shimko was the best player on the Dutchmen this past week is an understatement. He led the Dutchmen in eight offensive categories throughout the week, finishing second only in doubles with two, one less than Malcolm Nachmanoff’s three.

“It’s been a good start this season,” Shimko said. 

In the past seven days, he’s batting .476 (10-21), scored six runs, drove in another 4 runs, stolen three bases and has not struck out once. His on base percentage was .607 along with his .571 slugging percentage which gives him an OPS of 1.178, all of which lead the Dutchmen in the past week.

Having not seen many of these pitchers ever before, and being the team’s lead off hitter, it’s Shimko’s responsibility to get the offense rolling, and he’s done that and more.

“I’m usually just looking for middle-away fastballs, and then adjusting for off-speed [pitches],” he said. “I’m not trying to hit so much for power as I am for base hits.”

And when he gets on base, whether by his contact hitting or his six walks that he’s drawn in the past week, he’s been able to get himself in scoring position to make it easier for his teammates to drive him in.

His three stolen bases this week give him a total of nine on the year, which not only leads the Albany Dutchmen, but the entire PGCBL through two weeks.

“Coach [Nick] Davey has really helped me in read left-handed pitchers and getting good jumps,” Shimko said.

Shimko looks to continue his hot start into the third week of the season and you can catch him and the rest of his Albany Dutchmen teammates on Thursday, June 16 at 7:05 p.m. as they host the Utica Blue Sox.