It isn’t all that common to see a freshman play day in and day out, especially one so poised. If someone did want to see such a thing, however, all they would have to do is take a trip down Kirby Avenue to Illinois Field.

There, they would see a first baseman wearing number 14, perhaps in a navy jersey or maybe in a white one with navy pinstripes. No matter the color, AJ Putty is sure to be at the plate — calm and collected — pushing across another run.

“I think you have more freshmen that speed the game up rather than slow it down,” said head coach Dan Hartleb. “He’s been in that group that’s been able to slow it down.”

Slow it down, he has. Putty has quickly proved himself to be one of the best hitters on the team. In fact, he’s shown he’s one of the best hitters in the entire conference. 

But who is this red-hot freshman? Where did he come from, and how did he start the season as an everyday player despite never seeing a single pitch in an NCAA baseball game?

Putty grew up in McHenry, Illinois, but played his high school ball at Huntley High School in Huntley, Illinois. He was a four-year starter on varsity, playing first and third base, and he pitched as well.

His play earned him the rank of the No. 1 first baseman in Illinois and the No. 22 first baseman in the country. He was heavily recruited in-state, with Eastern Illinois and UIC offering him as well.

However, Putty chose to head down Interstate 57 and join the Illini. With redshirt senior first baseman Drake Westcott departing the program, Putty filled the hole at first base.

Hartleb didn’t have any reservations about slotting in Putty at first. He liked what he saw and knew Putty would fit the team well.

“It was just a matter of we thought he’d be a really good hitter and eventually be in the middle of the lineup,” Hartleb said.

Hartleb thought right.

The freshman hit the ground running. In 14 games, he’s batting .382 with four home runs and 23 RBIs, tied for No. 3 in the conference and No. 31 in the country.

Putty has quickly established himself as a top hitter in the Big Ten. He’s proved himself in countless games, none bigger than the win over then-No. 6 Coastal Carolina. 

He went off, starting the game 5 for 5 at the plate. He racked up seven RBIs, including a grand slam in the first inning that put the Illini up big. The freshman was finally set down in his last at-bat, striking out to finish the day 5 for 6.

The first baseman already has five multi-hit games this season. He’s long prided himself on his ability to see the ball well, and that hasn’t changed at the next level.

“I’ve always been known for having a pretty good eye at the plate and chasing my pitches that I can attack,” Putty said. “So, I just carried it on to the college level from high school.”

It’s not just the batting ability that makes Putty special. Something his head coach admires is his maturity. It’s rare for a freshman, but Hartleb thinks Putty is a very mature player, especially at the plate.

In-game maturity isn’t necessarily common in freshmen, especially true freshmen. It’s hard to tell without seeing a player compete at the collegiate level. However, Putty has taken everything in stride.

“You never know what you’re going to get from a true freshman,” Hartleb said. “You just don’t know the mental piece. Sometimes physically, you feel like they can do the job, but how do they handle, you know, the grind of playing more and against better pitching and go through some adversity and some failure. And so far, he’s handled all those things and really performed at a high level.”

That maturity has been a huge plus for Putty and the Illini this season. It’s not often that a freshman is as collected as Putty’s been, and his ability at the plate has already had a big impact on games this season.

However, as the season continues and Putty goes to the plate more and more, teams will get more and more tape on him. They’ll be able to see what he does well, what pitches he likes and doesn’t like and how to attack him best.

His season has been impressive so far, especially against some top teams, but this will likely be the biggest challenge of his freshman year. Putty will have to adjust in a big way once teams figure out his approach at the plate.

However, the first baseman isn’t all that worried. He knows teams might catch up to him, but he trusts his process.

“I hope they don’t see what the pitches I can’t attack, but I feel like I’ll stay to my approach and keep doing what I’m doing,” Putty said.

Putty continues to dominate the competition and help his team sustain its winning ways. For now, the only adjustments he’s been making are in the clubhouse.

“It’s nice, we’re starting to see him smile more, more and more, and just interacting with us more and more,” said junior left-hander Regan Hall with a laugh.

@ben_some16

[email protected]