The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – Feb. 15, 2015 – The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have added to their pitching staff, as Purdue Calumet freshman Jimmy Skiff joins the roster.

Skiff, a right-handed pitcher, finished out his prep career in style last June by earning the save in Andrean’s 6-0 victory over Gibson Southern in the Class 3A State Championship.

Skiff entered with runners at first and third and one out in the sixth with the 59ers leading 3-0. On the second pitch he threw, he induced an inning-ending double play. Andrean scored three times to pull away before Skiff nailed down the final three outs.

“The guys jelled together,” he said. “Once we lost at home to Munster, something clicked. We knew we had something special. We wanted to make sure that we played up to our potential, and we did. We didn’t lose a game after that.”

The save was Skiff’s first of the season since he was more commonly used in a starting role. He flourished as a starter, posting a 10-0 record.

While many college freshmen adjust to a brand new coach, Skiff entered Purdue Calumet already holding a long-standing relationship with coach Dave Griffin. Skiff was 9 years old when Griffin started coaching him.

“Jimmy can spot his fastball very well, he’s got an excellent changeup and he’s got a good breaking ball,” Griffin said. “Those pitches he can throw in any count. Those are big plus factors to me, plus he controls the strike zone well; he works inside and out. He’s like a junior Gregg Maddux.”

Skiff is expected to be in the middle of the Peregrines rotation and receive eight to nine starts this spring. Though his first focus will be on the Purdue Calumet season, Skiff is already excited to take the diamond at Oil City Stadium for Midwest Collegiate League play.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing the game that all of us love to play, and doing it with a bunch of good guys,” Skiff said. “I’m looking to have fun, but also improve my game.”

Away from the field, Skiff is an aspiring electrical engineer.

“He’s the kind of kid you want your daughter to marry,” Griffin said. “He’s never in trouble and he doesn’t take chances. He’s low maintenance.”