Jason Amalbert Powers DePaul's Season with a Dominant Start
photo by: Anthony Ferrara | coverage by: Antonio Morales
It’s only April, but DePaul junior Jason Amalbert is already putting together the kind of season most players dream of. In just 11 games, Amalbert leads New Jersey in home runs, crushing eight homers—more than he hit all of last season—and batting an eye-popping .537. But the most impressive part of Amalbert’s game may not be the numbers themselves; rather, it's the mindset and leadership behind them.
This offseason, Amalbert dedicated himself to transforming physically without losing his agility and speed. “This offseason was big for me,” Amalbert said. “I put on a maintainable amount of weight to generate enough power but also kept quickness on my feet. My approach has always been thinking hard line drive up the middle. It’s honestly been like that ever since I got into high school.”
The hard work clearly paid off, as Amalbert has become one of the toughest outs in the state. His slugging percentage stands at a staggering 1.244, with 21 RBIs, 18 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases—showing he's not just a power hitter, but an all-around threat. Yet Amalbert’s success doesn’t end at the plate. He’s equally effective on the mound, striking out 21 batters so far this season while consistently showcasing command and composure. Amalbert credits his success to his disciplined approach and the exceptional preparation by DePaul's coaching staff.
“Our coaches really get us prepared before we step into that box," he explained. "I believe we’re always one step ahead offensively because the mindset is already locked in before you get into that box. Then it's simple—it's their best stuff versus mine.”
Beyond his outstanding performance on the field, Amalbert has taken a substantial step forward in leadership. As one of only three captains named this year—a significant accomplishment for a junior—he understands the importance of responsibility, accountability, and teamwork. “Being named captain was big for me,” Amalbert said. “It takes responsibility, holding yourself accountable as well as the rest of the guys on our squad. We stick by a saying at DePaul: FAM-B, which means ‘For All My Brothers.’ We aren’t selfish—we play for each other.”
That team-oriented culture has elevated DePaul to new heights, as the Spartans have powered through a challenging schedule, currently standing at 9-2. Amalbert believes the team’s collective mentality, even when facing tough opponents, is the key difference from past seasons. “We know we’re a top team in the state, and we're going to see the best arms out there. It’s about finding a way to win even when we aren’t at our best," he emphasized. "That’s been the difference between this year and last year.”
With his bat scorching hot and his arm sharp on the mound, Amalbert’s season is shaping up as one for the record books. But for Jason, the individual accolades are secondary. His main goal remains clear: leading DePaul to a state championship.
“These coaches have really got us at the top of our game," Amalbert said. "We’re blessed to have them around to help us achieve that ultimate goal—a state championship.”
DePaul and Amalbert still have plenty of baseball ahead, but one thing is already clear: the Spartans have an exceptional leader at the heart of their lineup, ready to power them through whatever challenges await.