Mar 10, 2023 3 min read Luke Billings

Billings ready to take the lead

Luke Billings looks forward to being a leader for a young, talented Robbinsville squad

By ANDREW SMOLAR / For Jersey Baseball Nation

Luke Billings, a 2024 Wake Forest commit, intends to take on a big leadership role for his upcoming season at Robbinsville High School. Billings is motivated and ready to lead the Ravens to new heights, especially after last season ended in an upset loss at the hands of Middletown North during the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament.

“It was disappointing last year ending on that loss,” Billings said. “I think as a team we’re gonna take a new look on it, especially with four or five seniors graduating and be more optimistic and encouraging which will help us as a team go further in the state tournament.”

Billings certainly has the talent to lead his team to the next level. He is ranked as a top 500 player nationally according to his Perfect Game player profile. Additionally, Billings was named to the 2022 Perfect Game Preseason Underclassmen All American Team. This nomination meant a lot to him.

“It’s definitely nice to acquire that award,” Billings said. “That’s definitely a pretty cool thing to have going into the season and to appreciate the hard work I put in being noticed.”

WATCH: Luke Billings prepping for the 2023 season with a bullpen at Centercourt Lawrence

Billings is also capable of playing multiple different positions. He can pitch, play first base, shortstop and the outfield. Billings’ versatility gives his coach a lot of options when putting together his game day lineup. Billings plans to mainly pitch at Wake Forest.

Billings is coming off a strong sophomore season both at the plate and on the diamond. In the 2021-22 season he hit .304 and had a slugging percentage of .321 while driving in six runs. His pitching was also phenomenal as he pitched just over 47 innings for the season and only allowed 17 earned runs, good for a 2.51 ERA. Billings additionally struck out 62 batters over the course of the season.

Despite the impressive season he put together, Billings is by no means satisfied. His goals for the upcoming season are sky-high. In addition to striving to hit .350-.400 for the season, Billings is adamant about his desire to have more team success and adding to his pitching repertoire.

“I definitely want to go further in the state and county tournaments,” Billings said. “I’m also trying to improve my all around pitching with velocity, ball movement and adding another pitch.”

A young Robbinsville team looks for big things from Billings on the mound and at the plate.

When Billings is not on the diamond, he is likely putting in the work on the hardwood. Playing multiple sports is something Billings has always enjoyed and believes is beneficiary to his baseball success.

“It helps target all around muscles,” Billings said. “Basketball definitely helps me in high school when I play in the field with lateral quickness, mobility and overall athleticism.”

At Wake Forest, Billings currently is leaning toward studying finance due to his older brother entering the field. His ultimate goal is to play in the majors but understands he has his work cut out for him in the near future.

“My goal is to try to get on the field as much as possible as a freshman,” Billings said. “That’s definitely going to be tough, I need to go in stronger and work on my overall craft.”

Billings appears to be headed for a successful life both at Wake Forest and in the future because of his well-rounded abilities and leadership qualities. He is someone people enjoy being around and look up to when they need a leader.