Growing up athletics was something of the norm in the Samardzija household as father Sam was a semi-pro hockey player, and older brother Sammy was also a two sport standout. In the early years, if the street lights weren't on yet the boys were out playing in pick-up games until they did. However when the lights did turn on, they had better be back home and ready for dinner or they would have to answer to Mr. S. Somehow though Jeff always seemed to sneak in a "next point wins" rule before the quick sprint home.

As a young boy Jeff followed his older brother Sam around from morning to night. Usually being the youngest kid by 4 to 5 years, Jeff learned to become tough quickly. Whether it was getting tackled on cement driveways, getting beamed on the diamond, or simply roughed up by his brother, it all contributed to the person Jeff is today. As Jeff grew older, his father constantly had him signed up for different sports ranging from wrestling, basketball, soccer, baseball, and football. If it involved competition and a chance to win, Jeff loved it.

Growing up in Valparaiso, Jeff played Little League baseball and Pop Warner football for the Valparaiso Americans. His love for sports flourished during this time when all star teams were introduced to him. Jeff loved the chance to compete against and meet other kids from different parts of the country. After Valpo Americans the next level for Jeff was Valparaiso High School in Indiana. At VHS he shined as a three time All-State selection in football, and an All-State centerfielder in baseball. Jeff was also the runner-up in both Mr. Football and Mr. Baseball for the state of Indiana in 2003.

In the recent past we watched Jeff on the football and baseball field at the University of Notre Dame. Today we are fortunate to watch him grow into a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs. With the exception of some new great friends and fans, it's still the same Jeff Samardzija that you could have found in the backyards of Valparaiso, Indiana back in the day.