Jesuit senior baseball player Joe Hudson has verbally committed to Notre Dame.

Hudson, an infielder, hit team-best .397 last season. He finished second on the team with 31 hits, had a team-best nine doubles, with one triple, one home run, 21 RBI and 22 runs scored.

As a sophomore, Hudson hit .500 in 12 games.

“I wanted the best combination of baseball and academic excellence. For me, grades were a big thing. I’ve been studying my butt off the last four years. I wanted to go to best academic institution and play for a good team, and I think Notre Dame was the best fit in that aspect.”

Hudson was also considering LSU, New Mexico State and USF. He has yet to visit Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend, Ind., but plans to do so within the next month.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the campus,” Hudson said. “That’s not something I’m really worried about [impacting my decision].”

Hudson is the fourth Jesuit senior baseball player to verbally commit to a Division I baseball program, joining infielders Greg Dupell (Navy) and Nick Lockwood (USF) and outfielder Jimmy Falla.

“It’s a great individual achievement for all four of those guys. We’re focused on team goals and those four guys understand those team goals,” Jesuit coach Richie Warren said. “I’m happy those individual ahcievements are recognized, but in the end these four guys are more for the team than anything else.”

Hudson echoed those sentiments.

“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time. I’m glad I’ve gotten it out of the way,” Hudson said of his commitment. “This is really going to give me a chance to focus with my teammates on a state championship. We now have four guys going Division I, and that’s great, but we all know what we really want. It’s [a state title] a big deal around our school, you know.”

All four Jesuit baseball players are expected to sign with their respective programs during the early signing period in November, Warren said.