Jan was a right-handed pitcher with many no-hitters during his career. He received several Most Valuable Player awards during his 20-year career, and had two tryouts with the St. Louis Cardinals. From 1963 to 1966, he pitched for Cleveland High School, was captain of his team and was an all-star pitcher for the Anheuser-Busch American Legion team.

Schmidt pitched for Meramec Community College in 1967 and 1971, and played for many more teams, including two in the Heine Meine Semi-Pro League. In later years, Jan coached for youth leagues.