Justin was born and raised in Antigo, WI, and played at Indian Hills CC in Centerville, IA. He led his team to the 2003 JUCO World Series and finished 4th. He was drafted in the 43rd round of the 2003 MLB Draft as a “Draft & Follow”. After his second season of college baseball, he signed with the New York Yankees and began his professional career at the age of 19.