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Q&A with Preseason All-State Participant: Jake Clark

February 16, 2015



By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director

Prep Baseball Report Colorado is getting ready for the start of the high school spring baseball season with the Preseason All State event on February 22nd at Slammers South.  Over the course of this final week we will showcase several of the participants at this year's event.  Continuing our look is Jake Clark, 2016, 6-foot-2, 215 pound, RHP/1B from Rock Canyon High School.

PBR:  Describe yourself as a baseball player to those who have never seen you play:

Clark:  I'm a big, strong pitcher, and I try to use my size and strength to my advantage. I've worked really hard on my fastball and also my curveball, and I try to get a lot of momentum coming off the mound. 

PBR:  What would be your dream school to play baseball at?  If you have already committed to play at the next level, why did you choose that particular school?

Clark:  My ideal school would be a combination of Division I baseball combined with strong academics. I have visited a few schools in Arizona and on the West Coast, but recently I was invited to visit Georgetown University. I was really impressed with the campus, the baseball coaches and players, and of course with the school. The opportunity to attend a school like Georgetown and play baseball there is my goal at this point. 

PBR:  What are your best assets on and off the field at this point in your high school career?

Clark:  To be successful at anything, you have to focused, ambitious, and willing to work for it. That has benefited me in both athletics and academics. My parents have instilled in me from the beginning that academics come first, and that having the right grades will open doors for me at the next level. To that end I work really hard at school and take an aggressive load of AP and Honors Classes. The same work ethic helps me in baseball, as there's always something I can work on and improve.

PBR:  What does your off-season preparation look like this year compared to you freshman year?

Clark:  As a younger player, I never spent any time in the weight room. This past winter I put a lot more emphasis on weight lifting and conditioning -- just trying to get stronger and faster. I've also worked with coaches to improve my delivery, really focusing on my mechanics. I was also fortunate enough to attend some off-season college camps and showcases, which always gives me the chance to learn more about how I can improve as a player. 

 PBR:  What is the best baseball advice you have received and try to follow to this point in your career?

Clark:  In a nutshell, this is a really hard game. Don't beat yourself up and don't over-analyze things too much. Confidence is key. 

PBR:  What are your superstitions or routines that go on during a season?

Clark:  All baseball players are superstitious! I go through the same stretches in a specific order before each game. I also listen to the same songs prior to each game to mentally prepare myself. Lastly, I always pray before each game, asking for courage and confidence for my teammates and myself.  

PBR:  What are your goals for: 

This Season:  I would really like to help our graduating seniors finish their high school careers with a state championship. On an individual level, my goals are to improve with each outing, learn from my mistakes and successes, and continue to grow as a pitcher.  

Two Years:  I hope to be playing Division I baseball and making strong contributions to my team; learning from my coaches and teammates and working hard to get better.

Four Years:  Hopefully I'll be getting ready to graduate from a top-notch university where I had the opportunity to play Division I baseball. Ideally I'll be evaluating my next steps, either in baseball or in the business world. 

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