Photo Courtesy of USA Baseball
Jake Carbaugh
Jake is a junior at Plant City High School, where he is one of the starting pitchers for the Raiders’ varsity baseball team.
How long have you been playing baseball?
I have been playing baseball since I was 4 years old. My dad would always watch the Rays games whenever I was little, and I always watched the games with him and even pretended I was a part of the team. My mom has pictures of me with my bat swinging as the pitcher threw the ball in our living room.
How hyped are you that baseball season is underway?
Baseball season took way too long to get here. I’m hyped to start playing with my boys again! During baseball season, it makes everything go by faster. I’m always looking forward to our next game, and sometimes I forget I’m even at school.
How are you feeling after your first game of the season vs Freedom where you went 6.1 scoreless innings with 12ks to go along with it?
It was a great way to start the season. I built a lot of confidence over the off-season, throwing to multiple professional hitters and getting feedback from them. After throwing to them, I feel like I can get anyone out.
Do you have a favorite career moment/highlight for baseball?
My favorite baseball moment was definitely when I threw a no-hitter against the number one team in the nation. I was playing in a tournament with all of the best teams and players in the country at USA baseball’s complex. When I got told I was pitching against them, I was hyped. I knew if I wanted to be the best, I had to beat the best.
Congrats on the Wake Forest commit! What made you want to go there?
I have been to the campus three times now, and every time I go there, I get a feeling I can’t describe. I have built a relationship with the whole coaching staff and even the other recruits; it just feels like it’s where I belong.
If baseball wasn’t a sport, would there be a different sport you would play? If so, what is it?
Growing up, I played almost every sport. Even though baseball was my favorite sport, I really enjoyed playing basketball. So, I would say if baseball wasn’t a sport, It would be basketball even though I play golf every weekend.
Do you have a favorite MLB team and player?
My favorite MLB team is the Rays. I have grown up with my grandparents having season tickets, so I go to their games whenever I can. My favorite player growing up was Evan Longoria. He would always throw me a baseball when I was little and yelling his name. Now, I would say my favorite player is Jacob Degrom. He is someone I have modeled my game after. He is a tall, skinny pitcher who has a similar delivery to me.
If you could improve one part of your game, what are you choosing and why?
If I could improve one part of my game it would be hitting. I could have helped my team a lot more last year if I was hitting better, so I want to be a better hitter this year to help my team more.
When you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing in your free time?
When I’m not playing baseball, you can usually find me at the golf course. Every weekend I go golfing with my friends. It helps me take my mind off everything while still being competitive.
If you’re trying to get hyped before a game, what songs are you listening to?
Honestly, I’m not really a music guy. I don’t listen to much music. Other than the music that’s played in the locker room, I don’t listen to anything before the game.
