In this episode of On The Clock, hosts Tyler Jennings and Jared Perkins interview Ben Jacobs, a rising left-handed pitcher from Arizona State University and 2025 MLB Draft prospect. Ben starts by sharing his journey from playing youth baseball in Southern California to becoming a top collegiate prospect. He discusses how he fell in love with baseball early on, choosing pitching as his primary focus during high school, and reflects on his experiences with Team USA, which he describes as a dream come true. Ben explains how playing for the national team allowed him to learn from some of the best pitchers in the country, picking up valuable tips and improving his splitter and other pitches along the way. He highlights the importance of seizing opportunities to learn and grow, noting how crucial it was to build confidence and enjoy the moment, especially on bigger stages like national tournaments.
Ben also emphasizes the mental side of baseball, describing how maturity and conversations with his coach at Arizona State, Willie "Bloomy” Bloomquist, helped him develop resilience. He details a pivotal meeting with Bloomy after a rough outing, where the coach encouraged him to trust the process and focus on daily improvements rather than dwelling on setbacks. This conversation marked a turning point for Ben, helping him build a stronger mindset that led to more consistent performances. Away from baseball, Ben finds balance through hobbies like surfing and pickup basketball, which offer him a break from the pressures of competition. He believes these activities help him stay grounded and maintain a positive outlook, both on and off the field.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ben expresses excitement for the Sun Devils’ potential, citing improvements in the pitching staff and a strong lineup. He’s particularly eager about competing in a new conference and facing challenging teams like Oklahoma State. Ben wraps up the conversation by sharing some personal favorites: his top MLB pitchers, favorite strikeout moments, and dream batters to face, such as Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. He also gives a nod to his go-to walkout song, “90210” by Travis Scott, which he plans to keep for the upcoming season. The episode offers an in-depth look at Ben's career, mental growth, and ambitions, providing fans with a glimpse into his personality and passion for the game.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pOtTEbIP2AhO1vhFhCaBd?si=dJHm71cET1KvPzLYPIVRNg