TBR Interview- Blake Hassebrock

In an attempt to add to what Braves has done such a good job with, I am going to try and give some guys from the Triad area the opportunity to share their stories so they can maybe help someone behind them and, at the same time, give them some props for all their hard work.

Name: Blake Hassebrock
School: Southwest Guilford
Pos: RHP
Ht: 6’4”
Wt: 190
College Committed To/Signed With: UNC-Greensboro

(First of all, Blake is one of the finest young men you would want to meet. He has a great story that does not necessarily include all the glitz and glamour of many others…yet. He has overcome a lot of adversity and put in a lot of hard work to have the opportunities that he has today, and will continue to have in the future. These opportunities will not be limited to the baseball field but baseball has been his passion throughout and he’s beginning to realize some of the fruits of his labor in that area.)

Parents’ Names: _Amber Hassebrock
Siblings’ Names/Age:__Emily Gregory /11__
Hobbies: _Besides baseball… Guitar, cars, friends.
Favorite Movie:_Kingdom of Heaven__
Favorite Actor: __Johnny Knoxville_
Favorite Actress: __Angelina, not sure why…ha__
Favorite Book: __Where the red fern grows__
Favorite Dish Your Mom Cooks: _Salmon_
Favorite Restaurant: __Big Ed’s_
If you were forced to leave NC, where would you want to live? _hmm, Id Travel around.
Best Player You’ve Played With: _Tyler Hanover_
Best Player You’ve Played Against: __??____
College Major: _Undecided…possibly Radiology???


Caroliner: First of all, Blake, now that you have experienced some of the highs and lows of the recruiting process, what are your thoughts about it and what advice would you give to others yet to go through the process?

Blake: Well, two years ago I never would have thought that I would earn a Division I scholarship. Now, looking back…the whole process simply requires you to be prepared for the opportunities that are presented.

Caroliner: What all factored into your decision to commit to UNCG?

Blake: First, the fact that their program is centered on pitching was a huge factor. Also, I felt that Coach Gaski was genuine (not just telling me what I wanted to hear). Unlike many of the coaches that I interacted with that seemed more like salesmen, I felt a connection with him, and his coaching philosophy. When looking for a college, you have to consider where you feel that you would improve the most and are comfortable, while also getting good opportunities to contribute to the team, and eventually play at the next level. UNC-G seems a perfect fit for me.

Caroliner: Discuss some of the things that you feel have put you where you are today with the opportunity to play Division-I baseball.

Blake: This may sound corny, and I’m sure it’s the answer anyone would expect when asking this question, but it is true. Nothing but dedication, love of the game, and determination. Going along with the first question, all of these things helped me to be prepared for opportunities.

Caroliner: What advice would you give a young player who may have the goal of playing college baseball?

Blake: If you don’t want it badly enough to sacrifice, then you won’t get it. But each sacrifice is repaid tenfold by the results. Give yourself to the game, practice when you don’t feel like it, work out when no one else is, and on game day, want it like no one else does.

Caroliner: If you had the last 3 years to do over again, what would you do differently?

[B]Blake[/B]: Honestly, I can’t say that I have any regrets as far as baseball goes. And for those of you who know me personally…”I wouldn’t have gone to the beach!”haha

Caroliner: Going the other way, where do you expect to be 10 years from today?

Blake: If everything goes as planned, then I will be getting ready for a mid-October start like the Cardinals, Mets and Tigers are right now, just like every other player in my position would hope. I do, however, believe that with a few years of work, it is realistic.

Caroliner: With all the opportunities (e.g. showcases, travel teams, American Legion, etc.), what do you feel is the best way to get noticed as a high school player?

Blake: Personally, playing for the Dirtbags has given me far more opportunities than I would ever expect with any other type of showcase ball. Andy Partin really does everything he can to help his players. So I guess that falls under travel teams. If you can get on a good travel team, then GO FOR IT! It will boost your exposure more than anything else. (This is where sacrifice comes into play…time, energy, money…it’s worth it)

Caroliner: Discuss some of the obstacles you have had to overcome and how they have affected you.

Blake: Besides many family issues and personal obstacles, I have struggled mostly with the mental aspect of pitching. As a pitcher, if you ever master this…let me know your secret!! You may expect the sacrifices to be an obstacle…and they were…but the scholarship, like I said before, repays tenfold.

Caroliner: Describe what you feel is the perfect coach to play for.

Blake: A coach who shows complete confidence in you, helps you individually to improve your game, and maintains respect from his players.

Caroliner: What part of your game do you feel you want to spend the most effort working on in the near future?

Blake: As a pitcher, there is no one thing that I can point out…I guess I would say pitching in general…its impossible to master, and difficult to try and master. I have seen many pitchers with great stuff lacking the mental strength to control a game, so that is probably my main area of concern at this point.

Caroliner: What do you plan on doing during the off-season?

Blake: I plan on working out, hopefully gain a little weight. Basically just prepare so I can enjoy my last year of high school ball.

Caroliner: Feel free to add anything else you want to say.

Blake: I’d like to say thanks to my family and friends for helping and supporting me, thanks to my coaches and future coaches, and to everyone else that’s helped me along the way.

 

Caroliner...great interview. Sounds like Blake has his priorities straight and is a great young man!

Blake, thanks for sharing and good luck with your Senior High School season and at UNCG.

 

A fine young man

The first time I met Blake was at APP ST this summer at an Impact Tourney. He came up to pitch and just before the game the rain came and washed out the game. Blake stayed to throw a pen for the APP State coaches in a pooring rain storm. Afterwards I walked up to him and introduced myself to him and told him I was sorry his start got rained out. Blake said "Thank you sir, it was nice to meet you". Everytime I have seen him he has been so polite and respectfull always taking the time to say hello. He is a very talented young man but even a better person. Blake will be sucessfull his sr year and in college as well because he believes in hard work dedication and no short cuts. What a fine young man.

 

Thanks Caroliner. What a terrific interview. I have never met Blake, but having read your interview, I feel that I know him. What a terrific young man he is. Congratulations Blake and I wish you all of the success in your future. I am looking forward to following your career.

I love reading the TBR interviews....especially when someone takes the time to do one. They are fun to do, but it does require time and patience...and well worth it.