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Springfield pitcher Jake Baker commits to Trevecca




Springfield pitcher Jake Baker announced his commitment to Trevecca on Wednesday, Oct. 30.FILE/PHIL STAUDER

Springfield pitcher Jake Baker announced his commitment to Trevecca on Wednesday, Oct. 30.FILE/PHIL STAUDER

Springfield senior Jake Baker planned to be a catcher in college.

But a spur-of-the-moment bullpen session during the summer of 2018 showed that Baker’s future might be on the mound instead of behind the plate.

“When I first met him, he was just a catcher,” Springfield coach J.J. Martone said. “Two summers ago, he was like, ‘Coach, can I throw a bullpen?’ He threw a bullpen and I kind of liked what I saw.”

Fast forward to Wednesday, when Baker committed to Trevecca Nazarene University as a pitcher.

“I think it’s a good fit because of the size of the school and the location,” said Baker, who also received interest from Cumberland. “It’s closer to home. And you don’t get overwhelmed with all the people (at a smaller school).”

Baker spent most of 2019 catching for the Yellow Jackets. But when the team needed another pitcher, Baker provided effective innings down the stretch. He continued pitching this summer with the Throwbacks Baseball Club, a travel team based in Pleasant View.

“Last year, we were kind of low on pitching, so I told (Coach Martone) that I could pitch some,” Baker said. “I ended up doing pretty well. I (kept) pitching over the summer, and I really improved there.”

The right-hander held a 3.55 ERA in 23.2 innings last spring. He also struck out 28 batters and walked just six, earning Honorable Mention on The Connection All-Robertson County baseball team.

Springfield graduate Jake Roberson, a former standout pitcher at Trevecca, happens to be the Throwbacks pitching coach. He worked closely with Baker and put him in touch with the Trevecca coaching staff.

“It’s nice to have an alum giving back,” Martone said. “That’s what I’m trying to teach the boys. Leave your legacy and give back to the community somehow. Jake Roberson has done that.”

Baker said his experience reading batters as a catcher has made the position change easier. He mixes a slider with his fastball, which has topped out at 83 mph.

“It gives me a better (idea) of what to do on the mound,” Baker said. “I always like competing. You’re in a battle with the hitter at all times.”

Baker will likely play both positions for Springfield next season before becoming a full-time pitcher at Trevecca in 2021. But whether he is on the mound or behind the dish, Martone said Baker’s calm presence should help him be successful anywhere.

“He has good mental toughness,” Martone said. “You can’t tell if he’s flustered or anything. He just gets out there and competes. There are no highs or lows with him.”

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