Zachary Wakefield '22 Recruiting Profile

When I was 4, my parents knew I was ready to play baseball and I have been a fanatic ever since.  At 17, I am now looking forward to the rigorous AP academic workload as well as the athletic one, which comes with being a collegiate student athlete. I am determined to work hard to be the best version of myself in order to get to the next level of baseball.

I aspire to take my baseball career as far as I can possibly go and hope to someday compete with the Pros.  As a competitive and coachable player, I love training as much as I can.  I put my knowledge and skill sets to good use during practice and on game day.  I am also an enthusiastic team player and play for the love of the game!  I am willing to prove myself in order to succeed.  For example, my freshman year was challenging with 24 other guys on the team.  I had to compete for my spot by showcasing my skills to prove my worth to the coach.  I achieved this by working hard and hitting home runs during the practices.  The coach took notice and I secured my spot in the line-up. I ended up having the highest batting average on the team that year.

I was a leader by keeping my teammates ready for the upcoming season.  California had us on COVID restrictions, which means my high school team had lost field privileges (repeatedly).... So, I reached out to my team and organized practices three times a week for at least two hours at a time (at a local field).  I made this decision to lead these covert practices because we need to get outside to throw, catch and hit.  We needed to play the sport we love.  We needed to get our energy out.  We needed to have fun and play hard while social distancing on the baseball field.   It could be done and we did it!  We were ready for the upcoming high school season in 2021 and collegiate season in 2022!

I have grown physically and mentally from my freshman year as well.  For example, when I entered high school I was 5’9” and 155 pounds filling out my frame to 6’1” and 180 pounds as a junior.  I have been weight training, practicing (on and off the field) and eating right to achieve my current stature.  I am more mentally prepared to play the game now as well.  For instance, when I see a pitch coming in, I know to keep my hands inside the baseball and drive it to the opposite side.  I make a mental note on what pitchers throw at me for my next at bat to anticipate what may be coming.  When catching, I keep my mitt low and go up to the ball for a better frame.  Lastly, I enjoy leading the team and working with them to make strong plays and win games.  

Thank you for your time and consideration!