By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Jake Petasek
School: Green Bay Preble
Sport: Baseball
Parents: Wendy and Clint Petasek
Twitter: @JPetasek
Jake Petasek recently finished his high school career with the Green Bay Preble baseball team.
Petasek said one thing most people don’t know about him is he’s frightened by clowns.
He said his favorite Major League Baseball stadium is Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox.
Talk about your father taking over the Preble program.
“I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to play these last four years in this amazing program. My dad was excited to get the opportunity this year to get back at it and become the head coach. As he says, ‘Effort and attitude are the only things you can control when stepping on the diamond.’ My father has helped mold our mentality as a team by stepping up and being determined to make some noise.”
Talk about the thrill of making it to Fox Cities Stadium as a freshman at state.
“It was a dream come true. It’s something I’ll never forget and one of my best baseball memories.”
Sunglasses during a game?
“I don’t wear sunglasses unless it’s necessary.”
Talk about the best catch you’ve ever seen.
“I always enjoy watching highlights of Derek Jeter diving into the stands to catch a foul ball.”
How do you feel about social media?
“I feel it’s good in moderation, as long as everyone treats everyone as they would want to be treated.”
How do you dig deep when you’re behind in the count and continuously hit foul balls until your opportunity comes?
“I stay patient, calm and focused. Then when I see my pitch, I attack.”
Have you ever had an inside-the-park home run?
“I’ve never hit one.”
What does being a Preble player mean to you?
“It’s an individual who competes for what they want, with nothing held back. Hornets are never disrespectful, don’t sabotage teammates and never quit on their organization.”
Hersey’s or Twix?
“Hershey’s.”
Talk about your favorite three baseball trading cards.
“A Mike Trout rookie, a 1960 Ernie Banks and a 1958 Ted Williams card are three favorites in my collection.”
What are your college aspirations?
“I’m going to Madison Area Technical College to study business and continue to learn and play baseball.”
Chili or a burger?
“A big, juicy burger is better than chili.”
Talk about the rest of your family.
“My brother Alex has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. My brother David is the most talented person I know, academically and athletically. My father is the strongest person I know, physically and mentally. Finally, my mother is the most humble person I know. Without my mom, our family wouldn’t function.”
What’s your take on pitching counts in high school? If you were in charge, would you make other changes?
“I agree with pitching counts. It’s important to keep pitchers’ arms safe. If we didn’t have pitching counts, it wouldn’t be healthy. I wouldn’t change anything else – it’s a perfect game.”
What four words describe you?
“Determined, confident, aggressive, respectful.”
If you could listen to any song before a game, what would it be?
“‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor.”
Who’s your favorite player?
“Francisco Lindor because he’s always smiling and having fun.”