Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Q and A with University of Kansas Commit Blake Shinkle

July 8, 2014

By Sean McCann
Prep Baseball Report Kansas

To say Blake Shinkle had an exciting start to his summer would be an understatement. In late May, the Blue Valley Southwest class of 2015 shortstop helped lead the Timberwolves to the KABC 5A State Tournament finals.  A few weeks later he verbally committed to play baseball for the University of Kansas. 

We had an opportunity to visit with Shinkle to discuss his recent decision. The lifelong Jayhawk fan couldn't be more fired up about someday wearing the blue and crimson.

PBR: Why did you choose the University of Kansas?

I chose Kansas because it is where I've always wanted to go since a little kid. I love Lawrence and the atmosphere it has. Overall, it’s just a great fit for me. The baseball program is awesome and the facilities there are excellent. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

There were many other schools I was considering. I had many conversations with college coaches vie email and phone calls. I received many other camp invites from many other great colleges. 

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

As a small kid I started going to KU baseball camps. So the coaches at Kansas have had the opportunity to see me develop as a player and as a young man. Since I was young I have had the opportunity to form great relationships with Coach Price and all of the other coaches. 

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

The role that I am expected to play as a freshmen is to get stronger as a baseball player and as an over all athlete. With a skinny frame like mine I am going to have to work hard in the weight room and eat right.  As of right now I am second string for the first two years. I am going to put whatever work is necessary to get me to be on the field as a freshmen and sophomore.  As of right now I am expected to be a middle infielder. I am going to do whatever the coaches ask of me and I’ll give it my full effort.

PBR: Kansas is very close to home.  How much did distance play a role in your decision?

Distance wasn’t a very big factor for me. For my family however, it was a bigger deal. They want me closer to home so they can come watch me play. Their opinion is very important to me because they have been with me through everything and have supported my baseball career my whole life. 

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player and why?

My Dad has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. He's been teaching me the game since I was old enough to walk. He didn’t have the opportunity to play college baseball. So knowing that I am fulfilling my dream, as long as his, makes me want to play harder everyday. He's taught me to compete hard, be humble when things are going well and to keep my head up when things aren’t going my way. Another person that has had an impact on me is my uncle. He played baseball at KU as well. My uncle has helped me out with the recruiting process. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

I play for Next Level Baseball ran by Matt Duncan. I have played with them for two years. Before that I played with Mac-n-Seitz.  Both programs have helped me develop tremendously as a player. My most exciting summer ball experience was getting to play in Cooperstown, NY when I was 12. It was an amazing experience.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Kansas?

The toughest pitcher I have faced this year has to be either Riley Pint or Zack Engelken.

related content