Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Get to Know: 2017 RHP/Ut. Alex Shakibai (Ridgewood HS, NJ)

January 20, 2017




By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...  

Name: Alex Shakibai
High School: Ridgewood
Grad Year: 2017
State Rank: 72
Commitment: Union College (NY)

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Union. Tell us about the decision-making process? How excited are you to play there?  

Shakibai: It was a tough decision. Ultimately I felt that Union College would not only help me grow as a player but also as a student. I had some other schools who were interested and I had taken visits, but Union impressed me with what they had to offer.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?  

Shakibai:  Baseball has taught me that failure is a part of the process. It's really one of the only sports where with more failure comes more success, in a way. 

PBR:  If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like? 

Shakibai: I am not scared to throw to any hitters. I like to work inside on hitters to not only establish that part of the plate but also to get into hitters heads a little. I like my curveball a lot which serves as my out pitch.

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation. 

Shakibai: I've been training at RPP this offseason. Nunzio and all the trainers there have helped me tremendously to add strength while also stripping off some body weight. I've also began throwing in the Pitching Lab where Jim (Wladyka), Rob (Delaney) and  and the entire staff help to work on my mechanics and pitches.

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why? 

Shakibai: My biggest baseball influence would be my dad because he always provides me insight on my game, and always provides moral support for me. He's always preached hard work and everything will fall into place, whether it's with baseball or in the classroom.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season  

Shakibai: 
1. Stay healthy
2. Win a state Championship with all my friends who I've played with since second grade.
3. Be a leader to the younger guys who will be the future of Ridgewood baseball.

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career so far?  

Shakibai:  The best player I've played against would have to be (2017 RHP/Ut.) Devin Ortiz (St. Joseph's Montvale HS, NJ - Virginia recruit). He's a stud pitcher and hitter who can kill you on both sides of the field.

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Shakibai: Not really. I usually will eat a good meal and occasionally will take some pre-workout to get me locked in and focused.

PBR: What would be your best walk out song? 

Shakibai:  "Soul Survivor" - by Young Jeezy. It's a classic which never fails to get me amped up.

 

Recent Headlines