Sean McCann
PBR Kansas Scouting Director

"Getting better every day" is one of the most popular clichés used by players and coaches in all sports at all levels.

It's one thing for an athlete to get motivated to improve a little bit every day for a week or even a month - it's a completely different level when you are talking about doing it for three straight years. That's exactly what Class of 2014 SS Jared Gates (Wichita Northwest HS) has accomplished. He started off as an All-City Honorable Mention DH as a freshman, then progressed as a sophomore to First-Team All-City Utility player. Last year, as a junior, he made an even bigger jump and was named KABC 6A Kansas High School Player of the Year, finishing the season with a mind-boggling .612 batting average.

What's next for the 6-foot-1, 180-pound left-handed hit machine? Time will tell, but with his track record of constant improvement, things are likely to get even scarier for Kansas high school pitchers in 2014.

We had a chance to catch up with Gates for a quick Q & A session:

1. Who is the best Kansas high school pitcher you have faced in your career?

Tanner Raiburn, Wichita North HS, Class of 2013. He threw in the upper 80s from the left side with multiple arm angles, a good curveball and a hard slider.

2. Who is the best Kansas high school position player you have faced in your career?

AJ Shaw, Maize HS, Class of 2012, ran 6.4 60 yard dash and covered amazing ground in centerfield. He had an above average arm and good power to all fields.

3. At what point did you realize that you had a chance to be an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

After my sophomore summer because that was the first year I played against really good competition and I had a good year even though I was two years younger than most.

4. How is the recruiting process going for you so far?

The recruiting process is going great. At this point I'm just being really patient and weighing all of my options and welcoming new options as they arise.

5. What are you looking for out of a college and baseball program to continue your academic and baseball career at?

I am looking for a college program that I would be able to compete for a starting spot and make an impact immediately. I want to compete at a high level in a respectable conference. Also on the academic side, I'm looking for a college that carries my intended major (business).

6. What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Getting a game winning hit in the regional championship my freshman year to send my team to the state tournament.

7. What are your immediate and long term goals in baseball?

My immediate goals are to sign to play college baseball and to do my best to lead my team to a state title. As for long term goals, I plan on being being successful in college and eventually playing professional baseball.

8. Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player? Why?

A former teammate of mine, Jake Jones because of his work ethic, the will he had to prepare and his passion for the game.

9. Is there an MLB player you model yourself after?

Derek Jeter because he plays the game the right way each and every day. The way he carries himself on and off the field is inspiring.