Interview with SHS Baseball Player Gabe Bjork

Welcome back to the Spring Edition of Off the Reels! This week, I am featuring a senior (almost graduate!) who you can catch out on the baseball field. 

Meet SHS Baseball Player Gabe Bjork…

Baseball story:

Gabe’s dad encouraged him to give baseball a try by tying a tennis ball to a string on a tree in their backyard. Gabe practiced hitting for hours. Ted Williams once told The New York Times that “hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports.” For Gabe, this challenge was where he found his inspiration for the game. Gabe also loves the competitive side of baseball, saying, “it’s always been fun for me to compete.”

Gabe’s position:

Gabe is a pretty versatile player on the field. You’re likely to catch him playing a position in the middle infield or in the outfield. Most often, he plays one of his favorite positions: short-stop or second-base.

How Gabe leads his team:

Seniors often have insight and advice that many younger players have yet to develop. As a senior on the team, Gabe keeps the younger players focused on their goals in the game and is there to pick them back up after they make an error or strike out. Additionally, Gabe keeps his team motivated and helps to keep the energy high in the dugout.

How baseball has affected Gabe’s life off the field:

Gabe’s baseball career taught him two main things that helped him in the sport but will continue to guide him in his future: time management and discipline. Gabe told me that discipline–being dedicated and putting in maximum effort–is essential to success in baseball (and life!). 

Gabe’s favorite thing about playing baseball for the Panthers:

One of Gabe’s favorite things about playing baseball for the Panthers is the coaches. In his words, “they’re like us too.” Gabe explained that they are good teachers who help the players learn and develop, but they also bring lots of fun and enjoyment to the team. 

Gabe’s favorite professional baseball player:

Jay Bruce is Gabe’s favorite professional player. Bruce was a right fielder for several different teams, including the Cincinnati Reds. When he was younger, Gabe often went to Reds’ games and watched Bruce play. Gabe admires Bruce’s understanding and awareness of the game, as well as his home run stats. 

Gabe’s pre-game routine:

Gabe turns on country music before every game, but his favorite hype-up song before a game is “One” by Metallica. Gabe also eats a fig bar as his pre-game snack. 

Gabe’s plans after high school:

This fall, Gabe will attend Miami University where he will study finance. He is also considering playing for the club baseball team. 

Gabe’s advice for baseball players/athletes:

Gabe recognizes the challenges of baseball and the mental strength that it requires. He wants other players to know that if they strike out or make a bad play, they should shift their focus and “move on to the next play, and make sure to have fun with it.” As much as athletes should work hard and strive to succeed, they should also work to move past their mistakes. Connecting the bat to the baseball may be one of the toughest things to do in sports, but remembering why you started and how much fun it can be is just as important. 

As you finish up your senior season, good luck Gabe!