The YDL Sports Network is highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall. Player profiles are powered by Pizza Hut
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Full List of 2023 Player Profiles
LADD BLAKE – SOPHOMORE – BROOKVILLE
Sports Played: Baseball, golf
Parents Names: Tara Blake, William Blake
Siblings: Ainsley Blake (sister), softball, basketball; Brynn Blake (sister), softball, basketball
Social Media Handles: ladd.blake99-Instagram; Laddblake1 – Twitter
2022-23 Highlights: 4.26 ERA, 30 K along with 28 BB through 23 innings pitched. FB topped 84 mph, sitting 81-83 in season.
College Athletics plan if applicable: I’m not committed but I plan on playing college baseball in the future.
Q&A
Q: How did you get involved in playing sports?
A: When I was 5 years old my parents got me started into baseball and ever since then I have developed a strong love and drive to get better at the game. Although I just started on the varsity golf team last fall, I have grown to love the mental aspect of golf. It teaches you how to keep your composure in stressful situations.
Q: What is the most enjoyable thing you have ever had happen to you on an athletic field?
A: I would say winning the 2022 Junior Legion Indiana County league championship. The emotions going through me in that moment were indescribable. During that last play to win it all was just so electric especially because I made the final play.
Q: If you could go to any event (it doesn’t have to be a sporting event) in the world, what would it be and why? *
A: Definitely the super bowl. Football is my favorite sport to watch no matter who is playing. Just to be in that stadium during one of the biggest sporting events in the world would be so amazing.
Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?
A: My 5th-6th grade band teacher Mr. Hetrick. Mr. Hetrick was the best person to be around during the school day. He was so nice, and you could tell that he really loved what he did. He taught me how to really focus on what I was doing in the moment and for me as a pitcher that is a really important skill set.
Q: Do you have any superstitions in any of the sports you play?
A: I have so many superstitions when it comes to baseball. I put a wooden nickel and two quarters in my back left pocket before every game. I wear the same Brookville Raider cage jacket during warmups, and I wear the same shoes on every game day.
Q: You have one day where you can do anything your heart desires. Cost is not a factor. What would it be?
A: This might seem crazy, but I would become a Jedi for the day. I always loved Star Wars growing up and I still do. Just being able to use the force and have a real lightsaber for one day would be awesome.
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
A: I would go back to the 2013 ALCS at Fenway Park in Boston to see my favorite player, David Ortiz, hit the game tying grand slam in the bottom of the 8th against the Tigers. Being in Fenway during that home run would be so electric. All the fans screaming at the crack of the bat and watching the right fielder dive over the fence for the ball. That would be a dream come true.
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: No.
