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Where MLB scouts, college coaches, and top high school prospects meet.
By: Luke White
Five Tool sat down with Blake Mitchell, one of the top players in the 2023 class, to talk about his recent state championship victory at Sinton (TX), commitment to LSU and playing in the Area Code Games.
Q. Talk about this past high school season. What was it like to win the state championship to cap off the season?
A. “It meant everything for the community and the players. We’ve grown up wanting to do it our whole lives, and for it to actually come true, it’s a dream come true for all of us.”
Q. What made that Sinton team special, and what mindset did y’all have that helped you to win the championship?
A. “We’ve all grown up together, ever since T-Ball. We started playing together when we were that young, and we developed as a group. We continued to get better and better everyday, and we pushed ourselves. I think that’s what made us compete co we could get to that top level.”
Q. What factors led to you committing to LSU? What stood out to you about the program?
A. “I committed when [head coach Paul] Mainieri and [assistant coach Nolan] Cain were still there, and I really liked them. The facilities there are great, and the fanbase, they always have your back and you’re always going to be an LSU Tiger once you get there. Now, the new coach is there, coach [Jay] Johnson. He came in and took over, and I really love him too, so it was an easy transition for me to go over to the new coaching staff.”
Q. What was the recruiting process like?
A. “Mine was around the end of my freshman year, that summer, so it was kind of quick for me. My first offer was Texas, which was in June of that summer, and I ended up committing in late August, so it kind of flew by for me. I really enjoyed it, the attention during that time was awesome, especially as a young player like that. Getting to go see all those colleges was a lot of fun.”
Q. What are you most looking forward to about playing college baseball?
A. “Just playing behind the LSU fans, going into Baton Rouge, being one of the top guys and really performing.”
Q. What has it been like to be named the Texas player of the year by groups like Gatorade and Perfect Game?
A. “It means a lot, it just shows why I work so hard to play this game, go out and win and be a great person, on and off the field.”
Q. What was it like to be invited to the Area Code Games? What are you most excited for?
A. “This is my second year getting invited to Area Code, and I’m just looking forward to going out there to San Diego and performing at my best and playing against some of the top players in the country. I just want to go there, compete, and show off in front of the MLB scouts that will be there.”
Q. What was the experience like at the AC Games last summer?
A. “I was at the underclass games, and it was great. It was in Los Angeles, so I’ll be going to California again. I went there and I performed really well, so hopefully I can repeat that this year.”
Q. What are your personal goals for this summer?
A. “Just performing my best. Going out there, barreling up everything when I’m at the plate and catching to the best of my abilities. When I’m on the mound, just competing against every hitter I face and not giving them a chance to hit the ball.”