Opelika baseball player earns state-level recognition

Opelika High School senior catcher, Jake Smith, earned the title of PBR Alabama Mizuno Player of the Week during the third week of the season. After Smith went 7-for-10 on the week with three home runs, a double and 10 RBIs, Smith’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.

“It's just an amazing honor,” Smith said. “I never thought to see myself in this position to be named the player of the week.”

Smith has been the starting catcher for three years, and he has done nothing but improve his technical and leadership skills. Smith described how he sees the baseball crossing the plate as a basketball right now, which has led to his batting success.

He has accepted his role as a leader both on the field and off the field with humility and grace.

Smith described how he likes to encourage and challenge the younger players on the team in the weight room and on the field to step up as starters and leaders to better develop their skills.

“I like to challenge them as younger kids,” Smith said. “To get a starting position like our shortstop, Bernie Jones. He's a sophomore.”

As a dual sport athlete, starting both in football and baseball, Smith’s role as a leader on the field has carried over into his role as a leader within the school. Smith’s baseball coach has watched him grow as a person since he stepped into the school his freshman year.

“He leads by example already,” Zachary Blatt, OHS baseball coach, said. “You know, him being a football guy and baseball guy. He's an emissary for our school, so he's used to being a leader in our school, not only for the athletes, but the other students in our school.”

Looking forward to Smith’s future within the sports world, he is unsure about whether to continue football or baseball at the collegiate level. All he knows for sure is that he is going to give his all for his team every chance he can.

— SeAnna Graddy, The Auburn Advance