ZS: Which aspects of your game have you looked to improve upon since coming to Scotland Campus, playing fall ball, and having a steady workload throughout the winter?
JR: All parts of my game, in particular running speed and fielding. Batting, throwing, and my approach to the game and how I hit in the box are crucial areas I’ve worked at as well. I’ve improved, I would say, by cutting down time on my sprint speed and increasing my exit velocity, batting and throwing velocity. In addition, I’ve improved my swing.
ZS: How would you describe the camaraderie of this team in its inaugural season?
JR: Everyone is bonding well together. Guys are really pushing each other to work hard. Overall, we can keep developing and improving each other and have that translate to the spring.
ZS: What would you pinpoint as your personal goals for this season?
JR: Ideally, I would like to hit for a high average and play good defense in the field. I want to be a good teammate, a good locker room presence and bring contributions in every way I can.
ZS: What are some of the key concepts and philosophies coach (Todd) Weldon preaches?
JR: He always preaches attitude, effort, and energy. Coach talks about giving it our everyday and not looking back on what could have been. He makes sure you don’t wind up being the guy with “could have, should have, would haves.” There are plenty of those guys throughout all sports. Todd just keeps us motivated and focused on the moment.
ZS: What are your goals moving forward and which opportunities do you envision Scotland helping springboard you to?
JR: I want to go to a good college, get drafted, and eventually go to the major leagues. That would be my ultimate goal.
ZS: Which factors led you to Scotland Campus and how did you wind up here?
JR: A scouting and recruiting company in Australia knew of Coach (Chris) Chaney through the basketball program. Chaney told the director from Australia about the baseball prep program that was soon coming here.
Coach Weldon then reached out to me and gave me a really good proposal of what Scotland would do for me. I realized this was a necessary next step in order to get to where I want to go in baseball. I realized this was the best opportunity I would have the option of taking in order to keep playing.
ZS: Which adjustments have helped you develop a better feel for the game at SCS? How do you envision these tweaks transferring themselves into the season?
JR: I think working with coach Travis (Scott) has really increased my strength. The strength has helped translate to my running, throwing, and hitting. I hope this all will come forward and help me be productive in the spring.
ZS: Did you watch the MLB growing up? What is the baseball culture like in Australia?
JR: Absolutely. I’ve been watching the MLB since I was 10. Baseball is a modest sport in Australia when you compare it to Australian football, cricket, soccer, and basketball. The people who play it, we have a really good following together. We care a lot about the game and generally are trying to grow it over there.
