Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

RHP Jake Stevenson (2015, Waconia HS) has verbally committed to play for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Stevenson, a 6'4" right-handed pitcher, has a fastball that ranges from 85-89 (90-91) with a sharp, above-average slider and a good change and is slated to be the #1 starter for the Minnesota Blizzard Elite teams this year.

Stevenson's path to success has been one through hard work, dedication to his craft and performing well both on the field and in the classroom.  It has been a goal to play for the Gophers and in front of his family and friends.

"It is a dream," Stevenson said.  "It is very exciting to know that my family and even some of my friends will be able to come watch me.  That was actually a big factor in deciding.  I enjoy being able to see my parents after a game and talk about how I did so for me it is a huge plus."

Stevenson, who is a Waconia native, will be joining another Waconia native, Blizzard veteran and current Gopher, JR. LHP Dalton Sawyer, who will begin his the year as a potential weekend starter.

DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITION

Stevenson, an advanced high school pitcher, says he has developed both through Minnesota Baseball Academy's Elite Pitching Program and the Blizzard coaching staff but also says there is going to be a learning curve heading into college.

"The biggest adjustment is probably going to be the competition level,"  Stevenson said.  "Being a pitcher, every single batter that I will face is going to be a very high level hitter.  Blizzard has helped immensely with this adjustment because the teams that we play against usually have quality hitters 1-9, so it’s going to be an adjustment (against D1 hitters) but because of Blizzard it won’t be unfamiliar territory."

"I think that the Blizzard is in the highest level of baseball in Minnesota and around the country," Stevenson said.  "They never have a bad team.  Every team goes to Vegas, Florida, AZ, TX, etc., and competes right along with the teams. I think the long list of championships that the Blizzard has won goes to show what level of competitiveness that the Blizzard teams are at. I think it is the best club team in Minnesota."

Developing and competing with the Blizzard has helped Stevenson mature both as a person and player as well.

"It for me was a confidence gainer,"  Stevenson said.  "I never thought that I would ever be able to compete against guys for Florida and Cali but when you go to the tournaments and compete and you do well, it sure helps the confidence side of your game, which is a huge part of your game. If you have the confidence to do it, you will be able to do it."

EXPOSURE

Stevenson started to gain attention last fall in the with the Blizzard and Advanced Fall Baseball League but came onto the recruiting scene very strong this past summer.  Stevenson, who nearly led his team in every pitching and offensive category, was a standout player in the class of 2015.

"The first time the U. saw me was at ScoutStop's Area Code workout at Century College," Stevenson said.  "The exposure level has been great and scouts are always around the tournament games. And having a guy like Barta on your side being able to vouch for your game and character that is huge.  It’s hard to find a coach or scout Barta doesn’t know."

Stevenson had some advice to give to younger players coming through the Blizzard program.

"Work hard," Stevenson said.  "Nothing beats hard work. Hustle on the field and during practice. All the cliché things that coaches say those are the things you have to do. There is a reason coaches are saying those things."

It certainly has paid off for Jake.