Jake Barrett of Desert Ridge entered the 2009 season as arguably the top pitching prospect in the state of Arizona.
Turns out he can hit a little bit, too.
As of April 18, Barrett was punishing the ball, batting .514 (37 for 72) with a state best 15 home runs and 46 RBI.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior hasn’t been too bad on the mound either. He has a 5-2 overall record with a 2.45 ERA and he leads the state in strikeouts with 60 in just 34 innings pitched.
Of course Barrett’s batting numbers shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Afterall, he batted .442 with eight home runs and 53 RBI last year. However it is on the mound where Barrett will likely make his living and it’s there that Barrett first caught the attention of coach Pat Herrera.
Jake Barrett, Desert Ridge (Mesa, Ariz.)
Courtesy Photo
“His freshman year in the third round of the playoffs is when I first saw his competitive spirit come through,” Herrera said. “He was pitching against Sunnyside. He did not feel or fear the pressure and he battled into extra innings. That is the moment that I think Jake arrived.”
A four-year varsity starter, Barrett and the Jaguars have improved in each of the past four seasons. Desert Ridge was 15-16 his freshman year and 18-14 the following season. Last year the Jaguars were 28-8 and this year they are ranked No. 1 in their division with an overall mark of 20-4.
Barrett is confident that his team can finish the season on top.
“We should win state this year,” he said. “We have all of our returning players from last year except one. Our pitching is deep and 1 through 9 can flat out rake.”
Desert Ridge has lost twice to Highland this year and also to Mesquite early in the season, but has also defeated both teams. The Jaguars also lost a tough game to Horizon on Thursday, 6-5, after leading 5-0 heading into the final frame. Desert Ridge gets another shot at Horizon on Wednesday.
Barrett has been the leader on the mound and at the plate for the Jaguars. Herrera says that Barrett’s work ethic is a big reason why.
“He’s our best player and our hardest worker,” Herrera said. “He comes in before school to work out before practice. He is a leader by example.”
Barrett has already signed to play at Arizona State University next season, however he will likely be chosen in the first couple of rounds in the Major League draft come June.
“Jake throws hard, between 91 and 95 miles per hour,” Herrera said. “He also throws a slider and a split/fork ball. He is also one of the most competitive kids I have ever coached. He competes every day and that’s what makes Jake special.”
Barrett notes that his coach has been a big part of his success.
“Coach Herrera, along with Jeff Forney, has helped me develop as a player,” Barrett said. “They have believed in me and have kept pushing me to become a better player and person.”
Last year on the mound, Barrett went 10-2 with 90 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched and a 2.5 ERA. He was the East Valley Tribune Player of the Year, the Pima Region Player of the Year, First Team All-State and a member of the 2008 Team USA 18U.
“Playing on Team USA was an amazing experience,” Barrett said. “It was unlike anything I have ever done. To be able to play against some of the most talented kids around the world was so cool.”
Barrett also competed in the Jupiter Games in Florida and the Area Code Games in California over the summer. The two events allowed Barrett to perform in front of hundreds of scouts.
“It was different, but I’m getting used to it,” Barrett said about pitching in front of major league scouts. “I don’t think it affects my performance, at least I try not to let it.”
Barrett points to his mental toughness on the mound as being his biggest strength. He also feels that working hard and believing in one’s self is the key to becoming a better player. His coach would agree.
“Why will Jake be able to compete at the next level? It’s simple. Competitiveness and work ethic,” Herrera said. “If he sets his mind to it, he can accomplish it. He’s a great baseball player, but an even better kid.”
