Lower Merion’s Jack Scholz is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (April 24-30)
The junior outfielder, who started at second base for the Aces last year, has blossomed into a potent leadoff hitter this spring, batting .382 (as of April 21) with 10 runs scored and six stolen bases. He’s also noted for his powerful arm, with three outfield assists already. “Jack is a gamer — his work ethic and drive to improve sets him apart from most,” said Lower Merion baseball head coach Colin Quinn. “The accuracy of his arm helps from the field to the mound and his ability to battle in the box to get quality hits with two strikes makes him a threat at any count. He makes good reads on the basepaths and takes extra bases when available. Jack is a positive force on the team and he flashes a smile while enjoying the game he loves with his friends on the team, but is all business when it’s time for battle.”
Q: What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned recently regarding hitting?
A: Just knowing what kind of player I am, last year I was always trying to prove myself and make things happen, but this year I learned my strengths in the offseason and have kept those in mind, also making tiny adjustments from pitch to pitch.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?
A: During the offseason I spent a lot of time training at my travel baseball team’s facility getting ground balls and hitting off the machine. I took this time to learn what kind of hitter I am, and I worked a lot on my top and bottom hand so they are always operating correctly.
Q: What outfield position do you like best and why?
A: My favorite position in the outfield is right field because I get to showcase my arm strength and accuracy on the throw to third base and home.
Q: What in your opinion are the biggest key(s) to a successful stolen base?
A: The key to a successful steal is getting a good jump and reading which side the infielder is on so you know which side to slide on to avoid the tag. Another key is trusting your ability to get back to the bag when you know you’re stealing.
Q: As a hitter, after facing a pitcher a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what he’ll throw to you late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favor?
A: After facing a pitcher a few times you get an idea of what he likes to throw and when. As a leadoff hitter watching the pitcher in warmups before the inning and seeing what the pitcher has a feel for is also a big help. An example of this was during the Harriton game — while watching the pitcher warm up he didn’t have a good feel for his offspeed pitches and I went up to the plate looking for a fastball and got one and hit it down the line for a single.
Q: Who have been your most valuable baseball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?
A: A few of my mentors have been through my travel program — my coaches, Ben Lippincott and Jake Stoller, have taught me to just have fun, which I have written down on my leg guard so I can see it while I’m hitting.
Q: What is your favorite ballpark and why?
A: Yankee Stadium because I love the atmosphere from all the fans during a big game.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 2 for Lower Merion baseball — was there a reason you chose this number?
A: I chose No. 2 because of Derek Jeter, who is one of my favorite players to watch.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Lower Merion? What do you think you might like to major in at college?
A: My favorite course at LM is Spanish. In college I think I would like to major in Business.
Fun facts – Jack Scholz
Favorite book: The Great Gatsby.
Favorite TV show: Ted Lasso.
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans.
Favorite athlete: Derek Jeter.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Legacy by Offset.
Favorite team: New York Yankees.
Favorite place to visit: North Carolina.
Favorite pre-game meal: PB & J.
Person I most admire, and why: “My best friends, Jack Stead and Drew Hollowell, who have taught me to love baseball.”
Family members: parents Jack and Nancy, younger brother Ryan.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
