Follow Friday Q&A with Jack Grant
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This is the 11th installment of the Arizona Baseball 2020 Follow Friday series, in which we highlight each member of the incoming 2020 class of student-athletes looking to make their mark at Hi Corbett Field. Get to know our newest Wildcats with the below Q&A, and when you're done be sure to follow them on social media to stay connected.
This week's feature focuses on incoming freshman Jack Grant, an infielder from San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California.
Previous editions of Follow Friday: Jacob Berry | Kyle Casper | Chase Davis | Riley Cooper | Daniel Susac | TJ Nichols | Austin Smith | TJ Curd | Ryan Kysar | Chase Silseth
Q: What made you choose Arizona?
A: I chose Arizona because once I saw campus and the facilities, especially the baseball facilities, I knew it was the right place for me to achieve both my educational and baseball goals. The entire experience seemed very natural from all my conversations with the current players and the coaching staff. Coach Johnson has put together a really great program down here.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in your first year at Arizona?
A: First, I'm just looking forward to finally being able to play baseball again since all the COVID stuff shut things down. Second, I'm looking forward to learning a ton and also earning a spot somewhere to help the team win games however I can.
Q: What achievement from your baseball career so far are you most proud of?
A: I have been pretty blessed and lucky to play for some really good teams and I won back-to-back Babe Ruth World Series Championships when I was 13 and 14. Also, being selected to the Area Code Games two times. Those are probably two of my greatest achievements. However, number one is definitely being able to play Division I baseball in the Pac-12.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
A: Probably my competitiveness, that stands out. That, and I also take a lot of pride in my defense — that's mostly what I'm known for. I have quick hands and really good feet and I have the ability to throw balls from multiple angles up the middle.
Q: Who influenced you to get into baseball?
A: Definitely my dad. He was my first coach and has been one of my coaches all throughout my career. He has really challenged me to be a better player at every level I've gone through. He has also taught me to be a great teammate and to really respect the game. My dad definitely is the one who got me to where I am today.
Q: If you weren't playing baseball, what sport would you most want to play?
A: I played a lot of basketball until about eighth grade, but I really like football. I've got a good arm so I feel like I could be a good quarterback.
Q: If you could have one MLB player's skill, what would it be?
A: Francisco Lindor's defensive ability, for sure. He is someone that I have always looked up to. On defense, he's probably one of the best shortstops in the game right now with his hands, his arm, and especially his range. A lot of the things I do are based off of him.
Q: If you could face one Major League Baseball player right now, who would it be and why?
A: I'm a big Red Sox fan, so I would probably have to say Chris Sale. He's pretty nasty and hides the ball really well — he's very hard to hit, so I feel like it would be a good challenge for me.
Q: What are some of your non-baseball hobbies you enjoy spending free time on?
A: Oh man, I play a lot of baseball so that's a hard one. Probably the biggest two things are just hanging out with my friends and listening to music. I'm really big on music, that's probably the number one thing. I kind of enjoy all genres except country; I'm a big classic rock guy because that's what my dad listened to when I was growing up but I'm also into rap and hip hop now. For rock, some of my favorite artists would be Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and Aerosmith. For rap, I listen to a lot of Tupac, Drake, and Travis Scott is probably my No. 1.
Q: What does your pregame/gameday routine look like?
A: Leading up to the game, first thing is I'll have a good breakfast. From there, I've gotta take a shower before every single game and I've gotta put my uniform on the same way every single time, I'm pretty superstitious about that.
Quick Hits:
Favorite baseball player: Nomar Garciaparra (former) and Francisco Lindor (current)
Favorite MLB team: Boston Red Sox
Favorite baseball movie: Everybody Wants Some!!
Favorite gameday snack: Peanut butter and Fluff sandwich
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
Favorite movie: TED