Jake's Journey to The Caribbean Classic
Donation protected
"The difference between the
impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."
- Tommy Lasorda
From the first moment he played T-Ball for Eastern Little League in Carmichael CA, Jake Kaspari (aka Jake from State Farm), has loved every moment on the field. His journey, although just a few short years, has fueled his passion both on and off the baseball field. Jake is asking for you to take a moment to learn more about him, his love of baseball, in hopes your generosity will enable him to continue on his journey and what may be the start of his professional baseball career.
Jake's first official introduction to the game started at age 5. Determined, energetic, and yearning to understand every play there is. By the Age of 9 Jake began to show a keen eye for the game. A happy kid, that played at any position, but showed his most affluent potential in the dugout. Jake was not only a leader on the field at the age of 9, but he carried a natural ability to lead in the dugout too. His nickname soon became Coach Jake.
Jake had great knowledge of the rules of the game as well as the smarts in terms of situational baseball. Literally, a kid that a Coach could say "hey Jake, what would you do in this situation?" and he would have a plan right away. Jake was an Eastern Little League All-Star at the age of 10, which was the beginning of three consecutive years of All-Star play. At the Age of 12 Jake also joined Sacramento Capitols Baseball where he spent the summer playing a few tournaments, double headers and many hot outdoor practices.
After Jake finished his 12U All-Star season in Little League, he wanted more baseball. On the advice of one of Jake's coaches, we were encouraged to "look into" Best Speed Baseball Academy. Best Speed Baseball Academy is owned by Head Instructor Alec V. Smith, a former professional player in the Chicago Cubs organization; Alec is an incredible motivator, teacher of the game, and human being. From day 1 at Best Speed Baseball, Jake knew he was in the right place for his development and was determined to be part of that club and make a roster team. That summer Jake was able to try-out for a Best Speed Baseball team roster spot. Jake was not only selected onto a roster position, he was selected to join the 13U Elite team. A team that has a wonderful core of very talented athletes and ball players.
Jake dedicates a minimum of 10 hours per week for baseball via training and tournaments. Friday night workouts at Best Speed, Jake's favorite, all end with Coach Alec educating them on how important it is to not only be a good ball player, but school and community contributions lay on the top forefront of GREAT ball players. Jake has been inspired, has worked hard, sacrificed time with friends, all because of his goal.
In the period of time he has spent at Best Speed Baseball, his mentors and coaches have instilled a high level of commitment for him both on and off the field. Feedback from Jake's school teacher is that he has grown into a "˜leader' in the classroom, helps other students when needed, and truly respectful to those around him. He continues to dedicate himself to school knowing he is working his way towards his goal.
What is his goal? Ultimately, Jake wants to play professional baseball. However, Jake understands the odds. In today's competitive world of sports, you don't only have to be good on the field, you have to be good off the field too. This includes academics, social responsibility and properly showcasing young athletes to keep them in the spotlight of college and professional recruiters. Without losing focus on the ultimate goal, Jake plans to play high school baseball and earn a college baseball scholarship where he will then obtain his Bachelor's Degree in sports science gearing up for a career in coaching.
On Friday 2/7/14 Jake participated in a try-out for Cepeda Basball in attempts to qualify for The 2014 Caribbean Baseball Classic (July 5-12, 2014) in Puerto Rico representing one of the 3 USA teams at the 13/14U age bracket. 200 players in Northern CA, Oregon, and Washington had the opportunity to showcase themselves for a spot on a team. After countless hours and dedication to the game, he earned 1 of the 36 spots on the 13/14U Team. Jake will be coached by Ali Cepeda, son of Hall of Fame player, Orlando Cepeda and will be headed to Puerto Rico this July, but only with your help.
We are reaching out to our family and friends in hopes they will want to be part of Jake's journey. This tournament in Puerto Rico, is a pivotal part of his progression as an athlete. Therefore, we ask that you donate whatever you can, no matter how big or how small, to help this worthy young man follow his dreams and compete with an elite group of athletes in an environment rich of college recruiting opportunities.
- Tommy Lasorda
From the first moment he played T-Ball for Eastern Little League in Carmichael CA, Jake Kaspari (aka Jake from State Farm), has loved every moment on the field. His journey, although just a few short years, has fueled his passion both on and off the baseball field. Jake is asking for you to take a moment to learn more about him, his love of baseball, in hopes your generosity will enable him to continue on his journey and what may be the start of his professional baseball career.
Jake's first official introduction to the game started at age 5. Determined, energetic, and yearning to understand every play there is. By the Age of 9 Jake began to show a keen eye for the game. A happy kid, that played at any position, but showed his most affluent potential in the dugout. Jake was not only a leader on the field at the age of 9, but he carried a natural ability to lead in the dugout too. His nickname soon became Coach Jake.
Jake had great knowledge of the rules of the game as well as the smarts in terms of situational baseball. Literally, a kid that a Coach could say "hey Jake, what would you do in this situation?" and he would have a plan right away. Jake was an Eastern Little League All-Star at the age of 10, which was the beginning of three consecutive years of All-Star play. At the Age of 12 Jake also joined Sacramento Capitols Baseball where he spent the summer playing a few tournaments, double headers and many hot outdoor practices.
After Jake finished his 12U All-Star season in Little League, he wanted more baseball. On the advice of one of Jake's coaches, we were encouraged to "look into" Best Speed Baseball Academy. Best Speed Baseball Academy is owned by Head Instructor Alec V. Smith, a former professional player in the Chicago Cubs organization; Alec is an incredible motivator, teacher of the game, and human being. From day 1 at Best Speed Baseball, Jake knew he was in the right place for his development and was determined to be part of that club and make a roster team. That summer Jake was able to try-out for a Best Speed Baseball team roster spot. Jake was not only selected onto a roster position, he was selected to join the 13U Elite team. A team that has a wonderful core of very talented athletes and ball players.
Jake dedicates a minimum of 10 hours per week for baseball via training and tournaments. Friday night workouts at Best Speed, Jake's favorite, all end with Coach Alec educating them on how important it is to not only be a good ball player, but school and community contributions lay on the top forefront of GREAT ball players. Jake has been inspired, has worked hard, sacrificed time with friends, all because of his goal.
In the period of time he has spent at Best Speed Baseball, his mentors and coaches have instilled a high level of commitment for him both on and off the field. Feedback from Jake's school teacher is that he has grown into a "˜leader' in the classroom, helps other students when needed, and truly respectful to those around him. He continues to dedicate himself to school knowing he is working his way towards his goal.
What is his goal? Ultimately, Jake wants to play professional baseball. However, Jake understands the odds. In today's competitive world of sports, you don't only have to be good on the field, you have to be good off the field too. This includes academics, social responsibility and properly showcasing young athletes to keep them in the spotlight of college and professional recruiters. Without losing focus on the ultimate goal, Jake plans to play high school baseball and earn a college baseball scholarship where he will then obtain his Bachelor's Degree in sports science gearing up for a career in coaching.
On Friday 2/7/14 Jake participated in a try-out for Cepeda Basball in attempts to qualify for The 2014 Caribbean Baseball Classic (July 5-12, 2014) in Puerto Rico representing one of the 3 USA teams at the 13/14U age bracket. 200 players in Northern CA, Oregon, and Washington had the opportunity to showcase themselves for a spot on a team. After countless hours and dedication to the game, he earned 1 of the 36 spots on the 13/14U Team. Jake will be coached by Ali Cepeda, son of Hall of Fame player, Orlando Cepeda and will be headed to Puerto Rico this July, but only with your help.
We are reaching out to our family and friends in hopes they will want to be part of Jake's journey. This tournament in Puerto Rico, is a pivotal part of his progression as an athlete. Therefore, we ask that you donate whatever you can, no matter how big or how small, to help this worthy young man follow his dreams and compete with an elite group of athletes in an environment rich of college recruiting opportunities.
Organizer
Joe Kaspari
Organizer
Carmichael, CA
