Pitching Questions to Spencer Drake

Spencer Drake is a RHP/IF from Louisville Eastern, and one of Kentucky’s 2011 commits. He was named to the KHSBCA 1^st team All-State, and the Senior East/West All-Star game. Drake is currently ranked the #8 player in Kentucky by iHigh.

My first question was whether or not Spencer was related to the Blake Drake who was drafted in the 22^nd round of this year’s MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox. He said they are brothers, so it looks like baseball talent runs in the family.

Coach Bohannon handled Drake’s recruitment as usual, and helped lure him away from Louisville and Western Kentucky. It seems fortuitous that Spencer was supposed to make a visit to Western where he expected an offer, but was unable to make the visit at the time. He said he chose Kentucky because he liked the campus and because of the competition level in the SEC.

I asked what Spencer did when he wasn’t playing baseball. He said he doesn’t have a lot of time when he’s not either playing or practicing, but he does enjoy hanging out with friends and family, just being social. Speaking of friends, I asked Spencer if he knew fellow 2011 commit Ryan Loehnert from St. Xavier (since they’re both from Louisville). He said yes, and confirmed that they have played in the same leagues since little league. He said Loehnert is a “good kid and a good pitcher”.

Drake pitches and hits right-handed. I asked if he was being recruited as a pitcher or infielder, and he said both, but since infielding has become rough on his arm he would probably be doing more pitching. Drake finished the season pitching 57 1/3 innings with 97 strikeouts and a 1.22 ERA. His fastball topped out at 93 mph this year.

Big thanks to Spencer for talking with me this afternoon. He’s going to be a great addition to the Bat Cats next season.

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