Who is RHP Tucker Jensen? To answer this question, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with the young player and find out more about the young star on the GCL Blue Jays.

Let’s start with some numbers as they speak for themselves. Last year, with the Luray Wranglers (of the Valley Baseball League), Tucker went 6-1 with a 1.71 ERA in 63.1 innings pitched, surrendering only 51 hits. Even more impressively, he held opponents to a .218 batting average and had an remarkable strikeout to walk ratio, striking out 60 while only walking 21.

This year, with the GCL Blue Jays, Tucker continues to impress. In his first two games of the season, Tucker has allowed only seven hits three earned runs combined, while walking one and striking out nine. Today’s game was no different as he took the mound against the GCL Tigers. Tucker pitched six complete innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking none and striking out three. While his record stands at 0-1, he presently has an impressive 2.99 ERA.

Now, to find out more about the player behind the numbers.

Jensen admitted that while he was raised a Red Sox fan and idolizing players including Nomar Garciaparra and his grandfather, Jackie Jensen, he had something in common with Blue Jays fans – a strong admiration for Roy Halladay. He indicated, “[Halladay] is truly one of the pitching greats. He spots up so well and can move the ball whichever way he wants. […] There is so much to talk about what he does right and how he goes about his business. He is one of the hardest workers in baseball.”

When asked if he had a favourite moment on the mound, Jensen explained that while there isn’t one game in particular he wanted to share, he indicated that “the best kind of moment is when you are feeling it. It doesn’t matter who steps into that box, you know your stuff is too good for them to come close to touching it. Every pitch is thrown for a strike and your command is spot on. The kind of outing that makes the other the team thankful that it’s finally over. It’s not being over confident but when you’re on, you’re on.”

Jensen then discussed whether he had any routines he performed to get ready for a game. His answer was not surprising: “It’s all about routine. Baseball players are the most superstitious out of all sports. When I am getting ready for the game I wait until 30 minutes before the game starts to start stretching and throwing. Long toss at 120 feet and then take a quick break. Then start warming up on the mound throwing just enough to get loose. Once the game starts I walk around the mound and then throw one imaginary pitch before fully warming up with my eight pitches. Then, its game time!”

I also tried to pry into the player’s mindset. While he admitted that on the field his best skill would be the command of his fastball and his ability to locate and attack hitters, Jensen also admitted that his best skill off the field would be his hard work and determination. He stated. “Statistically there is about a three percent chance I will make it to the major leagues. In order to be that three percent I will have to work harder than everyone else fighting for that spot. Hard work has gotten me here and I am going to continue what has made me successful.”

All of us at JaysProspects.com would like to wish Tucker Jensen the best of luck of being in that three percent. We’re rooting for you, Tucker!