April Whitzman

Derrick Loveless was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 27th round of the 2011 MLB Draft

Derrick Loveless was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 27^th round of last year’s MLB draft. By signing with the Blue Jays, the young Iowa-native, declined a scholarship from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Discussing this experience, Loveless told JaysProspects that when he initially found out he was chosen by the Blue Jays organization, he was in shock and at first didn’t know what to think. “Honestly, I didn’t even think that anybody was that interested in me, I mean I had been meeting with my scout a couple times so I knew they were somewhat interested, but I really didn’t expect it. I was very excited when I sat down and realized that someone thinks I’m good enough to play with their team,” he said.

“The decision of not choosing college or pro ball was hard because education is very important to my family and I, so I really had to think about what would be best for me. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I wanted to go with my heart and play pro ball.”

Following his heart, Loveless embarked in his first year with the Blue Jays’ organization, joining the GCL Blue Jays for five games, where he scored two runs, got one RBI and walked three times, an experience Loveless could only describe as amazing. “Being able to play with very good baseball players and working with coaches who know the game so well would be the moment that stood out for me,” he said. “The biggest game difference has to be the change of pace; the game has such a quick tempo that it’s hard to get used to. The pitching is much faster, breaking balls are much better and everyone on the team has the ability to hit. It doesn’t matter where they are in the lineup – - they all can make solid contact.”

With Solon High School, Loveless hit .554 with 14 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, and 64 RBIs and helped his team win the Class 3A state championship

Like his teammates, however, Loveless can also hit and make solid contact. In fact, in 2011, with his Solon High School, he hit .554 with 14 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, 64 RBIs and 28 stolen bases, and helped his team win the Class 3A state baseball championship.

“Since I’m an outfielder speed is important because I need to make good jumps on balls in the field,” Loveless stated about the impact his speed has had in his professional career. “But when you are on the base path and you have speed, you can really get in the pitchers’ head and get his focus on you not the batter, and hopefully then he makes a mistake and you and your team can capitalize.”

Baseball, however, was not Loveless’ only talent in high school, as the talented prospect excelled not only at football but also at soccer, where was he was the goalie on the Solon soccer team that played for a state championship. “Baseball has always been a game that I’ve loved to play,” Loveless stated in regards to his decision to pursue baseball over his other interests and talents. “The other sports I played were fun but I’ve always had the dream of playing for a MLB team.”

In addition to his passion and future aspirations, Loveless also admitted that the reason he has been able to pursue his baseball goals is because of his family. “My parents have always wanted me to be successful and they both know that I love this sport so they have supported me throughout the whole process,” he said, adding. “My grandpa Wally, who pitched in the minor leagues for some years and my grandpa Wayne, have also been great supporters. They both really wanted me to play baseball.”

His family has been supporting him through each of his games, seeing each high and each low. Discussing such experiences, Loveless mentioned that while he can’t remember his best day in baseball he has also felt that he has never truly had a bad day. “Whenever I struggle, it’s a learning experience for me, so while it’s never a good thing to struggle, I feel it makes me better and stronger.”

Loveless told JaysProspects that he considers his speed to be his greatest strength. He stole 28 bases with Solon High School in 2011.

Through each learning experience, Loveless has been able to gain strong skills that have developed him into the player he is today. “My best skill at the plate would most likely be my patience and my ability to know what spots of the zone is a weakness or strength,” he said. “On the field, my best skill would be my speed. I can react to the balls pretty well.”

Now into his first full season with the Blue Jays, Loveless told JaysProspects that his goal is to continue to work hard and get better every day. One way that he will do be able to each his goals is to stay determined and focused, a state of mind that Loveless says he is able to find through music.  “One thing that people don’t really know about me is that music is the one thing that keeps me motivated to do anything,” Loveless said. “Whenever I’m doing something, music has the ability to keep me in a calm relaxed state. I play music in my head to keep me in calm while I’m playing.”

JaysProspects wishes Derrick Loveless nothing but the best of harmonies, melodies, and rhythms, and the best of luck in his future. We also kindly thank him for his time.