Mike Vukovcan Former Florida Gators great and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow once said, ““Honestly, I’m just trying to do the best I can with every opportunity I’m given, and when I’m given the opportunities make the most of them.”
That’s the exact way that Jake Knobloch is looking at the upcoming Hopewell High School baseball season. After having a minor role with the team as a freshman last year, opportunities exist for him this season and he’s doing everything he can to grab ahold of his chances and run with them.
Hopewell softball and youth baseball is sponsored by Lisa McCoy, your neighborhood State Farm agent.
With players graduating and moving on, Knobloch is in line for the starting job at second base as well as trying to carve out a role with the Vikings talent pitching staff.
Hopewell’s Jake Knobloch
As is the case with most freshman in any sport, Knobloch did a lot of practicing but not much playing in 2024. However, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t get anything out of his first season in varsity baseball.
“I’m really excited. This year is different from last year because I’ll have the opportunity to have a role on the team.,” Knobloch. “Last year was nice though because I was able to watch and learn from the older players, watch their routine, how they address high school baseball in practices and especially in games. I’m very excited for the upcoming season.”
“I definitely paid attention to our hitters approaches at the plate, how they went about practices and their mindset in games but really the way they practiced every day. I saw and they showed every day and are showing again this year, how much they want to win. These guys really want to win and we’re not settling for just making it to the playoffs. Our entire mindset during the offseason has been to work towards playing more than just one game in the offseason.”
Starting with the 2025 team workouts and actually going back to baseball in the fall, the Hopewell coaches had a couple of spots in mind for Knobloch which he was happy about. Jake loves baseball and is excited every time he practices and plays but knowing he had an opportunity for a prominent role really got the juices flowing.
“Starting in the Fall during practices and games, coaches talked to me about playing second and possibly getting time at third base and shortstop,” said Knobloch. “Their big focus to me was that they believe that I’m someone with the ability to move around and play multiple positions. When I found out about that, it was really exciting because getting an opportunity to play is really a big deal.”
“I’m not sure that changed my mindset too much because my mindset and goal was to work to earn a spot on the field and play. But having that opportunity placed in front of me, it definitely lit a fire, but I’ve always had the mindset and desire to get on the field this year.”
Growing up, Knobloch has always played second base for third base, so this won’t be any sort of transition for him. As far as a hitter. Jake tells Vikings Sports Now that he’s someone that hits for contact and occasionally displays some power. Although he’d hit anywhere the coaches place in the lineup, he believes hitting 6th or 7th would be perfect for him.
Hopewell’s Jake Knoblach
Second base isn’t the position that Knobloch will be at for the Vikings this season as he should get the opportunity on the pitching mound. Whether it’s as a starter or reliever, that’s still to be determined, but once again, all Knobloch is looking for is an opportunity and he’ll be getting that.
“I think having the opportunity to start whenever Coach Singletary needs me and being able to provide good depth for my team in relief will be a good an important thing,” said Knobloch. “I definitely feel good. A big focus for me this year will be getting ahead in the count and staying ahead in counts.”
Class of 27’ RHP/Util Jake Knobloch getting ready for his sophomore season. Looking to play a big role this year. Fastball up to 80 mph early on and locating all of his pitches. He can swing it too! Keep an eye out for him 👀@JakeK2027 @UncommittedStud @PBRTournaments… pic.twitter.com/Zk8RgMe9B0
— Coach Smith (@CoachGrant16) February 13, 2025
“I wouldn’t say that I will be a big strikeout guy, but I’ll be good at getting weak contact. I believe I’m pretty good at placing my pitches and finding my spots. During the offseason, I took a deep dive into trying to learn hitters’ swings. I watched a lot of videos on pitch development, how to get proper movement with the ball. The more spin on the ball creates more movement and that’s what I want in order to try and create swings and misses. I want to be able to provide good depth for the team, so if Coach Singletary needs 2 or 3 innings from a reliever that I can be that guy for him.”
All, Knobloch has put in the work to become a better player and someone that can help the Vikings win this season which has gotten the attention of his head coach.
“Jake has put in a lot of work this off season,” said Head Coach Morgan Singletary. “He is physically bigger and stronger than he was last season. We are excited to see how that transfers to his at bats and his defense.”
Hopewell’s Jake Knobloch
“He had a few opportunities to pitch last season and did well with them. He will be getting more this year as well as a lot of opportunities at the plate and on defense. Not only has he prepared himself physically for the season, but he has put in extra time completing the leadership program we began this year. He was the only underclassman to do so. Jake is still young but has a lot of upside and puts in the work needed to make big jumps.
Knobloch and the Vikings will take part in a scrimmage this Saturday at South Fayette before starting the season on the road against Shenango on March 14th with their Home Opener taking place on March 18th against Riverside.
