Jake Thomson, senior at Manitou Springs High School, has been playing baseball since he was seven years old. He recently committed to play at Hesston College after dreaming of playing at the collegiate level to further his baseball career.
Thomson has learned many things from playing baseball, which has helped shape him into the person he is today. “Playing baseball has taught me how to be a better person, dedication, commitment, perseverance, toughness, and how to not give up whenever something is standing in the way,” Thomson said.
Playing baseball for Thomson has been a family affair and allowed him to achieve this long time goal for him. “My dad has been my coach my entire life, and he’s the one who taught me how to catch; he gave me the best opportunity I could ever ask for. My brother was an incredible baseball player but unfortunately got his opportunity taken due to injury, but he’s always pushed me to be the best I can be,” Thomson said. “He’s been my biggest supporter as well as my toughest critic which is great for me.”
Thomson will be studying Sports Management while at Hesston College. “I decided to go because I’ve been interested in their program for a while. I went out for a visit and a recruit weekend, saw the town, and met the coaches and players, and I loved it all,” Thomson said. “I decided to go there over the other schools that have offered me too because I can not only further my baseball career and education, I can grow my relationship with God. They offered me an incredible scholarship and opportunity and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Brandon DeMatto, head coach at Manitou Springs High School, has coached Thomson for his entire high school career at MSHS and has known him since before then. DeMatto is proud of all the hard work Thomson has put in even when he was unable to play due to his surgery last year before the 2022-2023 season.
“My fondest memory of Jake is watching him come back to play last season after having brain surgery. He was so eager to be in the game while he was in the dugout recovering from surgery. We would see him pacing a lot and getting visibly frustrated that he couldn’t be out helping his team win,” DeMatto said. “When he was able to come back and play, I saw a kid that seemed to fall in love with the game all over again, never taking the opportunity he gets to play for granted.”
Baseball will always be a part of Thomson’s life. “After college, I want to stay in the game as long as I can. Whether that’s getting drafted and playing, playing independent ball, or working in a professional organization which is a dream of mine, or coaching,” Thomson said. “I want to stay in the game as long as I can.”
