SuppliedJackson Wark has had a busy few months.
The right-handed pitcher was selected in the 23rd round, 899th overall by the New York Mets in May’s Major League Baseball Draft, and has since been splitting his time between the Canadian National junior team, the St. Albert Cardinals, and the Edmonton Prospects.
At an imposing 6’6” and 210 lbs, the 18-year-old has a fastball which has been clocked at 90 mph, and regularly hits 80 with his slider. Just a few years ago; however, Wark didn’t even know if he’d be on Team Alberta.
“I didn’t make Team Alberta until the summer after Grade 10,” said Wark. “But that year after Canada Games, I was invited to the national team camp.”
Wark credits playing year-round throughout high school for much of his development, but mentions being a part of one of the best Canadian recruiting classes in recent memory for pushing him forward.
“Playing with guys like (Michael) Soroka (selected 28th overall, signed with Atlanta Braves), puts me in the position of being a good player, but having to get better to rise to that level.”
And rise he did, after being heavily scouted and offered a contract by the Mets, Wark got the news that he had been taken in the 30th round in a rather awkward situation.
“My phone kept buzzing in Physics class,” Wark said. “When I opened it, there were five or six twitter notifications and texts. When I went to check the draft board, there was my name.”
Though the big leagues may have come calling, Wark says that his intention was always to go to school. Having signed with the St. Louis University Billikens last fall, he will be commencing his degree and majoring in computing science in September. Signing to an NCAA squad was a relief for Wark, as he recalls the selection process for college ball was much more stressful.
“St. Louis hadn’t even replied to my email until a week before the scouting tournament in Jupiter, Florida,” said Wark. “They saw me pitch, talked to me about college, and made an offer. I had my campus visit, and the only other question I had was ‘where do I sign?’”
Though he didn’t choose the big show this time, Wark is eligible for a re-draft after his junior year at St. Louis. Though his future is bright, he understands the delicate balance of high-level athletics.
“If you don’t play well, you get injured, you could lose your scholarship, it’s the same thing with pro ball,” said Wark. “With college, at least you get three or four years with some kind of a safety net, but then you have to go out there and hand your fate to the baseball gods.”
Despite this, Wark plans for success in the professional game.
“I want to be really good, and I’ll work hard to be really good,” said Wark. “Even if I’m throwing well, there’s always ways to get better.”
