Coach: Jason Block
High school: Lutheran-Parker
Sport: baseball
What made you decide you wanted to become a coach in your
present sport?
I have been interested in the game, strategy, statistics and
techniques of baseball from a young age. Almost every summer day as
a kid was spent playing or watching baseball. I used to help teach
the younger kids in the neighborhood how to play. As I finished my
college career and entered the teaching ministry, coaching baseball
was one of the things I really wanted to do.
Describe one of the best moments you can remember from your
coaching career?
One of the best moments was winning our regional tournament game
against Calhan last year when our all-state center fielder
Christian Parkinson made an amazing catch for the final out with
the tying and winning runs on base.
What was one of the most heartbreaking moments of your coaching
career?
Losing to Kiowa a couple years ago by one run with two guys on
and our best hitter at the plate. He hit the ball hard but right at
someone for the final out.
If a young athlete came to you and said he or she was interested
in a career as a coach, what advice would you give him/her?
Learn from as many other coaches as possible and learn as much
as you can about your sport. Coach a team of young kids to see how
much you like working with kids, and to gauge how good of a coach
you are.
What do you do for fun that isn’t related to the sport you
presently coach?
Hanging out with my two young boys, Aaron and Andy. Watching
them develop as people and as athletes is a lot of fun. We also
like to play Rock Band together. We are the “Bloody Block
Boyz.”
If you could coach for any professional sports team for one
year, which would it be and what changes would you make?
The Detroit Tigers. I think I would move Dontrelle Willis to the
outfield.
Your present team just won the state championship. What do you
(and/or the team) do to celebrate the achievement?
After a massive celebration, we would give thanks and honor to
God for our talents and abilities.
Walt Disney pictures decides to make a motion picture about your
team and its achievements. What celebrity actor/actress would play
you in the movie?
Probably Kevin Bacon, because I have been told I resemble him on
several of occasions. Plus, his dance moves are very similar to
mine.