CARTER JENSEN TO JOIN ROYALS IN ARIZONA
A former Park Hill High School baseball standout has nurtured a dream of playing professional baseball with his hometown team—a wish that began coming into view two years ago when Kansas City Royals management drafted Carter Jensen in the third round in 2021, right out of high school.
The 20-year-old player, who focuses on improving his technique as catcher, has invested a grit and determination that continues to pay dividends. The latest is his selection as one of only 23 players on the Royals’ list of “non-roster invitees” (of about 300 total minor league players) to join the big league club during the upcoming spring training in Arizona.
Best of all, the opportunity comes with the added bonus of playing alongside his baseball idol—catcher Salvador Perez.
For Jensen, it means a chance to witness and absorb techniques from the future Hall of Famer he considers “one of the best to ever put on a Royals uniform.”
Jensen described the experience of realizing his dream one step at a time as he has climbed the ranks of the Royals’ various minor league teams. His last stop was High A, whose players are based in Iowa, where he played last season. After his spring training stint, he’ll learn his spot for the coming year, whether he’ll move up to one of the next three levels just below the majors.
During a recent telephone interview, Jensen described his experiences as “almost a surreal feeling.”
“I’ve had a baseball bat in my hands since I could walk,” he said, which his parents confirmed during a phone interview with them. During his career, which includes his formative years playing little league, he has been laser focused on perfecting his mechanics. But this spring training opportunity calls for adding another skillset, he said. It’s time to add a new priority in perfecting his “mental game.” He knows from experience that when struggling with any aspect of play, “it’s definitely hard not to get down on yourself.”
He hopes to garner tips for keeping the game’s difficulties from interfering with his confidence, whether hitting, fielding, or catching at the plate.
Park Hill head baseball coach Jon Davis, who was an assistant coach when Jensen was in high school, described his former player as “a gifted athlete” with a “strong arm.” He realized, with the reaction of others, that his opinion is not biased, although he has known Jensen most of his life (he was one of Jensen’s middle school teachers).
“Most everyone who watched him play could tell he was a pretty special talent,” he said.
A lot of Jensen’s success stems from his work ethic and Davis described him as “somebody who likes to work on his craft all the time.” A lot of advancing through the minor league system depends on players “doing what you’re supposed to at each level,” which will go a long way to “getting you where you want to be.”
Davis said it was a happy moment when he added his former student’s name to a banner on the high school field that lists former Park Hill players who were drafted.
Carter Jensen’s father, Jim, also is an athlete who played hockey and baseball growing up. He played baseball through high school and played college and minor league hockey. Jim was one of his son’s coaches when he played little league baseball and was careful to expose Carter to several sports while growing up, including soccer, hockey, and basketball.
In addition, Carter golfs in his spare time as a hobby. After playing competitive soccer, Carter decided baseball was his true calling.
Jim described his son as competitive and athletic.
Mother Kim Jensen said her son’s journey runs deeper than baseball. Carter traveled to the Dominican Republic last summer during a cultural trip, sponsored by the Royals. While there, he met and talked with the brother of Royals player Yordano Ventura, who died in a car crash in 2017 while driving in his native Dominican.
“I think it was a motivational experience for him,” she said.
Jim said he expects equally enlightening experiences this spring, connecting with players in the locker room and catching for them during practice.
Any fears the couple had about their son missing college experiences have evaporated as he’s met players with diverse backgrounds and of various cultures. “To get that opportunity…and at the age of 18, he was one of the youngest taken in the draft,” Jim said.
While Jensen would love the chance to play at the top professional level, he’s learning to live in the moment.
“I tell him all the time—trust the process, embrace the grind,” Jim said. “There are nights when he gets beat up behind the plate and that’s where his hockey background comes into play. I applaud his toughness.”
Catching is an especially tough position because “you have to be focused—you’re in every play.”
Carter said it was an easy decision when the Royals called, offering him a slot in the minors.
“I didn’t think I could pass it up,” he said. “…honestly, in my mind, I knew I was ready to play professionally.” He added, “It’s fun when your job is to play a kids’ game.”