CARTER JENSEN SE UNIRÁ A LOS REALES EN ARIZONA
Un ex destacado del béisbol de Park Hill High School ha alimentado el sueño de jugar béisbol profesional con el equipo de su ciudad natal, un deseo que comenzó a hacerse visible hace dos años cuando la gerencia de los Kansas City Royals seleccionó a Carter Jensen en la tercera ronda de 2021, desde lo alto. escuela.
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.
Lo mejor de todo es que la oportunidad viene con la ventaja adicional de jugar junto a su ídolo del béisbol: el receptor Salvador Pérez.
Para Jensen, significa una oportunidad de presenciar y absorber técnicas del futuro miembro del Salón de la Fama que él considera “uno de los mejores que jamás haya vestido un uniforme de los Reales”.
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.
Durante una entrevista telefónica reciente, Jensen describió sus experiencias como "un sentimiento casi surrealista".
“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.
El entrenador en jefe de béisbol de Park Hill, Jon Davis, quien fue entrenador asistente cuando Jensen estaba en la escuela secundaria, describió a su ex jugador como "un atleta talentoso" con un "brazo fuerte". Se dio cuenta, con la reacción de los demás, de que su opinión no es parcial, aunque conoce a Jensen la mayor parte de su vida (fue uno de los profesores de secundaria de Jensen).
"Casi todos los que lo vieron jugar se dieron cuenta de que tenía un talento muy especial", dijo.
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.
Además, Carter juega golf en su tiempo libre como pasatiempo. Después de jugar fútbol competitivo, Carter decidió que el béisbol era su verdadera vocación.
Jim describió a su hijo como competitivo y atlético.
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.
"Creo que fue una experiencia motivadora para él", dijo.
Jim dijo que espera experiencias igualmente enriquecedoras esta primavera, conectándose con los jugadores en el vestuario y atrapándolos durante la práctica.
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 dijo que fue una decisión fácil cuando los Reales llamaron y le ofrecieron un lugar en las menores.
“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.”