East County Athlete of the Week: Jack Hobson

Jack Hobson is a senior on The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team. Hobson, who is signed to play for the University of South Carolina-Aiken, is a first baseman hitting .457 with 10 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 23 RBIs in 2023. Hobson also has pitched 17 innings as a reliever and holds a 1.24 ERA with 19 strikeouts. Hobson's play has helped the Thunder to a 16-6 record as of April 24. 

When did you start playing baseball?

I started when I was 6. I actually started with tennis and soccer and then moved over to T-ball. It's been baseball, baseball, baseball ever since. 

What is the appeal to you?

When you put in a lot of work and you get good outcomes, it's a great feeling. Baseball is still fun to me. I'm going to play it until I can't anymore. 

What is your best skill?

I would say my bat. I have a good approach at the plate. I know when to use a power swing versus trying to get runners to advance. 

What have you been working to improve?

My fielding. Last year I had some touchy moments in the field and I have been working hard to bring my best defensively and help the team. 

What is your best pitch right now?

My fastball. I get a lot of swings and misses on it because it can either run in or cut out. I throw it in the mid- to upper-80s on average. 

What is your favorite memory?

I hit a walk-off home run against Cardinal Mooney High last year. That was special. But also, any big game like the playoffs feels special. Those games are the most fun. 

What has gone right for the team this year?

We're really coming together as a team. We have been doing some team bonding, which helps. I think lately we have gotten over the hump and it is going to be a steady increase in play from now on. (ODA has won seven games in a row as of April 24.) 

What is your favorite food?

I'm on a diet right now, so I have been eating a lot of chicken and rice. That's mostly it. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I have been watching "Manifest" recently and I like that a lot. 

What is your favorite school subject?

I'm taking some business classes I like right now, like Wall Street investments. That's a fun class. 

What are your hobbies?

I grew up fishing. I haven't had as much time for it the last few years because of baseball and summer ball, but I have had more free time recently and have been enjoying it again. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Believe in yourself. If you do, you can do anything. 

Finish this sentence: "Jack Hobson is …"

Energetic.