Claremore’s Jax Van Valkenburg
Claremore High School’s Jax Van Valkenburg is a sophomore and a member of the varsity baseball team. To say he is enthusiastic about his team and teammates would be an understatement. Valkenburg is all-in for Claremore baseball.
“I have played baseball since I was six. What I love most about my teammates is the brotherhood we have. Each of us is pulling on the same rope, and I know that if I fail to succeed the guy behind me has my back,” said Valkenburg.
The catcher/third baseman continues to make gains where it counts and where he knows he can help his team win.
“My strength on the baseball field is hitting, which I can do from both sides of the plate. This offseason my main objective was to improve my arm strength and my explosiveness as an athlete,” said Valkenburg.
His goal is to play at the professional level and help others reach their goals.
“I want to play the game I love and use this platform for Jesus,” said Valkenburg.
The sophomore said he finds inspiration in his father, who understands what it means to be a ballplayer.
“My dad inspires me to be a better man each and every day. As a former college baseball player himself, he helps to talk me through the ups and downs of baseball, always reminding me to do two things: play each game like it’s your last, and have fun,” said Valkenburg.
There have been many great moments for Valkenburg in the game of baseball, but there is one that stands out. “My proudest moment in baseball was when I was selected to play in the New Balance Baseball Underclass Premier, in which I had the opportunity to play against the best players in the country and prove myself in front of former pro baseball players. I also got to compete with some teammates as well,” said Valkenburg.
