This week’s Jennie Stuart Orthopedic – Michael Venable State Farm Player of the Week is JJ Thompson.
JJ is a senior at Hopkinsville High School and is also a member of the Tiger baseball team.
This past Monday, Hoptown traveled to Eddyville to take on Lyon Co.
Before the game, the Lyons had won 3 straight against the Tigers dating back to 2021.
Hopkinsville however broke that win streak with a 2-0 victory and were lead by JJ Thompson who handed out 15 strikeouts to the pride of Lyons.
Thompson was also one of the two runs that were scored for the Tigers.
From wee-ball, to tee-ball, JJ explained how baseball has been a part of his life since its inception.
For most youth in America, especially in the south, they all start off playing tee-ball or baseball, but for Thompson a dream that started at the age of 5 is one of the reasons he has continued to play.
“I can’t really remember the last summer I had off” was what JJ said when asked about his training, but made it clear that he has enjoyed the grind.
As far as his off-season work Thompson also mentioned what he wanted to work on most.
As far as the win against Lyon Co. on Monday, Thompson discussed how anticipating it was him and how he feels like a statement was made by the Tigers to the rest of the 2nd Region.
In regards to his 15 strikeouts, he explained his mindset and how it helped him stay a step ahead of the opposing batters.
This past November, Thompson signed to play baseball at Wright State University. He was recruited as an outfielder but while in a Tiger uniform he plans to do whatever helps the team at any capacity.
Malcolm Tipler, the head coach of the Tiger baseball program, explained how he could see a great game coming from JJ based on how locked in he was up until the moment he handed him the baseball.
Tipler also gave his thoughts on how JJ is as a teammate and leader.
Lastly, JJ was asked a final question.
What is your favorite thing about playing the sport of baseball?