There aren’t too many things that Germantown, Tennessee’s Jason Thompson doesn’t do well on the baseball field.  A true five-tool talent as a switch-hitting shortstop, his game is highlighted by his speed, arm strength and power potential from both sides of the plate.  A Louisville recruit, he currently is enjoying a big spring, and has put himself in consideration for the early rounds of the draft.

Thompson is no stranger to Perfect Game events, having attended the Perfect Game National Showcase last June before being selected to participate in the Aflac All-American Classic.  Tennessee state laws prevent high school students from playing in all-star events, but he still attended all of the non-game related activities on and off the field.

I recently spoke to the talented, faith-filled young man about his overall game and what he sees for himself in the future.

PG Crosschecker (PGX): Can you tell me a little about yourself and your interests outside of baseball?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I enjoy watching sports on TV and spending time with my friends and family.

PGX:  How would you describe yourself as a baseball player?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I feel that I am a complete all around player. I am a switch-hitter who can hit for both average and power from both sides of the plate. Speed is an extremely important part of my game. It allows me to help my team by taking the extra base, stealing bases, and drag bunting. I am a strong defender at the shortstop position with a strong arm and good instincts. Some things that I need to improve on are being a more consistent player and staying sharp from both sides of the plate day in and day out.

PGX:  As a switch-hitter, do you have to put extra work in the batting cage to make sure you are making the necessary adjustments from both sides of the plate?

Jason Thompson (JT):  Yes, being a switch-hitter takes twice as much work, but it is well worth it because of the advantage it gives me at the plate.

PGX:  Are you a more natural hitter, and/or do you have more power from one side of the plate?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I was a natural right handed hitter growing up, but have been switch-hitting since age 10. I feel very comfortable from both sides of the plate and have equal power from either side.

PGX:  What are some of the things you are currently working on to improve your game?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I am always trying to improve my game in all areas because I pride myself on being an all around player.

PGX:  What have you been able to take from attending Perfect Game showcase events?

Jason Thompson (JT):  Perfect Game showcase events have helped me a lot. I attended the Perfect Game National Showcase which allowed me to play on a huge stage in front of a lot of scouts and get selected to the Aflac All-American team. The Perfect Game Organization is a great organization which helps kids like me have an opportunity to perform and get recognized in front of a lot of scouts.

PGX:  While it must have been a great honor to be selected to participate in the Aflac All-American Classic, was it frustrating that you weren’t able to play in the game due to Tennessee’s rules about high school players participating in all-star events?

Jason Thompson (JT):  Sure, it was disappointing that I was not allowed to play in the game, but it did not take anything away from the honor of being selected. I had a great time participating in all the events during the week, meeting a lot of other great players from around the country, and I learned a lot from Ozzie Smith and Tommy Lasorda as well as my coaches and others involved in the event.

PGX:  What were some of the reasons that led to your decision to commit to Louisville?

Jason Thompson (JT):  My decision was based on selecting a school that I felt best fit my style of play and would help me continue to develop as a baseball player. Coach McDonnell and his staff run a great program at Louisville.

PGX:  Do you intend to head to college, or would you prefer to begin your professional career this summer?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I don’t know what the future holds. I have a great scholarship to a great school. The draft will take care of itself. 

PGX:  How do you get a sense for what round you might be selected in?

Jason Thompson (JT):  I have no control over this. I am working hard to be the best player I can be.

PGX:  Is it difficult to balance school, baseball and the amount of attention you are receiving as you prepare to graduate from high school?

Jason Thompson (JT):  At times it can become difficult, but I am enjoying the moment and having fun going through the experience.

PGX:  Are there any players you model your game after?

Jason Thompson (JT):  Albert Pujols. I model my game after the way he plays the game, his work ethic, his faith, and his leadership qualities.

PGX:  Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life, both on and off the baseball diamond?

Jason Thompson (JT):  Jesus Christ is the biggest inspiration in my life. My parents have always been there for me every step of the way. There are lots of other people who I owe thanks.

PGX:  If you had the opportunity to offer advice to a player a few years younger than you but that is projected to be in a similar situation a year or two down the road, what would you tell that person?

Jason Thompson (JT):  The biggest advice I can give a younger player is to only worry about the things you can control, to work hard every day, and to know that God has a plan for you.

The thoughts and opinions listed here do not necessarily reflect those of Perfect Game USA.  Patrick Ebert is affiliated with both Perfect Game USA and Brewerfan.net, and can be contacted via email at pebert@brewerfan.net.