Derek Jenkins is a former teammate of mine and a great friend to this day.
After playing four years of Division 1 baseball, “Jenks” was drafted in the 26th round by the Los Angeles Angels. He went on to play parts of four seasons of pro ball, making it up to AA with the Angels in 2017.
He is second in all time stolen bases in Seton Hall history and in 2016, was named the school’s Male Athlete of the Year.
I’m pumped to have had him on to talk about his experience getting to Seton Hall, playing pro ball, and transitioning away from baseball and into a career in the insurance world.
What You’ll Learn About:
Playing multiple sports growing up
The culture of a tight knit college baseball locker room
Baseball memories and his experience getting drafted
The mental “bubble” pro guys can put themselves in to lock in
Transitioning away from baseball into the professional world
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Intro to Derek Jenkins
(2:00) - The journey to playing baseball at Seton Hall
(12:50) - Freshman Fall in college baseball
(18:00) - Jenks’ college career
(21:35) - Favorite baseball memories
(25:10) - Experience with the MLB Draft
(30:30) - Getting drafted Senior year
(34:40) - Expectations going into professional baseball
(44:00) - His mentality in pro ball
(47:25) - What separates the guys who make it to big leagues?
(52:00) - Life experiences shaping who we become
(57:15) - The brain is powerful
(1:00:00) - Transitioning away from baseball
(1:05:15) - Fulfillment after hanging up the cleats
(1:13:00) - Finding balance and hobbies to keep you going
Where to find Jenks:
Instagram: djenks6
LinkedIn: Derek Jenkins
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