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When third-year right handed ace Jacob Thompson takes to the mound Friday night against Virginia Tech, or any opponent for that matter, he needs no introduction. Hailing from Danville, Va., the first team All-American sat down with a big smile and a familiar southern accent to talk about a few topics such as playing for Team USA and his top memories at Virginia.
What factors were key in your decision to attend the University of Virginia?
Thompson: It was the coaches, the school and the overall atmosphere here. I really loved it.
What do you feel is the team’s biggest strength this year?
Thompson: The veteran leadership. We have a great group of players to lead this team.
What do you think is the biggest difference between your pitching last year and this year?
Thompson: I’ve gotten a lot stronger which has been a huge help.
Midway through last year fans began to expect an automatic win on Friday nights with you on the mound. How does that affect your mentality when you take the mound, if at all?
Thompson: It doesn’t really affect me at all. I know I have a lot of people counting on me and I just take that with me out there on the mound.
In your start against NC State you had a rough first inning and then pitched what I heard quoted as some of the most dominating work of your career. Could you talk a little bit about what happened?
Thompson: Well like you said, the first inning I gave up a couple of runs and after that I didn’t really do anything different. I just got a little tougher and started throwing the ball with all I had.
Virginia has a history of producing some great pitchers playing at the next level. What does it mean to you to be the all-time wins leader for Virginia?
Thompson: I am definitely honored by that, but I’d really like to see this team in my time here make it to Omaha. That would be the best thing that could happen to me here.
Do you keep in contact with any of the former Cavaliers playing at the next level?
Thompson: I talk to Mike Ballard every once in a while and Sean Doolittle.
Do they give you advice or tell you what it’s like playing professional ball?
Thompson: They definitely have told me that it’s a lot different at the next level. They also tell me about how much they enjoy it so I’m looking forward to it.
Do you keep in contact with any of your teammates from the U.S. National Team?
Thompson: Yes, I have talked to Brett Hunter (of Pepperdine) a couple of times and Ryan Berry (of Rice) a couple of times.
What was it like going down to NC State and pitching against Erik Surkamp (a teammate on the National Team)? Any rivalry with him?
Thompson: I would say that there is a little bit of a rivalry. I got to know him over the summer and he’s a real nice guy so I made friends with him.
Compare your National Team experience with playing for Virginia. How were the games different?
Thompson: I would say that they are similar in the fact that the players and level of play is at a high level. The only real difference I would say are the wood bats.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
Thompson: I would say my dad.
Are you excited about having your younger brother commit to play for Virginia next year?
Thompson: Oh yeah, I am very excited. He is very excited. Every time I talk to him that is all he can talk about is coming up here to play, so we are very excited.
What Major League player do you think most resembles your pitching style?
Thompson: I would say Josh Beckett, only I don’t throw 95 mph (laughs).
Do you have a favorite baseball team and player?
Thompson: My favorite team would be the Atlanta Braves. My favorite player although he doesn’t play anymore but I’ve always liked Nolan Ryan.
What do you think is the best rivalry in sports?
Thompson: Duke and UNC basketball.
What has been your greatest memory as a Cavalier so far?
Thompson: Beating Oregon State in the 13-inning game last year in the NCAA Regional.
Do you have any nicknames?
Thompson: JT
What is the strangest food that you have ever eaten?
Thompson: I’ve tried sushi and that’s the strangest I’ve been.
If you could own any pet, what would it be?
Thompson: I would say a dog, probably a Rottweiler.
What is the worst job that you have ever had?
Thompson: I’ve really only had one job. In high school I would mow grass in the summer and that wasn’t bad at all. I actually enjoyed it.
What is your first major purchase going to be?
Thompson: I think I’d get a car. I haven’t even thought about what kind, but there are a lot of cool ones out there.
Cavaliers or Wahoos?
Thompson: Cavaliers.
Orange or Blue?
Thompson: Blue.