| The Sandwich Enterprise July 21, 2000 by Dan
Crowley Speedy Hook Stealing His Way Around
Cape League
Going into his senior year at the University of Louisville as a sports
administration major, Markham, Ontario, Canada native, Mike Hook has been at the top of
the list in stolen bases in the Cape League for most of this season. He is currently one
off the lead with 17 steals to his credit. His quickness and speed are well known around
the league and when he gets on base it’s a sure bet he’ll be off and running. He
has been caught only three times this year.
The 21 year old centerfielder cites playing for the 1996 Canadian National team
and participating in the 1997 Connie Mack World Series as a member of the Ontario Blue
Jays in New Mexico as career highlights.
Your always near the top of the list in stolen bases here on the Cape and you
led the team at Louisville this year with 29. Have you always been fast?
I’ve always been quick. I ran some track in middle school. At Louisville we
condition as a team and I’ll do some speed training in the fall.
How much of base stealing is subconscious or instinctive?
If your fast you don’t have to be the best base runner. If your fast and a
good base runner its hard for the other team to stop you.
Once on base, how long does it take you to get a read on a pitcher and know
when to go?
I led off at Louisville and typically the second batter would take one or two
pitches to give me a chance to watch the pitcher. With a left-handed pitcher it takes a
couple of pitches, but with a righty I’m going on the first pitch.
What do you look for?
With different types of deliveries I look for different things. Sometimes
I’ll watch the catcher in warm-ups and maybe steal off of him. The count is a factor.
If I know he is throwing something off speed it gives me a little more time.
As a known base stealing threat, how can you help your teammate at the plate
once you have reached base?
From second base I can steal the signs from the catcher and relay them in.
Who has taught you the most about base stealing?
It’s really something you do on your own. At Louisville we emphasize base
running at some of our practices.
Have you ever stolen home?
Yes. In both my sophomore and junior seasons. The pitcher went into his wind-up
and I just broke for the plate. Stealing home is a great feeling.
A centerfielder needs a reliable glove and good arm strength. You once went
over 200 chances without an error. How good are you at holding a runner at third on a fly
ball to center?
I’ve got a good arm. I had eight assists last year.
You used an aluminum bat at Louisville. What kind of aluminum bat did you use
and what kind of wooden bat are you using here?
At Louisville I used a 33 inch 30 ounce Louisville Slugger Air Attack. Here I
use a 33 inch 30 ounce C-271 Louisville Slugger. I like the wood. You can get more hits
with aluminum, but its a better feeling with wood.
What makes you a good leadoff hitter?
Being fast and the ability to work a count. I give my teammates a chance to see
what the pitcher has.
Your from Ontario and have played for the Canadian National Baseball Team.
How would you compare the level of competition between the U.S. and Canada?
The skill level is greater here in the U.S. Here guys have the ability to play
year round. But, there is a great amount of talent in Canada. If you want to go anywhere
in baseball the opportunity is definitely in the States.
Who in baseball do you most admire?
My former summer league coach, Gary Wilson. He got me into Louisville. He gave
me the chance to get to where I am now.
How does playing in the Cape League impact your career?
It’s a great opportunity to learn about baseball, to improve and use a
wooden bat. I’m going to be a better player for have played here.
Where do you go from here?
Back to Louisville for my senior year and hopefully, beyond that, I’ll have
a chance to play pro ball. |
Compiled by Eric Moskowitz, Cape Cod Times 7/1/2000
