Player Profile: Adam LaRock
Photo credit: Prep Baseball Report
By Trent Keitel, contributor
I recently had the opportunity to talk with University of Iowa commit Adam LaRock as he is preparing for this season with the Eau Claire North Huskies. Adam has had a great impact on the school’s baseball program. He was named 2nd team Big Rivers All-Conference and was Honorable Mention All-District. Last year he appeared in 14 games as a pitcher throwing 39.2 innings, posting an 8-1 record with 45 strikeouts. LaRock can also handle the bat as well, last season he hit .319 and had 14 RBI in 23 games.
Recently at the Greg Reinhard Baseball Academy (GRB Rays) Top Prospect Camp Adam posted the fastest infield throwing velocity at 87 MPH as well as the fastest outfield throwing velocity at 92 MPH. In addition, Adam had great exit velocity speed hitting off the tee. He hit 89 MPH from the right side of the plate and 87 MPH from the left.
Adam has high expectations for this coming season and he is looking to lead the Eau Claire North Huskies to another conference title and a trip to state. Eau Claire North went 12-0 in the Big Rivers Conference in 2014 and are confident in their ability to repeat. “Our offensive lineup is looking better than ever” said LaRock.
LaRock said that he attributes his success to his father.
“He wasn’t a baseball player himself, but just the way he carries himself and everything he has been through to be successful in life really motivates me to do my best,” he explained.
Also Manny Machado is one of LaRock’s favorite players because of the way he plays with great effort, never gives up, and does the best he can.
Adam’s most memorable game was when he was the winning pitcher as his team beat Hudson last year to complete their undefeated conference season. This game was especially important to Adam because his personal hero Phil Isaksson, who recently passed away from cancer and is an Eau Claire North alum, was in attendance that day and will forever be a memorable moment.
Adam will enroll at the University of Iowa in 2016 to continue his education and baseball career. When asked about why he chose Iowa, Adam said “I love the coaching staff and how they go about their business and how they run the team in such a manner where they get better every day.” Adam also added “I love the baseball atmosphere there and the college town feel that Iowa brings to every sporting event.”
Ever since he was a youngster, from Little League to Eau Claire Babe Ruth, Adam has wanted to become a college baseball player and eventually make it to “The Show” someday. Adam is very determined to perform well at a high level. Adam stated “I don’t want to waste any time on my drills or reps because I could be getting better with every second I am working towards my goal.” With this attitude you can expect great things from this young man.
