PBR Ontario sits down with the Top Prospect in the 2019 class Jaden Brown as we discuss the recruiting process, his recent commitment to the University of Kentucky, and what lies ahead in the future for the Ontario Blue Jays and Canadian National Team shortstop.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
Jaden: At first I didn’t expect much from the recruiting process all I knew was that if I work hard enough and did good things at the right time something good would come out of it. 

PBR: Why did you choose Kentucky?
Jaden: When I went on my 5-week US trip with the Ontario Blue Jays we stopped in Kentucky to play Eastern Kentucky, and that was the day I had planned with Coach Fanning to go on an unofficial visit. During the visit the campus felt like home, I felt welcome at the Big Blue Nation as soon as I arrived.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Jaden: Michigan, Duke, North Carolina, and Miami.

PBR: Where did Coach Mingione and Coach Fanning first see you and how did your relationship develop with them and their staff?
Jaden: Coach Fanning fist saw me at Tournament 12. I had a pretty good outing. Coach Fanning told me that I showed fire in my game and he enjoyed watching me play. So after the game we spoke about what Kentucky is about and what they are trying to build. Coach Fanning and my parents started to build a relationship which was appreciative as well. I called Coach Mingione shortly after my first game at T12, and he told me that he wanted me to be a Wildcat. PBR gave me some good coverage at T12 so I’m sure that helped too.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Jaden: There are many people who have helped me get to where I am, but the one person that has been and always will be my father. Ever since I was six year old he was always there from when I played for the tier II team in OBA to playing on Team Canada, he’s always been there. He is the reason why I am where I am today.

PBR: How has PBR Ontario helped in your role to get recruited?
Jaden: PBR has given me a lot of exposure throughout the years through showcases and social media.  The PBR events have introduced players like me to coaches and scouts.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and how has that helped you prepare for the next level?
Jaden: In the summer I played for the Ontario Blue Jays and nothing has prepared me more for the next level then this program. Since I was 11 years old they have been developing me to be the player I want to become and even to this very moment they are continuing to do so.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Jaden: I try not to think too far into the future. I prefer to think about the task at hand more than anything else because this helps me to get it done. As a student athlete I’ve been juggling academics and baseball for a while now. I think it hit me that I can do both when I started getting looks from D1 schools.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Jaden: My advice to a young baseball player is that even though you’re young, you have to grow up mentally because the game of baseball is a game of failure. If you don’t have the composure to handle the challenges then you can’t survive in this game.  Also, I would say, don’t let anyone’s opinion of you stop you from pursuing your dream. I never made the Tier 1 team when I played with the OBA, but I used that to drive me to work harder.

PBR: What do you like most about Kentucky and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Jaden: A big factor of making my decision is the history of Canadians that Kentucky has taken in and developed. A big factor of my decision was the Conference Kentucky is in, the SEC that is one of if not the best conference in the USA. Also, while I was on campus I spoke to Tristan Pompey. He’s a cool guy. Tristan told me that he really liked it there and that he thinks the program will get even better by the time I get there because the new baseball facility will be complete by then.

PBR: What do you feel are the strengths about your game?
Jaden: I do my best so that I have no flaws in my game but if I had to pick my strengths out I would say my speed, and my ability to hit for power are my biggest strengths.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Jaden: My most memorable baseball moment to date is talking to the Alomar’s at T12, both Sandy and Roberto, talking to them about my swing and mental adjustments that I should make. That is definitely a career highlight for me. No doubt.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ontario?
Jaden: Eric Cerantola. He throws strikes. Consistently.