Q&A with Sapulpa’s Braxton Jones – Presented by Reed Architecture

Sapulpa junior pitcher Braxton Jones expects to be back in the mix come playoff time for the Chieftains, who are 24-8 overall under head coach Steve Irvine after defeating Bishop Kelley, 4-2, in their last outing on April 24.

Jones, a right-hander who has a fastball clocked in the mid-80s, suffered a forearm strain early in the season. He was expected to be Sapulpa’s top arm going into the season. 

In a season-opening 5-0 shutout win over Victory Christian, he tossed four-plus scoreless innings in a starting role. He recorded nine strikeouts while allowing four hits and issuing one walk, and notched the win.

The Chieftains, who share an identical 12-2 mark with Bishop Kelley atop the District 5A-3 standings, have won five of their last seven games.

VYPE: How long have you played baseball?

Braxton: I have played baseball since I was in tee ball.

VYPE: How do you balance your time between sports and academics?

Braxton: I just try to stay ahead and try not get behind in anything.

VYPE: What professional athlete (college or pro) do you model your game after and why?

Braxton: As a cardinals fan, I like to watch Adam Wainwright pitch and the stuff he does.

VYPE: What have you improved on the most over the course of your high school career?

Braxton: I’ve improved on how to hold runners and pitch to batters with people on base.

VYPE: What’s your most memorable baseball moment during your high school career?

Braxton: My most memorable moment in my high school career was when my team won the first round of state playoffs.

VYPE: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Braxton: What I like to do in my free time is I like to play baseball and go to the lake with my buddies.

VYPE: What qualities do you think make someone a good teammate or leader?

Braxton: A good teammate or leader always has a good attitude and is always picking you up, doesn’t matter the situation.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?Braxton: My plans after high school are to go on and play baseball at a higher level, or get into the oil industry.