PM360 recently spoke to Jake Knorr, Associate Director, Digital Marketing at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, about coaching youth baseball for the past 20 years.
PM360: How did you get started coaching youth baseball and what has kept you doing it for so long?
Jake Knorr: When my oldest son, Michael, was four years old, I was given the opportunity to be the team’s Tee Ball coach. Since that first season, I’ve had the honor of coaching both Michael and my younger son, Peter, all the way through high school. It’s been amazing to see not only my kids, but also the other players improve and thrive while playing baseball. What’s fascinating to watch is how they gradually realize that, no matter what position they play, the game is all about fundamentals and exceptional teamwork.
What team do you currently coach and what was your most successful team?
Currently, I am coaching my stepson Joey’s 14U Pony team for the 2022 Spring season. The most successful team I was part of is when my son, Peter, was 10, former MLB All-Star Mike Sweeney, former MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer, and I formed our own travel baseball team, “The San Diego Saints.” It has since grown to be a fairly large and successful organization in San Diego over the last eight years.
What has been your best memory as a coach so far?
As a “baseball dad,” I’ve had so many wonderful memories, from winning numerous youth baseball tournaments to watching Peter pitch a complete game as Carlsbad High School won the CIF Division 2 championship last year. But hearing Michael’s name called in the 2018 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres has to be one of my favorite memories!
That sure is exciting. Did he sign with the Padres?
He chose to continue his education on scholarship at Coastal Carolina University where he is a senior. He is one of the Chants’ starting pitchers for the 2022 season, so I can watch him on ESPN+. As a father, I remember him as a little boy in the backyard and now he is a 6’6” 245-pound right-handed pitcher with command who throws a 95-98 MPH fastball. It’s worth noting that Michael is eligible for the 2022 MLB draft! So, keep an eye out.
You also serve as a local baseball announcer. How did that come about?
Carlsbad High School’s baseball field is one of the best in Southern California, so when the opportunity to help announce and run the scoreboard arose, I jumped at it. I’ve been announcing home varsity games for the past few years, but this year is special because Peter is the leader on the team and will be graduating. I wanted to do something to show Peter how proud I am of him, and give back to the team in a way that makes them enjoy the game even more. Plus, the fans love it when I do my dance moves in the announcer’s box—or I think they do! We’re having a great time!
