Junior pitcher Joey Oakie led the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 30-8 record this season. He was a unanimous pick to the CIML Conference first team and was a repeat selection to the Class 4A North Central all-district first team.
Oakie compiled a 7-3 mark with a 1.13 ERA and racked up 91 strikeouts in just 49 2/3 innings. He also batted .341 with one home run and 20 RBIs.
Oakie traveled to Cary, N.C., for four days last week to participate in the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program. The NTDP offered 72 of the nation’s top athletes an opportunity to connect with USA Baseball coaches, task force, and national team staff to better prepare for a future national team experience.
Here is some inside info on Oakie:
How would you describe your overall experience with the National Team Development Program?
It was one of the best experiences of my life. The coaches were awesome, all the guys I met were amazing, and the ability to wear the USA over my chest and on my hat was a feeling beyond comprehension.
I know that part of the week consisted of playing some intrasquad games. How much did you throw, and were you happy with your performance?
I had one three-inning start, which was on Saturday. It wasn’t my best performance, but I was just happy I had the opportunity to throw in a great event with amazing people.
Did you know very many of the players who participated prior to this week?
Not many. I only knew two who were heading there.
You mentioned that there might be a path for you to represent Team USA in Taiwan this fall. When will the roster for that team be announced, and what would that mean to you to make the squad?
Only four guys from this event are able to make the trials in California to make Team USA. I’m not sure when the rosters come out, but it would mean everything to get a chance to wear the USA across my chest internationally.
Let’s talk about your high school season a little bit. What was the highlight for you?
The highlight for me was being able to hang out with my teammates and make memories I’ll never forget.
I know the season didn’t end the way you wanted it to, but your team still set a school record with 30 victories. Can you overlook the disappointment and be proud of everything that the team accomplished?
Yeah, there’s a lot of good things to look back on in the season, and I’m extremely proud of my teammates.
Your team lost to Ames in a substate final, then the Little Cyclones went on to place second in the Class 4A state tournament, losing to Johnston in extra innings in the championship game. Do you think Ames turned out to be better than many people realized?
Yeah, Ames was a sleeper team coming into the postseason. We knew from watching them and scouting them that they were good.
Your team tied with Johnston for the CIML Conference title. How did you feel about the Dragons defending their state championship? Were you hoping to see them win it again, or not really?
I didn’t really have a rooting interest, but I did have some good buddies on that team.
You have committed to play for Iowa. Did you get a chance to see any Hawkeye games in person this season?
Yeah, I was able to go down and watch one of the games earlier this season.
You are considered one of the nation’s top prospects for the 2024 MLB draft, which is now less than a year away. Have you given much thought to the draft yet and what it would take in terms of a signing bonus for you to turn professional?
I have not given much thought into the draft quite yet. I think that will just work itself out as it gets closer.
If you do end up going to Iowa, what are you planning to study in college?
I plan on studying business.