Junior baseball player Steven Brooks is one of the best center fielders in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In his sophomore season, he hit .313 against arguably the best pitching in the country. His defense was just as impressive as he committed only two errors in 90 chances while playing centerfield. This season, Brooks has constantly led by example. His durability is unquestionable as he has started all 43 games.

Photo courtesy of Media Relations Graphic by Ken Meyer/Old Gold & Black

His speed is extraordinary exemplified by his conference-leading 22 stolen bases, and he has proved to be one of the toughest outs for opposing pitchers with a batting average of .331 this season. It goes without saying that, in the near future, Brooks will make a career out of the game of baseball.

Brooks’ past accomplishments are extremely worth noting. As a four-year letterwinner at Seton Hall Prep, he helped lead his team to a No. 1 ranking in the nation by USA Today’s Final 2007 High School Top 25 poll. He was ranked by Baseball America as one of the nation’s top 50 prospects and rated the 14th – best position player prospect at the Perfect Game National Showcase.

The junior from New Jersey opened up about some of his accomplishments as well as his beginnings in the sport.

When did you develop such a love and passion for the game?

I developed a passion for baseball when I was younger. My father coached my T-ball team when I was about six years old and from that point on I really enjoyed playing baseball.

Why did you choose to play baseball at Wake Forest?

I chose to play baseball at Wake Forest University because of the great combination of athletics and academics. My older brother Gregory also attended Wake during my first two years here.

What has been your most rewarding experience thus far at Wake?

My most rewarding experience thus far at Wake was making the Dean’s List my sophomore year.

What is it like playing in the ACC?

It is fun playing in the ACC.  The competition is by far the best in the country and you get to compete against a ranked team almost every weekend. Most of the fields we play at are very nice and get a decent amount of fans.

What do you love most about your teammates?

I enjoy spending time with my teammates. Being a collegiate athlete, it is difficult to separate athletics from academics, but my teammates help with that.  Plus, there are a few guys from Jersey I really get along with.

If you could play another sport at Wake besides baseball, what would it be and why?

If I could play another sport at Wake it would be soccer.  I was a goalie growing up.

Who has been the most influential and/or supportive person in your life throughout your baseball career?

My mother has been my most influential person throughout my baseball career by far.  Although she demonstrates tough love towards me as it pertains to baseball, she has been one of the major driving forces for me.

What Major League Baseball team have you always dreamed of playing on and why?

I have always been a Mets fan.  My father’s first job when he was 14 was to sell concessions in the upper deck of Shea Stadium.