KJ Scobey Talks Team USA Experience and His Other Favorite Sport

KJ Scobey is versatile. Although he played primarily shortstop in high school, moving to third base as a freshman wasn’t a huge deal for South Carolina’s rising sophomore. In fact, the bigger decision came a few years back when Scobey committed to focusing on baseball over golf, even though he was outstanding on the links as well.

“I played golf from seventh through twelfth grade,” said Scobey, who also played basketball in high school. “Being outside, playing sports is just the best. I play golf all the time. I thought about a career in golf. I normally shoot between 68 and 73.

“I sat down and talked with my parents about what to do. Ultimately, I chose the baseball route. I just love baseball more. I love both, but baseball is what God led me to pursue. I like the team aspect of it and hanging out with the guys. With golf, you’re out there more by yourself. I always took golf as more of a hobby, but I got good at it really fast. I love practicing and chipping.”

Scobey started 56 games for the Gamecocks last spring, batting .257, with eight home runs and 27 RBI. Earlier this summer he was invited to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp along with more than fifty of the premier non-draft-eligible college players for a five-game Stars vs. Stripes intrasquad series in North Carolina.

“It was so awesome to wear USA on my uniform,” said Scobey, who is studying sports media. “Going into it, I didn’t think much about it, but once I put that jersey on, I got a different feeling.

“The competition was awesome. I think I ended up hitting around .350. Just seeing those guys in the locker room and competing with them was amazing. It made me want to just keep working hard. I think I’m on the right track as long as I keep doing what I’ve been doing and get better every day.”

Scobey played some shortstop and third base with USA Baseball, and when he comes back for his sophomore season with the Gamecocks, he has his preferences, but ultimately, it’s about being on the field.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be at shortstop, but it doesn’t matter to me,” Scobey said. “I just want to help the team win. Wherever that is – if it’s left field, right field, shortstop, or third base, it doesn’t really matter. I grew up playing everything. My dad and my coaches always moved me around.

“I want to be an All-American, and I want to go to Omaha. I’ll probably make a list of my individual goals when I come back in the fall. I want us to get back on the winning side of things. I’m super-excited to play for the coaches again and get another opportunity to go out there and compete with the best of the best in the SEC.”

In addition to his hard work on the field, Scobey’s faith is also important to him.

“God has had the biggest impact on my life as well as my dad,” Scobey said. “A bunch of the guys go to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and a bunch of guys got to church. I pray all the time.”

While baseball is his athletics priority now, he’s not ruling out a career on the links later in life.

“When I’m done with baseball, I want to get into golf and be a golf pro at a course and see what I can do,” Scobey said. “I just want to stay in sports.”

For now, he can always dominate his teammates on the putt-putt course.

“One thousand percent!” Scobey laughed.