Tigers’ Jaden Hamm Sees Results From Hard Work
High-A West Michigan righthander Jaden Hamm knew he would have to adjust to more than just Midwest League competition in his first full pro season.
Drafted out of Middle Tennessee State in the fifth round last year, Hamm pitched in front of smaller crowds in college and then in the Florida State League during his debut summer.
Low-A Lakeland averaged about 600 fans per game last year, while West Michigan averaged nearly 3,000 fans, even in dreary April weather.
“It’s awesome,” Hamm said. “It makes it so much better when you get out there and you see everybody who is on your side and has your back. They want you to do well. Even going back to college, this is the most fans by far that I’ve ever thrown in front of.
“I just take that opportunity and just run with it. I mean, I love the baseball that is being played here in West Michigan.”
Hamm relies on a four-seam fastball, curveball and changeup. He added a slider during spring training that he is refining.
“During spring training, it was all over the place, with it being a new grip and a new pitch,” Hamm said. “Coming to the Opening Day of the season, I felt super confident and it (improved) as I had a couple of starts.”
Since then, Hamm has learned how to polish those moments of uncertainty and knows it’s just going to take time.
“It’s going to be a pitch that I use often,” Hamm said. “I need to really be consistent with it.”
Hamm kicked off his time in the Midwest League in style. He made five starts in April, allowing three runs in 20.1 innings to go with 30 strikeouts and one walk.
“There’s a lot of layers there,” an American League scout said. “Meaning, he’ll have to work consistently if he wants to tap into what he could be. I’m curious to watch this play out.”
