Offseason Work, Renewed Focus Helping Jack Smith Lead in 2022

By Nick Oldham (Washington State Athletics)

Washington State baseball senior infielder Jack Smith has come a long way since his freshman year in 2017-18. His hard work and consistent improvement year after year has brightened his future in baseball, but also made him a respected leader on and off the field.

Smith, 22, currently leads the Cougars this season in almost every offensive statistical category, hitting .342 with 52 hits, 12 doubles, 27 RBIs, and 28 runs. Smith is on pace to record career highs in each of those categories.

"I started to really focus on just having fun," Smith said. "I've just been trying to forget about all the nonsense, all the numbers and statistics, and just go up…