Right-handed pitcher Mike Mokma is feeling at home in the High-A Great Lakes Loons bullpen. Mokma, a native of nearby Holland, Michigan, is enjoying his opportunity to play close to home this season.
“It feels great playing close to home,” said Mokma. “It’s really nice to be able to play in front of family and friends.”
“Great Lakes is amazing,” Mokma added. “The facilities are top-notch and the fans are awesome.”
Playing in his home state is nothing new for Mokma, who pitched three seasons at Michigan State University before turning pro in 2019.
Mokma credits his time with the Spartans as a major factor in his development that eventually led to a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization.
“Michigan State helped me a lot,” explained Mokma. “They helped me with more than just competition, but also with game plans and how to attack certain hitters, and that has helped me a lot here with how to attack hitters’ weaknesses and knowing where their strengths are.”
Mokma has pitched well in his two High-A appearances to date this season, posting a 1.20 WHIP with an opponent batting average of .200.
Mokma’s success on the mound comes from the feel he has for his four pitches. His mix of a four-seam fastball, a two-seam fastball, a slider, and a changeup will definitely help the righty keep hitters off-balance throughout the season.
Mokma went into detail about how he uses his fastballs to work in his secondary pitches every outing.
“I try to get ahead with my fastballs,” stated Mokma. “When I’m able to get ahead, my slider tunnels well off my four-seam fastball, and my changeup tunnels well off my two-seam fastball.”
Be sure to follow Mike Mokma’s time with the Great Lakes Loons this season.
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