There is nothing quite like finishing first. Thousands of high school baseball programs around the country open up practice with dreams of making a run in the post season. Many of them do. A precious selection win it all. The hard work and trials of a grueling season are the pathway to glory. Those who persevere earn the right to be called champions.
Such was the case for Briarcrest Christian ace pitcher Jack Gleason. In his first start of the season, the Mississippi State signee landed on the losing side of a 1-0 pitching duel to Collierville. Briarcrest won Gleason's next two starts, but he was saddled with no decisions. His third start of the season against Neuqua Valley (IL) was abbreviated. Something was not quite right. Gleason knew it.
It took some time, but Gleason overcame a little tightness and found his groove. His best baseball of the season game in the post season. In the Tennessee state semifinals, Gleason threw a complete game one-hit shutout in a 4-0 win over Baylor. In seven innings of work, he struck out ten and walked just one. With the season on the line and a berth in the state finals hanging in the balance, Gleason allowed two base runners the entire day.
The talented right hander ended the season with a 5-1 record and a 1.27 ERA. Gleason struck out 73 hitters and walked 22. In ten appearances on the year, Gleason allowed just 14 combined hits.
"It was a pretty magical season," Gleason said. "I started slow, because I had some bicep inflammation. I got on top of that pretty fast and got back on track. We ended up winning state for the first time in school history. That was pretty fun."
The final day of the tournament ran long into the night. Christian Brothers entered the final on May 23rd needing to beat Briarcrest twice. Game one went the way of the Purple Waves, 4-0, setting up a winner take all state final.
"It was supposed to be a 12:30 game," Gleason explained. "Christian Brothers is our rival and we just needed to beat them once. It was pretty crazy that we were both in the state title game. The first game got delayed until 5 PM due to rain. We had to tarp like three times. We lost that first game and then went to extra innings in the second and won. It ended at 1:15 in the morning. It was all pretty crazy."
The historic win ended with a 12-11 decision in nine innings. The fact that the Saints were able to win their first state title and deny their rival the opportunity to experience the euphoria of that accomplishment made it a little more special.
"This football season, they're going to present us with our state championship rings when they play Christian Brothers in football," Gleason said. "That will rub it in a little more."
The team comes first, but in order for Briarcrest to even be in a position to hoist the state title trophy, they needed Gleason. They need him to be healthy and they needed him to be good. When they needed him the most, he was both.
"I think this was probably the best season that I have ever had," Gleason said. "I faced some challenges in the beginning, but when I was healthy, everything was flowing. My body just felt free and loose. I pitched in that state semifinal game against Baylor. I think it's probably the best game I've ever pitched. My fastball is getting more velo on it and my slider is getting more depth. I'm excited."
Once the season ended, Gleason was named first team All-Region, All-Metro and All-State. Now, the talented right hander is working towards enrollment at Mississippi State next month.
"I have been in the gym as much as possible," Gleason said. "I've been travelling a bunch, but I have been getting in the gym on the road too. It's been nice to travel, so I can enjoy a little bit of my last free summer. I've been tossing about three times a week too."
On July 5th, Gleason and his fellow high school signees will make the move to Starkville to begin their Diamond Dawg journeys. There is a lot to look forward to.
"I think the first thing is that I am excited to show my love for the school," Gleason said. "This chance is going to be a really fun thing. The second thing is just creating these relationships with these teammates. Those relationships are some that I will have for a lifetime.
"Just the thought of playing there just gives me butterflies. I think I do better with butterflies anyway. I think that's a good thing. When you think about all of the legends who have played on that field, it's ridiculous. I am excited to be out there."
