Jackson High Bears claim Federal League title
JACKSON, Ohio — Not all bears go into hibernation. Certainly not the ones on spring diamonds who make up the Jackson High baseball team. The Bears’ success has become as perennial as the green grass they play on. Historically, they have won two state baseball championships in Division I, six district crowns, two AP poll titles, and most recently, their seventh Federal League championship. Five of their former players have played professionally, including two that are in major league organizations now. Pitcher Kyle Nicholas is at Class AA Altoona, PA, a minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and catcher Dylan Dingler is with the Detroit Tigers’ organization at AA Erie, PA.
Jackson wrapped up the Federal League title with a 10-2 conquest of rival Perry. They improved to 10-2 in the league and 18-4 overall this spring. The Bears’ success hasn’t been accomplished through smoke and mirrors but rather through those time-honored baseball virtues…pitching and defense, a staple not lost on their head coach. “It comes down to pitching and defense. That’s what will carry you,” said 12th-year Bears’ coach Bill Gamble. “You have to execute on offense and pass the baton to the next guy up. But you win with pitching and catching the ball. This is a veteran team with many lettermen,” Gamble added. “They know they have to bring their lunch pails every day. They have the right mindset.”
Gamble’s mind can be put at ease when he watches his pitchers take the mound. Senior righthander Jaxon Clark is 6-1 while 6-foot 5-inch righty Caden Goodwin is 4-1 and comes over the top with a two-seam fastball that has given opposing hitters fits. Senior righthander Mike Olivieri is 3-1. Behind the plate is junior catcher Garrett Wright, an early recruit to Bowling Green. Outfielders Caden Mottice and Eric Freetage, along with infielders Shea White and Calvin Cooper, have carried the offense.
Jackson is the second seed in the Division I baseball tournament behind top-seeded Walsh Jesuit, one of four teams to defeat the Bears this season. The others are St. Ignatius, GlenOak, and Green. The Bears wrapped up the regular season with games at Massillon and Hudson. As the second seed, they will play host in the opening round of the tournament.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
