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04/29/2021 12:00 AMJack Palmer appreciates the sport of baseball beyond the aspect of winning games. Jack, a senior, has learned several life lessons from playing baseball at Guilford High School, particularly the importance of having patience during times of adversity in a sport where simply reaching base presents a formidable challenge.
“My favorite aspect about baseball is that it is not as rewarding as other sports,” says Jack. “It is very challenging mentally, and the hills and valleys in baseball translate to real life. In baseball, you learn that it is not really forgiving, and that is my favorite aspect because, no matter what, you are challenged day in and day out.”
A right fielder, Jack is batting .364 with a .500 on-base percentage and six RBI this year. Guilford is off to a 1-5 start, but Jack saw the potential in the Grizzlies when they pulled off an 8-6 upset against Fairfield Prep on April 14.
“I feel like this season has started off a bit rough, although this is no surprise for our baseball program as every year we figure it out and are able to bring a lot of success to Guilford,” Jack says. “This team has a lot of potential. Coming off a big win against Fairfield Prep, who was previously ranked No. 4 in a poll, shows just a glimpse of what kind of team we can be. I expect big things moving forward as we continue to grow and get better every day.”
Guilford is being led by first-year Head Coach Nick Merullo this season, and Jack has already formed a good relationship with the Grizzles’ new skipper. Coach Merullo says that Jack provides the Grizzlies with some excellent leadership and is constantly working hard to sharpen his skills on the diamond.
“Jack provides strong senior leadership for our team. He always keeps the right balance of working hard and improving at his craft, while enjoying the game with his teammates,” says Merullo. “Jack is an anchor in the middle of our lineup as a dangerous left-handed hitter. He also plays a strong right field for us. Jack is always a guy we can count on in clutch moments when the team needs a lift, through both his play on the field, as well as his ability to say the right thing at the right time to his teammates.”
One of Jack’s biggest goals is to make sure that he’s improving as a baseball player with each practice and every game. That’s why Jack always gives a maximum effort whenever he steps foot on the field.
“I work hard every day and push myself as hard as I can. My goal is to win every day and make sure I’m giving 110 percent, while getting better,” Jack says. “In the offseason, I will hit every day, along with lifting and conditioning to make sure I stay in shape.”
Although the Grizzlies have lost a few games early on, Jack still thinks that they can turn things around and have a solid season. In the end, Jack feels grateful for every game that Guilford gets to play in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic this spring.
“I have pretty high expectations for the rest of this season. All fall and winter sports were successful in having their seasons, and I don’t expect anything less for spring sports,” says Jack. “I believe that with a lot of people receiving their vaccinations and our school systems doing a good job at managing the rare COVID cases, we should expect a regular season. I believe a lot in our team, and I think they we have the potential to be something great.”