Comebacks

This story is about Jack Easley from Lyons Township High School. Before high school Easley had played for the Prairie Gravel team that was a power house. Jack plays the outfield, has great speed and can hit. Jack and another PG player Casey McMurray (heading to Illinois) were called "Batman and Robin" because of the way they played and complimented each other skills. Easley's Freshman summer at LT, he started on the team that won the summer state title. That winter Easley joined the Wrestling team and during the season hurt his shoulder and had surgery. This cost Jack his Sophomore year. Then the Doctors decided to operate again, this cost Easley his Junior spring season. Finally, after almost two years away, Easley was green lighted to play again last summer. During the entire time away, Jack always displayed a positive attitude, he never gave up and kept working hard. Guess what? Jack is back! He is once again patrolling the outfield for LT, using his speed on the bases and is hitting for power. Way to go Jack.

Corky,

I love hearing these types of stories.
It just shows, it's not where you start, but where you finish that counts.

Congrats Jack and keep working hard.

I know Jack (I know, I know...most of you think I don't know Jack).

Our son played with him years ago and I've seen him compete in La Grange LL also. A real, pure hitter. Fascinating to watch.

During a game between LaGrange and Western Springs I had the privilege of seeing him smack a ball out of the park over the left field fence on the LL field at Ehlert Park in Brookfield.

That ball would have easily (Easley!) landed in center field of the adjacent Babe Ruth field, but it center-punched the light standard...about 30 or so feet up the pole. A monster smash for a 12 year old. Clearly the best hit ball I have ever seen hit on that field...by a long shot!

I had heard that Jack had some setbacks. Thanks for sharing the story Corky9999...it is a pleasure to hear that Jack is back.

Much success to you Jack...on your season back!

Brandon Gass at O'Fallon is one of the best comeback stories I've ever heard. He won 10 games last year pitching with heart problems and had another surgery this off season to get ready for this year. I know somewhere on this site, his story is posted in detail.

Corky, I'm just thrilled for Jack and his family. I remember him clearly roaming the outfield, along with Pete Capetta for Prairie Gravel. We know what a serious injury means and all the best to Jack now that he's back.

Pass on a big hello to Kyle.

Hi Rosy!

Yes, Jack is back!

The good news about your son Jordan's succesful return to the mound after Tommy John surgery, got me thinking and reflecting on everything that it takes for a young player or a team to be able to comeback. There are some remarkable kids out there.

I will pass on your hello to Kyle, when we head up to school this weekend.

Also, to 34/33 you have a PM.

Corky,

Got your PM. Say Hi to Keith for me. Time flys...

FYI...
The MSU/Purdue match up has been delayed (weather).
Originally scheduled for a Friday-through-Sunday series, the two schools will now play on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Kobs Field.

The expected high temperature is not suppose to be above freezing until Sunday, warming up 46-degrees on Monday.

Saturday's game will begin at 3 p.m., while Sunday's doubleheader will be a 1 p.m. start. The finale on Monday will get under way at 1 p.m.

I will be listening on the Internet. Drive safe and give Kyle a big pat on the back for me.

Hoping that I will have two comeback stories to share this season, losing our #1 Huenecke and #2 Reis could set us back.

Playball...what happened to Joey?

Joe's injury is to the muscle around the elbow, still very tender to the touch, probably will not make his first start until the last week in april, Reis fractured his growth plate, he is done for a minumum of 6 weeks.

Hopefully Heunecke will heal faster than that, and of course you hope for the same for your #2.

Look at the bright side, with this weather we may not play until the last week in April.

By the way, with your lineup and depth of pitching, you are still odds-on favvorites to win the MSL West.