Naperville Central Senior Shines Despite State Finals Defeat

Naperville Central’s senior, Jackson Persin, stood out during his last baseball game in ways both evident and unlikely. His uniform, notably dirty, caught attention since Slammers Stadium in Joliet lacks any dirt. ‘They’re stained now,’ Persin explained. ‘I’ve washed them. The stains won’t come out.’

These stains symbolize the determination Persin and his teammates showed throughout their long season, which ended with an 11-2 loss to Mount Carmel in the Class 4A third-place game. Despite the disappointing results at the state finals, the Redhawks (30-11) secured the third trophy in the program’s history. It joins the state championship trophies from 2006 and 2010. ‘It means a lot,’ Persin shared. ‘It was a long year, and we worked hard. It’s comforting to return home with something memorable.’

Contributing to many cherished team memories, Persin played 32 games, starting as a catcher and later as a designated hitter and third baseman. Against Mount Carmel, he took the third baseman role. Facing Miami-bound Ian Tosi, he managed a 1-for-2 record, driving in both runs for the Redhawks.

“Jackson has been integral all year,” Naperville Central coach Mike Stock stated. “He competes against top pitchers. He’s one of our top hitters against quality opponents, which is why he batted at the top of the order.”

Persin took the second batting position behind junior Jermaine Kenady, who singled and stole second at the beginning. Persin followed with an opposite-field single to the right field, allowing Kenady to score and giving the Redhawks a brief 1-0 lead. ‘The gap gave me space for a ground ball, and I seized the pitch to move it the other way,’ Persin commented. ‘With Kenady on base, scoring from anywhere is possible.’

Tosi didn’t surrender any more hits, striking out seven in four innings. The Caravan scored nine consecutive runs before senior Michael Page, headed to North Central College, pinch-hit a triple to start the fifth inning, marking the Redhawks’ third and final hit. Persin hit a sacrifice fly that brought Page home. This last appearance concluded Persin’s season, where he batted .263 with 11 RBIs in 57 at-bats. ‘It was a good time,’ Persin said. ‘It felt great to play one last time with the team striving for victory.’

During the game against Mount Carmel, Stock provided playtime opportunities for 19 players, including six pitchers. ‘With 25 prepared players, everyone got a chance to compete,’ Stock remarked. ‘Despite minor errors, our effort, especially on the mound, made me proud.’

Kenady echoed these sentiments about Persin: ‘He demonstrated that staying ready and confident, even while not playing, pays off. I’m really proud of him.’

Seventeen seniors, including Persin, led a surprise-filled run for the Redhawks, who won 15 consecutive games before the 9-1 defeat to Maine South in the state semifinals. ‘Our camaraderie took us far,’ said Persin. ‘The energy was there every day.’

The team’s drive was palpable. ‘We recognized the efforts needed to reach here,’ Kenady noted. ‘Playing together one last time was fulfilling. Seeing everyone enjoying the game, I’m proud of our progress.’

Kenady, one of three junior starters, promises a future return to the state finals. ‘Expect more from us,’ he vowed. ‘This won’t be the last time you see us.’

By Matt Le Cren, Freelance Reporter.