×

Gladstone’s Jurek delivers for Delta College

Courtesy photo Gladstone’s Justin Jurek has been a key pitcher in helping Delta College to the NJCAA Division III World Series.

ESCANABA — Gladstone sophomore Justin Jurek likes to have fun with his baseball coaches at Delta College.

He’s been having fun and wanting to pitch ever since he stepped foot on campus at the Saginaw-area junior college.

“I’ve always picked on the coaches and asked them, ‘When am I throwing?'” Jurek said. “Coach (Danny Smith) would say, ‘No, you’re playing middle infield.’ Finally, I looked at the pitching coach and said, “When can I throw?’ He said fine. I showed up and threw a bullpen. From there, I went with the pitchers and found my way into the rotation.”

Not only did Jurek work his way into the Pioneers’ starting rotation this season, he’s become the leader in innings pitched (62.1), victories (7-3) and earned run average (3.47).

Not bad for a former infielder who platooned at second base as a freshman and planned to do the same at the start of this season.

Jurek was at his best Monday as Delta College defeated host Elgin Community College (Ill.) 14-3 in the deciding game for the regional championship. Jurek worked seven innings, surrendering one run on four hits and striking out 11.

It marked the first regional title for Delta College, a six-year program which advances to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series in Greeneville, Tenn. The Pioneers (34-21) will face Niagara County Community College Saturday in their first game of the eight-team double-elimination tournament.

Jurek and the Pioneers are all on cloud nine to pursue a national title.

“It was pretty exciting,” Jurek said about the regional crown. “It was definitely a thrill to get the call for the deciding game. It was a pretty relaxed game to pitch. Our offense put up a lot of runs. I was able to throw with the lead and not worry about giving up a run or two.

“I’m happy how the year has turned out,” Jurek added. “I came into the year as a second baseman. I made the transition to pitcher a couple weeks before we went to Florida for our spring trip.”

Jurek was a key pitcher for Gladstone his junior season. He developed an arm injury and excelled as a catcher as a senior in helping the Braves to the Final Four.

The right-hander’s repertoire of pitches this season includes a four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup and “every once in a while knuckleball.”

The Pioneers had lost to Elgin CC 6-3 in the regional opener, and bounced back for a 6-3 win in Game 2 before Monday’s clinching best-of-three victory.

Smith has been pleased with Jurek’s transition to the mound, commenting after the regional victory:

“Justin has a great mental mindset on the mound. Nothing fazes him out there. He just keeps pitching over the top of errors and walks and battles.”

Jurek is joined on the team by his brother Peyton, a reserve freshman outfielder, and Rudyard freshman outfielder James Rosebrock.

Jurek would like to continue playing college baseball, but plans to attend Central Michigan University to finish his education if a baseball opportunity does not develop.

He plans to go to Tennessee this weekend ready to do his part when called upon at the World Series.

“I think coming in, we are definitely the underdogs,” Jurek said. “We were the only team not nationally ranked this year. I think if we play our game, we can definitely make some noise in the tournament. The first couple of games are crucial to get through the first game or two.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today