Considering the company he keeps during the travel season, junior shortstop Alec Gilsinn really doesn’t get intimidated by very much when he suits up for Marmion.
Gilsinn, who’s surrounded by Division I talent on a daily basis with Cangelosi Sparks, knows he can hold his own in that environment and takes that confidence into playing for the Cadets.
“It’s the expectations behind it, knowing who I am as a player and who I surround myself with,” Gilsinn said. “It’s just the norm. I’m being that player to boost everyone up and be a team leader.
“That’s a big part of what I’m trying to do this year and the guy I’m trying to be on this team.”
Gilsinn continued to be that guy Friday afternoon, going 3-for-4 with a double and also scoring a pair of runs for host Marmion in a 5-4 nonconference loss to Joliet Catholic in Aurora.
Charlie Zebig came through with a triple among three hits for the Cadets (3-5). He also scored and drove in a run. David Ferris, who had only two at-bats all season before Friday, added two hits.
Marmion coach Aaron Nieckula confirmed that Gilsinn testing himself year-round is part of the reason things are paying off for him. He’s now hitting .462 (12-for-26) with eight runs, two stolen bases, three doubles and four RBIs. He has even pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
“He has surrounded himself amongst peers that are at his level or higher,” Nieckula said. “That’s good because it challenges you to raise your game. He’s done a really great job for us this year.”
Another factor in Gilsinn’s success is the work he does that nobody else sees.
“Preparation,” Nieckula said. “The way he comes in and manages his routine, his demeanor. His progression to get himself ready for practice or a game is outstanding.”
Gilsinn came up in a big spot Friday. Marmion trailed 4-3 going into the bottom of the fifth inning. Gilsinn ripped a leadoff double. He later scored on a single by Emmit Collins to create a 4-4 tie.
“I was looking for fastball,” Gilsinn said. “If I see that spin, I’m going to sit back and take it. That ball’s been looking good to me.
“Just taking it one game at a time, getting my work in outside of the field.”
Zebig, who is his double-play partner, sees all of Gilsinn’s attributes on display every day.
“He’s been getting really hot lately,” Zebig said. “That’s definitely what we need offensively. Every time he steps up to the plate, I trust him. I’m in front of him, so if I’m on base, I’m pretty confident he will knock me in. Offensively, he adds a big part to our team.
“Next year, he will be in that leader spot, which he already is in this year.”
Gilsinn’s hot start appears to be rubbing off on the rest of the team as well.
“From an offensive standpoint, this was the best we’ve seen all year,” Nieckula said. “And we’re not just talking about the number of hits or runs. I’m talking about the quality of the at-bat.”
Gilsinn, for one, believes it could be regular thing for Marmion.
“Everyone knows we’re a solid baseball team,” Gilsinn said. “Everyone on our team is really good and we know what we’re capable of. This was definitely a good game.
“This is how we should be hitting the ball. That’s how we are as a team.”
Gilsinn, meanwhile, has been at the center of that all season.
“I think he’s in a comfortable spot right now,” Nieckula said. “I think he’s confident but not overconfident. He’s seeing the ball well. He takes a great swing. He never really gets cheated.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
