If music is being played in between innings, chances are good that Sandburg’s Zoe Jeanes will be singing in the team huddle.
The senior first baseman fancies herself a music expert — and an ultimate music fan.
“Music in between innings is literally my favorite thing ever,” Jeanes said, smiling. “It’s something that gets me hyped. And we have the best playlist here at Sandburg.
“A good hype song, when I’m warming up or in between innings, really gets me going. It makes me feel like I’m ready to go, and I’m having fun while I’m still playing the sport I love.”
Along with several others, Jeanes was in fine tune Wednesday afternoon as the host Eagles topped Lemont 8-2 in Orland Park.
Grace Fuller and Zoe Trunk each had three hits for Sandburg (14-6). Angelina Diaz contributed an RBI double, while Fuller earned the pitching win with relief help from Haley Tracy.
Maya Hollendoner had a pair of doubles and two RBIs for Lemont (14-6). Avaree Taylor added a double.
Jeanes was held to an RBI single but also hit two balls deep to center field. On one, Lemont outfielder Mallory Corse made a highlight-reel catch at the warning track.
“Oh yeah,” Jeanes said, looking up with her eyes. “She was really doing her job out there today.”
Jeanes, who is committed to Cornell in Iowa, has been doing her job at the plate all spring. She came into the game with a team-leading .516 batting average. She has 10 doubles, three home runs and 26 RBIs.
She has been among the team leaders in hitting all three of her full varsity seasons. She has power but also consistency.
Diaz, a senior third baseman, loves watching Jeanes at the plate.
“She really focuses on her approach,” Diaz said. “You can tell that she owns the ball when she’s up there. Honestly, if I was the pitcher, I’d be scared. She has that type of vibe to her. You just know she’s good.
“The crazy thing is sometimes she’ll ask me for help. I’m like, ‘You’ve got it. You’re doing great.’ She’s just a great hitter.”
And also a team leader at keeping things light.
During the pregame, Jeanes and Diaz were practicing dance moves outside the dugout while waiting for Lemont’s bus to arrive.
“Angelina teaches me all of the Latin or Hispanic dances she does,” Jeanes said. “Any time a Hispanic song comes on, she’s like, ‘Come on, Zoe, we’re learning this one.’”
On that score, Diaz is happy to help.
“I just think it’s funny because Zoe really likes to put her hips into it,” Diaz said. “She definitely tries.”
Jeanes put her hips into one play at first base, reaching far and low to catch a throw from Diaz to end a Lemont threat in the third inning.
It wasn’t a lucky pick. Jeanes has been rock solid at first base. For the season, she has a sparkling .986 fielding percentage, with 152 putouts and just two errors.
“It’s a position I actually have not played for very long,” Jeanes said. “I was an outfielder for a lot of my life. Within the past three years I started playing first base. And after working on it more, and seeing that I’m actually pretty good at it, I started to enjoy it.”
Fuller certainly appreciates her glove at first.
“Oh, she saves a lot of the balls that are hit or thrown,,” Fuller said, laughing. “She stops everything. I just try to relax and do my job because she’ll do her job and have my back.”
Hit. Catch. Sing. Dance.
“The environment is just fun with Zoe,” Fuller said. “In softball, you need a good atmosphere, and she really keeps us going together.
“That’s what we need as a team — to be together and connect. And that’s what we’re doing right now.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
