Naperville Central senior Jacob Gervase endured a long road back to the diamond.
Gervase, who moved to shortstop this season, is healthy and productive after suffering knee and shoulder injuries in the past 15 months.
“The back-to-back injuries affected me a lot, especially on the mental side, when it was going to end,” he said. “I went straight from my knee injury to my shoulder injury. After my shoulder was healthy, it was like a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t have to worry about that stuff anymore.”
Naperville Central coach Mike Stock said he’s encouraged that Gervase was able to return, especially with so many open spots on the team. Fourteen seniors, including the Redhawks’ entire starting lineup, graduated last year.
Gervase, a Wisconsin-Platteville recruit, is a pivotal player for defending DuPage Valley Conference champion Naperville Central (1-2), given his experience, leadership and ability to play several infield positions, Stock said.
“Jacob was with us all of last year and played middle infield early but had some arm issues and did not play on a regular basis for the second half of last year,” Stock said. “He’s worked really hard and is going to bat in the middle of the order.
“He’s already had a couple of good days and been hitting well. He’s a quiet kid who leads by example but has the respect of his teammates.”
Gervase, a powerful right-handed hitter, tore cartilage in his right knee in late December 2022 and had surgery, leading to a two-month recovery period. His eagerness to play again contributed to a right shoulder injury that bothered him throughout the early portion of his junior season.
“After having knee surgery, I came back too quickly and tried to play too soon,” Gervase said. “My arm was not in good condition. It progressively got worse as I tried to push it a bit. I had to shut it down for a few weeks after consulting with doctors and trainers.
“I’ve had plenty of injuries throughout my life. I’ve broken my wrist twice.”
Gervase said his father, Matthew, helped monitor his recovery from both injuries last year. Matthew Gervase is a physical therapist.
“I take pride in how well I take care of myself,” Jacob Gervase said. “My dad always helps me as a physical therapist. I also put my body in the best position possible to succeed. Whatever happens happens with injuries.”
Matthew Gervase said the timing of the injuries was difficult for Jacob.
“He felt going into his junior year that this was his time to join the older varsity group,” Matthew Gervase said. “He had to deal with the mental part of it being harder than the physical pain.
“He’s always an incredibly hard worker and goal-driven. I knew he would put in the time and hard work and come back.”
Matthew Gervase said Jacob’s injuries gave him a different perspective.
“It’s totally different when it’s your kid,” Matthew Gervase said. “I’ve treated plenty of high school and college athletes going through some of the things Jake was. But when you see how it affects them on a day-to-day basis and outside of physical therapy, it made it more challenging.”
Jacob Gervase said he prepared for a larger role this season by adding 10 pounds of muscle. He sent a message that he’s back during Naperville Central’s season-opening 5-3 loss to two-time defending Class 3A state champion Nazareth on March 13, hitting a single against UIC recruit David Cox.
“Last year I had a ton of fun, got to see the best baseball,” Gervase said. “We had so much talent on that team. But this year, I’m really excited that I get to play with all these guys I’ve grown up playing with since fifth or sixth grade. We’re now all on the varsity. It’s a blast to be with them in our last hurrah.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
