Jackson Natanek got a taste of varsity baseball as a freshman on Brother Rice’s Class 4A third-place team in 2022, then became a key member of the state runner-up team the following year.
His role has only gotten bigger. Now, the senior infielder/pitcher has plenty words of wisdom, learned from all his experience playing in big games, to pass on to the younger Crusaders.
“The game will humble you, so act like you’ve been there before,” Natanek said. “Be a leader and be a great teammate. Do anything that can put your team in the best spot to win.”
The Illinois State recruit has embodied that message while playing a key two-way role this spring.
Natanek did the job with his bat Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and scoring two runs to help visiting Brother Rice roll to a 12-2 Catholic League Blue win over St. Laurence in six innings in Burbank.
Brady Cunningham went 3-for-4 with a homer, a double and three RBIs for the Crusaders (28-2, 12-1). Eastern Michigan recruit Aidan Nohava and Anthony Cartolano also homered, with Cartolano’s being the inside-the-park variety.
Cunningham also pitched six strong innings, striking out three while allowing two earned runs on just three hits and two walks. Brother Rice kept its league championship hopes alive, setting up a decisive rematch with the Vikings (26-4, 12-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday in Chicago.
“We’re definitely excited but we can’t get too excited,” Cunningham said. “The job’s not finished yet.”
Louisville commit Cory Les and Mickey Lotus each doubled and scored for the Vikings, who had a 22-game winning streak snapped. Adrian Perez added an RBI single.
Natanek and the Crusaders made sure St. Laurence would suffer a loss for the first time since March. On a hot day when the wind was howling out, Natanek said he was salivating at the chance to hit.
“As a hitter, it’s a fun time,” Natanek said.
Natanek’s homer was the first of the day for Brother Rice. He ripped a 2-2 pitch out to left field to extend the Crusaders’ lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning.
“My first two pitches were strikes but they weren’t my pitches,” Natanek said. “I thought they were balls but you’ve got to deal with it. He threw me another fastball, the third one in a row, and I just turned on it.
“I just wanted to put it in play and not strike out but it ended up going out, so it felt good.”
Cunningham has become accustomed to Natanek setting the tone for the team.
“Jackson has been great,” Cunningham said. “He always plays with intensity and he’s good to look up to because you know he’s going to give 100% all the time.”
Natanek is hitting .389 with 31 runs, three homers and 32 RBIs. He’s also been lights-out in a relief role with five saves and a 0.47 ERA.
Brother Rice coach Sean McBride knows he can count on Natanek wherever he is needed.
“Experience is everything,” McBride said. “He’s played in big games, he’s pitched in big moments. He’s our closer. He can really do it all. He plays the game the right way, hard with a fierce competitiveness. He’d do anything for our guys.
“Good things happen when you do things the right way and he’s having a heck of a senior year.”
Natanek is having a hard time grasping that his high school career is drawing near its end.
“It’s surreal that it’s almost done,” he said. “I’m trying to soak in every minute, including this right here. It doesn’t get better than this.
“St. Laurence is a tough place to play and I’m just happy we brought out ‘A’ game.”
