The Jackson High School Baseball Team had one of its best seasons ever making it to the final four in the State Tournament. Jackson welcomed a new manager in 2025, as last year’s JV Coach, Joe Fleury, was elevated to the role. He and his coaching staff quickly went to work redefining the team’s culture. This came in the form of weekly team dinners, polos and slacks on game day, higher caliber team and family events, and a never-ending commitment to bring the energy each and every game. 

That approach quickly delivered results as the Timberwolves fired out to a 9-1 non-conference record heading into league play. Against Wesco 4A teams, Jackson split their games against Arlington and Glacier Peak, then dropped a pair to Lake Stevens before bouncing back and knocking Kamiak out of their first place perch with a pair of wins. At Districts the Timberwolves punched their ticket to State with victories over Woodinville and North Creek. They then took down Lake Washington before dropping a heartbreaker to Eastlake in the District Championship in a rain-soaked affair.

On Friday, May 23rd, Mill Creek’s finest met the baseball team (and excited parents) at Jackson and provided their school bus with a police escort to I-405 as they sent them off to State over in Kennewick. In the first game Jackson played visitor once again to Kingco Crown Champion North Creek and, once again, sent them packing with a 5-0 shutout. 

Next, Jackson faced the number two team in the state on their home field and clawed their way to a 6-4 victory over the Kamiakin Braves, resulting in a massive celebration and a fun ride home.

On Thursday, May 29th the police showed up again, this time to escort a charter bus as the team headed to the final four. Jackson landed an exciting rematch against Eastlake. Down 0-2 in the top of the seventh, a massive double brought in a run from second. A hit would now tie the game. A line drive to left followed, however a beautifully relayed ball resulted in an out at home. Coach Fleury immediately challenged the controversial play citing catcher obstruction, however the umpires conversed and the final out was upheld. 

Jackson was now scheduled to play Puyallup in the consolation game, however, down 0-8 late in the game, Puyallup had the game called due to stadium lighting issues. The game was rescheduled for the following day in place of the 3A and 4A consolation games. Puyallup ultimately lost 1-8 and Jackson fell into the position of sharing third place with them. 

Though it wasn’t the state championship Jackson had hoped for, they far-exceeded expectations, including wins over the eventual 2A (Bainbridge), 3A (Monroe), and 4A (Lake Washington) State Champions. It’s fair to say the future looks bright! Our seniors did miss their final opportunity to hit the field however, so the least we can do is recognize them one more time here. Congratulations to Sam Craig, Lucas Poindexter, Drew Pepin, Eli Foley, Elijah Ritchie, Hawkeye Delgado, and Jeremiah Kang.