Return to championship

A display stands prominently outside Ronald K. Drews Field on the campus of Sarasota High. 

It’s a sign of welcome to those entering the Sailors’ baseball complex and a celebration of those who reached the pinnacle of success.

Each of the Sailors’ state championships are listed — eight of which belong to the Sarasota baseball team — along with national player and coach of the year accolades, recognizing the crop of talent that came before. 

And for the players now seated in the Sarasota dugout, it serves as a reminder of where the program has been and motivation to add their names to the record books. 

It’s been eight years since the Sailors competed for a state title; and now, after a regular season filled with ups and downs, Sarasota is one of only four teams left standing. 

“You look to those other teams and admire what they did,” pitcher Jordan Gubelman says. “You wish you could be one of those teams, and now we’re turning that dream into reality. It doesn’t get much better than that.” 

Sarasota returned to the Final Four for the first time since 2007. The Sailors played Royal Palm Beach in the Class 7A state semifinals May 20, at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, with the winner advancing to the state championship May 21 to face the winner of the other semifinal between Plant City Durant and Oviedo. 

“It means a great deal,” Sarasota coach Clyde Metcalf says. “It’s been well documented the struggles that we’ve had. We didn’t play good baseball (for a while), but they changed course and elevated their focus and intensity in every aspect, and it’s been fun to watch.”

After posting a 14-11 record and having lost eight of its final 11 games heading into the district tournament, the Sailors didn’t know what to expect. Sarasota edged past North Port and Lakewood Ranch to win the Class 7A-District 11 title. From that point on the Sailors were a completely different team. 

“Before playoffs started, we struggled a lot,” Gubelman says. “We didn’t know what to do. A few practices into it, we said, ‘Let’s just go as far as we can.’ The intensity and focus in practice and in the games (changed), and we were like a whole new team. There was nothing really stopping us.”

“I don’t know what exactly happened to get us going, but I like it,” Gubelman says. “I’m happy with it.” 

Sarasota went on to post victories versus Seminole and Lakewood Ranch before posting a 4-0 nine-inning victory against Naples Gulf Coast in the regional semifinals May 14. Gubelman tossed two-hit shutout ball for 8 1/3 innings before turning the ball over to Nick Long after the Sailors scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning in a game that was delayed for two days by inclement weather. 

“The intensity at the top of the ninth inning — we knew there was nothing that could bring us down,” Gubelman says. “The intensity kept building, and we knew we would eventually break out and at least score a run.” 

Pitching and defense have been Sarasota’s strengths all season, and in the days leading up to the state semifinals, the Sailors canvassed the field, working on the little things that have helped carry them back to postseason glory. 

“We really want them to enjoy the experience because going to JetBlue is the epitome of high school baseball in the state,” Metcalf says. “But we also want them to be totally prepared mentally and physically to win a state championship.

“It’s exciting and very gratifying,” Metcalf says. “We spend a lot of time with these guys, and to see the smiles, the joy and the celebration lets you know that all of the time and effort you put into it was worth it.” 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected]. 

Results of Sarasota’s state semifinal were unavailable as of press time Wednesday. Check yourobserver.com to see how the Sailors fared. 

“Before playoffs started, we struggled a lot. ... A few practices into it, we said, ‘Let’s just go as far as we can.’ The intensity and focus in practice and in the games (changed), and we were like a whole new team. There was nothing really stopping us.”

– Jordan Gubelman, Sarasota High baseball pitcher