Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Tanner Jackson

The Cardinal Mooney baseball team lost several key players coming into this season, but that didn’t stop them from winning the Class 2A-District 11 championship over The Out-of-Door Academy 3-1 on April 17. 

Tanner Jackson has been a key player in the Cougars’ success this season. The first baseman is one of just four seniors on the team this year and took his role seriously.

Aside from his leadership, Jackson has also been a steady presence at the plate. He leads the team with a .388 batting average, including six runs, 31 hits and 17 RBIs over 26 games. 

In the district playoffs, Jackson went 3-for-3 with a run, three RBIs and a walk in a 15-0 win over Sarasota Christian on April 15 in the district semifinals and went 1-for-3 in the district championship win over ODA.

When and why did you start playing baseball?

My dad always played baseball, and he really got me into it when I was young, so it was just kind of rolling through him and he made me love it.

What has been the most memorable moment this season?

I just love winning ball games with these boys. I love these guys so much. We’ve been beating some big teams and having a great year. I think that’s it. 

What has gone right for you personally this year?

I feel like I’m just seeing the ball well right now. I feel like every ball that I see is a beach ball out there and I have a good hitting coach, Ryan Jackson.

Cardinal Mooney lost a lot of players coming into this season. Being a senior, how did you approach this season?

Everybody here is in the same boat. We all buckle down and just try to win baseball games. I don’t care if those guys transferred. I have my group here and we’re winning games. That’s all that matters. 

What did winning a district championship mean to you?

It meant the world. Being a senior, it meant a lot to me to win that championship. 

What’s your favorite all-time baseball memory?

Probably here, beating (Fort Myers Bishop) Verot last year. They’re our biggest rival, and we hate them over there.

What’s your favorite meal?

I like a good steak. A ribeye cooked medium rare with corn and mashed potatoes on the side. My dad cooks a good steak.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

I feel like it’s cliche, but I like The Sandlot. It’s probably my favorite movie.

What’s your go-to warm-up song?

I’m a big punk rock guy. I like the older 2000s punk rock, like Green Day. 

If you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing?

I’m in the gym working out. I play some video games here and there. But really it’s just baseball, baseball, baseball. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in baseball?

Last year I faced this lefty I had no chance against. He sat me down one, two, three. I looked like I saw a ghost. That was really my ‘Welcome to varsity’ moment. It made me get into a wider stance and try to get my foot down.

Who’s your favorite baseball player and why?

I like Randy Arozarena. He’s definitely not like me. He’s quick, small and a good outfielder, but on his time with the Rays, I loved watching him play. He’s fun to watch.

Finish this sentence. Tanner Jackson is…

A winner.