It’s a family thing for the Cheeks — pictured above (from left) JT, father and coach John, JD and Jarrod — when it comes to baseball. Joe Pettit photo/Times
The Union National League All-Stars hold up their regional trophy and celebrate a victory over Chester to claim the title in Lancaster last week. The team — coached by John Cheek — now heads to the state tournament in Clemson slated for July 24-29. Photo by William Stevens
Four Santuc gentlemen are quick to tell you “nothing comes easy.”
Hard work and the drive to always improve is what JT, JD, Jarrod and John Cheek are all about.
“Back when Jarrod became interested in baseball, I’d watch VHS tapes on hitting so I could teach him the right way,” said Union Dixie Youth National League All-Star head coach John Cheek — father of Jarrod Cheek and twin NL All-Stars JD and JT Cheek.
Thanks to John’s dedication, success comes naturally to his sons.
John coached his oldest son Jarrod up until age 14 when Jarrod went to grow under someone else’s guidance.
“I knew he was ready and it was time for him to go on and be coached by someone else,” John said. “I knew he’d be all right.”
Jarrod’s success has nearly been as rich as his father’s faith in him. Last May, Jarrod signed a scholarship to play first base for Limestone College. He sees this opportunity as yet another chance to improve his game and his new team.
“Limestone’s coming off a bad season, but we’ve signed some good JUCOs (junior college players),” Jarrod confidently said about next year’s prospects.
It is that same spirit that originally sparked his love for the game.
“I love baseball,” Jarrod said. “It’s always about getting better and trying to improve every day.”
Jarrod can relate to his younger brothers’ tournament success.
He represented Union and South Carolina at the Dixie Boys World Series in 2007.
“It was fun and hopefully these boys (JT and JD) can get there, too,” Jarrod supportively said.
It is their brotherly competitive spirit that brings out the best in each other.
“I’m the coach on the sidelines,” Jarrod said. “And they are on the side of the dugout when I finish hitting.”
Jarrod will be in the stands cheering on his dad and brother’s team as they travel to compete in this year’s Dixie Youth State Tournament.
JT, JD, and John Cheek and the Union NL All-Stars won the regional title in Lancaster by going undefeated — beating Chester once and the host team twice.
They will represent Union at the Dixie Youth State Tournament which will be held July 24–29 at W.C. Nettles Park in Clemson.
John sees the success as a blessing.
“Whatever your child desires, whether it’s the guitar, baseball or to be a chef, try to make them the best,” the All-Stars coach said. “I’m just humbled and blessed by it.”
Post a Comment
