Quincy Notre Dame baseball carries late player's legacy to state finals in Peoria
SPRINGFIELD — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team spotted a black bird perched atop the center field lights.
It never flapped away until the last out in the fifth inning of the Class 2A Lincoln Land Community College Supersectional at Claude Kracik Field on Monday.
Tucker Tollerton was certainly there in spirit.
“Take it how you will, but I'd say that's a pretty good sign,” said QND senior Jake Schisler.
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Tollerton, who touted the No. 5 pinstripes in center field, died in a rollover crash Saturday night after the Raiders won their sectional final over Gillespie earlier that afternoon at the LLCC field.
The team unanimously voted to forge ahead despite heavy hearts and posted a resilient 13-1 victory over Bloomington Central Catholic following a series of tributes to Tollerton.
QND now will play in Peoria, advancing to the Illinois High School Association Class 2A state finals at Dozer Park. The Raiders face Joliet Catholic at 5 p.m. Friday in a state semifinal.
On Monday, QND huddled for a pregame prayer before a moment of silence and vacated center field for the first pitch. Schisler assumed the position during the ensuing applause. He said he knew he had big shoes to fill but added he wasn’t alone out there either.
The leadoff hitter had five RBIs in the emotional victory, including a two-run home run in the fourth inning.
“It's a good feeling,” Schisler said. “Obviously we wish Tucker was here, but I think he was here in more ways than one. We're playing for him, carrying on his legacy and finishing his job.”
It was Schisler’s fifth home run of the season eerily enough, and the Raiders (35-1) won in five innings to advance to the state finals for the first time since 2004.
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“Jake’s been one of our leaders all year,” QND coach Rich Polak said. “He hit that ball, and I just think Tucker lifted it up and put it over the wall for him.”
Polak taped his right wrist and jotted down ‘I got you P’ in black marker.
“He always used to say that to me: 'I got you P,' ” Polak said. “I didn't have tape on my arm until I got here today. I was looking around, and I was like, 'He's here, and he's telling me I got you.'
“I just wanted a little reminder, and I tapped it every inning when we went out there and it's not about me. It's about these guys, and these guys are incredible — just an incredible group. I can't tell you more than that. They're a coach's dream to coach.”
Contact Bill Welt: 788-1545, bill.welt@sj-r.com, Twitter.com/BillWelt
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: QND baseball inspired by death of beloved player Tucker Tollerton
