JAMESTOWN – There will be plenty of reason to catch a Jamestown Tarp Skunks game this summer. Nice outing with the family, watch some high-level baseball, enjoy the $2 nights, or perhaps to catch some of your favorite Jamestown Community College baseball players take the field.

The Jayhawks will be well represented on the Tarp Skunks with pitcher Bryce Jackson (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown HS), shortstop Nate Johnson (Lakewood, NY/Southwestern High), and assistant coach Doug Clark all being a part of the program for the 2022 season. All will be reunited with former Jayhawk baseball coach Jordan Basile who coached the team for two seasons from 2020-21.

For anyone who grew up around a baseball stadium that played at some professional level, it was always a dream to one day taking the field that the great ones before you once took.

“It’s really a blessing and a dream come true,” said Jackson. “Growing up as a kid, I would always come down to watch Jammers games and all those guys coming up and now I get to look up into the dugout and see all those guy’s names carved into the wood. It almost feels as if I am walking out onto the field with the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, or Randy Johnson.”

The Tarp Skunks will be made up of players from across the country coming from the NCAA Division I, II, and III ranks along with our very own NJCAA products. When asked about playing with guys from four-year schools and his expectations, Jackson simply put to show that he belongs.

“I just want to go out and prove myself this summer,” said Jackson. “I want to see everything come to form and prove to myself that my hard work and dedication is paying off.”

This past season as a Jayhawk, Jackson made eight starts and 11 appearances where he had a record of 5-4 on the year. Jackson struck out 57 opposing batters including a career-high 13 strikeouts in the season-opener at Westmoreland County Community College. Jackson gave up three hits in the complete-game shutout and received NJCAA Region 3 Player of the Week honors.

“Bryce will fit right in with what we have going on here,” said Basile. “We know what Bryce brings to the table and he has no fear of failure and has the confidence to get it done.”

Johnson was just recently added to the team earlier this week and is ready for what’s next for him athletically and is ready to play in front of the hometown fans.

“This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Johnson. “I’m really excited to see get the opportunity to show what I have.”

Being a late add to the roster and playing with other players who come from a four-year institution, Johnson is ready to accept the challenges ahead.

“I’m looking to get better at baseball,” Johnson put simply. “I’m looking to grow individually and am excited to play at a high level. I’m going to go out and play my game on the field and the rest should fall into place.”

Johnson played in all 33 games for the Jayhawks this past season, leading the team in hits with 38, batting average with .338, OPS with a 1.074, and extra base hits with 17. Johnson had a career-day against Finger Lakes Community College during the year, going 4-for-4 with three doubles.

“Nate has a love for the game and has a high work ethic in doing his job,” Basile said. “Nate will be thrown into the fire but I have the confidence in him that he will be able to handle that.”

Last but not least, Coach Clark is ready to get back out on the field and continue to grow as a coach.

“This is a great opportunity,” Clark said. “I am going to be working with athletes from all over. Not only will I be helping them along in game, I will also be helping myself in becoming a better coach. Ball is life.”

“Bryce will fit right in with what we have going on here,” said Basile. “We know what Bryce brings to the table and he has no fear of failure and has the confidence to get it done.”

“Coach Doug is on a one-hour, tempt contract where every hour is a new hour for him,” Basile said jokingly. “Coach Doug is probably the best, if not the best, assistant I’ve ever had and he coaches for all the right reasons. He’s a player’s coach and the guys are going to love playing for him.”

The Jamestown Tarp Skunks compete in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League where they were the West Division Champions in their inaugural season with a an overall record of 28-15 and a home record of 16-6.

The Tarp Skunks will be in action tomorrow night as they host the Olean Oilers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League.