It’s a few months before the start of what will hopefully be a high-school baseball season for Brighton High School senior Levi Tucker.
He managed to cross one item off his list of decisions for his senior year – a college choice.
“I chose Garden City because I felt like it was the best fit for me right now,” he said. “I had offers from (NCAA) D1 schools. But when I visited Garden City, everything felt just right. I like the coaches, the town, the campus, everything.”
Tucker spoke to his new coaches on the phone, and they watched him pitch as well.
‘But I got to meet them in person when I was there,” he said. “My visit was great. I work out with a former BroncBuster at my gym, and another player from my club team, USA Prime, is going there, too. I visited other campuses, too. But when coach (Chris) Finnegan offered, I accepted it immediately. My decision was made.”
Like a lot of other athletes, Tucker felt the impact of coronavirus while his recruiting process was in full swing.
“The NCAA has basically not allowed recruiting until at least the end of the year,” he said. “I couldn’t even go back to the schools that had already offered. On top of that, in April I got mono. I was in bed for six weeks.”
He lost some weight and some speed on his fast ball.
“I was at 90 mph and came back from being sick at about 83,” Tucker said. “it’s been a hard climb back, but Tuckers don’t quit. It’s hard to beat someone that doesn’t quit.”
Tucker played freshman football at BHS but opted to concentrate on baseball.
“I volunteered to help coach Rose (Rose Zaragoza) with unified basketball, and I am so glad I did,” Tucker said. “It opened new doors and ideas for me. Being able to help out other kids with learning and physical disabilities is so rewarding. I want them to feel like a professional athlete. When I am done in the majors, I would like to create a baseball league for people with disabilities.”
Tucker hasn’t selected a major. His father and other family members are police officers.
“I’d like to do that, or be a Marine. But that’s only if I’m done with baseball,” Tucker said.
Making a college decision should make his senior season of high-school ball a little easier.
“Committing took all the stress out of the upcoming season,” Tucker said. “I’m excited to finally get to play again for coach (Justin) Stringer and BHS. I’m not nervous about playing at the next level. God blessed me with ability, and I know He has great things in store for me at Garden City.”