If there’s anybody who personifies grace under pressure, it’s Burlington Central’s Michael Person.
From the minute he joined the baseball program as a 14-year-old prodigy, Person has been the Rockets’ person — the ace of their pitching staff. And the senior right-hander is still going strong.
“It was intimidating, but it was an amazing experience,” Person said of being thrust into a big-time role at such a young age. “You have to have confidence in yourself every time you take the field.
“I think that was important. I never lost the confidence coming in. A couple good starts early on, and I just kind of got rolling.”
Indeed, Person struck out 10 in his varsity debut against Larkin. It built the foundation for his productive work moving forward.
“He was basically our ace from his first day freshman year,” Burlington Central coach Kyle Nelson said. “He’s put together three great seasons. This is his fourth one, and he’s off to a great start.
“He’s always had a maturity about him on the field where he was able to handle pressure through really excelling in competition.”
Senior outfielder Brady Gilroy has always known that about his good friend. Both four-year varsity standouts, Gilroy has always been impressed with how Person handles the spotlight.
Burlington Central’s Michael Person takes a swing during practice after his team’s game against St. Charles East was postponed due to weather on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Jon Langham/ The Beacon-News)
“He’s always told me that his thing is that he’s great under pressure,” Gilroy said. “Ever since we were kids, no matter what, he said he can take the pressure. It never really gets to him.
“It never has. He’s definitely the best I’ve ever seen with that, at least around here. It’s really nice to see, especially with a pitcher. No matter the circumstance, he’s going to provide for us.”
Nelson also has seen improvement from Person through the years. Relying on a fastball, curveball and changeup, Person had an impressive first three seasons.
Adding in the trendiest new pitch in the game, a sweeper, has made him even more dominant. Through 11 innings this season, he’s already struck out 17, and the sweeper is a big reason why.
“That’s been his go-to pitch later in the count,” Nelson said. “It will break a little more horizontally than his curveball. It’s more of a swing-and-miss pitch instead of getting a rollover (ground ball).
“I think last year that’s what he was missing a little bit. He couldn’t get strikeouts with his curveball, so he developed this. It’s working pretty well for him so far.”
Burlington Central’s Michael Person tosses the ball during practice after his team’s game against St. Charles East was postponed due to weather on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Jon Langham/ The Beacon-News)
That hasn’t generated the college interest he may have wanted, and that’s OK by Person.
After all the pressure he has faced the past four seasons, chasing that dream has taken a back seat to competing with his friends, although he hasn’t ruled that path out completely.
“I think this year, there’s not as much pressure,” Person said. “If something comes along that’s a great opportunity, maybe I’ll pursue that. If nothing happens, then nothing happens.”
Person’s primary focus is on the Rockets (4-2), who have Person, Gilroy and AJ Payton in their fourth varsity seasons. Jake Johnson and Chase Powrozek, both juniors, are in their third.
Burlington Central’s Michael Person listens to his coach during practice after his team’s game against St. Charles East was postponed due to weather on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Jon Langham/ The Beacon-News)
This spring is a time they have been pointing to for years.
“We have a special bond,” Person said. “We’ve definitely been looking forward to it. I really hope we can show what we can do this year in conference and in the playoffs later in the season.
“We grew up playing together.”
After a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that bond is stronger than ever. Person is anxious to see it play out when Fox Valley Conference play begins.
“I have really high hopes for this season — we all do,” Person said. “I think we come together and play our best baseball when we’re competing against other very good teams.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
