By TESA STRASSER
The Press-News
Canton South graduate, Justin Gill, recently completed a successful season at Kent State University where he pitched for the Golden Flashes baseball team. He won his last two starts of the season in the Mid-American Conference tournament semifinals against Miami and in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament against California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly).
These wins brought his record to 4-2 as Kent made their fourth straight appearance in the MAC tournament championship. They won the MAC tourney for the second time in the last three years. Kent was 1-2 in NCAA play.
Gill is an education major and is the first to receive a scholarship in honor of Elden "Ty" Youngen, a 1926 graduate of Kent State University. The scholarship was established by Youngen's daughter, Dr. Lois Youngen. She was present at the May 16 game against Miami of Ohio to present the award to Gill.
The Flashes treated her to a come-from-behind 12-11 win. Gill got the win and gave the game ball to his grandfather, Charles Hill. His parents are Roy and Janet Gill.
At that game Dr. Youngen threw a strike for the honorary first pitch. She played for the Fort Wayne Daisies in the All American Girl's Professional Baseball League from 1951 to 1954. Dr. Youngen is from New Philadelphia but lives in Oregon.
Gill, a 6'3" right-hander, was a sophomore at Kent this past season where he pitched in 43.1 innings and had a 5.4 ERA with three saves in 23 appearances contributing to the program's 43-17 record.
During his freshman year at Kent he made 21 relief appearances and one start, finishing the season 5-0 with one save and a 2.87 ERA with 37.2 innings of work. During his initial season with the Flashes he did not give up a home run.
During his career at Canton South High School he was the winningest pitcher in the history of the school and was named the pitcher of the year for the Northeastern Buckeye Conference his senior year.
Gill said, "I am very thankful to Canton South and the coaching staff for helping me accomplish what I have in baseball. So many in my class have done well after leaving South, it has to be because of them. I especially want to thank Rocky, Coach Forshey, Don and Darren Thorley, Matt and Jeremy Noll, and Derrick Faiello for their help."
This summer he is playing in the Coastal Carolina League with the Peninsula Pilots where he currently has one win and one save. He is paying in the historic War Memorial Stadium in Hampton Va. Construction of this facility was completed in 1948, and it was named as a tribute to those who fought for our nation in WW II. Many well-known major league players have played in this stadium including Johnny Bench, Duke Snyder and Lou Pennella.
They normally draw 2000+ fans for the Pilot games. The recent "Harley Night" promotion was very successful and memorable for Gill. To follow his summer season, go to www.peninsulapilots.com.
With 15 of the 19 Golden Flashes graduating, Gill's experience will be vital to the Kent baseball team next year.
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