Unlike most high school baseball players, Preston McCracken knows exactly how many games he has left. The Republic senior is playing his final game of high school baseball today when the Tigers face Liberty North on the last day of a three-day festival in Warrensburg and Sedalia.
Monday, he goes in for arm surgery. An injury has kept him off the mound this season, turning a pitcher who was supposed to anchor the staff into a full-time designated hitter.
But McCracken hasn’t let that dampen his enthusiasm for the sport, the season, or his teammates.
“There’s no stress,” McCracken said after Thursday’s games. “I think that’s why I’m hitting so well. There’s no stress. Just have fun and enjoy the little moments.”
He’s hit the ball all year, but this week he’s been locked in. He went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and three stolen bases against Waynesville earlier in the week, then drove in two and scored twice in Thursday’s opener against Ray-Pec. He reached base twice and scored the only run in a 1-0 win over Warrensburg in the nightcap.
McCracken is committed to Northern Illinois for baseball next season. The repair — not a full reconstruction — carries a six-to-eight-month recovery. Getting it done now gives him the best shot at being ready for college baseball.
“If I do it as soon as possible, it gives me the best chance to return in college and continue growing,” he said. “I’m ready to get the surgery done and just be healthy again.”
It’s not his first time working back from arm problems. He’s been through the rehab grind before. Now he’ll do it again with a college roster waiting on the other side. But until then, he’s enjoyed his last weekend of high school games on this overnight trip with the Tigers.
“If there were any games I’d want to play, it’d be in Sedalia,” McCracken said. “We’re all in a hotel. We’re all bonding. It’s just a nice little boys’ weekend.”
Republic plays Liberty North this afternoon at 2:00.
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