Crafty Pitcher Latest in Lefty Legacy at Jesuit
As the latest to join the legacy of left-handed aces at Jesuit, Jack Lynch doesn’t stand as tall as his predecessors. But he can be just as intimidating.
(As the team’s ace, Jesuit senior Jack Lynch has been a primary reason why the Rangers are primed for another deep playoff run this season. Photo by Chris McGathey)
At just 5 feet, 10 inches, Lynch doesn’t overpower hitters like former Ranger southpaws Kyle Muller (now in the Atlanta Braves organization), Jacob Palisch (now at Stanford), or Tyler Murrah (now at Pepperdine).
Yet the senior has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the area with a sneaky fastball and a potent array of off-speed pitches.
His improved command of those breaking balls has allowed Lynch to inherit the leadership role on the Jesuit pitching staff after posting a 9-2 record with a 3.38 earned-run average in 11 starts last season.
“Hitting is just a hobby of mine. Pitching is what I hope will get me to the next level.” -Jack Lynch
“You want to be the No. 1 pitcher,” Lynch said. “I’ve been the most consistent that I’ve ever been in my baseball career. I think that’s why I’ve kind of taken over that role.”
His numbers have been terrific this season, highlighted by three wins — against Lovejoy, Plano West, and state-ranked Prosper — during which he allowed just one hit and recorded 13 strikeouts each time.
“He’s been the backbone this year,” Jesuit head coach Brian Jones said. “Every time he steps on the mound, we’ve got all the confidence in the world.”
Lynch also has been a valuable two-way player, ranking third on the team with a .356 batting average a year ago. This year, his opportunities at the plate have dwindled, but he still crushed his first career home run during a March victory in Little Elm.
“Hitting is just a hobby of mine,” Lynch said. “Pitching is what I hope will get me to the next level.”
In November, Lynch signed to pitch collegiately at Xavier University in Cincinnati, a Division I member of the Big East Conference.
“I needed to go to a school where if baseball doesn’t work out, the education is going to be there,” said Lynch, whose father was a second baseman at Notre Dame. “Xavier is a perfect fit.”
Lynch’s future might include sports broadcasting. He’s been one of the on-air voices of Jesuit basketball for two years.
But first, Lynch hopes to lead the Rangers on a deep postseason run after Jesuit was eliminated in the second round last year by Conroe Oak Ridge.
“We have so much talent,” Lynch said. “We can compete with the best teams in the state.”
