During a slow start to the 2015 season, Plant City High baseball coach Mike Fryrear insisted that things would get better once his guys found their rhythm. The boys have won seven of their last 10 games, thanks in part to great pitching from junior Jarrett Joyner who got the win in Plant City’s March 31 win over Brandon — its first in five years.
You were on the mound for the win over Brandon. I know that the last win, five years ago, was a little before your time, so what was that win like for you?
It was a good experience. I just had to go in there and throw strikes, and do what I had to do to get those outs.
What was working for you on the mound in that game?
My two-seam fastball. I just broke it inside and got a lot of ground balls.
You went up against Antonio Velez, one of the best pitchers in the county, and came out on top. How did you feel about that?
Pretty good, pretty good.
You guys are on a roll right now — totally different from the beginning of the year, when everyone was slumping. What are you looking forward to, with the district tournament coming up and you all playing well?
We’ve just got to go in there, bust our butts and win.
How long have you been playing baseball?
Let’s see, 10 or 11 years.
Where did you get your start?
Plant City Little League. I played tee-ball.
Do you play any other positions?
I’m just a pitcher. I used to play first base, back on the little fields, but now I’m just a pitcher.
Do you play any other sports?
No, just baseball.
Is there a sport you’ve never tried before, but always wanted to?
Golf. I really like golf, but I’m not really that good.
How are you doing in school?
Pretty good, so far. My grades are pretty decent.
What’s your favorite subject?
History. I like learning about the Civil War.
What’s the best baseball movie of all time?
“The Sandlot.”
Who’s your MLB team?
The Chicago Cubs. I just liked the name when I was a little kid, so I stuck with it.
Kind of gutsy to stick with the Cubs, of all teams, for so long.
Oh yeah. But they should pick it up this season.
Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
Hank Aaron. That’s where I got my number from. One of my old coaches is actually, somewhere in the line, related to him. My favorite pitcher of all time is David Price.
Is that who you try to emulate on the mound?
I actually got my leg kick from Alex Cobb, sort of like that, but I have pitches that are more like David Price’s.
If you could be either rich or famous, what would it be?
Rich, because I could become famous with all of my money.
If you could play for any pro team, who would it be?
Probably the New York Yankees, just because I’d probably get a lot of money from that, and I’d have a lot of cool stuff.
If you could meet anyone you’ve always looked up to, who would it be?
Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell. I just want to crack some jokes, just hang out and have a little chill day. It would be fun.