Gordon Lee’s Day set to play baseball at Cleveland State

Numerous players from Gordon Lee have gone on to play baseball at the next level in the past few years and a handful of them have found their way to Cleveland State Community College.

That trend continued last Wednesday when shortstop J.D. Day put his signature on a letter of intent to play college ball for the Cougars.

“This is pretty special,” said the soft-spoken Day. “I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to go up there and continue my dream. I chose (Cleveland State) because of what they could offer me and I think they can get me to the next level. I just love everything about it.”

Day, who projects as a shortstop in college, hit .368 as a junior in 2019 with a dozen doubles, five homers and 41 RBIS. Those numbers earned him an All-state first team nod and Walker County Co-player of the Year honors. He also helped the Navy-and-white earn a second straight Class 1A Public School state title.

“He’s really excited about Cleveland State and they’re very excited to have him,” said Gordon Lee head coach

Mike Dunfee. “I think he’ll excel and do well there, I really do. I think he’ll have the opportunity to go on and play somewhere else after two years, or maybe even just one. He’s an exceptional player and he truly loves the game.”

Dunfee said Day plays hard no matter what the situation.

“When he transferred (to Gordon Lee), he had to play

JV for a few games and he played those JV games like it was Game 7 of the World Series,” the coach continued. “That’s just kind of kid he is. He’s going to go out there and give you everything he’s got because he’s very passionate about the game.

“He’s been a solid part of our success the last two years, especially playing there in the middle of the field at shortstop. He’s got a good stick and he’s got some pop. He’s a really heady player and a smart kid. We’re very excited to have him back for another (season).”

Day said he’ll bring whatever he needs to bring to the table in order to help out to Cougar program.

“I just want to win,” he said. Day is considering physical therapy as a course of study in college.

I think he’ll excel and do well there, I really do. I think he’ll have the opportunity to go on and play somewhere else after two years, or maybe even just one. He’s an exceptional player and he truly loves the game.