Young Commodores Commit to Sanford
Written by Justin Siewierski
SANFORD – Freshman Harrison Ray (Longwood, FL) and Jackson Gillis (Wilmington, Mass) from Vanderbilt University have both officially signed with the Sanford Mainers. The Commodores are currently in the middle of the pack in the SEC playoff picture, and as seven of the conference’s 14 teams in the national top 25, Vanderbilt’s Mainer duo express high hopes for the summer season.
Hitting respectably at .220, first year Commodore infielder Harrison Ray chose Sanford because of its competitive atmosphere.
“I want to pick people’s brain this summer,” he said. “And really learn as much about the game as I can.”
At Vanderbilt, Ray’s first 41 collegiate at-bats include eight RBI on nine hits, with a double, triple, and a homerun. Listed as an infielder, he’s started multiple games as both an outfielder and designated hitter. At Lake Brantley High School, Ray was a three-letter baseball player, and was an honorable mention All-American by Rawlings Perfect Game, as well as first team for his region.
“I am really looking forward to have the opportunity to go out there and have fun every day,” he said. “And playing in one of the most competitive summer leagues out there.”
Lettering in all four years at Wilmington High School, 6’3”, 225-pound Jackson Gillis brings size and depth to the Mainer mound. According to Perfect Game, the southpaw was listed as the top prospect in the state of Massachusetts when he committed to Vanderbilt. Pitching just under four innings this year, the first-year bullpen pitcher has six strikeouts under his belt.
As Vanderbilt is 1,152 miles from his hometown of Wilmington, Massachusetts, Gillis is excited to be playing summer ball close to home in Sanford, where he’s only an hour and a half from home.
“I’m looking forward to coming to Sanford this summer because playing for the Mainers will give me the opportunity to grow both on and off the field, while having the ability to be close to home,” he said. “I look forward to the friendships and connections that I’ll make this summer in Maine.”
