Marcus Patton’s performance on & off the field is what it means to be a Jet
Marcus Patton is a standout in the classroom and on the baseball diamond.
The Ypsilanti native from Ypsilanti Lincoln High School chose Jackson College after hearing the team needed a first baseman.
“I knew people coming here and knew that I would play a lot and come be an impact guy,” he said.
Two years later he wrapped up his time at Jackson College and is grateful for the experience.
“It’s been an unreal experience here. Very fun and challenging. I got to know a lot of people and met lifelong friends. Everybody was so close here,” he said. “I would recommend to anybody to come here. I love the program, love the baseball team, love the coaches, players and teachers,” he said.
Marcus got off to a slow start this season but went on a tear at the end. Over a span of two days during the Region 12 NJCAA Tournament he went 9 for 12 with 12 RBIs and two home runs.
“Realizing that it could be my last time wearing a Jackson jersey and realizing that to have more fun than what I was having during the season and that we could be the first team to win the state title and go to Oklahoma really motivated me to try to play better,” he said.
The 2024 Jets finished 32-21 and 20-5 in conference play.
Marcus will be hard to replace according to Coach Rick Smith.
“He exemplifies the character that we always hope for within the baseball program,” he said. “His leadership and commitment to the program the last two years had a true impact on all the success the teams accomplished. Marcus will always be a Jet!”
He considers weight training and conditioning center assistant Christian Anderson a mentor who went beyond baseball.
“I would be able to have a chat with him about school, life and my mental health,” Patton said. “I could ask him anything.”
He studied business and sport management at Jackson College. Something he plans on continuing along with baseball at his next stop. After his baseball career, he would like to stay in the sports industry.