Crestview’s Gillis Relishing College Opportunity

by Savannah Vasquez

NICEVILLE, Fla. - John Michael Gillis is a small-town boy with large shoes to fill. Following in the footsteps of his father, former minor league infielder Tim Gillis, John Michael is living his dream of playing college baseball and is working to ensure the opportunities continue.

"My dad played pro ball in the Braves organization from 1991-1995, I think it would be really cool if I got to follow in his footsteps," Gillis said. "Growing up my idol has always been my dad because he sets the tone for me; he always has the best advice because he's been there and done that, so he already knows what to do."

Heading into his second year in NJCAA baseball, Gillis said he has already honed his skill in one season with the Raiders.

"When I first got here, I was rock bottom - bottom of the shelf," he said. "I got hit around pretty hard, but Coach Doug Martin brought me into his office last year, a couple of guys took me under their wing and they kind of crafted me into who I am today."

On the Raiders roster as a pitcher, Gillis said he actually spent little league and most of high school playing shortstop with just a little bit of time on the mound. It wasn't until he joined the Raiders that he became an exclusive pitcher.

"I've kind of fallen in love with pitching," he said. "Coming to college, it was eye-opening because when you're at high school you can blow past people at 85-86 miles per hour, but you get here and it gets hit around like it's nothing - so being here has taught me how to pitch and how to throw."

As for the future, Gillis has his eyes set on professional baseball, but still sees the importance of a career path outside of the sport.

"I will complete my AA and AS major here this spring in project management so I can go into construction and architecture," he said. "But playing-wise I would love to continue to play, I've been talking to a few schools so that's in the works right now but nothing official yet."

When it came to choosing NWF for his first collegiate experience, Gillis said it was a no-brainer. 

"Making the decision was really easy for me. When you have a track record like this school has, you don't have to put much thought to a decision to come here," he said. "Number two in the country, you've got draft picks, you put out kids every year, it's just common sense. If this school calls you and wants you, you better come here."