On any spring afternoon At Marquette Catholic High School, you can find senior baseball captain Eli Rodgers doing what he has loved since he was a kid, playing the game that shaped him. For Eli, baseball has always been more than just a sport. “I think seeing my dad play and my love for the game just really changed,” he said when asked what first got him interested. Watching his dad made the game feel close to home. Over the years, that love only grew stronger. What started as a kid watching from the sidelines turned into a leader on the field.
Like any athlete, Eli has faced challenges. One moment stands out the most, “I think losing in the regional final last year was a big moment,” he said. That loss hurt. But instead of letting it stop him, it pushed him. It made him realize how much the game meant to him and how much work it takes to reach the next level. Sometimes, tough losses teach the biggest lessons. Now a senior and team captain, Eli takes pride in how he leads. He does not see himself as someone who yells or tries to control everyone. Instead, he focuses on effort and attitude. “I feel like I’m definitely more laid back,” he explained. “I still get onto people, but I also try to have fun in a way.” That balance helps his teammates trust him. They know he expects hard work, but they also know he cares about keeping the game fun.
When asked about his favorite memory at Marquette, Eli did not hesitate. “Probably playing in the sectional game last year and playing in front of a lot of fans,” he said. Big crowds, loud cheers, and a chance to compete at a high level; those are the moments players remember forever.
Baseball has also taught Eli lessons that go beyond the field. “Failure is a part of life, and I think you definitely learn that in this game,” he said. In baseball, even the best players fail often. You can throw a great pitch and
still give up a hit. Learning how to handle those moments without giving up is something Eli says will stick with him long after high school.
Being a senior is not easy. Being a student, athlete, and captain at the same time can be stressful. But Eli has found a way to manage it. “It’s definitely hard, but I think finding the good parts and remembering why you enjoy being a part of everything helps,” he said. That mindset keeps him steady. Instead of focusing on pressure, he focuses on the chance to compete with his teammates one last time.
Eli also knows he did not get here alone. When asked about his biggest influence, he said, “Definitely my dad. He has always pushed me and helped me grow as a player and person.” That support has been a steady force in his life. From youth leagues to high school games, his dad has been there, helping him improve not just as a player but as a young man.
As for this season, Eli’s goals are simple but strong. “I think the goal every year is to win the state and go far in the playoffs,” he said. “I think we just need to always compete and win one game at a time.” It is not about looking too far ahead. It is about focus, effort, and trust in the team.
Looking beyond graduation, Eli plans to attend SIU and major in business and marketing. While he is not sure
if baseball will be part of his future, he knows the sport will always mean something to him. “Baseball will always be a part of my life,” he said. Whether he is playing, watching, or just remembering his high school days, the game will stay with him.
For Eli, baseball is about family, growth, leadership, and love for the game. As his final season unfolds, one thing is clear: he is not just playing for himself. He is playing for his team, his school, and the banner he hopes will hang in the gym for years to come.
2026 Archived Article by Brenden Wilkins
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