34 years after Al Leiter pitched a high school no-hitter, his son did the same
In 1984, just months before the Yankees made him their second-round Draft pick, a young Al Leiter threw back-to-back no-hitters for Central Regional High School in Bayville, N.J.
On Friday night, the left-hander's son, Jack, pitched his first. Only difference: Jack throws right-handed.
On the hill for the 20th-ranked New Jersey school, Delbarton, Leiter shut down the No. 5-ranked Don Bosco Prep in the semifinals of the North Jersey, Non-Public A tournament with a low-90s fastball and a sharp slider. He walked two and struck out six in Delbarton's 2-0 win.
No Hitter Alert: .@Delbarton defeats Don Bosco Prep 2-0 behind Jack Leiter's no hitter to set up NJSIAA Non-Public A, North championship game vs. Seton Hall Prep! Congrats to Jack on an amazing pitching performance! pic.twitter.com/B3LqylUrrk
— Delbarton Sports (@DelbartonSports) June 2, 2018
When Leiter got the final groundout to seal the no-hitter, you better believe there was one proud papa on hand:
I’m so proud of my son Jack!! The last pitch of his no hitter vs. Don Bosco HS in semifinals of the NJ state playoffs 2-0 win. Seton Hall Prep next. Good luck fellas. @DelbyBaseball @DelbartonSports pic.twitter.com/nsNXtbVRRo
— Al Leiter (@AlLeiter22) June 2, 2018
If you think that the younger Leiter was surprisingly calm after pulling off the feat, well, that seems to be a family trait. Look at how Al reacted after pitching the first no-hitter in Marlins history in 1993. Even the Marlins' mascot is more animated:
Jack Leiter has committed to Vanderbilt, so watch for him next college baseball season.
I am so excited to announce my commitment to Vanderbilt University to further my academic and baseball career! #AnchorDown ⚓️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9RVAJEvRA5
— jack leiter (@jackleiter22) August 8, 2017