1 August 2007

The closer who does it in a ‘Flash’

By Torey Dingmann
GateHouse News Service

Bourne - Bourne Braves’ pitcher Jordan Flasher likes things to get things done in a “flash.” 

     He signed with the George Mason University Patriots as a right-handed pitcher a mere two days before his high school graduation. And it’s how he effortlessly throws a 1-2-3 inning to seal the deal at the bottom of the ninth. 

     This quick and satisfying way of life is also the reason Flasher was called on to represent the Braves in the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star game Saturday with an ERA of 1.62 and a team-leading 16 games pitched. 

     “Signing was a great graduation present,” says Flasher of his late May contract with GMU. 

     Flasher’s high school, Osbourn Park High in Manassas, Va., didn’t get much notice from college scouts, thus making the selection process longer and more strenuous than expected. However, GMU offered him just what he wanted, a permanent spot on the roster as the closer for a Division 1 school. 

     “They told me what my role would be right away with them, so I took the spot,” says Flasher.

     His assistant coach at GMU was 2003 Bourne Braves shortstop Jeff Palumbo, who told Flasher he could pitch in the Cape League and earn a definite spot with the Patriots, which is not how he began his season in the CCBL. Flasher was a temporary contract player for the Braves and was under the stress of knowing he could be sent home at any moment. 

     “I signed the contract and [manager] Harvey [Shapiro] told me right away that I would be the permanent closer,” remembers Flasher. Now that he has officially signed on with the Braves, he has put his role to good use as “Jordan Flash,” closing games on the hill with eight saves (third in the league). 

     He has not only posted impressive statistics on the Cape, however. Flasher led George Mason with a 2.84 ERA, 11th best single-season ERA in school history, sixth among relievers. His 14 saves in 2007 was the best ever for a Patriots’ closer. 

     Flasher’s impressive statistics earned him a well-deserved spot in the CCBL All-Star Game. He has given up just four hits in July and struck out 14 in 8 1/3 innings. Facing the league’s best, Flasher retired both batters he faced in the CCBL’s late summer classic. 

     “It wasn’t expected, but it was a goal of mine coming here and it solidifies me as one of the top players in the league,” Flasher says of being named an All-Star. 

     As for his expectations, Flasher has set the bar high and has given every Bourne Brave fan room to breathe when he steps onto the mound at Doran Park. However, be careful if you blink because this Brave closer doesn’t just end the game, he ends it in a flash.

     No matter how deep into the “show” he goes, Flasher gives a great amount of credit to his father as his biggest inspiration. 

     “He has coached me ever since I was little, and he has never pressured me,” boasts Flasher. “I still toss with him in my backyard.”

     Flasher — the Bourne Brave, the Patriot, the All-Star and the grateful son — is definitely a sight to see when it comes time for Bourne to close out a victory. No matter how harsh the situation or how close the score, the Braves and fans shouldn’t blink to make sure they catch Jordan Flasher at his best.

     Torey Dingmann is an intern for the Bourne Braves and is a junior at Salem State College majoring in Communications.