Brian Backland Photography 

By Ryan Eakin

BARRIE - This is the one article I wish I did not have to write, as after an incredible postseason performance that saw him be named the Most Valuable Player of the Intercounty Baseball League playoffs, Baycats centre fielder Glenn Jackson is considering retiring.

A decorated career that started with the Guelph Royals, Jackson was named this past winter to the IBL's Top 100 Players of All-Time list, and, in what could have been his final game and at-bat of his career, he homered off of Panthers reliever Mike Schnurr to tie game six at three runs apiece.

What happened afterwards, everyone is aware of by now.

Jackson said he is at peace with the whatever his final decision is.

"If this is it Eak, what a fantastic way to end it," said Jackson. "It's tough man. I have been feeling it in the air tonight, it's taking some time to sink in. If this is it, then God bless man. What more could I ask for? My phone is going crazy, my wife thinks I told her off on Instagram even though all I said is 'I love her', so life is life.

"All the people I love are here tonight. It's fantastic. I love it."

While Baycats shortstop Starlin Rodriguez's bat flip is the moment that everyone will remember most from Thursday evening's game six win, Jackson running around the bases, with his helmet raised in the air, is not going to be that far behind.

Jackson said that home run, and the celebration that followed, was just him letting all of his emotions out at once.

"I was expecting backdoor slider, and as you know, all I have been hitting is sliders, so I said to myself 'Jacks, just swing it.' So if this is it, I'm just proud to go out as a hitter man, because that's what I do. That's who I am. Whether's it playing or coaching, I'm a hitter. So blessed."

Looking back to the 2015 season, when Jackson returned to the Baycats, can be quite hilarious in hindsight.

Here he was, stressing for just one championship.

Now he has four.

He said the last four years have been incredible.

"Think about the rodeo that I have been on since coming back in 2015," said Jackson. "I had a great 2015 season, suspension in 2016, having to come back off the bench too, last year breaking my wrist and missing the playoffs, and this season, starting off batting .160 for the first couple of weeks and then battling back to do this."

Baycats general and field manager Angus Roy said he could not be more proud of the career -- and postseason - that Jackson had.

"I love Glenny," said Roy. "He comes to the yard everyday with the right attitude, works his tail off and will do anything for the club. To see him put it all together this playoffs, more so in the finals, was amazing. He had some huge swings for us. 

"You could see tonight, we were down. Down in the game obviously, but emotionally too. We had some calls that we thought went against us, so the emotions were high. Then you see that swing, and the elation that followed, just amazing.

"I love the guy. Couldn't happen to a better guy. Great family man, great teammate, and like you said, we don't care who wins the MVP, but if you are a little bit happier for one guy, maybe you are a little bit happier for him just because of what he has meant to us and everything he has been through to get here."

Jackson concluded the interview by just reflecting on everything and everyone that has been apart of his life.

"I was crying in the dugout the whole game," said Jackson. "I was crying out in centre too. I actually lost my contacts the last two innings, so I couldn't see (expletive) out there, I won't lie.

"Just humbling man. It feels fantastic. I'm just on cloud nine. I now look forward to the party that we are now going to have, that is always a great night. Just a fantastic time Eak. I'm at a lost for words.

"It's great, and you are always great as well brother. I hope you understand that we are friends, and that if I can ever be there for you when you need me, it's all love brother. It's been a pleasure."

This concludes my coverage for the 2018 season. As always, thanks to David Mills, Angus and all the players for taking their time this season.

And Glenny, if this is it, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me the last four years. I appreciate you, and I always cherished the conversations that we had together.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you are happy with the decision. 

With that being said, how about one more year?