Grant Umbright: Naperville Central’s Leader on the Diamond

Grant Umbright, a senior at Naperville Central, had a calm demeanor that always reassured his teammates. His influence was evident whether he was pitching, at third base, batting, or running the bases.

“Grant is just amazing,” teammate Jermaine Kenady, a junior outfielder, expressed. “We believe in Grant. He gives us the courage to be aggressive. Every time he’s on the mound, we know it’s time to go.”

Recognized as the 2026 Naperville Sun Baseball Player of the Year, Umbright excelled in every aspect. The John A. Logan recruit led the pitching staff with a 9-1 record. He had a 2.03 ERA, allowed 31 hits, and struck out 71 in 48 1/3 innings. Batting third, he hit .324 and led the team in several categories: four triples, four home runs, 30 RBIs, and 36 runs scored.

His contributions went beyond stats. Umbright led the Redhawks (31-10) to 15 consecutive wins, advancing them to the Class 4A state semifinals. They earned a state trophy for the third time in the program’s history.

Umbright’s calmness was evident during a sectional semifinal against Hinsdale Central. When Kenady lost a ball in the lights, Umbright reassured him. “He said, ‘It’s fine. I got it. Just go hit,’” Kenady recalled. This attitude helped the team stay composed.

Coach Mike Stock noted Umbright’s growth. “He struggled last year but remained strong on the field. This year, he gained command, raising the team’s level.” The team’s success began in Florida during spring break, where they won four out of five games.

Despite lacking Division I commits or previous postseason victories, the Redhawks progressed far. Umbright, the third brother in his family to join the team, served as a key leader. “Grant has been a blast,” Stock said. “He’s respected, yet fun. His play grew bigger than him, focusing on team wins.”

The team developed into a close-knit group. “I’ve been on varsity since sophomore year, but this has been my favorite year,” Umbright said. “Best group, all hard workers, all supportive. The morale carried us through the season.”

Ashton Feldott, a senior catcher and first-year varsity player, adapted to Umbright’s fastball, which reached speeds up to 94 mph. “Initially tough, now it’s fun because he always hits his spot,” Feldott shared. Umbright’s unpredictable mix of fastballs and change-ups, which differed by up to 17 mph, baffled hitters.

Umbright also excelled at the plate, notably going 3-for-3 against Minooka’s Zane Caves, a Michigan State recruit, and securing the pitching win in a supersectional victory. He expects to continue as a pitcher at John A. Logan.

“I still have a long way to go,” Umbright stated. “I need to get bigger, stronger, and continue working in the weight room. They’ll help me develop, which I’m looking forward to.”

Freelance reporter Matt Le Cren contributed to this report.