Payton Tolle is gearing up emotionally this weekend as he honors his late mother, Jina Tolle. It’s hard for him to separate his feelings while remembering her, and why should he? “I’m not going to shut myself off from what it is like,” he shares.
Payton, a 23-year-old pitcher for the Red Sox, embodies Jina’s spirit. Her positivity and wisdom inspire him on the field. “The joy she had, I try to keep with me,” he explains. “She always said, ‘Show people why you play, who you play for, and why you love it.’” Her lessons about passion, strength, and honesty guide him in baseball and life.
Jina had a straightforward way of teaching her sons, Payton and Charlie. She didn’t sugarcoat things. Her critiques were direct: if they didn’t perform well, they had to face it head-on. “In order to get better, you have to know that you did bad,” Payton reflects. This mindset came from both Jina and their father, instilling a strong sense of accountability.
Jina’s support was pivotal in Payton’s journey to the Red Sox. In 2019, during a showcase for high school talent, he impressed scouts, including Chris Reilly from the Athletics, with his powerful pitching. But it was Jina’s story that truly resonated. Reilly connected with her upon learning about her cancer diagnosis, as he had faced a similar situation with his own father. Their bond grew through shared experiences.
When Reilly joined the Red Sox, he kept an eye on Payton. Despite being a standout at Wichita State, it was their connection that really mattered. “As a scout, to meet someone like her is unique. Jina’s personality was refreshing,” Reilly recalls.
Payton eventually transferred to TCU, where he continued to excel on the mound, drawing attention for his size, delivery, and fierce competitiveness. As the Red Sox prepared for the draft, Reilly made an emotional case for Payton, sharing insights about his character and background. “You know what cloth he comes from,” Reilly states. The Red Sox recognized Payton’s potential not just based on his skills but also on the values instilled in him by his mother.
Sadly, Jina passed away just two months before Payton was drafted by the Red Sox at the 50th pick in 2024. Yet, her influence remains strong. “She planted the seed, for sure,” Payton says, acknowledging the indelible mark she left on his life and career.
As he takes the mound on Sunday in a Red Sox uniform, he plans to honor her memory. He’ll likely send a text to her phone and look skyward, using their shared gesture to express his love.
Jina had once written, “I am not afraid to die. What I am afraid of is that my boys will forget me.” Payton shakes his head at this, confident that her spirit lives on. “Nobody will ever forget an interaction with Jina Tolle,” he vows. “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her.”
Jina’s legacy continues, shaping Payton into who he is today, not just as a player, but as a person.
Source link
Red Sox
