Kaiden Weisbrod sets Jackson stolen base record

Blink while Kaiden Weisbrod is on base and you might miss it.

The senior is swiping bags at a rapid rate and on Friday against Naylor she stole her 36th base, setting the Jackson record for stolen bases in a season.

“I’ve always dreamed of being one of the stars in softball,” Weisbrod said. “I finally beat a record and it feels good. I couldn’t have done this without God's support and my teammates' support.”

Shawn Wilding is in his seventh year coaching with the Indians and he acknowledged how special players like Weisbrod are.

“I’ve had some good leadoff hitters,” Wilding said. “Now I have a great one. She scores when she’s on base and she puts pressure on the defense.”

If you’re hanging around the Indians you’ll often hear Weisbrod referred to as “Rickey” and ode to Oakland Athletics legend Rickey Henderson and his dynamic base stealing ability.

“She explodes off the base just like Rickey Henderson did,” Wilding said.

It seems like every time she reaches base, everyone knows she’s stealing, but still Weisbrod swipes the bag.

“She (makes my job) fun,” Wilding said. “I’ll usually try to mix it up because I don’t want her to get caught in a pitch out. I still think she could steal the base because she’s that quick.”

Weisbrod said Wilding’s trust goes a long way for her confidence.

“It makes my life so easy,” Weisbrod said. “I just like putting pressure on the defense. Once you put pressure on them, they’re bound to make mistakes.”

While Weisbrod continues to add to her school record, she is also chasing the state record of 72 stolen bases set by Taylor Akers of Kickapoo in 2022.

“I’m just very excited to see where God leads me,” Weisbrod said. “I can’t thank my coaches and teammates enough for getting me here.”

Like any athlete, Weisbrod had goals coming into 2023 and breaking the Jackson record was one of them.

“I knew I had a chance at the Jackson record,” Weisbrod said. “I wasn’t sure if I would get the overall Missouri record but now I feel like I can chase it.”

For some, chasing records can add pressure, but Weisbrod leans on her faith to get her through.

“Whenever I get in the box I really try to relax,” Weisbrod said. “I always draw my crosses to remind myself that whatever happens God’s got my back.”

The Indians are rolling as they have started 19-2 in 2023 and Weisbrod’s ability to put pressure on the defense has been big for Jackson.

“I always want to score that first run,” Wilding said. “When they see (Weisbrod) it puts pressure on their defense.”

Obviously, to steal bases you must be on base and Weisbrod is reaching at a high clip to pace the Indians.

“When I get in the box I always look at the defense,” Weisbrod said. “If they’re playing in then I’m going to try and power slap it over their head and if they’re playing back I’m going to try and lay down a bunt and get on base.”