Gunnar Garrison, Eaton High School senior, is living proof of dreams coming into fruition. A young baseball player who has the opportunity to move on to the next level via his steadfast determination. On July 29, 2025, he announced his verbal commitment to Arizona State University, one of the most storied programs in the country. In his own words, this moment is the result of “trusting yourself, persevering, and trusting your coaches.”
The mention of baseball to Garrison completely alters his demeanor. His features ignite, his voice sharpens with conviction, and his eyes radiate the kind of passion that only comes from pure love of the game. To witness this transformation is to understand that for Garrison, baseball is not just a sport—it is his heartbeat.
Arizona State is a representation of growing up; it is a gateway to the next stage of his life. “To be able to move on in life-play Division I, play with high-level kids, play with the best and be a part of the best-it gives you that good feeling in your stomach knowing that you can move on,” Garrison said. For him, commitment means “everything”. Garrison has substantial standards to live up to, which is a challenge that he accepts with grace. He’s gearing up to shoulder the weight of expectations and to thrive beyond.
The trials and tribulations of his career are evident through his statistics. As a sophomore, Garrison batted just .200 while continuing to grow into his role on the mound. That season became his turning point. He committed himself to the weight room, refined his mechanics, and embraced the grind of becoming a worthwhile pitcher. His transformation from sophomore to junior year was nothing short of remarkable.
At the plate, he raised his batting average to .250, demonstrating measurable growth as a hitter. Over 21 games, he logged 35 plate appearances and 32 at-bats, collecting eight hits and driving in five runs. He crossed home six times himself, not only contributing hits but manufacturing runs and proving he could come through in clutch situations. His jump from a .200 average to .250 underscored his development as a consistent offensive presence.
His dominance on the mound is what sets him apart. In his junior campaign, Garrison pitched 64.2 innings, recording an elite 1.41 earned run average (ERA)-numbers that speak volumes at any level. He struck out 98 batters, wielding command and poise, and posted a 9-2 record. Appearing in 13 games, he became the reliable ace his team could turn to, shutting down opposing lineups with remarkable consistency. His strike rate of 83% highlights both control and confidence, a rare combination at the high school level. This was noted by many. Garrison earned CHSAA-MaxPreps All-State First Team honors his junior year, after receiving All-State Honorable Mention recognition his sophomore season.
Still, Garrison accredits his success to his coaches, his parents, and the steady encouragement that allowed him to push through setbacks. “There’s always a plan for you,” he reflected. “Trust yourself. Persevere. Trust your coaches, and be able to keep moving forward.” His dedication is for himself- for the love of the game, for the pursuit of perfect mechanics, and for the thrill of replicating that perfect pitch time and again.
Beyond the numbers, Garrison is more than a pitcher or a hitter. He describes himself as “excited and outgoing,” a young man who finds balance in life outside the diamond. He finds peace while walking alongside the river in Estes Park with his family, enjoys hunting and fishing, and treasures time spent outdoors. Inspired by his father’s travels and the places baseball has already taken him, he dreams of seeing more of the world.
Arizona State offered a welcoming atmosphere, with an energy-filled community and a sense of belonging from coaches and players alike —a true home for the next stage of his journey. “When you commit,” he explained, “you still have the worries of upholding the commitment and being the player you can be-the one they expect of you. But it’s exciting, knowing you’re going to a place that’s high level, that benefits you, and that you can benefit too.” His perspective grants him the wisdom needed to grow as a player.
For now, Gunnar Garrison remains a proud member of his high school team, majorly contributing as a player whose growth, consistency, and fire will continue to leave a lasting impact. But soon, he will trade in his red #34 for the iconic maroon and gold of Arizona State. The next chapter of his story is only just beginning, and if the last few years are any indication, it will be one worth following.
