He's a Nick of all trades :: Naperville Sun ::

He's a Nick of all trades :: Naperville Sun ::: "He's a Nick of all trades
Linne's versatility was crucial to Naperville Central's success"

November 29, 2009
By PATRICK MOONEY pmooney@scn1.com

Nick Linne's football career ended Nov. 7 with a Saturday night playoff loss at Marist. By Monday he was running through Naperville Central's first official basketball practice, after which he went to work out in the weight room. That Wednesday the senior signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Northwestern.

Within those five days is a large enough sample size to understand where Linne is coming from.

The Central staff gave its players time and space in the locker room after that 24-7 second-round defeat on Chicago's South Side. Linne's potential earned him promotions to the varsity level for the postseason as a freshman and sophomore, so the quarterback knew some would be slow to take off the pads.

"It's definitely not fun sitting there. I've been there four different times," Linne recalled. "It was weird finally being a senior and getting that ultimate feeling. I always got sad when I'd see the seniors crying, but now (I) was one of them. (It hurts) just knowing that's the last game you're gonna play."

Emotions aside, Linne maxed out as a high school quarterback. The offensive co-captain of the all-DuPage Valley Conference team generated 2,695 all-purpose yards and accounted for 29 touchdowns this season.

And it goes beyond just statistics. After leading the 8-3 Redhawks to victories over crosstown rivals Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley and Naperville North -- by a combined 15 points -- Linne is the 2009 Sun Player of the Year.

"The quarterback's as good as anybody in the western suburbs. He's a great athlete and he can hurt you with his feet as well as his arm," Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski said last month while breaking down Central. "There's even times on tape where teams would look like they had good position on receivers (and you) feel like you have a good pass rush. (But) the quarterback's a good enough athlete to make you miss and still keep his eyes down the field."

Linne described playing quarterback as a feel thing. That's when he separated himself, with defensive ends caving in, the pocket collapsing and receivers trying to find the near sideline or holes in the zone defense.

Defensive coordinators had to plan for Linne (645 rushing yards, 4.8 per carry) as Central's primary running back. And he functioned almost as a point guard in its spread offense. Five Redhawks finished the season with double-digit receptions, and six caught touchdown passes, as Linne completed nearly 60 percent of his throws for 2,050 yards.

"He's a coach on the field," Central coach Mike Stine said. "He's a kid in two years (who I) really never had to yell at him, whether it was a game or a practice. He just has that unique way about himself."

Linne didn't draw much interest above what used to be called Division I-AA football, a snub that no longer really bothers him because of where he's heading.

Northwestern baseball raised its profile during the World Series, which saw former Wildcats in New York and Philadelphia. Yankees manager Joe Girardi wore No. 27 to symbolize the championship his organization was seeking. Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ would later find out that he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Throughout the winter, Linne will be following the weighlifting and hitting plan provided by Northwestern's baseball coaches. For Linne, the competitive will and sense of calm shaped by football will continue to carry over to other sports. But it will still be interesting to see what happens when he only channels his energy toward baseball.

"To be honest, I've never really been a year-round baseball player," Linne said. "This is a new thing for me, to focus all on one sport."

Letters of Intent - Providence Catholic Baseball - New Lenox Illinois

Letters of Intent: "college commitments

John Ciolkosz, son of Phil and Patricia Ciolkosz of Homer Glen, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend St. Joseph’s College in Indiana where he will continue his baseball career and plans to major in Mathematics. Ciolkosz is a graduate of Homer Junior High and a parishioner at St. Bernard’s. The honor roll student is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and has played for the Providence Catholic Celtic baseball team in New Lenox Illinois his entire high school career. In 2009, his pitching record was 4 and 2 on the mound, which was the 2nd best record for the team.

Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010! - RMU

Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010! - RMU: "Oak Lawn stand-out Patrick Kustok signs with RMU for 2010!

Chicago, Illinois - Robert Morris University Baseball Coach Mike Kashirsky continues to build his program's 2010 recruiting class, signing Oak Lawn Community High School middle infielder Patrick Kustok to a letter of intent on November 24, 2009"

The son of Don Kustok and Carol Szeremeta, Patrick helped OLCHS Head Coach Brian Clifton's Spartans to an Illinois High School Association Regional title in 2009. He was named the team's most valuable player and team captain as a junior.


"Pat comes from a very athletic family," said Coach Kashirsky (pictured above with his newest recruit), referring to his cousins Sarah and Zach, well known Chicagoland prep stars of recent vintage. "He has a big upside. He hit .360 as a junior and he has another season of high school and summer ball before he begins intercollegiate competition."

A member of the OLCHS National Honor Society, Pat will pursue a Bachelors of Applied Science degree in the University's School of Computer Studies.

Summer Collegiate League Standouts - Ryan Camp

The third addition of Summer Collegiate Baseball Standouts highlights Ryan Camp from Mapleton Illinois who had a perfect 5-0 record for the Vienna Senators of the Clark C. Griffith Collegiate Baseball League this past summer.  In his 42.2 innings Ryan struck out 44 batters only allowing 33 hits and finished with a 2.74 ERA.  His numbers with the Vienna Senators posted him 5th in the league in ERA, 3rd in opposing batting average, 3rd in strikeouts and tied for 2nd in batters struck out looking.  Ryan also helped Vienna capture the Clark C. Griffith league title for 2009.

Ryan is a 6'3" 215lb sophomore at Illinois State University and attended Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, Illinois.

Heller Signs Ten For 2010-11 - GoSycamores.com—Official Web Site of Indiana State Athletics

Heller Signs Ten For 2010-11 - GoSycamores.com—Official Web Site of Indiana State Athletics: "Heller Signs Ten For 2010-11
Courtesy: ISU Athletics
Release: 11/25/2009"

Baseball in Illinois will only show details on players from Illinois.

Danny Pfrank
GoSycamores.com

First-year head coach Rick Heller announced his first recruiting class as head baseball coach at Indiana State University on Wednesday (Nov. 25), with the signing of ten student-athletes in his inaugural class with the Sycamores.

"I'm extremely happy with our first recruiting class," said head coach Heller. "We will graduate eight seniors this year and could lose a couple more to the Major League Baseball draft. Throw in the 11 seniors and two juniors drafted this past spring and we needed to have a large and talented 2010-11 class.

"I believe that this group will set the tone for the future of ISU baseball. Three of our recruiting goals were to improve our overall athleticism, bring in some top of the line pitching and add some middle of the lineup hitters. I feel we achieved those goals. We signed five guys who run 6.6 or 6.8 in the 60. We were also able to sign five pitchers, with three being from the state on Indiana, as well as one of the best infielders in the state from right here in Terre Haute. We also signed several players who can really hit as well.

"Recruiting Coordinator Tyler Herbst and assistant coach Brian Smiley deserve all the credit. These two guys were loyal to the program and kept working hard when coach [Lindsay] Meggs left. They were able to develop a positive relationship with a lot of the players we signed before I was hired. Their loyalty really paid off for the program. In one of the biggest recruiting years in school history their loyalty saved the day. With me being hired a week before school started, it would have been catastrophic had Tyler and Brian not kept the ball rolling during the search. They deserve a big pat on the back.

"It's been a race to try and get caught up since I was hired and I feel we are getting close. Overall, I couldn't be happier with where we are at this point. We signed some very talented student-athletes this past week."

Below is a quick rundown of the 2010-11 recruiting class, with a quote from head coach Heller.

Example: Name - Position - Throws/Bats - Height, Weight
Lucas Hileman - OF - L/L - 6-1, 195

Anna, Ill. / Anna-Jonesboro HS / Baylor Univ. / John A. Logan JC

Posted a .535 batting average with six home runs, 32 RBI and 28 steals as a senior at Anna-Jonesboro under head coach Jake Alley. Played in 25 games during 2009 at Baylor, including 13 starts. Batted .395 in 43 plate appearances with 17 hits, two doubles and seven RBIs. Will play the 2010 season at John A. Logan before coming to Indiana State.

"Luke is an excellent left-handed hitter who will really stabilize our outfield next season," said head coach Heller. "Luke is a great player and we are happy he's going to be a Sycamore."

National Club Baseball - Illinois Teams

The National Club Baseball Association is the national body that governs club baseball at colleges and universities in the United States.  Club teams are not completely sponsored by the schools and the teams are not eligible to play in NCAA World Series.  The two types of institutions that field club teams are the schools that can't sponsor NCAA varsity baseball and the schools that do have a varsity team but also have enough players for a second team.

In the state of Illinois there are 5 schools that have club baseball teams:
Columbia College in Chicago
University of Illinois
Northwestern University
Loyola University
Illinois State University

If you would like to view all of the club teams the website address is:  www.clubbaseball.org/

Or you can click on the right sidebar to look at the individual team websites.

Baseball Announces 2010 Captains - LEWIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Baseball Announces 2010 Captains - LEWIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Baseball Announces 2010 Captains

Flyers ready for 2010 season"

ROMEOVILLE, Illinois - Lewis head baseball coach Tim McDonough has announced team captains for the 2010 season.

Seniors catcher Joe Carbone (Lemont, Ill./Lemont/Florida Gulf Coast University), outfielder/pitcher Scott Householder (Berwyn, Ill./St. Josephs/Triton), outfielder Ryan McNamanan (Waukegan, Ill./Waukegan) and pitcher Joe Scumaci (Chicago, Ill./St. Laurence/Triton) earned the honor of being named captains.

"All of these players are not only tremendous leaders on the field, but each has made the Dean's list during their time at Lewis," McDonough said. "They are all `true student-athletes' who are able to successfully balance the college experience academically, socially and athletically."

Carbone is in his fourth season as a Flyer. The Deans' List student played in 18 games last season.

"Joe has been an outstanding vocal leader for us for three years on and off the field," McDonough said. "Joe is one of those players who serves as a coach on the field when he is in the ballgame. He is very deserving of being named a captain for the 2010 season."

Householder is in his second year at Lewis after transferring from Triton College. He was named to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Third Team last season despite suffering an injury to this throwing arm early in the season.

"Scotty came in and commanded the respect of everyone last year as a transfer and that has certainly carried over to this year," McDonough said. "His attitude and commitment to `team' really rubs off on his teammates and he has all of the characteristics that a great leader should possess."

McManaman has held down the center field position for Lewis since his freshman season.

"Nobody cares more about Lewis University, his teammates and winning than Ryan McManaman," McDonough said. "Ryan may be the hardest worker I have ever coached. The extra work he puts in and his efforts in the weight room along with his willingness to help out his teammates made this decision a no-brainer."

Scumaci was an All-GLVC Second Team selection in his first year at Lewis. He posted a team-best 2.42 earned run average, the lowest for a Lewis starter since 2000, last season.

"Joe is our #1 pitcher and probably our toughest competitor," McDonough said. "As the leader of the pitching staff, Joe sets the tone with every game he pitches and every series we play. He has a take no prisoners mentality and is respected by everybody on the team."

The Flyers start the 2010 season, McDonough's third as skipper of the Flyers, on Feb. 13 at Henderson State in Arkansas.

Marmol, Mr. T up for TYIB Awards | cubs.com: News

Marmol, Mr. T up for TYIB Awards cubs.com: News: "Marmol, Mr. T up for TYIB Awards
Setup man and celeb bring Cubs memorable moments in '09"

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

11/25/09 5:00 PM EST

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol's performance on the field and Mr. T's off-key singing of the seventh-inning stretch off of it are among the candidates for MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards.

The ballot boxes will close at 6:59 p.m. CT on Dec. 11. In 2008, a record 12 million votes were cast for the TYIB Awards, and that figure could be surpassed this time around as fans weigh in on the year's top hitter, pitcher, moments and more. The results of the voting will be revealed during the week of Dec. 14-18.

Marmol is among the candidates for Setup Man of the Year. The right-hander led the Cubs with 27 holds despite taking over the closer's duties on Aug. 18. Marmol recorded 11 strikeouts per nine innings, third most among NL relievers.

His competition includes the Giants' Jeremy Affeldt; the Brewers' Todd Coffey; the Padres' Luke Gregerson; the Twins' Matt Guerrier; the Yankees' Phil Hughes; the Mariners' Mark Lowe; the White Sox's Matt Thornton; the Rangers' C.J. Wilson; and the Athletics' Michael Wuertz.

Actor and Chicago native Mr. T delivered a very loud rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley Field for a May 25 game against Pittsburgh, and is among the candidates in the Oddity of the Year category.

Fans are asked to help decide the year's most bizarre moment. Previous winners include Ozzy Osbourne, who did a mumbled rendition of the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field back in 2003.

Mr. T is competing with a D-backs fan who bare-handed a foul ball on July 28 against the Phillies, and didn't drop either his extra-large drink or his son. There's the PETCO bee game from July 2 when a swarm invaded the San Diego ballpark and prompted a 52-minute delay.

There are two other entries in this category with Cubs connections. Chicago fans remember Milton Bradley's inability to count how many outs were in the inning against the Twins on June 12. He caught a fly ball for the second out, and inexplicably threw the ball into the bleachers.

On July 28, Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome hit a comebacker that somehow ended up inside the jersey of Houston pitcher Jeff Fulchino. Fukudome was credited with a single.

Other competitors in this category include a September game when a dad made a one-handed catch of a foul ball at a Phillies game and gave the ball to his daughter, who threw it back onto the field. There's also the July game when the Pittsburgh Pierogis beat the Presidents in a mascot race at Nationals Park and the lucky boy who brought his glove to a Rangers game and caught two foul balls by Josh Hamilton

White Sox add to depth with Andruw

White Sox add to depth with Andruw

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

11/25/09 5:40 PM EST

CHICAGO -- The price definitely was right for the White Sox concerning the free-agent signing of Andruw Jones, a $500,000 deal for 2010 with up to an additional $1 million in performance bonuses, as announced by the team Wednesday.

Jones was among the deep and talented free-agent center field class for the White Sox to peruse prior to the 2008 campaign. But the White Sox were not about to bring in Jones at the two years, $36.2 million for which he eventually signed with the Dodgers. Instead, they added Nick Swisher via a trade with Oakland after their pursuit of Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand didn't work out. Two years later, Jones becomes a solid bench fit, with the upside of a former everyday All-Star caliber player.

"This is an opportunity to add a power bat to the roster while improving our outfield depth," said White Sox general manager Ken Williams of the Jones signing. "With the addition of Andruw, Mark Kotsay and Omar Vizquel, we feel our bench is taking shape to be a strong asset heading into the 2010 season."

2009 Major League Baseball Draft for Players in Illinois

Below are a few numbers from the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft on players from Illinois. Of the 52 players selected from Illinois 56% of the players attended four-year Colleges and Universities, 29% were drafted in High School and 15% came from Junior Colleges.

The Chicago Cubs selected four players from Illinois (Blair Springfield, Gerardo Esquivel, Daniel Sheppard and Josh Nasshan) and the Chicago White Sox selected two players from Illinois (Robert Cummings and Ryan Crowley).

Baseball Announces 2010 Recruiting Class - SOUTHERN ILLINOIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Baseball Announces 2010 Recruiting Class - SOUTHERN ILLINOIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Baseball Announces 2010 Recruiting Class
Salukis sign 10 student-athletes, including seven in-state prospects"

Baseball in Illinois will only show details on players from Illinois.

Nov. 25, 2009
By Jason Clay
http://www.siusalukis.com/


CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois head baseball coach Dan Callahan announced Wednesday that the Salukis have signed 10 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play baseball and attend school beginning in the fall of 2010.

The Salukis inked nine high school athletes and one from the junior college ranks. Of the 10 signees, six are pitchers (one left-hander and five right-handers), two are infielders and there is one catcher and one outfielder in the class.

"I feel very good about this recruiting class," Callahan said. "We have signed guys who will help us fill some needs immediately, some of whom I feel will not only be quality contributors right now, but will also turn themselves into athletes who will compete beyond the college level.

"They all come very highly recommended as far as being good workers and fine citizens, and most of them represent themselves well in the classroom, too. This is a physical class, as well. They are good sized kids and I think with the close supervision of our strength coaches, they will become even more advanced than where they are right now.

"I also want to commend coaches (associate head coach Ken) Henderson and (assistant coach Tim) Dixon on this recruiting class. I have not been able to be on the road much this past year. I am pleased with their efforts and ultimate signing of these young men"

Dustin Huff, a catcher from Lincoln Trail College, is the lone junior college player signed in the class. He will help fill an immediate need behind the plate for the Salukis.

Saluki pitching coach Tim Dixon said that going after a number of quality pitchers in the class was important and feels that they found the right type of student-athletes to come in and be successful.  "We think all of these guys have a chance to have a significant impact as freshmen," Dixon said. "They're all going to be guys who are fun to watch and fun to coach."

SIU has added size with this class. Eight of the 10 players signed have a height of 6-1 or taller and Kollin Dowdy (Harrisburg, Ill./Harrisburg HS) and Jake Welch (Malden, Mo./Bernie HS) bring an added dimension of speed.

Seven of the 10 signees hail from the state of Illinois while the other three come from Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Kollin Dowdy
6-2 • 205 • R/R OF
Harrisburg, Ill./Harrisburg HS
Dowdy is a two-time, first-team all-conference outfielder and he played in the 2009 North-South State All-Star game. He is coming off a junior season in which he hit .453 with three home runs and he also swiped 28 bases while leading Harrisburg High School to a 29-5 record. In the past two seasons, Dowdy has been a part of the Harrisburg ball club that has posted a 60-8 record. As a sophomore, Dowdy hit .393 with one home run and 17 doubles while stealing 15 bases. He was plotted as the fourth-best outfielder in the state buy the Illinois Prep Baseball Report and the 42nd top recruit overall. In addition to playing baseball, Dowdy also earned two first team all-conference accolades as a linebacker for the football team, where he served as their leading tackler in 2008 and 2009.

Associate Head Coach Ken Henderson on Kollin Dowdy:

"Kollin has a great combination of power and speed. He is a big kid who is obviously very athletic, as he played linebacker on a good high school football team. He is a tough kid and is a great sign for us. To keep a Southern Illinois kid with his ability at home is huge."

Tyler Dray
6-5 • 200 • LHP
Rockford, Ill./Boylan Catholic HS
Dray composed a 3-3 record on the mound in seven starts with a 3.22 ERA. He threw 37 innings and struck out 48 batters while walking 22. Dray threw one complete game and also had one save for Boylan Catholic High School in 2009.

Saluki Pitching Coach Tim Dixon on Tyler Dray:

"Tyler has a ton of upside. He's got a loose arm and hasn't even come close to reaching his potential. We are expecting great things from him, as he will be fun to work with and watch progress."

Donny Duschinsky
6-2 • 193 • R/R IF
Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove HS
The Illinois Prep Baseball Report ranked Duschinsky as the 36th-best player in the state of Illinois. He was voted all-area in 2009 after his junior season at Elk Grove High School. Duschinsky also plays basketball in high school and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Associate Head Coach Ken Henderson on Donny Duschinsky:

"Donny is a big, strong kid who is very athletic as evidenced by the fact that even though he'll probably play third for us, he is a good high school shortstop. He also plays basketball at a high level and is a good all-around athlete. He has good arm strength, possesses good defensive actions and has the capabilities to hit in the middle of our lineup."

Todd Eaton
6-2 • 180 • RHP
Greenville, Ill./Greenville HS
Eaton struck out 76 batters while posting an 8-1 record on the mound with a 1.08 ERA in 2009. He led Greenville High School to a 24-10 record last season and helped the Comets capture the conference and regional championships.

Saluki Pitching Coach Tim Dixon on Todd Eaton:

"Todd Eaton is a very good athlete. He is a three-sport star, playing basketball, football and baseball. When I saw him throw he possessed good arm strength and once he focuses on just baseball, he is going to excel on the mound. His athletic ability gives him tremendous upside and he's got a loose arm."


Brian Monette
6-2 • 180 • RHP/OF
Villa Park, Ill./Willowbrook HS
Monette hit .375 and drove in 25 runs in 2009 at Willowbrook High School. He had eight extra-base hits (five doubles and three triples) and also stole 13 bases. On the mound, he recorded a 4-1 record with a 2.75 ERA. Monette also recorded three saves on the year. He was ranked No. 22 by the Illinois Prep Baseball Report.

Saluki Pitching Coach Tim Dixon on Brian Monette:

"Brian is a really good athlete and is a potential two-way guy for us. He's got bat speed and has the athletic ability to play in the outfield. On the mound he is loose and somewhat raw, but in a good way. He is going to be a very good athlete and has tremendous upside, with a lot of room to grow."

Matt Murphy
6-3 • 160 • RHP
Grayslake, Ill./Grayslake Central HS
Murphy led Grayslake Central High School to a third place finish at state in 2009 by winning both of his starts in the playoffs. He had a 4-3 overall record as a junior with a 1.55 ERA and had 44 strikeouts against just 10 walks. Murphy was voted the Rookie of the Year by his teammates and coaches as a junior. He compiled a 1-1 record on the mound as a sophomore. Along with playing baseball, Murphy will have played four years of basketball. Murphy will be joining his former high school teammate, Aaron Snyder, a freshman right-handed pitcher with the Salukis.

Head coach Dan Callahan on Matt Murphy:

"Murph has a very loose arm. The day I saw him he pounded the strike zone and did it with a very quick arm. I feel his best years are down the road, and ultimately we feel he will be versatile enough to become our closer, a fine set-up guy or even a starter."

Bryan Waldrop
6-5 • 230 • RHP
Marion, Ill./Marion High School
Waldrop was ranked as the 21st-best baseball prospect in the state of Illinois by the Prep Baseball Report and the 10th-best right-handed pitcher. He has posted a 7-1 record and struck out 73 batters in 53 innings of work in his two seasons pitching at Marion High School. He finished his junior campaign with a 4-0 record and a 1.48 ERA while receiving first team all-conference accolades. As a sophomore, Waldrop posted a 3-1 record with a 2.72 ERA. He has played varsity basketball and baseball since his freshman year. His father, Kevin, was a pitcher for the Salukis and won games in both the NCAA Midwest Regional and College World Series for SIU in 1977.

Saluki Pitching Coach Tim Dixon on Bryan Waldrop:

"Bryan is another big-bodied guy who has good arm strength. I think once he gets on a baseball-specific weight and conditioning program and really locks in on just baseball, he is going to be a special one. He's got a high ceiling. Bryan is a local guy and has a chance to do some good things right in his own backyard. We're ecstatic we can keep Bryan close to home."

Dustin Huff
6-2 • 205 • R/R C
West Chester, Ohio/Lincoln Trail College/Lakota West HS
Huff started his college career as a quarterback at Murray State, before transferring to Lincoln Trail College. After not playing baseball for a year and a half, Huff returned to the diamond and hit .265 in his first year at Lincoln Trail. He threw out 50 percent of the base runners who attempted to steal on him.

Peoria Chiefs Used Game Jerseys from 2007-2009 available for sale

The Peoria Chiefs are selling actual game jerseys (home, road and BP) from the 2007-2009 seasons.  Actual game jerseys worn by players Reed Johnson, Ryan Flaherty, Josh Harrison and more are still for sale along with specialty jerseys.  If you are interested please contact the Peoria Chiefs at 309-680-4018 as the jerseys are available on a first come first serve basis. 

The Peoria Chiefs are a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, compete in the Midwest League and play their home games O'Brien Field in Peoria, Illinois. 

Professional baseball in Peoria can be traced back to 1878, with the formation of an independent team named the Peoria Reds.  In mid September 2004 the Chiefs announced an affiliation switch back to the Chicago Cubs. This change was accompanied with a new logo in November and new jerseys for the 2005 season.

Beckham, Getz named to Topps team | whitesox.com: News

Beckham, Getz named to Topps team whitesox.com: News: "Beckham, Getz named to Topps team
South Siders only squad with two rookies named"

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

11/25/09 2:33 PM EST

CHICAGO -- The White Sox stand as the lone squad to have two representatives on the 51st annual Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team, as announced Wednesday.

Actually, they have one representative from the present and one representative from the franchise's not-too-distant past.

Gordon Beckham holds down the third-base spot on the Topps team, while Chris Getz is the player chosen at second base. Getz, who finished with a .261 average, two home runs and 31 RBIs, along with 25 stolen bases in 27 attempts, was traded along with Josh Fields to the Royals in exchange for Mark Teahen on Nov. 6. Getz actually led the American League with his 92.6 percent stolen-base efficiency rate.

This honor capped off a rousing six weeks of the offseason for Beckham, 23, who won Rookie of the Year honors as awarded by Sporting News and in the Players Choice balloting. Both top rookie prizes were voted on by the players, with Beckham finishing fifth in the official AL Rookie of the Year Award as selected by the media.


Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus and Baltimore outfielder Nolan Reimold were the other AL players on the Topps team. The Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team began in 1959 with Willie McCovey being the first of 16 future Hall of Famers named to the squad, a list which includes one-time White Sox standouts Carlton Fisk and Tom Seaver and Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.

All Rookie All-Stars will have a trophy on their respective 2010 trading card in Topps Baseball, with Series One due out in late January. The Major League Rookie All-Star Team is one of a number of awards programs managed by Topps to reward and encourage young ballplayers. Since 1959, Topps has annually bestowed honors on Minor Leaguers, baseball scouts and the Baseball Organization of the Year.

Baseball Adds Eight for 2011 Season - SAINT LOUIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Baseball Adds Eight for 2011 Season - SAINT LOUIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Baseball Adds Eight for 2011 Season"

Baseball in Illinois will only show details on players from Illinois.

Nov. 23, 2009

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis head baseball coach Darin Hendrickson today announced the addition of eight players who will begin their eligibility in the 2010-11 academic year. They will first suit up for the Billikens during the 2011 season.

Included in the class are four current high school seniors in Missouri: Danny Brennan (St. Louis, Mo./Fort Zumwalt South), Derek Mazzio (St. Louis, Mo./CBC), Devin O'Rourke (Kansas City, Mo./Rockhurst) and Brett Vanover (Eureka, Mo./Eureka). In addition, four college transfers will join the team next season. They are Trey Burris (Troy, Ill./SWIC), Steve Jensen (Omaha, Neb./Butler CC), C.J. Rose (St. Louis, Mo./Jefferson College) and Zack Smith (St. Louis, Mo./Johnson County CC).

Trey Burris/Troy, Ill./Triad HS/Southwestern Illinois College/RHP

Burris will play his second season at Southwestern Illinois College in the spring and will have two years of eligibility beginning with the 2011 season. Last year at SWIC, Burris helped the Blue Storm to a 43-18 record. He posted a 5-4 record on the mound and struck out 47 batters in 69 innings. During his senior year at Triad High School, Burris went 3-1 with an average of 6.4 strikeouts per seven innings. The Knights posted a 21-14 record that season, including a 7-3 league mark.

"Trey is a big, physical pitcher who comes from a great program at SWIC," Hendrickson said. "He throws hard, has command of three pitches and knows how to win. I expect him to compete for a starting job, and he will undoubtedly be prepared when he arrives on campus after playing in a great junior college program and facing stiff competition."

Villano named as new head coach of Leatherneck baseball - The Official Athletics Site of the Western Illinois University Leathernecks

Villano named as new head coach of Leatherneck baseball - The Official Athletics Site of the Western Illinois University Leathernecks: "Villano named as new head coach of Leatherneck baseball
Courtesy: Ryan Bower
Release: 11/23/2009"

MACOMB, Ill – Western Illinois University has announced the hiring of Mike Villano as its new head baseball coach, Monday, Nov. 23.  Villano takes over the program after the passing of Stan Hyman, who served as head coach of the Leathernecks for eight seasons.

"This is a bittersweet announcement in that we will always remember Stan Hyman as a great person and a great baseball coach," Western Illinois Director of Athletics Dr. Tim M. Van Alstine said.  "However, I am pleased to announce that Mike Villano will continue in Stan's footsteps as the new Leatherneck baseball coach. Mike has an impressive and extensive background that spans from his time as a student-athlete to his professional playing career and his time as a coach."

Villano spent the past six seasons at Central Michigan University, where he served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator and spent last season as the team's hitting coach.  "I am very excited about this great opportunity at Western Illinois," Villano said. "I believe the program has tremendous potential because of its location in an area of the country that produces many great baseball players."

Under his guidance, the Chippewa pitching staff led the Mid-American Conference in team ERA in 2008 (4.62) and 2005 (3.31). His pitching staff finished second in the MAC and 14th nationally in ERA (3.71) while also finishing second in the conference in opponent batting average (.256) and strikeouts (387) during the 2007 campaign.  His 2007 staff included the MAC Pitcher of the Year in Josh Collmenter, who was eventually drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On the recruiting trail, Villano helped compile a class that was ranked 27th nationally and first in the Midwest Region by Collegiate Baseball in 2006. He has coached a total of 27 players who have gone on to professional careers.

The Chippewas posted an overall record 202-137 (.596) and a conference record of 99-55 (.643) in Villano's time as an assistant.  Prior to his career at Central Michigan, Villano spent one season as the pitching coach at Oakland where he helped lower the pitching staff's ERA from 7.00 in 2002 to 4.90 in 2003.

Villano enjoyed a successful playing career at both the collegiate and professional levels. He was a four-time all-conference selection as a pitcher at Saginaw Valley State University and was named as the Great Lakes Conference Freshman of the Year in 1991.  He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 24th round of the 1994 amateur draft and played professionally for nine seasons, culminating with a Major League call-up from the Florida Marlins in 1998.

Villano earned his bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State in 2001 and also earned a master's degree in physical education from Central Michigan in 2008.

Vizquel gives White Sox veteran utility man | whitesox.com: News

Vizquel gives White Sox veteran utility man whitesox.com: News: "Vizquel gives White Sox veteran utility man
Shortstop immediately provides South Siders versatility"

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

11/23/09 2:00 PM EST

CHICAGO -- The White Sox Venezuelan connection at shortstop added on another link Monday afternoon, with the announcement of the official signing of Omar Vizquel. The move had been reported as close last week.

Vizquel, who turns 43 on April 24, follows the likes of legendary countrymen up the middle for the White Sox such as Chico Carrasquel (1950-55), Luis Aparicio (1956-62, 1968-70) and current manager Ozzie Guillen, who was the team's starting shortstop from 1985-97. Whereas the first three served as starters for the White Sox, Vizquel has agreed to a one-year deal as purely a backup for the South Siders.

Assistant Boys Baseball Coach - Indian Prairie School District

Indian Prairie School District 204 and Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant Boys Baseball Coach for the 2009-2010 school year.

Qualified candidates must have a valid Illinois teaching certificate.

More information can be found on the Indian Prairie School District 204 website.

Cubs add five to 40-man roster | cubs.com: News

Cubs add five to 40-man roster cubs.com: News: "Cubs add five to 40-man roster
Prospects protected, two spots open for Rule 5 Draft"

CHICAGO -- The Cubs added outfielder James Adduci, catcher Welington Castillo and pitchers John Gaub, Blake Parker and Rafael Dolis to the 40-man roster on Friday.

Teams had to set their 40-man rosters by 11 p.m. CT Friday in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft, which is held Dec. 10 at the Winter Meetings. The Cubs' roster is now at 38.


Adduci, 24, hit .300 with 63 runs, 35 stolen bases, 21 doubles, four triples, four homers and 51 RBIs in a career-high 131 games with Double-A Tennessee last season. The left-handed hitter had the third-most hits of any player in the Southern League, falling short of the leader by two hits.

A native of Evergreen Park, Illinois., Adduci was acquired from the Florida Marlins in September 2006. He has a .283 career batting average.

To read the entire article click on the link at hte top of this article.

Daily Herald | Grayslake Central's Murphy, Gargano go D-I

Daily Herald Grayslake Central's Murphy, Gargano go D-I: "Grayslake Central's Murphy, Gargano go D-I
By Joe Aguilar Daily Herald StaffContact writerPublished: 11/22/2009 12:06 AM

Hard-throwing Matt Murphy stands 6 feet 3 and weighs a scant 160 pounds, which makes the Grayslake Central senior about as thick as a pitching rubber.  "I'm a tall, skinny kid," Murphy said. "I have a high metabolism, so it's tough for me to put on weight. But I'm trying. I'm playing basketball (for the varsity) and lifting pretty hard, trying to get bigger."

Grayslake Central slugger Angelo Gargano is the opposite of Murphy. Gargano is a rock at 6-1 and 220 pounds.  Together, the skinny and not-so-mini baseball teammates provided Grayslake Central huge news this week.

Both signed letters of intent to play Division I baseball. Murphy inked with Southern Illinois University, while hard-hitting first baseman Gargano gave a written commitment to Hofstra University.

"I am extremely happy for Angelo and Matt, and it is rare and a first for us to have two players sign D-1 offers (in the same year)," Rams coach Troy Whalen said. "However, it may not stop with just those two as we have a few other players - (outfielder/first baseman Mike) Gentile and (pitcher Kevin) DeRue - who I think have good chances of signing in the spring."


In helping lead Grayslake Central to a third-place finishes in the Class 3A state tournament last spring, the right-handed-hitting Gargano hit .381 with 7 homers and 51 RBI. At one point during the postseason, he went 9-for-9, including 2 home runs. He was named all-Fox Valley Conference and Daily Herald All-Area.

Gargano posted a 30 on his ACT and also excelled in football this fall, as the defensive tackle/offensive guard earned all-conference and academic all-state honors.

At Hofstra, which is located on Long Island, NY, Gargano will play for head coach Patrick Anderson.

"Angelo has worked extremely hard, both on the field and in the classroom and his efforts are being rewarded with this scholarship to an outstanding university." Whalen said. "He is a D-I hitter and Hofstra is getting an extremely hard worker."

The big guy is no stranger to the Big Apple.  "I have family who live 20 minutes from the school on Long Island," Gargano said. "It's like a second home for me."  Gargano said his parents, Stephen and Doreen, met and were married in New York, and both sides of the family have ties to the state. He visits once a year.
When he took a trip to Hoftstra last summer, wondering if the school would be right for him, the A student quickly discovered his answer.

It was a no-brainer.  "It was just a great fit for me," said Gargano, who wants to study civil engineering. "Everything fell into place."

The right-handed Murphy is the second Grayslake Central pitcher in as many years to join the Saluki staff, as 2009 graduate Aaron Snyder is currently part of the pitching rotation.  In 2009, Murphy tossed 40-plus innings, finishing with a 4-3 record and 4 saves. He struck out 48 batters and walked only nine. He picked up two wins in the postseason, both coming in relief.

SIU head coach Dan Callahan was watching Snyder pitch in the state semifinals last spring when Murphy entered in relief. Murphy hit 87 mph on the radar gun and impressed Callahan with not only his velocity but also with what the Salukis skipper called a "loose and whippy" arm.

Murphy also caught the eye of Northern Illinois, UIC and Penn State. He gave a verbal commitment to the Salukis in August.  "They have a very solid baseball program," Murphy said. "The field is really nice and the campus is really nice."

Murphy throws several pitches, including four- and two-seam fastballs, a curve and a cutter.  "On the bump, Matt is an unbelievable competitor and he has great command of his fastball and off-speed pitches," Whalen said. "He possesses all the tools you consider when looking at a D-I pitcher - arm slot, movement, velocity, command and mound presence."

Murphy has aspirations of becoming an oral surgeon. He boast that he's never had braces.  "I find teeth and surgery kind of interesting," he said.

A baseball scholarship secured, he has reason to flash a toothy smile.

Summer Collegiate League Standouts - Tony Bucciferro

Our second addition to the Summer Collegiate Baseball Standout list is Tony Bucciferro from Joliet Illinois who played for the Grand Lake Mariners in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.  Tony is listed as the #9 propect overall in the Great Lakes Collegiate League by going 4-2 with a tiny 1.74 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 41 innings over the past summer.  More than one Manager in the Great Lakes League stated Bucciferro's slider was the best in the league.  More impressive is the 88-92 mph heavy fastball and the fact that Tony is only going to be a sophomore this season at Michigan State University.  His stats at Michigan State as a freshman are also quite impressive going 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA (led all starters) in 71 innings.

Tony is a 6'2" 190 lb right handed pitcher from Minooka Community High School in Illinois.

Louisville Baseball Announces First Group of Early Signees - LOUISVILLE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Louisville Baseball Announces First Group of Early Signees - LOUISVILLE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Louisville Baseball Announces First Group of Early Signees"

Baseball in Illinois will only list details on players from Illinois.

Nov. 20, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville baseball head coach Dan McDonnell announced the signing of shortstop Alex Chittenden (Indianapolis, Ind.), catcher Jake DePew (Granite City, Ill.) and right-handed pitchers Dace Kime (Defiance, Ohio) and Jeff Thompson (Greenville, Ind.) to National Letters-of-Intent during the 2010 early signing period.

The quartet is the first group of signees in the Cards' 2010 recruiting class with the remaining signees to be announced in the coming days. All of the signees in the Cards' 2010 recruiting class will report to campus next fall and be eligible to compete in the 2011 season.

Jake DePew

Position: Catcher
Hometown/HS: Granite City, Illinois./Granite City High School

DePew, a 6-1, 215-pound catcher, is a preseason All-American and All-State honoree at Granite City, where he is coached by his father Daren DePew. He attended the Perfect Game National Showcase and is the No. 4 rated prospect in Illinois. As a junior, he hit .558 with seven home runs, 21 doubles, 53 RBI and 46 runs scored. As a sophomore, he hit .405 with a pair of home runs, 12 doubles and 28 RBI, and that season followed a freshman campaign which featured a .337 average and 20 RBI. With his athletic build, good bat speed as a hitter and good arm strength behind the plate, he has also earned All-Metro and All-Conference honors. He plays summer baseball for the St. Louis Pirates. Along with his three years of baseball, he has also lettered in football and basketball at Granite City.

New baseball team coming to county | Daily Chronicle

New baseball team coming to county Daily Chronicle: "New baseball team coming to county"
By KATE SCHOTT - kschott@daily-chronicle.com

Summertime college baseball is headed to DeKalb County Illinois.

The DeKalb County Liners is a new franchise in the Prospect Collegiate Baseball League and is scheduled to play its first game June 5, 2010, owner Kim Wise said.

The Prospect League is sponsored by Major League Baseball, Wise said. The nonprofit league will have either 14 or 16 teams this summer, Wise said, with teams in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Wise said he has been trying for several years to find an appropriate venue for a team. The Texas resident said he is from Freeport and believes DeKalb County has the right dynamics – including the colleges and a family-oriented community – for an amateur team to be successful.

The Liners will play 27 home games at Founders Field in Sycamore Park – which is on Airport Road off Route 64 – in June, July and August, Wise said. Tickets start at $5 for general admission, and food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, will be available at the games. There also will be a Kids Sports Zone, with games for children, as well as promotions and giveaways during the games.

David Peek, executive director of the Sycamore Park District, said the park district entered into conversations with Wise about a year ago because it would be an opportunity to improve a facility at no cost to taxpayers or the district.

The district has entered into a facility usage agreement with Wise, Peek said, and is "more than willing" to work with Wise on improvements he wants to make to the field. But Peek cautioned that the park board is still discussing what specific improvements will be done to the field, when they will be done and how they will be paid for.

"It's quite a fantastic plan," Peek said. "Until we see evidence of how it will be funded, the board is taking a wait-and-see attitude."

Wise said he initially wants to upgrade the playing surface and create a variety of seating options, including bleacher seats. Additional improvements will be phased in over several seasons and funding will be secured before each improvement phase is started, Wise said. Improvements for the inaugural season will be made in May, he added.

The team will be looking for host families to provide lodging for players, Wise said, and he hopes to work with local organizations for fundraisers. The goal is to create a place where anyone – families, teenagers or singles – can go to have fun, he added.

"We are really excited about bringing the product to DeKalb County," Wise said. "This is something we view as a countywide initiative to bring a new product of entertainment and tourism into DeKalb County."

Debbie Armstrong, executive director of the DeKalb Area Visitors and Convention Bureau, said she anticipates the team will be a great tourist attraction for the community.

"College baseball has a big following," she said. "We expect to draw people from surrounding counties."

On the Net

DeKalb County Liners, www.linersbaseball.com

A DeKalb County Liners business office has been established at 164 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 114-A, and will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays for those interested in learning more about the team or to purchase tickets, Armstrong said.

Name the Liners Mascot

The DeKalb County Liners is looking for help to name the team mascot. Before Jan. 1, 2010, send your proposed name for the Liners mascot to the Liners business office by e-mail, LinersBaseball@gmail.com, or by mail, DeKalb County Liners Baseball, 164 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 114-A, DeKalb, IL 60115

The winner will be notified by Jan. 15. The winner will receive $50 of “Liners Loot” to spend on food and beverages at Liners games in the 2010 season.

Dered Hannahs signs with Ball State basebll

Ball State Baseball head coach Greg Beals announced the signing of Derek Hannahs from Robinson Illinois to a national letter of intent along with six other players from Indiana who will join the Cardinals.

Hannahs, a 6-1 infielder, is a standout at Robinson High School for Scott Albright. He played summer baseball for the Indy Pony Express where he hit .337 with two home runs and 12 doubles this season. Hannahs is the son of Mitch and Amy Hannahs.

"The more we watched Derek play this summer, the more we liked him," Beals said. "He is a good athlete with a great feel for the game. He is a steady defender with clean fielding actions. At the plate, he barrels a lot of balls, and as he develops physically, he will become an even more offensive threat."

Bradley Baseball Signs Seven for 2010-11 - BRADLEYBRAVES.COM—Official Web Site of Bradley University Athletics

Bradley Baseball Signs Seven for 2010-11 - BRADLEYBRAVES.COM—Official Web Site of Bradley University Athletics: "Bradley Baseball Signs Seven for 2010-11
Courtesy: Bradley University
Release: 11/20/2009
Courtesy: Bradley University
http://www.bradleybraves.com/

PEORIA, Illinois. - The Bradley Baseball program took advantage of the early signing period and will welcome seven new Braves to the squad in 2010-11. Of the seven new additions to the program, four are pitchers, three are junior college players and all seven hail from the Land of Lincoln.

Tory Doerr (Bethalto, Ill./Wabash Valley College/Civic Memorial H.S.) will join the Braves after pitching two seasons with coach Rob Fournier and the Wabash Valley Warriors. A left-handed reliever, Doerr appeared in 19 games for Wabash Valley as a freshman. He finished 1-2 overall and recorded 21 strikeouts. As a senior at Civic Memorial for coach Gary Bruening, Doerr was 9-1 with a 1.29 earned run average and 73 strikeouts. Opposing batters hit a mere .184 against the lefty during his senior campaign. Doerr was a two-time all-conference selection and a second team St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro performer as a senior. During the summer, Doerr went 7-1 on the mound for the St. Louis Pirates prospect team

A second Wabash Valley pitcher will also make his way to Peoria in 2010. Danny Gifford (Highland, Ill./Wabash Valley College/Highland H.S.) was a standout pitcher and infielder at Highland for coach Joel Hawkins, helping the Bulldogs win the state championship his senior year. He finished 10-0 on the mound with a 2.22 ERA and 46 strikeouts. At the plate, Gifford hit .375 with 10 doubles, eight homeruns and 46 RBI's. He went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBI's and pitched 6.1 innings to earn the victory in the state championship game. Gifford received first team all-conference and all-area honors and was named to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team as a utility player.


Bradley's third junior college signee, Patrick Flanagan (Salem, Ill./Rend Lake College/Salem Community H.S.), finished his freshman season at Rend Lake 3-5 overall with a 3.86 ERA for coach Tony Etnier. He led the Warriors in innings pitched (70.0) and strikeouts (52) and was a first team all-conference selection. Flanagan was also named the Warriors' most valuable pitcher.

As a pitcher for York High School and coach Dave Kalal, Steve Adkins (Elmhurst, Ill./York H.S.) went 5-3 overall with a 2.61 ERA in 51.0 innings pitched as a junior. He threw four complete games, fanned 67 batters and recorded two shutouts. Adkins averaged 9.2 strikeouts per game last season, while opponents hit only .210. For his efforts, Adkins received all-conference and all-area honors. During the summer, Adkins pitched for coaches Matt Rosenberg and Rob Rooney of the Downers Grove Longshots.


Adding depth behind the plate for the Braves is catcher Derek Sprout (Chillicothe, Ill./Illinois Valley Central H.S.). A two-year varsity player for coach Jerry Rashid, Sprout's offensive numbers include a .460 batting average, 14 homeruns and 88 RBI's. During his sophomore campaign, Sprout recorded a 33-game hitting streak (sixth best in IHSA history). He finished his sophomore season with 69 total hits (12th best in IHSA history) and 18 doubles (32nd best in IHSA history). Sprout is a two-time all-conference and all-area performer and helped Illinois Valley Central to a second-place finish at the 2008 state tournament. Sprout played for coach Bob Schlemmer and the Central Illinois Outlaws during the summer, where he hit a blistering .457 with 32 RBI's.

Eric Paulson (Barrington, Ill./Fremd H.S.) hit .336 as a junior infielder for coach Chris Piggott and the Vikings last season. Paulson increased his batting average to .348 during summer ball for the Palatine American Legion team and coach Jeff Ryder. With Paulson manning the hot corner, the Palatine Legion team won the state championship. His special invites include the Area Code Team, Stevenson Showcase and Pitch and Hit.

Bradley's final piece of offensive firepower is Greg Partyka (Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett H.S.). As a junior for coach Chris Pemberton, Partyka slugged an eye-popping .475 with 10 homeruns and 42 RBI's. He recorded an .828 slugging percentage and only struck out eight times. Partyka's awards include all-conference and all-area recognition, as well as being named to the All-State Academic Team. Last summer, Partyka hit .431 with six long balls for the Illinois Indians.

"With a big class coming in this year, we were very selective in pursuing these very outstanding student-athletes to fill our specific needs," said second-year head coach Elvis Dominguez. "I'm really excited about this group. I feel that they can make an immediate impact on our program as first year players."

UIS Baseball Announces Initial Recruiting Class >> GOPRAIRIESTARS.COM

UIS Baseball Announces Initial Recruiting Class >> GOPRAIRIESTARS.COM: "UIS Baseball Announces Initial Recruiting Class

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The UIS baseball program has signed six players as the initial class in the program’s history was announced today by Prairie Star Head Coach Brian Grunzke."

Barry Arnett, Nate Blessman, Reid Clary, Matt Cmiel, Hayden Cosby and Marshall Escue comprise the first six signees for the Prairie Stars.

Arnett is a right handed pitcher from Limestone High School who was a first team All-Conference pick as well as a McDonald’s All-Star as a junior. A standout in the classroom as well, he is a member of the National Honor Society and on the school’s High Honor Roll.

“Barry has a good breaking ball and really attacks the strike zone and knows how to pitch,” Grunzke said.

Blessman is an outfielder who is currently enrolled at Lincoln College. As a prep at Canton High School in Canton, Ill, he was named to the Illinois Coaches Association’s All-State team and was also an All-Conference honoree. A solid athlete, he was also a standout in basketball.

“Nate will give us some maturity in our line-up,” Grunzke said. “We will likely look for him to hit in the middle of the order. Nate is a tremendous athlete that will only get better with more experience.”

Clary is a catcher from Princeton High School in Princeton, Ill. where is a standout in both baseball and basketball. As a junior he was Bureau County Republican Player of the Year and first team All-Area by both the Republican and the News Tribune. A first team All-Conference pick, Clary was ranked among the Top 125 players in the state of Illinois by Prep Baseball Report after hitting .460 with 37 RBI and 15 doubles.

“Reid is a good receiver who has natural strength,” Grunzke said. “An outstanding athlete, we think he will get better and better as he concentrates on baseball once he arrives at UIS.”

Cmiel, an outfielder, will join the Prairie Stars from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Ill. An All-State pick by the Chicago Tribune, he was also an All-Area selection by the Daily Herald and was on the Naperville Sun’s All-City team. Cmiel was also first team All-Conference while helping his team to the Class 4A regional title after hitting .470 with an on-base percentage of .579 and 29 stolen bases.

“Matt is a very good athlete who can run balls down in the outfield,” Grunzke said. “He will provide us with tremendous speed at the top of the line-up.”

Cosby is a middle infielder from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Ill. He has twice been named his team’s Defensive Player of the Year and won the school’s Railer Award last season. He holds the school record for hits in a game (five) and most at-bats in a season. He is also a standout basketball player.

“Hayden is another solid athlete who is very competitive,” Grunzke said. “Like a lot of our players when he arrives in college and begins to concentrate on baseball he will just get better and better.”

Escue is an infielder from Washington High School in Washington, Ill. He will be a four-year member of the varsity baseball team when he completes his senior season this spring. Last season, as a junior, he led the team with a .454 batting averages while going 8-1 (the most wins on the team) on the mound. A two-time All-Mid-Illini Conference selection at first base, Escue was also named the Peoria Journal-Star’s All-Area team and has been a two-time McDonald’s All-Star pick. He is also a three-time letterwinner in football. In the classroom, Escue is a member of the National Honor Society and was his school’s representative in the Wendy’s High School Heisman competition.

“Marshall can play multiple positions and brings very solid offensive numbers to the program,” Grunzke said. “We will look for him to provide immediate offensive punch.”

UIS is in its first season as a NCAA Division II institution and as a member of the GLVC. The baseball program will begin play in the spring of 2011.

Illinois High School Asst. Baseball Coaches

Immaculate Conception HS, Elmhurst

Darren Howard

630 530 3465

dhoward@ichsknights.org

IC is looking for 2 asst. baseball coaches for the coming spring season. We are looking to fill the head freshmen and asst. sophomore positions. You must be ASEP certified with HS experience at a minimum and have a schedule that will allow you to be at all practices and games. Please send resume to dhoward@ichsknights.org

FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER TO HEAD UP DANS

FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER TO HEAD UP DANS

Today, November 20, 2009, 5 hours ago
noreply@blogger.com (Danville Stadium)

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS. The Danville Dans have named former major leaguer, Steve Bieser, Dans Head Coach for the 2010 Prospect League Season.

Drafted as a catcher by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989, Bieser played thirteen years of professional baseball for six different Major League organizations, two years at the Major League level with the Mets and the Pirates, and eight at the AAA level. In 1997 he was named New York Mets Rookie of the Year.

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Coach Bieser is currently employed by St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, MO as an upper level math teacher and Head Baseball Coach. During his tenure, he has led Vianney to two State Championships and holds a career record of 120-34.

He is the founder and president of the Saint Genevieve Baseball Club and the Head Coach of American Legion Summer Teams with records that include two State Championships (2007, 2008) and a National Championship (2008).

Coach Bieser has coached five players selected in the first year major league player draft (1st, 5th, 22st, 22nd, & 42nd rounds). Over 80% of his high school players have gone on to play college ball with 12 playing at the Division 1 level, 4 attaining freshmen All-American status, and one named a two-time All-American.

Bieser will bring his experience, directing The Pro Edge Baseball Camps, to Danville Dans campers and individual players, sharing his expertise in the areas of hitting, fielding and pitching. He has had an excellent reputation of producing top notch catching prospects as well.

Coach Bieser is married to the former Diahann Lynn Dunlap. The couple has four children, Cole (18), Whitley (15), Briley (11), and Carley (3)

Joliet Jackhammers Announce Open Baseball Tryouts

jackhammerbaseball.com: News: "WINTER TRYOUTS!
11/18/2009 4:42 PM

For Immediate Release: Media Contact: Jamie Toole
November 18, 2009 815.774.2883
jamie@jackhammerbaseball.com"

JackHammers Announce Winter Tryouts

Register at jackhammerbaseball.com

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – Joliet JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker has announced his first two tryouts for the upcoming 2010 season, both to be held this winter. The Orange Crush open the 2010 season on the road in Fargo on May 21st, with their Home Opener on May 28th at 7:10 pm against the Lake County Fielders, one of two Northern League expansion teams.

The first tryout will be held on Sunday, December 13th at 2pm at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia followed by a second on Saturday, January 30th at 2pm at Collins Park in North Charleston, South Carolina. There will be a $60 registration fee for each tryout, but the fee will be waived for players trying out with AA experience or higher. Those trying out are asked to bring all of their own equipment and must sign a waiver the day of the tryout.

"I am committed to going wherever and whenever I need to go to assure that we are able to get the best players possible," says JackHammers Manager Chad Parker.

To register for either tryout, please download a registration form at the bottom of this article on the jackhammer website, where it says download attachment, and email it to Kelli Drechsel at kdrechsel@jackhammerbaseball.com or fax it to 815.726.9223. Those with questions can call Kelli at 815.774.2889.

Heilman dealt for two prospects | cubs.com: News

Heilman dealt for two prospects cubs.com: News: "Heilman dealt for two prospects
Cubs receive pitcher Maine, infielder White from D-backs"

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

11/19/09 5:45 PM EST

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- The Cubs have eight players who are arbitration-eligible, but trimmed the number they have to give raises to by one on Thursday, trading Aaron Heilman to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two Minor League prospects.

In exchange for Heilman, the Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher Scott Maine and first baseman Ryne White, who is a Chicago native and 2005 graduate of St. Rita of Cascia High School. White, 23, batted .266 with 18 doubles, six home runs, 52 RBIs, 65 walks and a .371 on-base percentage in 116 games for Class A Visalia. 

Ryne White baseball notes : White has been assigned to the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League.

Baseball adds two signees on third day of early signing period - TEXAS LONGHORNS Official Athletic Site

Baseball adds two signees on third day of early signing period - TEXAS LONGHORNS Official Athletic Site: "Baseball adds two signees on third day of early signing period
Baseball certified the National Letters of Intent from two more high school student-athletes to bring their total to nine for the Early Signing Period."

Baseball in Illinois will only list the details on players from Illinois

Nov. 17, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas Baseball received National Letters of Intent from two more high school student-athletes head coach Augie Garrido announced on Tuesday, bringing the total of players slated to join the team for the 2011 season to nine.

“We are excited about the nine players who have signed.” Garrido said. “Coach Harmon always does a solid job of identifying our needs and finding some of the best talent available to fill those needs.

The Longhorns’ most recent signees included Mike Foltynewicz, a right-handed pitcher from Minooka HS in Illinois and Erich Weiss an infielder from Brenham, Texas. Foltynewicz would become just the third player from Illinois to ever play for the Horns. He was ranked as the 129th best player eligible for the 2010 MLB draft by Perfect Game Cross Checker. Weiss was named an honorable mention Louisville Slugger All-American following a junior year in which he batted .457 with 17 doubles, four triples, three home runs and 35 RBI.

“Every year you try to fill your needs and each year brings a different need according to who you lost to the draft, or who graduated,” associate head coach Tommy Harmon said. “Baseball’s pretty unique in the fact that you have to recruit to your needs a couple years ahead of time, but we think we did that. We got a strong infield class; we have four infielders. We felt like we needed another right handed power hitter in the outfield and we got that. You need a catcher every year, and Felts can do that. Pitchers are right where Coach Johnson wants them to be. We bring in three or four pitchers each year; it’s kind of our formula. Overall, we’re very pleased with it obviously. It’s a quality group of guys; they’re good athletes, good students, and good people.”

Through three days, the Longhorns have had seven players sign National Letters of Intent, including a catcher, an outfielder, three infielders three pitchers and a pitcher/first baseman.

The early signing period ends on Nov. 18.

Mike Foltynewicz – RHP – Minooka, Illinois (Minooka HS)
• Named Most Valuable Player of the WJOL Area Baseball Invite
• Logged a 3-2 record with a 2.23 ERA as a junior
• Named second-team All-Area bykk the Herald-News as a junior
• Also hit .287 with four home runs and 25 RBI in 2009
• Ranked as the 129th best player eligible for the 2010 draft by Perfect Game Cross Checker

Quote from recruiting coordinator and associate head coach Tommy Harmon: Mike is probably the closest to coming in and pitching as a freshman. He’s very competitive and poised. He presents himself beyond his years.

Wake Forest Signs Nine to National Letters of Intent - WAKE FOREST OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Wake Forest Signs Nine to National Letters of Intent - WAKE FOREST OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Wake Forest Signs Nine to National Letters of Intent
Signing class is eligible beginning in the fall of 2010"

Baseball in Illinois only lists the details on players from Illinois.

Nov. 19, 2009

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest head baseball coach Tom Walter announced the signing of nine student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. The class will be eligible beginning in the fall of 2010.

"We are obviously thrilled with our recruiting class," Walter said. "Coach (Dennis) Healy and coach (Bill) Cilento did a great job of combing the country and bringing in the best players. We address our needs with this class. We have four quality pitching prospects, as well as infield, outfield and catching help."

The Demon Deacons signed Brett Armour, Jack Fischer, Brian Holmes, Nate Jones, Kevin Jordan, Conor Keniry, John McLeod, Charlie Morgan, IV and Chris Willson.

"What's really exciting about this class is the versatility they provide," Walter continued. "We have guys that can play multiple positions. What we've tried to do is to go out and recruit the best possible athletes we can get. Guys that have some toughness, have played multiple sports and bring some of those intangibles that your traditional baseball-only player doesn't have."

Jack Fischer/SS - R/R - 6-1 - 175

Hinsdale, Illinois. (St. Ignatius College Prep)

Starting shortstop on the varsity team since freshman year ... Named All-Catholic League in 2009 ... Invited to Area Code Games tryouts ... Also invited to Chicago White Sox Black and Silver games and Chicago Pitch and Hit Showcase ... Ranked top 10 player in the state by Prep Baseball Report ... Ranked 414th in the country by Perfect Game ... Career batting average of .355, while he has an 11-2 career record on the mound with a 1.38 ERA ... Son of Brian and Beth Fischer ... Father pitched at Knox College.

Walter on Fischer: "Jack is one of the best defensive high school shortstops in the country. His instincts and his baseball IQ are off the charts. Offensively, we feel that with maturation, a few swing changes and physical strength, he will develop into an offensive weapon. He plays his summer and fall baseball with the Top Tier program, who does an outstanding job of preparing their players for the next level."

News - News - Valparaiso University Official Athletic Site

News - News - Valparaiso University Official Athletic Site: "Six Signees Headline Valpo’s 2011 Incoming Baseball Class » All News

Coach Woodson has added six for next year's incoming class. (Ray Acevedo)

Valparaiso University head baseball coach Tracy Woodson has announced the six members of the incoming recruiting class that have signed National Letters of Intent to join the program for the 2010-2011 season.
“We are extremely pleased with this early signing group,” Woodson said. “All of these young men are quality individuals as well as outstanding young baseball players. This recruiting class includes several highly ranked baseball players out of Illinois and Indiana and I am very excited to have the opportunity to coach each of them. We look forward to working together to achieve our goal of winning the Horizon League Championship and competing against the best teams in the country. I know they are enthusiastic about joining the Valparaiso Crusader athletic family as we are thrilled to have them join our program. The future is very bright for Valpo baseball.” "

Joining the program are Brad Benbow, Jake McMahan, Michael Morman, Ryan Scarpetta, Kevin Upp, and Cyrus Wimberly.
Morman, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder, hit .448 with seven homeruns and 25 RBIs during his junior season at Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Ill. He is a First Team All NIC-10 selection and ranked No.61 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. Morman, a three sport athlete at Boylan, was also named Offensive Player of the Year for NIC-10 in football this fall.


“Michael is an athlete excelling in all three sports in high school,” said Woodson. “His baseball skills will really grow once he begins concentrating on baseball full time. He is a natural athlete who can really swing the bat.”

Scarpetta, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher and corner infielder, is ranked No. 9 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. A First Yeam All NIC-10 selection, Scarpetta was 6-2 with a 1.50 ERA on the mound as well as hitting .320 with seven homeruns and 39 RBIs during his junior season at Rockton Hononegah High School in Rockford, Ill.


“Ryan possesses an 88-90 mph fastball,” Woodson said. “We are expecting big things from him both offensively and on the mound. He is from a family with a long history of baseball and has a natural way in which he plays the game which we definitely are looking forward to seeing progress here.”


Wimberly, an athletic 6-foot, 180-pound, shortstop and right-handed pitcher from Rockford Guilford High School in Rockford, Ill. is one of the top two-way prospects in the state of Illinois and is ranked No. 40 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. A First Team All NIC-10 selection, Wimberly hit .444 along with 26 stolen bases offensively while posting a record of 5-4 on the mound with 79 strikeouts in 60.2 innings pitched his junior season.


“Cyrus may be one of the most athletic and versatile players that we have ever had at Valpo,” concluded Woodson. “He possesses an upper 80’s fast ball and can play almost any position on the field. His raw talent gives us reason to be extremely excited.”