Valparaiso University Head Baseball Coach Tracy Woodson announced the signing of 7 Illinois baseball players to National Letters of Intent.
Infielder Andy Burns is from Edwardsville, IL and is a transfer from Heartland Community College. The left handed hitting middle infielder hit .336 in 42 games at Heartland last spring.
Outfielder Mark Johnson is from Evanston Township High School with "tremendous speed and athleticisim" stated by coach Woodson. Johnson has been timed at 6.7 in the 60.
Ryan Kennedy, Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL, is a 6' 160 lb right handed pitcher who has "three pitches and a projectable body" according to coach Woodson.
Right handed pitcher Ben Mahar, Mundelein High School, was rated as the 50th best player in Illinois by the PrepBaseballReport. Ben is 6'4" and 210 lbs with a power arm.
Spencer Mahoney, Lyons Township High School, La Grange Park, is a 6'4" 180 left handed hitting shortstop and ranked as one of the top ten shortstops of the 2011 recruiting class and #48 overall by the PrepBaseballReport.
Left handed pitcher Devin Picknell, St. Patrick High School, Chicago, IL. "Devin can be one of the biggest surprises of this recruiting class" according to Woodson.
Catcher Rob Rabakozi, Reavis High School, Burbank, IL, is ranked as the 5th best catcher and 44th overall player by the PrepBaseballReport. "Rob has a strong arm, a projectable pro-type body and very athletic" said coach Woodson.