Three Division III Illinois baseball teams are ranked in the Pre-Season poll released by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
The highest ranked team on the poll is Concordia University Chicago, ranked #13. Concordia is also ranked #16 on the Pre-Season Poll released by D3Baseball.com. Concordia finished last season at 39-7.
Augustana is also on both polls coming in at #22 on Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and #21 on D3Baseball.com. Augustana finished at 34-11 in 2013.
Illinois Wesleyan is the final Illinois D3 baseball team on the Pre-season Polls coming in at #26 on the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper poll. Illinois Wesleyan finished 2013 with a record of 33-14.
Here are some of the baseball players to watch in the Mid American Conference for 2013. The list is selected from Mid American baseball coaches and published in the Collegiate Baseball News. Our list contains only the players from Illinois or on Illinois teams.
Players to Watch:
1B/DH Jeff Zimmerman, Northern Illinois University, Jeff hit .267 with 6 home runs, 11 doubles, and 29 rbi's last season. Jeff is from Victor J. Andrew HS and lives in Tinley Park Illinois.
OF/INF/P Alex Klonowski, Northern Illinois University, Alex hit .280 with 3 home runs, 9 doubles and 30 rbi's along with going 3-1 on the mound. Alex is from Kearny Missouri.
Northern Illinois is projected to finish last in the Western Division of the MAC based on the coaches votes.
Eric Jagielo was named to the 2013 preseason All-Big East baseball team by Big East baseball coaches.
Jagielo is a third baseman who hit .310 with 13 homers and 43 runs batted in for Notre Dame last season. Eric attended Downers Grove North and lives in Downers Grove Illinois.
Here are the preseason top 25 Illinois High School baseball teams according to the Chicago SunTimes.
1. Providence Catholic
2. Lyons Township
3. St. Laurence
4. Joliet Catholic
5. Mt. Carmel
6. Simeon
7. Marian Catholic
8. St. Rita
9. Glenbrook South
10. New Trier
11. Oak Park River Forest
12. Lincoln Way North
13. Oak Forest
14. Glenbrook North
15. Herscher
16. Prairie Ridge
17. Huntley
18. Naperville Central
19. Neuqua Valley
20. Mundelein
21. Downers Grove South
22. Sandburg
23. Plainfield North
24. Maine South
25. Stevenson
The NJCAA Division I baseball top returning position players from Illinois Junior Colleges.
Catcher Josh Meade, John A. Logan, Josh hit .294 last season.
DH Kyle McHugh, John A. Logan, Klye hit .301 with 6 homers and 51 rbi's in 2011.
Catcher Phil Pupillo, John A. Logan, Phil hit .288 with a homer and 16 rbi's last year.
Outfielder Tyler Mikrut, John A. Logan, Tyler hit .280 with 8 homers and 23 rbi's last season.
Catcher/DH Cameron Sloan, Kaskaskia, Cameron hit .369 with 2 homers and 29 rbi's last year.
Infielder Steve Todoschuk, Kaskaskia, Steve hit .389 with 2 home runs and drove in 39.
Utility player Cody Schmitt, Onley Central, Cody hit .420 with 46 rbi's last season.
First baseman Derek Peterson, Onley Central, Derek hit .385 with 3 homers and drove in 54 last year.
Catcher Nate Ruzich, South Suburban, Nate hit .318 and drove in 41 last year.
Second baseman Luis Bruno, Southeastern Illinois, Luis hit .320 with 3 homers and 23 rbi's.
Outfielder Brian Doll, Southeastern Illinois, Brian hit .352 with 3 home runs in 2011.
Third baseman Cody Daily, Southeastern Illinois, Cody hit .348 with 6 homers last year.
Second baseman Marshall Vallandingham, Southeastern Illinois, Marshall hit .351 with 35 rbi's in 2011.
Shortstop Gabriel Roa, Wabash Valley, Gabriel hit .500 with a homer and 35 rbi's last year.
First baseman Jeff Jackson, Wabash Valley, Jeff hit .364 with 7 homers and 45 rbi's last season.
Outfielder Korey Hall, Wabash Valley, Korey hit .327 with 18 rbi's in 2011.
Below is the 2012 top returning pitchers from NJCAA Division I baseball teams in Illinois.
Dave Suarez, John A. Logan College, Dave was 9-2 with a 3.91 ERA in 71 and 1/3rd innings last season.
Sean Buchholz, John A. Logan College, Sean went 5-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 59 and 2/3rds in 2011.
Josh Dove, Lincoln Trail College, Josh was 1-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 29 innings last year.
Jaden Widdersheim, Olney Central College, Jaden went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 33 innings in 2011.
Conner Porter, Olney Central College, Conner was 2-1 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings last year.
Matt Pobereyko, South Suburban, Matt went 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA in 15 innings last season.
Justin Kittel, Southeastern Illinois, Justin was 0-1 with a 3.79 ERA in 19 innings in 2011.
Dalton Froman, Southeastern Illinois, Dalton went 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 30 1/3rd innings last season.
Darrin Vestring, Wabash Valley, Darrin was 7-1 with a 2.37 ERA in 30 and 1/3rd innings in 2011.
Two baseball players at Illinois schools have been named to the NCBWA Division II preseason All-Region Team in the Midwest Region.
Senior outfielder Mike Bolling from Lewis University was named to the First Team of the Midwest Region. Mike is a transfer from Triton College, attended Guerin Prep HS and lives in Chicago Illinois. Bolling led the conference in stolen bases last season with 31.
Senior closer Brian Thompson from Quincy University was named to the NCBWA Second Team of the Midwest Region. Brian went to Monmouth-Roseville HS and lives in Monmouth Illinois. Thompson led the nation in saves last season with 16.
Illinois Wesleyan and North Park finished on top of the CCIW in 2011 and Wesleyan returns all but two position players for 2012.
Illinois Wesleyan has finished on top of the CCIW three of the last five years and returns with All-American first baseman Kevin Callahan and All-Region players Jon Erickson, Bobby Czarnowski and A.J. Nathan.
North Park lost their starting outfield and all but one starting infielder, All-Region third baseman Ryan Javich. 2011 All-Conference picks Eric Sousanes and Brad Medina will also add leadership for North Park in 2012.
Wheaton College returns All-Region players Trey Martin and Justin Zeller. Between the two they hit 17 home runs and drove in 79 last year.
Augustana returns their most outstanding pitcher, Jared McIntosh. McIntosh was a first team All-CCIW in 2011 and went 4-0 with a 2.68 era. Joing McIntosh is closer Josiah Martin and infielder Joe Cecchi.
North Central also lost it's starting outfield to graduation but three year starter Steve Hlavac will return to the outfield after an injury in 2011.
Elmhurst returns fifth year senior infielder Zach Hofer who is also the teams closer. Second team All-Region sophomore Dave Wolek and Gold Glove infielder Brian Evans also return for the Blue Jays.
Milikin returns infielder Theo Facer, .345, 8 doubles, and outfielder Dan Weber .272, 18 rbi's.
Baseball players from Illinois on the National College Baseball Writers Association 2012 Stopper of the Year Watch List. The following players are on the short list of 45 total relief pitchers from across the nation.
Senior Kyle Glancy from Northern Illinois, Kyle had 12 saves in 24 appearances in 2011. Glancy attended Oak Park River Forest HS and lives in Oak Park Illinois.
Senior Kenny Long from Illinois State, Kenny recorded 15 saves and had a 0.92 ERA last season. Kenny went to Dundee Crown HS and lives in Fox River Grove Illinois.
The 2012 Louisville Slugger pre-season All-American baseball players from Illinois.
First Team All-Americans:
RHP Kyle Funkhouser from Oak Forest HS in Illinois. Kyle went 12-0 last season with a .083 ERA with 140 strikeouts in 82 innings. Kyle throws in the low 90's, signed with Louisville and is projected to go high in the 2012 MLB draft.
RHP Matthew James from Normal West HS in Normal Illinois. James went 9-1 with a .062 ERA, 7 complete games, 107 strikeouts and 8 walks in 67 1/3 innings last year.
RHP Jon Kupfert from Peoria Notre Dame HS in Peoria Illinois. Jon was 13-0 with 1.18 ERA, 5 complete games and 63 strikeouts in 77 innings.
Catcher Jason Goldstein from Highland Park HS in Illinois. Jason hit .388 with 11 doubles, 3 homers and 26 rbi's last year. Jason has signed with Illinois.
Honorable Mention All-Americans:
LHP Brett Lilek, Marion Catholic HS in Chicago Heights Illinois. Brett has been clocked in the low 90's and signed with Arizona State.
Catcher Zack Soria, St. Rita of Cascia in Chicago Illinois. Zack hit .476 with 18 doubles, 4 homers and 40 rbi's in 2011.
Below are the Illinois Junior College baseball teams ranked in the first NJCAA preseason poll for 2012.
Division I:
#16 Wabash Valley College
Division II:
#5 Heartland Community College
#8 Parkland College
#16 Kankakee Community College
Division III:
#7 Joliet Junior College
The Illinois baseball players that have been named to the D3Baseball.com 2012 Preseason All-American Team.
First Team All-Americans:
Catcher Mike Nodzenski from Grinnel College hit .465 with 12 home runs, 11 doubles and 47 rbi's in 2011. Mike is from Naperville North HS and lives in Naperville Illinois.
DH/Outfielder Cam Stevens from Concordia University Chicago hit .453 with 4 homers, 19 doubles and 45 rbi's last season. Stevens attended East Leyden HS and lives in Rosemont Illinois.
3B/Pitcher Trey Martin from Wheaton College went 4-5 with a 2.93 ERA on the mound and at the plate Trey hit .362 with 8 homers, 3 triples, 11 doubles and had 36 rbi's in 2011. Trey went to Wheaton North HS and lives in Wheaton Illinois.
Second Team All-Americans:
Outfielder Josh Davidson from Aurora University hit .429 last season with the Spartans. Josh is from Cypress California.
Honorable Mention:
Catcher Nick Skala, Concordia University Chicago
1B Kevin Callahan, Illinois Wesleyan
Outfielder Justin Zeller, Wheaton College
The top baseball players from Illinois and projected finish of Illinois teams in the Summit League for 2012. The list is based on how the conference coaches voted in their preseason polls.
Western Illinois is projected to finish 2nd behind Oral Roberts.
Top Players from Illinois:
LHP/DH Rich Mascheri, Western Illinois, Rich is a transfer from College of Lake County, attended Wauconda HS and lives in Wauconda Illinois. Mascheri redshirted in 2011 but hit .385 last summer and was a West Coast League All-Star.
Catcher Manny Reyes, Western Illinois, Manny is from Santa Monica California.
Shortstop Austin Cowen, Western Illinois, Austin is from Gillette Wyoming.
Outfielder Matt Igara, Western Illinois, Matt is a transfer from Heartland, attended Jacobs HS and lives in Algonquin Illinois. Igara hit .317 with 4 homers and 19 doubles last season.
First baseman Tom Lilja, Western Illinois, Tom is from Lincoln-Way East HS and lives in Mokena Illinois. Lilja hit .281 with 11 homers 8 doubles and 43 rbi's in 2011.
The 2012 top baseball players to watch in the Mid American Conference from Illinois or on Illinois teams. The list is based on how the conference coaches voted in the pre-season polls.
Relief Pitcher Dietrich Enis, Central Michigan, LHP Dietrich is from Lincoln Way East HS and lives in Frankfort Illinois.
RHP Jon Weaver, Central Michigan, Jon is from East Leyden HS and lives in Franklin Park Illinois.
Outfielder Bryce Redeker, Miami Ohio, Bryce is a transfer from Kankakee Community College, went to Bishop McNamara HS and lives in Watseka Illinois.
1B Jeff Zimmerman, Northern Illinois, Jeff is from Andrew HS and lives in Tinley Park Illinois.
SS Alex Jones, Northern Illinois, Alex is from Kansas City Kansas.
Outfielder Jamison Wells, Northern Illinois, Jamison is from Combined Locks WI.
3B Troy White, Northern Illinois, Troy went to Whitney Young HS and lives in Chicago Illinois.
RHP Tony Manville, Northern Illinois, Tony is a transfer from Iowa, went to Mount Carmel HS and lives in New Lenox Illinois.
Relief Pitcher Kyle Glancy, Northern Illinois, Kyle attended Oak Park River Forest HS and lives in Oak Park Illinois.
LHP Casey Webber, Western Michigan, Casey is from Providence Catholic HS and lives in Tinley Park Illinois.
3B Ryan McMillin, Western Michigan, Ryan attended Lyons Township HS and lives in LaGrange Illinois.
The 2012 Illinois baseball players to watch this year in the Horizon League. The list is based on how the conference coaches voted in their pre-season polls in the Horizon League.
LHP Tyler Deetjen, Valparaiso, Tyler is from St. Charles East HS and lives in St. Charles Illinois.
3B Patrick Guinane, Butler, Patrick is from Glenbrook South HS and lives in Glenview, Illinois.
OF Mike Hoscheit, Butler, Mike is from St. Charles East HS and lives in St. Charles Illinois.
The top Illinois junior college baseball players to watch in 2012 who were recommended by junior college and four year university coaches across the nation.
LHP Derek Thompson, John A. Logan, Derek is from Teutopolis Illinois
LHP Aaron Hauge, Heartland, Aaron is from Homewood Illinois
LHP Bo Weir, Parkland, Bo is from Kokomo IN
LHP Troy Mannebach, Oakton, Troy is from Appleton WI
RHP Jeremy Stawychny, Heartland, Jeremy is from Franklin Park Illinois
RHP Bill McFarland, Southwestern Illinois, Bill is from Edwardsville Illinois
RHP David Toth, Danville Area, David is from Danville Illinois
RHP Joe Ucho, Prairie State, Joe is from Chicago Illinois
RHP Karl Brecht, Lewis & Clark, Karl is from Michigan
RHP Trevor Vermillion, Joliet, Trevor is from Joliet
1B Dan Eliopulos, Joliet, Dan is from Tinley Park Illinois
1B Jeff Limbaugh, Parkland, Jeff is from Crown Point IN
1B Mike Falloni, Heartland, Mike is from Edwardsville IL
2B Marshal Vallandingham, Southwestern Illinois, Marshal is from Mascoutah
2B Luis Bruno, Southeastern Illinois, Luis is from Puerto Rico
2B Ryan Black, Danville Area, Ryan is from Indiana
3B Cody Daily, Southwestern Illinois, Cody is from Granite City Illinois
3B Joe Czarnecki, Prairie State, Joe is from Oak Forest Illinois
SS Tyler Palmer, Oakton, Tyler is from Georgia
SS Westley Minton, Parkland, Westley is from Ohio
SS Chase Matheson, McHenry,
OF Logan Leverett, Southeastern Illinois, Logan is from Harrisburg Illinois
OF Neil DeCook, Kankakee, Neil is from Kankakee Illinois
OF Brian Doll, Southwestern Illinois Brian is from Greenville
OF Joe Dunn, Lewis & Clark, Joe is from Alton Illinois
OF Tanner Hahn, Danville Area, Tanner is from Indiana
DH Dylan Johnson, Heartland, Dylan is from Bloomington Illinois
1B/C Blake Baker, Kankakee, Blake is from Streator Illinois
Here are the division II baseball Midwest Region players to watch in 2012 who are from Illinois. The list is selected by the ABCA All-American Baseball Committee chaired by Rudy Garbalosa of Lynn University.
Pre-Season All-Americans:
Outfielder Andrew Brauer, Lewis University, Andrew transferred from the College of Dupage, went to Montini HS and lives in Bolingbrook Illinois.
Outfielder Mike Bolling, Lewis University, Mike attended Guerin Prep HS and lives in Chicago Illinois.
RHP Brian Thompson, Quincy University, Brian went to Monmouth-Roseville HS and lives in Monmouth Illinois.
Players to Watch:
RHP Pat Lahey, Lewis University, Pat attended Downers Grove South HS and lives in Downers Grove Illinois.
Outfielder Mitchell Broughton, Quincy University, Mitchell went to Centralia HS and lives in Centralia Illinois.
RHP Eric Meyerchick, Saint Joseph's College, Eric went to TF South HS and lives in Lansing Illinois.
Newcomers to Watch:
Shortstop Mike Barajas, Lewis University, Mike is from Nazareth HS and lives in Chicago Illinois.
The Pre-Season Big Ten Baseball projected order of finish along with top players to watch in 2012. The list was determined by the coaches from the Big Ten.
Projected Order of finish:
Purdue
Michigan State
Minnesota
Illinois
Nebraska
Ohio St.
Michigan
Penn St.
Indiana
Iowa
Northwestern
Projected Pitcher of the Year:
RHP - Tony Bucciferro - Michigan State, Tony is from Minooka HS and lives in Joliet Illinois.
Other Top Players to Watch from Illinois:
3B Brandon Hohl, Illinois, Brandon is from Lincoln Way East and lives in Mokena.
OF Willie Argo, Illinois, Willie is from Davenport Iowa.
RHP Kevin Johnson, Illinois, Kevin is from Mount Carmel HS and lives in Midlothian Illinois.
Relief Pitcher Matt Milroy, Illinois, Matt is from Marmion Academy and lives in Batavia Illinois.
LHP Jarred Hippen, Iowa, Jarred is from Rock Falls HS and lives in Rock Falls Illinois.
RHP Nick Brown, Iowa, Nick is from Wheaton Warrenville HS and lives in Warrenville Illinois.
2B Mike McQuillan, Iowa, Mike is from Brother Rice HS and lives in Evergreen Park IL.
RHP/2B Zach Morton, Northwestern, Zach is from Evanston HS and lives in Evanston Illinois.
RHP Luke Farrell, Northwestern, Luke is from Weslake OH.
DH/P Paul Snieder, Northwestern, Paul is from Hawaii.
SS Trevor Stevens, Northwestern, Trevor is from Glenbrook South HS and lives in Glenview Illinois.
NCAA Division III top baseball players to watch from Illinois D3 teams in 2012 as selected by Division III coaches across the U.S.
Left Handed Pitchers:
Kevin Crowley from Illinois Benedictine - Kevin went 4-0 with a 3.49 ERA in 2011.
Nick Mehn, Illinois Wesleyan - Nick was 7-2 with a 3.56 ERA in nine starts last season.
Nick Soldano and Steve Kuligowski from North Park, Nick was 5-1 with a 3.91 ERA and Steve went 7-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 2011.
Right Handed Pitchers:
Drey Gay, Aurora - Drew went 7-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 79 1/3 innings last season.
Joe Sweeney, Illinois Wesleyan - Joe was 6-5 with 3.33 ERA in 78 1/3 innings in 2011.
Catchers:
AJ Nathan, Illinois Wesleyan - Nathan hit .321 with 2 homers, 10 doubles and 67 rbi's last season.
Tom Higgins, Illinois Benedictine - Tom hit .317 with 7 doubles and 50 rbi's in 2011.
First Baseman:
Brett Van Asdlen, Aurora - Brett hit 6 homers while batting .292 with 46 rbi's last season.
Kevin Callahan, Illinois Wesleyan - Kevin hit .398 with 15 home runs, 11 doubles and 51 rbi's in 2011.
Tim Gindville, Illinois Benedictine - Tim hit .290 with 5 doubles and 24 rbi's last year.
Second Baseman:
Brian Evans, Elmhurst College - Brian hit .319 with 7 doubles in 2011.
Third Baseman:
Ryan Javech, North Park - Ryan only played in 4 games in 2011 and hit .118.
Jon Erickson, Illinois Wesleyan - Jon hit .368 with 11 doubles and 24 rbi's in 2011.
Tim Mackey, Aurora - Tim hit .357 with 7 doubles, 2 triples and 27 rbi's last season.
Shortstops:
Zach Hofer, Elmhurst - Zach hit .372 with 4 homers, 14 doubles and 34 rbi's in 2011.
Outfielders:
Josh Davidson, Aurora - Josh hit .429 with 3 homers, 2 triples and 35 rbi's last season.
Justin Zeller, Wheaton College - Justin hit .355 with 9 homers, 11 doubles, 3 triples and 36 rbi's in 2011.
Kevin Hendricks, Illinois Benedictine - Kevin hit .386 with 3 homers, 11 doubles and 44 rbi's last season.
Mike Foley, Aurora - Foley hit .362 with 4 homers, 6 triples and 14 doubles in 2011.
Ryan Adams, Aurora - Ryan hit .369 with 3 homers, 9 doubles and 36 rbi's last season.
Designated Hitters and Multi-Position Players:
Austin Driggers, Wheaton College - Austin hit .353 with 2 homers, 11 doubles and 43 rbi's in 2011.
Bobby Czarnowski, Illinois Wesleyan - Bobby hit .315 with 5 homers, 6 doubles and 29 rbi's last season.
Brad Medina, North Park - Brad hit .329 with 8 homers, 4 doubles and 24 rbi's in 2011.
Trey Martin, Wheaton College - Trey hit .362 with 8 homers, 11 doubles and 36 rbi's at the plate and went 4-5 with a 2.93 ERA in 73 2/3 innings last season.
Matt Hamann from Belmont University is the only Illinois baseball player to be named as on of the 2012 top players from Illinois in the Atlantic Sun Conference based on how the coaches vote in their pre-season polls and projections.
Matt is a senior right handed pitcher from Northbrook Illinois and was voted as one of the top players to watch in the Atlantic Sun for 2012.
