Top 09 Pitchers in Illinois.

Most explosive fastball...Tony Zych (Orland Sparks) plays with this group could be a soph with the late b-day. Michael Olp from the Sems...as solid as they come. John Fossi from Prairie Gravel throws hard, when he's on its lights out. Crowley and Falcetti from Berwyn Bulldogs..Crowley recently converted to pitching and is now one of the best in the area. Falcetti has great mechanics and has nice command of his breaking ball. Havey from New Trier is a prototype pitcher with great presence and poise, we will be reading about this kid down the line. Joe Stachewicz formerly with the Bulldogs is working at Strikes with Scott Nelson and is very effective. Carlson Dupage D-backs and Duckhorn Dupage Dragons round out the list. Carlson throws hard. Duckhorn finess pitcher who spots well. Also like some of your selections. tbs staff

TBS, Zych is a sophomore at St. Rita. Your right, Falcetti is a very talented pitcher on the Berwyn Bulldogs. I'm starting to hear alot about Jack Havey who will probably dominate at New Trier High School, and pitch in many big games for his new team the Schaumburg Seminoles. Remember the name John Kurpiel from the Dupage Diamondbacks. This kid could really be heard from in 06 also.

Jake Naumann, DuPage Diamondbacks. Ricky Ecklund, Schaumburg Seminoles. Saw them both pitch at state last year. Both were dominating.

It is possible that in 2009 whoever is the best HS pitcher in the state is a kid who has never even pitched as of today's date.

Grateful

well said . Hopefully , most of these kids dont read this stuff and start buying into it.

I suppose you could take a position player who has never stepped on the mound, and with a little bit of fairie dust, turn him into the best HS pitcher in the state. It could happen.

Well said . Hopefully , most of these kids dont read this stuff and start buying into it.
Posts: 22 | Location: illinois | Registered: November 29, 2005[/quote]

This is the High School Baseball Web...They are in High School? Should anyone buy into anything? We certainly wouldn't want a kid to buy into the fact that people think highly of them or that they might possibly work that much harder at achieving success. Sully, please advise..what age group per your approval can we discuss without drawing your ire?

Many of the best pitchers in the year 2009 are now either average pitchers with potential or even position players. A lot of kids who blew hitters away at 14 will find out that good HS Hitters love the heater.....and unless you are Michael Bowden or a few others you better understand it.

Tbs

No ire from me , just thinking along practical lines. Some kids just MIGHT get a big head if they started to believe all of the things written about them. Seeing words used to describe kids like the best, or dominating just doesnt seem right to me at this stage in the game. Did you ever think a kid might NOT work as hard , thinking hes king of the hill after reading all of the praises heaped upon him ? If you feel differently...so be it. Sarcasm wont get you very far.

Fastball, I don't think anyone is disputing your comment. The athletes, in most cases will find their way. Hopefully with proper coaching, guidance and family support they will all find some degree of success in "Baseball". As we have discussed, the success we speak of can be attained on the field and also in the area of developing discipline for life's adventures. The kids with dreams should not be deterred from striving for them, however they should also be made aware (grounded) of the reality that only a very small percentage of players make it to the big show. I personally think the approach should be one step at a time. It is integral that parents remain vigilant with the direction and planning (To ensure the kid is playing for the right coach for the right reasons)
The guiding forces and environment must be healthy and conducive to learning, developing and maintaining a reasonable perspective on the "game" and task at hand.

Sully, you snuck that post in as we responded. Hopefully, we articulated the position a little better. You make a very good point and I also agree with you with respect to the possibility of slacking off per positive reviews) but hope that the kid has the proper support system surrounding him. It would be a real shame if the people around him allowed that to happen. People will discuss the top athletes in venues like this, goes with the territory. Just to point out, we never had a parent complain and say, hey don't talk about my kid or don't send Baseball America your assessment of Johnny...just never happened.

This thread was to mention the top 09 pitching prospects as they enter their 06 H.S. season. This is what this site provides, H.S. recognition and information. Most coaches, parents, and players know who the best players are. The thread was 09 top pitching prospects. Like I said, except for a few fathers or wanna be coaches on this board the rest of the site is always very good. If anyone wants to add to the impressive list of top pitchers in our great state of Illinois please do so. For the select few that think this great pub for these top prospects will go to their head get over it, your wrong. Players and teams get credit and recognition when it's earned. These players have earned it, and I'm sure will continue to keep working hard to stay at the top of their game.

Well I'm a 09 pitcher as of right now but I'm none of these all star guys you mention though I have played some of them. Here's what I have to say. In my mind there's nobody at our age who is the TOP pitcher. Nobody is consistent enough or matured enough for that matter to say someone is the best. I'm not complaining and I'll add that those guys mentioned are great pitchers. You look at some of those guys who are throwing around 80 as I am too but you cant help to wonder if that's all they're going to get to. I know a lot of people who could be great pitchers once they grow.

Perhaps, to appease sully, we should talk about players who have not reached their potential, as a way of keeping them motivated? Please. Has anyone heard of any downstate talent in this age group?

TPBulldogs35, this was a list of the top pitchers going into the 06 season. Most of these pitchers have dominated or have shown their ability to deserve this pub going into this year. With that being said, that doesn't mean they'll be the best still in four years, but some of them most likely will. Keep working hard, and good things will always follow. Hard work always = success. Good luck to you this season.

Bender, very well said. These players have obviously worked extremely hard to be at the top of their game at their age group. That will continue for them as most of these top players mentioned play for the elite travel teams and some good Highschools. Being mentioned as one of the best players is an honor and a privilege. These players work hard, and deserve recognition from sites like this, and from good companies like TBS.

Bender this is the High School Baseball Web...None have reached their potential, they are all shells of what they will become at say 21 or 22. Naming a Top anything is subjective, it is certainly no different than naming an All Star, All Tournament or All State Team. Every spring the local newspapers run pre-season profiles of the top team and players...They also run Top Freshman, Soph and Jr's...lists..Do you object to this?

TBS - I don't object to it in the least. These kids have earned the recognition they are receiving, and if anything, will probably work even harder to stay at the top of their class. In most cases these kids are sought out by extremely competitive travel teams, and that higher level of competition will continue to test their talents. I was merely trying to put a nay-sayer in his place.

Grandslam, Thanks we appreciate that! Some people privately PM'd that we should utilize a softer approach and do this or say that, well that's not us! At times we could use a little temperance, however, we believe in calling it like we see it, asking tough questions and hopefully fostering thought and provocative solutions. We are slowly winning them over to the dark side...The mysterious vast underworld of Travel Baseball.

Bender sorry...misunderstood your post...Too much funny tasting eggnog!

Thats right bender and grandslam...this site
is called the HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL WEB . The 09s have yet to play one inning of high school ball .( not counting fall ball) They are all starting over now. They havent earned anything in HIGH SCHOOL yet . Let them prove themselves a little bit. Of course most of the better pitchers will continue to do so in high school , but to what extent---only time will tell. From here on out, the only recognition receieved should come from their performance on the baseball field ---from the coaches who count the most--their HIGH SCHOOL COACH --not from constant promoting on a message board. Even the most overzealous of travel managers should be able to figure that one out.

I could create a tremendous team of top incoming freshmen that have never played one inning of varsity ball. I have two walking the halls now that were the top 2 pitchers in our school and in our area when they entered hs. However, life happened to both. List like these don't do harm if taken in the right manner. However, there is so much "life" between these young men and their varsity careers that who knows how any of them will turn out. JMHO!

Sulltiger, the web sites exist, the message board forums create an opportunity to discuss such lists. The newspapers rate the top incoming freshman in every sport. I don't think anyone does this to create problems for the kids. "It is, what it is" and they will hopefully maintain their project-ability, focus and drive. Concerning our coverage, we target the top performing teams and players in the country, a good number of 09's that we cover are already working out with varsity teams (winter regiments). Once again it comes down to, you better have a good support system in place.
It is very true that some parents see a pot of gold in their child's future, often becoming delusional about their child's athletic ability.
"If they've got athletic talent, if they've got a competitive nature, I don't care what the sport is, that athletic talent will rise, they'll be successful athletes," The only valid argument I see would be, if people creating such lists were talking negatively about a players talent level. The discussions should remain positive. Matters concerning perceived weakness in certain areas should never be posted publicly. That type of information at this age should only be given to the parents (at their request) in strict confidence. Some parents want an honest assessment, what they do with it or how they present it to their kid (if they do) is entirely up to them. Under no circumstance should a player at this level ever be criticized in a public forum.

tbs, what newspapers rate the top incoming freshman? I don't remember those ratings, but I could have missed those particular papers on a certain day. Do they do that in ever sport for the freshman class?

quote:

number of 09's that we cover are already working out with varsity teams (winter regiments).

That is a violation of IHSA rules. Can't have more than 2 from any high school working out at the same time at the same place.

Lineshot, at the beginning of each sport, the Sun Times for example will run a feature on the high schools and upcoming season. There is usually a page and paragraphs that underscore the top kids in each class, just saw it with boys and girls basketball.
Been, I wasn't aware of any IHSA rules barring 09's from working out (strength & conditioning) Please advise as this is one area where you could actually assist us. Thanks!

This thread has many great pitchers on the list. Most of these players will breeze through a soft Freshmen schedule, if they don't get moved up to Varsity. Their true 06 test will be playing for their top elite travel team. All these pitchers have done very well up to this point, and many people in this thread have listed alot of good pitchers. Who knows what the future holds, but for right now. These are some of the best of the best players. So for those that can't handle that, or wish little Johnny could be on this list. Like I already said keep working harder, and maybe the next list will have little Johnny on it. This thread was going in a great direction, and then one or two idiots try to take some credit away from good companies and great players. Sorry that won't work.

I could be slow but I have necer seen a chicago paper cover the top incoming freshman in baseball. maybe an article or two. In reality the papers seem to focus on all varsity sports and athletes, maybe a freshman that makes varsity such as monroe in basketball his freshman year. As far as the freah working out with the varsity during winter workouts I think that is pretty normal at most schools. They are allowed as many as they want at the strength and conditioning it just can't be skill workouts, thats where the 2 per school comes into play, as silly as that seems to be.

grandslam, enough with the name calling already. People are asking questions about the topic, that isn't always a knock on a company or player.

Lineshot, you are correct..They focus on the Varsity, however, they usually run a paragraph or two on the top prospects in each class. Just bringing to light that the topic of discussing the top players at this age is not unique to us. If someone could explain the (only two per school rule) Is this rule to be looked upon that only two freshman can play Varsity ball? I am intrigued and would like to pass this information on to my audience. What is the link to the IHSA bylaws..Thanks in advance!

TBS
I wasnt commenting on your coverage of the 09s. Its okay to create lists of players by position and have some discussion. In my opinion i just dont feel it is healthy to heap too much praise on these young men because they havent even played in high school yet. Of course most of them will continue to do well as they have been all along, but there comes a point when the pre seaon promoting should quiet down a little . Let them get a full high school season under their belts . JMO

Lineshot, that was't directed at you. Anyways asking a question is onething. Though pouting about a suubject is another thing. It's always the same one or two people that do this. Like I said this site is very good except for the one or two over zealous parents that put their two cents in where it's not needed. Example, this thread highlights most of the top incoming 09 players as they get ready for their H.S. and Travel Ball season. A great thread! Another example, John Kurpiel a great player and a great kid. I know his father well. This kid has worked really hard to get back throwing the ball like he's capable of after an arm injury. This post would definitely pump him up, and probably motivate him even more. The kid works really hard at his game, just like most of the top players do. For one or two people on here to suggest having the top players names listed would make them not work as hard is crazy. The answer to everything is always time will tell! Well the time right now is 12:00 on December 26th and here's some lists of the best 09 pitching prospects in the state of Illinois.

TBS:

TBS you stated: "Every spring the local newspapers run pre-season profiles of the top team and players...They also run Top Freshman, Soph and Jr's...lists."

Prior to a specific sports season, I have never seen a listing of top incoming freshman. A sophomore perhaps if they deem to have an impact on the varsity level. Since we live in the same general area, that is served by the same local newspaper, I am surprised I have never made note of such an announcement.

In regards to the thread...most not all of the top pitchers at the 14/15 year old will be the top pitchers at 17/18 year olds in high school. They tend to be conditioned and trained to be pitchers. There will be exceptions due to factors such as too many curveballs, different developing interest or negative social pressures of course. Many more exceptions to the above statement at the college and pro level.

Post Christmas day trival question....How pitchers that took the mound in the Little League World Series have pitched in the Major Leagues?

Sully I respect your position and certainly understand your concern...It's not for everyone! (nor is elite level Travel Ball) Grandslam is clearly someone on the same page!
There is a market and huge interest for this. If a parent ever contacted us and asked us not to cover their kid we would certainly oblige.
I like Grandslams take on this type of coverage being beneficial, the kids get some national coverage be it them individually or their team, they feel proud of the accomplishment and part of a community. Just don't see anything wrong with it. Please don't get me started on the academic aspect which we highlight...if someone starts criticizing that again...well were going to request that Julie expel them!

Interesting thread

It is one thing to put a player on a list. It is another when constantly promoting and using words like dominating, etc. That was the point grandslam . Obviously you dont want to understand the concept that overpromoting and overpublicizing cannot be a good thing for any player who has yet to play one ining of high school ball . Maybe little johnny couldnt care less about making your list...hes smarter than that.

Isc59, If you allude that no freshman (baseball player) has ever been discussed in one of our local newspapers I will take that challenge (a gentleman's bet) I say they have. I don't have a copy to fax you, however, the boys & girls HS basketball features just came out...each had a paragraph listing the top kids in each class (freshman included). If they don't do it this Spring for Baseball, you win and I will send you a copy of the 2006 TBS brochure.

Speaking of freshman pitchers, has anyone heard from or talked to K13, coach Kosinski, the freshman pitching coach at New Trier? He hasn't been up here for 3-weeks.

TBS

09' kids are a long way from baseball and physical maturity--does it really matter who is the best at that age?