Websters, with the early college signings, now in the rear view mirror, it is time to chime in and provide a bit of recognition for some of the top ball players that we have not yet heard about. Batter up!
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Corky,
Send our best to Kyle.
Send our best to Kyle.
Lyons Township has a trio top notch players that people need to hear more about:
Mark Hochberg IF - "Mr. Clutch", Hoch always come through in the field, on the bump and when you need that key hit.
Luke Gacek IF - a three sport warrior that has a great speed, glove and solid bat. gacek is an intense competitor and things always go better with Luke in there.
Grant Fillipich - 3B, P - Filly can really whack the ball for extra bases! He also has lots of expereince on the mound and went 6 - 1 last year in one of the top conferences around.
Mark Hochberg IF - "Mr. Clutch", Hoch always come through in the field, on the bump and when you need that key hit.
Luke Gacek IF - a three sport warrior that has a great speed, glove and solid bat. gacek is an intense competitor and things always go better with Luke in there.
Grant Fillipich - 3B, P - Filly can really whack the ball for extra bases! He also has lots of expereince on the mound and went 6 - 1 last year in one of the top conferences around.
Corky, LT Junior Brian Lorenz, could be the best all-around player from that school in a long time.
Upside is off the chart.
Upside is off the chart.
Ryan August, SR RHP Lincoln Way East. Big and tall. East's coaches have done a nice job with him. Got some big wins in Southwest Suburban Conference games. Great kid, great family.
Corky,
You're so right about these three players who cut their teeth with Sam Sorce and Prairie Gravel. If they so choose, there are certainly schools that would welcome them both as students and as ballplayers. It's just about finding the right fit.
Please send Kyle our regards.
You're so right about these three players who cut their teeth with Sam Sorce and Prairie Gravel. If they so choose, there are certainly schools that would welcome them both as students and as ballplayers. It's just about finding the right fit.
Please send Kyle our regards.
Corky, you have a pm
Ibach....
Since your so "worldly," tell me what you really know about LT's history of 'all-around' players!!!
Since your so "worldly," tell me what you really know about LT's history of 'all-around' players!!!
boomer, I was wondering the same thing. I played against LT for four years in HS and coached against them for the last seven and still would find it difficult to name a top 15 let alone a number one all time player there.
Ball, you have a pm
I think the All-State Outfielder (as a Junior) from LT Casey McMurray is pretty good. BA .500, Slg% .732
Last years other All Stater from LT - Dan Weston I thought was pretty good.
LT All Stater Dan Brewer from a couple of years back (SS) I thought was pretty good.
All three of the above players played well on both sides of the field
I am sure Mr. Lorenz is pretty good too.
However, LT has a history of producing top talent and I highly doubt that he will be the "best all around player in a long time".
Let's unleash the big dog and hear Sweaty's opinion
Last years other All Stater from LT - Dan Weston I thought was pretty good.
LT All Stater Dan Brewer from a couple of years back (SS) I thought was pretty good.
All three of the above players played well on both sides of the field
I am sure Mr. Lorenz is pretty good too.
However, LT has a history of producing top talent and I highly doubt that he will be the "best all around player in a long time".
Let's unleash the big dog and hear Sweaty's opinion
ballfan.....
How are you???? How is the family? I hope all is well with you!!! I'll be out to see the "match-up" this spring.
For someone to make a statement like that, to me, really shows a lack of knowledge, experience, and not knowing what one is talking about. If the kid was voted the summer tournaments MVP, that's great, but that doesn't make him the 'best' of anything yet, past or future! He had a very good tournament, fine, but as you know, things do and can change.
Look at all of the "cream-of-the-crop" players everyone talks about from the last 2,3,4 years. You can maybe count on one hand who has really made on impact since leaving high school. Chis Green who was a multi sport athlete at LT was one of those guys. Football, baseball, he could hit and had speed, and when he went to Dartmouth, he played football and not baseball. Now if you want to put someone on a pedastal, how about Mike Bowden, Joe Benson, Dan Frega, Kitt Kopach, Justin Olsen, Grant Johnson, maybe they might be that "best all-around" player. As you can see, this list is not all LT, because it so difficult to have that one special player as referred to. I base my thoughts on how far someone has gone on in baseball. Grant Johnson has done that so far, but is he the best all-around player?
How are you???? How is the family? I hope all is well with you!!! I'll be out to see the "match-up" this spring.
For someone to make a statement like that, to me, really shows a lack of knowledge, experience, and not knowing what one is talking about. If the kid was voted the summer tournaments MVP, that's great, but that doesn't make him the 'best' of anything yet, past or future! He had a very good tournament, fine, but as you know, things do and can change.
Look at all of the "cream-of-the-crop" players everyone talks about from the last 2,3,4 years. You can maybe count on one hand who has really made on impact since leaving high school. Chis Green who was a multi sport athlete at LT was one of those guys. Football, baseball, he could hit and had speed, and when he went to Dartmouth, he played football and not baseball. Now if you want to put someone on a pedastal, how about Mike Bowden, Joe Benson, Dan Frega, Kitt Kopach, Justin Olsen, Grant Johnson, maybe they might be that "best all-around" player. As you can see, this list is not all LT, because it so difficult to have that one special player as referred to. I base my thoughts on how far someone has gone on in baseball. Grant Johnson has done that so far, but is he the best all-around player?
Boomer, It wouldn't be the same if you didn't show for that game. I hope to see sweaty out there as well. Thanks for asking about the family, we are expecting girl number two on weds. I hope they start up a softball forum because I have no idea how to teach the underhand pitch. Like I stated, Where would you begin in selecting the best player at any school. Brewer, bolt, hochberg, johnson, mcmurray, weston, birks, dunne, westson, corcoran and many others that I have chosen to erase from my memory all were great baseball players who played the game the right way. The funny thing is these guys are from the last 6 years. I am sure that there were many before them. Pat Maloney comes to mind fronm the late 80's. Great memories of great battles. Good luck to your son this fall.
ballfan....
That's great news, to hear about the birth of your second daughter happening this week!!
I almost forgot, and its not intended to over shadow your daughters, wife, and you, but I became a "GRANDPA" last Sunday!! Twin, not identical, girls!!!!
Maybe, if I'm still around, we can start our own girls fastpitch travel team???? I know I'm just the grandpa, but I need to instill the baseball bug in them. I know, I know, it is to early, but WE have to start planning soon.
What do yah think?
Son had a great fall at Univ. of Rochester and should play this spring. Grades were awesome the first semester with a 3.93 in a Biomedical Engineering curriculum. This spring will be interesting with baseball really kicking in to full swing.
I won't ask how OPRF looks this coming season, since I know you won't divulge any information, but I expect it will be a formidable group of talented players as usual.
55 days before the Florida trip!!!!!! Go Yellowjackets!!! Boy, does that sound different!
That's great news, to hear about the birth of your second daughter happening this week!!
I almost forgot, and its not intended to over shadow your daughters, wife, and you, but I became a "GRANDPA" last Sunday!! Twin, not identical, girls!!!!
Maybe, if I'm still around, we can start our own girls fastpitch travel team???? I know I'm just the grandpa, but I need to instill the baseball bug in them. I know, I know, it is to early, but WE have to start planning soon.
Son had a great fall at Univ. of Rochester and should play this spring. Grades were awesome the first semester with a 3.93 in a Biomedical Engineering curriculum. This spring will be interesting with baseball really kicking in to full swing.
I won't ask how OPRF looks this coming season, since I know you won't divulge any information, but I expect it will be a formidable group of talented players as usual.
55 days before the Florida trip!!!!!! Go Yellowjackets!!! Boy, does that sound different!
Boomer, congrats. Twin girls, talk about having your hands full. An OPRF guy and an LT guy coaching girls softball together, makes me think of the commercial where the pepsi delivery man hugs the coca-cola delivery man. Best of Luck.
We have heard about some up & comers from LT & LWE, who else? 
Boomer & Ballfan, congratulations to both on the new arrivals!
I really can't comment on the history of LT, but I did hear David Hasselhoff (Baywatch) went there..Did he play baseball?
I relay what I have heard from some respected contributors, We have a better read on the 2009's and younger, but we look to include the high school group in 2007. Lorenz, is high on some scouting charts. He has size speed and athleticism and one contributor said the kid is amazing with such tremendous talent and upside. You will probably not find him on the travel or showcase rosters. For years LT had a nice travel feeder program (Prairie Gravel) but Gravel has apparently folded.
I really can't comment on the history of LT, but I did hear David Hasselhoff (Baywatch) went there..Did he play baseball?
I relay what I have heard from some respected contributors, We have a better read on the 2009's and younger, but we look to include the high school group in 2007. Lorenz, is high on some scouting charts. He has size speed and athleticism and one contributor said the kid is amazing with such tremendous talent and upside. You will probably not find him on the travel or showcase rosters. For years LT had a nice travel feeder program (Prairie Gravel) but Gravel has apparently folded.
Hasselhoff ???????????????
Tr I am not kidding..He went there!!
I thought the topic was "top players nobody mentions" !!!!
TrHit, You gotta be kidding me, it was a little joke, your not seriously going to ride me on this.
It's funny Hasselhoff went there.
Back to Baseball.
It's also funny that some of you guys knock us.
Check this out: We often receive emails from people looking to find quality travel programs. We are an asset to many teams. One dad emailed us last year from central Illinois, no one ever heard of him or the kid (TrHit see were back on track now), Kevin sent the info to three top travel coaches.
Only one followed up, the kid turned out to be a beast! All-State Honorable Mention as a Freshman. The kid punched out a top travel teams lineup and looked like a man among boys.
That's an example of one we didn't know about. Give us a chance!
It's funny Hasselhoff went there.
Back to Baseball.
It's also funny that some of you guys knock us.
Check this out: We often receive emails from people looking to find quality travel programs. We are an asset to many teams. One dad emailed us last year from central Illinois, no one ever heard of him or the kid (TrHit see were back on track now), Kevin sent the info to three top travel coaches.
Only one followed up, the kid turned out to be a beast! All-State Honorable Mention as a Freshman. The kid punched out a top travel teams lineup and looked like a man among boys.
That's an example of one we didn't know about. Give us a chance!
Sorry, but I must know a different Lorenz. The one I know doesn't have speed. The one I know has size and will probably hit with power, and defense is a question mark.
Ibach,
Why do your posts contain the word 'we' over and over again? Don't you get it? This forum doesn't care about the 'we' in your life. The posters here want to know what the individual has to offer to this community. By this time, a reasonable man would have recognized this and changed their approach. Maybe you're just incapable of separating yourself from TBS. Once again, IMO, you are using this forum as a pulpit for promoting the company you work for. If someone wants to read the content of your website, they can do so on their own accord.
Why do your posts contain the word 'we' over and over again? Don't you get it? This forum doesn't care about the 'we' in your life. The posters here want to know what the individual has to offer to this community. By this time, a reasonable man would have recognized this and changed their approach. Maybe you're just incapable of separating yourself from TBS. Once again, IMO, you are using this forum as a pulpit for promoting the company you work for. If someone wants to read the content of your website, they can do so on their own accord.
Boomer, some of the stars you mentioned also have question marks, size for instance, comes up first.
Two you mention are terrific athletes, but size is a factor.
"Scouts try to project your size by looking at a variety of factors. Your current body type and maturity level are one of the things scouts look at. The size of your parents and siblings can also be an indicator of where you are heading. If a player has not filled out yet, it can be an indication that there is more room for added growth and strength, thus making that player possibly a better player or pitcher in the long run compared to the player who is fully mature. Remember, a scout is trying to look a few years down the road to project what you will be."
The ML Scouting Bureau spends the summer looking at what they call 'follows', mostly 15 and 16 year-olds - younger prospects they didn't have time for before the June draft. They develop a follow list by the end of the summer or the early fall each year which may have 500-600 players that will be eligible for the next June's draft. In addition, they'll have lists of players eligible for two years ahead. (In Spring, prior to the draft, MLSB scouts are busy looking at those eligible for that year's draft, so if that's not you, then relax and enjoy your Spring ball as a teaching/conditioning time, gearing yourself up for the summer 'all-star' season when your performance really counts.)
**Rosy, I am just not interested in sparring with you buddy. I have some info that I hope can be beneficial to some of the kids and the parents that visit here. As a matter of fact, I also had some problems with TBS and thought awarding kids or calling them All-Americans was a little pretentious, but they included an Academic Qualifier, did thorough research and put together a meaningful recognition program. I just don't see how that can be a bad thing. Highlighting top student-athletes seems like a positive in a world of negatives.
Did you see that ridiculous spectacle, parading those age 8-thru-15 girls and boys from punt pass and kick competitions, during the NFL playoff game tonight. Can you believe they called them National Champions. 8 and 9 year old girls and boys..C'mon!!!
*Boomer I could be wrong but didn't you say this
"Your talking about your son potentially playing in the Big 12 Conference of D1 baseball. He had better be pretty good. There were 3 All-Staters at their August camp, one of which they drooled over. That player didn't go their. One of the two other players is going to a smaller D1 school, and the other is going to be a senior in school. I thought my son stood a chance, but is to small, even though they have some smaller players on that team. Size does matter!
"You observe a lot by watching."
Two you mention are terrific athletes, but size is a factor.
"Scouts try to project your size by looking at a variety of factors. Your current body type and maturity level are one of the things scouts look at. The size of your parents and siblings can also be an indicator of where you are heading. If a player has not filled out yet, it can be an indication that there is more room for added growth and strength, thus making that player possibly a better player or pitcher in the long run compared to the player who is fully mature. Remember, a scout is trying to look a few years down the road to project what you will be."
The ML Scouting Bureau spends the summer looking at what they call 'follows', mostly 15 and 16 year-olds - younger prospects they didn't have time for before the June draft. They develop a follow list by the end of the summer or the early fall each year which may have 500-600 players that will be eligible for the next June's draft. In addition, they'll have lists of players eligible for two years ahead. (In Spring, prior to the draft, MLSB scouts are busy looking at those eligible for that year's draft, so if that's not you, then relax and enjoy your Spring ball as a teaching/conditioning time, gearing yourself up for the summer 'all-star' season when your performance really counts.)
**Rosy, I am just not interested in sparring with you buddy. I have some info that I hope can be beneficial to some of the kids and the parents that visit here. As a matter of fact, I also had some problems with TBS and thought awarding kids or calling them All-Americans was a little pretentious, but they included an Academic Qualifier, did thorough research and put together a meaningful recognition program. I just don't see how that can be a bad thing. Highlighting top student-athletes seems like a positive in a world of negatives.
Did you see that ridiculous spectacle, parading those age 8-thru-15 girls and boys from punt pass and kick competitions, during the NFL playoff game tonight. Can you believe they called them National Champions. 8 and 9 year old girls and boys..C'mon!!!
*Boomer I could be wrong but didn't you say this
"Your talking about your son potentially playing in the Big 12 Conference of D1 baseball. He had better be pretty good. There were 3 All-Staters at their August camp, one of which they drooled over. That player didn't go their. One of the two other players is going to a smaller D1 school, and the other is going to be a senior in school. I thought my son stood a chance, but is to small, even though they have some smaller players on that team. Size does matter!
"You observe a lot by watching."
I believe that David Mitroff (08) from Prairie Ridge is one of the top defensive catchers in the state. TJ Swank(08) and Nick Martini(08) get most of the pub out of PR and overshadow Mitroff.
quote:Did you see that ridiculous spectacle, parading those age 8-thru-15 girls and boys from punt pass and kick competitions, during the NFL playoff game tonight. Can you believe they called them National Champions. 8 and 9 year old girls and boys..C'mon!!!
Ibach, Punt, Pass and Kick is a Long Standing (emphasis on Long, over 30 plus years)reputable competition, that is free (emphasis on free) to any boy and girl. Their organization has a lot to learn from.
P&C97, how is Mitroff's swing coming along?
**Rosy, I am just not interested in sparring with you buddy.
In this corner wearing the dark trunks, Iback...in the other corner wearing the light trunks, the whole HSBB Web site.
Iback, I just wonder if you are the real deal or if you are yanking our chains, ala The John Justin Smith, Jay Mariotti, etc. school of nonsense and see who you can tick off school of Yelloe Journalism?
In this corner wearing the dark trunks, Iback...in the other corner wearing the light trunks, the whole HSBB Web site.
Iback, I just wonder if you are the real deal or if you are yanking our chains, ala The John Justin Smith, Jay Mariotti, etc. school of nonsense and see who you can tick off school of Yelloe Journalism?
quote:Ibach, Punt, Pass and Kick is a Long Standing (emphasis on Long, over 30 plus years)reputable competition, that is free (emphasis on free) to any boy and girl. Their organization has a lot to learn from
*Playball, It was meant as an ironic reference regarding accolades for younger kids. All Americans, National Champions, Maybe we should just stick with the Little Leaguer term All-Stars
bach.....
Please, read all of the topics on these boards!!! Please. No where, does it refer to any 9,10,11, or 12 year baseball. C'mon, use your head!!! Wake-up!!!!
If you have something to offer, then make your point, otherwise go away. Your wasting valuable space on the server.
Please, read all of the topics on these boards!!! Please. No where, does it refer to any 9,10,11, or 12 year baseball. C'mon, use your head!!! Wake-up!!!!
If you have something to offer, then make your point, otherwise go away. Your wasting valuable space on the server.
Boomer, I didn't bring the younger divisions up, I was trying to relay info on players that I have heard about that could be potential top prospects.
We had a decent discussion going, however, If you read the posts, people keep dragging the other stuff up. I will stop responding to the questions about younger players and will maintain focus on the top high school players on our radar screen.
*How about a truce today, lets do it for the Bears!
**My 11:40 post Jan 13 post had some info that may have been helpful to some of the kids.
We had a decent discussion going, however, If you read the posts, people keep dragging the other stuff up. I will stop responding to the questions about younger players and will maintain focus on the top high school players on our radar screen.
*How about a truce today, lets do it for the Bears!
**My 11:40 post Jan 13 post had some info that may have been helpful to some of the kids.
Hey PB2, Mitroff's swing has gotten much better although I don't see him ever being an offensive star. He will be an average HS hitter this year and hopefully a good HS hitter his senior year.
IBACH as in "WE"
Is it not a better thing for you to talk about players you have actuallyseen rather than those you have "heard" about ?
Back up and think about it!!!!
Is it not a better thing for you to talk about players you have actuallyseen rather than those you have "heard" about ?
Back up and think about it!!!!
They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. I've tried words.
Central Illinois Matt Fraum 2009 Pitcher from Olympia remember that name. Chris Razzo 2009 Illinois Valley Central, Tanner Howell 2009 from Beardstown, Illinois.
3 young pitchers I have never seen, I trust the sources on these kids. Big Names on the horizon!
Coach B, It's nothing that bad, I got mad like that when I saw Mark Big Mac sitting at that congressional hearing, all shrunken and hiding behind the 5th. Worse was Raffi who followed his finger pointing with a failed test. What really gets me angry is reading about parents allowing a drinking party to go on in the house, or teens continualy getting hurt in alcohol related automobile accidents, or why are some American Veterans homeless.
3 young pitchers I have never seen, I trust the sources on these kids. Big Names on the horizon!
Coach B, It's nothing that bad, I got mad like that when I saw Mark Big Mac sitting at that congressional hearing, all shrunken and hiding behind the 5th. Worse was Raffi who followed his finger pointing with a failed test. What really gets me angry is reading about parents allowing a drinking party to go on in the house, or teens continualy getting hurt in alcohol related automobile accidents, or why are some American Veterans homeless.
AGAIN he says "three young pitchers I have never seen"
You have to be some kind of expert to hype kids you have not seen
You have to be some kind of expert to hype kids you have not seen
As a long-time LT observer and long ago former player there, yes Hasselhof is in LT's "Hall of Fame". The comment on Brian Lorenz is interesting--I agree you can't name "the best all-around player in a while" for ANY school, let alone a school with LT's history. How about Dave Wermeister, '72 pitched in the majors for the Padres? Craig Patterson, '76 Florida State captain, still in top 10 at FSU in career average, Sam Sorce '77-78 Miami HOF, Jeff Kopjo, drafted and signed by the Dodgers out of LT.....and on and on.
There are 100's of outstanding players that nobody mentions. The OPRF Jr. LHP (I'm bad at remembering names) is one. Tokarsky from DGN. Kaiser and Fulton from Naz.
There are 100's of outstanding players that nobody mentions. The OPRF Jr. LHP (I'm bad at remembering names) is one. Tokarsky from DGN. Kaiser and Fulton from Naz.
OPRF LHP Scott Nelson
I have no idea who Matt Fraum and Chris Razzo are. Now if you're talking about Matt Frahm, a sophomore at Olympia, and Chris Razo, a sophomore at Illinois Valley Central, then yes, you're right, they should be pretty good. The next big thing? I don't know about that. They had good freshman years at the varsity level behind outstanding teams. The question is whether they improve.quote:Originally posted by Ibach:
Central Illinois Matt Fraum 2009 Pitcher from Olympia remember that name. Chris Razzo 2009 Illinois Valley Central, Tanner Howell 2009 from Beardstown, Illinois.
3 young pitchers I have never seen, I trust the sources on these kids. Big Names on the horizon!
Coach B, It's nothing that bad, I got mad like that when I saw Mark Big Mac sitting at that congressional hearing, all shrunken and hiding behind the 5th. Worse was Raffi who followed his finger pointing with a failed test. What really gets me angry is reading about parents allowing a drinking party to go on in the house, or teens continualy getting hurt in alcohol related automobile accidents, or why are some American Veterans homeless.
I might also add its the height of foolishness to be hyping players you have never seen.
Ben, When you have trusted contributors that provide detailed reports on players they have seen, I don't see the problem with relaying the information. Sorry about the Spelling of names. Razo was Honorable Mention All-State as a frosh, is that enough information to qualify him for a post?
People should enjoy Ranking and recruiting web sites for what they are; a temporary distraction for the fans and a viable business for the Internet companies. I will let you in on a little secret; Evaluating players and rating recruiting classes are inventions of the recruiting services that use the Internet to market their business to subscribers. This is an industry that has attracted thousands of fans who want to be in on the action.
People should enjoy Ranking and recruiting web sites for what they are; a temporary distraction for the fans and a viable business for the Internet companies. I will let you in on a little secret; Evaluating players and rating recruiting classes are inventions of the recruiting services that use the Internet to market their business to subscribers. This is an industry that has attracted thousands of fans who want to be in on the action.