Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association
Starting in 2007 this was the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association website till around 2012. The content below is from site's 2008-2010 archived pages. It you are looking for the current Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association website go to: http://ihsbca.com/
IHSBCA HISTORY
The first meeting of baseball coaches to organiz the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association took place in 1965. Jay Sanders of Highland Park High School was the first President and Ron Klein of New Trier High School was the first Vice-President. The first Executive Board Members were Jack Kaiser of Oak Park-River Forest High School, Jim Phipps of Niles High School, and Claire Lossin of Riverside Brookfield High School. Other significant coaches involved in the formation of the IHSBCA included Ken McGonagle of Evanston High School and Jack Mallory of Waukegan High School. The organization was originally formed to allow seniors that were left off of American Legion rosters an opportunity to play in the summer. This was sanctioned by the IHSA. At the time, Les Miller, the Head Baseball Coach of The University of Illinois at Chicago was holding annual clinics for coaches. He agreed to share his clinic with the IHSBCA. Thus, the birth of our present day coaches clinic. The first clinic was held at Oak Park-River Forest High School. Since then, many high school and college coaches have contributed to the success and growth of our clinics. One of the first actions of the IHSBCA was to petition the IHSA to have the 16-game limit for public schools increased. With the support of the Principals, Ron Klein and Marty Wiora of Benet Academy got the schedule expanded to 25 dates, of which ten of those dates could be doubleheaders. As it stands today, all member teams of the IHSA can play 35 total games, with no doubleheader stipulations. The first Hall of Fame banquet was hosted in 1978. The initial inductees were All Budde of Belleville High School, Guy Cartwright of North Chicago High School, George Fencl of Morton High School, Martin McCarty of North Shore County Day High School, Jim Phipps of Niles High School, Ed Papciak of Lane Tech High School, Ed Stonebock of Peoria Manual High School, and Jack Kaiser. Today our organization boasts over 600 members, we select an All-Area team and an All-State team, our clinic continues to grow in attendance and quality speakers, and we try to be an integral influence on the IHSA in all matters related to Illinois High School Baseball. |
Anyone who lives in Illinois recognizes the importance of high school baseball. Even though I now live on the west coast hawking wholesale vaping products to a number of vape stores, I still follow the high school baseball team from my hometown. It's been an exciting last ten years. Now with the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in a number of states plus the growth of e-cigarettes, vaping has grown exponentially. Imagine my surprise when in 2016, Illinois as the 21th and the third largest state decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Under the new law, possession of ten grams or less of cannabis is punishable by a fine of $100-$200, with no fear of spending any time behind bars. However, Illinois like many states has passed laws regulation e-liquids and where you can and cannot vape. Although there is no statewide vaping ban, vaping is prohibited on all campuses of state-supported institutions of higher education, including buildings, grounds, parking lots, and vehicles owned by institutions. Enclosed research laboratories are exempt, as well as bars, restaurants, workplaces and all other indoor places where smoking is banned under the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act. Localities often tend to regulate vaping more stringently than the state. In California where I work as of June 2016, e-cigarettes are included in California's smoke free laws. E-cigarette use is prohibited in workplaces and many public spaces, including restaurants and bars, but allowed wherever smoking is allowed. However, none of these laws have really stifled the vaping marketplace. Nevertheless, as with cigarette smoking, all athletes and particularly students really should not smoke or vape. And lately the vape world started tanking. Recent warnings of health risks really killed the market. When the first bad news started appearing in searches for vape products, some of the larger retailers tried to manipulate the search results to hide the bad news. They hired services like imfy.us to remove the problem searches with their magic. But as more and more bad news crept into the daily news feeds, it became impossible to remove all those results - way too expensive and the news was getting out there anyway. The dam had broken. The game of baseball is too important.
Coaches Clinic
2008
The 2008 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Clinic/Awards Dinner will be held on Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 at the Bulls/Sox Academy in Lisle. Chuck Gandolfi has outdone himself putting together an outstanding line-up of speakers. Every coach will take something away from this clinic to use in his program.
Friday, February 1
4:30 Registration begins, exhibits open
5:45 – 6:25 Table of Champions – Drills to help your team and program
Doug Sutor, Sandburg High School
Dustin Nail, Columbia High School
6:25 – 6:50 Outfield Fundamentals and Drills
Tony D'Anza, IHSBCA Hall of Famer
6:50 -- 7:10 Visit the Exhibitors
7:15 – 8:00 Drills to help you find your best swing
John Cohen, Head Coach, University of Kentucky
8:00 – 8:10 IHSBCA Announcements
8:10 – 9:00 Evaluating your talent and recruiting
John Cohen, Head Coach, University of Kentucky
9:00 – 11:00 IHSBCA Hot Stove coaches appreciation reception
Saturday, February 2
7:00 Registration begins, exhibits open
8:15 – 9:00 Creating the Big Inning
John Cohen, Head Coach, University of Kentucky
9:00 – 9:25 Cut-off and relay system to fit your personnel
Sean McDermott, UIC Assistant Coach
9:25 – 9:55 Stealing bases to steal some wins
John Russo, Head Coach, Vermont Mountaineers
10:00 – 10:25 Holding runners and the left-handed pick-off move
Irish O'Reilly, ABCA and IHSBCA Hall of Famer
10:25 – 10:50 Offensive philosophy used at UIC
Sean McDermott, UIC Assistant Coach
10:50 – 11:00 IHSBCA Awards
11:00 – 11:45 Defensive practice organization
Rex Sanders, Texas AM High School
11:45 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 Major League sinker, slider, curve and change
Larry Monroe, Chicago White Sox
1:45 – 2:30 Two-strike hitting approach and drills
Jack Perconte, 11-year major leaguer
2:30 – 3:15 Catching fundamentals and drills
Cliff Brown, Chicago White Sox
3:15 IHSA Rules interpretation meeting
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2009
A Winning Approach To Hitting
Offensive Pressure Baseball
How Well Do We Utilize Our Players?
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2010
To register for the 2010 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Clinic and Hall of Fame Dinner, click on the MEMBERSHIP link on the left of this page, print it, and send the page with payment to Don Sutherland at Cary-Grove High School. His contact information is at the bottom of that page. Once again, the Bulls/Sox Training Academy in Lisle will be our host for the IHSBCA Coaches Clinic.
FRIDAY February 5, 2010 4:00pm Registration and Exhibitors Booths Open
5:00- 6:00 Chris Paproth, Ron Smith, Jared Voss, Mike Napolean
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A State Champions
Helpful Offensive Plans 6:00-6:50 John Cohen, Head Coach Mississippi State
Helping Young Hitters Find a Stroke
6:50-7:10 VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
7:10-8:00 Butch Thompson, Pitching Coach Mississippi State University
Bullpen Enhancement along with Absolute Drill Series
8:00-9:00 John Cohen, Head Coach Mississippi State University
Mississippi State Wall Ball
9:00-11:00 IHSBCA Coaches and Exhibitors Appreciation Reception
SATURDAY February 6, 2010
7:00 a.m. Registration Begins (Coffee and Doughnuts)
8:00- 8:50Cory Stevens, Head Coach Wabash College
Indoor Practices and Multiple Team and Position Drills
8:50-9:40 Pete Caliendo, President Caliendo Sports International
International Baseball Hitting Drills and Skills
9:40-10:05 VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
10:05-10:35 Mike Huff, Chicago White Sox
Bunting for Hits and Sacrifices -- Ideas and Drills
10:35-11:25 Joe Walsh, Head Coach Harvard University
Winning with Lesser Talent
11:25– 12:45 LUNCH AND VISIT THE EXHIBITORS 50/50 Raffle winners
12:45 -12:50 IHSBCA Announcements
12:50 – 1:40 Mike Huff, Chicago White Sox
An Outfielders Mindset and Fundamentals
1:40- 2:30 Justin Stone, Chicago White Sox
Infield Fielding Philosophy and Drills
2:30– 3:20 Nate Metzger, Heartland C.C. Head Coach and staff
Practice Organization
3:20- 3:30 IHSBCA Closing Comments
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Hall of Fame
NAME | SCHOOL | YEAR |
Alton, Don | Rochester High School | 2008 |
Anderson, Bill | Thornton Fractional High School | 1987 |
Anderson, Harry | Pekin High School | * 1979 |
Appleton, “Doc” | Proviso High School | * 1978 |
Ayers, Terry | Fenton High School | 1999 |
Banks, Duane | University of Iowa | 1995 |
Bass, Duffy | Illinois State University | 1988 |
Beal, Bob | Pekin High School | 1984 |
Beck, Robert | Massac County High School | 1988 |
Bednar, Chuck | Galesburg Sr. High School | * 2006 |
Behrens, Wally | University of Illinois | 1986 |
Bellino, John | Saint Bede Academy | 2001 |
Bencriscutto, Fred | Dundee-Crown High School | 2007 |
Bender, Gary | Rock Island High School | 1998 |
Bernard, Gil | Mt. Vernon High School | 2007 |
Blaha, Bob | Thornton High School | * 1978 |
Blumberg, Fred | Freeberg High School | 2004 |
Bonall, Bill | Herrin High School | 1987 |
Bonk, Bill | Quigley High School | 1979 |
Borkowski, Skip | Oak Lawn High School | 1994 |
Brucker, Ed | Woodstock High School | 1997 |
Bruckner, Barry | Rich Central High School | 1998 |
Budde, Al | Belleville West High School | 1977 |
Burns, Don | Glenbard West High School | 1981 |
Callas, Les | Prosser Vocational High School | 1988 |
Cantrell, Claxton "Clay" | Illini Bluffs/Peoria Heights High Schools | 2003 |
Carley, Dick | Bradley Bourbonnais High School | 1989 |
Carstens, Al | Maine West High School | 1978 |
Cartwright, Guy | North Chicago High School | 1977 |
Christopher, Ron | Chicago Steinmetz High School | 1991 |
Cougill, Jerry | Reed-Custer High School | 1994 |
Creek, Gene | Lake Land High School | 1994 |
Czarnecki, Ron | Reavis High School | * 1985 |
D’Anza, Tony | St. Xavier University | 2002 |
DaCosse, Gene | Wilson Sporting Goods | 1991 |
Dallas, Bob | Gallatin County High School | 1990 |
Damos, Ted | Waukegan High School | 1980 |
Darrah, Jim | Illinois Institute of Technology | 1997 |
Debolt, Ron | Wheeling High School | 1986 |
Dedin, Tom | University Of Illinois | 1985 |
Dehner, Louis “Pick” | East St. Louis High School | 1986 |
Demaar, Wayne | St. Charles High School | 1986 |
Dooley, Mike | St. Xavier University | 2005 |
Due, Charles | Champaign Central High School | 1985 |
Dunlop, John | Thornwood High School | 2004 |
Eccles, Frank | Thornton High School | 1990 |
Elbe, Harry | Camp Point Central High School | 1980 |
Elko, Dave "Doc" | Oswego High School | 2003 |
Ellingson, Earl | York High School | 1983 |
Englert, John | Elmwood Park High School | 1990 |
Fencl, George | Morton East High School | 1977 |
Fletcher, Jack | Marion High School | 1981 |
Fox, Phil | Downers Grove South High School | 2008 |
Franklin, Leroy | Simeon High School | 2005 |
Franklin, Ty | Peoria Richwoods High School | 1980 |
Franson, Paul | Downers Grove North High School | 2000 |
Frerking, Paul | Ridgewood High School | 2009 |
Fulte, Lonnie | Quincy Senior High School | 1999 |
Galla, George | Niles West High School | 1998 |
Gandolfi, Chuck | Carmel Catholic High School | 2007 |
Ganser, Frank | Andrew High School | 1994 |
Garcia, Jaime | Providence High School | 1997 |
Gellinger, Terry | William Fremd High School | 1997 |
Gilbert, Ed | Proviso West High School | * 1979 |
Gillespie, Gordie | College of St. Francis | 1983 |
Girling, Bill | Harlem High School | 2009 |
Graham, Ned | Lewistown High School | 1996 |
Groot, Paul | Schaumburg High School | 1999 |
Guagenti, Ron | Marian Catholic High School | 1990 |
Haas, Tom | Chicago Vocational High School | 1997 |
Hahn, Roger | Morton High School | 1992 |
Hall, Jim | Lockport High School | 2005 |
Hanson, Gene | College of Lake County | 1999 |
Hasentab, Chuck | Belleville West High School | 1989 |
Hogan, Dan "Duck" | Glenbard East High School | 2004 |
Hogan, Dave | Fenwick High School | 1999 |
Horenberger, Jack | Belleville West HS/Illinois Wesleyan U. | 1982 |
Humay, Dan | Freeport High School | 1992 |
Humay, Jim | Wheaton North High School | 1993 |
Hunckler, Carl | Naperville North High School | 2008 |
Jackson, Larry | Carbondale High School | 1991 |
Jenkins, Ken | Putnam County High School | 1998 |
Johnson, Thomas | Bremen High School | 1992 |
Jonas, Joel | Curie High School | 1983 |
Jones, Ricard “Itchy” | Southern Illinois University | 1984 |
Kaiser, Henry | Normal High School | * 1988 |
Kaiser, Jack | OakPark-River Forest High School | * 1977 |
Kalmer, Dewey | Bradley University | 1993 |
Kazlausky, Fritz | Grant High School | 1985 |
Keener, John | Edwards High School | 1978 |
Kemmer, Michael | Knoxville High School | 2003 |
Kincanon, Mike | Addison Trail High School | 2010 |
Klein, Ron | New Trier High School (Winnetka) | 1980 |
Knop, Ken | Stewardson-Strasburg High School | 1979 |
Kracik, Claude Jean | Lincoln Land College | 2000 |
Kratochvil, Roger | Mt. Olive High School | 1980 |
Kraushaar, Bob | Jacksonville High School | 1978 |
Krizan, Kenn | Beecher High School | 2010 |
Kuehner, Don | Marist High School (Chicago) | 1980 |
Lawler, Phil | Naperville Central High School | 1997 |
Leeberg, Bill | Montini High School | 1995 |
Lehr, Dick | Fairfield High School | 1979 |
Leiber, Dick | Lyon Township High School | 1978 |
Lewis, Ed | Beardstown High School | 1978 |
Lewis, Joe | Belvidere High School | 1979 |
Lindley, Dave | Hinsdale South High School | 1996 |
Lindo, Mark | Aurora Central Catholic High School | 2005 |
Lober, Dale | Illinois Valley Central High School | 1979 |
Lodl, Al | St, Francis DeSales High School | 1987 |
Lounsberry, Dick | Havana High School | 1985 |
Luechtefeld, David | Okawville High School | 1983 |
Mackey, Bob | Stevenson High School | 1996 |
Mallory, Jack | Waukegan East High School | 1984 |
Mariani, Frank | Holy Cross High School | * 1990 |
Markelz, Butch | Lockport Township High School | 2010 |
Martin, Don | Plainfield Central High School | 2004 |
Massino, Joe | Putnam county High School | 1979 |
McAlvey, Don | Thornwood High School | 1988 |
McCarty, Martin | North Shore Country Day School | 1977 |
McDevitt, Tom | Eastern Illinois University | 1988 |
McDonald, Mike | Morton High School | 1991 |
McGonagle, Ken | Evanston High School | 1978 |
McKinnon, George | Northwestern University | 1989 |
McLoughlin, Neil | Mundelein High School | 2001 |
Mellen, Ron | Sandburg High School | 1984 |
Millard, Fritz | East Peoria High School |
1981 |
Miller, Les | University Of Illinois (Chicago Circle) | 1981 |
Millspauch, Bill | Olney High School | 1978 |
Molek, Rod | Driscoll Catholic High School | 2006 |
Moomey, Pat | Chatham Glenwood High School | 2002 |
Morrey, John | Xavier University (Ohio) | 1998 |
Morrow, Lyle | Wheaton Central High School | 1982 |
Mowen, Rick | Waukegan High School | 1991 |
Mueller, Tom | Schaumburg High School | 2008 |
Myers, Tom | Lake Forest High School | 2007 |
Napoleon, Mike | New Trier High School | 2000 |
Neighbors, Ed | Mt. Zion High School | 1990 |
Newell, Robert | Henry High School | 1992 |
O’Reilly, Irish | Lewis University | 1987 |
Odle, Clyde | Lockport High School | 1986 |
Olson, Donald | Maine East High School | 1992 |
Ostrowski, John | Illinois Benedictine University | 2002 |
Otto, Al | Rolling Meadows High School | 1987 |
Panther, Jim | Libertyville High School | 1999 |
Papciak, Ed | Lane Tech High School | * 1977 |
Patton, Larry | Belleville East High School | 1988 |
Pettengell, Dave | DeKalb High School | 2002 |
Phipps, Jim | Niles West High School | 1977 |
Pierce, Cliff | Schurz High School | 1984 |
Pile, Tom | Edwardville High School | 1993 |
Pohlman, Larry | Prospect High School | 1983 |
Pohlman, Mike | Bloom Township/Marian Catholic High Schools | 2000 |
Prina, Pat | Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School | 2002 |
Pritkin, Harry | Bowen High School | 1977 |
Randall, Dave | Waubonsee Community College | 2001 |
Rashid, Jerry | Peoria Notre Dame High School | 2000 |
Riley, Mike | Glenbard South High School | 2009 |
Rodeghero, Joe | Providence High School | 2004 |
Rose, Randy | Eisenhower High School | 1991 |
Rowell, Dave | West Aurora High School | 2007 |
Ryan, Paul | Naperville North High School | 2006 |
Ryser, Terry | Proviso East High School | 1984 |
Sarver, Huby | La Salle-Peru High School | 1984 |
Saunches, Ray | DuQuinn High School | 1979 |
Saunches, Tom | Argenta-Oreana High School | 2009 |
Schlemmer, Bob | Metamora High School | 2001 |
Schmid, Jim | Waubonsie Valley High School | 1996 |
Schmid, Jim | Marengo High School | 1993 |
Schmidt, Fred | Leyden High School | 1989 |
Schmitt, Bob | Limestone High School | 1985 |
Schulte, Lee | Marissa Jr-Sr High School | 1982 |
Scianna, Andy | Oak Forest High School | 2003 |
Scott, Jim | University High (Normal) | 1980 |
Sedlacek, George | Brother Rice High School (Chicago) | 1979 |
Seiple, Bill | Naperville Central High School | 1996 |
Shatkowski, Wally | Thornridge High School | 1989 |
Shelton, Ron | Warren High School | 1993 |
Sisler, Herb | Rockford-Auburn High School | 1987 |
Skubich, Tom | Hubbard High School | 1995 |
Smargiassi, Don | Pawnee High School | 1986 |
Smilgoff, Jim | Taft High School (Chicago) | * 1980 |
Smith, Blayne | Cobden High School | 2009 |
Smith, Dick | Naperville Central High School | 1982 |
Smith, Kirby | Barrington High School | 1993 |
Smith, Larry | Kaskaskia College | 1996 |
Smith, Ron | Olympia High School | 2008 |
Staats, John K. | Springfield High School | 1982 |
Stegmeier, Robert | Granite City High School | 1992 |
Stelzer, Maynard | Evergreen Park High School | 1983 |
Stephens, James L. | Streator High School | 1982 |
Stevens, Danny | El Dorado High School | 2010 |
Stonebock, Edward | Peoria Manual High School | * 1977 |
Stuart, James | Columbia High School | 1989 |
Subject, Paul | Grayslake High School | 1979 |
Sulaski, Gary | Hinsdale Central High School | 1995 |
Sullivan, Skip | Oak Lawn High School | 2008 |
Sullivan, Terry | Lyons Township High School | 2000 |
Sutherland, Bill | Proviso West High School | * 1983 |
Sutherland, Don | Cary Grove High School | 2010 |
Sutor, Doug | Sandburg High School | 2005 |
Swisegood, Dave | Plymouth High School/Southeastern High School | 2004 |
Symonds, Bob | Triton College | 1986 |
Szukala, Jerry | Lande Tech High School | 1987 |
Taylor, Don | Carlyle High School | 1994 |
Thompson, Jay | Harrisburgh High School | 1997 |
Tomoleoni, Richard | Clemente High School (Chicago) | 1981 |
Trout, Dick | Oak Park River Forest High School | 1998 |
Tyler, Wayne | Alton Senior High School | 1981 |
Vidoni, Gene | Casey-Westfield High School | 1995 |
Ward, Charles | Rockford West High School | 1981 |
Weber, Larry | Hononegah High School | 2001 |
Wendell, John | Buffalo Grove High School | 2002 |
Wikierak, Gregg | Marian Central Catholic High School | 2010 |
Wiman, Bob | Matoon High School | 1995 |
Wiora, Marty | Benet Academy | 2001 |
Wooden, Tom | Dunlap High School | 2005 |
Workman, Jim | Cullom Tri-point High School | 1981 |
Zabroski, Len | Morton East High School, TF South High School | 2009 |
Zagorski, Ron | Schurz High School | 2007 |
Zeman, Bill | Roanoke-Benson High School | 1994 |
* Denotes deceased
IHSBCA HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNERS
MAN OF THE YEAR | COACH OF THE YEAR |
1975 Les Miller | 1975 Bob Plaskas |
1976 Gordie Gillespie | 1976 Terry Ryser |
1977 Ron Klein | 1977 Don Kuehner |
1978 Ron Mellen | 1978 Ron Czarnecki |
1979 Gene DaCosse | 1979 Larry Pohlman |
1980 Bill Bonk | 1980 |
1981 Ken McGonagle | 1981 |
1982 Frank Eccles | 1982 |
1983 Lee Eilbracht | 1983 Jack Mallory |
1984 Don Robinson | 1984 Ron Czarnecki |
1985 Jack Kaiser | 1985 Jack Kaiser |
1986 Bill Seiple | 1986 Kirby Smith |
1987 Larry Pohlman | 1987 Ron Wojeicki,James Stuart |
1988 Randy Rose | 1988 Gary Bevington, Fred Schmidt, John Bellino |
1989 Ron Czarnecki | 1989 Jay Thompson, Fred Blumberg |
1990 John Wendell | 1990 Tom Pile, Ed Moore |
1991 Ron DeBolt | 1991 John Dunlop, Al Foppe |
1992 John Dyke | 1992 Frank Ganser, Rod Molek |
1993 Bob Schlemmer | 1993 Doug Mullaney,Ned Graham |
1994 Mike McDonald | 1994 Joe Rodeghero, Jeff Sefcik |
1995 Rich Piatchek | 1995 Dennis Steele, Bill Zeman |
1996 | 1996 Pat Momey, Rich King |
1997 Phil Lawler | 1997 Paul Groot, Jef Sefcik |
1998 Harvey Foster | 1998 Tom Pile, Greg Bee |
1999 Ron Ryan | 1999 Len Asquini, Eric Regez |
2000 Jim Hall | 2000 Mike Napolean, Dave Greer |
2001 Mike Moyzis | 2001 Mike Mulligan, Steve Schulte |
2002 Dan "Duck" Hogan | 2002 Doug Sutor, Ron Smith |
2003 Frank Eccles | 2003 Kevin Feeney, George Ushela |
2004 Dave Rogers | 2004 Joe Thompson, Bob Kostuch |
2005 Jim Newbill | 2005 Kevin Feeney, Jim Hall |
2006 Anthony Holman | 2006 Jerry Rashid, Bill Seiple/Phil Lawler |
2007 Phil Fox | 2007 Dustin Nail, Robin Renner |
2008 Jay Thompson | 2008 Robert Lonergan, Ron Smith, Joel Hawkins, Dave Haskins |
2009 Dave Rogers | 2009 Chris Paproth, Ron Smith, Jared Voss, Mike Napoleon |
2010 Pete Caliendo | 2010 Jeff Moeller, Justin Fleener, Pat Moomey, Bill Seiple |
ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR | SUMMER LEAGUE COACH OF THE YEAR |
1987 Harold Severns | 1987 Jack Kaiser |
1988 Dick Trout | 1988 Ken McGonague |
1989 Dave Engle | 1989 Bill Seiple |
1990 Dick Davis | 1990 Garry Gustafson |
1991 Phil Lawler | 1991 Frank Ganser |
1992 Mike Mulligan | 1992 Frank Ganser |
1993 Steve Heaton | 1993 Jack Kaiser |
1994 Tom Mueller | 1994 Mike Napolean |
1995 Bob Guilland | 1995 Bob Mackey |
1996 Dennis Short | 1996 Carl Hunckler |
1997 Ken Dobson | 1997 Jim Panther |
1998 Mike Waldo | 1998 Jack Kaiser |
1999 Craig Sincora | 1999 Joe Rodeghero |
2000 Mike Tice | 2000 Greg Sharpe |
2001 Don "Butch" Markelz | 2001 Len Asquini |
2002 Leo Maholic | 2002 George Ushela |
2003 Dan McCarthy | 2003 Paul Groot |
2004 Bill Hearn | 2004 George Ushela |
2005 Kurt Engle | 2005 Mike Zunica |
2006 Bill Taylor, Terry Kent | 2006 George Ushela |
2007 John Sime | 2007 Doug Sutor |
2008 John Theriault | 2008 Paul Babcock |
2009 Greg Billo | 2009 Mike Zunica |
2010 Tom Malloy | 2010 Lee Milano |
SCOUT OF THE YEAR | UMPIRE OF THE YEAR |
1984 Glen Van Poppel | 1984 Jim Lapetina |
1985 John Hennessy | 1985 Bill Lemonier |
1986 Nick Kamzik | 1986 Joe Pompon |
1987 Frank Piet | 1987 Tom Balle |
1988 Walter Millie | 1988 Bob Flores |
1989 Tony Levato | 1989 Gene Fowler |
1990 Bob Hale | 1990 Bill Olson |
1991 Doug Horning | 1991 Bill O'Ciepka |
1992 Bob Szmkowski | 1992 DeWayne Gailiaert |
1993 Jim Belz | 1993 Rich Panovich |
1994 Stan Zielinski | 1994 Don Cobb |
1995 Bill Bryk | 1995 Marv Meinz |
1996 Mike Herbert | 1996 Jay Baum |
1997 Al Otto | 1997 Harry Rosenberg |
1998 Nathan Durst | 1998 Tim Kerr |
1999 Tim Kelly | 1999 Kevin Hayes |
2000 Stu Cann | 2000 Jeff Collis |
2001 Marty Miller | 2001 Steve Scheffer |
2002 Ernie Pederson | 2002 Dave Weglarz |
2003 Terry Sullivan | 2003 Henry Wilson |
2004 Steve Breen | 2004 Randy Kerschke |
2005 Mike Daughtry | 2005 Bob Copas |
2006 Steve Arnieri | 2006 Bert Person |
2007 Scott Engler | 2007 Danny Meziere |
2008 Tom Barnard | 2008 Chuck Graber |
2009 Chris Heidt | 2009 Dave Alstadt |
2010 Andy Stack | 2010 Brad Salley, Tom Sternquist |
PRESIDENTS AWARD | SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR |
1987 Phil Lawler | 1987 Keith Reinhard |
1988 Gene DeCosse | 1988 Jerry Shnay |
1989 Bob Miller | 1989 Darryl Van Schowen |
1990 Ron DeBolt | 1990 Tony Baranek |
1991 John Ostrowski, Tom Purcell | 1991 Jim Wilorick |
1992 Don Robinson, Tom Haas | 1992 Marty Stengle |
1993 Jim Newbill, Jay Thompson | 1993 Norm Sanders |
1994 Rich Piatchek | 1994 Joe Bush |
1995 Tony D'Anza | 1995 Art Kimball |
1996 | 1996 Terry Coley |
1997 Frank Eccles, Randy Rose | 1997 Dale Bowman |
1998 Ron Ryan, Jim Schmid | 1998 Jim Edison |
1999 Bob Quinn | 1999 Dick Goss |
2000 Dennis St. Leger/Kevin Burns | 2000 Art Menke |
2001 Ed Mathey | 2001 Bill Jauss |
2002 Harvey Foster | 2002 Marty Maciaszek |
2003 Jeff Sedivy | 2003 Kevin Schmit |
2004 Bill Seiple | 2004 Pat Disabato |
2005 Len Asquini | 2005 Sean Duncan |
2006 Mike Riley | 2006 Joe Stevenson |
2007 Kenny Fullman | 2007 Larry Gross |
2008 Phil Lawler | 2008 Ken Karrson |
2009 Jeff Bonebrake | 2009 Drake Skleba |
2010 Eric Regez | 2010 Steve Soucie |
PLAYER OF THE YEAR |
1990 Tom Price -- Edwardsville |
1991 Cliff Floyd -- Thornwood |
1992 Jason Imirsek -- Andrew |
1993 Kelly Dransfeldt -- Morris |
1994 Sean Johnson -- Highland Park |
1995 Jody Gerut -- Willowbrook |
1996 James Williamson -- Oak Park-River Forest |
1997 Jayson Werth -- Chatham Glenwood |
1998 Vince Serafini -- Lockport |
1999 Jim Caine -- St. Charles |
2000 Carmen Pignatello -- Providence Catholic |
2001 Wade Greenlee -- Bradley Bourbonnais |
2002 Geoff Orr -- Sandburg |
2003 Sean Walker -- Carmel (Mundeline) Kyle O'Brien -- Glenbard East |
2004 Dean Cademartori -- Notre Dame (Niles) |
2005 Tanner Roarke -- Wilmington Mike Bowden -- Waubonsie Valley Matt Otteman -- Lockport |
2006 Zach McAllister -- Illinois Valley Central Colin Bates -- Naperville Central High School |
2007 Ben Thoma -- Columbia Jake Smolinski -- Rockford Boylan |
2008 Joe Zeller -- Routt Catholic |
2009 Josh Glick -- Lincolnwood Matt Frahm -- Olympia Nick Ratajczak -- Joliet Catholic Seth Schwindenhammer -- Limestone Community |
2010 Ryan Perez -- Westminster Christian Derek Thompson -- Teutopolis Jake Ingold -- Glenwood Shane Conlon -- Naperville Central |
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD |
2002 Jim Koller -- Palatine High School |
2003 Mike Fritz -- Conant High School |
2004 Bill Bentivegna -- Palatine High School |
2005 Bill Pirman -- St. Viator High School |
2006 Bob "Red" Miller -- Gordon Tech High School |
2007 Bob Taylor -- Stevenson High School |
2008 Jim Reiland -- Marmion High School |
2009 Len DiForte -- Summer Collegiate Baseball |
2010 Gary Bereiter -- Zion Benton High School |
More Background on IllinoisHighSchoolBaseball.org
Exploring Illinois High School Baseball: A Deep Dive into the Culture, History, and Legacy
Illinois high school baseball is a vibrant and integral part of the state’s athletic landscape. Known for producing exceptional talent, fostering a sense of community, and being a breeding ground for baseball innovation, the sport has flourished across Illinois for over a century. In this article, we’ll explore its history, notable programs, cultural impact, and much more.
The Beginnings of Illinois High School Baseball
Baseball at the high school level in Illinois can be traced back to the early 20th century. While schools in urban centers such as Chicago embraced baseball as an extracurricular activity, rural schools quickly followed suit. By the 1930s and 1940s, baseball had become a cornerstone of athletic programs, with local rivalries creating spirited competition.
In 1940, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) officially recognized baseball as a state championship sport. This move solidified its position as a key athletic offering. Early tournaments attracted widespread attention, with schools and communities rallying behind their teams. As the sport grew, it became an important pathway for young athletes aiming to continue their baseball careers in college or professionally.
Notable High School Baseball Programs
Illinois is home to numerous high schools with distinguished baseball programs that have shaped the state's legacy. Some of the most prominent programs include:
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New Trier High School: Located in Winnetka, New Trier boasts a history of excellence, consistently producing top-tier athletes and earning accolades for its competitive teams. Coached for decades by baseball veteran Mike Napoleon, New Trier is celebrated for its tactical prowess and strong fundamentals.
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Edwardsville High School: Known as a powerhouse in Illinois baseball, Edwardsville has repeatedly made deep runs in state tournaments. The school is recognized for developing high-caliber athletes and its meticulous approach to training.
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Lane Tech College Prep High School: With a legacy dating back to its 1945 state championship, Lane Tech represents Chicago's proud baseball tradition. The school is notable for its ability to thrive in the highly competitive urban environment.
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Simeon Career Academy: Simeon has produced numerous athletes who have succeeded at the collegiate and professional levels. Its strong coaching staff and rigorous programs contribute to its reputation as a top-tier baseball institution.
Key Figures and Coaching Legends
Illinois high school baseball has thrived thanks to the dedication of coaches and administrators who’ve left an indelible mark on the sport. Several figures stand out for their contributions:
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Mike Napoleon: With over 1,000 career wins, Napoleon’s coaching career has spanned decades, encompassing roles at Niles Notre Dame, New Lenox Providence, and New Trier High School. He is revered for his ability to inspire athletes and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the game.
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Jack Kaiser: As one of the early influencers of Illinois high school baseball, Kaiser helped establish the prominence of the sport in the Chicago area and beyond. His leadership style and commitment to development remain benchmarks for modern coaches.
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Les Miller: Known for his work beyond high schools at the collegiate level, Miller’s contributions to baseball education and clinics elevated coaching standards across Illinois.
Cultural and Social Significance
The importance of high school baseball in Illinois extends beyond the games. It serves as a unifying force in communities, particularly in smaller towns where games are local events that bring people together. In urban settings like Chicago, the sport has provided opportunities for underrepresented youth, offering paths to collegiate scholarships and professional careers.
High school baseball also reinforces life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Coaches and programs emphasize character development as much as athletic success, making the sport a valuable component of education in Illinois.
Modern Achievements and Recent Highlights
In recent years, Illinois high school baseball has continued to thrive. Schools such as Plainfield North, Huntley High School, and St. Laurence have emerged as modern contenders, consistently demonstrating their prowess in regional and state tournaments. The competitive nature of Illinois baseball is highlighted by the sheer number of players advancing to collegiate and professional levels each year.
Recent highlights include Huntley High School’s impressive run in the state playoffs, showcasing the depth of talent and innovative coaching methods emerging in the region. Additionally, suburban schools like Glenbard West and Naperville North continue to make their mark, reinforcing the dominance of Illinois baseball in the Midwest.
Goals and Challenges
The overarching goal of Illinois high school baseball programs is to cultivate well-rounded athletes who succeed both on and off the field. Beyond athletic achievements, schools focus on:
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Providing College Pathways: Many Illinois baseball programs work closely with college scouts to ensure talented athletes are noticed, helping them secure scholarships.
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Developing Inclusive Opportunities: Schools aim to include athletes from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, ensuring the sport is accessible to all.
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Enhancing Safety and Training Standards: As the sport evolves, Illinois programs have prioritized player safety, particularly regarding arm injuries and concussions. Modern training techniques and access to sports science resources have become integral to high school programs.
However, challenges remain, including funding disparities between urban and suburban schools, access to modern facilities, and the increasing cost of travel for teams competing in regional and national tournaments.
Reviews and Perspectives
Parents, players, and coaches consistently highlight the high level of organization and competitiveness in Illinois high school baseball. According to surveys conducted by local sports publications, Illinois is often ranked among the top states for high school baseball in terms of talent development and program quality.
For example, parents from suburban districts frequently praise the emphasis on college recruitment, while players note the camaraderie fostered within teams. Coaches view Illinois as a state where tradition meets innovation, creating a dynamic environment for growth.
Illinois high school baseball represents more than just a sport—it is a tradition that inspires communities, produces outstanding talent, and prepares young athletes for the challenges of life. With its storied history, renowned programs, and cultural impact, Illinois high school baseball remains a cornerstone of the state’s athletic identity. Its future promises continued excellence, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that the legacy of the game endures for generations to come.