High School Baseball

Lane senior pitcher Amaan Khan among few prep players invited to MLB draft league this summer

“It’s a huge steppingstone to get seen this early in front of the MLB scouts,” Khan said. “That would be a great opportunity to showcase my skills at that level against some of the best competition.”

By Mike Clark

Steinmetz’s Mayller Millan (40) puts his helmet on during the game against Chicago Academy.

High School Baseball

Venezuela native Mayller Millan is at home with Steinmetz baseball team

This spring, Venezuelans also are playing at Farragut, Mather, Clemente and Kelly, among other schools, using the sport to make friends and find a sense of normalcy at a time of great change in their lives.

By Mike Clark

Chicago

High school baseball players learn about Negro Leagues on South Side tour ahead of Sox’s Double Duty Classic game

The Double Duty Classic game began in 2007 and showcases the history of the Negro Leagues. A group of top high school players from Chicago and the Midwest play in the game Tuesday after a tour to shore up their baseball and South Side history.

By Mariah Rush

Dillon Head started receiving national attention when he was in junior high.

Sports Saturday

Homewood-Flossmoor phenom Dillon Head expected to be picked in first two rounds of MLB Draft

Dillon Head, an 18-year-old center fielder, said he plans to report early to Clemson no matter where he ends up being drafted.

By James Fegan

High School Baseball

Wood chip: Justin Wood, Kerry’s son, drawing father back into baseball at New Trier

Kerry has been back in uniform as a Trevians assistant. In fact, Justin wears No. 32, the same as Kerry, embracing the connection to his famous dad.

By Mike Clark

Edwardsville teammates react to winning the IHSA Class 4A state championship game against Brother Rice.

High School Baseball

Edwardsville knocks off Brother Rice to win back-to-back Class 4A state titles

Saturday in Joliet, a father and son from Edwardsville shared a massive victory, beating Brother Rice 6-4 to win the Class 4A state championship.

By Michael O’Brien

Nazareth’s Cooper Malamazian (0) and teammates react after winning the IHSA Class 3A state championship game against Grayslake Central.

High School Baseball

‘Money player’ Cooper Malamazian and Nazareth beat Grayslake Central to win a second consecutive Class 3A state title

Nazareth (34-6) won its second consecutive title while starting only two seniors, center fielder Lucas Smith and pitcher Finn O’Meara.

By Michael O’Brien

Brother Rice’s Cole Van Assen (28) pitches against New Trier.

High School Baseball

Cole Van Assen’s complete-game shutout sends Brother Rice into first title game since 1981

Brother Rice senior Cole Van Assen, a Purdue recruit, allowed just two hits while striking out nine and walking four.

By Michael O’Brien

Nazareth’s Finn O’Meara (32) helps John Hughes (22) celebrate after pitching out of an inning without giving up a run to Sycamore.

High School Baseball

Nazareth shuts out Sycamore to return to Class 3A title game

John Hughes pitched five innings and Jaden Fauske two as the Roadrunners won 3-0 at Duly Health and Care Field in Joliet.

By Michael O’Brien

Edwardsville’s Kaden Jennings (11) and Cole Funkhauser (1) start to celebrate as the Tigers defeat Mundelein in last season’s Class 4A state championship game.

High School Baseball

IHSA baseball Class 3A/4A state finals schedule and scores

All the scores from the Class 3A and 4A baseball games this weekend in Joliet.

By Michael O’Brien

Hall of Famer Jim Thome is coaching his son Landon, a freshman second baseman at Nazareth, this spring as the Roadrunners seek to defend their Class 3A title.

High School Baseball

Jim Thome, back in uniform as Nazareth assistant, prepares to coach son in state semifinals

Thome is a busy guy these days. But he has no regrets about adding another line to his resume this spring: assistant baseball coach at Nazareth.

By Mike Clark

Kenwood’s Kevari Thunderbird, Kevin Thunderbird and K’vion Thunderbird (left to right) pose for a photo before practice at Cornell Field in May.

High School Baseball

Kevin Thunderbird, father of 3 Kenwood star athletes, killed in Hyde Park shooting

Just two weeks after celebrating a baseball city championship, the Thunderbird brothers are mourning the death of their dad.

By Michael O’Brien

Lake Forest High School’s Shep Graf pointing to the sky Wednesday in honor of former teammate Zach Porter, who died recently.

A miracle game follows the tragic death of former Lake Forest pitcher Zach Porter

By Rick Morrissey

Kenwood’s Kevari Thunderbird (4) reacts at home plate during the city championship game against Payton at Guaranteed Rate Field.

High School Baseball

Kevari Thunderbird hurls a gem to lead Kenwood to its first baseball city title

Kenwood won its first Public League baseball title Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. The 2-0 win against Payton required a total team effort.

By Michael O’Brien

Kenwood’s Kevari Thunderbird, Kevin Thunderbird and K’vion Thunderbird (left to right) pose for a photo before practice at Cornell Field.

High School Baseball

Kenwood siblings suit up for shot at Public League title

The Broncos are one win away from their first Public League baseball championship — they play Payton in Monday’s final at Guaranteed Rate Field — and their roster features three Thunderbird brothers: seniors Kevin Jr. and K’Vion and junior Kevari.

By Mike Clark

New Trier baseball coach Mike Napoleon talks with Jackson McCarey during the game against Niles West.

High School Baseball

New Trier baseball coach Mike Napoleon breaks state record for wins

Mike Napoleon won his 951st game in April. Through Wednesday, he was at 954 and counting.

By Mike Clark

Farragut’s Bella DeMateo (3) pitches against Ag. Science.

High School Baseball

Farragut junior Bella DeMateo proving she belongs on baseball field

Bella DeMateo has settled in as the Admirals’ starting third baseman and closer. The best part? Right next to her at shortstop is her freshman brother, Ben.

By Mike Clark

Simeon’s Dennis “Trey” Butler (1) reacts during the game against Amundsen.

High School Baseball

Simeon’s Trey Butler on cusp of big things

In his first two high school seasons, Trey Butler established himself as one of the best players in the Public League and the state.

By Mike Clark

Whitney Young’s Brendan Summerhill during the game against Lake View on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

College Sports

These five Chicago-area baseball players found their comfort ’Zona

Hintz, Pluta, Orloff, Kent and Summerhill are playing college ball for the Wildcats.

By Mark Gonzales

Amaan Khan, seen here with the Elite Baseball Training program, pitched for Team Pakistan in a World Baseball Classic qualifier.

High School Baseball

How a Lane Tech junior is helping grow baseball in Pakistan

Amaan Khan, a 16-year-old right-hander, pitched for the Pakistan national team during its two-game stay in a qualifying tournament for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

By Brian Sandalow