MAB MONTHLY April 2013 FREE HighHigh SchoolSchool BaseballBaseball PreviewPreview

Featuring Conference Previews

Baseball Tips

Baseball Trivia

Region Baseball Commitments

Plus… The Top Teams

And more!

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MAB MONTHLY Page 3

MAB ONLINE MAGAZINE MAB Staff

The baseball preview is one of the issues Hank Kilander Webmaster that is most near and dear to our hearts here at Broadcaster/ Host MAB. This is, for all intents and purposes the Staff Writer magazine that started it all for MAB. We have been putting baseball previews out since our first Rich Sapper spring, and it wasn't until the following January Staff Writer that MAB Monthly was born. The thought to Broadcaster/ Host Sales start on online print publication came from some Layout & Design previous experiences, but also from the success of our baseball magazine. Bob Potosky Baseball is one of those sports where the Broadcaster/ Host experience is as important as the game. The trip Staff Writer out to the ballpark, hot dogs, beverages, rally Andy Wielgus caps and the like are all a part of the great tradi- Broadcaster/Host tion of America’s pastime. Staff Writer This issue brings you some of that experi- ence with previews, feature articles and more JT Hoyo around baseball, softball and more. Be sure to lis- Broadcaster/Host Staff Writer ten to our full baseball schedule from games at Sales the RailCats High School Baseball Challenge through May. Also make sure to talk about your Brandon Vickery favorite teams on our message board and follow Broadcaster us for score on . Staff Writer Thanks for reading and listening, we’ll see Trisha Madura you at the ballpark! Staff Writer Sales Broadcaster

Contact Information Brett Hill Phone: 219-973-7990 Staff Writer Sales Website: www.midamericabroadcasting.com Broadcaster

Also find us on Facebook and Twitter MAB MONTHLY Page 4 Inside this issue: Athletes of the Month 6

The and Play: How to Execute it Perfectly! 8 Baseball Pitching Tips: How to Properly Expand the Strike Zone 10 Will the Dogs Be The Next Baseball Champ 12

Duneland Conference Preview 16

Greater Southshore Conference Preview 20 Great Lakes Conference & Independents 24 Northwest Crossroads Conference Preview 28 Porter County Conference Preview 32 2013 Calumet Region Softball Preseason Top Teams 36 RailCats Open Tryout 40

11th Annual RailCats High School Baseball Challenge Schedule 41 Calumet Region Baseball Trivia 42 Trivia Answers 43

Calumet Region Baseball All Time Champs and Runner ups 46 Calumet Region Softball All Time Champs and Runner ups 47 Baseball Score Cards 48 Region Baseball Commitments 50 Did You Know? 50 April Broadcast Schedule 51 MAB MONTHLY Page 5

To order the 2012-2013

Boys or Girls Magazine

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www.indianabasketballmagazine.com MAB MONTHLY Page 6 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Written and Compiled by Andy Wielgus MAB Staff Writer

Mike Crawford Anabel Karberg Tipton Lake Central

St. Louis Billiken bound Mike Craw- Lake Central's Annabel Kar- ford had 40 points and 15 rebounds berg threw a no-hitter and had 6 for Tipton in a 67-64 loss to Bow- in a 3-0 victory over High- man at Huntington North. land. LC is now 2-0 in Softball.

Davon Dillard BJ Jenkins Bowman Merrillville

Bowman's Davon Dillard had 24 points and 6 rebounds in a 86- Merrillville's BJ Jenkins hit 5 73 victory over the Linton-Stockton three pointers and had 17 points in Miners in the 2A IHSAA Boys Bas- the 55-52 win over Munster. He ketball Championship game. also had 16 points in the 76-55 4A Regional Championship victory over South Bend Adams at Michi- gan City.

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2208 U.S. 41 Schererville, IN 46375 Phone: 219-864-0711 www.triplecrownallstars.com MAB MONTHLY Page 8 The Hit And Run Play: How To Execute It Perfectly! By: Larry Cicchiello Special to MAB Monthly

Editors Note: The articles on the next couple of pages are part of what will be a series over the next several months to help improve as a baseball player. The Author, Larry Cicchiello is an expert on the topic and will bring help on a variety of areas of the game. Some will be geared toward the beginner, while others will be for players of all levels. Please enjoy!

Starting at square one, it is the responsi- bility of the batter to swing at anything, no mat- ter where the pitch is located. If possible, hit the ball to the opposite side, whether it's toward the if you are a right-handed hitter or toward the if you are a left-handed hitter. At the very least, you should try to hit the ball on the ground, because a line drive caught by an will probably kill your inning. To improve your chances of making con- tact, some batters swing with their hands only, take no stride and keep the swing extremely sim- ple. (It's amazing how when some hitters do this, they actually hit the ball very well even though they are keeping it quite simple. There may be something to be learned by this. Sometimes less is indeed more.) By far, the best count to hit and run on is 2-1. It used to be 2-0 or 3-1, which doesn't make any sense at all and has become obsolete. Why should a hitter have to swing at a 2-0 pitch if it is going to be ball three? Why should a hitter have to swing at a 3-1 pitch if it is going to be ball four? The hit and run play should be strongly considered if there is one out and a weak hitter is on deck. The reason is that if the hitter gets a single and the runner advances from first to third base, the weaker hitter that follows does not have to get a hit to get the runner in from third MAB MONTHLY Page 9 base. the ball the other way with the second baseman Responsibilities Of The Batter and the Runner: covering second base, the runner can almost al- ways go to third base because it's a longer throw 1. First of all, the runner breaking from first base to third base for the right fielder. must be sure that the throws the pitch If a lefty shoots it the other way toward home. left center field with the shortstop covering sec- ond base, the runner probably can not go to third 2. The runner takes off for second base and either base because it's a very short throw for the left the shortstop or second baseman breaks to cover fielder to third base. The speed of the runner is second base, thinking it's a attempt. very seldom a factor in determining whether or not to attempt the hit and run. 3. The runner should look toward the plate after a Something to consider before putting on couple of steps. He should do this because it's the hit and run play is you should have a hitter very important that he knows whether the ball has up who is a contact hitter and very seldom been hit in the air, hit on the ground, swung at and swings and misses at pitches. Remember, you're missed, gets by the , etc. looking for a well hit grounder so if the pitcher is one who throws high heat, you may not want 4. The batter must swing and try his best to make to risk the hit and run against him. contact. The Best Possible Situation For A Successful 5. If the batter misses the pitch, the runner simply Hit And Run: tries to steal second base. If the ball is grounded to an infielder or the pitcher, chances are there won't If you have a contact hitter against a be a play at second base and the runner simply pitcher who strikes out very few batters and the stays on second base. If it's a ground ball to an in- pitcher is a low ball pitcher who gets a lot of fielder, the runner has a chance to make second ground balls. (You have three very positive base safely or at the very least, a very good chance things working in your favor.) of breaking up the possible play. If the ball Your chance for success is very high in goes through the infield for a hit, the runner can this ideal hit and run situation! usually go to third base without hesitating. About the author: Larry Cicchiello is the suc- 6. The only time the runner needs the third base cessful author of “Excellent Baseball: 30 Sec- is if the ball is hit into right field because he onds Away.” He unconditionally guarantees that can not turn around while running and to get a ANY baseball player, coach or baseball parent good view of the play as it unfolds. who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Some FREE tips at http:// 7. The batter's objective is to simply meet the ball www.LarryBaseball.com and hit it sharply on the ground. If he can "shoot the ball" through the vacated area left by the sec- ond baseman or shortstop who are covering sec- ond base, that's an added bonus. Follow Mid America Usually, it's better to hit and run with a Broadcasting on Twitter right-handed batter at the plate. If a righty shoots @mabsports… MAB MONTHLY Page 10 Baseball Pitching Tips: How To Properly Expand The Strike Zone Is Critical! By: Larry Cicchiello Special to MAB Monthly

Whenever you are ahead in the count, you should "expand the strike zone." No, let's rephrase that. You must expand the strike zone! That simply means throwing a pitch off the plate, that's actually a ball. Or throwing a pitch too high or too low that is out of the strike zone. Let's be clear on one thing. I think it is a total waste if you throw the pitch too far off the plate. If ahead of the batter and the count is 0 -2, it makes no sense to throw a pitch over the batter's head or two feet off the plate. The objective is to get the batter You don't have to take my word for it. to swing at a pitch that's not a strike. If you You can see it for yourself. Occasionally, throw the ball way off the plate or over the when a pitcher strikes out a lot of hitters in a batter's head the batter will not swing. The baseball game, the following morning on tele- only thing that does is that it adds to your pitch vision, they sometimes show the replays of all count. That makes no sense. the strikeouts. Keep a tally for yourself. (Trust me on this one, you can do it.) I have done it It is estimated that at least 70% of several times. swinging strike threes at any level of play are on pitches that are not strikes. Please read the If the hitter took strike three, you don't previous sentence again! tally it. You are only checking the swinging

MAB MONTHLY Page 11 strike threes. Simply count the Make very good use pitches swung at that were of expanding the strike zone strikes and pitches swung at that because very often, if ahead were balls. Your tally will go in the count, you will get like this: 1 out of 1, 1 out of 2, 2 batters out with balls. out of 3, 2 out of 4, 3 out of 5, etc. One of the better baseball pitching tips you I really suggest you try should always remember is this. I'm not saying to do it all that there is simply no rea- the time but try it two or three son on earth to give a hitter times. You will get very good at a strike to hit if he's going it and in no time at all and may to swing at a ball! Baseball find it very interesting as well as surprising. pitching is plenty tough enough. The batters swing at more strike threes that are balls than are strikes! That is a very powerful Why not make your life easier as a statement. It is because the batter can no pitcher? And remember one of the better longer be fussy about what he swings at and baseball pitching tips..."You get ahead of must protect against being called out on them with strikes but you get them out with strikes. balls!"

There is an expression that has been around for decades and still holds true and will About the author: Larry Cicchiello is the never become obsolete. "You get ahead of successful author of “Excellent Baseball: them with strikes but you get them out with 30 Seconds Away.” He unconditionally balls." I know it's been around for decades be- guarantees that ANY baseball player, coach cause my father, God rest his soul, taught it to or baseball parent who wants to help their me about 50 years ago, when I was 9 years child will be fully equipped! Some FREE old. Boy am I old! tips at http://www.LarryBaseball.com

Baseball coaching on hitting, pitching, fielding and base running for Little League, High School, College and Professional players. MAB MONTHLY Page 12

Will the Dogs Be The Next Region Baseball Champ?

By Andy Wielgus, MAB Monthly Staff Writer

David Kepshire pitches for the Bulldogs against Griffith last season

We saw the Lake Central Indians break through a year ago with timely hitting and outstanding pitching. As Central Michigan bound Pitcher Jimmy McNamara sealed the deal for Lake Central with a 1-0 victory. And over the last decade we have seen Munster, Bishop Noll, and Andrean all break through with state titles as well in Baseball. Griffith and Hanover Central have been in the State title games as well this century. MAB MONTHLY Page 13

In the lower ranks Travel Ball has re- Added to this is Baseball mid- major placed some of the former importance of Lit- Soph recruit Noah Burkholder who is tle League/Babe Ruth and now Cal Ripken. being recruited by Louisville amongst But CP has been very successful in others and he was 2-1 a year ago with the lower ranks with the CP Cal Rip- 25k’s as a Freshman. He is the son of ken League under Dave Hannaway, former DePaul Blue Demon Basket- with former stars like TJ Pruizin ball star Brett Burkholder. Other arms coaching the young and upcoming like CJ Alexander, Ronnie Plesac, Dogs, and several quality coaches like Jon Dietrich and Marcus Kessler, Mike Sobek, George Frank, and Joe make this the deepest staff in the re- O’ Keefe as well, having great success put- gion for sure. The team era last year was ting CP Baseball on the stage beyond the 2.64 with 233 strikeouts and 140 walks in state level. In my view, the stage has been set 215 innings of work. with several 20 win seasons and Head Coach and Math Teacher Steve Strayer, [who had Leadership on Offense/Defense- The Dogs great success at Boone Grove as well, with return several strong hitters including 20 win seasons], has his bunch primed to Catcher Bobby Morgan who hit .431 make a state title run. CP like LC has been with 2 hr and 20 rbi. Morgan is one of the knocking on the door and I believe it will be state’s best , at throwing oppo- sooner then later, that CP might be the next nents out stealing bases. And Bob Po- champ. And I will now list the reasons why I tosky and myself have seen him get believe CP just might be your next region many game winning hits over the last champ in Baseball this year.

Pitching wins in HS Baseball – Crown To Advertise Point has one of the deepest staffs in the on our broadcasts or state and it is very deserving of it’s no. 2 Preseason ranking. Ball State Cardinal in MAB Monthly

Baseball Recruit Zach Plesac leads the group and he has had great success on the Contact Rich Sapper Football field and Basketball court at CP 219-973-7990 or [email protected]

as well. And yes he is the nephew of who played for the Cubs. Plesac Bob Potosky brings in a 8-2 record from a year ago [email protected] with 92 strikeouts and 29 walks with a 1.08 era and 2 saves from 2012. David Brett Hill [email protected] Kepshire [who is the nephew of former Hobart QB Jeff Ford from the 80’s] was JT Hoyo 6-0 a year ago with 37 strikeouts and 25 [email protected] walks and an era under 2.00 as well. He would be a number one for most teams. Single game and season packages available! MAB MONTHLY Page 14

few years. Zach Plesac is also a star on the title. offense and has had a walk off hr to win a game. He hit .298 a year ago with 4 hr and What do you think? You can interact with us 33 rbi and is a great athlete and base run- at Mid America Broadcasting LLC on Face- ner. Speedy Alex Nickla is a player who book, on Twitter as @mabsports, or on our transferred from Andrean and is a point messageboard on www. midamericabroad- guard from the basketball team. He is out- casting.com. Also, listen to all the action, all standing on infield defense and is always season long {including the 2012 Railcats HS in motion on offense when he is on base. Baseball Challenge] on midamericabroadcast- He hit .267 with 1 hr and 21 rbi a year ago. ing.com and sportsjuice.com. And don’t for- Jake Jenks will contribute again this year get our archive as well, on our main page just as well. click to listen to any of our past games.

Key Players return to strength- After bat- Crown Point HS Baseball Season Win Totals tling injuries a year ago, look for 6’6 2012 27-5 11-3 DAC QB/1B Jake Jatis and 6’4 DH/1B Park- 2011 21-12 land College recruit Ronnie Plesac to pro- 2010 27-5 vide the power and strength to the CP 2009 30-3 lineup. When healthy these two players 2008 29-6-2 will provide an added bonus of hr’s and rbi 2007 29-3 production to the middle of the CP lineup.

Play tough teams outside of the DAC-

Coach Strayer has done a good job of hav- ing his program play the likes of Cathe-

dral, Bellmont, Warsaw, Homestead, and even Mt. Carmel [at the lower levels]. This is to give his team an idea of how strong

the teams are around the state. We will have some of these games on MAB.

All in all, the Dogs may have the pieces in place to make the next run in the region to Simply Better Storage

1.877.SCALE.59 Attention scalecomputing.com RailCats Fans!

To follow the RailCats all season long, be sure to go to our RailCats Weekly page at MAB MONTHLY Page 15

MAB MONTHLY Page 16

Duneland Conference Preview By Brandon Vickery MAB Monthly Staff Writer, Pow Wow Radio MAB MONTHLY Page 17

The Duneland Athletic Conference seems to have a con- sistently renewable influx of baseball tal- ent. This year ap- pears to be no excep- tion as several DAC schools are poised to compete for a state championship.

The first ques- tion to be answered is whether or not the The 2012 State Champion Lake Central Indians weather will wreak havoc on the DAC schedule this season. After a 2012 season in Crown Point Bulldogs which the postponements were not a major The Crown Point Bulldogs factor, early indications are that 2013 will be feature a slew of returning more like 2011, a year which had Northwest players led by right handed Indiana teams scrambling to rework their pitching ace Zach Plesac, schedules after frequent weather issues. who is set to play his college ball at Ball State. Plesac will likely give Chesterton Trojans DAC hitters fits this season after finishing 8- The Trojans pitching 2 with 70 strikeouts as a junior. He also depth will be tested with the de- tossed a no-hitter, plus turned in a .362 bat- parture of ace Jake Post, but ting average and 23 RBIs. Second baseman Bobby Humphreys is back for Jake Lindeman is also back after hitting .344 his senior season. The offense will be de- with 30 RBIs despite battling an injury as a pleted by the loss of K.J. Zelenika, but the junior. Trojans will likely be competitive again none -the-less. Last season concluded with a 9-3 Lake Central Indians loss to eventual sectional champion Valpa- The fact that the defend- raiso in the Merrillville Sectional. Chesterton ing state champion may not be will benefit from an experienced skipper as the team to beat attests to the Jack Campbell is back to continue his tenure competitiveness of the Duneland as the Chesterton head coach that began in Athletic Conference. The Indi- 1970. The highlight of last year’s season ans defeated Roncalli 1-0 to was handing state champion Lake Central take the 4A State Title at Victory Field a sea- (32-1) its only loss. son ago, but the dominant pitching combina- MAB MONTHLY Page 18 tion of Taylor Lehnert and Jimmy McNa- Merrillville Pirates mara has graduated, with both hurlers mov- The Pirates welcome back a ing on to Central Michigan. Lake Central’s three headed monster of ex- top offensive player, Chase Fieldhouse (.440 perienced sluggers as seniors AVG, 35 RBIs, 3 HR), was also lost to Aaron Dye, Jon Feliciano and graduation. In all, the Indians graduated eight Jose Carbajal return to lead the offense. Fe- seniors and six starters. Head coach Jeff San- liciano will pitch and play third base in addi- dor and company have their work cut out for tion to his offensive duties, while Dye will them if they have hopes of a repeat perform- roam the outfield and Carbajal will play first ance. base. Carbajal batted .300 last season, while Dye posted a .429 average. The biggest area La Porte Slicers of concern for the Pirates will be on the The La Porte Slicers pitching staff, where they will rely heavily have built a winning tradition, on several newcomers. The Pirates were but last year resulted in a sur- ousted in the opening round of the sectional prising 12-19 season that came last season after suffering a 14-3 five-inning to an end with an 11-2 loss to Portage in the loss to Portage. The Merrillville players will sectional semifinal. Wally Dickman, who have their work cut out for them if they hope was slated to be the team’s top starting for greater success this year in the highly pitcher, will miss the entire season with an competitive sectional, but they do have the arm injury. Several other players will miss advantage of playing the sectional on their the first portion of the season due to suspen- home field each May. sion, meaning the Slicers will begin the sea- son with just 13 players on their roster. The Slicers also lost eight seniors to graduation. It could be another long year for Scott Upp’s squad.

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Michigan City Wolves Valparaiso Vikings The Michigan City The Valparaiso Vikings Wolves could be the supe- surprised everyone a season ago rior team in La Porte with an 18-8 thumping of the County this season as the Portage Indians to round out an program appears to be on the upswing. unlikely run to the sectional Catcher Andrew Ray is one of the most un- championship. The Vikings derrated players in the Region and will play hoisted the trophy for the first time since his college baseball at Northern Illinois Uni- 2002. Versatile senior Devin Bafia is ex- versity. Ray blasted a against La pected to be one of the DAC’s shining stars Porte last season to lift the Wolves over the both on the mound and at the plate. He went Slicers. Portage head coach Tim Pirowski 8-4 with a 2.95 ERA a season ago, while said he expects Michigan City to have its posting a .388 batting average and driving in best season in recent years. 24 runs. He was the winning pitcher in all three of Valpo’s sectional victories. Portage Indians

The Portage baseball Catch Brandon Vickrey during the school year on Pow team seems to always find a Wow Radio, where he serves as way to replenish after losing a the lead host of Portage Indians large senior class. The Indians Sports Corner and as a play-by- play broadcaster for select sport- have reached three straight sectional champi- ing events. Pow Wow Radio airs onship games. Gabe Acevedo, David Jercha, on PHSNewsOnline.com or blog- Andrew Brown, Zach Thorn and Kris talkradio.com/powwwowradio. Springman are among the key graduates, but Also, make sure to listen as Brandon calls games this spring season for MAB! C.J. Haupt, Tyler Soberg, and Eric Mesarch lead another deep senior class. The Indians’ season could hinge on pitching depth Hoosier Bat Co.

“Turning Batters Into Hitters ” after losing four of their five starting to gradua- Our bat is used by many Major and Minor League tion. Portage trekked to Ten- Players, along with College, High School and nessee over Spring Break to Youth League Players. We have the quality and start the season by playing service players expect. high level competition. Let Hoosier Bat Be Your Custom Made ! Baseball Jewelry We have what the players want. Follow us on Baseball Bat Stools Twitter @mabsports 1-800-228-3787 Visit Us On Line at: Www.hoosierbat.com (1-800-BAT-ERUP) For our many Gift Shop Items MAB MONTHLY Page 20

Greater Southshore Conference Preview By Rich Sapper MAB Monthly Staff Writer

MAB MONTHLY Page 21

Bishop Noll Warriors Sanchez and Jason Bogaski. In 2012, the Ea- Last season the Warriors gles opened sectional play with a 13-2 vic- finished 22-7 , winning a sec- tory in 5 innings over Bowman, but bowed tional title over Whiting be- out in the second round with a 13-3 loss to fore falling to a red-hot Heb- Whiting. ron team in the Regional. Coach Paul Wirtz’s To get future in the tournament this club expects even more this season with one season. They will go to battle with P/SS of the best pitchers in the area and a solid Chris Szoztek who was a Junior all-star last offensive core returning. season, 2B/OF Matt Llavalette, P/OF John Returning to the diamond for Coach Bastin, and P/3B Jordan Riley who will pro- Wirtz is seniors P Danny Pobereyko who will vide senior leadership. Kody Lemly will be be pitching at Butler University next season,, counted on to provide some innings on the P/OF Chad Mateja, IF Jon Frankovich, P/IF mound as well as playing the infield for the Julian Guerrero, C Austin Howard, and P/IF Eagles with a year of experience now under Matt Sandoval. Also returning are juniors P/ his belt. OF Larry Crisler., OF Jalen Yarborough, and IF Angel Figeuroa. The Warriors will be without Danny Marquette Blazers Oseguera who hit .405 and was a speedster Marquette doesn’t play on the base paths swiping 15 last season. The football, but the final score in mainstay behind the dish, Cody Maskovsky the sectional looked more like has also graduated. Kody Alayon, who is ar- one scored on the gridiron guably he Warriors best player has moved on than the baseball diamond in a as well. 21-11 loss to Triton.

Calumet Warriors North Newton Spartans Calumet lost to Hanover The Spartans ended Central 17-0 as the sectionals their season is a high scoring began. affair falling 9-8 to Rochester The Warriors return sen- in the sectional 34 opener.. ior SS/P Marcus Jackson and The good news is that junior 2B/P Collin Garcia to the lineup. Be- new head coach Doug Belt returns most of hind the dish this season will be senior C AJ last years squad, including Sr SS Chad Willis for head Coach Brian Arthur and the Schultz who lead the team in stolen bases Warriors. and hit .361 last year. Junior P/1B Brandon Popes who hit .427 last season also returns to Edison Eagles lead the offense. Austin Satori will be Head Coach Tony Hicks counted on for a few more innings this sea- loses 5 seniors to graduation in- son as well. North Nerwton should compete cluding Josh Dronen, Andrew in the top half of the conference if they can Alaniz, Kris Suleski, Jovanny stay healthy. MAB MONTHLY Page 22

River Forest Ingots test against eventual sectional champions River Forest drew confer- Bishop Noll. ence rival Whiting in the open- Wheeler will have to work this season ing round of the sectional, and without standout 2B David Bolla, and 1B lost 7-0. Despite that loss, the Nick Napiniski. They will, however have future could be very bright for head coach senior leadership in the form of SS Tyler Mike Zimmerle’s Ingots. Crussen who hit .460 last season while driv- Returning is Chris Lauderback who ing in 25 runs and P/1B C.J. Wodetzki. Super may be one of the best junior pitcher in the Sophomore P/OF Sam Bolla will come in area, sporting a .260 ERA last season. He with a year of experience under his belt and will also be counted on for some time in the will build on a successful freshman year outfield and at first. O’Shea Owens will be where he hit .40 while he went 3-1 as a behind the plate and is a stolen base threat pitcher. Austin Whitaker will be another 10th after being thrown out only two times in 35 attempts last year. Gino Flores will pitch and play the hot corner this sea- son as well. ///Hoosier Bat Co. “Turning Batters Into Hitters” Wheeler Bearcats Always a peren- ASH & BIRCH BATS nial contender, Wheeler 2013 marks our 22nd year of making bats for had the good luck of Major, Minor League College and High School drawing a first round bye, but the bad Players. luck of having their first sectional con- Our business has grown every year due to loyalty from our customers who expect and appreciate our

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Visit Give us a try and see for yourself! Hank’s Recruiting 1-800-228-3787 (1-800-BAT-ERUP) World at www.hoosierbat.com midamericabroadcasting.com 4511 Evans Ave Valparaiso IN 46383 MAB MONTHLY Page 23 grader who pitched well last season and will Sparks and many others who are expected to return this year. Matt Pappas will split time contribute to a run at a second consecutive at 3rd with Whitaker and will eat up innings sectional title. on the mound as well.

Whiting Oilers Whiting came into the sec- tional championship game as a slight favorite after wins of 7-0 and 13-3 (5 innings) against River For- est and Edison respectively, but the Oilers would fall to Bishop Noll in the sec- tional 33 final. Interact with MAB on Head Coach Kevin Lenz’s team will need to make this year’s run without C Gio Facebook at Cruz, P/1B Cody Sparks, and P/1B Jordan Mid America Macon. Broadcasting LLC Returning to lead the Oilers is P/IF and on Matt Dvorscak and P/OF Nick Filipek who Twitter @mabsports lead a talented ensemble including SS Justin for scores, updates, and sports news! Jendreas, IF Tom Hildebranski, 1B Josh MAB MONTHLY Page 24

Great Lakes Conference & Independents Preview By Andy Wielgus MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 25

East Chicago Central Cardinals 3.74 era, who had 16 strikeouts in one game The Cardinals had double and has won the MVP the last 2 years returns digit wins a season ago with 10 hitting .260 with 17 Rbi and 3 doubles a year and several standouts return for ago, Soph OF Devontae Robinson, Jr. OF the Cardinals including Jr. Troy Charbonneau who is a star swimmer Pitcher/1B D’angelo Gonzalez also, and Sr. P Billy Rosas 1-1 3.04 era 18K. 2.36 era .294 18 rbi, Sr.3B/P Also, Soph. Pitcher Cody Earl 2-1 1.90 era Adam Campos 14 rbi, Jr. Juniors CF/P Reyes returns. Sam Miller and Tim Skalba will con- Maldonado 11 runs and 1B/P Ben Lewis tribute as well. should contribute as well. Others to look for include OF/C Jasmyn Becerra, OF/P Jr. Jesus Hammond Clark Pioneers Camarillo, OF Sr. Nicholas Rodriguez, OF/P The Pioneers under Soph. Jordan Espino, 2B/P Freshman Carlos Chris Moore return Juniors Flores, 2B/P Sr. Stephen Rodriguez, OF Sr. Dillion Slowiak SS/P who Edward Rivera, 1B/3B Sr. Jalen Morris, hit .330, Daniel Klus OF who C/2B Soph. Jose Rivera and OF/P Sr. Salva- hit ,275, Josh Miller IF/OF, dor Tinoco. Soph. Bailey Pennington C/IF Seniors Julian Paz IF/OF, and Chris Perez IF. Also, Soph Bowman Eagles OF Rene Zamora and Freshman C/1B Zach A number of athletic Busco . standouts return for the Eagles including QB/SS Antonio Pip- Hammond High Wildcats kin, Sr. Terrance Harris, Sr. C Returning for New Jonah Britton,and 1B Jordan Gray. Coach Brian Demantes include Jr. P Marcos Arrendondo, Soph Gavit Gladiators DH Davon Marrero, Sr. 3B/P The Glads return for Leron Burnett, and Jr. 2B Leo- Coach Tony Harris James tis Baines. Other that will contribute include Thompson Sr. C .440 3 HR, Sr. Jerry Tietz LF/P, Seniors Gabe Juarez, Hec- Alex Maskovich Sr. P/1B , tor Sanchez, P/2B Jalaal Abdur-Rashid, Tho- Kyle Byrd Sr. 2B, Hector mas Gary, and Luis Serrano. Also, Juniors Calderon Sr. RF, Josh Lumbera Sr. C.Others Jondell McGhee and Pedro Hernandez., to contribute include Seniors Chris Gomez, Soph Nasir Cade, Angel Rivera, and Larenz Kyle Johnson, Doug Lathan, and Mike Howard, and Freshman Eddie Green, Joe Walker. Skalba, Jose Diaz,and Nick York.

Hammond Morton Governors West Side Cougars The Govs return for Hammond Academy Hawks Head Coach Scott Lush: Sr. Strong Juniors Cody Glass Standout Pitcher/SS and PUC P, Xavier Reillo P/3B, Brandon Recruit Auerlio Cazares 3-7 Swart C, and Freshman SS Caden MAB MONTHLY Page 26

Bell lead the Hawks this year. Follow us on Twitter @mabsports… Roosevelt Panthers Roosevelt leaders in- clude LF- Evan Heard, 1b Baker, SS Devon Down- Attention ton, 3B Deshaun Monroe, P Rod- RailCats ney Hawkins, 2B Stinson, C Mason, RF Fans! Bradrick Poats, CF Jadnek.Also returning are P Bradrick Poats, P Deshaun To follow the RailCats all season long, be sure to go Monroe, P Rodney Hawkins, to our RailCats Weekly page at LF Evan Heard www.midamericabroadcasting.com/railcatsweekly , SS Devon Downton, Anthony McCoy.

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Northwest Crossroads Conference Preview By Rich Sapper MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 29

Andrean 59ers Hosse is expected to be a key contributor as Make no mistake about a freshman, stepping in at shortstop it, Andrean is a baseball and softball school. It matters little what success there is on the hardwood or the gridiron, as long as Dave Pishkur is in the dugout, Andrean will be defined by it’s baseball program, and this year all eyes are on the 59ers once again. The team was 28-5 last season before falling in the regional, and lost 10 players from last year’s squad. Let not your heart be trou- bled though ’9er fans as Senior P Zac Ryan, who was 9-1 last season with a 1.49 ERA on the mound to go along with hitting .427 with 3 round trippers is back for one more season be- fore taking his game to Georgia Tech. Matt DeSomer would be the ace of most any other staff, and will be a nice complement to Ryan. Pishkur will also have senior IF Jeremy Wright, OF/IF Joe Plesac and juniors OF Hobart Brickies Donovan Chandler, OF/P Jimmy Skiff, 1B The Brickies are a team Frank Podkul, and C Rob Long to count on that have certainly come of age this season. over the past several seasons. Many of the players on this Griffith Panthers year’s squad have been playing Last season head coach since they were freshman for head coach Brian Jennings led his Pan- Bob Glover Jr. thers to an 18-5 record and a The Brickies will be led this season by Regional final appearance, be- South Carolina commit junior P Brandon fore falling to eventual state champion West- Murray who was 6-4 with a 3.03 ERA last ern. season and hit .292 with 21 RBI for good The best news for Panther fans is that measure. CJ Komosa is a senior pitcher who seven starter return for Griffith this year. Lead- was 6-0 with a 1.83 ERA and fanned 43. Ko- ing the way is CF Brett Brinkley, who hit .318 mosa is heading to Kankakee Community and swiped 22 bases last season. Anthony College next year. Freshman Braden Nik- Carter and Jesse Smith return to pitch for Grif- sich will step into the rotation this season as fith while Kyle Buikema may be one of the well. best defensive catchers in the area. Matt Co- Handling this talented pitching staff lomes (.290) returns to left field, Brandon Gar- will be C Nick Bokun (.371, 28 RBI, 9 2B, 2 cia to right and Austin Brown to third. Kody HR) who also will see time at first. Junior MAB MONTHLY Page 30

SS/P Tyrus Joseforsky is the leading hitter re- Kankakee Valley turning with his .416 average and 15 doubles. Even before The Kou- 2B Travis Wadell will team up with Josefosky gars were everyone’s favorite to form a potent combination, feel-good story this football while Drey Devereaux will start in center. season, head coach Doug Daniel Stewart will be taking his talents to Greenlee had the baseball ver- Trine University next season, but will be be sion running on all cylinders. pitching and playing the outfield for the KV loses eight players from last years Brickies this year. teams, but will return a talented group that has a ton of potential to grow this season. Highland Trojans 1B/P Matt Berdine leads a senior class that It’s hard to lose a division includes C Issac Hernandez, SS/P Trent 1 pitcher like Jordan Minch, but Smith, OF Brad Oney, and OF/P Dakota if anyone can develop a pitching Partin. Junior P Jack Miles was 5-3 last year staff, it is long-time head coach and struck on 45 batters. Juniors 3B/P Matt Dan Miller. Myers, and CF/P Tim Schoonveld are also Seniors Alex Freitag, Jose Arellano, expected to contribute leadership to a young Danny Hamilton, juniors Devin Austin and team this season. Nick Jancich, and sophomore Kevin O’Don- nell will attempt to fill Minch’s shoes. Junior Lowell Red Devils DH/RF Alec Smith returns to lead the team of- The Red Devils had a fensively. tough season last year going Other seniors on the team are 2B Yusef 9-20 on the campaign. Head Darwish, OF Evan Christensen, and OF Kevin coach Bobby Wong expects Roach. Soph Clay Keltner is also expected to that record to improve on the strength of a step in at the hot corner and on the mound as teams that returns eight seniors and a solid well. Matt Benninghoof and O’Donnell will underclass group. split time behind this dish this season as well. Leading the way offensively for Lowell is Bryan Thomas, a senior C/1B who hit .324 last year, and senior OF Mike Hil-

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Trinity Lutheran School is state approved to accept vouchers! MAB MONTHLY Page 31 brich. Soph Myles Siedentopf and junior Matt performance this season. If he can and the Garza will anchor the rotation. The two com- team gels, they can improve on last years re- bined for a 5 of the teams 9 wins last year and spectable 15-14 record in a very tough base- fanned a combined 65. ball conference. Other Red Devils that will be expected to step up this year are juniors Jordan Hansen and Logan Schiessle as well as sophomore Reed Holderman.

Munster Mustangs LF Alex Del Rio (.405, 18 RBI) may be the best player for the Mustangs and in the Law Office Of area, but he is not the only horse for head coach Bob Shinkin. Paul Barenie Senior pitchers Alex Crowe and Mike (219) 864-0188 Poulas pack a formidable 1-2 punch for Mun- 27 W. Joliet Street ster while fellow seniors CF Craig Dedelow, 3B Mike Mueller, and C Allan Korem are solid Schererville, IN contributors offensively and defensively. Junior SS Alec Skalka also hit over .400 last season and will be looking to repeat that

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Porter County Conference Preview By Rich Sapper MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 33

Boone Grove Wolves within a pitch of playing at Victory Field. The Wolves finished last The Hawks will be lead by senior P/SS year, a respectable, but uncharac- Kyle Joyce who was 4-1 as a pitcher with 49 teristic 14-12 for head coach Rol- K’s and also hit .407. 1B Jon Moneta also lie Thill’s team. returns as does junior P/SS Mike Mikulich. The team returns mutli-sport standout Cody Poynter at CF highlighting a senior Kouts Mustangs class that includes 2B/P/SS Jared Thill, Kouts ended last season P/1B/INF Zach Wein, OF Stefan Hess, P/OF with a .500 record and has a AJ Mosier, and 3B/1B/P Zach Cobb. strong potential to improve on that with most it’s it’s key players back Hanover Central Wildcats in the lineup. The Wildcats went 19-11 Junior P/SS Max Everaet leads the last year and advanced to the way for coach Matt Weston. Last season he sectional semi-final before fal- boasted a 2.84 ERA with 72 K’s while hit- ling to Kankakee Valley. The ting .405. Junior C Jake Moore was Honor- Wildcats return one of the most exciting able Mention All State last season and he re- players in the conference in senior P/3B Dan turns as well. Senior SS/P Andrew Birky Strum (.462, .309 ERA). Senior C Zach Ma- hit .323 for the team last season and is ex- ciejewski was impressive handling pitchers pected to match that production at the plate and at the plate last season. this year. CF Jake Bekelya is also going to be Hanover also returns one of the best a key contributor for a team looking to fight sophomores classes in the area including OF/ it’s way through the PCC jungle. C Jesse Wilkering (.472, 28 RBI) who had a hit in every game. 1B/P Riley Welch, and LaCrosse Tigers 2B/P Dan Ballach. The senior leadership and The Tigers are a very young talent make the Wildcats an early fa- young team with just less than vorite to win the PCC title before exiting the half of the roster consisting of conference after this year. freshmen. Head Coach Zach Prarie has his work cut out for him in his first year at the Hebron Hawks helm, but he does have an offensive power- Hebron head coach John house in junior SS/P Jared Dyjak to build Steinhilber had a great year in around. Dyjak hit .458, and 7 HR and 31 RBI 2011-2012. He led the boys bas- last season. He will be joined in the lineup by ketball team to a regional and senior CF Tyler Sharp to provide leadership the baseball team to a 20-8 re- to this developing squad. cord and semi-state. The Hawks will try to capture that magic again and will return sev- eral key pieces of the puzzle that got them “Like” Mid America Broadcasting on Facebook MAB MONTHLY Page 34

Morgan Township Cherokees P/3B Adam Clindaniel and C John Mohlke, If you are the coach of a Both player hit over .300 last season, and team who won a sectional and a Clindaniel added 24 RBI and 3 pitching wins school record 23 games, you can to the mix. Junior SS Austen Hanna, and do a lot worse than returining one sophomores JT Snyder and OF/P Logan of the best pitching staffs in 1A. Head Coach Lionberger should help South Central to Jason Dorshorst has just that. compete in the PCC and the sectional once Leading the staff is Joe Dougherty again this year. who was 8-3 with a 2.06 ERA. Perhaps more impressive was the 103 Ks in 80 innings. Washington Township Senators Ryan Klikus will also pitch and will see sig- The Senators have a ma- nificant innings at shortstop. Not only did jority of their team returning Klikus go 4-1 as a pitcher last season, but he from last year’s 22-10 cam- also lead in batting average, hitting .440. paign. Senior OF/P Justin Senior C Adam Rettinger did a nice job be- Landgrebe is the top pitcher re- hind the dish and should do so again this turning and he and fellow senior P Tyler Frye year. will lead the pitching staff, 3B Austin Porter and OF Tresten Pozil The infield will consist of 1B Bobby also hit well and provide leadership in the Ross, 2B Jake Gooden, SS Tyler Byerly, and clubhouse. Watch out for the development of 3B/OF Corey Holderead. freshman Jake Koselke who is expected to be a key contributor for years to come.

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2013 Calumet Region Softball Preseason Top Teams

By Andy Wielgus, MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 37

Lake Central 26-3 Strong pitching head- Shrader .446, and Jr. OF Bailey Mores to lines LC again with Lily Del Toro 8-1 and be leaders again as well. Annabel Karberg 6-1, for Coach Jeff Sherman. Key players this include Basket- Lowell 10–18 Pete Iussig’s ballclub went ball standout SS Lizzie Seymour .416, 3B/ 10-18 last year, but they do return SS C Alyssa Childress, 1B Abbey Rauch .375, Hunter Jusevitch, CF Morgan O’ Han- OF Kayla Bishton .346, and Soph OF As- lon .342, and P Brandi Flaverty. Also to pyn Novak .426. contribute will be RF Courtney Walter, 2B Kristina Rosenbaum, 1B Alyssa Pokropin- Chesterton 21–11 After winning the Re- ski, and Ali Charters. gional last year the Trojans will not be a surprise this year. Strong power hitting will Hanover Central 13– 13 The Wildcats will be the theme again this year with Sydney be led by Pitcher Ashley Yoways, 3B Cooley and Megan Tymorek leading the Melissa Balkema, OF Alyssa Howard, and way. Tymorek also was 17-9 on the mound SS Ivy Dawson. also along with her 9 hr 41 rbi and .434 bat- ting average. Cooley was 4-1 on the Portage 18–8 The Indians will be led by mound. Also these players: Sr. C Megan their Seniors Catcher Haley Hodges .493, Matheny, Jr. 1B Malloy Mckee .369, and OF Jalise McKnight, OF Lauren Murray, Soph. OF Jill Bohnert .300 will contribute. and Pitcher Heather Zengler. Soph P Kaitlin Doud and Kiley Jones are on the Varsity squad and will be factors for the Andrean 25–8 The defending 3A State Tribe again this year. Champs were 25-8 and beat Edgewood 9-2 for the 3A title and they lose star Pitcher Munster 18-13 The Lady Mustangs under Nicole Steinbach to Ball State. But the cup- Beth Thornburgh will have a strong squad board is not bare for Brooke Baker- again this year led by Gina Rice .341, Jr. Runyon with Pitchers Sr. Hannah Kulesa, Taylor Michalski .316, and OF Sadie Con- Sr. Katie Crandol, and Jr. Claire Pardo. ner .349. On the mound the Mustangs will Other returning starters include SS Breanna be led by Carly Murphy, 2B Briana Boyle, 2B Savvy Kinsella, OF Madison Zunica .314, C/3B Emma Hodges .308 and Leach, OF Catherine Murad, and C Morghyn Neal.

Crown Point 25–7 Led by Oregon Fresh- man Pitching recruit Miranda Elish and regular contributors Catcher Amanda and Ali Rock, the Dogs should make some noise under Coach Ginger Britton. Look for Pitcher Siena Gyure 19-3 on the mound and Junior Maddy Coppess, Sr. SS Mandey MAB MONTHLY Page 38

Taylor Kotso. Hammond Morton 21-2 The Lady Govs will be the Head of the Class in the School Wheeler 19–11 Coach Marc Bruner retutns City of Hammond again, led by Cierra Nickole Finch. She will be a star on the Charbonneau .403, Vivian Peterson .486, mound and at the plate for the Bearcats. and Angelica Justiniano 17-2 on the Also contributing will be Karissa mound. Sweeney .412, Soph OF Hanna Hought- ling .360, Angelisse Vukin, and Kylie Horn. Michigan City 16–12 Former South Bend standout Softball Coach and current North Newton 20–12 The Lady Spartans Wolves Lady Basketball Coach Mike return several standouts for Coach Amanda Megeyse takes over the reigns for the team Suarez, from last year’s winning squad. In- with former Marquette Head Coach Jim cluding Allyson Leach on the mound/ Kintzele. The Wolves will be led by multi- hitting .419, Aubrey Spencer, Alyssa Coo- sport star Jameka Collins this year. per .319, Soph. 1B Jena Leach .330 and OF Hayley Ross .371 LaPorte 16-13 Bob Severs club year in and year beat the top DAC teams and this year Lake Station Edison 18-10 The Eagles they will be led Juniors OF Kelsey Vergin, landed last year, winning a sectional and SS Emma Dickson, and Seniors C Brynna they will be led this year by Sr. OF Tonya Wolfenbarger and 2B Alexis Botford. Blair. Junior leaders include Lexi Brock, 3B Caitlin Acker, and Jr. P Shelby Jorgen- sen.

Bishop Noll 18-9 The Lady Warriors under Ralph Laramie will be strong again led by Juniors SS Elana Sobilo, C Monica Martin, and P Andrea Freeman. Freshman 3b Tori Order These Keilman and OF Erin Mullaney will con- tribute also. Great

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MAB MONTHLY Page 40 RAILCATS HOST OPEN TRYOUT MAY 2 Press Release Provided

GARY, Ind. — The RailCats will host their annual Open Player Tryout at U. S. Steel Yard on Thursday, May 2. The tryout costs $50, which must be paid in cash only on the day of the tryout. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. for position players and 11:30 a.m. for pitchers.

Players who are trying out must bring their own baseball equipment, including cleats, gloves, wooden bats and catcher’s gear. Upon arriving at U. S. Steel Yard, players should enter through the RailCats Entry Gate on Stadium Plaza – between Fourth and Fifth Avenue – and head to the field for registration. There is no need to pre-register before the day of the tryout.

Six players who participated in the Open Tryout have gone on to play with the RailCats, including Mike Coles (2006), and pitchers Justin Roelle (2012), T.J. Wohlever (2011), Andy Weeks (2010), Chris Pfalzgraf (2009) and Dan Soria (2003-04).

For more information on tryouts, call the RailCats at 219-882-2255 From Top: Mike Coles and or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com. Dan Sorisa who made the RailCats from the open tryout

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Contact Rich Sapper at 219-973-7990 or [email protected] for more information MAB MONTHLY Page 41 11th Annual RailCats High School Challenge Schedule

One again , Mid America Broadcasting will be bringing you a majority of the contests at the US Steel Yard for the RailCats High School Baseball Challenge. This year’s Challenge features 18 total games featuring many former sectional and state champions as well as rivalry games. The entire schedule is listed below.

Monday, April 1st Saturday, April 13th 4:30 p.m. - *Hobart vs. Highland 4:00 p.m. - *Kankakee Valley vs. Thea Bowman 7:30 p.m. - *Calumet vs. Hebron 7:00 p.m. - * Bishop Noll vs. Lowell

Wednesday, April 3rd Monday, April 15th 4:30 p.m. - *Morton vs. Andrean 4:30 p.m. - *Lake Station vs. River Forest

Friday, April 5th Wednesday, April 17th 7:30 p.m. - * Valparaiso vs. Munster 7:30 p.m. - *North Newton vs. South Newton

Monday, April 8th Friday, April 19th 7:30 p.m. - *Guerin Prep vs. Chicago Christian 4:30 p.m. - *Lew Wallace vs. Roosevelt 7:30 p.m. - *East Chicago vs. MC Marquette Wednesday, April 10th 4:30 p.m. - *West Side vs. Gavit Saturday, April 20th 7:30 p.m. - *Hales Franciscan vs. St. Patrick 1:00 p.m. - *Michigan City vs. Boone Grove 4:00 p.m. - *Chesterton vs. Griffith Friday, April 12th 7:00 p.m. - *Victory Christian vs. Calumet Chris- 4:30 p.m. - *TF North vs. TF South tian 7:40 p.m. - *Westville vs. Hammond Academy *indicates home team

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Calumet Region Baseball

1. Which region team won a 3A Title in saves, including stints with the Pennant win- 2005? ning Philliies of the 70’s. 2. Crown Point has retired the jersey of what 11. This LaPorte grad has pitched for the Ana- MLB player? heim Angels in this century. 3. Which former East Chicago Washington 12. This 1985 Portage Grad was traded for Pitcher played for the 84 Cubs? Candy Maldonado. 4. What former ECW OF played for the 13. This Roosevelt grad was a star role player in the ? for the Cubs and Reds and he managed the Pi- 5. Which former Wirt Trooper won the 1983 rates. AL Rookie of the Year for the White Sox? 14. This Roosevelt grad was on ’s 6. This former White Sox Player also played staff with the White Sox and played for the for Gary Wirt and was a 1st base coach for the Expos in the 80’s. Railcats. 15. This West Side grad has been a setup and 7. This Hammond High Grad pitched for the for many teams in the MLB including Cubs in the 50’s? the Cubs. 8. NWI’s only Baseball Hall of Famer lived 16. This Valpo Grad is a starter for the 2013 in Morocco, where North Newton HS is to- Cubs. day? 17. This Valpo HS pitcher hurled for the Reds. 9. This former Brickie QB/OF played in 18. This Hall of Fame Pitcher once played Mi- MLB and is in the Ball State Hall of Fame? nor League ball in Michigan City with the 10. This LaPorte grad was a Standout reliever Whitecaps. in the majors and was 146-140 with 103 19. This Morton Grad pitched for the White MAB MONTHLY Page 43

Sox and Rangers in the 70’s. as what at the US Steelyard? 20. This Morton Grad played for the Reds 33. What RailCats number is retired? and Braves in the 70’s as an 34. This Munster resident patrolled CF for the 21. This Portage HS Grad was on deck to bat RailCats. for Seattle but never played in a MLB game 35. This Hammond High QB played for the officially. RailCats. 22. This Munster grad was on a World Series 36. This LaPorte lefty pitched for the Rail- winner with the Reds Cats. 23. This Griffith coach broadcasted Minor 37. This former Phillie played for the Rail- league games for the A’s. Cats. 24. This former Pirate and Astro Catcher of 38. This former Atlanta IF played for the the 70’s was born in Gary. RailCats. 25. This former LC Coach pitched for the 39. This former NL All Star was the RailCats Orioles. . 26. This former Cub was the former Baseball 40. This former EC Central star pitched for Coach at Valpo. the RailCats. 27. The former owner of the A’s who lived in Answers on the next page ——-> LaPorte. 28. This former Hammond resident played recently with the Braves. 29. This former Oakland A’s pitcher was a resident in Portage but he was not the Cubs 3B. 30. Name the first RailCat to make the Ma- jors after playing at the Steelyard. 31. Who hit the 1st HR at the US Steelyard? SportsJuice.com is the Internet’s leading broad- 32. The Right Field corner used to be known caster of Minor League, Col- legiate and Amateur sports

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Answers

1. Andrean 15. Latroy Hawkins 30. Tim Byrdak 2. Dan Plesac 16. Jeff Samardzjia 31. Ryan Basham of 3. Tim Stoddard 17. Jim Crowell Lowell 4. 18. Juan Marachial 32. Hawk’s Nest after La- 5. 19. Stan Perzanoski troy Hawkins 6. Joe Gates 20. Darrell Chaney 33. 42 for Jackie Robin- 7. Dick Anderson 21. Mike Wishnevski son 8. Sam Rice 22. Hal Morris 34. Anthony Iapoce 9. Larry Bigbie 23. Brian Jennings 35. Mike Coles 10. Ron Reed 24. 36. Andy Weeks 11. ChrisBootcheck 25. Al Pilarcik 37. Wes Chamberlain 12. Rob Wishnevski 26. Mickey Morandini 38. Howard Battle 13. Lloyd Mcclendon 27. Charlie Finley 39. Garry Templeton 14. Wallace Johnson 28. Jordan Schaefer 40. Dan Soria 29. Steve Ontiveros

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MAB MONTHLY Page 46 Calumet Region Baseball All Time State Champions and Runner ups Complied by MAB Staff

The region’s most recent baseball state champions: the 2012 Lake Central Indians

LaPorte 1967, 1971, 1976, 1982, 1987, 1990, 1992, 4A 2000.

Bishop Noll 1968, 2004 2A Runner up 2006

Munster 4A 2002

Andrean 3A 2005, 2009, 2010 Runner up 2004

Lake Central 4A 2012

Griffith Runner up 3A 2001

Hanover Central Runner up 2A 2011

Merrillville Runner up 1996

MAB MONTHLY Page 47 Calumet Region Softball All Time State Champions and Runner ups Complied by MAB Staff

The region’s most recent softball state champions: the 2012 Andrean 59ers Michigan City Rogers Runner up 1986

Lake Central 1992, 3A 2002, 2003 Runner up, 4A 2004

Merrillville 1993,1997

Andrean 2A 1998, 1999 2A Runner up, 3A 2007, 3A 2009, 3A 2011 Runner up, 3A 2012

Portage 1998 3A Runner up, 3A 2000

Morgan Twp. 1A 1999, 2000 1A Runner up

Hanover Central 2A 2004

Whiting 1A 2006, 1A 2008

Chesterton 4A 2006 Runner up MAB MONTHLY Page 48

MAB MONTHLY Page 49

MAB MONTHLY Page 50 Region Baseball College Commitments MAB Monthly Staff Report Did you Know?

Kankakee Valley Head Northwest Indiana has long been a strong baseball Baseball Coach Doug area with a pipeline to college programs at all levels. The Greenlee is within strik- following young men have committed to play baseball at ing distance of 500 wins, the next level. coming into the season

Devin Bafia Valpo Evansville with 493 wins. Brett Brinkley Griffith PUC Anthony Carter Griffith PNC Likewise, Brian Auerlio Cazares Morton PUC Jennings from Griffith is Mike Crowley Chesterton Huntington looking for his 300th Tyler Crussen Wheeler Harper College head coaching wins with Alex Diaz Griffith PUC Aaron Glatt Lake Central University of Dayton 292 as the season starts. Julian Guerrero Noll Prairie State CJ Komosa Hobart Kankakee CC MLB Hall of Famer Brandon Murray Hobart South Carolina Mordecai “Three Fin- Ronnie Plesac Crown Point Parkland College ger” Brown was born in Zach Plesac Crown Point Ball State Nyesville, Indiana, near Danny Pobereyko Noll Butler Aery Pratt Chesterton Prairie State Terre Haute. Zac Ryan Andrean Georgia Tech Jesse Smith Griffith South Suburban JC Padres pitcher Clayton Daniel Stewart Hobart Trine Richard was Indiana’s Mr. Baseball, Mr. Foot- ball and his classes Vale- dictorian at McCutcheon High School. Region Sportsdesk

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April Broadcast Schedule Show Broadcast

Locations:

4-1 4:30 Hobart vs Highland Baseball * 7:00 Calumet vs Hebron Baseball * 4-3 4:30 Morton vs Andrean Baseball * 211 South East 4-5 7:00 Munster vs Valparaiso Baseball * 219-663-6551 4-8 7:30 Guerin Prep vs Chicago Christian 4:30 Lake Central @ Crown Point 4-10 5:30 MAB Weekly 1492 North Main 219-662-1369 4-10 7:30 Hales Franciscan vs St Patrick*

4-13 4:00 KV vs Bowman Baseball * 7:00 Noll vs Lowell Baseball * MAB Weekly Starts at 4-15 4:30 Edison vs River Forest Baseball* 5:30 p.m. each week! 4-17 7:30 North Newton vs South Newton* 4-19 4:30 Lew Wallace vs Roosevelt* 4-19 7:30 EC Central vs Marquette Baseball* 4-20 1:00 Merrillville vs Boone Grove*

4:00 Chesterton vs Griffith Baseball * 7:00 Victory Christian vs Cal Christian *

4-24 5:30 MAB Weekly 4-25 4:30 Portage @ Crown Point Baseball

4-26 4:30 H- F @ Crown Point Softball Simply Better Storage 4-27 10:00 Bellmont @ Crown Point Baseball 2:00 Homestead @ Crown Point Baseball 1.877.SCALE.59 scalecomputing.com

5 Reasons to Advertise with MAB 1. Support exposure for high school athletes. 2. Low advertising rates. Check out our 3. Special packages available. region basketball 4. Your ad will run live and on our archive. 5. Option of game, web and online mag. history pages at

midamericabroadcasting.com Contact Rich Sapper at 219-973-7990 or [email protected] for more infor-