2013 Schedule
2013 North Park Baseball Roster

After a 32-win season in 2012, a repeat as CCIW champions, and an NCAA tournament appearance, the Vikings continue to reset the program's standard for excellence.  The 2013 team will navigate what is arguably one of the toughest schedules in the region prior to CCIW play.  They will be battle tested early and often in their pursuit of a third straight CCIW championship, with a bevy of opponents who will prepare them to compete at the national level. 

“This year we have both old and new challenges”, states eighth year head coach Luke Johnson.  “We will work hard to continue to make a statement at the national level, but we're doing so in a conference that continues to be one of the most balanced, top to bottom, in the nation.  We had 7 out of 8 teams finish over .500 in the CCIW.  I'm not sure how many conferences nationally can say that.  That makes every win tougher to come by, and every accomplishment that much more gratifying.  To take the next step nationally, we need to maintain our level of play in the conference and region, and distance ourselves from our competition in a very tough early season schedule.  I'm excited to watch our guys take on this challenge”. 

Johnson isn't overstating the quality of his team's schedule.  They have 13 games against NCAA tournament teams from 2012.  The Vikings will open up with a three-game set at #4 Birmingham Southern in late February, playing the hosts twice.  The following weekend, they'll take on World Series participant and #9 Webster University, perennial nationally ranked Washington University, along with 2011 World Series participant Buena Vista.  The Vikings will then travel to Los Angeles and Tucson, locking horns twice with NCAA tournament participant LaVerne, along with #15 UW-LaCrosse, the team that ousted NPU from the NCAA's in 2012.  They'll come home and open up with #28 Aurora in mid- March, host two with NCAA tournament team St. John's (MN), as well as a three-game CCIW tilt with NCAA tournament participant Illinois Wesleyan.     “I don't think there will be any questions about our opponents.  Thirty-seven of the 40 are against in region competition, and we also have 13 games against teams that appeared in the national preseason poll”, states Johnson. 

Weathering the loss of quality graduates is something the Vikings have been getting used to.  They'll have to do more of the same in 2013.  Replacing four position players and one pitcher who were All-Conference/ All- Region will be critical, and Johnson thinks his group is up for it.  “One of the things we like to perpetuate in this program is the legacy of people emerging.  If you're going to hold on to guys for four years, you're going to graduate quality.  The trick is to internally demand a sense of accountability for emerging talent.  We take a great deal of pride in placing our guys in charge of serving that legacy.  We have a nice mix of returning talent and new blood to help move that along”, Johnson says.

Pitching

Senior captain Nick Soldano (Lake Zurich/Zion-Benton) will lead the way on the mound.  With 17 wins on his ledger in three years, Soldano is in position to become one of the most decorated pitchers in Viking history.  The returning left-handed  All-American and CCIW Pitcher of the Year logged a 9-2 record while ranking among the national leaders in wins, complete games, strikeouts, and innings pitched.  “Nick needs to relax and do what he's been prepared to do.  His ability to compartmentalize and stay in the moment will be critical for him and us.  He's up to the challenge and we're looking forward to how he'll respond to it.  He'll have a target on him, and he should because he's talented,” notes Johnson. 

Junior captain Alex Silverthorne (Wichita, KS/Valley Center) is also poised to make a statement.  After being used in a variety of roles in his Viking career, the right-hander will be counted on to start games in 2013. “Alex was on pace to have double-digit saves until he went down with an injury in the middle of the year.  In 20 appearances, opponents hit .219 against him.  He'll give us more of the same as a starter and I think he'll turn more than a few heads.  He's earned this opportunity,” says Johnson.

Sophomore righty Wes Mleziva (Green Bay/East) is also looking to take the next step. After a freshman year that saw him go 5-1 in 14 appearances, he'll battle for time as a rotation starter.  “Wes started the CCIW tournament championship game as a freshman, so that tells you what we think of him.  He's a strike thrower that has worked hard to be ready for this and were looking forward to watching him progress,” Johnson states.  Junior College transfer righty Nick Vidas (Taft/Oakton C.C.) will push for a weekend spot as well.  “Nick has very good command and throws a ton of strikes.  He's a battler and I think he's going to be very competitive for us,” says Johnson.  Vidas went 6-0 in 69 innings for Oakton, striking out 43 and walking 9 in 2012.

Junior captain Merrick McGrady (Buffalo Grove/Stevenson) will provide right handed help in a variety of roles, assuming he's healthy.  “Merrick getting and staying healthy is a priority.  Being able to use him early on is as well.  He throws strikes with everything, has been in tight situations since he was a freshman, and has been good for us.  He's worked really hard for this.  When he's been healthy for us he's been a big time arm so we're obviously excited to get him right”.  McGrady appeared in 16 games in 2012 with 1 save.  Senior right-hander Jeff Davis (Chicago/Northtown) will battle for innings as a starter, and it's possible that he could see significant time.  “Jeff has matured a lot and this may be the year he can make a statement.  He has a very good arm and has done a nice job in the opportunities he's had so far.  He's not on the radar as far as other teams are concerned, which may help him.  I have a feeling he may be a key guy for this staff”.   Junior transfer Charlie Moran (Williamsville, NY/University of Hartford) will be in the same boat.  “Charlie gained valuable experience at the Division I level and has some real upside.  If he continues to work on some things, he'll be another guy we can count on in a variety of roles, both as a starter and out of the bullpen.  He's really smart and he works hard, and that bodes well for him.”  Sophomore transfer right-hander Kenny Blanchard (Skokie/Knox College) will be looked at to swing from starter to reliever as well.  He went 4-3 in 2012 at Knox College. 

“Kenny had a nice year as a freshman before transferring.  He's thrown significant collegiate innings against some NCAA regional caliber opponents.  He's pitched in tournament games with the season on the line and we feel good about what he'll do for us,” Johnson says.    

Junior lefty Roy Garcia (York/College of DuPage) is another transfer who will make a difference.  “Roy has started and relived collegiately.  He has excellent command of his off speed stuff and very good feel.  Because of his versatility, he'll be valuable”.  Junior right-hander Bobby Herrick (Glendale, WI/Nicolet) will again be used as a situational option.  “Bobby's arm angle and comfort level have become a little more consistent, and his concept of how he'll be used is clearer to him.  Having a guy who can do this can make a big difference in terms of matchups.”   

Sophomore right-hander John Nemcek (Crystal Lake/Central) is poised to emerge.  “John's getting closer to where he wants to be.  He has a good idea of who he is and what he's good at.  He'll throw more this year, and when he's successful, that role will expand.  Continued confidence is the key for him.”  Sophomore lefty Matt Peterson (Madison Heights, MI/Madison Heights) is there as well.  “Matt probably had the best fall in terms of improvement.  He was poised and productive, and we all want that to carry over.  It's nice to have him as an option this year.  He's a big body with some potential.  He's progressing well,” says Johnson 

A trio of freshman may see significant time as well. Right-hander Jason Meger (Niles/West) is a two way player that may see equal time on both sides of the ball.  “Jason has a ton of upside.  He has great command and good, easy velocity.   He'll be in some tough spots as a freshman and we feel he'll respond well.  He'll be a big part of this staff”.  Righty Josiah Carlson (Glenview/Glenbrook South) will push for time out of the bullpen.  “Josiah has worked his tail off, and he's going to be really good for this program.  I can see him handling pressure situations well.  His stuff is good and getting better, and with the work he'll put in, there's reason to be excited”.  Right-hander Mario Creecy (Chesterfield, MI/Sterling Heights) is another two way player who appears game ready.  “Mario's biggest tool is his competitiveness.  He's a little raw, but very talented, and is one of the more competitive guys I've coached.  He'll be in the mix right off the bat because of his ability and how mature he is competitively,” notes Johnson.

Freshman righties Eric Bacon (Naperville/St. Francis) and Jimmy Roach (Downs/Tri-Valley) are both young pitchers with good physical makeup and upside.  “Both Eric and Jimmy have shown flashes of what they can be.  They need to get a little more consistent, and when they do they'll help us. Freshman right-handers BJ McNaughton (Cromwell, CT/Cromwell) and Patrick Pokrovak (Chicago/St. Laurence) are also working toward that end.  “Both of these guys have had success for good teams. If they are patient they'll get up to speed collegiately.”  Lefty John Hayes (New Lenox /Lincoln Way West) will provide depth as well.  “John has a little ways to go, and with some work he can be a lefthander with a role,” says Johnson. 

Senior Johnny Larson (Prospect/McHenry County College) will rehab a shoulder injury on his glove side and hopefully be able to compete.  “Johnny is one of the most genuinely upbeat guys around, and he also has some tools.  If we can get him to a point where he can compete, he'll help us out of the pen.  If not, he'll help us in a number of other ways,” Johnson says.

“This staff has a nice mix of experience and depth, as well as balance and upside.  Replacing some of what we lost last year will be hard, but that's what our job is.  This team should pitch well, which we'll need to set the tone,” says Johnson.

Catching

Sophomore Joe Belmonte (Elk Grove/Conant) will look to expand his role defensively while picking up where he left off with the bat.  “Joe hit over .400 as a freshman DH.  He had a ton of big hits in pressure games in both the CCIW and NCAA tournament.  We're looking for him to string quality at bats together, and if he does he'll progress. This team will be better when he solidifies things behind the plate, and he will.  He can also play some first base and that might happen depending on some lineup combinations.” Senior Vince Campanella (Lake Villa/Warren Township) has also prepared to contribute. 

“Vince has been stuck behind two professional catchers in his four years.  He handles the bat well, throws pretty well, and is better receiving.  He also filled in very nicely in the final CCIW game of the season last year.  I feel good about him being ready to help.  He's certainly earned it.”  Freshman Dan Sabin (Slinger, WI/Slinger) showed flashes of high end ability as he has rehabbed an injury sustained during his senior year in high school.  “The sky is the limit for Dan, in every aspect of the game.  He's as physical as any catcher in this region, can hit line to line with power, and he can run.  We haven't seen the real Dan yet because of his surgery, but he is making strides every day.  He needs to continue to mature in some areas, but I can't wait for him to be 100%,” Johnson says.

Junior College transfer sophomore Nick Burger (Minnetonka, MN/Iowa Central CC) could also provide some at bats.  “Nick is big, strong, fast, and smart.  He can play a few positions, and this may be a way we can get him on the field a little more regularly, which is something we'd like.  He played at a top notch nationally ranked junior college, so he's no stranger to pressure baseball.”  

Freshmen Brendan Seaver (Beaver Dam, WI/Wayland Academy) and Eric Stojanoff (Lincolnwood/Niles West) will continue to develop while handle college pitchers.  “Both guys work hard and have an idea with the bat.  They'll have to be patient and work hard, but both have a very good attitude”.

Infield

Returning to the middle infield will be a pair of juniors, shortstop Eric Sousanes (Aurora/Waubonsie Valley) and second baseman Mike Coduto (Carol Stream/Wheaton North).  The double play tandem was second in the NCAA in double plays turned in 2012.  “Eric took some strides forward last year.  He found out what other teams attacking you looks like and by the end of the year was making better adjustments offensively.  He has hit at the top of the order and we look forward to being able to do that with him again.  He moved from second base to short last year and was one of the better ones in the country.  His strength is making the routine play, and as he matures he should really take off.”  Sousanes is a career .307 hitter with 20 doubles and 24 stolen bases and has been an All-CCIW and All-Region Gold Glove winner.  “Mike had an exceptional year in 2012 and he's really just scratched the surface.  He's ironed some things out mechanically with the bat that will make him a tougher out, and he's very steady defensively.  He's got some power and speed, and some edge.  Having him grow as a leader is the priority and I'm looking forward to seeing this,” says Johnson.  Coduto is a career .320 hitter with a .420 OBP and was a first team All-CCIW selection in 2012. 

Sophomore Javier Cardenas (Elgin/Elgin) and Creecy may see time at both middle spots. “Javier is pretty scrappy and does the little things well.  We're lucky to have him and look for ways to incorporate him.  He gets a lot out of his body offensively and finds ways to make plays.  Mario has some juice in his bat and is not afraid to make the big play.  Working at the nuances of the routine ball will help him, but he's going to be pretty good for us.  They're both tough ,” Johnson notes.

Senior transfer Rick Divito (Wood Dale/LSU-Alexandria) can play three infield spots, and will probably play third base to start.  “Rick is a tough guy with very good speed and aggressiveness and good defensive ability.  He is valuable because he can spell guys at three spots in the infield as well as all three outfield spots.  He'll be exciting to watch and easy to root for.  He can do some things offensively and may be the type of guy that makes the lineup go,” Johnson believes.  Meger will also spend time at third.  “Jason is exceptional defensively and very mechanically sound offensively, with good power potential.  We have very good options with the two of them”.

Junior Jordan Sidwell (Bondurant, IA/Ankney) and sophomore Andrew Molley (Northlake/Leyden) are defensive-minded players who could help in late inning situations.  “Both of these guys can play defense.  They need to continue to work at the other half of their game, and when they figure that out their roles will expand.  They're both bright and hard workers”.  Freshman Brody Burkart (Huntley/Huntley) will also push for time in different ways.  “Brody is as good a young hitter as we have, and he needs to get over some nagging injuries.  When he does, he's a game ready bat.  He's a big body and he can play second, third, or even first in a pinch.”  Marty Pits (Kenosha/Tremper) and Derek Strohmaier (Elgin/Elgin) are both freshmen who will provide depth.  “Marty works hard and he looks like he'll swing the bat eventually.  Derek, as he gains strength and grows into his body, should show improvement.  Both will need to keep their head down and get after it,” says Johnson.

First base has a nice mix of experience and versatility.  Junior transfer Dan Anderson (Moose Lake,MN/Itasca CC) hit .368 in 31 games for Itasca in 2012, and will provide a left-handed bat with some power potential.  “Dan's a big strong guy who's coming into his own as a hitter.  He can also play some outfield and can really run, so he's pretty valuable.  His ability to make adjustments will be key for him.”  Junior Jeff Paulson (Plainfield/Plainfield North) will look to rebound after a season ending injury in 2012. 

“Jeff was putting a nice year together when he went down with a labrum issue during the CCIW portion of the schedule.  He has great at bats and squares balls up a lot.  He's spent a lot of time getting his arm ready after surgery and hopefully he'll be ready soon.  He may be able to DH earlier and be valuable to us if he can,” notes Johnson.  Paulson is a career .323 hitter. 

Freshman Tyler Woolbright (Rockford/Rockford Lutheran) is game ready as well. “Tyler is going to be a big time hitter for us.  He has great awareness offensively and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he works himself in early.  He has a bright future here, and as he gains confidence he should be fun to watch.”  Burger will also push for time.  “Nick may mix in here, behind the plate, or as a DH.  His hands and batspeed make him intriguing.  It's not easy bouncing around some times but I think he's mentally tough enough to handle it.”

Outfield

Sophomore Captain Zak Worsley (Ottawa/Marquette) will move from left to center and anchor the Viking outfield.  “Being a captain as a sophomore is all you need to know about Zak.  He hit in the two spot as a freshman and was pretty good.  He drew 33 walks and, swiped 13 bases, and was on base 45% of the time.  Playing center is a little different, but he'll handle it well.  His ability to grow as a hitter why solidifying his defense will be essential.”  Worsley hit .320 in 43 games in 2012.  Senior Kyle Williams (Cary, IL/McHenry County College) will play right. 

“Kyle provides a nice speed and power mix.  He can plug gaps and play small from  the left side.  He's a really smart hitter who has worked hard on his swing.  Defensively, what we get from Kyle is remarkable considering we moved him to right from the infield in March of last year.  He got it done out there and now that he's more comfortable he'll be one step ahead.  I'm excited for him,” Johnson says.  Williams hit .300 and slugged .406 while hitting 3 homeruns and going 7-10 on the bases.

Left field will be manned by senior transfer Mike Kane (Notre Dame/Northern Illinois).  “Mike is a legitimate middle of the order hitter.  He has great hands, a very good idea of how his swing works, and a good plan at the plate.   He has good power but there's more to him than that.  I'm excited for him.  I know he's ready to help.”  After seeing limited time at NIU, Kane is looking to rebound to his 2011 form.  He hit 16 doubles, 6 homeruns, and drove in 55 runs for a South Suburban College team that won 32 games. Senior Luis Diaz (Von Steuben/Oakton CC) will return to the Vikings after a one year absence.  He'll push for time in the outfield and DH as well.  “Having Luis back is a plus.  He's going to have to show he's grown as a player, but when he does it could be a really big boost.  He's got as much raw ability as anyone we've had.  He's a year removed and he'll know what to expect in his second go around”. Diaz started 25 games for the 2011 CCIW champions, driving in 13 runs in 76 at bats. 

Senior Sean Witt (Evanston/Evanston) will push for time at all three spots.  “Sean has shown he can come in and get a stolen base in big situations.  He's also improved in the outfield and also is aware of what his approach should be at the plate.  He's been a very important member of our team, and he'll continue to be.  Sean has appeared in 29 games in three years, and every appearance has been with the game on the line.  I'm proud of him for the strides he's made, and I have no reservation about his ability to produce in some way in the clutch.”  Sophomores Connor Sarant (Katy, TX/Spring) and Nathan Clarke (Evanston/Evanston) are both fast and scrappy players who are emerging. 

“Connor has a high motor and we need to utilize that in some way.  He'll do the dirty work and he's ironed some things out swing wise that should get him in the mix.  He's a high character guy with an outstanding work ethic.  Nathan is really coming into his own.  He's unquestionably the fastest player I've ever coached or played with and we'll look for ways to incorporate this.” 

Freshmen Alec Strachota (Carol Stream/West Chicago) is an athletic option at all spots.  “Alec has exceptional feel.  He can flat out play the outfield, has good arm strength, and will be a very good left-handed bat for us.  Playing hard and maxing on every ball will be his challenge.  I'm looking forward to watching him grow.” 

The Vikings open up play February 23 at Birmingham Southern.  North Park will provide live stats and audio webcasts for all home games.