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Chicago Tribune
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Named after a Chicago Cubs great, Ryne Dzierzynski is ‘not just a great ballplayer' for Grant. He's a leader.
Perhaps Grant's Ryne Dzierzynski was destined for success in baseball. Dzierzynski, who is beginning to establish an identity in the sport that his father, Scott, loves so much, was named after Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg. 'My dad is a huge baseball fan, and he pretty much lives and breathes it,' Dzierzynski said. 'He's a lifelong Cubs fan, and it led to me having a unique spelling for my name. The reference is definitely there.' Dzierzynski never saw Sandberg play in person, but his bedroom is adorned with various Sandberg items, including a photo of a newborn Dzierzynski combined with a photo of Sandberg giving his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech in 2005. Dzierzynski said he took advantage of his name when he acquired an autographed Sandberg trading card at a sports memorabilia convention in Rosemont a few years ago. 'I told one of the vendors that I was named for Ryne Sandberg, and he gave me 50% off the card,' Dzierzynski said. 'I told him I needed that card.' Dzierzynski may not be getting a hit 50% of the time, but he's not far from it. Through Wednesday, the senior shortstop/pitcher was batting .458 with a 1.349 OPS, three home runs, 20 RBIs and five stolen bases for the Bulldogs (12-7, 5-3), who were tired for third place in the Northern Lake County Conference. He had walked twice as often as he had struck out. 'The big thing with hitting is that if you have a bad day, you have to forget about it,' he said. 'That's something that's helped me a lot. Baseball is an easy game to dwell on, and at some point you'll have a bad at-bat or a bad swing. I try to preach that to younger players. You've got to let it go.' That mentality serves Dzierzynski well on the mound too. A successful closer in the past, the Wisconsin-Parkside commit has become one of Grant's starting pitchers this season. 'I came into our regional final game last year really early and pitched 5 2/3 innings, and for some reason I did really well,' he said. 'After that, the coaches came to me and said they thought starting would be best for the team.' Dzierzynski had minor elbow surgery only weeks before the start of the 2024 season, but he bounced back quickly and pitched effectively out of the bullpen. As a starter this season, he's 4-0 with a 2.67 ERA in 33 2/3 innings. Most remarkable, though, is his 36-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 'He has the biggest role on our team, and he knew about it going into the year and has handled it great,' Grant coach Bryan Talbot said. 'We needed him competing for us at least once a week, and he's pitched in some important games already. You can't tell what the score is when he's playing because he projects himself the exact same way on every play.' Dzierzynski's numbers might not indicate it, but he had to adjust to being a starting pitcher. 'My first start, I had no idea even how to warm up or what time frame to use, so it's definitely different from relieving,' he said. 'You have seven innings to worry about, and you have to have a plan after you go through the lineup once. 'But it's fun going out there and battling every inning. I love that you get to control the game. It's my pace, my tempo. Win or lose, it's on me.' It's not the first time Dzierzynski has had to adjust during his four years in the program. He was promoted to the varsity team during his freshman season before becoming the starting shortstop a year later. 'I had no clue about what high school baseball was like compared to travel ball, which is more of a personal showcase,' he said. 'That first year was definitely an adapting year. But playing there so young allowed me to project that onto my buddies so that they wouldn't be shell-shocked and they could cope with their first times on varsity.' Dzierzynski continues to be a leader for the Bulldogs. On Wednesday, he started on the mound and didn't allow an earned run in six innings, leaving with a 9-3 lead. Conference rival Wauconda responded with a seven-run seventh inning, but Dzierzynski rallied his teammates, and Grant won 11-10 in extra innings. 'The whole team had its head down low, but he told us to stick together and that we still had a chance for a walk-off,' Grant senior third baseman Christian Faria said. 'That's what separates him from others. He's obviously our best player, but if I'm being honest, he's not just a great ballplayer. He's also a great role model and teammate.'
Chicago Tribune
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
As senior season winds down, Oak Forest's Melanie Andrysiak finds fresh focus. Her sister, Nadia. ‘So excited.'
She will always remember the many pitching victories, the ton of strikeouts, even the cool nicknames. But Oak Forest senior Melanie Andrysiak had an experience Thursday that will likely top the list of greatest memories from her four-year varsity career. The Wisconsin-Parkside recruit led off the bottom of the third inning with a hit. She then watched as her freshman sister, Nadia, drove in pinch-runner Molly King with an RBI single. It was a family first in that regard. 'I was screaming at the top of my lungs,' Melanie said. 'Nadia driving in runs gets me so excited. I lost my voice the other week screaming so much for her.' Both had plenty to smile about following the Bengals' 4-1 South Suburban Conference crossover victory against visiting Evergreen Park. Melanie struck out 12 and added a pair of hits for Oak Forest (10-7, 6-4 SSC Blue). Nadia came up with a hit, a walk and scored a run, while Hailee Morin contributed a two-run homer. Maggie Troglia hit a home run and reached base twice for Evergreen Park (9-9, 5-5 SSC Red). Melanie Andrysiak's history at Oak Forest has been, in a word, colorful. She emerged as a freshman pitcher with flaming red and pink hair, earning the nickname 'Melmo' in reference to the Sesame Street character. But the hair color had a serious source. She was honoring her mother, Ninette, who has twice overcome battles with cancer. As a junior, the 'Melmo' hair was gone, replaced by her natural color. She had a stellar season, leading the Bengals to 27 wins and a Class 3A regional title. Cut to her senior year, and 'Melmo' now has another nickname. This one was given to her by Oak Forest coach Nick Fuentes, and it's catching on with the kids. Just call her 'Mel-mom.' 'She's not only a phenomenal leader, but she looks after all of our underclassmen,' Fuentes said. 'With her sister and Hailee (both pitchers), she's always working with them. She goes to their travel teams and works with them. 'Seeing her growth as a person, let alone the softball stuff, I can't even put into words how proud of her I am.' No one can speak about 'Mel-mom' better than Nadia. Melanie is the oldest of the four children in their family. When Ninette became ill, responsibilities came rushing upon her like a tidal wave. 'Mel was very strong,' Nadia said. 'She was a big help to my dad (Thaddeus). She kept her composure in front of us. She didn't really show how much it was affecting her because she wanted to keep our little brothers happy and positive.' Composure has been a key factor to Andrysiak's success as Oak Forest's ace. Thursday was typical as she ended five innings with strikeouts. In the last inning, she struck out the final two batters with two runners on base. This season, she passed the 500 mark in career strikeouts — and 600 is within reach. On offense, she's batting .436 with three doubles and 10 RBIs. Nadia, meanwhile, is hitting .300 with 10 runs and seven RBIs. She's mainly a hitter for now, but will likely share Oak Forest's pitching duties next season with Morin. 'Mel-mom' is helping pave the way. 'I take that role pretty seriously,' Melanie said. 'Honestly, I try to make sure everybody is having a good day, even if I'm not. I try to make sure everybody has their uniforms for the week. If anybody needs any equipment, I make sure they get it. 'I just want to help everyone be ready for every day.' It starts with the team group chat. 'Oh, if we have a tough game, there will be a message from Mel,' Fuentes said. 'It says, 'We're going to be better tomorrow.'' A winner's way of life continues.
Chicago Tribune
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Lincoln-Way West's Adam Gerl gets into groove for combined no-hitter against Shepard. ‘My style is very fiery.'
Senior right-hander Adam Gerl threw what he thought was his best pitch for Lincoln-Way West. It turned out to be the only time Shepard came close to breaking up the no-hitter. 'My style is very fiery — the most amped guy on the team,' Gerl said afterward. 'I love mixing things up because my fastball is not always on. My slider was not great (Tuesday). 'The best one I threw was the one they put on the ground.' It still ended up as an out as Gerl, who totaled eight strikeouts in three innings, guided the Warriors to a 13-0 nonconference victory in five innings over the host Astros in Palos Heights. Senior reliever Ben Joynt struck out two to close out the no-hitter for Lincoln-Way West (2-0). Kentucky-bound senior outfielder Conor Essenburg went 2-for-2 with three runs, two walks and two RBIs. Junior infielder Jackson Mansker drove in three RBIs with an inside-the-park home run. Junior pitcher Blake Bartczak struck out two and allowed just two hits in 2 2/3 innings for Shepard (1-1). He was hampered by control issues, surrendering five of the Astros' 11 walks. Gerl, however, was virtually untouchable. The Wisconsin-Parkside commit coaxed a 4-3 putout after striking out the first eight batters. He recorded strikes on 28 of his 46 pitches. 'I was able to get ahead with the fastball,' said Gerl, who notched half of his strikeouts on called strikes, with Shepard's batters frozen by his location. 'Go to two strikes, work high fastballs.' During the game, Gerl's fastball was clocked at 88 mph, a personal best. 'I shocked myself with that,' he said. 'I take every hitter and I treat them all the same. I just try to get the strikes across, no matter what the catcher calls, and get my defense involved. '(Tuesday) I didn't really need to do that.' Gerl's focus and drive are legendary among his teammates, according to Joynt. 'It doesn't matter who he's facing out there, he never thinks anyone is better than him,' Joynt said. 'He is capable of striking out anybody if he puts his mind to it. He goes after every single player. 'Coming out in relief is always a good position to be in with Adam.' As the team's top offensive threat, Essenburg understands the mentality of pitchers. 'Adam works at a great tempo,' he said. 'It's good to be able to work quickly, and he's gotten really good at that. If you watch him in between innings, he's really locked in. 'He's not getting too excited or really talking to anybody. He stays focused.' A two-year varsity regular, Gerl pitches exclusively. He doesn't have to worry playing infield or outfield or batting. He also credited the influence of his older brother, Ben. Ben, a Lincoln-Way West product, played Division I baseball at Northern Kentucky. 'My brother's a big part of my life,' Adam said. 'He's five years older than me, and I grew up watching him. My brother is one of my best friends. I can talk to him about anything, sports or school, and he's helped me a lot with the mental side of the game. 'I knew I wouldn't go to college for hitting. Starting last year, I just focused on being a pitcher.' A self-described introvert off the field, Gerl is the team's loudest booster when he's not pitching. 'Getting those strikeouts are great, but I really like watching my teammates make good plays or get nice hits, the big home run,' he said. 'My biggest thrill is just running into the dugout and getting the other guys fired up.'
Chicago Tribune
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Steve Millar's top 10 baseball teams and 25 players to watch in the Southland for the 2025 season
Providence stoked to defend Class 4A state title, but Lincoln-Way West also will contend. Top 10 Teams 1. Providence (33-8) Defending Class 4A champions are led by senior infielder/pitcher Nate O'Donnell (Minnesota), the 2024 Daily Southtown Baseball Player of the Year. He's joined in an experienced starting rotation by seniors Kasten Goebbert (Gulf Coast Community College) and Cooper Eggert (SIU Edwardsville). Six starters return in the lineup, highlighted by senior utility man Enzo Infelise (Cincinnati). 2. Lincoln-Way West (30-5) Senior outfielder/pitcher Conor Essenburg (Kentucky) and senior infielder/pitcher Lucas Acevedo (Illinois-Chicago) are two-way stars. Junior Michael Pettit (Notre Dame) and seniors Anthony Vita (Drury) and Adam Gerl (Wisconsin-Parkside) add to a deep pitching staff. 3. Brother Rice (20-18) Crusaders coach Sean McBride believes this is the most talented team he's had. Senior infielders Gavin Triezenberg (Arizona) and Aidan Nohava (Eastern Michigan), senior infielder/pitcher Jackson Natanek (Illinois State) and junior outfielder Nolan Ramoley (Kentucky) lead the way. 4. Lemont (31-10) The 2024 Class 3A runners-up have a strong chance to contend again. The team returns its top three pitchers in seniors Shea Glotzbach (Missouri-St. Louis) and Donovan Moleski (Carrollton) and junior Cannon Madej. Senior outfielder Jacob Parr (Ohio State) leads an experienced lineup. 5. Mount Carmel (21-15) A season-ending injury to junior ace Ian Tosi (Miami) is a huge blow, but junior righty Connor Elenteny (Notre Dame) looks to fill the void at the top of the rotation. Junior infielders TJ McQuillan (Wake Forest) and Joey Ireland (Illinois) lead a deep, talented lineup. 6. Joliet Catholic (29-6) Senior lefties Lucas Grant (Purdue) and Cooper Kubinski (Heartland) anchor a strong pitching staff. Senior catcher Zach Pomatto (Northern Kentucky), senior outfielder Keegan Farnaus (Quincy) and junior infielder Lucas Simulick (Eastern Illinois) lead the offense. 7. St. Laurence (31-6) Junior utility man Daniel Coyle and junior outfielder Cory Les (Louisville) anchor a speedy lineup for a team that stole 172 bases last spring. After a season-ending injury to senior ace Joe Olson (Louisville), pitching depth will need to be developed behind senior John Strzechowski. 8. Reavis (30-5) Rams bring back largely the same roster after last season's success, led by senior infielder/pitcher Tino Villagomez (Lake Land), junior infielder Jonathan Liesen and junior pitcher Juan Avila. The one big change? Kyle McKinley has replaced retiring coach Don Erickson, who led the team for the last 31 years. 9. Lincoln-Way Central (24-7) It's a new era for Knights as Ryan Kutt takes over as coach and a decorated senior class from last season is gone. But the cupboard is far from bare as senior outfielder Liam Arsich (Toledo) and senior infielder/pitchers Luke Mensik (Xavier) and Jack Dykas (Wisconsin-Parkside) take control. 10. Homewood-Flossmoor (19-17) Vikings have a strong one-two pitching punch in juniors Henry Humes (Navy) and Cormac Saunders. The offense will need to take a leap behind senior infielder/outfielder Demir Heidelberg (Eastern Michigan) and senior infielder/pitcher Derrick Holmes (Mercyhurst). The 25 Players to Watch Lucas Acevedo, Lincoln-Way West, senior, infielder/pitcher. Jack Bauer, Lincoln-Way East, senior, pitcher. Justin Canvin, Oak Lawn, junior, utility. Sean Cody, Richards, senior, infielder/pitcher. Daniel Coyle, St. Laurence, junior, utility. Joey DalPonte, Lockport, senior, infielder/pitcher. Connor Elenteny, Mount Carmel, junior, pitcher. Conor Essenburg, Lincoln-Way West, senior, outfielder/pitcher. Aidan Flinn, Marist, senior, pitcher. Lucas Grant, Joliet Catholic, senior, pitcher. Henry Humes, Homewood-Flossmoor, junior, pitcher. Enzo Infelise, Providence, senior, utility. Aiden Licea-Gonzales, Bremen, sophomore, infielder/pitcher. TJ McQuillan, Mount Carmel, junior, infielder Luke Mensik, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, infielder/pitcher. Bren Milburn, Crete-Monee, senior, infielder, pitcher. Kaleb Navarro, De La Salle, senior, utility. Nate O'Donnell, Providence, senior, infielder/pitcher. Jacob Parr, Lemont, senior, outfielder. Peyton Panozzo, St. Rita, senior, infielder/pitcher. Nolan Ramoley, Brother Rice, junior, outfielder. Jake Ross, Andrew, senior, pitcher. Rowan Smyth, Evergreen Park, senior, outfielder/pitcher. Gavin Triezenberg, Brother Rice, senior, infielder.
