With the baseball season over and nothing better to do (I’m kidding there), the Illinois coaching staff have gone off and signed up some more players for the team. Last week, they announced that four players have signed letters of intent to play baseball for the University of Illinois.
Most notably was the announcement that Justin Parr, brother of current shortstop Josh Parr has made his intent known. Parr played for the crosstown Parkland Cobras this past year and brought them to the NJCAA DII World Series. When he joins the Illini this fall, he’ll then have three years of eligibility.
Parr hit .378 and scored 43 runs. Like Josh, he has a tendency towards speed and bat control. He stole 11 bases and walked 22 times while striking out only 18 times.
The Illini also recruited three players out of high school. Two pitchers from the state of Illinois and a catcher that (believe it or not) wasn’t from Canada… he’s from Florida.
Right-hander Tyler Hamer comes from small town Elburn. In 2009, he pitched 29 consecutive scoreless innings. Hoping to see more of that come Big Ten season.
Lefty Luke Joyce is from Loyola Academy and was their #1 starter. Coach Westray is hot on him:
"Luke can throw three pitches for strikes and is good at changing speeds on hitters. He likes to compete and he has had success in his young career."
The catcher is Ryan Arrick and hails from Miami, Florida. He’s 6’1” which would make him one of the taller catchers on the team (Tom Shelton is also 6’1”). His summer travel team won the 2008 World Wood Bat Association UnderClass World Championship in 2008 so he comes with experience in playing under pressure.
These four recruits join the six players that were recruited in November.
Welcome to everyone!