Today’s number on the sports page of the News-Gazette was 44. That’s the number of rbis that Adam Davis (left) accrued this summer while playing for the Madison Mallards in the Northwoods League. That was good for sixth in the league. He accomplished this in part behind a .328 average. In case you’re wondering, Matt Dittman wasn’t far behind at 10th with 40.
What’s my point? Don’t underestimate what effect a good year in the summer leagues can have on a young player with potential. Two good examples: Craig Lutes and Mike Giller.
Two springs ago, both Giller and Lutes were solid players but had disappointing offensive stats. They went off to their respective summer leagues and something clicked. Giller was a monster with the bat. He led his team in hitting and rbis and made the Northwoods League All-Star team. Lutes’ team in the EI League made the playoffs.
They both brought something back from their summer league experience and applied it the next year. Lutes raised his batting average almost 100 points from the previous year. Giller was third on the team in rbis and thank goodness too. We needed him when Matt Dittman went down for the year.
I’m hoping to see some good things not just from Adam Davis but Brian de la Torriente, Corey Kimes, Josh Parr and all the Illini players who put in a good year this summer.
Welcome back, guys!