It’s not all trash talking between batters and opposing catchers before a pitcher delivers to the plate.
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With teams scheduled to play each other three consecutive games in the West Suburban, opponents have plenty to talk about.
Seniors Patrick Rumoro of Oak Park-River Forest and Chris Botsoe of Hinsdale Central still remember one conversation they had two years ago before Botsoe’s at-bat when Rumoro, the Huskies’ catcher, asked him about verbally committing to Louisville.
Rumoro complimented Botsoe about his selection. He recalls that Botsoe told him, “I’ll ask my Louisville coach about you.”
Fast forward two years later and Rumoro and Botsoe both are playing their final prep seasons before heading to Louisville next season.
Kentucky has become a favorite destination for west suburban high school players. Rumoro and Botsoe will follow the paths of Cardinals’ outfielder-infielder Nick Solak of Naperville North and pitcher Zach Burdi of Downers Grove South.
“I was considering Western Illinois, Purdue and Seton Hall,” Rumoro said. “(OPRF coach Chris) Ledbetter helped by reaching out to a ton of schools. He did an awesome job getting my name out there.”
One of Ledbetter’s calls was to Louisville assistant coach Eric Snider, who, while at Illinois, recruited former OPRF catcher Jack Picchiotti. Picchiotti now is the starting catcher for Purdue.
Rumoro attended a Louisville camp in November and signed in January.
Rumoro and Botsoe regularly text each other and will meet again May 9 at OPRF in the first game of their three-game series.
With Missouri-bound infielder Jeremy Gaines and pitchers Chris Atwood and Hank Christie, the Huskies (26-13) are one of favorites in the West Suburban Silver. OPRF is ranked No. 29 and Lyons No. 30 in the state by Prep Baseball Report.
“This will be good for us (at No. 29),” Rumoro said. “Last year we were ranked high (No. 5) and it got to our heads.”
Lyons beat OPRF 5-3 in last year’s Class 4A regional final to hand Ledbetter the first regional loss of his 15-year career.
Rumoro is a second-generation OPRF baseball player, following in the footsteps of cousins, his father John, and two uncles. His grandfather coached Ledbetter in Pony League, while his uncle Joe was Ledbetter’s teammate at OPRF.
Ledbetter said he was proud how Rumoro was able to pick up where Picchiotti left off.
“Patrick has stepped up and done an amazing job,” Ledbetter said. “He’s had his struggles along the way, but he’s addressed that with hard work. He’s a fine young man that deserves all the accolades that he gets.”
OTHERS TO WATCH
Chris Botsoe, Hinsdale Central
The speedy outfielder and leadoff hitter missed the second half of last season when he was hit in the face by a pitch during a game with Glenbard West. The Louisville recruit is ranked No. 16 in the state among senior prospects. “I’m 100 percent. There’s no swelling,” Botsoe said. “I have a scar under my eye and a metal plate over my left cheek.”
Tom Hickey, Lyons
The 6-foot-4 right-hander led Lyons (27-9) to its 17th consecutive win during the Class 4A regional finals before losing in the sectional semifinals to St. Rita. Hickey (8-1, 0.98 ERA, 56 strikeouts) is one of the top unsigned seniors in the state.
Mike Kogut, Nazareth
The Roadrunners (23-13) won their first two games of the season and Kogut, a potential ace, had yet to make a start. The senior right-hander has been clocked with a fastball in the 90-mph range. Kogut went 2-1 last season with a save and owned a 4.00 ERA. He is set to play next season at Logan Junior College in Downstate Carterville.
Quinn Snarskis, Fenwick
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The right-handed Snarskis, along with Kevin Forde, give Fenwick (25-11) a solid 1-2 pitching combo. Both went 5-1 last season for the Class 3A sectional champs. Snarskis (1.21 ERA, 53 strikeouts) will start at shortstop and likely bat third after hitting over .300 last year. He is committed to Division III St. Joseph’s in Indiana.
MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Chris Atwood, LHP, Sr., OPRF; Ben Chapman, SS, Sr., Hinsdale Central; Ryan Fish, OF, Sr., OPRF; Jeremy Gaines, 2B, Jr., OPRF; Charlie Harrigan, OF, Sr., Lyons; Ryan Kramer, SS, Sr.; Nazareth; Matt Marrera, SS, Jr., Hinsdale South; Jay Militello, RHP, Jr., Fenwick; Brandon Romero, LHP, So.; Elmwood Park.
Twitter: @geomwilcox