Libertyville senior outfielder Brenden Max’s other sports have at least one thing in common with baseball.
He also has played hockey and golf for the Wildcats.
“I feel like golf and baseball are much more mental-based sports, while hockey is much more fast-moving and more reflex-like,” he said. “It’s cool, though, to be playing three sports that all revolve around hitting something with a stick.”
Max said he put less of an emphasis on hockey when he realized in high school that he wanted to play college baseball. He stuck with travel baseball and a group of friends who shared the same goal. He has committed to play at Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Max said his parents didn’t push him to earn a scholarship.
“My parents never said ‘no,’ but they also never gave me ‘you got this,'” Max said. “They were more chilled about it and told me keep working at it.”
After showing his versatility last season by moving around the batting order, including the leadoff spot, Max said he expects to hit fifth this season.
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The Wildcats (26-9) return six starters and several quality pitchers after winning the North Suburban Conference and a Class 4A regional title last season.
“I’m really excited for this group of guys,” Max said. “We have a lot of returning starters and pitching depth to go with a lot of good chemistry. A lot of people are going to doubt us because we don’t have a lot of big-time commits. We have a good shot at surprising people.”
Max hit .323 with seven doubles, a triple, two home runs, 27 RBIs and nine steals last season. He also logged 12 innings on the mound, striking out 13 and recording a 2.33 ERA.
He said he worked tirelessly in the offseason to get stronger.
“I made a goal for myself to hit five home runs, so I was in the weight room a lot,” he said.
Libertyville coach Matt Thompson said Max’s versatility is a major asset but called his leadership an overlooked part of his game.
“He’s always been a standout player,” Thompson said. “It’s been nice to see him get stronger and progress into a stronger player. His personality on the field is a quiet leader. He always does what he’s supposed to do. He leads by example. He’s a leader on a team filled with a lot of potential.
“We don’t have any Division I players, but we certainly have a lot of players that are like Brenden. They all know their roles and will compete every day at practice and in every game.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.