As a 5-foot-5, 110-pound sophomore two years ago, Naperville Central’s Michael Page had doubts about his future in baseball.
Page, whose father, David, is a 6-3 former Gordon Tech standout, had to wonder when he’d have a growth spurt.
“During my sophomore year, I was a little worried,” Page said. “It was something I was waiting for, saying, ‘Come on, let’s get this going.’
“My buddies were growing, so it was a matter of time it was going to happen. My dad kept telling me it was going to come and to stop stressing about it.”
Father knew best in this case. Page, who emerged as a key hitter in Naperville Central’s lineup last year and then committed to North Central College during the offseason, has grown to 6-3 and 180 pounds. The senior outfielder went 5-for-6 with a home run, three RBIs and three runs scored in two games this week.
“I’m looking for a really exciting senior season,” Page said. “I feel good. The last three games I’ve been hitting good and playing well defensively.
More Top Picks Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
“I got back in my groove. I started slow, but I broke down some video and found a few things that I fixed. I’ve been locked in the last three games with my mechanics, swing and timing.”
Page said his growth, athleticism and swing all came together last summer.
“I’m a late bloomer,” he said. “I’ve finally settled in with my height. I feel 100 times stronger than my freshman year. The strength comes from the weight room and just growing. It’s a huge difference for me.
“Even when I was 5-5, I always had the talent. It was there. I just didn’t have the height or strength. It’s amazing now. I feel really good.”
Page bats second in the order for the Redhawks (2-1).
“He’s going to be in the middle of everything we do,” Naperville Central coach Mike Stock said. “He’s going to have a lot of opportunities in the two spot.
“He’s a classic left-handed hitter. He’s wiry strong, and the ball jumps off his bat. He can hit righties and lefties, and he hits to all fields. He’s a good, solid hitter.”
Naperville Central senior pitcher/outfielder Ryan Gervase agrees that Page is an important presence in the lineup.
“Michael is a beast in the lefty’s batter’s box,” Gervase said. “He’s just one of those guys you trust when it matters because he’s going to come through with a big hit. He’s got real pop in his bat. He also finds a way to get on base a ton too.”
Naperville Central senior shortstop Cooper Page, who isn’t related, likes Michael Page’s approach at the plate.
“He’s the got the yes-yes-no mentality, meaning he’s attacking every single pitch until he can’t,” Cooper Page said. “He’s always hunting fastballs, and more times than not, he connects.”
Michael Page likens an at-bat to chess, which he also enjoys playing.
“I’m really good at chess,” he said. “I think chess is a continuous mind game, like playing the same mind game at the plate when you are battling a pitcher. You have to figure out what he going to be throwing next, what pitch to sit and basically his next move.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.