Prep Baseball Report

Porsche Exchange Player of the Week: Ian Kristan



By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Ian KristanAt 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, catcher Ian Kristan has established himself as one of the top left-handed hitters in Illinois’ 2014 class. Carmel Catholic coach Dann Giesey said his contributions far extend his offensive prowess, though.

“Ian is a huge part of the success of our team and pitching staff has had the past two years,” said Giesey. “Ian has been a consistent force behind the plate, helping our pitching staff to a season ERA of 1.95.  Last year we had a 2.11 ERA as a team and Ian is a big part of that.  In the past 14 games of conference, our team gave up 30 runs.”

Receiving, blocking and nurturing a pitching staff certainly help win games, but doesn’t usually help win Porsche Exchange Player of the Week honors. Game-winning home runs, on the other hand …

Indeed, Kristan delivered in the clutch twice last week to lead Carmel to consecutive victories against East Suburban Catholic foe St. Viator. Last Monday, Kristan broke a 4-4 tie with a lead-off home run in the top of the seventh to propel the Corsairs to a 6-4 victory. Then on Wednesday, he smashed another game-breaking homer to seal the conference two-game sweep.

For the week, Kristan went 7-for-16 with two homers, three doubles, three walks and six RBI in five games for the 24-9-1 Corsairs.

For the season, Kristan is batting .363 with 11 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 25 RBI against top-level competition. He holds a .500 on-base percentage, as Kristan has been walked 25 times.

Kristan, who is currently ranked No. 59 in Illinois’ 2014 class, is signed at Bradley University.

The Porsche Exchange salutes Kristan’s hard work and success.

CLICK HERE for past Porsche Exchange Players of the Week winners.

2014 Porsche Exchange Slide 1