Prep Baseball Report

On the Bubble: Andrew


By Diego Solares
Illinois Staff

The Illinois high school baseball season kicks off on March 16, opening day for regular season action under IHSA regulations. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2020 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Illinois Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

Our 2020 preseason coverage continues today.

Team: Andrew
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 24-9-1
Conference: SWSC Red
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Dave DeHaan
2019 Final Rank: On The Bubble
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 5

OUTLOOK

The Thunderbolts are coming off a strong season that saw them tie for the SWSC Red conference title with Lincoln-Way Central. A lot of their production is expected to come from an experienced senior class, which they’ll heavily rely on. 

Senior backstop Joe DeHaan (2020) is a ranked prospect in this state’s class that’s actually committed to play football at Northwestern University this fall. Regardless, he’s athletic behind the plate and an important bat that hit .360 with three home runs and 28 RBI last spring. Joining DeHaan at the top of this team’s order is senior 3B Joshua Kirbauer (2020; St. Francis commit). He was this team’s top run producer last season, hitting .351 with four home runs and 40 RBI. Anthony Lenza (2020; Benedictine commit) is a speedy left/left outfielder that hit .412 last season, scored 20 runs and will provide depth to the lineup. 

Alec Flamm (2020; Joliet JC commit) and Nolan Fasel (2020; uncommitted) are two more seniors with expectations to contribute. Flamm is capable of moving around the diamond and you could see him at a multitude of different positions this year. Fasel is a ranked prospect in this state’s class with upside on the mound and can play some first base, too. 

Vince Borrelli (2020; South Suburban JC commit) is back as one of Andrew’s top arms after an All-Conference caliber junior season. Borrelli went 7-2 with a 2.61 ERA and struck out 51 in 45 innings pitched. Both LHP Jack Morawski (2020; Purdue Northwest commit) and Ryan Fitzgerald (2020; St. Xavier commit) tossed 20+ innings last season and will be relied on more this year. Fitzgerald figures to play an everyday role in the outfield, too. 

Sophomore Jack Day (2022; uncommitted) is a middle infielder that has a chance to earn some varsity time this spring. Tere should be competition on the infield with the void left behind by Jimmy Carey (2019; St. Charles JC) and Brendon Herrin (2019; Evansville), two starting infielders from last season. Overall, the Thunderbolts have an experienced bunch that could certainly compete for their conference title and potentially beyond. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Vince Borrelli (2/10/19)

Make sure to follow @PBRIllinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2020 season.

Find more information on the 2020 Thunderbolts below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE