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: Glenbrook North
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 18-16
Conference: Central Suburban League South Division
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Dominic Savino
Playoff Run: Regionals appearance
2019 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 9
Returning Pitchers: 7

OUTLOOK

The Spartans took home a first-place finish in conference last season and are returning all of their position players as well as their entire pitching staff. Coach Savino’s team played a schedule that consisted of eight ranked teams and six sectional finalists. The 2020 club should be battle tested and ready to improve on their 18 wins from last season.  

LHP Eric Orloff (2021; uncommitted) gives them a true ace who can match up with anyone in the state come playoff time. Orloff works across his body, creates a tough look and continues to polish his repertoire with an upper-80’s fastball at his disposal. He’s one of the top arms in the state and will be relied on heavily this spring.

Ronan Clarke (2020; uncommitted) is a corner outfielder that slots right into the heart of this Spartan’s order. He’s also in line to serve as their closer this season after succeeding in that role last year. Tyler Chron (2020; uncommitted) is another outfielder that will also pitch for the Spartans as one of their top arms. 

Senior backstop Danny Fitzpatrick will have the duties of getting the most out of the staff all while leading the team in hitting last year. He’s due to play a pivotal role on offense for them yet again. 

Jack Fitzharris and Zachary Kim are two talented 2021 infielders on the roster. Fitzharris plays a steady shortstop, has instincts and is a heady baserunner. At the Preseason All-State Kim showed a simple, repeatable right-handed swing and natural infield actions with sure-hands and a playable arm across the diamond. Kim could play a key role on the mound for Glenbrook North, too. 

Experience and resilience are on Glenbrook North’s side as they prepare to kick off their 2020 high school season. A talented, deep roster with an ace capable of shutting down any lineup in the state, the Spartans are capable of repeating as conference champs and more. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Eric Orloff (2/9/20)

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

Find more information on the 2020 Spartans below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE