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: Jacobs
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 15-21
Conference: Fox Valley 
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Jamie Murray
2019 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Pitchers: 11 

OUTLOOK

Playing in one of the deepest and toughest conferences in the state on an annual basis, the 2019 season didn’t go as planned for the Golden Eagles. Nonetheless, this talented bunch is bringing back 20 players with varsity experience and they’re prepared to challenge for the Fox Valley crown in 2020. 

This team is anchored by their senior leader and starting shortstop Bryan Belo (2020; Lake Land commit). A steady defender at short, Belo played a major role in Jacobs’ offense last season and his right-handed bat has done nothing but continue to ascend. On the mound, senior RHP Andrew Balkcom (2020; uncommitted) will anchor this team’s pitching staff as their ace yet again. His stuff isn’t overpowering, but Balkcom’s ability to consistently hit his spots and throw three-pitches for a strike, is what makes him so effective and efficient. Balkcom will be a two-way presence for the Golden Eagles and may slide into the lead-off spot. Alongside Balkcom expect Quinton Schwartz to help on the mound and at the plate this spring. Shayne McCullough gives the Golden Eagles a reliable left-handed arm who could fit into the rotation. 2020 RHP Krzsztof Solis works from a side-arm slot and will provide a different look, possibly out of the pen this spring.

Moving on from their senior class, junior Kyle Washington (2021; uncommitted) was an All-Conference selection after hitting above .400 last season. He’ll likely make the move over to third base this year and will be heavily relied on as a critical piece of this offense. Catcher Keegan Connors (2022; uncommitted) and OF Joey Fiorenza (2022; uncommitted) each played varsity last season as freshman and should continue to see playing time this year as well. Connors has a chance to be the team’s starting catcher. RHP Nathan Chapman (2022; uncommitted) is another 2022 that could get a handful of innings in some capacity. 

Arguably no team in the state returns as many varsity players this spring as Jacobs. It will be interesting to see if the Golden Eagles can make some noise in the loaded Fox Valley Conference with a number of teams capable of winning the conference.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Kyle Washington (7/2/19)

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

Find more information on the 2020 Golden Eagles below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE