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: Normal Community
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 2507
Conference: Big 12
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Ryan Short
Playoff Run: Regional Finals appearance
2019 Final Rank: On The Bubble
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 5

OUTLOOK

The Ironmen were one win away from a sectional’s appearance last season and figure to be right there this year as three major contributors, as well as some other pieces, returning for Coach Short’s squad.  

RHP Mason Burns (2020; Illinois State commit) is one of the top arms in the state and should headline the rotation this spring alongside two-way RHP/SS Griffin McCluskey (2020; Valparaiso commit). Burns was a first team All-Conference selection last season after he struck out 64 batters in 38 innings pitched while sporting a 1.66 ERA. McCluskey (2020; Valparaiso commit), the second piece in a lethal one-two combo was dominant on the mound last season as well, striking out 70 batters in 44 innings and pitching to the tune of a 2.07 ERA. When he’s not on the bump, McCluskey locks up shortstop for the Ironmen. He’s made only four errors over the past two seasons and held his own at the plate with a .355 batting average. 

Looking at the offense Tommy Heideman (2020) is a left/left 1B/OF committed to Illinois State. Heideman has power to both gaps and should hit somewhere in the middle of the order. Nick Stoner (2020; uncommitted) was the Ironmen’s primary DH last season and led them in nearly every offensive category with a .464 batting average, 1.250 OPS, and 28 RBIs.  

Two juniors, 3B Mitch Murphy (2021; uncommitted) and C Andrew Briggs (2021; uncommitted), will each compete for playing time this spring. Murphy is a corner infielder that could slot in as this team’s starting third baseman. Briggs is fighting to be the starting catcher, an important position for the first-year junior. 

There are some interesting sophomores that could potentially play a role on varsity at some point are INF Bobby Arseneau (2022; uncommitted), RHP/OF Kyle Thierry and LHP Ben Burkhart. 

Normal Community has a talented squad with two high-end arms that are capable of making a run at the Big 12 title and beyond. They’ll rely on their talented senior class but key production from young and inexperienced varsity players could turn out to be the key to success for them.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Mason Burns (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 Ironmen below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE