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: Rochester
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 26-8-1
Conference: Central State 8
IHSA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Matt Carlson
Playoff Run: Regional Finals appearance
2019 Final Rank: On the Bubble
Returning Starters: 8
Returning Pitchers: 7

OUTLOOK

The Rockets return a solid core of players from last year’s conference championship team. Even though they’ll be without Indiana State commit LHP Cameron Edmonson (2019) this year, coach Carlson’s squad is built to compete, especially offensively, in 2020. 

Senior Jayden Myren (2020; Lincoln Land commit) is a switch-hitting middle infielder with a smooth swing from both sides and sound defensive actions. He should slot right into the heart of this team’s order and lead the way offensively. Fellow Lincoln Land commit and OF Logan Sapp (2020) is a left/left prospect that will man one of the outfield spots for Rochester this season and has pull-side power. Don’t forget about sophomore INF Seth Parkinson (2022; uncommitted) who returns after seeing playing time last year and could vie for a spot in the middle infield. 

Their pitching will rely primarily on two senior arms: Drew Henrikson (2020; Taylor University commit) and Tyler Heineman (2020; Missouri Baptist commit). Both of these two are viewed as key contributors for this staff, but toss C/RHP Henry Patterson into that mix too when he’s not behind the dish. Two juniors, RHP Griffin Neuweg (2021; uncommitted) RHP and Drew Lenz (2021; uncommitted) could see some time on the mound, too. Overall, the Rockets have a talented squad, especially offensively, capable of making a run at the Central State Eight conference title. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Jayden Myren (7/16/19)

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

Find more information on the 2020 Rockets below:

+ Full Schedule 
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE