Prep Baseball Report

Ray headlines big recruiting roundup



By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Lots of recruiting news from around Illinois:

Anthony Ray, who’s ranked No. 9 in Illinois’ Class of 2013, has committed to John A. Logan JC. The 6-foot left-handed hitting outfielder from St. Rita HS is one of the premier athletes in Illinois. Ray possesses top-level tools: he’s a 6.7 runner, has extremely quick hands at the plate and was clocked at 89 from the outfield at the Prep Baseball Report Top Prospect Showcase in June.

Another St. Rita prospect named his school when C/1B Marty Napleton committed to St. Joseph’s College. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete is also one of the state’s best goalies in hockey, as he led St. Rita to a state championship.

Jimmy Ward, a 6-foot-2 RHP Hoffman Estates HS, has committed to the University of Evansville. Ward, ranked No. 59 in Illinois, impressed at a PBR event in August with his loose 86-87 mph fastball with a sharp breaking ball.

Danny Rafferty, an OF/LHP from Loyola Academy HS, has committed to Bucknell. Ranked No. 49 in Illinois, Rafferty is a legitimate two-way talent who features a quick left-handed swing and arm strength from the outfield. Rafferty served as Loyola’s ace as a junior.

Adam McGinnis, a strong-armed catcher from Normal West HS, has committed to Western Illinois. McGinnis has been a standout at Normal West since his sophomore year. As a junior, McGinnis batted .412 with 8 doubles and 25 RBI.

Jon Escobar, a strong-bodied RHP/OF from Fremd HS, has committed to Holy Cross. Escobar recently lit it up at the PBR Unsigned Senior Showcase, where he topped at 90 mph on the mound and was clocked at 92 from the outfield.

McHenry County College landed four more prospects: INF Jeremy Vasquez (Cary-Grove HS), 3B/C Ryan Hickey (Marian Central Catholic HS), INF/OF Tyler Hickey (Marian Central Catholic HS), and LHP Devon Gehrke (McHenry West HS).

Send all Illinois recruiting information to [email protected]

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