Cody
Grosse

3rd Team All State: The athletic shortstop hit .485 in 2015 with a .557 on base percentage, adding 12 doubles, four triples, 40 runs scored, 10 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and 14 walks from his leadoff spot. He struck out only six times on the year. Defensively, Grosse became well known over his high school career for his ability to make highlight reel players. He’ll take his glove and leadoff skills to Chicago State next year, after hitting .498 over his three-year varsity career, with 120 runs scored, 60 stolen bases, and less than 20 strikeouts in 350 career plate appearances.

5.29.15 - 5-foot-8, 145-pound athletic left-handed hitting shortstop ranked No. 111 in IL’s 2015 class, one of the most exciting players in the state of Illinois to watch defensively and at the plate. Hits from a crouched setup, slightly uphill bat path, swing geared towards left-center, but actually pulled a ball deep to right for a flyout to the warning track. Doubled down the first base line, 4.32 rounding the bag, on field speed rounding bases and first step quickness is even faster than 6.95 60 yard dash times he’s posted. Defensively, got to several balls diving to his back hand twice, and one run through ball that several shortstops can’t get to. Didn’t get an out on any of the plays, but made them close. Arm strength is only question for next level, signed to go to Chicago State, but is recovering nicely from off-season shoulder surgery (a minor cleanup). At the very least he’ll be a well above average defensive second baseman, and catalyst at the top of the lineup. If arm strength rebounds he can stick at shortstop due to range and hands. Four year starter and one of the more exciting high school players to watch this season.

6/19/14 - 5-foot-8, 145-pound left-handed hitting shortstop currently ranked No. 91 in Illinois’ 2015 class impressed with athletic middle infield actions and contact orientated approach at the plate.  Offensively, hits from a wide, crouched setup, with hands loading back smoothly, and a short heel lift stride.  Short level bat path with opposite field tendencies produced 72 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, moves extremely well from side to side, with soft hands and quick clean exchanges making up for an average shortstop arm, although he did throw 80 mph across the diamond, but struggled some with accuracy.  Grosse may be better suited for second base in college, but has the ability to cover a ton of ground at short.  Ran a 7.0 60.

5.20.14 - Ranked No. 91 in the state of Illinois’ class of 2015. 5-foot-7, 145 pound uncommitted left handed hitter impressed with on-field speed.  Lower half is defined, and all-around game oozes fast-twitch.   Not much future projection, but exciting to watch in pregame and during games with his athletic actions.  Ran 7.7 on a double, extremely fast on the field accelerating quickly out of turns.  Hits from a slightly open, low crouched, balanced stance, with head almost hanging over the inner half of the plate.  Minimal stride, with hands also showing little movement pre-pitch.  Swing is short, with level plane, but has shown ability to drive ball in gaps.  Impressed in 0-2 count on double to right field on fastball in after talking two breaking balls on outerhalf.  Consistently has barreled the baseball in three games seen this season, and have not witness him swinging and missing period.  Lateral movement fielding is as good as any prep shortstop in the state of Illinois, impressing with range deep in the hole and up the middle.  Arm strength and accuracy in throwing is average to below average, and may necessitate a move to second base, as error total is unusually high for such smooth actions and good hands.  Aggressive on the base paths with two bags stolen on this day. Hitting .506 on the year with ten doubles, 39 runs scored, and only 2 strikeouts in 107 plate appearances.  High level D1 programs may be remiss to overlook him due to his size. 

4/16/14 - Ranked No. 91 in the state of Illinois’ class of 2015. 5-foot-7, 145 pound uncommitted left handed hitter impressed with on-field speed. Ran 7.86 on a double he pulled up on, and 11.57 on a triple to center.  Hits from a slightly open, low crouched, balanced stance. Swing showed the ability to lift and drive the baseball the other way. Drove triple deep to centerfield, double lined into left-center gap. Defensively, possesses below average arm strength, but impressive range and great hands. Despite arm strength and an early throwing error, has good clock in his head to get rid of the ball depending on the base runner’s speed. Charged a ball that would have been in the hole to his right and instead of gathering to throw, bounced a ball to first while still on the run to steal away a single. Also ranged to the other side of second base to make a spectacular play up the middle. Did not mishandle a ball during pregame, and shows an advanced ability to read hops, aggressively coming to get the ball. Plays faster than 6.95 PBR recorded 60 time.

2/16/14 5-foot-8, 145-pound left handed hitting infielder, smaller frame, strength for size. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance. Repeats swing well, quick hands, line drive approach. Contact hitter, singles type guys who can spray to all fields, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays through the baseball well, athletic actions, hands are soft and exchange is quick, played well to his backhand with quick transfer. Feet play well on the infield, quick footwork, 6.95 runner. Arm action is short over the top, showed accuracy, 78 mph across the diamond.

6.11.13 - Grosse is a 5-foot-7, 135-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder who showed high-level defensive actions. Fields the ball with rhythm, taking advanced angles, and plays through the ball well. He moves with fluidity and purpose, and has a clean, quick exchange.  Threw 74 mph across the infield.  Athletically, he ran a 7.01 60 and a 4.29 home to first.  At the plate, Grosse hits from the left side in a balanced stance and has a smooth load with a short stride.  Maintains excellent balance throughout, and has a level, line-drive swing. 

4/30/13 - Smaller frame and build, slender but shows some strength. Plus runner, foot speed is a difference maker on the baseball field, 3.9-4.22 runner home to first from the left side. Offensively hits from the left side, athletic setup, bat path stays inside the baseball, spray hitter, contact guy, bat speed present. Defensively shows soft hands, quick release and transfer, average arm strength, footwork is highly athletic, displays above average range, footwork plays through the ball well. Grosse looks to be one of the more dynamic middle infielders in the Class of 2015. He shows game changing speed with the ability to handle the bat well making his outs tough on pitchers. Grosse projects to be a high level top of the lineup nuisance for opposing pitchers. Spark plug.