Congratulations to 2022 Brother Rice OF/QB Jack Lausch on his commitment to University of Notre Dame. Jack will pursue BOTH baseball and football at ND. Jack is the whole package: athletic, fierce competitor, hard worker and as good of a teammate as you’ll find. Best of luck!
Congratulations to our 2027 Brother Rice SS Colin Campbell on his commitment to the University of Louisville. Colin is dynamic on the baseball field and has so many ways to change the game. Going to be a fun 4+ years with Colin prior to getting on campus!
Incredible run by our 16u Sparks Black down in Atlanta, GA last week. Finished in 3rd place out of 468 teams from across the country. Excited is an understatement about this group. Couldn't be more proud!!!
Congratulations to 2022 Oswego East LHP Noah Schultz on his commitment to Vanderbilt University.
-big league body✅
-velo ✅
-swing/miss stuff ✅
-commitment to getting better ✅
Going to be a fun 3 more years seeing where Noah can take his game.
#VandyBoys
Excited to announce that 2021 Outfielder Jared Comia has committed to
@IlliniBaseball
. Jared competes at a very high level and always shows great composure. Very high level bat with a great feel for the game! Really excited to watch him to continue to develop. Congratulations!
Congratulations to 2023 Joliet Catholic Academy LHP TJ Schlageter on his commitment to the University of Louisville. You won't find a more competitive, athletic HS athlete. 3-sport stud in baseball, football, and basketball. You were built for this type of competition!
Congrats to 2023 Marist INF Cal Sefcik on his commitment to Indiana University! This kid eats, sleeps & dreams baseball. If you can't find him in the cage or on the field, check the BSF weight room (he basically has a cot in there). Big future ahead! Best of luck
@CalSefcik
!
Congrats to
@MarkPayton2
on his first MLB start today with the
@Reds
. You certainly earned it!
Mark is our 9th player to reach the big leagues. Best of luck brother!
Congratulations to 2023 St. Rita OF Tommy Atkinson on his commitment to Heartland CC. This kid has been one of the heartbeats of this '23 group since 12u. One of the toughest, most competitive kids you'll ever meet. Best of luck, Tommy!
You will not find a more determined, hard working young man then this kid right here. You have earned everything you've gotten! Congrats on your commitment to
@UofLBaseball
, Jack Payton!
Congrats to 2020 Sandburg RHP Will Tenuta on his commitment to Purdue. Will brings an explosive arm & great attitude to West Lafayette. The future is bright & the daily improvement for Will has been very steep. Can’t wait 2 see where he is when he steps foot on campus. Boiler UP!
Congratulations to 2022 Joliet Catholic Academy OF Luka Radicevich on his commitment to Chipola College. This kid is the epitome of a south side Chicago Catholic League player. He's tough as nails, a leader on & off the field & a hell of a worker. He's Florida ready! Good luck!
Congratulations to 2020 Carl Sandburg OF Jimmy Rybarczyk on his commitment to Parkland Community College. Jimmy's tools are off the chart along with his enthusiasm and hard work towards the game. The sky is the limit for this beast!
Congratulations to 2024 Lincoln-Way East INF Tyler Bell on his commitment to University of Pittsburgh! Tyler is a SS but has the versatility to play all over the INF. He's also a switch hitter with advanced actions. Keep on grinding-works not over yet. Best of luck!
There's not often a smarter, more prepared player on the field than Cal Hejza. His leadership qualities, instincts and work ethic make every team he's on better. Cal, congrats on your commitment to
@IlliniBaseball
!
Congratulations to 2024 Providence Catholic INF Bobby Kutt on his commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. This kid has worn SPARKS across his chest his entire career! He is as loyal, hard-working, and loved amongst his teammates as you will find. Proud of you Bobby!
Congratulations to 2021 Carl Sandburg INF/C John-Michael Scumaci on his commitment to North Central College. JM is the ultimate team player; his versatility and grit brings great value to any team. His work ethic is second to none! Big things ahead for Scooch! Best of luck!
Congrats to Wilmington HS 2020 RHP Keaton “Bo” Hopwood on his commitment to Coastal Carolina. They say that true character comes out when adversity is the greatest and Bo has answered that in a big way. Working when nobody was watching. Here is to a great career at CCU!
Congratulations to Providence Catholic 2020 RHP
@benvitas21
on his commitment to Central Michigan. Ben brings a 3 pitch mix w/ tons of movement. Many uncomfortable AB's coming for opponents. Works quick, is tenacious and fearless. Teammates love defending for Ben. Fire up Chips!
To a young man we have watched grow up in our program & work incredibly hard on his game. We are beyond excited for Jayden Comia on his commitment to Illinois! Much respect to the Comia family who promotes the values of work ethic, selflessness & sportsmanship as good as any!
Congratulations to 2021 LHP Reed Gannon on his commitment to University of Kentucky. Reed pitches with a hockey player mentality! Commands both sides of the plate with a high end slider. You can count on him competing every outing regardless of the opponent!
Congratulations to 2023 Providence Catholic SS Ryan Jefferson on his commitment to University of Illinois. Two words come to mind when I think of Ryan: Dedication and Relentless. Ryan has all the tools and the mindset to play this game for a long, long time. Keep working!
Congratulations to 2023 Benet Academy RHP Sammy Zagorac on his commitment to Parkland. Sammy always competes and lives in the weight room… Tons left in his tank! Excited to watch you grow and unlock your potential down in Champaign. Good luck brother!
Congratulations to 2021 St. Rita 1B Bobby Atkinson on his commitment to Heartland CC! This kid is a total winner & an ultra special teammate! Always locked into the game, one of the toughest outs in Chicago. Going to miss writing his name in the lineup card. Best of luck brother!
Congrats to 2020 JCA 1B/3B Danny Wuestenfeld on his commitment to Central Michigan University. Danny is a perfect example of a player who took it to heart regarding areas to improve. He didn’t hide or quit. He got after it & the results are apparent. Much respect to Danny!
Congratulations to 2021
@LWCvarsity
RHP Caden Leonard on his commitment to Kent State University. Caden has lived in the weight room for the past 2 years and has totally dedicated himself to getting better. He's made crazy strides as of late and is trending way up! 📈📈📈
Congratulations to 2022 Marist INF Jimmy Rolder on his commitment to University of Illinois. You don’t see many athletes with Jimmy’s physicality and the ability to move so well on the field. He loves to compete and crush baseballs! Lots of juice in this boy 💪🏻
Since the day Collin Witzke put on a Sparks uniform it’s been about competing, getting stronger and getting better every day. He’s a great example of what we preach to our kids on a daily basis. Congrats to Collin on his commitment to Kent State! Thanks for trusting the process!
Congrats to Lincoln-Way East 2020 RHP Cade Turner on his commitment to the University of Illinois at Springfield. Cade is a converted catcher, who has shown steep improvement in the last year. A power arm who spins it & shows great command. Great character w/ great family values!
Ryan Moerman possesses a work ethic that is second to none. When you can combine that with talent and a burning desire… the sky is the limit. Congrats Ryan on your commitment to
@IlliniBaseball
!
Congratulations to 2020 Lemont High School 3B Anthony Fornero on his commitment to the University of Evansville. The Aces are getting an exciting player with all of the necessary tools to play at the highest level. A fierce competitor who is improving by the day. Congrats
#33
Not often do you see this anymore...Ryan Ritter began his travel career with us at 10 years old and hasn't put on another jersey since. He's worked hard and has always put his team first. Ryan, congratulations on your commitment to
@AustinPeayBSB
!
Congratulations to 2021 LWC RHP Matt Maloney on his commitment to Parkland. Matt loves competition & fears nobody. Those traits along with a 3 pitch mix, a great work ethic & one of the quickest RH pickoff moves you'll see will yield much success in Champaign. Best of luck, Matt!
We want to congratulate the following winners for the 2023 Dave Payton Above & Beyond Award:
Sparks Youth Coach: Ryan Johnson (current 11u Sparks Head Coach)
Sparks HS Coach: Garrick Pranchke (17u Gray Summer & 18u Black Fall)
Sparks Instructor: Ryan O'Reilly (Pitching)
As an
Congratulations to 2021
@MaristBaseball
INF Luke Sefcik on his commitment to Central Michigan University. Luke has steady hands on the infield, a great approach at the plate and an overall great feel for the game. Luke's best days are ahead of him!
Congratulations to 2020 Outfielder Tom Jurack on his commitment to
@IlliniBaseball
. Great to see Tom meet his long-time goal of playing for the Illini. The Illini add a very physical and toolsy player who loves to compete. Great days ahead in Champaign!
Congratulations to 2021 Marist catcher Jonny Crowel on his commitment to Flagler College in Augustine, Florida! Jonny is a wall behind the plate, has great catch/throw abilities and pitchers love working with him. He also made great strides offensively this past summer.
Congratulations to 2023 Marquette Academy RHP Taylor Waldron on his commitment to John A Logan College. This kid has such a bright future ahead of him. Fearless competitor and straight up knows how to pitch. Going to be a fun next couple years following him. Best of luck, T!
Congratulations to 2022 LaSalle-Peru RHP Julius Sanchez on his commitment to the University of Illinois. Julius has a power arm with two secondary pitches and command! He made huge strides in his first summer with us and has just scratched the surface!
Congratulations to 2020 Plainfield Central OF Jake Donahue on his commitment to Central Michigan. Jake brings plus hitting, speed, and defense to the Chippewas. Props to Jake for his great results in the classroom and on the field. Well-deserved!!
Congratulations to 2020 Marian Catholic OF Adam Huekels on his commitment to Niagara University. Adam's speed, arm, and defense are present already. Looking forward to seeing the rest of his progress as he works to impact the Purple Eagles!
Congratulations to 2023 Naperville Central catcher Colin Barczi on his commitment to Vanderbilt University. This type of player with this amount of tools, skillset and approach don't come around very often! Phenomenal player, teammate and worker. Best of luck brother!
Congrats to 2022 Lockport RHP CJ Byrdak on his commitment to Iowa Central CC. Everyone who has been around CJ knows the passion he has for the game & the love for his teammates. He defines the word Bulldog; and has absolutely no fear. Big things ahead for him! Best of luck kid!
I would just like to ask everyone to say a prayer for my Father, Kevin Sefcik, tonight. This morning he returned from a run and went into cardiac Arrest. He has regained a pulse but we are still awaiting any more information. Thank you and tell someone you love them.
Congrats to '20 MIF Dylan Robertson on his commitment to Iowa Western. Very few can match his energy & enthusiasm for the game, practice, workouts on a daily basis. High academic guy putting his chips all in on meeting his college baseball goals. We think he is making a great bet
Congratulations to 2021 Oswego East INF Jonas Gulbrandsen on his commitment to Parkland. Jonas has the ability to swing the bat with some juice at the next level, while competing to play all 3 infield positions. He’s got a lot of baseball ahead of him. Keep working hard!
Congratulations to 2021
@MaristBaseball
1B Jack Harmon on his commitment to John Carroll University. Offensively Jack uses all fields and is really athletic at 1B. He comes to play everyday, is a great teammate and a kid you want on your team. Good luck,
@Jackharmon34
Congratulations to 2021 Catcher Ty Batusich on his commitment to Western Kentucky. Ty possesses the abilities to play this game for a long time including a high level left-handed bat and a cannon. We look forward to watching Ty be the backstop for our arms next year!
On Friday night, we held our 18th Annual Special Needs Night, and what an incredible night it was! We had a record-breaking number of over 200 guests who spent the night with our Sparks family. Our guests played baseball, took pictures in the photo booth, visited the face
Congratulations to 2023 Carl Sandburg RHP Grant Tenuta on his commitment to University of Chicago. Grant has bled the Sparks colors since 9u. You won't find a more loyal, hard working guy who never turns the ball town. UoC got a helluva pitcher and a kid!
Our 16u Black team won the
@Bullpenevents
ABC Championships this weekend at Grand Park. We went 9-0 throughout the tournament and played some of the best teams in the Midwest. This is a must attend event. Can’t wait to come back!
In 20+ years of attending Perfect Game events, we finally have our first:
PG All-American
Congrats to '22 Vanderbilt commit Noah Schultz on his selection. Noah will compete on 8/22 alongside 60 of the best players in the country in the 2021 PG All-American Classic. Best of luck
When I think of Austin Greco, the first word that comes to my mind is electric. This kid never turns down the ball and has a knack for coming up with clutch hits. I’ll go to battle with him any day! Congrats on your commitment to
@MiamiOHBaseball
, Austin!
Congratulations to 2021 LWC INF Michael Maloney on his commitment to Parkland. Michael never takes plays off and is always fighting his way into all lineups. He’s a true competitor and someone you want to take to war. Keep working and good luck son!
When Dane Thomas isn’t busy burning 6.25s on the track, he enjoys lacing balls into CF and wearing pitches.
@WSUBaseball
has gotten a very humble, hard working, tough player in Dane! Congrats on joining the
#RaiderGang
!
Another 2021 off the board…Congrats to Grant Holderfield (
@gholderfield9
) on his commitment to Indiana University! This kid checks all the boxes: hard worker, high character and competitor! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!
Congratulations to 2020 Marist OF/RHP Ryan Adasiak on his commitment to St. Xavier University Baseball. Ryan’s athleticism and strength will give him an opportunity to be a two-way guy at the next level. Best of luck!
Congrats to 2021 Ottawa 3B/1B Evan Evola on his commitment to Webster University. Evan’s got an advanced swing with power, and a great frame to build on over the next 4 years. He’s got a chance to be a real monster at the plate. Best of luck, Evan!
Jack Crowder enjoyed some big performances for
@CangelosiSparks
this summer and fall, including a pair of Most Valuable Pitcher performances,
#PGTourney
feature from
@BRDowson
:
Congratulations to Lyons Township 2020 RHP Ben Catrambone. A fierce competitor, who pounds the zone. An even better teammate who makes everything about being at the field more fun. Big things ahead for Ben!
Congratulations to 2023 Joliet Catholic Academy 1B/OF Trey Swiderski on his commitment to University of Louisville. Trey already has 5 above average tools and is an electric player to watch play this game. Future is 🌟 for this kid!
Congratulations to 2021 RHP Kyle Walter on his commitment to University of Louisville. Kyle has taken advantage of every single opportunity given to him and is just continuing to prove himself. The sky is seriously the limit for this kid.
#donkeyarm
Congratulations to
@MaristBaseball
2022 graduate Nate Voss on his commitment to
@umichbaseball
! Nate brings a very special tool set with an explosive bat to Ann Arbor and we can't wait to see what he brings to the 2019 National Runner ups!
#GoBlue
Congratulations to 2021 Carl Sandburg RHP/INF Justin Egan on his commitment to Black Hawk College. Justin is a bulldog and is working his butt off to get back to 100% from TJ. Really fun to watch him compete in practice and in between the lines. Fun days ahead for him. Good luck!
Congratulations to 2021 Brother Rice LHP Michael Bernas on his commitment to Saint Leo University. Michael lives in the weight room, and is the ultimate teammate. Works quick on the mound and loves to compete. Enjoy the sunshine state!
Congratulations to 2024 Nazareth Academy INF Cooper Malamazian on his commitment to Indiana University. He checks a lot of boxes:
-competitor✅
-off the charts athleticism✅
-actions✅
-frame✅
-flow✅✅✅✅✅
The sky is the limit for this kid! Keep grinding Coop!
Congratulations to Providence Catholic RHP Kenny Middleton on his commitment to Parkland College. Kenny brings high level command and the ability to change speeds on all pitches. Loves to compete on the mound. The Cobras are getting a versatile arm with very good upside.
Congratulations to Joliet Catholic 2020 RHP Alberto Lamas on his commitment to South Suburban College. Alberto was up to 90 in the fall and there is much more in the tank. A competitive and likable teammate. A ton of baseball in his future. Congrats Berto!
Congratulations to 2020 INF George Pavlopoulos on his commitment to University of Dubuque. George battled injuries during his junior year but has persevered through hard work and we are all very proud of him. Best of luck!
Our goal as an organization is to play the best competition in the country and
@PerfectGameUSA
gives us that opportunity. We thank you and look forward to the 2019 season!
Congratulations to 2023 Providence Catholic RHP Drew Zemaitis on his commitment to Xavier University. Drew competes every outing, fills up the zone and never turns the ball down. He comes with a work ethic and willingness to earn; a great combination. Good luck, Drew!
Congratulations to 2022 LWC INF Nicholas Signorelli on his commitment to College of Central Florida. Nicholas has been patient through the recruiting process and has taken advantage of opportunities to show what he can do on the field down in Florida.
Congratulations to 2025 Nazareth Academy INF/C Jaden Fauske on his commitment to Louisville. You won't find a player around that wants to win more than this kid. Pure LH bat that just hits, hits, hits! Going to be a fun next 3 years with Jaden!
Kudos to former Longshot player and current KC Royal major leaguer Nicky Lopez for hosting a fundraising appearance in honor of former Spark Justin Wegner . Justin passed in 2019 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.
Excited to welcome 48 teams from the Midwest to our 17u Cangelosi Sparks Invite! Looking forward to a great opening weekend of baseball!
Schedule link:
Reply with pitching rotations and we will retweet out!
48 teams from across the Midwest compete in the 17u Cangelosi Sparks Invite this weekend! Looking forward to a great opening weekend of baseball!
Schedule link:
Reply with pitching rotations for a retweet!
Congratulations to 2020 Mount Carmel MIF Ethan Imlach on his commitment to Purdue University Northwest. Ethan will bring speed, defense and great contact skills to the Pride program. His work ethic and passion is infectious!