Other than a disappointing loss to Maine West in a Class 4A regional final, the Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team had a solid season in 2018. The Huskies went 21-8 and finished second behind perennial conference rival Lyons Township in the West Suburban Silver.
This spring, the Huskies and Lions are the top contenders again to win conference, with York and Hinsdale Central in the mix.
“We have a great group of seniors who understand the tradition of Oak Park Baseball,” coach Joe Parenti said. “They want to make their mark on this program.”
Returning all-conference players Griffin Holderfield and Nathan Diamond are elite pitchers who will share time at first base as well. Holderfield and Diamond have committed to Creighton and Pepperdine, respectively.
“Griffin is a power pitcher (88-92 miles per hour fastball) with good command of his pitches,” Parenti said. “Nathan is a reliable starter with good command as well. Both guys are strong hitters in the middle of the order.”
The impact seniors make will extend well beyond the mound for the Huskies. Catcher Luke Fitzgerald, first baseman/designated hitter Tom Cronin, outfielder Ethan Reinhardt and third baseman Jake Adams are notable returners with good hitting and defensive skills. Junior shortstop Dylan Whitney had a breakout season in 2018. He’s the Huskies’ leadoff hitter and best athlete on the team. Senior utility player Adams Landsman, a St. Thomas commit, provides Parenti with options in the lineup.
“I would say we look pretty solid all around,” Fitzgerald said. “We need to manufacture runs each game and continue to hit. If we can do that, I am confident that our pitchers will do their jobs and hold the opposing teams to limited runs.”
The Huskies opened the season by winning two of three games in Edwardsville. OPRF beat Mater Dei 8-2 and Mount Carmel 10-3 but lost to Benet 13-6. Standout performances included: Whitney (5-for-11, 4 RBIs), Cronin (4-for-9, 5 RBIs), Alan Brown (3-for-6, 4 RBIs) and Holderfield (4 IP, 8 K; 3-for-8).
“I think that this group has a chance to do something special this year,” Diamond said. “We have an amazing group of pitchers and our bats have started the season off well.
“There is an intangible energy this year that we hope to build on and use to create a winning season. Many of the seniors have played together for 10 years or more so we want to end our time at OPRF by bringing home another championship title.”