The Illinois State baseball team filled one of its needs recently when pitcher Jim Sajewich of Glendale Heights, Ill., signed a national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Illinois State University.
We think that Jim will be able to come in and help us on the mound right away next year, said Illinois State pitching coach Seth Kenny. He pitches in the upper-80s and hell touch 90-91 mph occasionally. He already has a good change-up and his slider is continuing to come along, so we think hell be able to get guys out and have success as a freshman.
Sajewich, who is currently a senior at Glenbard West High School, was a 2003 and 2004 first-team all-conference selection in the West Suburban Silver league. As a freshman and a sophomore he played on Glenbard Wests 2002 and 2003 Elite 8 teams, and was 14-6 heading into his senior season. In addition to baseball, Sajewich also plays football.
The best thing about Jim is that he competes on every pitch, said Kenny. Hes 6-3, 215 pounds, so he already has a good body. With his attitude and his ability to pitch, we think he has a chance to be a pretty good draft out of college in three years.
Sajewich becomes the sixth in-state player to sign a letter of intent with Illinois State for next season. Earlier this year the Redbirds received commitments from Ian Berger (Oak Park-River Forest H.S.), Gabe DeMarco (Rockford Boylan H.S.), Kevin Dubler (Downers Grove South H.S.), Mike Staloway (Joliet Catholic H.S.) and Mike Tokarski (Downers Grove North H.S.).
We feel like weve got a good mix of guys coming in next year who will be able to challenge for time, said Kenny. Weve done a good job of creating depth, and now we will have back-ups who can really play. Wed still like to sign another pitcher or two and probably one more hitter, but overall were very happy with the six weve got already.
