High School Baseball Player Aims for Major Leagues

Even though Barrington High School’s Frank Waliczek didn’t secure a spot on team U.S.A. with his great performance during the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) held in Cary, North Carolina, he isn’t deterred from his ultimate goal and dream.

“The major leagues are definitely a possibility in my mind,” said Waliczek who graduates at the end of the school year.  “I’m committed to pitching; it is what I love to do and I’m going to work harder than anybody to get (to the majors).”

“I’m still growing, running everyday and playing long toss,” the 5’11, 160 pound left handed pitcher went on to say of his velocity that currently tops out at 86 miles per hour. “My velocity (on my pitches) is already rising.” 

As a member of the Great Lakes team that finished the NTIS tournament winning two of their three games, Waliczek played in front of college scouts and team U.S.A.’s selection committee, as both a pitcher and a left fielder.

While pitching in the tournament, Waliczek was only afforded three innings to prove his worth against the nation’s toughest talent and needed to face just 12 batters for his allotted time on the mound.  Facing the top prospects from Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky, the left hander only allowed one hit while striking out one batter in what he considered a real eye opener to the level of talent that is seen across the United States. 

“It really was an honor to play kids of that caliber,” Waliczek said of the experience.  “You really get a chance to learn what else is out there in the country (talent wise).”

Waliczek also had a chance to handle the bat during the tournament and finished with a .500 average.  The left’s performance on and off the mound during the NTIS helped the Great Lakes team rebound from the last time the team played in the tournament (finished 1-2).

“I think we surprised everyone when we beat the Mid-Atlantic team,” Waliczek said of a region (Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina) loaded with talent.

Although Waliczek has had some division one school coaches interested in his arm, he has committed to Heartland Community College in downstate Bloomington-Normal.  Heartland, which was the Region 24 champs in 2011, is a perfect fit for the pitcher for multiple reasons.

“(Heartland) has some of the best coaches, and facilities,” Waliczek said. “It was the best possibility for the most playing time.”

And he isn’t concerned about whether the choice he made will allow him an opportunity to make it to the big leagues; after all, last year’s number one pick in the baseball draft was Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals) who played for a community college in Nevada prior to being selected.

“Community colleges are definitely one to get to the majors,” Waliczek said.  “If not I will try to attend a division one school where I can be a contributing factor.”