Top OVAC Baseball Players in 2011

With baseball right around the corner, the Forum is buzzing with talk of who the top baseball players in 2011 will be.

Forum Member, Officer Slater gave his insight stating;

Four names that jump out are (of course from Catholic schools) Logan Linder and Chris Eloi from Madonna, and Joel Jarrett and PJ Ratcliffe of Wheeling Central.

Last year as a sophomore, Linder hit a robust .416 with 10 doubles, three home runs, 46 RBIs, and struck out eight times out of 125 plate appearances. On the mound, Logan had a 5-1 record with 45 strikeouts, 21 walks, three complete games, and an ERA of 1.43

Linder was First Team All-State “Utility” in 2010 and Special Honorable Mention Outfield his freshman year. Logan has played baseball for most of the summer and has lived in the gym.

Chris Eloi led the state champion Blue Dons with a .491 average with nine doubles, three triples, two home runs, 29 RBIs, and struck out 7 times out of 133 plate appearances.

Eloi was named Second Team All-State last year as an outfielder. Chris was also a standout for the past two seasons on Madonna’s football team as a linebacker, fullback, and tight end.

Joel and PJ are the top two kids returning to the Maroon Knights this season. Jarrett looks to return to his shortstop position and after watching him pitch against the Dons in the Sectional Final nightcap I would expect him to see a lot of time for Coach Wodusky’s squad this season. PJ is a versatile player who saw a lot of time as a catcher last year. He pitched a lot two seasons ago, but was unable to due and arm/shoulder injury last season. Ratcliffe also knows how to hit the ball VERY well.

Some other names being thrown around are:

Alex Stephens – Linsly
Nick Breen – Brooke
David Alward – Brooke
Riley Carlton – St.Clairsville
Matt Smith – Linsly
Josh Malesky – Buckeye Local
Tyler Butler – Toronto
Nick Pelegreen – Harrison Central
Greg Stagani – Edison
Chris Perna – Weirton Madonna

Who are your predictions for the top players this year? Check out our Forums and talk about it!