By Mike Clark
Henry Kalmus’ delivery isn’t the most orthodox, but it’s pretty effective.
The Amundsen junior had the latest in a series of solid performances on Sunday morning, striking out 10 and allowing one hit over five shutout innings in a 14-1, six-inning win against Prosser.
The game at UIC’s Granderson Stadium was part of the Jackie Robinson Baseball Weekend organized by the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy.
Kalmus is now 5-1 with a 1.06 ERA for the Vikings (9-7, 4-1 Public League National North). He’s fanned 38 in 26 1/3 innings while allowing just 19 hits and 14 walks.
His delivery keeps hitters off balance. Here’s his description of it:
“It’s different. It’s not just over the top like some guys do, it’s not fully sidearm. (When I started), I’d do over the top but never felt right. So I started going lower and lower and started feeling better.”
Kalmus is at his best when he pounds the strike zone the way he did on Sunday, according to Vikings coach Cameron McConnell.
“The best thing we saw today is he limited the free bases,” McConnell said. “He’s got a little bit of a funky arm angle, fills up the zone. He’s got a nice little slider that he throws. I know it’s tough for hitters to pick up because there’s a lot of arms and legs going in different directions and whatnot.”
Kalmus had plenty of offensive support from the likes of Henry Holper, who tripled twice, walked twice, hit a sacrifice fly, scored three runs and drove in three more. Kael O’Conor tripled, walked twice, scored a run and drove in three.
The Vikings played in the top-tier Jackie Robinson North last year, but dropped down to the National North this season. Moving back to the JR North is the aim.
“The boys got a taste of it and we weren’t quite prepared for what it is,” McConnell said. “A goal is to take care of business this year and then hopefully move up and be more prepared for next year and the upcoming seasons. Ultimately we’d like to get up there and stay up there and start to compete at that level.”
Jayden Perez was 1-for-2 with a walk for Prosser (1-8, 0-5), which has nine freshmen and sophomores on its 15-player roster.
Rickover 18, Steinmetz 8
The Sea Dragons scored 10 in the top of the fifth to break an 8-8 tie and beat the Silver Streaks in five innings.
Johnny Velez led the way for Rickover (2-2, 2-1 Public League North), going 3-for-3 with a walk, three steals, two runs scored and three RBI. Antonio Flores went 2-for-3 with two walks, five steals and four runs scored.
Velez appreciated the opportunity to play on a Division I college field.
“This is one of the best feelings ever,” he said. “This is one of those times where I can soak it in, see what it feels like — what it would feel like to play at the next level — and I just felt so comfortable.”
Like most visitors to Granderson Stadium, Velez was in awe of the view of the downtown skyline beyond center field.
“I turned around and enjoyed it for a second,” he said. “But once I stepped on the field, I was like, ‘This is gametime. This is where I belong.'”
With a roster split almost evenly between experienced and inexperienced players. Sea Dragons coach Matthew Gartner is focusing on development and looking to finish .500 or better.
“We’re doing skills training a lot,” he said. “Just do it over and over and over again.”
Christian Fuentes was 2-for-3 with four steals, two runs scored and an RBI for Steinmetz (9-7, 3-1). Juan Pablo Jaramillo went 1-for-3 with a run and two RBI.
Senn 12, Schurz 2
Elijah Libretti pitched a two-hitter with eight strikeouts and two walks for Senn (2-5, 1-5 Public League North) in a game called after four innings by mutual consent. He also was 1-for-2 with a walk, three steals, two runs and two RBI.
Senn coach Joe McKermitt was glad for his players to have the chance to play on such a nice field.
“It’s good for them to have this experience,” he said. “It’s a life memory that they’re all gonna have.”
Vega Garcia was 1-for-1 with a walk, a stolen base and a run for Schurz (0-2, 0-1).
Kelvyn Park 20, Marine 1
Hector Manuel was 3-for-3 with a hit by pitch, a stolen base, three runs and three RBI for the Panthers in a game called by mutual consent in the top of the third inning.
The arrow is pointing up for Kelvyn Park (4-1, 3-0 Public League North Central), according to coach Leonard Haith.
“The young players are starting to step up and mature a little bit earlier than we expected,” he said. “(We’re) building the program, got a lot of support from my administration team. (We have) brand new uniforms this year. Just trying to bring the interest and focus back to baseball.”
Kevin Corona walked, stole a base and scored a run for Marine (0-2, 0-2).
Photos by Zara Linneman/OSA
Schurz vs. Senn
Rickover vs. Steinmetz
