Baseball welcomes six new players
Flames baseball newcomers this season include Colton Elbrecht (left) and Tyler Anderson.
Six newcomers will join the baseball team roster this season: Jack Andersen, Ian Lewandowski, Alex Posey, Tyler Anderson, Colton Elbrecht and Tommy Field.
“Assistant coach John Flood has done a magnificent job over the last 18 months, bringing in what I think will be a real impactful class,” head coach Mike Dee said. “We have significantly added competitive depth on the mound and brought in two position players that will play a key role for us in the future.”
Andersen, a right-handed pitcher who’s majoring in business, comes to UIC from William Fremd High School, where he had a 9-2 record during his senior season. He notched a 1.90 earned run average and totaled 71 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched in 2012. He led Fremd to its fourth straight Mid-Suburban League title in May.
“We’re really excited about Andersen and what he can bring to the program,” Dee said. “The big thing for us is that he likes to compete.”
Lewandowski, a graduate of Naperville Central High School and secondary education major, was named the Naperville Sun Player of the Year and received All-State Special Mention recognition from the Chicago Tribune. Lewandowski, a right-handed pitcher, posted a 1.45 earned run average, had an 8-2 record and fanned 81 batters in 77 innings during his senior season.
“Ian is a tremendous leader and loves to compete,” Dee said. “He made a big jump this past spring in his velocity and has great command.”
Posey, a right-handed pitcher whose major is undeclared, played one season with Rend Lake Community College. He had a 4-2 record with an earned run average of 2.42 in 22.1 innings pitched.
“Posey has an incredible amount of potential,” Dee said. “I can see him in a significant role for us coming out the bullpen, which was an area that was a problem last season.”
Anderson, a left-handed pitcher who’s majoring in criminal justice, had a stellar senior season at Hamilton Heights in Cicero, Ind. He had an earned run average of 0.85 with a 9-3 record. Anderson, who won All-State honorable mention honors, struck out 107 batters in 82 innings and led the Huskies in hits (35), home runs (6) and RBIs (39).
“Anderson is a real hardworking guy,” Dee said. “With his work ethic he has a chance to be a 90-plus pitcher someday.”
Elbrecht, a high school teammate of Anderson’s who’s majoring in business, brings an abundance of talent to the catcher position. In 30 games, the outfielder allowed three passed balls and ranked second on the team in doubles.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Elbrecht comes in and competes for a starting role right away,” Dee said.
Field, a communication major, helped guide his Bishop Gorman Gaels to a No. 1 national ranking by USA Today and tallied a .500 batting average during his senior campaign.
“He has a chance to come in and play right away for us,” Dee said.
The Flames advanced to the Horizon League Championship contest this spring but fell to No. 1 seed Valparaiso.
