Baseball Adds Four More to 2005 Class
07/26/2004 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
July 26, 2004
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Although it is close in proximity, the state of Indiana hasn't been a heavily recruited area for Southern Illinois University baseball in recent years. However, that has changed, as all but one of Dan Callahan's four new recruits have ties to the Hoosier State.
In 2005, along with returning Saluki left-hander Bryan Rueger (Mt. Vernon, Ind.), infielders Jeff Alexander and Tyler Lairson, and right-handed pitcher Mark Obszanski will give SIU its most squad members from the state of Indiana since 1991.
"We feel like we have developed some good contacts in the state of Indiana who have kept us abreast on the talent throughout the state," said Callahan. "It just worked out to where we were fortunate enough to get three players of this caliber."
Of Callahan's latest batch of signees, the only one that doesn't come to SIU from the Hoosier State is first baseman Ryan Enata .
A native of Bloomington, Ill., Enata (6-0, 205) was a three-time, first-team Big 12 Conference selection, a first-team Chicago Tribune all-state pick and a member of the IHSBCA all-state team at Bloomington High School. He also played in the Pantagraph all-star game, where he had his team's only RBI.
Statistically, Enata ended a solid prep campaign hitting .500 with 16 home runs and 53 RBI. He also ranks on the state's all-time home run (39), RBI (169) and grand slam (5) lists.
Also a first baseman, Alexander (6-3, 190) hails from Indianapolis, Ind., and attended Bishop Chatard High School, where he led his team in several offensive categories, including batting average (.433), home runs (7), RBI (36), doubles (11), hits (42) and slugging percentage (.810). Also boasting a .514 on-base percentage, he was named to the Indianapolis Star's All-City Team and was tabbed his team's Offensive Player of the Year.
With the graduation of Josh Markle and the need to get Nathan Emrick back to his natural position in the middle of the infield, finding a first baseman became a priority throughout the recruiting process. According to Callahan, these two should be able to contribute immediately at the corner position.
"We're excited about the signings of Ryan and Jeff," said Callahan. "They are both true first basemen, and each bring different attributes to the program. We feel both have the ability to play as freshmen."
Offensively, Enata and Alexander will give the Salukis a bat from each side of the plate. This should enable Callahan to shake things up in the lineup.
"Since Jeff is a left-handed hitter and Ryan bats right, we could possibly have a platoon situation," explained Callahan. "Also, because of the departure of senior designated hitters Nick Baughman and Tyler Schooley, Jeff and Ryan might prove they deserve to be in the lineup, where one serves as DH and the other plays first base. These two young men bring a lot of success to Saluki Baseball and we're hoping that success carries into their college careers."
Another infielder, Lairson stands at 6-0, 160, and comes to SIU from Richmond, Ind. As a shortstop, helped lead his team to four straight regional appearances at Richmond High School, and was a two-time all-conference scholar-athlete as both a junior and senior.
"We had a chance to see Tyler in a recent tournament in Memphis and really liked what we saw," said Callahan. "We feel he is very talented both offensively and defensively and are fortunate to land someone of his caliber this late in the recruiting process."
Rounding out the talented Indiana trio is Obszanski.
A native of Munster, Ind., he stands at 6-7, 240, and joins the Dawgs from Kaskaskia College. While at Kaskaskia, he collected a 2-0 record with nine saves in 19 appearances. Also boasting an impressive 1.91 ERA, he struck out 27 batters to eight walks in 22 innings. In addition, his nine saves ranked fourth in the nation according to the National Junior College Athletic Association.
"Mark has great physical presence and throws hard," said Callahan. "Because of his experience and abilities, we feel he has the potential to be one of our top pitchers."
Enata, Alexander, Lairson and Obszanski join Hunter Harrigan (C, Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Cody Dunbar (RHP, Herrin, Ill.), Ryan Terry (RHP, Palmyra, Mich.), Dean Cademartori (OF, Norridge, Ill.), Matt DeLong (OF, Jackson, Wis.), Ryan Hypke (SS/2B, Glenarm, Ill.) and Dylan Ward (P/INF, Fairbury, Ill.) in SIU's 2005 class.
In addition to the 11 signees, Callahan hopes to sign one more pitcher.