Baseball Notes
Illinois-Chicago recruit Hampe stars at the plate for Sandburg
When opposing pitchers started attacking the outside corner this season, Sandburg’s Ryan Hampe knew he had to make an adjustment.
Hampe, a senior catcher who bats right-handed, moved closer to the plate.
The Illinois-Chicago recruit has liked the results.
“I started driving balls on the outside part of the plate to the opposite field,” Hampe said.
And when pitchers tried throwing fastballs inside, well, that didn’t work out too well, either.
“I have quick enough hands and bat speed to turn on the ball,” Hampe said. “I trust my hands.”
Case in point was a recent game against Lincoln-Way East. Sandburg trailed 2-0 and had two runners on base with Hampe in the batter’s box.
“I was looking for a pitch in, and it was right where I wanted it,” Hampe said. “Inner half.”
The result was a three-run homer to left-center, giving Sandburg a 3-2 lead in a 4-2 win.
“A first-pitch fastball,” Hampe said. “It felt good leaving the bat.”
Hampe’s bat has looked good ever since he transferred from St. Laurence after his sophomore year.
He’s hitting .420 with 14 doubles, five homers and 25 RBIs this season. Last year, he hit .466 with 11 doubles, seven homers and 40 RBIs.
“Sandburg has supported me and I love the school,” Hampe said.
Sandburg coach Jim Morsovillo said there’s a lot to like about Hampe.
“Ryan is so consistent,” Morsovillo said. “He’s a strong kid. He comes through in big situations. He doesn’t get intimidated. He’s a leader.”
Hampe also is a rock behind the plate. Morsovillo credited Hampe with helping to develop a pitching staff that returned only one experienced arm in senior Evan Tenuta.
Opponents figured they could take advantage of Sandburg’s youth on the mound by running rampant on the bases. Hampe has thwarted that plan, nailing 14 of 23 would-be base stealers.
“Defense is my No. 1 priority,” Hampe said. “I’ve been blocking pitches a little better than last year. I give our pitchers credit for holding runners on base better. I pride myself on being an all-around player.”
Hampe believes the Eagles (17-5) have what it takes to hoist the Class 4A state championship in Joliet. They lost to Edwardsville last year in supersectional.
“That’s what we’ve been talking about since the summer — getting to Joliet,” Hampe said. “It’s important to us. We know what it takes, and our experience is what is going to get us there.”
Spartan’s coach Tony DeCarlo marveled at Cantelo’s durability and willingness to stay in the lineup.
“He never wants to come out of the game,” DeCarlo said. “We play conference doubleheaders on Saturday. He catches both games. He wants to catch both games. There’s a lot to be said about a kid like that.”
Cantelo’s dedication behind the plate hasn’t affected his swing. He’s batting .432 with eight doubles, two homers and 19 RBIs.
Cantelo has a simple explanation for wanting to play every inning.
“I enjoy it,” Cantelo said. “I get to see a lot of good pitching being in the lineup every day. I love playing and trying to help the team win.”
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