One year has significantly transformed the performance of junior catcher Alex Abraham and his team, Geneva. Last year, as a sophomore, Abraham excelled defensively but faced challenges with his batting. Reflecting on the past season, he admitted with a smile, “I had 15 hits and I batted .180.” During the offseason, he healed from arm surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament. After resuming play in February, he focused intensely on improving his batting skills. His hard work paid off.
Abraham contributed to Geneva’s 12-1 victory over Belvidere North in the Class 3A Sycamore Sectional semifinal. He achieved a single in the first inning, marking his 47th hit of the season. He also scored a run and delivered a sacrifice fly, enhancing his team-leading RBI total to 32. The Vikings, standing at 31-7, aim for the sectional title against Rockford Boylan (24-14) following a 7-4 win over Wheaton Academy (29-9).
Abraham explained a change in his batting stance, “I shortened it and made it more simple.” With a .411 batting average, he ranked second on the team, only trailing junior outfielder Mason Bruesch, who had a .438 average. Abraham also showed patience by drawing a walk in the fourth inning.
The Vikings experienced a turnaround season after exiting early in last year’s Class 4A playoffs. The shift to Class 3A came due to reduced school enrollment. Abraham remarked, “We brought so much energy this year. We didn’t come out flat.” The team’s robust pitching staff played a key role, subduing the Blue Thunder (17-12-1). Sophomore left-hander AJ Minderman (9-2) excelled, nearing a perfect game into the fourth inning, striking out five and allowing just one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings.
“Minderman came ready to throw and we did things we needed to do to get runs,” said Geneva coach Brad Wendell. “The strength of our team all year long is our staff.”
Abraham collaborated with Minderman during the winter to refine his craft. “He doesn’t have the most velocity but his fastball is consistent and his arsenal is really good,” Abraham noted. Bruesch, already committed to Michigan State, started Wednesday’s game with a triple and concluded with two hits, two runs, and two RBIs.
Senior third baseman Ryan Kastor and junior shortstop Nelson Wendell each added two hits to an 11-hit offensive effort bolstered by eight walks, two hit-by-pitches, and 12 stolen bases. “We try to take advantage of it if we can,” Wendell explained about their aggressive running game.
Abraham, chosen as a captain before the postseason by team vote, continues to progress. He plans to return to the football field at safety after missing last season. Coach Wendell emphasized Abraham’s role, “Catcher is the tip of the spear — everybody has their eyes on him. It’s a leadership position and Alex has owned it. He’s led with effort and by supporting our pitching staff. His strong arm and batting skills are invaluable.”
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