Family, friends mourn star Westmont baseball player

A star shortstop who graduated this spring from Westmont High School and was named this year's Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Baseball Captain died unexpectedly Thursday.

Charles "Charlie" Donovan, 18, was also the Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year.

He turned down the chance to play professional baseball after being drafted in the 30th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. He was scheduled to attend the University of Michigan but deferred his enrollment until at least January after battling mono during the summer.

Funeral services for the Clarendon Hills resident will be Tuesday at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road; interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home.

Donovan, who wore the number 0 while at Westmont, played all four years and had what the Daily Herald called "a nonstop motor and wicked speed." He is among the top 20 players in IHSA history for runs scored, triples and stolen bases in varsity play.

At least a half-dozen major league scouts attended most of his games as a senior, but he indicated from the outset he intended to honor his commitment to Michigan. He had said becoming a major leaguer had been his goal since age 10.

Donovan is survived by his parents James and Karen Donovan and brothers Jack and Joe.