Heesch switches to UIC

Given a choice between cornfields and the Chicago skyline, Michael Heesch couldn't resist the allure of playing college baseball in the big city.

The 6-foot-5, left-handed senior pitcher from Prairie Ridge, who had verbally committed to play at Nebraska, changed his mind last week and accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Illinois-Chicago.

The University of Kentucky also made an offer, but Heesch said he chose UIC for its overall program, not to mention the outstanding view.

"You can't beat standing on the mound and pitching with the Sears Tower in the backdrop," Heesch said. "I can only imagine what it will look like during a night game when the skyline is completely lit up."

Aesthetics aside, Heesch said he settled on UIC instead of Kentucky after he was asked by a UIC athletics official at which school he would feel most comfortable finishing his education if the misfortune of a career-ending injury occurred.

"I thought about that question more than anything," the 18-year-old Crystal Lake resident said. "I decided if that did happen I would rather be at UIC.

"Otherwise, the coaches are great, the team is great and I know another guy going there (travel teammate Matt Salemi of Richmond-Burton)."

Heesch entered Saturday's Class 4A state final against Oak Park-River Forest sporting a record of 10-1 with an ERA of 1.45. He has struck out 104 hitters while walking 23.

He started and won Friday's state semifinal in Joliet by tossing a 71-pitch, complete-game, 4-hitter to lead the Wolves to a 7-1 victory against defending state champion Neuqua Valley. Heesch struck out 10 Wildcats in that game and walked one.