Streamwood’s Gorski will play at Illinois

Streamwood infielder Richie Gorski is heading downstate this year, guaranteed.

The 6-foot-2 senior became the second Streamwood baseball player in as many years to commit to a Division-I program when he gave his verbal commitment to the University of Illinois.

The 18 year old follows in the footsteps of 2011 Streamwood graduate Josh Harris, now a freshman pitcher at Villanova.

“I’m really excited about next year, but I have to focus on this year first,” said Gorski, who figured prominently in the best baseball season in Streamwood history last spring when he hit .405 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs, 36 RBI and scored 33 runs.

Gorski also went 4-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 18 1/3 innings pitched for a team that won the Upstate Eight River title and advanced to the Elite Eight in Class 4A.

The Illinois coaching staff first noticed Gorski last fall while scouting his travel team, Athletic Barn of Arlington Heights, at a tournament in Champaign. He gave his verbal commitment during an official visit in October. Illinois did not officially confirm the news until Gorski’s application and housing were approved this week.

“Richie is very athletic, has good speed and has a projectable body,” Illinois associate head coach Eric Snider said via press release. “He is competitive and has a solid makeup with good work habits. His soft hands in the field really stand out, and he has outstanding arm strength. He knows the game and has a solid approach at the plate with some potential power as he develops.”

Gorski will switch this spring from third base to shortstop, his natural position. The Illinois coaches said he might play either position in college. Gorski will likely succeed anywhere the Illini coaches play him, according to his high school coach.

“It’s a great fit,” Streamwood coach Steve Diversey said. “He has a great work ethic and has always been self-motivated. Richie always had big aspirations in baseball. He works hard and has all the fundamentals. Once he gets into a specialized program his game is going to flourish.”