Suburban Life baseball preview: 5 Players to Watch in 2022

The high school baseball season starts this week. Here are five players to watch in the Suburban Life coverage area.

Luke Adams, Hinsdale Central, senior, pitcher/infielder: Adams hit .294 with three homers last spring – but Michigan State recruit could be just scratching the surface to his potential. Hinsdale Central coach Jason Ziemer believes Adams could set program record this year and be selected in this year’s MLB Draft. Adams is one of several returners from last year’s Red Devils’ team that won the West Suburban Silver and reached a sectional final.

Estevan Moreno, senior, shortstop: Notre Dame recruit is the lone remaining starter from the 2019 state championship team. The Player of the Year in the Chicago Catholic League last spring will lead a Montini team coming off a 22-9 season.

Riverside-Brookfield's Owen Murphy, the two-time Suburban Life baseball Player of the Year, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 20th overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.

Owen Murphy, Riverside Brookfield, senior, pitcher/shortstop: Notre Dame recruit was the 2021 Suburban Life Player of the Year and a dynamic two-way threat. Murphy batted .453 with 34 hits, six doubles, four triples, nine home runs and 32 RBIs last season. On the mound, he posted a 6-1 record with an 0.33 ERA in 42 1/3rd innings.

Ethan Patera, Downers Grove South, senior, pitcher: Louisville recruit posted a 6-0 record last spring and teams up with Ryan Howell atop a talented Mustangs’ pitching staff.

George Wolkow, Downers Grove North, sophomore, outfield/third base: South Carolina recruit burst onto the scene last spring to hit .353 with 23 RBIs, and it looks like there is much more to come from the powerful corner infielder/outfielder.

Joshua  Welge

Joshua Welge

I am the Sports Editor for Kendall County Newspapers, the Kane County Chronicle and Suburban Life Media, covering primarily sports in Kendall, Kane, DuPage and western Cook counties. I've been covering high school sports for 24 years. I also assist with our news coverage.