Michael
Schalasky

2nd Team All State: Brother Rice’s senior leader did it all this spring, on the mound, behind the plate, and with the bat, turning himself into one of the state’s top power hitting prospects. The University of Indianapolis-bound two-way threat hit .448 with 24 extra base hits (12 doubles, two triples, and ten home runs), while driving in a team leading 45 runs, posting a 0.866 slugging percentage, and a 0.521 on base percentage. Schalasky also put up those numbers playing in the Catholic League Blue, and routinely saw some of the state’s best pitchers during Brother Rice’s tough non-conference schedule. Behind the plate, Schalasky allowed only four passed balls on the season, and threw out nine of a potential 17 baserunners, cutting down runners at a phenomenal 53% clip. If that wasn’t enough, the hard-throwing righty, who’s future very well may be on the mound, went 6-1 with a 3.20 ERA, hurling two complete games, and allowing only 38 hits in 46 innings pitched. He struck out 42 and walked 23 on the year.

5.9.15 -  Fastball sat 84-87 mph, touching 88 and 89. Held velocity throughout outing, still 84-86 mph in the fifth. Hard slider thrown from 75-79 mph, varies shape on pitch. More break when landed for a strike (more slurvy), shorter break with more depth when used as a put away pitch. Also flashed an 80 mph change. Also a standout hitter and catcher for the Crusaders

4.21.15 - 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitting catcher, wide shoulders, thick/strong lower half. Has impressed with power this year, four home runs on the season, 2-for-3 against Marist with an RBI single to left and a double off the wall in right, pushed fair by the wind (was nearly a home run). Hits from an open, crouched stance, plus bat speed, swings hard every pitch, slightly uphill bat path, looking to lift the baseball. Behind the plate, pop times ranged from 1.98-2.04 between innings, 2.18 in game on a breaking ball. Arm strength is plus for a catcher, but he also has a future on the mound, having touched 90 mph, and generally sitting in the mid-to-upper 80’s.

3.21.15 - University of Indianapolis recruit; ranked No. 63 in Illinois’ 2015 class. The pro scouts came out to see Jenkins and Ostrowski, but after the first inning, they were asking me, “Who’s this guy?” Well, he’s Mike Schalasky, of course, a 6-foot, 180-pounder who prior to his breakout summer showing on the mound, was more known for being a catching prospect. Schalasky was the story of the game. Working from a high-3/4 slot, Schalasky consistently pitched at 87-89 through in his first four innings, and touched 90 in the third inning. Pounded the strike zone with some heavy finish. In the fifth and sixth innings he pitched at 85-86. He also threw his 75-76 mph slider for consistent strikes. He worked fast, attacked hitters and was in complete control throughout. In six innings, he struck out six, walked none and yielded three hits during his 6-0 victory against the No. 2-ranked team in the state.

3.20.15 - 6-foot, 180-pound, strong, stocky, wide build, right-handed hitting catcher/RHP. Will pitch tomorrow vs. Lincoln-Way North, plus arm behind the plate, 2.01 in game pop time to second. Homered and doubled in first two at bats. Hits from wide base, short stride, compact stroke, slightly uphill, pulled 87 mph fastball on inner half in 1-2 count for home run to left field. Doubled over centerfielders head on line drive in second at bat.

8/17/14 - 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitting RHP/C currently ranked No. 57 in Illinois’ 2015 class impressed as the top overall two-way prospect in attendance at the Chicagoland Open.  Schalasky is receiving Division-1 interest on the mound, but he also can swing it as evidenced by his 93 mph exit velocity.  Hits from an open setup, hands start high, load back smoothly, short stride, good feel for finding barrel, natural lift to short swing with some power projection, especially to his pull side.  Defensively behind the plate, rattled off the top pop time at the event at 1.98 seconds and threw 78 mph from the crouch.  On the mound, shows a feel for three pitches highlighted by an 86-88 mph fastball that has reportedly touched 90 mph on occasion.  Works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot; easy effort from a tall-and-fall delivery, toe down at balance point, level shoulders throughout, stride direction stays in line with home plate, athletic finish.  12/6 curveball had occasional sharp, late action thrown for strikes at 71-73 mph.  Also threw 77-79 mph changeup with arm side run for strikes.  Ran a 7.66 60 and 5.18 from home to first.

2/16/14 6-foot, 180-pound two-way player with an athletic body. On the mound he uses a delivery with regular effort, some rhythm, and clean lines. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 83-84 mph, touching 85 mph once, with running action, for consistent strikes. Showed feel for his curveball, throwing it for strikes at 70-72 mph with true 12/6 shape and some depth. Changeup was 72-74 mph with flashes of quality fade action. Behind the plate he has a solid setup and quality receiving skills. Arm works long, from over the top, at 73 mph from the crouch with accuracy. Pop times were in the 1.95-2.02 range. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Bat path is slightly uphill with above average speed and whip through the zone. Consistently made strong contact. Exit velocity was 90 mph off a tee. Ran a 7.82 60.

10/20/13 - 6-foot, 175-pound athletic, two way player with solid catch and release skills. Pop times were 2.07-2.17 with clean exchanges. Has a quality setup with athletic feet. Throws were accurate, with carry, at 77 mph. From the outfield he throws with a long arm from over the top at 84 mph with quality carry. On the mound he works with a long arm from an over the top slot. Fastball sat an easy 81-83 mph, with run and sink. Throws a curveball with 11/5 shape at 72-74 mph. Changeup is straight, for strikes, sitting 75-76 mph. At the plate has an athletic swing. Creates solid bat speed and extension. Exit velocity was 82 mph off a tee. Ran a 7.68 60.