The Panthers wrapped up their 2022 season last week and while there will be no appearance in the Region IV Tournament, there is still plenty to celebrate.
Becoming the third squad in program history to post 30-plus wins in a season is an achievement the program has been craving for years. They also became only the second to achieve over 30 victories in a season.
"We learned about what it takes to win the region, how truly competitive this region is. It is a good step forward, it is setting us up for future success. I do think this is only the beginning, not a one-year wonder and we have a good foundation in place moving forward. It is a credit to our guys who put the work in every day and got the job done. Credit to them," head coach Chris Wido praised.
One of the many stars of the team was first baseman Julio Trevino. He had the fourth most at-bats on the team and drove in 42 runners across the plate, trailing only Alex Brodie for the team-high.
Trevino had an absurd on-base percentage of .525 meaning he reached base multiple times per game in a failing sport where we see the best in the game struggle. For context, Juan Soto led all of MLB in 2021 with an insane .465 clip and among teams, the Houston Astros led the way at .339.
"Reshaping this program has always been one of my goals since playing at Morton College. Now people will know who Morton College is once again," Trevino said.
Being loved by all his teammates, coach Wido had nothing but respect for the star first baseman.
"Julio was this team's anchor all year. His mentality and approach at the plate were on another level. He's been a pleasure to coach and I look forward to following his future success," said Wido.
The Panthers went 32-20 on the season, which was their first winning season since 2011. That was a memorable year, as it stands out as the most wins in single-season history (35).
In a season where there were a few dozen cancellations due to unforgiving weather, the squad battled and accomplished so much throughout the season.
While the Panthers avoided major injuries early on the season, the team battled adversity with several road trips that were out of state and the Chicago weather in March and April often cuts down the season on an average year.
"This was the most rain we had in 63 years I was told, so lucky me. Never want to play the what-if, but had we played the full 56-game schedule, as it was originally written. We made the most of the hand we were dealt with and did well at adding games on the fly and adjusting. It was a season full of adjustments," Wido commented.
Many teams were able to play half their schedule at home or perhaps even more and the Panthers battled to a 24-16 road record (8-4 neutral).
"It does wear on you when the longer drives get stacked up on the same weekend, our road record (24-16) was very good and it was a testament to our guys not making excuses. Using the time on the bus to prepare mentally and lock in, be ready to go. It probably did wear a little bit, but we did a tremendous job our guys making the most of it," Wido said praising his team.
Prep Baseball Report had the team ranked No. 24 in April. The Panthers earned that ranking after upsetting Kankakee, 12-8. It propelled them to success and the squad knew they had what it took to compete with anybody.
"We have said it since day one, we are capable of beating any team with the talent we have in our region. It was that moment we understood and saw it. It was far from perfect, but we held the mistakes to a minimum and capitalized and that was a big confidence booster to compete with anybody at any given time," Wido stated.
Another star that helped lead this team throughout the season was starting catcher Alex Brodie. The RBI machine often took over late in games, often deciding how big of an inning the Panthers were in store for.
The Skyway Conference revealed its All-Conference performers earlier this week and seven Panthers heard their names called, including honorable mentions. Superstar shortstop Tommy Schroeder was a force all season and gave Morton College a memorable season that will never be forgotten!
"Tommy Schroeder was the ideal leadoff man for us all year long. He set the tone for our offense from the first AB of the game and wreaked havoc for opposing pitchers when on the bases. Defensively he made some jaw-dropping plays and really provided good mentorship for some of the freshmen. He was huge for us all year and a very special ballplayer that will go far in this game," said Wido.
Looking at the numbers, the shortstop was one of the best leadoff hitters in America. Leading the team with 21 extra-base hits, Schroeder posted an insane slash line of .392/.505/.567.
There was a constant among all the members of the team on why there was so much success. Many credited the family approach, but the ability to be relaxed and enjoy the season with coach Wido calling the shots was special.
"The freedom he gives us, he knows how to control us and lets us be our own person and that is why we have connected so well as a team," said Brodie in regards to coach Wido.
One of the aces of the staff was Logan Romasanta and he credited the team comradery and felt Wido was always a pleasure to be around.
"It is his ability to communicate with all his players," Romasanta praised Wido.
Third baseman Diego Da Rin made such an impact at the hot corner in the lineup and out on the field defensively. The team's success was pointed towards Wido and Da Rin credited the ability to never play under pressure.
"He is very honest with us, always honest and encouraging, doesn't put pressure on us. Helps the team with the mental aspect of the game," said Da Rin.
Star second baseman David Burch battled a hamstring injury down the stretch, but he was vital to the success the team sustained and he was just one of the many tremendous players they had at their disposal.
Baseball is such a challenging game from the mental aspect, but Burch was one of the smarter players on the squad that enjoyed the season with his head coach.
"Very loose, understanding the game of baseball, a fan of the game, and lets us be ourselves," Burch preached Wido.
When looking back at the season now that it is complete, Wido believes his first season as the head coach sets up for a bright future ahead.
"When they came here, they were planning for a different head coach, they didn't sign up for me but a big credit to them they bought in from the fall. It is really their program at the end of the day. I can say how I would like for us to play but it is up to them with the standards we are after, it is their program and as a former player, I am aware of how mentally exhausting this game can be. Trying to make sure everybody has freedom and relaxation to understand it is okay to not be perfect out there helps players to relax and play the best possible. We hammer home in practice that the game will slow down on its own and it allows guys to play at a comfortable level," Wido stated.
While they fell short of some of their goals such as winning the Region IV Tournament, this program entered many firsts in 2022.
Getting ranked during the season for the first time in program history is a memory and lesson learned of how quickly they have come in one season with Wido at the helm.
"The accolades are certainly nice, our team GPA was 3.3 in the fall,l was the highest of the department and that is what I am most proud of, to succeed in the classroom. Their baseball career will eventually come to an end and there are so many great memories of this season. These outstanding individuals will do great things beyond the game and it is great to be a part of their life in regards to the growth and development," Wido said.
The second season ahead for Wido is sure to bring a ton of excitement to the program. Despite a few years as an assistant, building this squad into a real winner in 2022 will go a long way to becoming a consistent winning program in the Skyway conference.
"Moving forward, the future looks good. A strong nucleus of position players and better with more experience under their belts. Impact pitchers coming in that will challenge some of those other elite teams. Time to plan for a proper fall ball that will benefit us. A few showcases to help us get recruited. A full fall schedule full of games and dive in and individualize the workout programs and practice plans. Really looking forward to where we are going and there are plenty of recruits that will help," Wido said looking ahead.
As always, be sure to stay tuned to our social media pages @McAthletics1924 and @MCPBaseball for all the latest thrilling offseason news, notes, interviews, and updates on Panther baseball.
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