Q&A: Highland Park Hurler Luke Weber Talks Illini Commitment
Class of 2024 pitcher, an all-CSL performer a season ago, verbally committed to Illinois baseball.
Highland Park Class of 2024 pitcher Luke Weber has been on a roll as of late. After finishing a season in which he was one of the best hurlers in the CSL, Weber picked things up through the summer on the travel ball circuit. He recently announced his verbal commitment to the Illinois Fighting Illini.
CSLV: When did you first connect with the Illinois coaching staff and what do they like about your game that made them interested?
LW: “My summer team coaches had talked with them prior but my first call with them was mid to early October. They knew I was coming to their prospect camp and were originally interested. They liked how I locate all of my pitches (Especially fastball and change-up).”
CSLV: So what was that prospect camp like and how much have you worked on your game since the end of the spring season? I assume lots of travel ball these last few months?
LW: “Played travel ball from as soon as school ended up till the very start of August. Some of the tournaments included going to Georgia x2, North Carolina, and most of the states in the Midwest.”
CSLV: What enabled you to make a leap the last year or so that propelled you to the D1 level?
LW: “Over the offseason last winter, I went from throwing around 84 to touching 90 in a bullpen. For most of the summer I was topping in game 88.
Once you get into the upper 80’s, college scouts start to come around.”
CSLV: How do you think this last varsity season went and what are your expectations for the spring varsity season?
LW: “Last varsity season went pretty well. Felt on command with most of my pitches and was pretty successful throughout the season. I’m hoping for HP to be a standout team this upcoming season with having a strong pitching staff.”
CSLV: Any particular goals you’re setting or you’ve talked about with teammates or coaches?
LW: “The last two years, we’ve been cut out after losing our regional in the first round. A goal of mine and the team would be to make a run in the playoffs.”
CSLV: In college, what type of impact do you want to make, and what are you hopeful to study in college?
LW: “Illinois has a ton of great recruits so I’m hoping for us to win a big ten championship and make it as far as we can. Not sure yet what I will be studying in college.”
