Oak Park pitcher Golz has some lofty goals

Drew Golz is the latest standout pitcher from Oak Park.
(Rob Hart/Pioneer Press)

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Oak Park has been producing quality pitchers for the better part of four decades. The latest, Drew Golz, has the makeup equal to his predecessors. But his achievements athletically and academically make him stand out among his peers.

Golz, who also was a four-year starter on the soccer team, is one of the Huskies’ 14 valedictorians and will enroll at the Air Force Academy, where he will compete in both sports.

‘‘Drew has a tremendous future in front of him,’’ Oak Park baseball coach Chris Ledbetter said. ‘‘He has the mind-set to be the best at whatever he does. He’s always in control and plays the game the right way.’’

Golz, whose 50 goals shattered the previous school record of 37, makes soccer opponents adjust their defense. Seven of his 16 goals in the fall were game-winners, and nine came on headers.

‘‘Drew is so strong [6-1, 200] and fast that kids just bounce off him," Huskies soccer coach Paul Wright said. "He would always win the 50-50 balls. Opposing teams marked him with one and often two defenders. Whenever he got the ball, he was a threat to score. If he didn't turn and shoot, he would lay the ball off to another player. He reads the game well and always does what was best for the team.

‘‘He has an uncanny ability to go up, time it right and put his head on the ball.’’

On the mound, Golz has been equally dominant. His command of three pitches — fastball, curve and changeup — has baffled batters for two springs.

‘‘I am able to use the whole plate now,’’ said Golz, who is 4-0 with a 1.30 ERA and is hitting .350. ‘‘My location is better, and I am confident using any of my pitches.’’

Scott Nelson, who has worked with Golz at Strikes Baseball Academy since seventh grade, said Golz’s prodigious gifts have yet to be fully realized.

‘‘Drew has so much raw talent, it’s incredible,’’ Nelson said. ‘‘He has exceptional mental makeup. He’s such a natural, and a freak of nature. I don’t think it would surprise anyone if he became a doctor, fighter pilot or professional athlete. You just know he’ll be successful in whatever he does.’’

Golz is undecided about his major but is considering pre-med and business in addition to possibly training to be a fighter pilot.

‘‘School was always the first priority,’’ said Golz, who usually is up close to midnight doing schoolwork. ‘‘I am not sure which way I’ll go in college. I’ll know better after my freshman year.’’

1. Sean Lawrence (1989) -- Flame-throwing lefty. Fastball, breaking ball and change. Capable of striking out or hitting a batter. A 6-4, 200-pounder drafted out of St. Francis, pitched for the Pirates in ’98.

2. Scott Nelson (1985) -- First Oak Park freshman ever to start in the rotation. Refined lefty, exceptional command and control of secondary pitches. The Huskies' all-time leader with 38 wins. Drafted by the White Sox and played Class AA with the Brewers. Accomplished pitching instructor at Strikes Baseball Academy.

4. Jason Klonoski (1985) -- Lefty threw in the mid-'80s with solid breaking ball and control. Hit .490 and 17 homers as a senior. Mentally tough on the mound and at the plate. Played at Arizona and made it to AAA with the Minnesota Twins.

5. Ben Shelton (1987) -- Intimidating at the plate and on the mound. The 6-3, 210-pound lefty threw high 80s, very good size, curve; best hitter in area. "A man athlete against adolescent boys," former Lyons coach Terry Sullivan said. "It was remote control when he was on the mound." Drafted by the Pirates in the second round (1987) made it to the major in 1993.

6. Ian Berger (2005) -- Exceptional control, master of five pitches; a gamer. No. 2 pitcher at Missouri, a top five team in the country. Good knuckleball, great slider.

7. Tim Dennehy (2005) -- Tireless worker with a 90 mph fastball and curve. Outstanding sophomore year in junior college led to signing with the Yankees; currently in class A.

8. Ian Mathews (2002) -- At 5-7, 155 pounds, Matthews was untouchable as a junior with his fastball and knuckle curve. Played at St. Joseph's in Indiana.

9. Justin Olson (1998) -- Played at Illinois and reached Class AA with the Twins. Hard-throwing right hander.

10. Jim McManus (1976) -- Strong fastball and curve. Pitched at Triton, Nebraska and in Class A with the Cubs in the early '80s.