Collision alert: Mason Marchand holds on for a terrific catch

There was a great catch made in an Illinois high school baseball game on Friday.

Mason Marchand might just be getting a call from Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema tomorrow. The center fielder certainly knows how to make a catch and hold onto the ball.

Playing for Washington Community High School (Washington, Illinois), Marchand made an impressive catch while running into his left fielder Gabe Perez. Both players covered some good ground to get in on the play but Marchand was impressive in getting a good break on what was some solid contact from Seth Harmon of Illinois Valley Central (Chillicothe, Illinois).

Marchand broke well towards the left-center gap and just beat Perez to the ball. Both players went towards the ball at full speed.

In the process of trying to make a play, Perez laid out Marchand, who went flying to the ground. Despite a pretty decent thud, Marchand did not drop the ball.

Come to think of it, Bielema might be interested in Perez too. After all, Perez never left his feet, there was no targeting and he delivered a wicked hit on the play.

New Trier baseball coach sets new record for wins in Illinois

The head varsity baseball coach of the New Trier (Ill.) Trevians has broken a long-standing record for the most wins in Illinois state history.

The head varsity baseball coach of the New Trier (Ill.) Trevians has broken a long-standing record for the most wins in Illinois state history.

Mike Napoleon began his career at New Trier in 1997 and has only suffered one losing season ever since. That adds up to a whole lot of wins. A couple weeks ago, he earned his 951st career victory with friends, family and former players gathered to watch, per an account by the Chicago Sun-Times.

“On April 27, with Napoleon’s family, former players and friends on hand, New Trier shut out Glenbrook North 5-0 for Napoleon’s 951st victory in his 39th season as a head coach. Through Wednesday, he was at 954 and counting.”

The previous record-holder in the state was Dave Swisegood, who began his run way back in 1956.

Despite having coached for nearly 40 years now, Napoleon told the Sun-Times that he still enjoys what he does and doesn’t have plans to retire.

The Trevians crushed Maine West (Ill.) 14-1 on Saturday, bringing their record this season to 22-4.

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Notre Dame baseball series finale canceled, officially sweep weekend

The sweep is official

The Irish have gotten off to a fantastic start in the 2022 season, picking up from where they left off last year. Yes, there are new characters, but Link Jarrett has the Notre Dame baseball team in a great position to once again be an NCAA Tournament team.

Unfortunately the series finale against Marist was canceled due to impending inclement weather. However, the Irish still head back to South Bend with a series sweep, winning all three games played and holding a 5-1 record. They will be highly ranked once again when the polls are updated early this week.

The Irish are back on the road next weekend, as they head to Minneapolis to face three Big Ten teams, Illinois, Michigan State, and Minnesota in U.S. Bank Stadium.

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