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2001 Highlights: Started every game for Illini at first base • Hit first home run as an Illini in a 9-2 win over Sam Houston State to help lead Illinois to McKenzie Valentine Championship. • Scored game-tying run in win over Southern Mississippi. • Ranked third on the team in stolen bases (12) • Posted a .990 Fielding Pct., the second-best on the team, committing just five errors in 526 chances. • Went 3-for-6 with two runs scored in Indiana State doubleheader. • Had a banner game at Eastern Illinois, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and three RBI. • Batted .400 with three runs scored at Buzz Classic.
Prep Highlights: Member of 2000 Sandburg team that placed third in state championship and 1999 team that placed fourth • Finished 2000 season with .281 batting average and 1999 season with .373 batting average • 2000 Illinois State hitting derby champion • Three-year varsity starter in softball • three-year varsity letterwinner for basketball • Played for two-time SICA West champion • State finalist in 3-point shootout in 1998 • High School Coach was Randy Couwenhoven • Played for Orland Park As(1992-94, 1998-2000) and Sparks (1995-97) • Club coaches were Paul Otto, Ralph Wiley, Al Golonka, and Marcel Cairo • Club teams qualified for AFA Nationals in 1999, 1998, 1996, and 1994 and for ASA Nationals in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999.
Personal: 2000 Illinois State Scholar • member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta • math resource center tutor • First Class Leader and P.E. Leader • Majoring in English. • Plans on pursuing a career as a high school English teacher. • Born Feb. 10, 1982 • Parents are Bob and Mary Hammel.
