One era of Sandburg baseball is ending this spring with coach Jim Morsovillo set to step down at the end of the season.
But another is just beginning, thanks to players like Quinn Durkin.
The sophomore left fielder reached base four times and scored four runs in Sandburg’s 11-1 home win over Stagg on May 14.
“He puts the ball on the ground, and he gets moving,” Morsovillo said. “He’s been a great addition to the top of the lineup, especially as a sophomore. We’re very lucky to have him playing the way he’s been doing.”
“Being able to be out there and putting the bat on the ball, I want to make it first (base),” Durkin said. “Doesn’t matter how.”
Mission accomplished. Durkin was named Sandburg’s Athlete of Week for baseball on May 16 after going 11 for 18 to push his batting average to .540. He also scored eight times and stole three bases during that span for the Eagles, who were 20-9 after last week.
“I just want to be playing as hard as possible,” Durkin said. “I want to work every time and be running it out. I know if we don’t run it out, we get in trouble.”
Durkin credits his success — as well as his team’s — to the leadership being displayed by seniors such as Nick Morsovillo, the coach’s son, and Augustana recruit AJ Macak.
Morsovillo had three hits, two runs scored and four driven in against Stagg. Macak was 2-for-3 with three runs, a walk and a run batted in.
“The leadership has been great — most of them have been playing for three years on varsity,” Durkin said.
“We are a senior-led team,” Jim Morsovillo said. “It’s certainly helped the younger guys that have been playing.”
Also getting in the mix against Stagg were a pair of juniors. Second baseman Dominic Diamond’s two hits included a two-run triple, while pitcher Peter Jurcenko allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts in five innings.
Another senior who has made an impact on Durkin is Charlie Snoreck. The two are teammates in football as well as baseball. Durkin is a running back and defensive back in the fall, while Snoreck has been a receiver.
“He’s a great player, and a great athlete, too,” Durkin said.
Snoreck, who also played basketball for Sandburg, is heading to Division II Concordia-St. Paul in Minnesota to play football. Durkin hopes to follow a similar path.
“I’d love to play baseball or football in college,” Durkin said. “It’s one of my dreams.”