Alex Abraham’s Impressive Turnaround with Geneva Vikings
Junior catcher Alex Abraham has seen significant growth over the past year with the Geneva Vikings. During his sophomore season, he excelled defensively but struggled offensively, hitting .180 with only 15 hits. “I had a rough sophomore season,” Abraham admitted, recounting his performance with a knowing smile.
The offseason presented its challenges. Abraham had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, an injury from summer baseball. Yet determination guided his recovery, allowing him to start playing again in February. Focusing on improving his hitting, he spent substantial time practicing in batting cages.
The effort paid off. In a Class 3A Sycamore Sectional semifinal against Belvidere North, Abraham contributed to Geneva’s 12-1 victory. He singled in the first inning, marking his 47th hit of the season, scored a run, and executed a sacrifice fly to top 32 RBIs. The Vikings, now 31-7, look ahead to the sectional title game against Rockford Boylan, who emerged 7-4 over Wheaton Academy.
Speaking about his transformation at the plate, Abraham reflected, “I used to have a wide stride. I simplified it by shortening my stance.” His .411 batting average is second to teammate Mason Bruesch, who leads with .438.
The Vikings have experienced an impressive season turnaround. After an early exit in the Class 4A playoffs last year, the shift to Class 3A has revitalized the team, invigorated by a drop in school enrollment. “We didn’t come into the playoffs flat this year,” Abraham noted. “Our energy levels were much higher.”
A well-rounded pitching staff has been crucial, particularly sophomore left-hander AJ Minderman. Minderman carried a perfect game into the fourth inning against Belvidere North, striking out five over 5 2/3 innings. He gave up only one run on four hits and two walks. He had already showcased his skill with a no-hitter against Streamwood. Coach Brad Wendell praised the pitching strength: “We can trust anyone we put on the mound to throw strikes.”
Abraham worked closely with Minderman in the winter, acknowledging, “He might not have the fastest velocity, but his fastball is consistent and his range is impressive.”
Contributions came from all corners of the lineup. Bruesch, committed to Michigan State, opened the game with a triple and concluded with two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Ryan Kastor and Nelson Wendell each added two hits. The team’s aggressive strategy resulted in 12 stolen bases, underlined by Coach Wendell’s approach: “If we see the opportunity, we take it.”
As a team captain, chosen by his peers, Abraham continues to excel. He’s already set to return to football this fall. “The catcher is a leadership role,” said Wendell. “Alex has embraced it fully. His leadership, both in handling our pitching staff and at the plate, is commendable.”