By Miles TooGo- Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill
** Additional Photos are Available at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p841821983 **
With Cactus and Grapefruit leagues underway in Arizona and Florida, the baseball itch is making its way around the country.
Teams at all levels have commenced practicing as they get ready for the 2024 season to arrive.
Many teams have been underway for several weeks, gathering indoors where weather is still a factor. Hitting, fielding and of course pitching as best they can in cages, artificial mounds and indoor turf facilities.
Soon teams will be outdoors everywhere even if Mother Nature isn’t abiding.
The 2024 season will see the debut of the Illinois Wolves.
The 12-year-old travel baseball team comes together under the tutelage of Coach Brandin Muniz, assisted by Coach Grant Johnson.
Both Muniz and Johnson have in their baseball resumes, stints in Professional baseball with years of experience on the diamond.
Prior to the creation of the Illinois Wolves, Coach Muniz was providing baseball lessons to boys as an instructor of the Chicago White Sox.
His instructive baseball teachings were quite welcomed by many and soon he was in high demand for private instruction. His schedule soon filled with folks waiting for an opening throughout the year.
Asked and convinced to coach some of his baseball clients, a one-day open tryout was scheduled.
Word got around about the tryout and calls started coming in to Muniz for more information. Among those inquiring included several of the top 12-year-olds in the area. Soon, there were hopes of gaining a spot on the promising squad.
After an evaluating session which included batting, fielding and throwing, Coaches Muniz and Johnson selected boys they felt would best fit their way of playing baseball.
As the opening game approaches, the Illinois Wolves will soon find out if high expectations are warranted.
One thing seen during indoor practices is the comradery among this group of boys. Many will be playing together for the first time, but the friendships are quite noticeable, a sign of having the same goal and enjoyment of being on the same team.
These boys know each other’s talents, good players want to play with other good players and share successes. It appears the Illinois Wolves have that already prior to the start of the season.
With an 80-game schedule along with numerous tournaments including one in Myrtle Beach, this team will be tested. Will they perform as expected? Will they be an “elite AAA” team as one mom said they are? ….the first pitch is soon to come.
Meet the 2024 Illinois Wolves:
Auggie Ruffolo:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite Sports Movie?- “Miracle”
Which Superhero are you most like?- SpiderMan
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hanging out with my guys
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- When my Dad Farted Loud in the dugout
2024 Baseball season goal?- Hit a Homerun
Coach Muniz said about Auggie: “Auggie will contribute big for us in 2024. His “Tough as Nails” mentality carries over from being a hockey goalie which will translate huge for us as a catcher. He will also contribute for us in the outfield and is one of two big lefties in our lineup.”
Brian Grogan:
Favorite Sports Team?- Iowa Hawkeyes
Favorite Sports Movie?- “Remember the Titans”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Captain America
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hanging out with my friends
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- My Brothers coming up to the dugout
2024 Baseball season goal?- To Hit 5 Homeruns
Coach Muniz said about Brian: “Brian is the backbone of this team. His work ethics, leadership and production on the field will set the tone for our teams’ success. He is the teams “Charlie Conway”-(Mighty Ducks).
Christian Slazak:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago Cubs
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Superman
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Fishing
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Telling me how to play baseball when my mom sits in her chair drinking from her Yeti.
2024 Baseball season goal?- Hit 20 Homeruns
Coach Muniz said about Christian: “Christian will be one of our biggest bats in the lineup along with being one of our biggest arms too. He will be a real challenge for opposing pitchers. No doubt his 6-foot frame will intimidate teams when he’s hitting Nukes.”
Eamon Muldoon:
Favorite Sports Team?- Notre Dame
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Flash
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Playing Fortnite
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- When my dad yells from the stands
2024 Baseball season goal?- Hit a Homerun
Coach Muniz said about Eamon: “Defensively Smooth as Silk and a nuisance on the base-path for opposing defenses, Eamon should lead our team in runs scored. I expect he will do a great job of putting us in scoring position all season.”
Gavin Smith:
Favorite Sports Team?- St Louis Cardinals
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Benchwarmers”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Flash
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Playing the Bass Guitar
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Nothing, I guess I’m not embarressing for now
2024 Baseball season goal?- HIt a Dinger
Coach Muniz said about Gavin: “Gavin turned out to be a welcome surprise at our baseball tryouts. He showed a very well-rounded display of baseball skills along with the abilities of a solid contact hitter. He will contribute to an already deep roster.”
Graham Johnson:
Favorite Sports Team?- Kansas Jayhawks
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Blind Side”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Iron Man
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hang out with friends
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Mom yelling out “Lets Go #5”
2024 Baseball season goal?- 75 RBI’s
Coach Muniz said of Graham: “One of our big sticks in the lineup, Graham has the ability to hit Rockets everywhere. He solidifies our corners defensively and will also be one of our guns on the mound this year.”
Griff Sinkovich:
Favorite Sports Team?- Bengals
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- SpiderMan
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Playing Video Games
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Playing Titanic walk-up song
2024 Baseball season goal?- To Hit Nukes
Coach Muniz said of Griff: “As one of our fastest players, Griff will live in the middle-Infield. Gifted with a very strong arm defensively and on the mound. I have a feeling he will feed at the plate this year offensively and be a plus defensively as well.“
Johnny Burke:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago White Sox
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Blind Side”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Superman
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hanging out with friends
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Calling me “Johnny Bear”
2024 Baseball season goal?- Batting over .400
Coach Muniz said of Johnny: “A team of “Johnny Burke-like” players is every coach’s dream. He has a strong arm, can move, hits a ton and bust his butt in practice. One of our leaders who ups his game whenever he’s out on the field.”
Michael Petrbok:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago Cubs
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Superman
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hanging out with friends
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Yell and Scream at me
2024 Baseball season goal?- Never Give up
Coach Muniz said of Michael: “Michael has one of the strongest arms on the team. A Lefty pitcher with great movement will benefit our team and frustrate opponents. He turns on everything coming his way at the plate. He’s a tough, gritty player and an asset to our team both ways.”
Quinn Robinson:
Favorite Sports Team?- Miami Dolphins
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- The Hulk
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Hanging out with friends or Fish
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- They don’t do anythng to embarrass me
2024 Baseball season goal?- Continue to improve as a player and have fun too
Coach Muniz said about Quinn: “Quinn brings his raw talents to the team this year. A big frame athlete, he throws hard and hits missiles. Look for Quinn to add to the tally of skills for us, both in the field and at the plate.”
Tyler Sokolnicki:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago Cubs
Favorite Sports Movie?- “Trouble with the Curve”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Batman
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Play Video Games
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Take embarressing photos
2024 Baseball season goal?- Get my bat speed up
Coach Muniz said of Tyler: “As a seasoned veteran behind the dish, Tyler brings experience with a loaded strong arm not just as a catcher but also on the mound when called on. Add that he puts the ball in play quite often; what a plus he will be for our team.”
Nico Villanueva:
Favorite Sports Team?- Chicago Bulls
Favorite Sports Movie?- “The Sandlot”
Which Superhero are you most like?- Batman
Favorite Activity outside of Sports?- Swimming
Most Embarrassing thing Mom or Dad do at games?- Hearing them scream
2024 Baseball season goal?- Hit a Homerun and be the best teammate I can be
Coach Muniz added about Nico: “Nico adds his talents on the mound to an already strong pitching depth. Among the hardest throwers on the team, he also contributes as one of the most versatile. As one of our bigger guys, we expect he will be turning heads with his hitting prowess.”
“This year’s team was assembled purposely to be as successful as possible. We have deeper pitching than most of the teams we’ll play and a starting rotation I expect many batters will not feel comfortable facing,” said Coach Muniz
“Offensively, our line up I feel, will be a nightmare for opposing pitching to get through. With speed at the top and bottom of our order, and with a devastating heart of our lineup, I expect we will pose a mismatch for many pitchers we face. It’s my job as coach to put these boys in the best situation to succeed and win.
Collectively, we practice and play with a certain intensity and focus every time we take the field until we’re off the field. We train like it’s all business when we gear up.”
“Let’s Show Em How We Do Business Boys”
5 thoughts on “Illinois Wolves 12U Ready For 2024 Debut”
Such a great article. Looking forward to this season. Let’s go wolves!
Love the article! Thank you!!
What a great article! Go Wolves!
Hitting “Nukes” at the plate, throwing a lot of strikes while on the mound and having fun. Awesome article!
Hitting “Nukes” at the plate, throwing a lot of strikes on the mound and having a great time together. Should be a fantastic season!