The following men are Mount Carmel alumni who are competing in college or professional baseball in 2007. In addition to building character for a lifetime and winning championships, the Mount Carmel baseball program prides itself on preparing student-athletes to play the game at the highest levels of baseball. Under Brian Hurry, the program has sent nine players to Division I Baseball programs since 2002. In June of 2006, three Mount Carmel grads were selected in Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft.

Below, Brian Hurry offers his heartfelt words on each alumnus, how he remembers them and what they stand for. Enjoy!

John Mallee, 1987, Current Minor League Hitting Coordinator, Florida Marlins
Named Man of the Year in 2005 in the Florida Marlins Organization

"I've known for years what the rest of baseball is just realizing, that John is one of the finest hitting instructors in the country. Look at the success the Marlins organization has had in recent years turning out great young hitters. And the impact he has had on MC baseball has been tremendous. His work behind the scenes has been a huge part of our success."

Cesar Carrillo, 2002, Pitcher: Portland (AAA) Beavers, San Diego Padres Organizations
Drafted in Round One of the 2005 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by San Diego

"The San Diego Padres drafted a winner when they drafted Cesar Carrillo. Two words come to mind when I reflect on Cesar's days at MC. DOMINANT AND CONFIDENT.......During Cesar's is sophomore year we put him in to get the last 6 outs against eventual State Champion New Trier. Protecting a 1 run lead on the road, he just oozed confidence and New Trier's 26 game-winning streak was over. I always say if they don't bite when their pups they won't bite when their dogs. And Cesar bit big time!"

Matt Evans, 2003, Infielder at Benedictine University. Two-Year Captain.

"Matt was a great teammate during his days at MC. I'm not sure I can pay someone a greater compliment than that. Team chemistry was such a huge part of our overall success in 2003 and Matt had great relationships with everyone. As the starting 3rd baseman on back to back Sectional Championship teams, Matt was an integral part of all we accomplished. Matt has coninued to be a leader at the next level where he is serving as captain of the baseball team at Benedictine University."

Dan O'Brien, 2003, Pitcher Auburn (Short A) Double Days, Toronto Blue Jays Organization
Former All-Mac pitcher for Western Michigan
Drafted in Round Eight of the 2006 MLB Draft

"The only player I've had that was chosen to be captain as a junior and a senior. Danny exemplified all the characteristics that MC
baseball is all about. He played with guts, determination and heart. His competitiveness was sincere and it infected our entire ball club. Dan was drafted in the 8th round as a pitcher out of college, but at MC he was also our lead-off man. The visual that will stay with me forever is Danny out on the mound with his uniform filthy from just running the bases and him bearing down on the opposing hitters. That sums up Danny O'Brien."

Brett Kellam, 2003, Pitcher/Outfielder at Northern Illinois University

"You talk about a clutch performer, that was Brett during his days playing baseball at MC. Brett had his best games when the
ball club needed him the most. Besides setting a school record for RBI his senior year, he was also one of our best on the mound. Brett's toughness and blue collar approach to games and practices really epitomized what we're all about. I remember Brett for many great moments, but how about his 2-run homer to tie Brother Rice in the Sectional Championship game. And then, better yet, he lays down a perfect sacrifce bunt in his next at-bat that leads to the eventual winning run. Yes, our 4 hitter does bunt at MC. And by the way, all Brett did two days later was throw a complete game 3 hitter in the Super-Sectional to send us downstate
for the first time in school history."

George Bruggenthies, 2003, Outfielder at Loras College

"Every championship team needs a George Bruggentheiss. His passion and desire for the game of baseball is what it's all about. His genuine love and concern for his teammates is what every championship team is made of. His consistent positive attitude and
work ethic was such an example to his teammates and screamed to everyone that he respected the game and the MC baseball program. George was as valuable as anyone to our success and continues to make me proud to this day."

Brian Spear, 2004, Infielder at Kentucky
Currently hitting .351 with 49 runs and 42 RBI.

"The hardest worker and most mature player I've coached is Brian Spear. Brian really undesrstood the value of controlling the mental side of the game and how that allows you to perform at your maximum level. We typically give our players multiple handouts to read throughout the season and recommend different books to improve mental toughness and Brian took those assignments very seriously. And as much as he worked at improving his mental game, he was relentless in his pyhsical workouts. No way were you ever going to outwork Brian Spear. As a result of this approach, Brian holds the MC single season hit record with 59 in 2003. And even more impressive than that is in 3 Sectional Championship game appearances from 2002 through 2004, Brian did not make an out, going 10 for 10 with multiple RBI. That is Brian Spear's legacy and what an example for our
current players to follow. Kentucky has a great one in Brian Spear!"

Robert Snarskis, 2004, Pitcher at St. Joseph's College, Rensselear, IN

"HEART is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Robert Snarskis. Every time Robert took the mound, you knew he was giving the team everything he had. He pitched with passion and always wanted the ball in the biggest games. His leadership and work ethic have left a big mark on our program and continue to influence current MC pitchers, including Tommy Zelasko. In the Caravan baseball program, we want our players to compete with passion and Robert is the model for all players to follow."

Joe Koehler, 2005, Pitcher at St. Francis University

"Joe is the model for being a team player and persevering during his days at MC. After throwing just 6 innings as a junior, Joe continued to work hard and as a senior was the ace of the staff that made it to the title game in 2005. Joe really understood the type of pitcher he was and what he needed to do to be successful. He threw strikes early in the count and a lot of them. In 2005 Joe went to a three ball count only 27 times. That is amazing and quite a formula for success. He will always be remembered for throwing a complete game 3 hitter against highly touted St. Rita in the 2005 sectional championship game and then just two days later earning the win in relief against nationally ranked Lyons Township. That propelled us back down state for the second time in three years. Joe currently has the privilege to play, as I did, for the best baseball coach in the country, where he competes for Gordie Gillespie at the University of St. Francis in Joilet, IL. 'JFK'"

Ryan Schiever, 2005, Catcher at Triton College

"I always say that if I was forced to start a team from scratch, I would start with finding the best defensive catcher possible and work from there. Ryan was the starting catcher as a sophomore when teammate Brett Kellam threw a 3 hitter to send us downstate for the first time in school history. A tough assignment for just a sophomore, but what a job he did and from there he just kept getting better. I remember Ryan as being a tough competeitor that loved to win. His value behind the plate in that three year span was tremendous and in the end resulted in two trips down state. Ryan worked extremely hard at improving his game and his love for the game was something that was repsected by his teammates and coaches. I found my catcher."

MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!!