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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Sam Antonacci, a graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, has recently stepped onto the major league stage with the Chicago White Sox, joining the team on April 15. His ascent to the MLB is a source of pride for many, including his former high school head coach, Nick Naumovich.
Naumovich, reflecting on Antonacci’s journey, expressed immense excitement at witnessing one of his protégés thrive on such a significant platform. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch Sam play,” Naumovich shared. “He played with the same intensity and passion here six or seven years ago. His aggressive base running and unyielding dedication to the team were evident back then, and it’s exhilarating to see him continue in the same vein and find success,” he added.
Currently, Antonacci is batting .225 and has achieved 6 RBIs over 40 plate appearances, showcasing his potential on the field.
While Naumovich might not have predicted Antonacci’s journey to becoming a fifth-round MLB draft pick during his high school years, he recognized the young athlete’s unique qualities early on. Antonacci’s former coach noted that even then, there was something special about him, hinting at the promising career that lay ahead.
Naumovich didn’t know for sure if the future 5th-round pick would make it to the MLB when he was in high school, but said he saw him display special traits.
“Sam was certainly different.” “Just how he approached showing up to practice, and how he went about the day-to-day.” “If anybody was going to do something, it would be Sammy.”