School: Naperville Central, 1996
Position: Quarterback
College: Illinois
Lavery, a Tribune first-team All-State quarterback in 1995, is a pitcher for the Lansing Lugnuts, a Cubs Class A affiliate. He was drafted twice by the Cubs and signed with them in 1999. The 6-foot-3-inch left-hander finished the season with a 2-1 record and 2.43 earned-run average in 30 appearances–29 as a reliever.
Which sport was your first love?
“I always loved baseball. I only played football because I couldn’t play baseball in the fall. I wasn’t even that good at football. I was the B team quarterback my sophomore year before I peaked as a junior.”
What do you miss about high school football?
“I miss being around the guys. To me, there was no better feeling than playing with kids I grew up with my entire life. I played 14 games my senior year [and advanced to the state title game]. Nothing compares to that.”
Would you rather be a starter or a relief pitcher?
“I like coming out of the bullpen. As a reliever, I have some of that football mentality. I have to throw strikes for three or four innings and keep the team in the game.”
