Naperville North’s Patrick Graham has a cherished childhood memory of the first baseball gift from his parents.
It was a bat with a specialized tee and red ball. Just clutching it evoked a feeling that signaled the beginning of his love affair with the game.
The joy of standing up at the plate and swinging away was the ultimate form of self-actualization. Graham had the same chance to experience what he saw older players and professionals do.
“Every time you got up, you had a chance to do something cool,” Graham said. “You watch guys on TV playing at the level you want to play at and you just want to be the best you can.”
Graham, a senior shortstop, is the linchpin for the Huskies, who are off to a 2-0 start after Monday’s 8-3 nonconference victory at Wheaton North.
Versatility makes Graham a focal point and centerpiece for Naperville North.
Graham, who’s committed to national junior college powerhouse Wabash Valley, is the face of the team as the No. 3 hitter and a defensive anchor.
As if that weren’t enough, Naperville North coach Jimmy Chiappetta uses Graham as a closer in DuPage Valley Conference games.
“Whether he’s at the plate, in the field, or on the hill, he wants to be the guy in the big moment,” Chiappetta said. “He has next-level skills and the ability to do things not all players can. His growth as a leader has been fun to watch.”
Graham, who was elevated to the varsity at the end of his freshman year, was ready to be the starting shortstop as a sophomore until that season was canceled due to the pandemic.
In his first full season as a junior, Graham hit .273 with 24 runs and 31 RBIs. He also had 12 stolen bases.
As a pitcher, he collected two wins and two saves, striking out 15 in innings.
Graham turned creative during the forced downtime of the quarantine as a sophomore. He was determined to find a way to stay sharp — to continue to develop and refine his skills.
“I knew I needed to get bigger, stronger and faster,” Graham said. “I made an in-home gym and gained 25-30 pounds in that time frame.
“The power came naturally. I just worked on my swing every day.”
His approach and mentality at the plate also changed.
Before the quarantine, Graham said his focus was simply getting on base any way imaginable, laying down bunts, forcing walks or using his speed.
Now, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Graham is a power hitter with the ability to spray the ball to any corner of the field. He had 17 extra-base hits as a junior, including 12 doubles, four triples and a home run.
Batting third in the order, he fully accepts the burden and heightened pressure of being a primary run generator.
“I like the idea of having a guy on base,” Graham said. “I have to do whatever I have to get in order to get him in.”
Graham has been building toward this moment. After playing in top travel programs, he switched over to the Chicago-based Elite Baseball Training.
He performed very well in their top fall leagues. And his time is now.
“I remember when we lost to Romeoville in the state playoffs last year,” Graham said. ‘I looked at the seniors and thought to myself, ‘That’s me next year.’
“I want to do everything possible to make sure this year is loose, fun and memorable. That is when you play your best.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
