Naperville North junior right-hander Brian Sokolnicki’s hobby involves older models.
For the Huskies, he’s a new one.
Sokolnicki, who started repairing and restoring vehicles about a year ago, made his varsity debut this season and has been impressive so far.
“We didn’t have many guys coming back, and we wanted to get him experience,” Naperville North coach Jim Chiappetta said. “He’s got good stuff. The ball moves well. We’re looking to fill out our rotation, so guys are getting chances and opportunities. He’s been consistent, and we’re excited to see more.
“I think it does revolve more around his potential. Based on the JV level last year and what we’ve seen from him, he’s got the tools of a solid varsity pitcher.”
Featuring a four-pitch repertoire, Sokolnicki has recorded a 1.18 ERA with five strikeouts in six innings across two appearances for the Huskies (0-3).
In the season opener against Lemont, Sokolnicki entered the game with two runners on base and no outs in the top of the seventh inning and worked his way out of the jam with just three pitches. His last one induced a double play.
Five days later, Sokolnicki started against Yorkville and allowed one earned run on six hits in five innings. He said his ability to throw first-pitch strikes was essential.
“I treated the Yorkville game like a normal start and tried to just be myself and not do something I’m not capable of doing,” he said. “I felt like my velocity was not there, and I was pretty tight in my hips, but it was the best command I’ve had. I was pretty happy about that.
“I learned I could be more than I think I can be.”
Chiappetta is glad to see it.
“He’s shown he has the potential when the baseball is in his hands,” Chiappetta said. “He was a thrower with movement when he came in, and now he has brought more into his craft that comes with being a pitcher.”
Sokolnicki is learning to adapt as he works on his family’s 2005 Ford Explorer, which has racked up 136,000 miles.
“Working on cars takes a lot of patience, like in baseball,” he said. “You need a calm head. You can’t get super angry, or you will strip a bolt and you will get super upset and break more stuff. You have to take it step by step to resolve a problem.
“It has taught me patience. You can’t get super mad at things you can’t control. It’s aligned pretty well with my baseball career, teaching me how to handle tough moments.”
Sokolnicki has impressed his teammates.
“On the mound, Brian is competitive and energetic,” Naperville North senior outfielder/pitcher Max Steele said. “He is very genuine and brings enthusiasm and humor to the team that others gravitate to.”
Naperville North junior shortstop/pitcher Brady Marino agrees that Sokolnicki is a bright spot for the Huskies.
“His positive attitude makes him a special guy who you want to be around,” Marino said.
Sokolnicki is a good fit from Chiappetta’s vantage point too.
“He’s a fun and energetic kid with a good personality,” Chiappetta said. “He gets along with his teammates. That’s something that matters in baseball.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
