Austin Kline, the 5’11″, 185 lb., sophomore at Montini Catholic High School-Lombard (Class of 2014); playing with the MaxBat Sponsored 16U National Team, just recently finished showcasing his skills at the Pastime Wood Bat Showcase 17U/18U Games that were held at the University of Notre Dame’s baseball complex this past Fall weekend of October 1st and 2nd. During the two day Notre Dame wood bat showcase games, the switch-hitting Kline led all catergories for the MaxBat National 16U team offensively. Kline went 6 for 8 at the plate; with a Double to the left/center field gap and ended the games with a .875 On Base Percentage, and 4 stolen bases.
Kline will also be traveling with the Team MaxBat National 16U tournament team to compete in tournaments/showcase camps in Scottsdale, AZ, the Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training stadium in Port Charlotte, Florida, and at the former “Dodgertown” – Vero Beach, Florida; this all in the coming months of January and February, 2012.
For the summer of 2012, the Midwest Dodgers 17/18U team has named Kline to it’s roster to compete in several scouted tournaments over the 2012 summer.
Showing his overall athletic ability and multi-sport talents, Montini’s Kline also currently is a valuable player and asset for the Sophomore/Junior Varsity Basketball team at Montini Catholic High School; assisting in a 2nd Place finish in the Annual Chicago Forman High Thanksgiving Tournment; playing the Guard position. When asked Kline adds…” I am so proud to be a part of the Montini basketball program…being able to be a part of this, being able to positively contribute however I can, as the Coaches here (at Montini) work hard to rebuild this program.” (His athletic ability on the basketball court will be a valuable asset to Montini from Kline’s past League Season records from his 7th (2009) and 8th (2010) grade years, as a Point Guard, respectively; this in the competitive Burr Ridge Park District league of 24.9ppg and 8.9 rpg; and 29.6ppg and 10.1rpg with a game high of 52 points in a 69-66 shootout on a cold January evening in 2010.)
During last year’s baseball season at Montini High School, Kline led the offensive attack for the Broncos with a .545 BA, leading the team in RBI’s and in extra base hits; on a Freshman team that ended with an 15 win – 4 loss season to capture it’s share of the Freshman Suburban Christian Blue conference title. Kline also was called up several times to the Sophomore team and played on the Montini Varsity in 2011 summer play at Third Base. Kline, a “Utility Player”, who is capable of playing any position, looks to be slotted defensively this coming 2012 Varsity season as a Third Baseman and a reserve Catcher.
In addition to the callup of Sophomore Kline to the Bronco’s lineup, there will be a coaching change. Bill Leeberg has been on the Bronco’s coaching staff for 34 years; 31 years as the Head Coach. Bob Landi, Athletic Director and Eric Scott, Varsity coach are set to replace Leeberg in 2012 as the Varsity Coaches at Montini. Bill Leeberg retires after compiling 732 victories (third most in Illinois) and 288 losses for a .718 winning percentage. During Leeberg’s tenure, the Broncos acheived 12 conference titles, 11 regional titles, finished second place at the 2005 Class A state tournament and took third place in the 2002 Illinois state tournament.
Kline will bring his Switch-hitting skills to the 2012 Broncos; along with his excellent wood bat skills; in the newer IHSA bat rules requiring BBCOR/Wood.
In early September, 2011, Kline was selected to the Team MaxBat National All Star 16U Tournament team, after playing the position of First Base for the Team Illinois Select 15U baseball team; leading his team offensively in the Team MaxBat sponsored Wood Bat Championships in Hennepin, Illinois; where the Team Illinois Select 15U team went undefeated and captured the 1st Place MaxBat Illinois State Championship on July 17th, 2011. Overall, in 23 games, for the Team Illinois Select 15U tournament team, Kline led most of all the offensive categories with a: Batting Average: .615, On Base Percentage: .658, 7 Doubles, 3 Triples, 4 Home Runs, 35 RBI’s, 26 Stolen Bases. Kline is one of 4 Illinois players that have been selected to the team. The Montini Catholic Sophomore, Kline continues to excel offensively; having a recent game in late October; representing the Dupage Ducks Elite 15U in Fall play; where Kline went 2 for 3 at the plate, with an Intentional Walk, a Double, a “Grand Slam” Home Run and 7 RBI’s.
Also noteworthy in 2009, Team USA – Baseball, recognized the Hinsdale, Illinois native – Austin Kline as a U.S. All-Star Infielder/Catcher and named Kline to the U.S. Stars Red Team; where Kline competed in the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) held at the Team USA Baseball National complex in Cary, North Carolina, this for a spot on the Team USA 14U National Team.
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