Prep Baseball Illinois Player of the Week: Patrick Connors
May 20, 2025
Setting a school record is always a special accomplishment, and Patrick Connors (Hinsdale Central, 2026) picked the perfect time to do so - helping his team to a perfect 6-0 week while going an eye-opening 14-for-18 at the plate with one triple, five doubles, eight RBIs, 11 runs scored, 10 stolen bases and four walks - all while setting his school’s single-season stolen base record when he surpassed the 35 mark. For his record-setting performance and outstanding week at the plate, Connors has been named this week’s Player of the Week.
Connors got his week started on Monday in a 10-0 win over Proviso West, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a triple, double, RBI, three runs scored, three stolen bases and a walk. He rolled right into Tuesday where they took down West once again 9-0 as Connors went 2-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI, run scored, two stolen bases and a walk. Wednesday was much of the same in an 8-2 win over Oak Park-River Forest as he went 3-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases, also scoring four times. Thursday saw them back in action with West as they won 10-3 behind Connors’ 2-for-2 day with three RBIs, a run scored, a stolen base and a walk. On Friday they faced off with Riverside-Brookfield in a one-sided 16-1 victory for Central, as Connors went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base. He capped off his week on Saturday in a 3-0 win over Hinsdale South, going 1-for-3 with an RBI and two stolen bases.
As mentioned above, Connors set his school’s single-season stolen base record as he now sits at 43 on the season, totaling 10 swiped bags on the week. If that wasn’t enough, he also earned a save on the mound and threw a runner out at the plate from centerfield to end their game on Saturday.
It’s no surprise that Connors is able to steal the amount of bases he has, boasting well above-average speed with a 6.64 in our laser-timed 60. He also has loud tools across the board to pair with his speed, as he can get up to 98 mph for his max EV and reach up to 90 mph from a crow hop in the outfield. Connors is the No. 59 ranked player in the state, and he will be one to watch as he heads into the summer uncommitted.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within tomorrow's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that.
Scouting Report
OF Patrick Connors (Hinsdale Central, 2026) is a toolsy athlete to know from the scout day. 5-foot-11, 180-pounds with some present strength and evenly distributed weight. Twitchy right-handed swing, quick/strong hands with some power the other way, showed the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it on the outer-half; 94.8 mph max EV. 6.90 runner in the 60, athleticism transfers to the outfield easily with a quick first step and easy range, sure-handed actions. Strong arm, reaching up to 85 mph from a crowhop with life out of the hand.