By Mike Helfgot

Special to the Tribune

Kevin Ross smacked what looked like an ordinary single to center and didn't stop running until he slid safely into second base.

Niles West (19-6) has run into a cold offensive spell since winning 19 of its first 21 games, so the first inning of a recent game against Glenbrook South was as good a time as any to push the envelope.

"Every little mistake, I'm going to try to take advantage of," Ross said. "Our team needs it."

The senior shortstop has a big arm to go with his bat, speed and head for the game, but there's a more obvious attribute that stands out most.

Scouts usually start with the eye test, and the way Ross fills out a uniform keeps them coming back.

He's all of the 6-foot-1, 200 pounds Niles West's roster says he is, and he's also considered one of the best position-player prospects in the country.

An unknown after spending his first two years at Mather, Ross accepted a rare 90-percent baseball scholarship offer from Michigan following a strong junior season at Niles West.

Then he burst onto the national scene with an impressive showing at the Area Code Games in August.

"That was huge," Ross said. "That was the best showcase ever. To play with so many great players from all over was amazing."

The downside of Ross's newfound notoriety is the lack of fastballs he sees, but he's adjusted well to a steady diet of curveballs and pitch-arounds.

He's hitting .452 in 89 plate appearances and has 14 walks, two hit-by-pitches and just two strikeouts.

While Ross is trying not to think about the Major League Baseball draft in June, Niles West coach Garry Gustafson said he's hearing Ross could be taken in the fourth or fifth round.

Anywhere from eight to 15 scouts have been at just about every game, according to Gustafson, but Ross said he doesn't notice.

"Playing in the Area Code Games got me ready for that," Ross said. "You're never going to see more scouts than that."



Kevin Ross file

School: Niles West.

Class: Senior.

Position: Shortstop.

Size: 6-1, 200.

College: Michigan.

Stats: .452, .753 slugging, 2 HR, 12 RBIs, 20 R.