Carson Holmes: A Key Player for Libertyville Wildcats

Carson Holmes plays a vital role in Libertyville’s baseball team. As a senior left fielder and a top returnee for the defending Class 4A state champions, he provides valuable insight for his younger teammates. Holmes sees his responsibility clearly.

“You want to be that guy when the time comes,” he said. “We’re going to run into some tough games later on. When things get tough, we’ll talk to the guys and let them know I’ve got their back and everybody else has everybody’s back. That’s the motto. It’s going to battle.”

Batting third, Holmes stands at 6-foot, 195 pounds, often leading the team’s efforts. In the Class 4A Hoffman Estates Regional championship game, he reached base four times, helping Libertyville, the top-seed, achieve a 13-3 victory over eighth-seeded Stevenson.

Chase Lockwood, a senior right-hander headed to Illinois State, pitched four scoreless innings for the Wildcats, who carry a record of 26-10-1. Libertyville is set to face fourth-seeded Mundelein, a rival in the North Suburban Conference, in the Sectional semifinals.

The Wildcats scored nine runs in one inning due to seven walks, three hit batters, and an error. Holmes contributed with a two-run single.

“I saw a good pitch, swung, and put a pretty good bat on it,” he stated. “We made him throw pitches, and he couldn’t adjust, but we did. Everybody stayed true; nobody went selfish.”

Against the Patriots, Holmes was hit by a pitch and walked twice. Previously, he batted .500 in seven postseason games, including a home run in last year’s regional final.

Libertyville coach Matt Thompson shared his thoughts on Holmes.

“We hope for Carson that lightning strikes again. He has a great swing, good hands. He’s been hitting in the three hole all year, and we trust him.”

After losing three Division I recruits, Libertyville built a new lineup around Holmes, who aims to lead the team offensively.

“I bat for my team,” Holmes remarked. “I don’t go up there for me. I go up there to see the ball, hit the ball.”

Holmes entered last year’s playoffs with a .412 batting average. This season, he is hitting .276 with two home runs and 23 RBIs.

Despite challenges, Holmes maintains confidence.

“I’ve had ups and downs but kept a next-game mentality. If the team wins, I’m happy. You can’t win as one.”

Holmes’ impact extends beyond hitting.

“He’s a big vocal leader in the outfield,” noted senior right fielder Jack Cenar. “He communicates with us, helping direct plays. He’s a great all-around player.”

Holmes was also a two-way starter for the Libertyville football team. His enthusiasm for baseball is clear.

“Playing baseball is the best time of the year,” he expressed. “Win regionals today, and now it’s giddyap and go for the next step.”

Steve Reaven is the article’s author.