Player Profile: Gavin Lux
Photo credit: Hitters Baseball
Every year, scouts scour the warm weather states and baseball players from Florida, Texas, and California are recognized as the best of the best. Wisconsin, with its harsh winters and wet springs, is often glanced over, a mere afterthought to baseball minds around the country. Kenosha Indian Trail Academy’s Gavin Lux is flipping the script in that regard.
The senior shortstop has garnered huge amounts of attention for his play on the field, and was named a Perfect Game All-American last summer as a result. The honor came on the back of a junior season that saw Lux bat .481 with 15 extra base hits and 32 RBIs, plus lead his team to the state tournament.
One of the perks of being named an All-American is an invitation to play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic game in August at Petco Park. Lux played as a designated hitter for the West team.
“I have watched that game on TV for many years, and it was a goal and a dream to be a part of the Perfect Game All-American Classic,” he said. “There are so many talented players in this country, being selected was amazing and an honor. I learned so much that weekend.”
Despite the West team taking home a loss and going 0-for-3 in the game, Lux made a lot of memories during the experience.
“The camaraderie of the players was amazing. The baseball, the camaraderie of the players, the support of the coaches and the overall experience was absolutely amazing. Perfect Game put on the perfect event,” he said.
At the local level, Lux enjoyed a tremendous junior season that ultimately culminated in a state tournament berth for him and his Kenosha Indian Trail teammates. In their first ever tournament appearance, the Hawks fell to Kimberly in the quarterfinals. Lux said that representing his school and city on the big stage is something he’ll never forget.
Lux committed to Arizona State University shortly before the state tournament last year. It ended a recruiting saga that took place after he decommitted from Virginia Tech in the spring.
“I had the opportunity to meet so many great coaches throughout the [recruiting] process and I feel so lucky to have had that opportunity,” he said. “For me, ASU felt like the perfect fit: the coaches, team, development opportunities, conference, facilities, weather, and school. It just felt so right!”
In the summers, Lux plies his trade with the Rawlings Hitters travel team based out of Racine. Through training and playing with Hitters, he grew into the player that he is today.
“Hitters has been amazing. [Owner] RJ Fergus has helped many players develop their baseball skills and their leadership skills. He gives players so many opportunities to be seen by both college and pro scouts. He prepares players physically and mentally to be prepared for playing at the next levels. He is tough (in a good way), demands a high work ethic and pushes you to be the best that you can be. He has his players competing at young ages against the best in the country. I believe he has helped players from this area show that baseball is alive and well in Wisconsin. I am so thankful to RJ and to the Hitter’s program,” he said.
Looking ahead to his senior season, Lux knows he will have a lot on his plate. Indian Trail will try to defend their sectional championship, and the MLB Draft takes place in early June. While the Draft is something he’s keeping his eye on, Lux knows that some things will just need to play out on their own.
“My goal is to have a shot at [the major league] level. It’s what I work towards and what drives me every single day. That being said, I try to control the things that I can control: my work ethic, my attitude. My goal is to work as hard as I possibly can and put everything I have into baseball and let things unfold on their own,” he said.
As a senior, Lux will look to fill the shoes of leaders that helped him when he was first moving through the ranks at Indian Trail.
“We have so much young talent at Indian Trail. I was so lucky when I was a freshman and sophomore–those first few years playing at IT–to have great support from the juniors and seniors. I think about players like Kyle Washburn, Manny Santana and Coach Schmidt. My goal is to continue the great example that has been set for me,” he said. “At Indian Trail, we have always played as a team, and we have always worked hard. I think that shows and is a huge part of our success. I hope I can help to continue that leadership tradition.”
With a taste of state tournament action lingering in their mouths, the Indian Trail squad is hungry for more this spring. The Hawks will have five starters returning this spring, and two of their top three pitchers will be back as well.
“We all have very high expectations for Indian Trail this year,” Lux said. “I feel like I was just a freshman trying out for the team, so it’s hard to believe it’s my senior season, but I know the entire team and coaching staff is looking forward to a shot at state again. It’s such a great school and program to be a part of, and I look forward to helping any way that I can!”
