Once in a while, Austin Cusack will look at the picture of Andrew’s 1992 state championship baseball team in the school hallway and see his uncle, Billy, in the photo.
Austin is also proud that his father, Brian, and older brother, Brandon, starred for the Thunderbolts and went on to play in college.
Now that it’s his turn to keep the family legacy going, Austin has been taking it all in stride.
“It’s a fun thing — there is no pressure,” Austin said. “We always talk about Andrew at family parties and holidays and everyone asks me how my season is going. We all love baseball.”
Andrew fans loved how Cusack played Thursday night.
The senior left fielder drove in three runs and made two running catches in an 11-5 victory over host Lockport that wrapped up SouthWest Suburban Conference play on a good note.
Drew Alexander tallied three hits and reached base five times for the Thunderbolts (22-11, 6-10). Robby Pursel drove in a pair of runs, while TJ Burke added two hits and Western Michigan recruit Jake Ross threw four shutout innings in relief.
Brendan Mecher came through with two hits and two runs for Lockport (21-12, 10-6). Adam Kozak and Joey DalPonte added two hits apiece.
Cusack, meanwhile, bats left-handed but throws right-handed. The Joliet Junior College commit said his father urged him to become a left-handed hitter at an early age.
“Lefties have more advantages,” Cusack said. “I’m quick, too. When I lay down a bunt, I can get a good jump.”
Ross appreciates what Cusack means to the team.
“The defense in left is just lockdown the whole time,” Ross said. “And with his at-bats, he’s been pretty hot recently and that’s pretty nice. He’s always there and doing his job.”
Andrew coach Dave DeHaan also likes having Cusack in the heart of his order.
“He’s a good three or four hitter and does whatever it takes on defense,” DeHaan said of Cusack. “We’re looking forward to having him here as long as we can for the next couple of weeks.”
With the postseason starting next week, anything is possible for Andrew.
At one time, the Thunderbolts had a 10-0 record before dropping a pair of games to Lincoln-Way East. They have been up and down since, but DeHaan said his team had a lot of fun Thursday.
Andrew scored eight runs on nine hits in the first three innings. Defensively, the Thunderbolts tagged out a runner who overran second base after a double and retired another one using the hidden ball trick, a play that Ross confirmed he called.
When the playoffs begin, Andrew will be looking to take advantage of the fact that it’s a new day. And perhaps the Thunderbolts can simulate their start to the regular season.
“We have to make sure we don’t play down to our competition,” Ross said. “We have to bring our A-game.”
“Coach always talks about being tough and relentless.” Cusack said. “We need to try to pound teams no matter how good they are.”
Cusack is also following in the footsteps of his brother Brandon by heading to JJC. Brandon, a sophomore, went 4-1 with a 3.62 ERA in 13 appearances, including 11 starts, for the Wolves.
While Brandon will be heading west to play next season at St. Ambrose in Iowa, Austin pointed out how much he learned from both his father and brother — especially about just enjoying the game.
“I love baseball for being a great team sport,” Cusack said. “Just coming out every day and grinding and practicing with the fellas. This is a great group of guys. It’s fun to be around them.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
