Pitcher Kevin Libeg of YSU will sign pact with Indians

The Hubbard High graduate from Masury will play in a Class A rookie league.
By JOHN BASSETTI
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Independence is a quality that may have helped Kevin Libeg's climb in baseball.
After his freshman season at Youngstown State University, the 2002 Hubbard High graduate played in the Federation League in Pittsburgh.
After his sophomore year, Libeg saw action in the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
Last summer, he stayed with a host family in Eau Claire, Wis., while playing in the Northwoods League.
In between, the Masury native helped YSU win the Horizon League championship his sophomore year.
Today, the 22-year-old right-handed pitcher will take a physical in Winter Haven, Fla., and then sign a free-agent contract to play with the Gulf Coast Indians, a Class A rookie league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
"I got my foot in the door and have to make most of it," said the son of Tom and Shirley Libeg of Hermitage, Pa. "I've got a tough challenge ahead. I can't wait. It hasn't really set in until I put on that Indians hat. Then it'll really hit me."
Persistence is another reason Libeg will enjoy a big moment today.
Attended tryout camps
Although he knew he was being followed by professional scouts, Libeg made the most of tryout camps, including one for the Cincinnati Reds.
"Those were open tryouts," Libeg said. "I just found out when they were and showed up."
The latest camp in Chagrin Falls was the one that may have made the difference.
"I'd heard from Cleveland throughout the year, then I went to a tryout. They liked my curveball and velocity and they said you're leaving on Monday," he said of a call last Friday. "It's really, really exciting. I'd like to thank my family, friends and teammates and coaches at YSU."
Carrying a 3.52 grade-point average, Libeg has nine more credit hours remaining before he graduates as a finance major.
Holds school record
The 6-foot-5-inch, 225-pound Libeg finished his collegiate career as YSU's record holder in career appearances (82), while his 26 appearances as a junior in 2005 rank as the second-most in school history.
He was the winning pitcher in the championship game of the 2004 Horizon League Tournament, which gave the Penguins their first conference championship and sent them to the Division I NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.
YSU coach Mike Florak's decision to shift Libeg from starter to the bullpen after two seasons may have been instrumental in the pitcher's eventual success.
"Coach told me he wanted me to appear in as many games as I could," Libeg said of his status entering his junior year. "That relief role was better for me. Once I got into it, I enjoyed it much more."
Highlight of career
His collegiate highlight came at the end of his sophomore season (2004) when Libeg was the starter and threw 71/3 innings as the winner against Cleveland State in a game that vaulted the Penguins into the NCAA regionals.
He became a bullpen regular in 2005.
Although Libeg's senior season wasn't as productive, possessing a fastball in the low 90 mph range and his curveball were attractive to scouts.
Among the challenges facing Libeg, two will be in his pitching mechanics.
"I've got to get more consistency on my changeup and I need to focus on hitting my spots," Libeg said.
Libeg joins 28th-round Major League Baseball draft selection Brandon Caipen and 2005 fourth-round selection Justin Thomas as the third member of the 2006 class to join the pro ranks.
Libeg is also the 10th YSU player to be drafted or sign a pro contract in the last eight years.
He becomes the second Hubbard High athlete to sign with a professional sports team in recent months. In April, former Hubbard High football standout Anthony Smith was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Libeg's two older brothers are Nick, 24, of Pittsburgh and Tommy, 27, of Cleveland.
bassetti@vindy.com