Washington sophomore Leonard commits to Louisville

CEDAR RAPIDS - His coach thinks he could be on Chad Christensen's baseball career path. One of college baseball's top programs certainly believes in him.

Cedar Rapids Washington sophomore center fielder Trey Leonard has given a verbal commitment to the University of Louisville, picking the Cardinals over an offer from the Iowa Hawkeyes. Louisville has advanced to the College World Series three times since 2007, including this past season and in 2013.

'When I first got there (a couple weeks ago), the first thing they said was everyone gets treated like family,” Leonard said. 'You are all one big family. That intrigued me. Then when you get to campus, it's just insane. I knew I was home.”

The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder hit .404 in 28 games as a freshman for Washington. He had five triples and stole 34 bases, which shows you how much speed is a part of his game.

Unique for a local prep going to a big-time national program, Leonard has never used Perfect Game baseball club in Cedar Rapids, either for lessons or showcases. He has gotten instruction from Tim Evans and ABG (Americas Ball Game) in town.

'When Louisville offered me, I knew,” he said. 'That was my dream school.”

By the way, Christensen is a Wash graduate who recently completed a fine all-around season for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. The Minnesota Twins farmhand played four years at Nebraska before pursuing a professional baseball career.

Brune was asked if Leonard eventually could be a pro player.

'He's kind of like Chad was when he was here,” Brune said. 'He is a very good baseball player. The sky is the limit for him. It really is.”

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