Vernon Hills junior Tyler Perritt depends on his speed.
But when Perritt suffered a torn meniscus last spring, he was slowed to a stop. He had surgery and was sidelined for the better part of six months. He missed the summer travel season and fall workouts before his varsity debut.
“It hurt me not seeing live pitching for a while, and it’s definitely a different, faster-paced game,” Perritt said. “But over the course of the season, I’ve been seeing the ball much better. I think I’ve been able to hold my own.”
Indeed, Perritt has emerged as a key player for the Cougars (4-24). Starting in left field, he began the season batting toward the bottom of the order. But he moved to the leadoff spot after he proved his speed had returned and he could handle varsity pitching.
Perritt went 5-for-9 in his last three games through Monday, increasing his batting average to .264 and his on-base percentage to .356. Opponents have begun to prioritize keeping him off base.
“All of a sudden, he was putting the barrel on the ball as much as anyone on the team, and he has the fastest wheels of anyone in our program, and it’s not even close,” Vernon Hills coach Pasquale Atteo said. “He’s been finding ways to get on base, and he’s a difference-maker once he’s there.”
The speed is an obvious weapon for Perritt, who has 22 steals. But he also has good instincts on the bases and capitalizes on every chance he gets. That was on display during a Central Suburban North game against Highland Park on May 2, when Perritt managed to go from first to third on a wild pitch.
“As soon as it got by the catcher, he was off,” Vernon Hills junior catcher Simeon Friedman said. “I’ve seen him do that kind of stuff for years.”
Wreaking havoc on the base paths is never far from Perritt’s mind, and it doesn’t seem to matter that conference opponents have a scouting report highlighting that.
“Once I get on, stealing bases is all I’m thinking about,” he said. “I’ll read the pitcher and get as big of a lead as possible so that I know I can still get back.”
Vernon Hills left fielder Tyler Perritt throws to second base during a Central Suburban North game against Highland Park at Wolters Field in Highland Park on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Trent Sprague / News-Sun)
Perritt uses his speed and instincts in left field too. With Vernon Hills’ especially spacious outfield, his quickness is all the more important.
“He has the capability of running down almost any ball hit out there,” Atteo said. “Even one in the gap that you don’t think he has any chance of getting, he at least gets a glove on it, which saves us a base.”
Perritt recalls one play in particular during a game at Deerfield on April 15.
“The ball was hit to the (warning) track, and I ran back and had to cover a lot of ground,” Perritt said. “Everyone thought it was out and was pretty surprised I caught it.”
Perritt has emerged as a team leader too. He might not be the most extroverted person, but Atteo has consistently seen Perritt lead by his actions. As the season has progressed, Perritt’s words have also made an impact.
“He’s gotten stronger as a person and as a player this year,” Friedman said. “He’s battled through a lot of adversity, and that took a mental toll too. Guys recognize that and look up to him.”
Perritt’s long road back after surgery tested his resolve. It also gave him a new appreciation for being able to do what he loves, which includes playing for the Vernon Hills boys basketball team.
“I thought I would come back slower than the rest of the guys, but my knee feels better than ever now, and I feel like I’m a better athlete,” he said. “Now I realize that playing these sports is a privilege and I shouldn’t take them for granted. I’m happy with the place I’m in.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
