Chrisman named North-South All-Star

Jun. 22—ZIONSVILLE — Growing up, Brody Chrisman followed the Zionsville High School baseball teams, and dreamed of having the success that those older players had.

Through hard work and dedication to the sport, Chrisman can now count himself among the very few in Eagle history to be named an Indiana North-South All-Star — baseball's version of the Indiana All-Star game.

"It is a great feeling," Chrisman said of being named an All-Star. "It's one of those things that you see others accomplish, and it's a goal in the back of your head of something you want to work for. When I heard I made it, I was pretty ecstatic and it felt like a dream come true."

Chrisman in the 10th All-Star in Zionsville history, and fourth in the last six games played (there was no game in 2020 due to COVID).

He said being able to carry on the tradition of success for Zionsville baseball is something he take a lot of pride in.

"That means a ton," Chrisman said. "Growing up, you see a lot of Zionsville guys playing in this game (8 of the 10 All-Stars have come after 2007) and that's a big testament to coach Jered (Moore) and the coaching staff. Development wise, there is no one else I can think of that has influenced and impacted me as much as those guys."

Chrisman said it is no accident that Zionsville has been a regular contributor to the North-South games.

There is a lot of talent that comes through every year, and they push each other in practice every day.

This year alone, there were eight senior players that signed to play college baseball and another — Colin Price — signed to play football at the next level.

A few underclassmen have already verbally committed to college programs as well, so the program is in good position moving forward.

"When you think of atmospheres that you want to be a part of — it doesn't get much better than Zionsville," Chrisman said. "There are guys with a lot of talent and tremendous work ethic that are willing to push you to be best player you can be. It's been great to be around them. There are four or five guys off the top of my head just in my class that have genuinely pushed me to be a better athlete and person — and that's just in my class.

"When you think of the grades before me — watching them make it to state in 2016 — that inspired me. When you have guys with the same mindset and same attitude and that want to work as hard as you — that's great. Guys like Drew Dickson, Caleb Everson and a few others — those guys pushed me every day."

Chrisman will be one of five outfielders playing for the South in the game.

The All-Star teams play a three-game series with a double-header on Saturday starting at noon, and a wood bat game at 1 p.m. on Sunday. All games are played at Indiana Wesleyan.

Chrisman said he is looking forward to the weekend, and playing with a bunch of guys he has played with summer ball and against throughout his high school career.

"There is a bunch of guys who over the past several years have played summer ball with," Chrisman said. "I am excited to interact with them again. I think there are six or seven guys from my Indiana Bulls team, and I'm excited to compete with them.

"I have never been part of a game like this, so it's going to be a new experience. I'm expecting some really good games, because looking at the rosters, there are a bunch of dudes on that list. I'm ready to give it my best."

The selection comes after a fantastic senior year for Chrisman.

He led the in nearly all offensive categories, batting .410 with 41 hits, 20 runs scored, 24 RBIs, 12 doubles and three home runs.

It capped a two-year varsity run where he hit .429 with 18 doubles, seven home runs and 58 RBIs against one of, if not thee toughest schedule in the state.

This year, he helped lead the Eagles to a semi-state appearance, where they lost to eventual state champion Penn.

"Proud is an understatement in my eyes to what we accomplished this spring," Chrisman said. "Looking at the beginning of the year where we were struggling and lost a couple a games we shouldn't have, and the way we turned it around was incredible. I am so happy I got to hang out and be part of this team. It was such a great team atmosphere, we all got really close and I am really proud to be a part of that. I am proud of the way the guys developed and am excited to see what the returning guys can do next year."

This summer, Chrisman is playing in the Grand Park Summer League before he heads off to Purdue in the fall.

He said the big thing this summer is working hard in the weight room, to get some more size before starting his college career.

But before that, he gets to represent Zionsville one more time as a prep player, something he is really looking forward to.

"I have been part of Zionsville baseball since I was 6 years old, and that's crazy to think about," Chrisman said. "Most of the life lessons I have learned, and most of the friends I have made, have stemmed from this sport and this core group of guys. I will always value those relationships I have made through Zionsville baseball, and all the life lessons that came along the way."

Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.