The Journey from Player to Scout in Major League Baseball
The New Frontier Indianapolis Colts Drive Girls’ Flag Football Growth
6 SCOUTING FOR SUCCESS The Journey from Player to Scout in Major League Baseball
PUBLISHER
DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
SUSANNE CROTTY MELISSA GIBSON AMY PAYNE
THE NEW FRONTIER Indianapolis Colts Drive Girls’ Flag Football Growth
Defying Expectations
- The Story of Izaak Thomas
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SCOUTING FOR SUCCESS
THE JOURNEY FROM PLAYER TO SCOUT IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne
Mike Medici said he’s been “in the game” his entire life.
Though the Avon resident played baseball from a young age and throughout high school, when the opportunity to play professionally didn’t pan out, he turned to coaching and eventually scouting for Major League Baseball (MLB).
Medici’s goal is to bring the best of the best to the Texas Rangers, and in the early days he would spend more than 100 nights on the road, often working seven days per week. He’s traveled to high schools and colleges across the country, following young
athletes throughout their careers, forming friendships and leaving a lasting impressions on some of the top players in MLB.
Though spring is the busiest season for Medici, the job of a scout is a year-round gig. They spend the year looking at potential prospects for the draft, and once completed, they begin looking at the following year’s list.
“The talent part is easy; you can sit and watch and see the talent, but to me, probably the most important is the makeup and character of the player,” Medici said. “What is their work ethic? Who is in their inner circle? You can tell a lot about a person based on who they hang out with. There have been athletes that were very talented but I’ve stayed away from them due to character.”
There’s a saying Medici said he stole from Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard - the talent of a player will tell you his ceiling, but his character determines his floor.
“The better the floor, the better chance you have of reaching your ceiling,” Medici said. “It’s the guys of character who stay for the long term.”
In 2023 the Texas Rangers won the World Series. Medici was on the field to see it and brought his then-10-year-old son. It was an experience neither are likely to forget.
“[My son] is not even a baseball guy and he still wants to know when we’re going back to the World Series,” Medici said. “To get there again is the hope. We had first-class treatment. There was a gala the night before with the Eli Young Band playing and my son and I held the giant U.S. flag on the field. It was an awesome ride and to be a part of that - not much can top it.”
Just weeks into the 2025 season, Medici said the Rangers have a good roster this year and he’s hopeful. The biggest derailment is injuries, so if everyone stays healthy, he thinks they have a chance of repeating their earlier success.
“The better the floor, the better chance you have of reaching your ceiling. It’s the guys of character who stay for the long term.”
Knowing the players from the time they were teens or young adults creates a lifelong bond. For example, when the Rangers won the World Series, Medici received several congratulatory texts from athletes across the country.
It’s watching their success that keeps him motivated.
“The greatest part of my job is to get that call from a player, and he’s telling you he’s headed to the big leagues,” he said. “This is their dream. Ryan Borucki, pitcher for the Pirates, texted me when he first found out. I was so excited and nervous for him.”
Medici said signing an athlete means you often stay in touch from youth to retirement. You’re friends for life.
“A lot of people think scouting is watch and report,” Medici said. “You might miss talent, but my goal is to never miss on the person. Every time I see a player I’ve known since he was an amateur, I guarantee his character is off the charts.”
Despite all the experiences his career has afforded him, Medici isn’t going to scout forever.
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Three years ago he launched his own baseball training program, Medici Training Center, with two locations in Brownsburg and Avon. With 250 athletes aged 8 to 17, his goal is to help players develop not only in the sport, but in character as well.
RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ACUPUNCTURE HELPS WITH:
“Some of these athletes want to get on the varsity team in high school, others are going to play in college,” he said. “Ninety-three percent of them will go to college and they won’t play. They’ll go as a student and that’s perfectly fine. In the meantime, I’m looking at what I can do so they are a better human being when they leave here. Have they learned better work ethic? Have they learned how to overcome adversity? It’s the game of life in a way.”
The lines between coaching and recruiting are often blurred, because ultimately both involve looking for the best in the athlete.
Medici said he can’t believe he’s been scouting for 15 years already. He’s been to many towns across the country and enjoyed the World Series experience. Yet, he sees his future in the athletes that come to Medici Training Center.
“I’ve had an amazing scouting career but I know my future will be the training facility,” he said. “I want to build up youth baseball on the west side. My end goal and vision are to see what I can do to help kids on this side of town play to the next level.”
Visit medicibaseball.com for more information.
Dr. Vicki Crum
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THE NEW FRONTIER
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS DRIVE GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL GROWTH
Writer / Melissa Gibson
lag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It will be added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. More than 50 colleges are expected to have girls flag football teams by 2028 in response to overwhelming interest.
That’s why the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family committed $1 million to growing the girls high school flag football program in Indiana. In order to make flag football a sanctioned sport with the Indiana High School Athletic Association, 100 high schools must participate in the program.
They’re calling the new campaign “Road to 100” and they’re nearly halfway there.
In 2023 the Colts formed a high school football league with eight teams, and in 2024 the league expanded to 27 teams. It’s a statewide network to grow the game in Indiana and help connect young athletes to NFL FLAG-sanctioned programs.
There are 43 Indiana high schools, including Beech Grove, Warren Central, Pike and beyond, that have committed to offering a girl’s flag football program, with more signing up every day. When a new team is launched, the Colts help offset costs with funds for equipment, uniforms, training and coaching.
“We want to drive participation to the game and continue to support and amplify the game,” said Andy Matis, senior manager of football
development at the Indianapolis Colts. “As we grow, we’re able to incorporate more audience, which is a key focus.”
Unlike tackle football, play consists of two 24-minute halves. It’s a fiveon-five format and players rotate positions throughout the game. The field is smaller than a standard tackle football field, 40 yards in width and 100 yards in length. Of course, instead of tackling the opponent, the goal is to pull a flag from their waistband. Point scoring is similar, with six points for a touchdown.
It’s safe to say that in the past, young women have not had the same elite-level options in football as young men have had, but when the Colts opened up the opportunity for a women’s league, they were met with plenty of interest.
In fact, 50% of the girls coming out for flag football tryouts have signed up for their first high school sports program ever.
“Even in youth leagues they’ve consistently offered coed options, but there’s two girls in the midst of all the boys coming out for these,” Matis said. “They might not feel inclined even though they’re interested. Now, having your own space in sports, you don’t have to ask if you love the game enough to try tackle. You have your space in the sport.”
Young women from the original eight teams have enjoyed the nature of the game and the relationships formed through the process, just like many other tight-knit sports teams. It’s a memory they’ll never forget.
Players from the Colts team have been supportive as well, happy to see the sport continue to grow in unique and inclusive ways.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has recently been named Global Flag Ambassador for the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football across the nation. Franklin has been working with the league
over the past few years, and wants to help drive support and make the program fun.
“This is just a great opportunity,” Franklin said. “Everyone loves the game and football has taught me so much about life. This program gives young women the opportunity to learn those lessons and build those bonds.”
He’ll be hosting a clinic for flag football teams in the state soon and hopes to invite a few individuals from the U.S. team to get involved.
“Last year I had the chance to help coach girls flag football players at Lucas Oil Stadium and I was so impressed by the skill, tenacity and passion of these young ladies,” Franklin said. “I look forward to helping grow flag football in Indiana and around the world, and providing more opportunities for girls and boys alike to learn, play and connect through this awesome sport.” Like most team sports, flag football offers
physical and mental health benefits, hones teamwork skills, and teaches discipline and resilience.
Just in the past few years, reports from high school athletic directors across the state have been positive. Young women who were having a tough time in school are now getting better grades. Attendance is up and the empowerment they feel is evident.
“We’re building the next generation of strong adults,” Matis said. “The appetite is there. The interest is there. To see these girls come out and bring their competitive fire to this sport has been really inspiring.”
School representatives interested in participating can find more information at colts. com/footballdevelopment/flag/ high-school-girls-flag.
1 THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
7:30 PM Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street. irtlive.com
12 PM The Shops at Perry Crossing, 2499 Perry Crossing Way. facebook.com
7 AN EVENING WITH NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON
7:30 PM Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Murat Theatre at Old National Centre All Ages 8 LARRY FLEET: HARD WORK AND HOLY WATER TOUR 8 PM Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Deluxe at Old National Centre This is a general admission, standing-only event. ADA seating is available upon request Doors: 8:00 PM Show: 7:00 PM All Ages
10 WARREN ZEIDERS & TYLER BRADEN 6 PM Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington Street. bandsintown.com
11 MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND 2025 Newfields, 4000 N Michigan Rd. discovernewfields.org
25 INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRESENTED BY GAINBRIDGE
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W 16th St. indianapolismotorspeedway. com
ACROSS
1. Elmer, to Bugs
4. Millinery
8. Almanac tidbit
12. Combustion product
13. Alternative to a mouse
14. Cartoon bulb
15. Milk, in a way
16. Boy, to his madre
17. Heist haul
18. College entrance exams
20. Dedicated lines
22. Ernie and Bert, usually
23. Matura diamond, actually
27. Cry of accomplishment
29. Crown twinkler
30. ___ polloi
31. Perfect
32. Steno’s need
33. Criticizes
34. Oktoberfest drink
35. Infant fare
36. Physicist Bruno
37. Pie slices
39. Bog composition
40. Colony member
41. Grandparents, e.g.
44. Takes steps
47. It parallels a radius
49. “___ bad!”
50. Anything but that?
51. Like some romance novels
52. Capt.’s announcement
53. Street for the wealthy?
54. Divorcees
55. Flatfish
DOWN
1. Slap on 2. ___ buco
3. Belittled
4. Dagger part
5. Out of whack
6. Summer shade
7. Drifted off
8. Secretary, at times 9. Goings-on
10. Firm head
11. Tit for ___
19. Exceptional
21. Not brilliant
24. Took to task
25. Error message?
26. Pending, as a legal decree
27. Ease, as hostilities
28. Argument’s weakness
29. Generational divide
32. Stock holder?
33. Way to go
35. Signature piece?
36. Track events
38. Like a windbag
39. Dickensian denomination
42. Staff roster
43. Stick with a toothpick
44. Polished off
45. Chinese brew
46. “Deck the Halls” contraction
48. Calif. airport
KNOWING THE SIGNS
MAY IS STROKE AWARENESS MONTH
Writer / Susanne Crotty, Stroke and Quality Coordinator at IU Health North
Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable increase in strokes happening in younger generations, specifically Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. Approximately 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year, with around 10-15% of these incidents occurring in people aged 18 to 45.
One contributing factor is the growing rates of obesity and other related issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol within these age groups. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to this trend.
Moreover, higher stress levels across generations can also play a significant role. Collectively, these elements can elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
MITIGATION
While genetics can play a factor, lifestyle choices play a big role in stroke prevention.
By adopting healthier habits, you can lower your risk of experiencing a stroke. Your diet plays a crucial role, and your healthcare provider might suggest consulting with a dietitian to assist you in making dietary adjustments. These changes can enhance your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels:
• Decrease your fat intake
• Cut back on salt (sodium), especially if you have high blood pressure
• Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables while reducing processed foods
• Opt for more lean proteins and limit red meat
It’s also essential to restrict alcohol consumption and quit smoking if you currently smoke. Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques can further minimize your stroke risk.
THE WARNING SIGNS
With younger people at a higher risk for strokes, it’s crucial to recognize the signs to respond quickly. When thinking about the symptoms of a stroke, remember the word “sudden.” A person may suddenly experience weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of their body. They might have trouble speaking or finding words, or experience sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
They may also notice drooping on one side of their face or appear suddenly confused. Additionally, a person may experience sudden difficulty walking or a loss of balance or coordination. These symptoms can be identified quickly because they typically occur suddenly. It’s important to stay alert to these symptoms as they could indicate a stroke.
You can also use the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time). FAST is a simple way to remember the signs of a stroke and the appropriate steps to take if you encounter
someone displaying these symptoms:
F for Face: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile to check if their facial appearance is symmetrical.
A for Arm: Is one arm weak or numb? Request that the person raises both arms and observe if one drifts downward. They may also feel weakness or numbness in one leg.
S for Speech: Is their speech slurred? If it is, or if they appear confused or struggle to understand you, this could indicate a stroke.
T for Time: If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 911 for assistance. A stroke is a medical emergency, and every moment is critical.
In recent years, the BEFAST acronym has also emerged, which includes two more signs to watch for when assessing a potential stroke:
B for Balance: If the person feels dizzy or is losing their balance, this could signal a stroke.
E for Eyes: Is the person experiencing vision loss or double vision? If so, this might also indicate a stroke.
Beyond these acronyms, it’s important to remember not all strokes are the same. There are two primary types of strokes: ischemic, which results from a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for about 80-90% of all strokes. While all strokes can potentially harm the brain, every stroke is unique based on its location within the brain.
NEW ADVANCES
In recent years, healthcare has experienced significant advancements in stroke treatment, particularly for ischemic strokes, which are the most common type. Stroke treatment involves two key phases: the acute (short-term) phase and the long-term phase. During the acute phase, the objective is to minimize brain damage. The faster this can be done, the better the chances for recovery.
Treatment options in this phase include:
Administering clot-busting medications within the first 0-4.5 hours after symptoms arise, which can dissolve the clot. Performing surgical procedures within 24
hours to remove the blood clot from the brain, thus restoring blood supply. Conducting tests to assess any potential brain damage, using brain imaging to identify areas that may be treatable with medication or surgery. Time is critical in the acute phase of stroke treatment.
In the long-term treatment phase, the focus shifts to preventing future strokes and aiding recovery from the initial stroke. Key components of this phase include:
Rehabilitation or therapy, which begins in the hospital and typically continues in either inpatient or outpatient facilities, eventually transitioning to home. This phase concentrates on regaining lost skills. Administering medications to prevent subsequent strokes, such as those aimed at controlling blood pressure and preventing bleeding.
Keep in mind that time is crucial: every moment lost can mean brain loss.
For more information on stroke prevention, visit iuhealth.org/findmedical-services/stroke.
DRUMMING TRIUMPH
DEFYING EXPECTATIONS - THE STORY OF IZAAK THOMAS
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Amy Payne
oo often, individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities are treated with an assumption that so many things in life are out of their reach. We focus on what they can’t do, rather than what they can do.
One young man is proving the naysayers wrong in a big way, and he’s got an audience to back him up.
Twenty-one years ago, Plainfield resident Izaak Thomas was born a preemie at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The family was told while he was still in the womb that a host of disabilities were sure to follow.
“He had so many disabilities, the doctors wanted him to be aborted, but of course the answer was no,” said Izaak’s mom, Shannon.
It might be a diagnosis that would scare or alarm the average person, but as a nurse, Shannon wasn’t dissuaded. She’s worked with children with special needs for many years. Still, at birth Izaak was very sick, and as doctors predicted, there would be a long road ahead.
Izaak was born with gastroschisis, where the intestines are on the outside of the abdominal wall. He has cerebral palsy, autism and a seizure disorder. He’s also fed by a g-tube, suffers from partial hearing loss and is nonverbal.
He’ll always require full-time care. However, Izaak can walk and his limitations have never been the focus for this family.
Shannon even found Izaak’s passion fairly early on and taught
him everything she knew. Izaak has a talent many dream of; he’s a drummer, and a good one too.
Shannon said the family has always been musical. She was in a band for many years as a keyboardist but took a break when Izaak was born.
“To look at him, you’d think there was no way he could play drums, but from a very young age, I showed him how to play and he took right to it,” Shannon said. “He can feel the beat and can hear enough, so when we put headphones on him, he can hear certain frequencies.”
Izaak began watching his favorite Christian band, Newsboys, and mimicking the drummer. He’d go to YouTube and practice songs for hours.
He had expressed the desire to join a band with Shannon, and years ago she promised him that one day they’d make it happen.
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Today it’s fair to say Izaak has made his dream come true. Mainstreet Vineyard Church in Plainfield has a special member on their worship team.
“A friend asked if I wanted to play the keyboard for the church worship team,” Shannon said. “Every once in a while they’d let Izaak play too and he always did well. In the summer of 2024 our worship leader went out of town and I was leading the worship time. I asked if Izaak could play with us and he played the whole set that morning. He did so well, people were asking if he could play all the time. The worship leader was able to see how he did online and approved. He’s been playing ever since.”
Perhaps what the congregation saw is Izaak’s personality and talent come to life.
“He’s expressive and he likes to interact,” Shannon said. “He likes to make people laugh, and boy, when he gets on the stage to play, it’s just amazing to watch.”
She’s grateful for a church that loves and accepts him. They’ve always made the family feel welcome, and with two family members on the worship team, Shannon said they often spend more time with their church family than with those at home.
The congregation’s acceptance and welcoming environment is now making a dream come true for a young man who needs to utilize the skills and talents that make him unique.
“He can get excited on stage and yell out, but we have several people with special needs at the church and we all feel right at home,” Shannon said. “They don’t ever make him feel bad for being him. It’s the perfect place for us.”
When not playing the drums, Izaak likes to play basketball, play video games, watch movies and take the occasional trip to Chuck E. Cheese.
I’m so proud of him,” Shannon said. “It’s amazing to watch someone living their dream. His dream was to be in a band and he’s made it.”
