Gavin Fuscone experienced such pain while going through growth spurts that got him to 6-foot-5 that he was never able to put it all together on the mound for St. Charles East.

Fuscone, who will be a senior right-hander in the upcoming spring season, had always impressed the Saints’ coaching staff in the past but they also knew that there was something more in him.

That all changed during the offseason.

“It’s been really difficult to say the least,” Fuscone said. “Every time I had to put in work, I had to fight through pain. It was always hard to navigate that. This was my best offseason by far.

“This is the first time I did as much as I possibly could. I definitely see the improvements. It’s cool to see it pay off.”

Fuscone, armed with his newfound health and a handle on how all of his pitches work, has taken full advantage of the winter showcase circuit.

St. Charles East’s Gavin Fuscone (19) hits a three-run homer against West Aurora during a nonconference game in Aurora on Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

He’s starting to gain college interest after having the highest velocity of 91.8 mph at a recent Prep Baseball Report unsigned senior showcase.

“I haven’t really been talked about,” Fuscone said. “There wasn’t much to talk about, honestly. It’s cool to see people have something to say about me. We’ll see what happens from it.”

In his first two seasons since taking over the program, St. Charles East coach Derek Sutor has been watching Fuscone battle his way through. Now, he’s seeing a different pitcher.

“You always knew the potential was there,” Sutor said. “He had the size. He had the arm. The biggest thing for him has been his health. His body has been growing so fast.

“It’s just trying to play catch-up. Finally, it’s all starting to come together for him.”

Fuscone realized he turned the corner when he threw his first high-impact bullpen session of the offseason.

“I went into it not expecting anything,” Fuscone said. “I threw over 20 pitches and they were all over 90. I always knew I had it in the tank. It was just being able to unlock it.”

Fuscone’s slider works about 10 mph below his fastball, with elite horizontal break and spin rate. He’s developed a sinker over the winter as well. He’s also trying to master his change-up.

St. Charles East’s Gavin Fuscone (19) rounds third base after hitting a three-run homer against West Aurora during a nonconference game in Aurora on Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

“If I can get four pitches, that will be good for me,” Fuscone said. “My slider plays well with my fastball for sure. I’m learning every day. We have a little over a month left.

“Just trying to keep improving and stay healthy.”

St. Charles assistant Mark Foulkes, the team’s pitching coach, noticed a difference in demeanor and physicality when Fuscone showed up for summer league.

“That was a completely different kid,” Foulkes said. “It’s all based on health. When he’s healthy, he can do so many wonderful things. It finally seems like it’s clicking. He has all the tools.

“You saw glimpses last year.”

St. Charles East’s Gavin Fuscone (19) drives in two runs with a single against West Aurora in the seventh inning of a nonconference game in Aurora on Thursday, March 27, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Opportunities were few and far between, even mixed in with a stint on the junior varsity. Now, Fuscone and Nathan Moline figure to be at the top of the rotation heading into tryouts.

“Somebody that has his body, his stuff, his frame, his presence, he’s somebody that we’re going to count on to be at the top of our rotation,” Sutor said of Fuscone. “That’s something that he’s been hungry for since he started out here. He has that hunger and drive to be the guy.

“Now, the planets are starting to align for him.”

And Fuscone can finally focus on that part of his development with everything in order.

“I’m super excited,” he said. “I have big expectations for myself and the team. We’re going to be pretty good. I’m super excited for those big moments. I have a lot of confidence in myself.

“I’m not hurt this year. I’m ready to go. I’m just ready to shut some teams down.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/09/gavin-fuscone-st-charles-east-baseball/