ABOUT JOHN MENKEN: 

John Menken joins the Will County CrackerJacks for the 2012 season after finishing up his freshman season at Southern Illinois University in May 2012.  Menken, an outfielder from Bartlett, Ill., signed with Will County on April 29.

Menken appeared in 20 games and made 10 starts for Southern Illinois in 2012.  In 42 at bats, he racked up 10 hits, including five doubles, and posted four RBIs.  He also crossed the plate six times and finished the year with a 0.357 slugging percentage and 15 total bases.  In the field, Menken made 16 putouts.  

Prior to Southern Illinois, Menken lettered in baseball, basketball and football at South Elgin High School. He was an All-Area and All-Conference selection in both baseball and football during his junior and senior years and, in addition, was an Academic All-State selection in football as a junior.  Menken led South Elgin to its first-ever regional championship as a junior and a school-record 22 wins as a senior.  On the football field, he led his school to its first playoff appearance, its first-ever playoff win and was an Honorable Mention All-State selection.  He set school records for career passing yards, touchdowns and wins as the starting quarterback at South Elgin as well.

A Business Management major, John has one brother, Nick.  He is the son of Thomas and JoAnn Menken.