From Little League to the Major League Draft: LaSalle Body & Fender’s Connection to Julius Sanchez

For many years, LaSalle Body & Fender has proudly sponsored local Minor League baseball teams. Supporting young athletes and nurturing their love for the game has always been at the heart of what we do.

One of the teams we sponsored was the 2013 LaSalle Boy’s Baseball Minor League team, which included a young and determined player: Julius Sanchez.

On July 14, 2025, Julius achieved a remarkable milestone in his baseball journey. The La Salle-Peru alumnus was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 18th round of the MLB Draft, as the 535th overall pick.

Julius, a 2022 graduate of La Salle-Peru, recently completed his junior year at the University of Illinois, where he pitched as a right-hander for the Fighting Illini. Over three seasons, he steadily developed his performance:

• Junior year: Made three starts, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA. He struck out 17 batters and walked just three in 16 innings.
• Sophomore year: Appeared in 10 relief outings, also going 1-0 with an 8.31 ERA, recording 13 strikeouts in 13 innings.
• Freshman year: Pitched in 16 games (11 starts), finishing 0-5 with a 6.79 ERA, tallying 32 strikeouts over 50 ⅓ innings.

Before college, Julius was a standout at La Salle-Peru High School, earning Illinois Coaches Association Class 3A All-State honors.

To see a Minor League player from one of our sponsored teams now drafted by a Major League team is incredibly inspiring. We’ve included a throwback photo of the 2013 team as a snapshot of how far dedication and community support can carry a dream.

Congratulations, Julius! The entire Illinois Valley is cheering for you, and at LaSalle Body & Fender, we’re proud to have been a part of your journey.