Illinois Baseball Report

Monday was the first day of practice for the University of Illinois baseball team,  I showed up to watch and take a few photos.
Thanks to Coach Hartleb and the staff for the privilege.  I was the only non-team member there so I felt like I had quite an exclusive.

Here’s my first look at Aaron Johnson. [...]

Filed under: Uncategorized on August 28th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

In their respective collegiate summer leagues, Illini players Ben Reeser and Nick Stockwell won post season awards before heading back to the University of Illinois for classes. 
Reeser was dubbed Coastal Plain League Defensive Player of the Year after winning a Fayetteville Swampdog team record 8 games with a 1.61 ERA. 
Stockwell ended the summer season well.  His [...]

Filed under: Awards, Summer League on August 24th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

Chris Basak, an Illini product, was acquired by the off waivers by the Twins from the Yankees. 
Basak has spent most of his time at Scranton-Wilkes Barre but did see 5 major league games for the Yanks. 
/thanks to Teddy Ballgame for the tip

Tags: chris basak, major leagues, minor leagues

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Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on August 17th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

Casey Crosby waited and waited… and for his time, he was rewarded with a $748,500 contract from the Detroit Tigers.  In addition, he got college tuition money for eight semesters. 
One of the top pitchers from Illinois,  Crosby had committed to the University of Illinois but was drafted in the 2007 First Year Player Draft by the [...]

Filed under: Recruits on August 17th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

Summer League Action
Illini Joe Bonadonna broke the Northwoods League record for steals.  The former record, held by ex-Illini Ryan Rogoski was 44 and Bonadonna swiped his 45th base in his final game in the summer league. 
As a bonus, his Duluth Huskies won the first half NWL championship and will face the first half champion, St [...]

Filed under: Summer League on August 16th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

Don’t look now but Illini pitchers Aaron Martin and Ben Reeser are 1-2 in victories in the Coastal Plain League.
It’s playoff time in college summer leagues and ten Illini will be enjoying the fruits of postseason play.   Check out the details at the Fighting Illini website.
Looks like Joe Bonadonna is two steals away from [...]

Filed under: Summer League on August 10th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

I heard from Shawn Roof.  He shot me an email today.  Roof, former shortstop for the Illini who really knows how to hustle, was drafted by the Tigers this year and currently plays for the Lakeland Flying Tigers in high A ball. 
Roof says he’s getting adjusted to minor league ball and is really enjoying himself.  [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on August 8th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »

Illini 2B Ryan Hastings signing autographs for the kiddos during the 07 season
In the past, secondbaseman Ryan Hastings had intimated that 07 would be his last year for the Illini.
Well, everyone has the right to change their mind. Since he was red-shirted two years ago, he has one more year left of eligibility and [...]

Filed under: UI Baseball Program and Management on August 5th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »