No doubt, Hudson has been busy talking to the media since he got picked up by the Rangers organization in late January.  Not only that, he will join another former Illini, catcher Chris Robinson.  Both have an invite to spring training. 

Good luck to both!

For starters, he became the head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils baseball team.  But that’s not the biggest thing happening to him this week.  He will also be getting married on Saturday. 

Congrats to Toby on both counts!

He will also serve as an instructor in the UW-Stout Physical Education Department. 

Gardenhire played his senior year at Illinois in 2005 when they won the Big Ten Championship.  He was drafted in the 38th round by the Minnesota Twins that year. 

… but that’s what we expect from him. 

Former Illini Kimes played with the Elizabethton (TN) Twins in the Appalachian Rookie League last year. 

In my opinion, it’s a good move for Robinson, who hit .316 with 29 rbis in 2011.  Robbie has done well with the AAA I-Cubs but hasn’t seen any sign from the parent organization that he’ll be moving up in the near future.  He’s 27 now and if wants to see some time in the bigs, a move was necessary. 

Good luck to Chris! 

As if minor league baseball wasn’t enough pressure, Rohde (seen right with Ryan Hastings with the Illini in 2007) entered law school at John Marshall.  The Illini baseball players already know what it’s like to balance college ball and undergraduate studies.  Rohde has taken it to the next level with law school and minor league ball. 

Rohde says he would like to combine his love and knowledge of sports with his new training in law:

“Ideally I’d like to combine my sports background with my JD and work in sports law. I’d like to explore opportunities where my sports experience would be an asset.”

It’ll be tough row to hoe but Mike is someone who is up to the task.  Good luck, #9!

All three having nothing but good things to say about their time here at the U of I.  The article pretty much reads like a testimonial for the Illinois Baseball program and how it prepared them for the rigors of professional baseball.

Bonus:  it includes the 2011 Baseball Highlight Video, too!

Robinson played a big part in his team’s victory.  His base hit in the sixth inning started a two-out rally.  Robinson eventually scored the tying run.

Congrats to Robbie on his new gold medal!

More specifically, Robbie and and Canadian teammates will be taking part in the 2011 IBAF World Cup in Panama and the Pan-Am Games in Mexico.  The IBAF World Cup begins October 2 and the Pan Am Games begin October 19.  With Robinson’s help, Team Canada won the Bronze Medal at the IBAF World Cup in Italy.

Good luck, Chris!

Joe Bonadonna (left, with the Illini) and the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins Single-A) are seeing playoff action for the first time in 12 years.  They did in style too.  They won 13 of their last 15 games to win their South Atlantic League division.

Tanner Roark and his Harrisburg Senators (Nationals Double-A) clinched the earlier this month.  They won the Western Division of the Eastern League on September 1.  They had the help of big star Stephen Strasburg who pitched the clinching game.

The Missoula Osprey and Josh Parr (Diamondbacks, Rookie)are in the midst of a playoff series against the Great Falls Voyagers for the Pioneer League North Division title.  Josh is still in rehab from his injury from earlier in the year so it’s doubtful he’ll get in the game but I’m sure he’s in the dugout doing everything he can.

Good luck to all!!!

In other news, Kyle Hudson got his first stolen base the other day.  The first of many to come, I’m sure.  And don’t starting counting now but he has a three game hitting streak going.

The Baltimore media ran a photo with him in it a few days ago.

Earlier in the second, Hudson, also drove in his first rbi.  Teammate Robert Andino scored on his fielder’s choice.

Hudson had a odd game Sunday for his career first game in the majors.  Hud, known for his speed, hit into two double plays.  He got razzed about it by his new teammates.  No doubt, Hudson feels good to get that first hit out of the way.

“It’s been a pretty wild couple of days for me but it’s been exciting,” Hudson said. “To get my debut out of the way is nice. Today was pretty unbelievable going into Yankee Stadium with all the tradition.”

Congratulations, Kyle!  Keep ‘em comin’!

Robbie gets 100

Hud wasn’t the only one with a milestone.  Former Illini catcher Chris Robinson reached 100 rbis for the year in the Iowa Cubs’ season finale.  Robbie went 2-4 for the game and finished with a .316 batting average for the year.