Now even I’m quite impressed after this weekend’s performance by the Illini down in Gainesville, Florida. After starting the year 2-4 they once again heading down to south, always considered college baseball territory. Indeed, they were going to face #23 University of Florida twice in a four game tournament…
Ryan Nagle: Eight rbis for the season With help from sophomore Ryan Nagle’s bat, Drasen Johnson got his first win of the season against a tough Coastal Carolina baseball team. Nagle helped the cause with a 3-run double in the fifth inning. It wasn’t easy especially coming off a disappointing…
Wow, this is ironic. While we’re having relatively balmy weather here in Illinois (sunny and in the 40s), the games down at the “Baseball at the Beach” Tournament are being rescheduled because of inclement weather. All game times down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina have been changed for the tournament. …
Sunday’s probable starter Drasen Johnson Friday is opening day! It’s only appropriate that the team we love open the season on Valentine’s Day. While we hometown fans are stuck in the cold weather of Champaign-Urbana, the guys get a respite of sorts. They’re traveling to Atlanta for a three game…
Today it was announced that in the Big Ten baseball pre-season coaches’ poll, Indiana was picked as the #1 team in the conference. Not only that, it was a unanimous choice. It shouldn’t surprise anyone. Indiana is returning seven of their All-Big Ten winners from their team that made their…
The Fighting Illini Baseball program released their official 2014 season preview on Friday. Complete and thorough, it answers a few questions. In a nutshell, the young 2014 team has lost its entire outfield and the left side of the infield from last year but the pitching staff is relatively…
Just a few more fun photos I took at last night’s Fighting Illini Baseball Hot Stove Banquet. Photo op before the event. From left to right, Dugout Club President Jon Swenson, Chris Robinson and Coach Dan Hartleb. Former Illini Chris Robinson and Kyle Hudson greet each other at the…
Seeing as it’s October, it was about time to change the Illinois Baseball Report banner that you see at the top of the page. From left to right, you’ll see infielder Michael Hurwitz, starting pitcher Kevin Duchene, outfielder Will Krug, firstbaseman David Kerian, and infielder/pitcher Reid Roper. And for posterity’s…
Justin Parr: still collecting trophies The 2013 University of Illinois baseball season is over but a few players are still raking in some awards it seems: Starter Kevin Duchene earned another Freshman All-American award. After receiving the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honor from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Duchene garnered the Freshman…
Three hits for Illinois’ David Kerian in Game 1 loss In a heartbreaking Game One of the Big Ten Tournament, Illinois (33-17) lost to Minnesota (31-20) on walk-off hit by the score of 3-2. Illinois had the lead till the Gophers tied it 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth…