Illinois Baseball Report

I always enjoy getting emails especially when they come from former Illini players.  Shawn Roof updated me on his latest since he got promoted to the Tigers’ AA squad, the Erie Seawolves. Roof is enjoying the slightly cooler weather in Erie, PA (compared to Single-A weather in Florida, at least).  However, the biggest change is [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on July 28th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »

Hudson off to a good start with the Aberdeen Ironbirds The 2008 Illini draftees have made a good impression so far in the minors. If the first couple weeks are any indication, they are in the pros for a while. Former Illini and All-Big Ten centerfielder Kyle Hudson is at the Orioles’ A farm team [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on July 1st, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Some news regarding Illini draftees: It came out today that Illinois CF Kyle Hudson who went early, the fourth round, has reached a contract agreement with the Baltimore Orioles.  He plans to play for their Class A team in Aberdeen, MD by next week. Illini hurler Scott Shaw, drafted by the New York Mets in [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 12th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »

Shaw facing off against Michigan at the 2008 Big Ten Tournament The scouts must have been paying attention during the Illinois-Michigan game at the Big Ten Tournament because Illinois pitcher Scott Shaw was chosen #404th overall in Friday’s MLB’s first-year player draft.  Though Shaw lost that Michigan game, he pitched a heck of game.  Shaw [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 7th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »

Hudson went in the 4th round today Before I get on to the overall draft, I want to extend congratulations to University of Illinois CF Kyle Hudson.  He was chosen 116th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of today’s baseball draft.  As a junior, I guess the ball is in his court [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 5th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »

Speed is one of Hudson’s assets.  University of Illinois CF Kyle Hudson will be watching draft day intently tomorrow.  No doubt, he’ll be snatched up by the time everything’s done.  Where he goes is anyone’s guess but some say he may go as high as the 3rd round.  Hudson ended the 2008 campaign with 40 [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 4th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

That is a smile of a proud father.  Russell Bonadonna (above) is holding the homerun ball hit by his son, Joe during Wednesday’s action at the Big Ten Tournament.  Bonadonna’s homer proved to be the game-winner in the win against Ohio State in the first round of the tournament.  Illinois won 3-2. Tied 2-2, Bonadonna [...]

Filed under: 2008 Big Ten Baseball Tournament on May 21st, 2008 | 1 Comment »

Yesterday, the Big Ten announced their individual award winners.  With the Illini’s offense, it was no surprise that they were heavily represented with five honorees. Kyle Hudson OF First Team All-Big Ten Leading the pack is Kyle Hudson who was named First Team All Big Ten.  Hud was second in the conference in hitting with [...]

Filed under: Awards on May 20th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »

There’s good news and bad news.  Well, the good news is the Illini are going to the Big Ten tournament and we have Indiana to thank for that.  The Hoosiers swept the Michigan State Spartans in Friday’s doubleheader and thereby eliminating them from tournament qualification. So on to Ann Arbor we go next week! The [...]

Filed under: Game Recaps on May 17th, 2008 | 1 Comment »

No game on Sunday between Illinois and Ohio State.  Rain washed away any chance of the Illini to tie Ohio State for the weekend.  As frustrating as that probably is, Ohio State had the momentum after their amazing comeback in Game 2 on Saturday (they scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth after [...]

Filed under: Analysis on May 12th, 2008 | Leave a Comment! »