Former Cub buried in cemetery across from Illinois Field

All these times I’ve crossed the cemetery on Florida Avenue on my way to Illinois Field to watch the Illini play, I never realized I was passing by the gravestone of a former major leaguer.  I learn from Kyle of the Chillini blog: Big Jeff (Pfeffer) was born and raised in Champaign and attended the [...]

Filed under: Feature on November 3rd, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

Former Illini Basak heads to the Twins organization

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 Related posts Photos of [...]

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

Illinois alum Basak gets a call from the Big Apple

Former University of Illinois infielder Chris Basak, at age 28, got the call to the bigs. He is now on the New York Yankees’ active roster. He did well in Spring Training and he can play all infield positions. That was pretty much what the Yankees needed. “Obviously you’re hoping he can do the job,” [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 6th, 2007 | Leave a Comment! »