On January 30th, Mayor Don Gerard’s exploratory committee will begin meeting and discussing the finer points of what it will take to bring a minor league to the Champaign area.  Tony Johnston, vice president of Shelby Solutions, a software firm, will head up the committee. 

"The idea is to put this team together, an exploratory committee together, to come up with a scope and, for lack of a better term, a best practice for the city on what we think can be successful in a town of Champaign’s size," Johnston said on Monday.

Long time Illinois Baseball fans might remember that Illinois Field was home to the Champaign-Urbana Bandits who had a short-lived stint with the Great Central League in 1994.  This time around, there will be a new stadium build most likely.

… 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!

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.

Slammin’ Pack

Chris Pack, who was instrumental in Illinois’ success in the 2011 season as a reliever, is showing that same effectiveness for the Joliet Slammers.  Thanks in part to Pack (left, pitching for the Illini against Indiana State), the Slammers just clinched the Frontier League’s East Division title with a 54-38 record on Thursday.

Pack did well out of the pen.  In 21 games, he had a 3.55 ERA and allowed just 23 hits in just over 26 innings.

Good luck in the playoffs!!

Senator Roark

This is late news and for that I apologize but this is worth mentioning.  Former Illini starter Tanner Roark who now pitches for the Harrisburg Senators, was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week back on August 1.  Roark (left in Illini days with batterymate Lars Davis) struck out 10 in over 14 innings and won both of his games.

Interesting point about Roark… back in August 1, the article shows his record as 6-7 with a 5.47 ERA.  Looking at his numbers now, he’s 9-8 with a 4.75 mark so things are looking up for Tanner!

Congrats, Tanner!

A note or two about news items

Believe it or not, not every news item I post here I don’t find myself.  Some are forwarded to me by Illini fans.  There is one in particular who doesn’t want to be named but I do want to recognize this person by saying thanks because with these news tidbits being forwarded to me, IBR becomes a more enriched website.

What’s my point?  If you see a news item on the web regarding Illinois baseball, former Illinois baseball players in the minors or anything that people who visit this site might want to read about, please don’t hesitate to let me know.  To that end, I’ve created this handy web form so that you can contact me via email.

For that matter, you can just contact me just say hello. I like that too.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

It’s been quite a month for former Illini shortstop Brandon Wikoff.  First, he hit two homeruns in two games last week.  Then he was honored by the Astros organization getting the Minor League Defensive Player of the Month award for his team.

Now it looks like he’s moving up to AAA ball!

Wikoff will be joining the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks in the Pacific Coast League.

Wikoff was recognized for his glove work by the Astros for the month of August.  For the year, he’s posted a .980 fielding percentage at 2B, SS and 3B and has helped turned 37 double plays.

Congrats, Brandon!  Hud is tapping his feet and waiting.

Good news for former University of Illinois outfielder Kyle Hudson.  The fleet-footed centerfielder been called to the bigs!  The Baltimore Orioles called up Hudson yesterday to the parent organization to meet the September 1 deadline.

He had been playing for the AAA Norfolk Tides and doing quite well.  For the year, Hudson hit .296 with 38 stolen bases 57 runs scored.

If I’m correct, the Orioles’ 1998 4th round pick will be the first Illini player to make the majors since infielder Chris Basak who spent some a little time with the New York Yankees in 2007.

Hudson was obviously known as a speedster in his years at Illinois, ranking third all-time among Illini with 66 steals.  We sometimes forget what he could with the bat.  He was second all-time among Illini in career hitting with a .376 batting average.  In his last year with the Illini in 2008, he hit an astounding .398.

Good luck to Hud!  Illini fans are all rooting for you!