I can’t help but feel a little envious of the Illinois baseball players and coaches. They are going on a trip of a lifetime next week when they travel to the Dominican Republic. Not only will they get to see some of the sights but they will also play eight exhibition baseball games in the span of five days.
FightingIllini.com has a write-up on their upcoming trip. This is the team’s planned itinerary:
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP ITINERARY
Saturday, Nov. 22
Depart from Champaign
Arrive in Boca Chica, D.R.Sunday, Nov. 23
Game vs. Dominican Air Force TeamMonday, Nov. 24
Split-squad game vs. New York Yankees DIL TeamTuesday, Nov. 25
Split-squad game vs. Houston Astros DIL Team
Visit orphanage in San PedroWednesday, Nov. 26
OFF DAY – Catamaran Trip to Isla SaonaThursday, Nov. 27
Game vs. Tigres del Licey Reserve Squad of the Dominican Winter LeagueFriday, Nov. 28
Split-squad games vs. Baltimore Orioles/Chicago White Sox DIL Team
Guided tour of Colonial Zone
Watch Dominican Winter League gameSaturday, Nov. 29
Depart Boca Chica, D.R.
Return to Champaign
Coach Hartleb was happy with the response of the local community to the baseball glove drive.
"We have had a tremendous outpouring of support of new and used baseball gloves from the Champaign-Urbana community and surrounding areas. We will be able to give those gloves to children who have very little in the Dominican. It will be heartwarming to hand those out during the week of Thanksgiving. I can’t thank the people of this area enough for helping make a child’s life a little brighter and give them a reason to smile."
Rumor has it that team Sports Information Director Matt Wille will be going along as well to provide written commentary and summaries on everything happening for those of us at home.
Safe travels to the team and coaches. We’ll be thinking of you while we’re braving the freezing temps.
Bon Voyage!!!
p.s. Also a little jealous based on our recent weather. Glad they weren’t planning on going to Buffalo!