Category: University of Illinois Baseball

USA beats the Canucks

Team USA came from a 4-0 deficit to beat Canada Saturday.  With the score 4-3 in the bottom of 7th, Terry Tiffee was the hero of the game with two doubles and two key rbis. 

Box Score

A tough luck loss for former Illini catcher Chris Robinson who is playing for Team Canada.  He was 3 for 4 but with no runs or rbis. 

It’s been a rough journey for Canada so far this Olympics.  They are 1-3 and all three losses have been one-run losses.  Despite their record, they have scored seven more runs than their opponents. 

Team USA, however really needed this win.  Going into this game with a 1-2 record, this gives them some hope.

Nix nixed

On some rather unfortunate news, Rockies prospect Jayson Nix is out for the rest of 2008 Olympic games due to a 1 1/2 inch gash above his left eyebrow.  The injury is from a high and inside pitch/botched bunt in the game against Cuba. 

Nix was expected to be recalled by the Rockies September 1.  No word on whether this will affect his availability. 

Cuba enjoys success at expense of US, Canada

Three days into Olympic baseball and powerhouse Cuba has already shown they are a force to be reckoned with.  They are undefeated through three games having beaten US, Canada and Japan. 

The US took gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney but it will take a Cinderella story for that to happen this time.  At this time, they are 1-2 and will have to struggle to make the semi-finals. 

Canada’s catcher and former University of Illinois player, Chris Robinson already gotten 2 hits and scored a run.  

2008 Olympic baseball schedule and results

Update:  the US is publicly accusing Cuba of playing dirty. 

Feature article on former Illini turned Olympian

Steve Vedder from The Grand Rapids Press has a nice feature on former University of Illinois catcher Chris Robinson who is representing his home country by playing for Team Canada. 

Team Canada plays their first game of the Olympics on August 13 when they face China.

2008 Olympic Baseball schedule

Olympic Baseball starts Aug 13

I watched a bit of the Olympics today.  I admit I’m a fan when they come around.  Unfortunately, this will be the last time baseball and softball will be featured during the summer games.  I don’t agree with the decision especially since there are other "sports" that the Olympics are phasing in.  Whatever. 

That said, keep an eye out on August 13th when baseball tourney gets moving.  Four games will be played including the USA vs Korea. 

One other team that I’ll have my eye on will be Team Canada.  Why?  Because their catcher is none other than Chris Robinson.  Robbie is a former University of Illinois catcher who played before the Lars Davis era.  He is taking a hiatus from his stint in the Cubs farm organization.  When he left to help Team Canada, Tennessee Smokies in Double A ball.  Robinson is a good gap hitter and knows his way behind a plate so I hope once this is all over, he’ll come right back and get right back into the swing of things for the Cubs. 

If you’re interested, I interviewed Chris for Baseball Zealot Radio a year ago spring just before he reported to spring training. 

2008 Olympic Baseball Schedule

Wille Argo: I think we got a good ‘un

Willie Argo (Assumption Davenport, IA) has just been named Male High School Athlete of the Year by the second major Iowa paper.  Argo is a member of the University of Illinois baseball recruiting class of 2008. 

The Des Moines Register agreed with the Quad City Times (yay, my newspaper when I was a kid) by bestowing the honor last week. 

There’s a good reason for this award.  Yes, he plays baseball where he led the 2A Assumption team to a second straight title.  But that’s not all.  Oh no. 

He was running back for the football team where he rushed for 1,533 yards and broke the Mississippi Athletic conference record for TDs (39) and points (234). 

He was also a member of the wrestling team.  As a grappler, he had a 43-1 record came in third in state.  Argo ALSO qualified for the state track and field meet in four events. 

This was all in addition to his exploits on the diamond.  By the way, he was captain of his baseball team, too. 

Assumption… don’t assume anything with this guy. 

more details from fightingillini.com

Shawn Roof: News from Double-A

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 everyone is that much better at the higher level.  "The defenses are unbelievable, and you really have to earn your hits."  Pitchers are learning to work the counts better too, apparently.  Roof says, "Unlike before if you’re ahead in the count you’ll see a fastball, but now you see more 2-0 curveballs, and 3-2 curveballs."

A big highlight for Roof recently was when the Seawolves got a chance to face big leaguer Fausto Carmona. 

He had a pretty good sinker and induced a lot of ground ball outs, but he sure didn’t overpower us like I thought he would, so that was cool to see that you can hang in there against guys like that.  I had a infield base hit off of him.  I hit a chopper up the middle, and he jumped up and knocked it down but I beat it out.
Shawn did have a bit of bad news.  Former Illini and Oriole draft pick Kyle Hudson is out with a broken hand.  Hud looks to be back in a couple weeks.
 
I want to say that though I relate a lot of baseball related stuff from Shawn, I should mention he never neglects to ask about me and the family.  One of the nicest guys I know.
 
Good luck Shawn!!
 
 

 

Robinson named to Canadian Olympic team

Congrats to Chris Robinson who made the Canadian Olympic Baseball team! 

Robinson, who is a University of Illinois alum, was taking a respite from his time in the Cubs farm system so he could help his fellow teammates on the Canadian team qualify for the Beijing games.  For his efforts, Robbie was named to the final squad. 

Canada will open against China on August 13. 

Robinson was a guest on Baseball Zealot Radio last spring before he went into spring training. 

Former Illini Roof moving on up

Roof during his Illini days

Shawn Roof, who only last spring played shortstop for the Illini and then was drafted by the Tigers, has gotten a promotion.  After playing the bulk of this summer for the Tiger’s A team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, he’s going to Double-A ball. 

He’s now playing for the AA Erie Seawolves.

“I came up here not knowing what to expect and just wanted to play defense well and try and do some things at the plate to help the team,” Roof said. “I’m moving runners and, luckily, a few balls have fallen in.”

Good luck, Shawn!

Pair of Illini garner honors

Congrats to Illini baseball Phil Haig and Brandon Wikoff.  Both recently were honored by the Northwoods League.

Hurler Phil Haig was named to the Northwoods League All-Star team after going 4-1 with a tiny 1.05 ERA for the Rochester Honkers.  So far this season, he’s struck out 42 while walking 18. 

Tonight, Wikoff was named Northwoods Player of the Night after going 3 for 3, 3 walks and 5 runs for his Madison Mallards.  Teammate Joe Bonadonna, also an Illini, was 4 for 4 with 3 runs. 

Madison will be hosting the NWL All-Star Game this coming Sunday.