Looking at the Game of Baseball from all ends of the Spectrum
Former University of Illinois baseball players will be back in town for the annual Alumni Game on Sunday, September 11. For those in the C-U area itchin’ for some good baseball, this should be a good game to go to. No word yet (that I could find) on the time of the game. The women’s … Continue reading “Illini Alumni Baseball Game”
Former University of Illinois baseball players will be back in town for the annual Alumni Game on Sunday, September 11. For those in the C-U area itchin’ for some good baseball, this should be a good game to go to. No word yet (that I could find) on the time of the game.
The women’s softball Alumni game is on the same day at noon at Eichelberger Field. I hope they have the sense not to schedule the two games at the same time.
Former Illini outfielder Ryan Rogowski has committed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers once he finishes his season with the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. Rogo has had a bang-up season with the Mallards. He’s led the team in batting average, runs, hits, stolen bases, triples, homeruns, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. I … Continue reading “Rogowski will sign with LA Dodgers”
Former Illini outfielder Ryan Rogowski has committed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers once he finishes his season with the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League.
Rogo has had a bang-up season with the Mallards. He’s led the team in batting average, runs, hits, stolen bases, triples, homeruns, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage.
I guess in retrospect it would have been easier to list what he was not leading the team in.
Good luck, Rogo!!
The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with former Illini catcher Chris Robinson. Robbie was drafted this year by the Tigers in the 3rd round.
The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with former Illini catcher Chris Robinson. Robbie was drafted this year by the Tigers in the 3rd round.
The University of Illinois has named Dan Hartleb the new Illini Baseball Coach. Hartleb has been signed to a four-year contract and replaces Itch Jones who has retired.
Hartleb has been the pitching coach for the Illinois team for the entire 15-year tenure of Jones. He has sent 15 pitchers to professional ball during those 15 years and has much recruiting experience.
“I would like to thank Itch Jones for bringing me to Illinois and for providing Gina and I the opportunity to stay in the community and take over where he left off,” said Hartleb. “The Champaign-Urbana community and the Illini Nation have provided our program with great support. We look forward to the exciting crowds and the home-field advantage that we have here at Illinois Field.”
Good Luck, Coach Hartleb!
Maybe others saw this coming but this came as a surprise. UI Baseball coach Richard “Itch” Jones has decided to retire after 15 years as Illinois coach and 39 years of college coaching. Then again, there’s something to be said for getting out while you’re on top. Itch led the Illini to a Big Ten … Continue reading “UI Loses the Itch”
Maybe others saw this coming but this came as a surprise.
UI Baseball coach Richard “Itch” Jones has decided to retire after 15 years as Illinois coach and 39 years of college coaching.
Then again, there’s something to be said for getting out while you’re on top. Itch led the Illini to a Big Ten title and he won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award in 2005.
Jones is 13th all-time among Division I coaches in wins with a 1,240-752-6 record. His other achievements:
Coaching Honors
2005 Big Ten Coach of the Year
1998 ABCA Mideast Region Coach of the Year
Big Ten Coach of the Year
1990 NCAA Division I Diamond Baseball Coach of the Year
1978 The Sporting News National Coach of the Year
1971 Adirondack National Coach of the Year
Team Accomplishments
2 Big Ten Regular Season Titles (1998, 2005)
1 Big Ten Tournament Title (2000)
8 Missouri Valley Conference Titles (1975, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’81, ’84, ’86, ’90)
3 College World Series appearances (1971, ’74, ’77)
12 NCAA Regional Appearances (1970, ’71, ’73, ’74, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’81, ’86, ’90, ’98, ’00)
Hall of Fame Inductions
American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Southern Illinois University Hall of Fame
MacMurray College Hall of Fame
Illinois High School Association Baseball Hall of Fame
Illinois High School Association Basketball Hall of Fame
Jacksonville High School Hall of Fame
Herrin High School Athletic Hall of Fame
(Source: fightingillini.collegesports.com)
He managed 40 players who went on to play professional baseball including 22 major leaguers.
I always had a good view of Coach Jones from where I stood at ball games since Jones was third base coach. I enjoyed hearing him yell back encouragements, suggestions or perhaps even comments on the umpiring back to the home dugout.
Thanks, Coach!
In Sunday’s paper, I read that Illini firstbaseman Dusty Bensko, who was not picked in last week’s MLB draft, was signed by the Minnesota Twins. He joins Toby Gardenhire, who was drafted by the Twins organization. Congratulations, Dusty!
In Sunday’s paper, I read that Illini firstbaseman Dusty Bensko, who was not picked in last week’s MLB draft, was signed by the Minnesota Twins.
He joins Toby Gardenhire, who was drafted by the Twins organization.
Congratulations, Dusty!
TBZ commentor ylees wonders why Illini firstbaseman Dusty Bensko wasn’t drafted this week in the MLB draft. I have to say, that question crosses my mind, too.
He led the team in homers with 16 and hit .317.
I contacted the News-Gazette sports department for their take on it and they were kind enough to respond with an opinion. Jeff Huth, sportswriter, and resident baseball expert says:
“I’m puzzled about Bensko. All I can think of is that he did scuffle a bit toward the end of the season, although, given his stats, I suspect teams really tried to pitch around him. Wouldn’t be surprised if some team signs him as an undrafted free agent after it determines which drafted players it can and will sign.”
I hope for Dusty’s sake that he’s right.
Tomorrow the 2005 MLB Draft will commence. The Arizona Diamondbacks have the first pick and claim to have narrowed their pick to three pitchers and some shortstop named Justin Upton. Maybe this one can field. As for myself, I will be watching to see what happens to catcher Chris Robinson. He will most likely be … Continue reading “MLB Draft Begins Tomorrow”
Tomorrow the 2005 MLB Draft will commence. The Arizona Diamondbacks have the first pick and claim to have narrowed their pick to three pitchers and some shortstop named Justin Upton.
Maybe this one can field.
As for myself, I will be watching to see what happens to catcher Chris Robinson. He will most likely be the top Illini picked. Here is what mlb.com has in their scouting report:
Sturdy, durable catcher’s body. Stocky, broad shoulders. Barrell chest, strong lower half. Great opposite field power. Line drive stroke. Excellent, vocal leader that takes charge of the pitching staff. Exceptional make-up.
From what I have seen of him this spring, it’s all true.
Other Illini that have good chances to be picked are Dusty Bensko, Ryan Rogowski, Jimmy Conroy, and Drew Davidson.
Today, University of Illinois centerfielder Drew Davidson was chosen to the Louisville Slugger All-American third team. It’s the first such honor for an Illini since 2001. Congrats Drew!!
Today, University of Illinois centerfielder Drew Davidson was chosen to the Louisville Slugger All-American third team. It’s the first such honor for an Illini since 2001.
Congrats Drew!!
On Sunday, Ohio State defeated Minnesota 14-6 to win the Big Ten Tournament. Tournaments are indeed a different breed. Of the six Big 10 teams represented, #5 Ohio State and #6 Minnesota were the two lowest seeded teams in the tourney. Also, Illini Shawn Roof was selected to the All-Big Ten Tournament Team. Roof was … Continue reading “Ohio State Takes Big 10 Tournament”
On Sunday, Ohio State defeated Minnesota 14-6 to win the Big Ten Tournament.
Tournaments are indeed a different breed. Of the six Big 10 teams represented, #5 Ohio State and #6 Minnesota were the two lowest seeded teams in the tourney.
Also, Illini Shawn Roof was selected to the All-Big Ten Tournament Team. Roof was 6 for 7, driving in 2 runs and scoring once.
Way to go, Shawn!