Illini 2B Ryan Hastings signing autographs for the kiddos during the 07 season
In the past, secondbaseman Ryan Hastings had intimated that 07 would be his last year for the Illini.
Well, everyone has the right to change their mind. Since he was red-shirted two years ago, he has one more year left of eligibility and according to the (Mattoon-Charleston) Journal-Gazette Times-Courier, Hastings plans to take advantage of that while he goes to graduate school.
“I believe I’m going to be playing baseball again,” Hastings said. “The idea of playing again has not been totally out of my head. It should be good. I’ve registered for school and I think I’m going to play again.”
Hastings has played an important role with the Illini squad. After hitting .315 in 48 games as a freshman, he was redshirted with a wrist injury in 2005. In 2006, he was named third team All-Big Ten when he hit .319 playing every game of the season. This season, he hit .330, slugged .487, with 6 home runs.
He is hoping to continue playing second base in 08.
“I hope so,” Hastings said. “Nothing is guaranteed. I think we’ll have an influx of new guys coming in. Playing second base is my first choice but I’ll do whatever is best for the team.”