Schmitz reflects on NCAA experience, another Nommensen honor Jun 3, 2008
Brett Nommensen being named to the NCAA Lincoln Regional all-tournament team was among the good relections for Eastern Illinois baseball team following last weekend s 0-2 tourney showing. Nommensen was picked to the all-regional tourney team after earlier being named All-OVC. He finished the season with a. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
EIU's baseball season ends with extra-inning loss Jun 1, 2008
"The past three years prior to this year, we hadn't experienced a whole lot of success. This year, we had very low expectations going into the year. We just caught on at the right time at the (Ohio Valley Conference) Tournament and the regional. It says a lot about our leadership skills from the upperclassmen, and we've definitely left a footprint for future Eastern Illinois baseball players.". After Nommensen scored with two down in the ninth, Richie Derbak nearly delivered a walk-off single. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Eastern Illinois baseball falls 13-10 May 31, 2008
TODAY'S HEADLINES SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE POLL. Should the U.S. invest money in sending an astronaut to Mars. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini Send 24 Players to 10 Summer Leagues May 30, 2008
- Twenty-four University of Illinois baseball players will play on teams from coast to coast this summer, with nine Illini playing in the Northwoods League and five competing in the Coastal Plain League. In all, Illinois will have players on 16 teams in 10 different leagues from California to New York. (Fightingillini.com)
EIU's Morrell named Academic All-American May 28, 2008
0 GPA and prominent role in Eastern Illinois baseball s bullpen, Brian Morrell has been named a second-team Academic All-America honoree by ESPN the Magazine. Morrell is a junior biological sciences major from Quincy. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
This MVP is eating up pitchers as well as pizza May 27, 2008
Yeah, there s our Most Valuable Pizza eater, an Eastern Illinois baseball teammate said. Apparently, guys did not take long to come up a different title to the initials for the guy named MVP as in Most Valuable Player of the Ohio Valley Conference baseball tournament. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Bus ride to Nebraska sounds fine to Panthers May 27, 2008
CHARLESTON -- Mutiny on Eastern Illinois baseball team only lasted a few minutes Monday. Groans came from players when the big television screen showed they were not part of the four teams to play a regional at Fullerton, Calif. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Mueller pitches Eastern into second round May 22, 2008
-- Josh Mueller surrendered just one run while striking out six over 6 2/3 innings, leading Eastern Illinois baseball to a 4-1 victory against Tennessee Tech in the opening round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Wednesday at Brooks Stadium. The win snapped EIU s four-game losing streak in tournament play, as the program s first victory in Paducah since 2004. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Minor league assignments for EIU products Haines and Huber Apr 18, 2008
CHARLESTON -- Former Eastern Illinois baseball players Kyle Haines and Erik Huber are with new teams this spring as they continue their professional careers in the Minor League systems of the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively. Haines was assigned to the Connecticut Defenders of the Double-A Eastern League. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Schmitz has plan to slow down Hudson Apr 15, 2008
Jim promised he would walk (Kyle Hudson) four times and let him steal as many bases as he can to show what he can do, Illinois baseball coach Dan Hartleb. Joining in the entertainment at this Rotary luncheon, Eastern Illinois Jim Schmitz said, I ve talked with Kurt (Stretch) and we will have a ton of sand at first base so Hudson can t run. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
You can even keep the foul balls Apr 15, 2008
Don t go thinking that Eastern Illinois baseball coach is some na ve sap who doesn t realize that playing in the hometown of Illinois starters Ryan Hastings and Kyle Hudson and maybe just Mattoon in general, Grimes Field bleachers are likely to have as much Illini orange as EIU blue tonight. It came up in the organizing talk, Schmitz said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
EIU falls to Indiana State Apr 10, 2008
And this wasn t even about the Eastern Illinois baseball coach s intentional walk strategy that backfired when the next batter hit a three-run double turning Indiana State s one-run edge into a four-run command. What really might have kept Schmitz awake Wednesday night was an injury to his closer Scott Foley, who had to leave the pitcher s mound after throwing to two batters in the eighth inning. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini Add 4 to Class of 2008 Apr 10, 2008
Biographical sketches of the newest members of the 2008 Illinois baseball class. Willie Argo, OF 6-1 // 205 // R/R // Fr. (Fightingillini.com)
Kent St. claims finale Apr 7, 2008
Just ask Northern Illinois baseball coach Ed Mathey. The Huskies saw their bid at another conference series sweep dwindle away on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Huskies break out in big way Apr 5, 2008
DeKALB The Northern Illinois baseball team didn't wait long to answer head coach Ed Mathey's call for more offense. Crooked numbers in the home column of the scoreboard at Ralph McKinzie Field were the norm on Friday. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Thyer and Nommensen lead EIU baseball to 5-2 win Apr 3, 2008
Bart Thyer knocked in three runs and Brett Nommensen hit his first career home run at Coaches Stadium, leading Eastern Illinois baseball to a 5-2 victory against Chicago State Wednesday. Mike Recchia worked his four scheduled innings to earn his first collegiate victory. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
A little 'mirror work' helps EIU save face Apr 2, 2008
CHARLESTON Thisw was starting to be a game where Eastern Illinois baseball players would have had a hard time facing friends on campus. Being swept by Ohio Valley Conference foe Tennessee Tech last weekend was one thing. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
NIU baseball swept at Bowling Green Mar 31, 2008
After starting the Mid-American Conference season with a sweep, the Northern Illinois baseball team had a much more difficult fate this weekend, dropping three consecutive close contests to be swept themselves at Bowling Green. Sunday's final game, a 4-1 loss, couldn't be saved by four Huskies (9-14, 3-3 MAC) doubles and five Bowling Green errors. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Atkenson helps Huskies earn home-opener split Mar 26, 2008
DeKALB Dan Atkenson isn't a name most Northern Illinois baseball fans would know off the tops of their heads. The senior relief pitcher and one of the more well-liked players on the team has had a quiet career, rarely used and rarely productive. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Sox continue support of NIU Mar 20, 2008
DeKALB It will be the opportunity of a lifetime for the Northern Illinois baseball team, and once again it has been provided by the Chicago White Sox. The school announced on Wednesday that on April 16 the Northern Illinois baseball team will take on Notre Dame at U.S. Cellular Field at 7 p.m.. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Huskies' early record not indicative of talent Mar 18, 2008
After a pre-season southern swing, the Northern Illinois baseball team (4-10) is set to open up the northern portion of its schedule and Mid-American Conference play this weekend with a three-game set at Buffalo (5-11). Thus far, the Huskies have played three teams that have seen time or been on the verge of the National College Baseball Writers Association top 30 poll this year. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Tuesday's Daily Dose Mar 18, 2008
Tuesday's Northern Illinois baseball game at Chicago State was also cancelled due to unfit field conditions. No dates for rescheduled games have been announced. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Thomas' attitude has Huskies thinking big Mar 18, 2008
Story Photos Northern Illinois baseball player Jeff Thomas leads the Huskies with a. 393 batting average, a. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Mathey ties Northern Illinois win record Mar 16, 2008
The Northern Illinois baseball coach tied the school's record for most wins at 143 after the Huskies routed Dallas Baptist 10-2 Saturday. The victory snapped the Patriots' chances of sweeping the three-game series against NIU, and improved the Huskies' record to 4-10. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Eastern gets first win of baseball season Mar 15, 2008
-- Richie Derbak and Alex Gee delivered the key hits during a three-run, eighth-inning rally, lifting Eastern Illinois baseball to its first win of the season with a 9-7 victory against Vermont on day two of the Panthers' spring break trip. Share. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Patriots pound on Huskies Mar 15, 2008
For six innings, the Northern Illinois baseball team stayed close with Dallas Baptist. But then the Patriots' offense came alive, taking advantage of 12 walks and two errors on its way to a 13-2 win over the Huskies Friday night at Patriot Field. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Huskies ready for MAC title run Mar 5, 2008
DeKALB There aren't many question marks for the Northern Illinois baseball team. With a deep pitching staff, an experienced outfield and strength up the middle, the Huskies (2-3) have all the traditional qualities to make a run at the Mid America Conference title. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Mathey set to break winning record Mar 5, 2008
Story Photos Northern Illinois baseball coach Ed Mathey (45) talks with his team during a game last season ... The Northern Illinois baseball coach took his son Patrick and a group of his friends out for pizza and a friendly game of laser tag. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Boyers donate $30,000 to WIU baseball Mar 5, 2008
Western Illinois alumni and hall of famer Al Boyer and wife, Andrea, donated an additional 30,000 to the Western Illinois baseball program for the 2008 season ... We want to see the Western Illinois baseball program compete as a first-rate Division I program, said Boyer. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Weather stops EIU baseball home opener Mar 4, 2008
CHARLESTON Spring is not here yet, Eastern Illinois baseball team has conceded. The Panthers home opener scheduled for Tuesday against Olivet has been postponed. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hochevar looks good for Royals in Cactus League action Feb 28, 2008
The Northern Illinois baseball team, which is participating in a college tournament that begins Thursday at Surprise Stadium, was honored in pre-game ceremonies. Northern Illinois originally was scheduled to play last week at Texas Tech, but the series was canceled for the team to attend a campus memorial after a gunman killed five people and shot himself on Feb. 14 at the Dekalb, Ill. (Leavenworth Times, KS)
Big Ten Network announces baseball, softball schedules Feb 16, 2008
The Illinois baseball season opens Feb. 22 in Edinburg, Texas. "The Big Ten Network is thrilled to bring an unprecedented amount of Big Ten baseball and softball to a national audience," network president Mark Silverman said. (Fightingillini.com)
Illinois Season Preview: Position Players Feb 13, 2008
FIGHTINGILLINI.COM // THE OFFICIAL SITE OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ATHLETICS. Senior Ryan Hastings returns for a fifth year to lead the Illini into the 2008 season. (Fightingillini.com)
NC Board hears countywide Inaugural trip proposal Jan 12, 2008
In addition, Erika Ginder is going to a training session on FAFSA and financial aid at Lakeland College and Rich Grubaugh and Johnny Zink are going to a University of Illinois Baseball Clinic, both in January. The Board gave consideration to banning a spectator, Becky McKnelly from North Clay athletic events for a period beginning January 8, 2008 through June 8, 2008. (Clay County Daily Advocate Press, IL)
Kittle to Headline Hot Stove Banquet Jan 10, 2008
- University of Illinois Baseball and the Fighting Illini Dugout Club will host the annual Hot Stove Banquet to kick off the 2008 season, and this year former Major Leaguer Ron Kittle will serve as the keynote speaker. Kittle, who was named the 1983 American League Rookie of the Year, will be the featured guest at the banquet, which will be held Saturday, February 9, at 4 p.m. at the Round Barn Banquet Center. (Fightingillini.com)
City Council violated Open Meetings Act 1,159 times Nov 3, 2007
Violations included major actions, including over 40 million in bank loans/bond issues, a 30-year sales tax for the Southern Illinois Miners' ball park, financial agreement with the Southern Illinois Baseball Group, Creal Springs School funding, Karco zoning/annexation, the Williamson County Pavilion deed/bond agreement, police and fire pensions, agreements for the sale of the former Marion Memorial Hospital building, forgiven loans, Home Rule tax increases, TIF/Enterprise zone additions,... (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Renovations Coming to Illinois Field Oct 4, 2007
"The addition of this turf will be a tremendous boost for our program. It will allow us to practice outside when we have nice weather in February and March," Illinois baseball coach said. "This surface will play extremely true and will be one of the finest in the country.". (Fightingillini.com)
Tremont resident to build baseball field Sep 8, 2007
Holcomb's new organization, called Central Illinois Baseball Academy Inc., will provide clinics, camps and fundamental training for younger children as well. The field itself will have lights for night games, an irrigation and drainage system, concession stand and other features usually associated with larger fields. (Pekin Times, IL)
Check Out Fall Practice Photos Sep 1, 2007
- Photos from the first week of Illinois Baseball fall practice are now available. The Illini have spent the first week getting back into their routine and getting to know a class of seven newcomers. (Fightingillini.com)
Roster Moves Aug 15, 2007
Selected by Chicago in the 20th round of the 2000 June Draft, Pignatiello was selected as the 2000 Illinois Baseball Player of the Year by Gatorade and named the 2000 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year. In eight minor league seasons, Pignatiello has gone 49-43 with five saves and a 3. (Chicago Cubs, TheInsiders.com)
Who will be here next week at state? Aug 1, 2007
All I know is I m glad Mattoon puts forth the effort to bring the best of Illinois baseball for ages 19-and-under to town next week. Share. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Southern Illinois Baseball schedules tryouts Jul 24, 2007
The Southern Illinois Baseball organization will be holding open tryouts on August 25 and 26 for the spring 2008 Season, looking to fill nine and under and ten and under teams. This will be the group's second season. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Wilson named NJCAA Academic All-American Jun 29, 2007
I like the warm weather and the tradition they have there, said Wilson, who is playing for the Clinton Zugs in the Eastern Illinois Baseball League currently. The field and the campus are nice and all the people are friendly and I have family down there. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
West sweeps SIBCA all-star games Jun 19, 2007
CARBONDALE After facing off as enemies during the prep baseball season, the area's top players teamed up for a friendly pair of exhibition games Saturday as the Southern Illinois Baseball Coaches Association East-West All-Star Classic was held at SIU's Abe Martin Field. "It's a nice honor to be here. We're just trying to have fun and it's for the kids," said West co-coach Bobby Jackson, who guided Carterville to a regional championship this past spring. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Several local athletes compete in SIBCA All-Star game Jun 19, 2007
CARBONDALE - On a bright, hot sunny Saturday that had many fans at Abe Martin Field at SIU looking for seats in the shade on the grassy hill overlooking the field, it was a privileged but not victorious day for area players in Southern Illinois Baseball Coaches Association (SIBCA) All-Star Game action, as the East All-Stars (featuring players from Harrisburg, Eldorado, Gallatin County, Carrier Mills and Galatia) lost the senior game 10-9, and the junior installment, 5-2. In the opener, featuring... (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Massengill named all-state shortstop Jun 13, 2007
HERSCHER Recent Neoga graduate David Massengill, who is to play baseball at Lake Land, was one of 25 players named to the Illinois Baseball Coaches Association All-State team. I don t know what to say, said an elated Neoga coach Ted Kerner, who didn t know of the honor when contacted. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Several local players garner postseason recognition Jun 9, 2007
The Southern Illinois Baseball Coaches Association (SIBCA) has announced its All-South Team for the 2007 high school baseball season, and it shows four athletes from Saline County, one from Pope County, and one from Gallatin County. They are Austin Bradley and Jimmy Suits of Eldorado, Gage Jackson of Pope County, Blake Luckett of Gallatin County, Eli Jackson of Carrier Mills, and Christian Cummins and Zack Lands of Harrisburg. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Pitching-thick Draft haul should aid Rox Jun 9, 2007
" Davis, a Canadian, turned down the Devil Rays after being drafted in the 49th round in 2003. This past season, he batted .400 -- the first Illinios player to do so since 1996 -- and became a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given to the nation's top collegiate catcher, and the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, which goes to the nation's top player. "Just the type of person he is, his work ethic and his talent, he is well-deserving of being a third-round Draft pick," Illinois coach Dan... (MLB.com -- Colorado Rockies)
Davis Drafted in Third Round by Rockies Jun 8, 2007
"Everyone involved with the Illinois baseball program is very proud of what he's done and is extremely proud of the way he's represented our program. Lars will have an extremely successful professional career.". Davis recently was named to Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball's All-America second team after earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. (Fightingillini.com)
Derbak named Freshman All-American Jun 7, 2007
After serving as Eastern Illinois baseball s top multi-position player and being the only freshman selected to either of the Ohio Valley all-conference teams, Richie Derbak has been named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball. Derbak was one of three players selected nationally as a multiple-position athlete. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Bulldogs split with Herrin in SIBCA opener Jun 7, 2007
HARRISBURG - A last inning rally, negating three runs in the previous two innings by their opponents, gave Harrisburg a split of a season-opening Southern Illinois Baseball Coaches Association (SIBCA) doubleheader against Herrin Tuesday evening at Dorris Heights Field. Harrisburg used two fifth inning Herrin errors to win the nightcap after losing the opener. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
After injury-filled year, Huber still hopeful in draft Jun 6, 2007
Eastern Illinois baseball coach could not help wondering how much better his 23-28 season with an Ohio Valley Conference tournament berth might have been with two-time league batting champion Erik Huber healthy all spring. Now he is pondering how much higher his senior first baseman might have gone in Thursday s amateur draft had he not missed 11 starts and been limping through others with a hamstring injury. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini Look to Clinch Tourney Berth as They Host MSU to Finish Regular Season May 18, 2007
This Weekend's Promotions Illinois baseball has a variety of promotions for fans this weekend. Senior class baseball cards, featuring such Illini starters as and , will be available while supplies last. (Fightingillini.com)
Gribble expresses disappointment with statements made during campaign May 16, 2007
8 million bond referendum for the Southern Illinois Baseball Group that will be repaid through TIF monies. Comments. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Illini Host Hoosiers with Tournament Aspirations May 11, 2007
As this is graduation weekend on the UI campus, Illinois Baseball has eight members earning degrees either in May or August and all such candidates are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies ... This Weekend's Promotions Illinois baseball has a variety of promotions for fans this weekend. (Fightingillini.com)
Another tough OVC series for EIU baseball May 5, 2007
CHARLESTON - For the second weekend in a row, Eastern Illinois baseball hits the road for an Ohio Valley Conference series at a league front-runner, as the Panthers head to Clarksville, Tenn. for a three-game set at Austin Peay. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Miners anxious to start spring training May 4, 2007
The Southern Illinois Baseball Group has successfully brought the sport to Marion, and now, after months of planning and building, the Southern Illinois Miners are on the cusp of opening their first spring training camp. Players are moving into the area this week at least two are already here, working out on their own and getting settled with host families and things get serious next week. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Panthers to host Bradley in final midweek home game May 2, 2007
CHARLESTON Eastern Illinois baseball closes out the home portion of its midweek schedule today when the Panthers welcome Bradley to Coaches Stadium for a 3 p.m. contest. Beginning with last week s game at Illinois and versus Illinois State, each of the EIU s final six midweek games this season are against Illinois-based opponents. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illini Stay Perfect in Big Ten Openers with 10-5 Win Apr 29, 2007
In addition, Illinois Baseball alumni who are at Saturday's games will be recognized between games of the doubleheader. (Fightingillini.com)
Illini Return Home to Start Big Ten Second Half Apr 27, 2007
In addition, there will be an Illinois Baseball alumni reunion this weekend, featuring a tailgate before Saturday's doubleheader and including introducing alumni in attendance between Saturday's games. On Sunday, kids can play wiffleball after the game with the Illini team. (Fightingillini.com)
Stevens lifts Huskies to victory over Miami Apr 17, 2007
Story Photos Bobby Stevens (11) is greeted by the rest of the Northern Illinois baseball team after Stevens hit a three-run home run to give the Huskies an 8-5 victory over Miami on Sunday. NIU improved to 20-11 overall and 9-3 in the Mid-American Conference. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Panthers pound Olivet for 13 hits in nine-run win Apr 13, 2007
CHARLESTON Mark Chagnon collected a season-high three RBIs and freshman Curt Restko recorded his first collegiate hit with a solo home run, as Eastern Illinois baseball cruised past Olivet Nazarene, 12-3, Thursday afternoon at Coaches Stadium. Twelve of EIU s 13 hits were singles, as Restko s sixth-inning longball to left center was the team s only extra-base hit of the day. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Huskies split with Kent State Apr 10, 2007
Jeff Thomas and the Northern Illinois baseball team split a doubleheader against Kent State. The Huskies boast a 7-2 record in the Mid-American Conference West Division. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
The Bellino 500 Apr 7, 2007
The Illinois Baseball and Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer said he hopes to be around for a lot more wins at St. Bede before he hangs them up. Here s their conversation. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Weather forces many cancellations Apr 4, 2007
The Saint Xavier at Eastern Illinois baseball game was cancelled as was the Mayor s Cup Western Illinois at Eastern Illinois men s and women s tennis matches. In addition one Eastern event scheduled for today, the men s soccer spring game featuring Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville at Eastern Illinois has been postponed until 5:30 p.m. April 11 on the soccer practice facilities south of O Brien Stadium. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
