The 2011 top baseball players and teams from The Ohio Valley Conference based on how the coaches voted in a pre-season poll.
Ohio Valley Conference Pre-Season Poll:
#1. Tennessee Tech
#2. Jacksonville State
#3. S.E. Missouri State
#4. Austin Peay State
#5. Murry State
#6. Eastern Kentucky
#7. Eastern Illinois
#8. Morehead State
#9. Tennessee-Martin
#10. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville
Top Players to Watch in 2011:
Shortstop Chad Hayes, Tennessee Tech, .315 batting average, 4 homers, 9 doubles and 39 rbi's in 2010. The junior shortstop/second baseman is from Springfield Lanphier High School and lives in Springfield IL.
Outfielder Michael Adamson, Southeast Missouri State, .388 batting average, 6 homers, 23 doubles and 49 rbi's last year. The senior outfielder is a transfer from John A. Logan College, attended Freeburg High School and lives in Freeburg IL.
Shortstop Kenton Parmley, Southeast Missouri State, .380 batting average, 11 home runs, 10 doubles and 42 rbi's as a sophomore. Kenton attended Goreville High School and lives in Goreville IL.
First baseman Colton Moore, Murray State, .328 batting average, 1 homer, 13 doubles and 39 rbi's and the only freshman to hit for the cycle in Division I last year. The sophomore infielder is from Normal West High School and lives in Bloomington IL.
Outfielder Ryan Faidley, Eastern Kentucky, .324 batting average, 12 home runs, 14 doubles and 46 rbi's last season. Ryan went to Crystal Lake South High School and lives in Crystal Lake IL.
Third baseman Zach Borenstein, Eastern Illinois University, .353 batting average, 11 home runs, 13 doubles and 47 rbi's as a sophomore. Zach attended Buffalo Grove High School and lives in Buffalo Grove IL.
Right handed pitcher Mike Hoekstra, Eastern Illinois University, 4-4 with a 4.16 ERA, 39 k's and 5 walks in 2010. Mike is from Thornton Fractional South High School and lives in Lansing IL.
Outfielder Mitch Matecki, Southern Illinois Edwardsville, .298 batting average, 1 homer, 10 doubles, 33 rbi's last year. Mitch is from Belleville West High School and lives in Millstadt IL.
Infielder Joel Greatting, Southern Illinois Edwardsville, .260 batting average, 8 home runs, 15 doubles and 32 rbi's as a freshman last season. Joel attended Columbia High School and lives in Columbia IL.
Right handed pitcher Spencer Patton, Southern Illinois Edwardsville, made only 5 appearances and suffered a season ending knee injury in 2010. Struck out 15 batters in 15.2 innings. Joel is a transfer from Parkland College, attended South Central High School and lives in Kinmundy IL.
Here are the 2011 top 20 returning NJCAA Division I hitters from Illinois schools. The list is based on statistics from either the NJCAA or the teams websites. Players must have had at least 50 at bats in 2010.
#1. Jake Lueneburg, Kishwaukee College, .494 batting average, 8 home runs, 13 doubles, 4 triples and 65 rbi's in 166 at bats last season. Jake lives in Caledonia WI.
#2. Carlos Luciano, Triton College, .492 batting average, 2 homers, 14 doubles, 4 triples and 39 rbi's last year. Carlos is from Clemente High School and lives in Chicago IL.
#3. Michael Eberle, Lincoln Trail College, .438 batting average, 4 home runs, 12 doubles, and 41 rbi's in 2010. Michael lives in Terre Haute IN.
#4. Garrett Gee, Kishwaukee College, .429 batting average, 7 homers, 6 triples, 14 doubles and 52 rbi's in 2010. Garrett lives in Woodstock IL.
#5. George Patteson, South Suburban College, .423 batting average, 10 homers, 13 doubles, 2 triples and 49 rbi's last season. George is from Lincoln Way East High School and lives in Frankfort IL.
#6. James Willis III, Wabash Valley Community College, .407 batting average, 3 homers, 14 doubles, 3 triples and 49 rbi's in 2010. James is from Cincinnati OH.
#7. Chabriel Pizarro, Wabash Valley Community College, .390 batting average, 8 homers, 12 doubles and 52 rbi's last year. Chabriel is from Shreveport LA.
#8. Mike Schroeder, Triton College, .381 batting average, 4 doubles and 21 rbi's in 2010. Mike lives in Crown Point IN.
#9. Brandon Alexander, John A. Logan College, .379 batting average, 8 home runs, 12 doubles, 6 triples and 44 rbi's in 2010. Brandon lives in St. Louis MO.
#10. Kyle Stanton, Southwestern Illinois College, .378 batting average, 4 homers, 14 doubles and 42 rbi's last season. Kyle is from O'Fallon High School and lives in O'Fallon IL.
#11. Josh Rosol, Kaskaskia College, .376 batting average, 7 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run in 2010. Josh is from Carlyle High School and lives in Carlyle IL.
#12. Evan Luken, Lincoln Trail College, .373 batting average, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 36 rbi's. Evan lives in Terre Haute IN.
#13. Jordan Manney, Lake Land College, .371 batting average, 2 homers, 6 doubles and 17 rbi's in 2010. Jordan went to McArthur High School and lives in Decatur IL.
#14. Ricky Divito, Triton College, .367 batting average, 5 doubles, 1 triple and 21 rbi's. Ricky attended Driscoll Catholic High School and lives in Wood Dale IL.
#15. Johnny Dayton, Lake Land College, .362 batting average, 7 home runs, 1 double and 28 rbi's last season. Johnny went to Paris High School and lives in Paris IL.
#16. Tyler O'Daniel, Rend Lake College, .353 batting average, 1 homer, 11 doubles, 1 triple and 32 rbi's in 2010. Tyler lives in Calvert City KY.
#17. James Dawson, South Suburban College, .348 batting average, 7 home runs, 15 doubles, 2 triples and 46 rbi's. James attended Hillcrest High School and lives in Country Club Hills IL.
#18. Tyler Campbell, Lincoln Trail College, .343 batting average, 1 homer, 7 doubles and 36 rbi's last season. Tyler lives in Anderson IN.
#19. Jared Massengill, Lake Land College, .338 batting average, 8 doubles, 1 triple and 16 rbi's in 2010. Jared went to Neoga High School and lives in Neoga IL.
#20. Joel Hoover, Kishwaukee College, .333 batting average, 5 doubles, 1 triple and 19 rbi's last season. Joel lives in Greentown IN.
The Danville Dans have named former Dans and Air Force Academy Head Coach Mike Hutcheon as Field Manger for the 2011 season.
Hutcheon was the Head Coach of the Dans from 1989 through 1993. Hutcheon was also the Head Baseball Coach at Air Force Academy from 2004 through 2010 with an overall record of 78-287 and 15-156 in conference. Hutcheon resigned from his Head Baseball Coaching position at the Air Force Academy at the end of the 2010 season.
Augustana Vikings Head Baseball Coach Greg Wallace recaps the key returning players for the 2011 upcoming baseball season.
Mike Barker, Marina del Rey CA, the junior outfielder hit .343 with 1 home run and 26 rbi's in 2010.
Joe Cecchi, Romeoville High School, lives in Romeoville IL, sophomore infielder hit .326 with 1 home run and 20 rbi's last season.
Vince Frede, St. Charles East High School, lives in St. Charles IL, the senior pitcher went 1-2 with a 5.28 ERA, tied for the team lead in appearances with 15.
Ben Heaton, Bloomington Central Catholic High School, lives in Heyworth IL, sophomore pitcher, went 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA on the mound in 2010.
Dave Hoffman, Cary-Grove High School, lives in Fox River Grove IL, senior infielder, 1st team All-CCIW in 2010, hit .424 with 15 doubles, 37 rbi's and 3 home runs.
Raymond Homolka, Glenbard West High School, lives in Wheaton IL, senior pitcher, 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA last season.
Mike Lamb, Ottawa Hith School, lives in Ottawa IL, the junior outfielder hit .225 with 3 homers and 23 rbi's in 2010.
Josiah Martin, Canton High School, lives in Canton IL, junior pitcher went 4-2 with a 4.46 ERA.
Jared McIntosh, Davenport Iowa, sophomore pitcher/outfielder, hit .317 with 2 home runs and 17 rbi's and went 2-1 with a 4.41 ERA last season.
T.J. O'Donnell, New Trier High School, lives in Northbrook IL, senior catcher hit .215 with 1 homer and 14 rbi's.
John Peters, Alleman Catholic High School, lives in Milan IL, junior pitcher went 3-2 with a 4.78 ERA.
Kurt Schmidt, Grayslake Central High School, lives in Grayslake IL, the soph shortstop was 2nd team All-CCIW in 2010, hit .364 with 2 triples, 2 homers and 29 rbi's.
Kevin Serna, Rolling Meadows High School, lives in Arlington Heights IL, junior outfielder hit .352 with 32 rbi's last season.
Mike Trotta, Notre Dame High School, lives in Chicago IL, the junior pitcher went 2-1 with 1 save and a 5.50 ERA in 2010.
Joe Ufheil, Notre Dame High School, lives in Chicago IL, junior pitcher, 7 saves with a 4.96 ERA last season.
The Gateway Grizzlies announced the signing of five returning pitchers for the 2011 season.
The Grizzlies will bring back the following pitchers:
Mark Brackman, 13-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 152.2 innings in 2010. Brackman went 10-0 after the the All-Star break last season.
Tim Chubb, threw 118.2 innings with a 3.42 ERA last season.
B.J. Dail, started 19 games and over 100 innings for the Grizzlies.
Josh Whitlock, had only three starts last season and went 2-0 with a 4.82 ERA.
Nick Walters will return to the bullpen again for 2011. Walters earned the team's Reliever of the year award in 2010 by going 5-0 with a 1.14 ERA in 41 appearances last season. Walters also struck out 71 batters in just over 47 innings in 2010.
Top baseball teams and baseball players from Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference based on how coaches voted in a pre-season poll.
Missouri Valley Pre-Season Poll:
#1. Wichita State
#2. Illinois State
#3. Indiana State
#4. Southern Illinois
#5. Evansville
#6. Creighton
#7. Bradley
#8. Missouri State
Projected Player of the Year:
Red-Shirt Junior Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State University, .412 batting average, 8 home runs, 25 doubles, 53 rbi's, 33 stolen bases. Kevin attended Downers Grove North High School and lives in Downers Grove IL.
Top Players to Watch:
Catcher Matt Mirabal, Illinois State University, .323 batting average, 4 home runs, 14 doubles, 42 rbi's. Matt is from Mt. Carmel High School and lives in Chicago IL.
3B Ryan Court, Illinois State University, .295 batting average, 10 home runs, 14 doubles, 49 rbi's. Ryan is from Dundee-Crown High School and lives in Sleepy Hollow IL.
Right handed pitcher Corey Maines, Illinois State University, 6 wins 3 losses, 4.60 ERA, 67 strikeouts. Corey lives in Houston TX.
Left handed pitcher Kenny Long, Illinois State University, 4 wins 4 losses, 9 saves, 1.38 ERA, 74 strikeouts. Kenny is from Dundee-Crown High School and lives in Fox River Grove IL.
1B Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois University, .374 batting average, 13 home runs, 19 doubles, 64 rbi's. Chris attended Loyola Academy and lives in Glenview IL.
Outfielder Chris Murphy, Southern Illinois University, .320 batting average, 1 home run, 16 doubles, 31 rbi's, 11 stolen bases. Chris is from Sewickley PA.
Right handed pitcher Cameron Maldonado, Southern Illinois University. Cameron is a transfer from Seward County Junior College.
Right handed pitcher Sam Johns, University of Evansville, 5 wins 4 losses, 5.71 ERA, 54 strikeouts. Sam attended Civic Memorial High School and lives in Bethalto IL.
Outfielder Aaron Conway, Missouri State University, .278 batting average, 7 home runs, 7 doubles, 23 rbi's, 24 stolen bases. Aaron is from Triad High School and lives in Edwardsville IL.
Now that the JackHammers are gone the Joliet Slammers are moving in to Silver Cross Field. The new owners wanted a new name for the professional team located in Joliet since the former JackHammers ran into financial troubles.
More than 1000 fans suggested names to replace the JackHammers and the Joliet Jailbirds came out as the most suggested name but team executives thought it was a bit much. The Exec's went along with the prison theme and came up with the Slammers.
The Slammers will open their Frontier League schedule on May 19th 2011 in Joliet against the Washington Wild Things.
The top 20 Division I pitchers in Illinois returning for 2011. The list was obtained from both NJCAA and team websites. The list is ranked by ERA, 2010 statistics only and we used a qualifier of 15 innings pitched.
#1. Logan Helms, Onley Central College, 14 IP, 1.29 ERA, 2 wins 0 losses, 2 saves. Logan is from Ashland KY.
#2. Cale Bastein, Kaskaskia College, 24.1 IP, 2.22 ERA, 3 wins 1 loss, 2 saves. Cale is from DuQuoin High School and lives in DuQuoin IL.
#3. Carlos Rossel, Kishwaukee College, 18 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1 win 1 loss, 15 strikeouts, 4 walks. Carlos is from Miami Coral Park FL.
#4. James Gordon, Wabash Valley College, 74.1 IP, 3.15 ERA, 8 wins 2 losses. James is from Cicero IN.
#5. Storm Lindsay, Lincoln Trail College, 17 IP, 3.18 ERA, 2 wins 0 losses, 1 save. Storm is from Farmersburg IN.
#6. Joe Grzywacz, Southwestern Illinois College, 35 IP, 3.20 ERA, 2 wins 4 losses, 9 saves, 35 strikeouts. Joe is from Collinsville High School and lives in Collinsville IL.
#7. Eric Shannahan, John A. Logan College, 66 2/3rd's IP, 3.24 ERA, 8 wins, 2 losses, 1 save. Eric lives in Collinsville, IL.
#8. Alex Mann, Southwestern Illinois College, 17 IP, 3.29 ERA, 3 wins 0 losses, 17 strikeouts. Alex is from St. Louis MO.
#9. Luke Collis, Southwestern Illinois College, 62 IP, 3.39 ERA, 7 wins, 2 losses, 1 save. Luke is from St. Charles MO.
#10. Josh Cushman, Kaskaskia College, 55.1 IP, 3.58 ERA, 5 wins 2 losses. Josh is from DuQouin IL.
#11. Collin Ullery, Lincoln Trail College, 17 IP, 3.71 ERA, 2 wins 2 losses, 2 saves. Collin is from South Bend IN.
#12. Ryan Windt, South Suburban College, 68 IP, 3.84 ERA, 4 wins 5 losses, 1 save. Ryan is from Richards High School and lives in Tinley Park IL.
#13. Evan West, Lake Land College, 21 IP, 3.86 ERA, 2 wins 0 losses, 17 strikeouts. Evan attended Meridian High School and lives in Decatur IL.
#14. Keith Koser, Wabash Valley College, 24.2 IP, 4.01 ERA, 3 wins 1 loss, 4 saves, 26 strikeouts. Keith is from Akron IN.
#15. Jayden Pobst, John A. Logan College, 29 IP, 4.03 ERA, 0 wins 1 loss, 1 save, 30 strikeouts. Jayden is from Oran OH.
#16. Keith Greer, South Suburban College, 28 IP, 4.18 ERA, 2 wins 0 losses, 1 save, 21 strikeouts. Keith is from Lowell IN.
#17. Chris Doherty, South Suburban College, 19 IP, 4.26 ERA, 0 wins 1 loss, 1 save. Chris is from Homewood-Flossmoor High School and lives in Flossmoor IL.
#18. Jordan Amlong, Lake Land College, 28.2 IP, 4.40 ERA, 1 win 0 losses, 26 strikeouts. Jordan is from Effingham IL.
#19. David Nelson, South Suburban College, 62.1 IP, 4.62 ERA, 4 wins 4 losses. David attended Rich South High School and lives in Matteson IL.
#20. Jeff McNeely, Lincoln Trail College, 24.1 IP, 4.81 ERA, 1 win 0 losses, 1 save, 23 strikeouts. Jeff is from Lafayette, IN.
Schaumburg Professional Baseball LLC had their eviction hearing postponed today until February 24th due to a pending sale according to Flyers officials.
Village officials are trying to get more than $900,000 in unpaid rent from the team that plays at Alexian Field. If the team is sold the village is more likely to get paid according to village and team officials.
Both Flyers owner Rich Ehrenreich and village attorney Jack Siegel are hoping the sale goes through and should be finalized in about a month.
Village officials would prefer a sale over court proceedings since it would be more beneficial for the community and keep the Flyers at Alexian Field. But, if the sale is not finalized by next months eviction hearing, officials will move forward to push the team out and settle on final payments.
Top baseball players in the Mid-American Conference based on how the conference coaches voted in the pre-season polls. Listed below are the players from Illinois or athletes who play on Illinois teams.
Top Players to Watch:
Outfielder Bryce Redeker, Miami of Ohio, medical redshirt in 2010, Kankakee Community College, Bishop McNamara, lives in Watseka IL.
Infielder Troy White, Northern Illinois University, .289 batting average, 5 doubles, 30 rbi's. Troy is from Whitney Young High School and lives in Chicago IL.
Right handed pitcher Jeremy Gonzales, Northern Illinois University, 4-4 with a 4.30 ERA, 59 strikeouts last season. Jeremy lives in Bakersfield CA.
Right handed pitcher Brian Stroud, Western Michigan University, medical redshirt in 2010. Brian attended Providence Catholic High School and lives in Joliet IL.
Infielder/DH Ryan McMillin, Western Michigan University, .323 batting average, 5 home runs, 8 doubles, 25 rbi's. Ryan is from Lyons Township High School and lives in LaGrange IL.
Listed below are the top baseball players and players to watch in the Horizon League who live in Illinois or on an Illinois team. The list is based on how the conference coaches voted in a special pre-season poll.
Projected Player of the Year:
Outfielder Kyle Gaedele, Valparaiso University, .373 batting average, 19 doubles, 7 home runs, 63 rbi's and 17 stolen bases. Kyle is from Rolling Meadows High School and lives in Arlington Heights IL.
Other Top Players to Watch in 2011:
Outfielder Steve McGuiggan, University of Illinois Chicago, .355 batting average, 6 home runs, 19 doubles, 19 stolen bases. Steve lives in Apple Valley MN.
2B Matt Serna, University of Illinois Chicago, .379 batting average, 2 home runs, 17 doubles, 49 rbi's. Matt attended Lincoln College, went to Rolling Meadows High School and lives in Arlington Heights IL.
3B Jason Ganek, University of Illinois Chicago, .342 batting average, 5 home runs, 16 doubles and 45 rbi's. Jason is from Hersey High School and lives in Mt. Prospect IL.
3B Grant Fillipitch, Butler University, .322 batting average, 6 home runs, 40 rbi's. Grant attended Lyons Township High School and lives in LaGrange Park IL.
Outfielder Cory Moylan, Butler University, .369 batting average, 15 doubles, 37 rbi's. Cory is a transfer from Vermont, (which dropped their baseball program) attended Glenbrook South High School and lives in Glenview IL.
The top returning players for Greenville College are based on 2010 final statistics.
Infielder Kenny Trager, at the plate Trager hit .368 with 7 doubles and 1 triple with a .494 on base average.
Infielder Kyle Hobar, batted .327 with 4 doubles and 3 triples in 42 games last season.
Infielder/Pitcher Wes Letizia, hit .375 in 8 at bats and made two appearances on the mound in 2010.
Infielder/Pitcher Scotty Voyles, went 1-1 in 5 appearances and batted .250 with 24 at bats last year.
Utility player Ryan Siddle, batted .333 in 8 games in 2010.
Greenville is coming off a second place finish (18-6) in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and an overall record of 28-14 last season.
University of Illinois Springfield baseball was picked to finish seventh in the west division in the Great Lakes Valley Conference pre-season poll released on Wednesday.
The Prairie Stars earned 18 points in the poll which tied them with Kentucky Wesleyan who was voted eighth.
Coach Brian Grunzke stated "It's not a surprise since UIS is in it's first year of the program."
The NAIA Pre-season All-Americans and players to watch list from Illinois was chosen by the NAIA All-American Selection Committee.
Pre-Season All-Americans from Illinois:
RHP - Corey Shultz, University of St. Francis, Kankakee High School, lives in Kankakee IL. The junior closer led the team with 9 victories (all in relief) a 2.59 ERA and 5 saves last season.
Players to Watch for 2011:
Relief Pitcher - Chad Steinborn, Olivet Nazarene University, Pekin Community High School, lives in Pekin IL
1B - Shelby Anderson, Lindenwood University, Quincy High School, lives in Quincy IL
1B - Chris Hammett, Olivet Nazarene University, lives in Indianapolis IN
OF - Jeremy Camacho, Bellvue University, McHenry County College, Jacobs High School, lives in Lake in the Hills IL
Interim head coach Adam Smith has been promoted to full-time head baseball coach at Concordia University in Chicago.
Over the past two seasons Smith served as a full-time assistant and hitting coach for the Cougars.
Concordia also announced that Brandon Townsend as the new full-time assistant coach. Townsend will work with the Cougars' pitching staff and also be involved with recruiting.
2010 Frontier League MVP Charlie Lisk will return to the Gateway Grizzlies for the 2011 season announced by the Grizzlies yesterday.
Lisk, who set the Frontier League career home run record with 89, finished the 2010 season with 113 hits, 203 total bases, 88 rbi's and 46 extra base hits.
Lisk ended the 2010 season with 23 home runs, a .303 batting average and 23 doubles in 93 games.
Defending Division III National Champion Illinois Wesleyan top returning players for 2011:
C - Mark McDermott - .363 BA, 14 doubles, 37 rbi's, Andrew High School, lives in Tinley Park IL.
3B - Jeff Grodecki - .345 BA, 14 doubles, 45 rbi's, Glenbrook South High School, lives in Glenview IL.
OF - Ryan Hopp - .340 BA, 10 doubles, 10 stolen bases, Hinsdale South High School, lives in Darien, IL
SS - Zach Scott - .263 BA, 33 rbi's, St. Charles East High School, lives in St. Charles IL.
OF - Kevin Sullivan - .290 BA, 7 doubles, 3 homers, Highland Park High School, lives in Highland Park IL
1B - Kevin Callahan - .286 BA, 2 homers, 19 rbi's, Brother Rice High School, lives in Chicago IL.
INF - Anthony Lopez - .245 BA, started 32 games as a Freshman, Naperville Central High School, lives in Bolingbrook, IL
RHP - Jason Pankau - 11-2, 2.60 ERA, 3rd Team D3 Baseball All-American, York High School, lives in Elmhurst IL
RHP - Joe Sweeney - 4-2, 5.40 ERA, Fenwick High School, lives in Chicago, IL
LHP - Nick Mehn - 2.40 ERA, 15 IP, 14 strikeouts, Limestone High School, lives in Peoria IL.
Head Coach: Dennis Martel - 595-368 with Illinois Wesleyan.
Division II Mid-West Region Pre-Season All-Americans prepared by the American Baseball Coaches Association's NCAA D2 All-American Baseball Committee. Listed below are the players from Illinois.
Pre-Season All-Americans
3B/SS - Sean Estand, Saint Joseph's College, Eastern Illinois University, St. Rita High School, lives in Evergreen Park IL. Sean led the Pumas with 12 home runs, hit .347, and stole 21 bases last season.
RHP - Eric Panick, Saint Joseph's College, St. Rita High School, lives in Chicago IL. Eric went 4-1 with 1.38 ERA and struck out 42 in 39 innings last season.
Other Mid-West Region Players to Watch in 2011:
SS - Andrew Trepel, Grand Valley State University, Minooka High School, lives in Joliet, IL.
P/OF - Tyler Newsome, Lewis University, Marist High School, lives in Palos Heights, IL.
C - Justin Dunning, Quincy University, Wesclin High School, lives in Trenton, IL.
The Schaumburg Flyers announced that Chad Parker, 2010 Northern League Manager of the Year, will join the Flyers as its field manager for the 2011 season.
Parker managed the Joliet JackHammers into the playoffs in 2010 a year after he won the Manager of the Year in the Frontier League with the River City Rascals.
Parker also was the head baseball coach at Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon GA from 2001-2006.
Here are the top players to watch in the Big East Conference who are from Illinois. The players are chosen by the Big East Conference coaches in a pre-season poll.
RHP Tony Zych, Louisville, St. Rita High School, Monee, IL, 5-2, 5.13 ERA, 50 K's.
SS Mick Doyle, Notre Dame, Benet Academy, LaGrange Park, IL, .228 BA, 5 HR, 13 doubles, 29 rbi's.
LF/2B Dain Hall, Villanova, Barrington High School, Barrington, IL, .328 BA, 1 HR, 9 doubles, 36 rbi's, 17 stolen bases.
ELGIN, Ill. - Former Major League Baseball player and current AA manager Sal Fasano will be speaking at Judson University on Saturday, January 29th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the 1st Pitch Bash Fundraiser for the Judson University baseball team. The event will take place at the Lindner Fitness Center and tickets can be purchased for $5 from Rich Benjamin in the Judson University Athletics Office.
The night will feature a baseball park atmosphere as fans will have a chance to buy ballpark food and bid on silent auction items. The baseball team will also have a 2011 introduction video of the team.
Fasano is a 11-year veteran of Major League Baseball as a catcher and played for nine different teams in the National and American Leagues. He is currently an AA manager in the Toronto Blue Jays organization and is originally from Hoffman Estates, Ill.
For more information on the event, contact Judson University head baseball coach Rich Benjamin at rbenjamin@judsonu.edu or at 847.628.1579.
The annual I70 coaches clinic will be held on Monday January 17th at Greenville Junior High School in Greenville, IL. Registration starts at 8:00 am and the clinic will start at 9:00 am.
Guest speakers include:
Mike Pinto, Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League
Bill Findley, Head Groundskeeper, St. Louis Cardinals
Justin Fleener, Head Coach, Teutopolis High School
Mark Johnson, Sam Houston State
Fred Corral, Pitching Coach, University of Memphis
For registration information, click the following link:
I70 Baseball Clinic Registration
The Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association annual coaches clinic will be held at the College of DuPage on February 4th and 5th 2011. The speaker lineup has not been released yet but for more information please contact the IHSBCA at 630-505-1000.
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| Harold Riggins |
Listed below are the top baseball players in the ACC for 2011 from the state of Illinois. The projected top players are based on the ACC coaches pre-season votes.
Infielder Harlod Riggins, North Carolina State University, Normal West High School, lives in Normal IL. .331 batting average, 12 home runs, 11 doubles and 44 rbi's.
Top players to watch in the Big Ten for 2011 based on how conference coaches voted in the pre-season. The following list are only the players from Illinois schools or are from Illinois.
Projected Pitcher of the Year:
1B/RHP Paul Snieder, Northwestern University, 12 saves, 1.69 ERA, .353 batting average, 15 doubles last season as a sophomore.
Other Top Players to Watch:
LHP Jarred Hipen, Iowa University, Rock Falls High School, Rock Falls IL, 6-4 3.71 ERA, 71 K's.
RHP Kevin Lee, Iowa University, Richards High School Oak Lawn, IL, 13 saves, 2-0.
2B Mike McQuillan, Iowa University, Brother Rice High School, lives in Evergreen Park, IL, .344 BA, 3 homers, 7 doubles 39 rbi's.
OF Trevor Willis, Iowa University, Lockport High School, lives in Homer Glen, IL, .261 BA, 5 homers, 8 doubles.
3B Chris Lashmet, Northwestern University, New Trier High School, Wilmette, IL, .327 BA, 12 doubles, 43 rbi's.
RHP Zach Morton, Northwestern University, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL, 3-5, 7.53 ERA, 43 K's.
OF Willie Argo, University of Illinois, Davenport Iowa, .318 BA, 4 HR, 11 doubles, 33 rbi's, 41 stolen bases.
LF Casey McMurry, University of Illinois, Lyons Township High School, lives in Willow Springs, IL, .348 BA, 6 HR, 14 doubles, 39 rbi's.
RHP Kevin Johnson, University of Illinois, Mt. Carmel High School, lives in Midlothian IL, 5-2, 5.23 ERA, 53 K's.
