Coaches Preseason Poll:
1. Missouri State
2. Creighton
3. Wichita State
4. Indiana State
5. Illinois State
6. Southern Illinois
7. Bradley
8. Evansville
Illinois State returns five starters which include Kevin Tokarski who was an honorable mention All-MVC last year. On the mound closer Kenny Long will also be back for 2012.
Southern Illinois Carbondale has eight position players and two starting pitchers returning for 2012. Also back is slugger Chris Serritella who was injured in 2011.
Bradley brings back seven position players and eight pitchers including starter Joe Bircher.
Players from Illinois on The 2012 All-MVC Preseason Team:
Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois
Mike Hollenbeck, Illinois State
Mike Gerber, Creighton
Jordan Sivertsen, Southern Illinois
Mike Tauchman, Bradley
Kenny Long, Illinois State