Sam Travis and Brandon Magallones Win Big Ten Baseball Players of the Week

Two Providence Catholic alums, Sam Travis and Brandon Magallones, earn Big Ten Baseball Players of the week honors.

Indiana first baseman Sam Travis earned Player of the Week and Co-Freshman of the Week honors for hitting .727 and extending his hitting streak to 11 games in a three game series against Penn State.  Sam also had three rbi's and two doubles in the series and an on base percentage of .750.  Sam is from Orland Park Illinois.

Northwestern freshman pitcher Brandon Magallones won the Co-Pitcher and the Co-Freshman of the Week throwing seven shutout innings in a 3-0 shutout over Iowa.  Brandon had nine strikeouts and allowed one walk and five hits.  Magallones is from Manhattan Illinois.

Bucciferro and Kraveta Named Big Ten Baseball Players of the Week

Two baseball players from the state of Illinois have been named Big Ten Players of the Week for the first week of the 2012 Division I baseball season.

Pitcher Tony Bucciferro from Michigan State earned Co-Pitcher of the Week honors throwing six scoreless innings beating nationally ranked St. John's last Friday.  Tony retired the first 13 batters in a row, allowed only one hit and struck out six.  Bucciferro is from Minooka HS and lives in Joliet Illinois.

Illinois pitcher John Kravetz shared Co-Freshman of the Week honors by throwing 6 2/3rd's shutout innings against St. John's to lead Illinois to a win in their final game in the Big Ten/Big East Challenge.  Kravetz allowed two hits and struck out six.  Kravetz attended Mt. Carmel HS and lives in Lansing Illinois.

Northwestern's outfielder Luke Dauch shared Co-Freshman of the Week honors

by hitting safely in all three games at the Big Ten/Big East Challenge.  Luke hit .714 with a double and a triple.

Northwestern University Baseball Wildcat Elite High School Showcase

The Northwestern University baseball program will host a 2011 Elite High School Showcase on December 28th and 29th in Evanston Illinois.

The showcase is open to high school baseball players ages 14-18 and geared to improve and evaluate each camper's overall baseball skills.

The showcase runs from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and cost $150.00.

For more information click on the link below.

Wildcat Elite Baseball Showcase

Northwestern Baseball Alum George Kontos Promoted to Majors

Former Northwestern baseball player and Niles West high school alum George Kontos was promoted to the Major Leagues last week with the New York Yankees. 

The right handed pitcher made his debut against the Angels on September 10th throwing one and a third giving up two hits, one earned run and striking out two.

Northwestern University Baseball Sign Cody Libman and Brandon Magallones

Northwestern University head baseball coach Paul Stevens announced the signing of Cody Libman and Brandon Magallones to National Letters of Intent for the 2012 season.

Catcher/RHP Cody Libman, Glenview, IL, Glenbrook South High School, gives the Wildcats flexibility as both a catcher and a pitcher and coach Stevens believes Cody will bring depth behind the plate and has potential on the mound.

Right handed pitcher Brandon Magallones, Manhattan, IL, Providence Catholic High School, has one of the best arms that Stevens has run into in a number of years.  "Brandon throws low 90's right now and he is still developing" according to Stevens.



 

Northwestern Baseball Showcase December 28th and 29th

Northwestern University will hold a Christmas baseball showcase for high school and junior college players from 1pm to 4pm on December 28th and December 29th. 

Registration information can be found by clicking on the link below.


Northwestern Christmas Showcase

Nortwestern Baseball Beat by Stetson on Sunday

Baseball in Illinois News

Northwestern University tried to cut into the early Stetson lead by scoring two in the top of the third inning.  After two singles and a hit by pitch Paul Snieder singled in two runs to cut the lead 3-2.  In the bottom half of the third Stetson Nick Rickles double scored two and added another on a single that put Stetson up 6-2.  Stetson added two more in the seventh and eighth and a late ralley by Northwestern fell short as Stetson hung on for an 11-5 victory.  Northwestern falls to 6-17 on the season.


PITCHING EDGE BOOK/VIDEO PACKAGE - 2ND - NTSC

Northwestern Baseball on Big Ten Network

Baseball in Illinois News

The Northwestern Wildcat baseball team will have three regular season games on the network when NU plays at in-state rival Illinois, April 30-May 2. Additionally, the Big Ten Network will televise the entire Big Ten baseball tournament live from Columbus, Ohio, in late May.

Rivals Picks Joe Muraski From Northwestern University Baseball on Pre-Season All-Conference Team

Baseball in Illinois News

Joe Muraski has been picked by Rivals.com as a Big Ten Pre-Season All-Conference Team member.  Joe is a senoir left handed pitcher at Northwestern Univesity in Evanston Illinois.

Eric Jokisch 2010 Draft Sleeper Pick

Baseball in Illinois News Sources

PGCrossChecker.com scouting report on Erick Jokisch from Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois.

Scouting reports on Jokisch, including those found here at Perfect Game, are frequently quite similar: ‘Knows how to pitch, projects to throw harder.’ That’s usually a good recipe for bigger and better things to come. He posted better numbers his first year in school, when he was named the Big Ten’s freshman of the year, than as a sophomore, but he followed up last year with a strong showing on the Cape (1.36 ERA in eight games). His stuff is solid average for a lefty, sitting in the mid-to-upper 80s with the ability to pitch in the 88-92 range when he is at his best. He also throws a slider and a changeup, and is adept at changing speeds and hitting his spots, much like former Wildcat lefty J.A. Happ.

Eric is from Virginia, Illinois and is a Junior at Northwestern.

Joliet Jackhammers vs Chicago Bandits

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

The Joliet JackHammers announced “Bandits and Boys” today, an exhibition game against the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fast Pitch League. The battle is scheduled for Monday, August 9 at 6:10 p.m.

The JackHammers will face off against some of the most talented athletes in the NPF, in what is sure to be a great clash of genders. Eileen Canney, a second round draft pick out of Northwestern University, spoke today about the match up at a press conference held by the JackHammers. Canney was a two time Big Ten Pitcher of the year, three time All Big 10 selection, two time First-Team NFCA All-Midwest Region and Big 10 Freshman of the Year honors, as well as leading her team to consecutive World Series appearances.

The planning of this event comes on the heels of the Schaumburg Flyers’ success last season. The Flyers drew a record crowd of 8,918 to Alexian Field when they were defeated by the Bandits 4-2. Along with “Bandits and Boys,” the Chicago Bandits also plan to play a regular season game at Silver Cross Field this summer.

Big Ten Baseball 2010 Pre-Season Projections

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Below is the 2010 pre-season projected order of finish based on how the coaches voted in the Big Ten Conference:

1.  Ohio State
2.  Minnesota
3.  Michigan
4.  Illinois
5.  Indiana
6.  Michigan
7.  Purdue
8.  Penn St.
9.  Northwestern
10. Iowa

Northwestern Signs Seven to National Letters of Intent

Northwestern Signs Seven to National Letters of Intent - NORTHWESTERN OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Northwestern Signs Seven to National Letters of Intent"

Baseball in Illinois will only show details on the players from Illinois.

EVANSTON, Illinois. - Northwestern head baseball coach Paul Stevens has announced the signing of seven individuals to National Letters of Intent. Ethan Bramschreiber (Glendora, Calif./St. Francis), Nick Friar (Westport, Mass./Westport), Nick Linne (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central), Kyle Ruchim (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson), Cody Stevens (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South), Jack Straub (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) and Dan Tyson (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic) are set to join the Wildcats for the 2011 season.

"I'm really excited about this group," Paul Stevens said. "They embody what Northwestern is all about from a student-athlete perspective. They have tremendous athletic and academic credentials as well as great character. I think they're all going to make an impact on this program from the get-go."

Bios on each of the signees and comments from Coach Stevens on each of the individuals follows.

Nick Linne
Outfield
6-2 • 205
Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central

High School: Posted a .325 batting average, two home runs, 10 doubles, 16 stolen bases and 30 RBI as a junior to earn honorable mention All-DuPage Valley honors ... Homered in the team's first playoff game against Hinsdale Central ... Participated in Stevenson Showcase ... Helped lead the Redhawks to the state quarterfinals in 2009 ... Played summer ball for the Illinois Sparks ... All-conference selection, offensive MVP and Walter Payton Roundhouse Player of the Year in football as a quarterback senior year ... Also played basketball, earning honorable mention all-conference as a junior ... Team captain in all three sports ... Honor roll student ... Academic all-conference ... High school baseball coach is Bill Seiple.

Personal: Born Nicholas David Linne on 7/2/91 ... Son of Dave and Anne Linne ... Uncle, Bobby Carlsen, played baseball collegiately at Oklahoma State and for three years in the minor leagues.

Coach Stevens on Linne: "Nick is a great all-around athlete. We're not sure where we'll play him yet, but he has played the outfield. He is someone who will definitely fill a role with all of the athleticism he brings to the table."

Kyle Ruchim
Infield
5-10 • 175
Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson

High School: All-area selection junior year, posting a .389 batting average, 12 doubles, 4 triples and 4 home runs while posting a 4-1 record with a 0.72 ERA on the mound ... Helped the team to the regional championship ... Participated in Stevenson Showcase ... Played summer ball for Top Trier and tossed a perfect game in the 17U CABA World Series championship game en route to being named the tournament's Most Outstanding Pitcher ... Invitee of Super 60, Black & Silver, Pitch & Hit Club, Team Illinois and Area Code Games ... Honor roll student ... High school coach is Paul Mazzuca.

Personal: Born Kyle Max Ruchim on 8/11/92 ... Son of Mitch and Cindi Ruchim and Karen Ruchim.

Coach Stevens on Ruchim: "Kyle has all of the pieces of the puzzle. He can play both the middle infield positions in addition to pitching. He had tremendous success over the summer as well as at Stevenson High School. He's someone who brings a lot of speed and agility to our program."

Cody Stevens
Infield
5-9 • 145
Glenview, Ill/Glenbrook South

High School: Posted a .381 batting average junior year ... Homered off Chicago Cubs draftee John Nasshen to break up a no-hitter in regional tournament game ... Team captain ... Stevenson Showcase invitee ... Represent Team Illinois at Sun Belt tournament in Oklahoma ... Played summer ball for Lakeside Cardinals and Glenview American Legion ... Honor roll student ... Peer tutor ... Represented school at district leadership conference ... Also played hockey ... High school baseball coach is Bob Rosinski.

Personal: Born Cody Kenneth Stevens on 3/24/91 ... Son of Paul and Kenan Stevens ... Father is the Northwestern head baseball coach ... Brother, Trevor, is a sophomore infielder on the Northwestern baseball team.

Coach Stevens on Stevens: "Cody can play a number of positions for us, which gives us a lot of flexibility in the infield. He has proven that he can swing the bat and get things done from gap-to-gap

He's a Nick of all trades :: Naperville Sun ::

He's a Nick of all trades :: Naperville Sun ::: "He's a Nick of all trades
Linne's versatility was crucial to Naperville Central's success"

November 29, 2009
By PATRICK MOONEY pmooney@scn1.com

Nick Linne's football career ended Nov. 7 with a Saturday night playoff loss at Marist. By Monday he was running through Naperville Central's first official basketball practice, after which he went to work out in the weight room. That Wednesday the senior signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Northwestern.

Within those five days is a large enough sample size to understand where Linne is coming from.

The Central staff gave its players time and space in the locker room after that 24-7 second-round defeat on Chicago's South Side. Linne's potential earned him promotions to the varsity level for the postseason as a freshman and sophomore, so the quarterback knew some would be slow to take off the pads.

"It's definitely not fun sitting there. I've been there four different times," Linne recalled. "It was weird finally being a senior and getting that ultimate feeling. I always got sad when I'd see the seniors crying, but now (I) was one of them. (It hurts) just knowing that's the last game you're gonna play."

Emotions aside, Linne maxed out as a high school quarterback. The offensive co-captain of the all-DuPage Valley Conference team generated 2,695 all-purpose yards and accounted for 29 touchdowns this season.

And it goes beyond just statistics. After leading the 8-3 Redhawks to victories over crosstown rivals Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley and Naperville North -- by a combined 15 points -- Linne is the 2009 Sun Player of the Year.

"The quarterback's as good as anybody in the western suburbs. He's a great athlete and he can hurt you with his feet as well as his arm," Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski said last month while breaking down Central. "There's even times on tape where teams would look like they had good position on receivers (and you) feel like you have a good pass rush. (But) the quarterback's a good enough athlete to make you miss and still keep his eyes down the field."

Linne described playing quarterback as a feel thing. That's when he separated himself, with defensive ends caving in, the pocket collapsing and receivers trying to find the near sideline or holes in the zone defense.

Defensive coordinators had to plan for Linne (645 rushing yards, 4.8 per carry) as Central's primary running back. And he functioned almost as a point guard in its spread offense. Five Redhawks finished the season with double-digit receptions, and six caught touchdown passes, as Linne completed nearly 60 percent of his throws for 2,050 yards.

"He's a coach on the field," Central coach Mike Stine said. "He's a kid in two years (who I) really never had to yell at him, whether it was a game or a practice. He just has that unique way about himself."

Linne didn't draw much interest above what used to be called Division I-AA football, a snub that no longer really bothers him because of where he's heading.

Northwestern baseball raised its profile during the World Series, which saw former Wildcats in New York and Philadelphia. Yankees manager Joe Girardi wore No. 27 to symbolize the championship his organization was seeking. Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ would later find out that he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Throughout the winter, Linne will be following the weighlifting and hitting plan provided by Northwestern's baseball coaches. For Linne, the competitive will and sense of calm shaped by football will continue to carry over to other sports. But it will still be interesting to see what happens when he only channels his energy toward baseball.

"To be honest, I've never really been a year-round baseball player," Linne said. "This is a new thing for me, to focus all on one sport."

National Club Baseball - Illinois Teams

The National Club Baseball Association is the national body that governs club baseball at colleges and universities in the United States.  Club teams are not completely sponsored by the schools and the teams are not eligible to play in NCAA World Series.  The two types of institutions that field club teams are the schools that can't sponsor NCAA varsity baseball and the schools that do have a varsity team but also have enough players for a second team.

In the state of Illinois there are 5 schools that have club baseball teams:
Columbia College in Chicago
University of Illinois
Northwestern University
Loyola University
Illinois State University

If you would like to view all of the club teams the website address is:  www.clubbaseball.org/

Or you can click on the right sidebar to look at the individual team websites.