Huskie Elite Baseball Prospect Camp Set For January 18

Huskie Elite Baseball Prospect Camp Set For January 18 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE:

DeKALB, Illinois - The Northern Illinois baseball program's Elite Baseball Prospect Camp is set for Monday, January 18, 2010, as players in eighth grade and above are encouraged to attend and receive instruction from the NIU coaching staff and players, other NCAA coaches and former Huskies who are now playing professionally.


This year's camp will feature instruction within the game format, camp services and a camp T-shirt. All baseball activities will be held at the DeKalb Recreation Center at 1765 South Fourth Street, and parents are invited to observe the camp.

The camp will have two sessions, one for pitchers and catchers from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a 9:30 a.m. check-in time and one for position players from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with an 11:30 a.m. check-in time. The pitcher/catcher session will give pitchers an opportunity to receive a written evaluation of their skills, along with personalized attention during mechanic drills and bullpen sessions. Catchers will receive a written skill evaluation, along with personalized attention during blocking, recovery, throwing and hitting drills. The position player session will focus on hitting, throwing and position specific defensive skills. Players will receive a written skill evaluation based on all drill sessions, along with a pro-style workout. The cost of the pitching/catching session is $75, the position player session is $100 and the package of both sessions is $150.

Campers should bring their own glove, bat, cleats, tennis or turf shoes and appropriate practice attire. For questions, concerns or more info call the baseball office at 815-753-0147 or visit niuhuskies.com. For registration inquiries call the camps office at 815-753-5300 or email sportscamps@niu.edu.

White Sox claim reliever Dolsi off waivers

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

Last week, the Tigers designated right-hander Freddy Dolsi for assignment as part of a flurry of moves to make room for the four players acquired in a three-team trade with the Yankees and D-backs.


On Friday, Dolsi found a new home, as the White Sox claimed him off waivers and added him to their 40-man roster.

Dolsi would have been assigned to Triple-A Toledo, had he passed through waivers unclaimed.

In '09, Dolsi spent most of the year with Toledo, compiling a 4-3 record to go along with a 3.83 ERA and 10 saves in 39 appearances with the Mud Hens. He also logged six outings with the Tigers, going 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA. He made 42 appearances for the Tigers in 2008, going 1-5 with a 3.97 ERA and two saves.

Dolsi, a Dominican Republic native, was originally signed by the Tigers in 2003.

Cubs trade Bradley for Silva, cash | MLB.com: News

Cubs trade Bradley for Silva, cash MLB.com: News:

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

12/18/09 2:25 PM EST

CHICAGO, ILLLINOS -- When the Cubs signed Milton Bradley in January, it was his first multi-year contract and a teary-eyed outfielder said he felt "blessed."

Chicago was more concerned about how many games Bradley would play because of his history of injuries than his controversial past. Ron Washington, who was Bradley's manager in Texas in 2008, praised the outfielder, saying his only problem was that he was a perfectionist.

But Bradley's one season with the club was anything but perfect.

The switch-hitter's tumultuous tenure with the Cubs ended on Friday when he was traded to the Mariners for pitcher Carlos Silva and cash.

St. Charles North's Zach Hirsch on Today Show

University of Nebraska baseball player Zach Hirsch was featured on the Today Show Thursday morning, as his friendship with Graham Jackson, a St. Charles North High School student who has Asperger’s syndrome, was featured. Watch the inspiring story by clicking on the link below.

http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/today-show-teen-athlete-mentors-autistic-boy/206853117

JackHammers Announce California Tryout Dates

From Baseball in Illinois News Source

JOLIET, Illinois- Joliet JackHammers Field Manager Chad Parker has announced two more tryouts for the 2010 season to be held in California after the New Year. The first of the two tryouts will be held at San Diego Christian College on January 8, 2010 in San Diego. The second will be held on January 9 at The Masters College in Los Angeles. For more information, contact Chad Parker at chad@jackhammerbaseball.com.

MINERS PICK UP OPTIONS ON RETURNING PLAYERS

From Baseball in Illinois News Sources

MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have exercised contract options on potential returning players for the 2010 season. Frontier League rules require teams to designate all players with whom they wish to retain contractual rights for the upcoming season. However, today’s announcement does not guarantee that each of these players will be in uniform when the team breaks training camp in May.


The list of players who received option renewals includes 2009 All-Stars Joey Metropoulos, Ryan Bird, Stephen Holdren, Brad Miller and Tony Roth in addition to Joe Augustine, Will Block, Landon Camp, Mike Damchuk , Kevin Dooley, Bradley Goldsmith, Adam Hale, Travon Jackson, Ryan Kussmaul, Jake McMurran, Brad Meier, Jereme Milons, Brad Netzel, Adam Revelette, Brett Scarpetta and Danny Zeffiro.

The Miners also exercised option rights on three players who signed with major league organizations during the 2009 season, catcher Brendan Akashian, shortstop Gered Mochizuki and outfielder Eric Suttle. By exercising these contractual rights, the Miners will maintain Frontier League rights on these players if they want to return to the league.

In addition, the Miners also exercised the option rights on retired pitchers Ryan Mitchell and Tony Bradley. In the event that these players wish to return to professional baseball, the Miners would maintain their playing rights.

The Miners declined the contract options on Andrew Sweet, Chris Crescenzi, Mike Obradovich and Jim Viscomi. These players are now free agents and able to negotiate with any team.

“We have begun to send out 2010 contracts to players and expect to make announcements very soon,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “There are a lot of very good players from last year who will be returning for next season.”

2010 Chiefs Field Staff

2010 Chiefs Field Staff - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com: "2010 Chiefs Field Staff"

The Chicago Cubs and Peoria Chiefs announced the 2010 coaching staff on Thursday.


Manager Casey Kopitzke
Drafted in the 27th round of the 1999 draft out of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. ... Played eight seasons reaching as high as Triple-A and hit .230 in 495 games. ... Served as the Cubs minor-league catching coordinator in 2007 and 2008. ... Managed Boise to a 34-42 record in the short-season Northwest League.

Hitting coach Barbaro Garbey
Returns to Peoria after helping Chiefs hitters lead the Midwest League in average and home runs in 2009. ... Served as hitting coach for Chiefs in 2006 and at Tennessee in 2007 and 2008.

Pitching coach David Rosario
Returns to Peoria where he was pitching coach in 2007. ... Pitching coach for Daytona in 2008 when Cubs won Florida State League title and in Boise last year.

Trainer Dan Golden
A 2006 graduate of Western Illinois, was an intern with the Cubs in 2007 and was in Boise last year.

Bates Claims Preseason All-America Honors - NORTH CAROLINA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Bates Claims Preseason All-America Honors - NORTH CAROLINA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Bates Claims Preseason All-America Honors"

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina junior right-hander Colin Bates earned a spot on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Pro-Line Athletic Preseason All-America team, which was released Wednesday. Bates, who was 4-4 with a 3.14 ERA and six saves last season, was named to the third team as a relief pitcher.


A Naperville, Illinois., native, Bates worked 60 innings over 34 appearances a year ago and struck out 59, while walking only 19. He ranked second in the ACC and eighth nationally in appearances and was eighth in the ACC in saves. Bates, who was named to the 2009 All-ACC Academic Team, will likely transition to the Tar Heels' weekend rotation this season

Colin attened Naperville Central High School in Illinois.

Wunderlich Named Preseason All-America by Collegiate Baseball Writers - LOUISVILLE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Wunderlich Named Preseason All-America by Collegiate Baseball Writers - LOUISVILLE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Wunderlich Named Preseason All-America by Collegiate Baseball Writers"

Chicago native led the Cards in 2009 with a .367 average and was second with 18 home runs and 78 RBI

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville junior third baseman Phil Wunderlich was named Preseason Third Team All-America on Wednesday afternoon by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.


A Chicago native, Wunderlich led the Cardinals in hitting in 2009 with a .367 average, was second on the team with 18 home runs and 78 RBI and was third on the team with 18 doubles en route to being named Second Team All-America by the NCBWA and Second Team All-BIG EAST. A designated hitter on the 2010 NCBWA Preseason All-American Team, Wunderlich split time at DH and left field in 2009 but is projected as the Cards' starting third baseman for 2010.

Phil Wunderlich attended Downers Grove South High School in Illinois.

Register your youngsters now for Benedictine pre-season baseball camp

Benedictine University - Register your youngsters now for Benedictine pre-season baseball camp: "Register your youngsters now for Benedictine pre-season baseball camp"

Youngsters who want to learn the proper techniques and fundamentals of baseball should attend Benedictine University's 2010 Pre-Season Baseball Camp from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays, January 29, February 5, 12 and 19 in the campus' Dan and Ada Rice Center.


The clinics are designed for youngsters who want to become more proficient in the fundamentals of baseball. The main goal of the camp is making certain each student receives individual instruction and coaching. Individual attention is assured by the camps low camper-to-instructor ratio. Players are grouped by age and ability.

The clinics are conducted by veteran Benedictine University baseball coach and Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame member John Ostrowski. Ostrowski's 37-year record at Benedictine includes more than 845 victories. Staff includes Benedictine's assistant coaches and varsity players.

Camp participants will receive a Benedictine baseball T-shirt. Campers should bring a baseball glove and wear gym shoes. Bats will be provided. The camps are open to youngsters ages 7-13. The fee is $40 for one session, $78 for two sessions, $115 for three sessions and $150 for all four sessions.

Campers are encouraged to register early. All four sessions sold out last year. For information, call (630) 829-6140, or register online.

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

North Central College to Host Winter Baseball Camp

North Central College Athletics - Cardinals to Host Winter Camp: "Cardinals to Host Winter Camp"


Contact: John Fitzgerald, Head Baseball Coach, 630-637-5512

North Central head baseball coach John Fitzgerald has announced the dates for the 2009-10 North Central College Winter Baseball Camps. The camps will be geared toward area boys and girls, grades 1-8, during the upcoming months.

Camp Dates
Friday, December 18, 2009 (6:00-9:00 pm)
Friday, January 15, 2010 (6:00-9:00 pm)
Friday, January 22, 2010 (6:00-9:00 pm)
Friday, January 29, 2010 (6:00-9:00 pm)
Friday, February 5, 2010 (6:00-9:00 pm)
Friday, February 12, 2010 (6:00-9:00 pm)

The Cardinals will conduct three-hour skills camps on six different Friday evenings during the winter months. All camp sessions will be held between 6 and 9 p.m. and will take place at North Central College’s Merner Field House. Each camp will include individual and group instruction on all facets of the game. The camps are designed to give local youth players a firm knowledge of the game and the ability to sharpen their skills during the winter months, while allowing their parents to enjoy many of the shopping and restaurant options of downtown Naperville on a Friday evening.

Instruction will cover the areas of hitting, pitching, base-running, infield & outfield play and catching. Campers will be taught the same drills used by the North Central Cardinal Baseball program. The College’s Merner Field House is equipped with two full batting cages, three portable pitching mounds and areas for hitting and fielding drills.

All proceeds for the Cardinal Winter Baseball Camps will help support the North Central baseball team’s Spring Break trip to Florida in the spring of 2010.

Please download a camp brochure or contact the North Central Baseball Office at 630-637-5512 or by e-mail at jfitzgerald@noctrl.edu or esbunnell@noctrl.edu for more information.

Don Beebe to Speak at Judson

Judson University News: "Former NFL Player Don Beebe to Speak at Judson"

ELGIN, Illinois. - Former NFL football player Don Beebe will be speaking at Judson University on Saturday, January 16th in a fundraiser for the athletics department. Beebe will be speaking in the Lindner Fitness Center at 6:00 p.m. with the cost of the event $20 per ticket. For more information, contact Judson University baseball coach Rich Benjamin at rbenjamin@judsonu.edu or 847.628.1579.


The event will start at 6:00 p.m. with registration followed by an auction at 6:30 p.m. followed by Beebe speaking at 7:00 p.m. Beebe will be available after he speaks for interviews and autographs.

Jackhammers Announce Florie as Pitching Coach

jackhammerbaseball.com: News:

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – The Joliet JackHammers announced today that former Major League pitcher Bryce Florie will join the team as the pitching coach for the 2010 season. Florie coached alongside new JackHammers manager Chad Parker with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League in 2009.


“In my opinion, Bryce is the premier pitching coach in Independent baseball,” said Parker. “He has the ability to relate to players in a positive way and still teach vital aspects of pitching. I am extremely pleased that Bryce will be joining us.”

Florie made his Major League debut in July of 1994 with the San Diego Padres and also pitched for Milwaukee, Detroit, and Boston. In September of 2000, he was struck in the face by a line drive while pitching in relief for the Red Sox, breaking several bones, but made a comeback the following year. He finished in the Big Leagues with a 20-24 record, 4.47 ERA, and 395 strike outs in 493 innings.

USI baseball signs three in early period

University of Southern Indiana Athletics - USI baseball signs three in early period: "USI baseball signs three in early period"

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

The University of Southern Indiana baseball team announced the signing of three players – pitcher Silas Dill (Bernie, Missouri), pitcher/infielder James Mulvaney (Mt. Vernon, Illinois), and outfielder Bradley Wannemuehler (Evansville, IN) – to national letters of intent in the early signing period. The three players will join the Screaming Eagles and Head Coach Tracy Archuleta for the 2011 season.

Mulvaney is in his final year at Mt. Vernon High School (Mt. Vernon, Illinois) where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. He has been the South Seven Conference Pitcher of the Year twice, in addition to earning All-South Seven Conference honors twice.


“Jim is a competitor on the mound with good movement on his fastball,” commented Archuleta. “He will be expected to chew up some innings for us as a freshman.”

Tyler Choate Named Preseason All-American

University of Southern Indiana Athletics - USI has a pair named preseason All-American:

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana senior pitcher/infielder Tyler Choate (Carmi, Illinois) has been named to the preseason All-American second team as a utility player by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Choate, who was a Daktronics second team All-Region and All-GLVC utility player, saw action at four different positions during his first year with the Eagles. He was USI's number one starter, finishing the season with a 7-3 overall record with a 3.22 ERA and 76 strike outs in 16 appearances and 15 starts.

At the plate, Choate sparked USI in the top third of the line-up. He had a team-best 10 home runs and ranked second with a .357 batting average. The 2009 Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Newcomer to Watch also had 52 runs scored, 15 doubles, four triples, and 37 RBIs.

Sox land outfielder Pierre from Dodgers - Baseball News

Sox land outfielder Pierre from Dodgers whitesox.com: News: "Sox land outfielder Pierre from Dodgers"
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

12/15/09 2:15 PM EST

CHICAGO ILLINOIS -- The White Sox offseason overhaul continued on Tuesday with the addition of outfielder Juan Pierre and cash considerations from the Dodgers in exchange for two players to be named. According to FoxSports.com, those two are Minor League starter John Ely and reliever Jon Link.

Texas hurler joins Robert Morris Baseball Eagles for 2010-2011!

Texas hurler Jonathon Goodson joins Eagle Nine for 2010-2011! - RMU: "Texas hurler Jonathon Goodson joins Eagle Nine for 2010-2011!"

Chicago, Illinois - In the dead of a Chicago winter, Robert Morris Baseball Coach Mike Kashirsky added a bit of Texas heat to his pitching rotation with the signing of righthander Jonathon Goodson of Forney, TX.


The son of Jon and Kelly Goodson, Jonathon posted a 3-1 record for the Forney High School Jackrabbits as a junior. Last summer he went 7-3 with a 3.00 earned run average for the Maddog Summer Travel team. He pitched 58 innings for Maddog Coach Steve Maddock (pictured with Jonathon [center] and Forney HS Athletic Director Kevin Rush [right]).

"Goody will be an impact freshman for us," said Coach Kashirsky. "He pitches in one of the strongest summer leagues in the country down in Texas and put up great numbers. I expect a great four years both on and off the diamond from him."

The newest Eagle will pursue a Bachelors of Business of Administration degree.

Sophomore Baseball Coach

Palos Heights Illinois - Chicago Christian High School is looking for a new sophomore head baseball coach. We compete in the highly competitive Suburban Christian Conference. Coaching experience is recommended, but not required. Please email athletic director Eric Brauer with your current resume. Deadline to apply is January 30, 2010.

Eric Brauer
708-388-7650, ext. 226
ebrauer@swchristian.org

MIRAMONTES BACK WITH MINERS

MIRAMONTES BACK WITH MINERS « Southern Illinois Miners: "MIRAMONTES BACK WITH MINERS"

MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have reacquired right-handed relief pitcher Derrick Miramontes from the Shreveport-Bossier Sports of the American Association.


Miramontes, 22, made his professional debut with the Miners in 2009 after finishing his college career as the closer at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a senior at UIC, he appeared in 25 games for the Flames and finished with a 2.58 ERA and seven saves in 45.1 innings.

As a rookie with the Miners, he tossed a total of seven innings in seven relief appearances before being traded to Shreveport-Bossier for a player to be named later. The deal included an agreement that Miramontes would be returned to the Miners for the 2010 season. With the Sports, he appeared in 19 games, four of them starts, and posted a 3.95 ERA. In 41 innings of work, he struck out 25 and walked only nine.

“We really liked Derrick but thought he needed to get more professional innings than we were going to be able to give him last season,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto. “This was a great opportunity for him, and he did the most with it and excelled. He got the innings and experience he needed to help us this season and did a great job for Shreveport along the way. I am glad to have him back in the fold for our 2010 pitching staff.”