The Midwest Collegiate League announced it's formation with four teams from the Great Plains Summer Collegiate, which was founded in 2010 and one new team - the Will County CrackerJacks. The new league will begin play this summer with a 40 game schedule, an All-Star game and a post season playoff.
The league will start play on June 1st 2011. The five teams in the league include:
Chicago Zephyrs
Homestead Ranchers
Rockford Foresters
Southland Vikings
Will County CrackerJacks
For more information about the league and it's teams you can follow the link below.
Midwest Collegiate League
The Judson University Eagles start off their 2011 baseball season with a perfect 4-0 record. Day one saw Judson take an opening day double header from Loyola University-New Orleans 6-4 and 8-2.
In game one Ben Palmer threw five shutout innings giving up four hits to earn his first victory of the season. T.J. Swank closed out the game with two strikeouts to earn the save. Gary Capoilino had two rbi's for the Eagles.
In game two Joe Young led Judson with three hits and Brian Brauer had two. Nick Krisman pitched four innings, got the win, and Joe Huenecke pitched the last three innings to earn his first save.
Games 3 and 4 saw Judson increase their record to 4-0 on the season by taking two more from Loyola University-New Orleans by the scores of 11-4 and 12-3.
Next up for the Eagles is a four game series against Ashbury College on February 11th.
The top 20 returning pitchers at Illinois Division II junior colleges. The list is based on 2010 statistics and a minimum of 15 innings pitched. Three junior colleges did not post statistics last season and are not included in the list.
Top 20 Pitchers:
1. Adam Karger, Blackhawk College, 8-1 record, 1.69 ERA, 44 K's and 16 walks in 53 1/3rd innings. Adam is from Batavia High School and lives in Batavia IL.
2. Brett Loeding, Elgin Community College, 0-1 record, 1.85 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 24 1/3rd innings pitched. Brett is from Prairie Ridge High School and lives in Crystal Lake IL.
3. Alex Van Ness, Elgin Community College, 6-0 record, 2.14 ERA in 42 innings pitched. Alex is from Bartlett High School and lives in Bartlett IL.
4. Joel O'Dell, Morton College, 7-4 record, 2 saves, 2.62 ERA, 81 strikeouts in 79 innings. Joel lives in Fort Worth TX.
5. Drake Everson, Parkland College, 1-1 record, 2.87 ERA, 16 k's in 15 2/3rds innings. Drake lives in Fort Wayne IN.
6. Seth Woods, Kankakee Community College, 3-2 record, 3.05 ERA, 37 K's and 12 walks in 44 1/3 innings. Seth is from Watseka High School and lives in Watseka IL.
7. Andy Gruenwald, Elgin Community College, 7-2 record, 1 save, 3.23 ERA, 48 K's and 14 walks in 47 1/3rd innings. Andy is from St. Charles East High School and lives in St. Charles IL.
8. Aaron Lewellyn, Danville Area Community College, 4-5 record, 1 save, 3.34 ERA, 41 strikeouts in 59 1/3rd innings. Aaron is from Schlarman High School and lives in Danville IL.
9. Dane Kone, Parkland College, 3-0 record, 2 saves, 3.62 ERA in 27 1/3rd innings. Dane is from St. Thomas More High School and lives in Savoy IL.
10. Aaron Cikel, College of Lake County, 3-1, 1 save, 3.82 ERA in 33 innings pitched.
11. Darrin Sneeringer, Heartland Community College, 2-0 record, 1 save, 18 K's in 18 2/3rd innings. Darrin lives in Eureka MO.
12. Tyler Siebert, Oakton Community College, 3-1 record, 3.90 ERA, 20 K's and 4 walks in 32 1/3rd innings. Tyler lives in Toledo OH.
13. Christopher Razo, Heartland Community College, 9-3 record, 3.98 ERA, 71 strikeouts in 61 innings. Chris is from Illinois Valley Central High School and lives in Chillicothe IL.
14. Andres Ortegano, Morton College, 2-2 record, 1 save, 4.13 ERA in 28 1/3rd innings. Andres lives in Weston FL.
15. Ryan Copley, Parkland College, 4-2 record, 2 saves, 4.17 ERA in 45 1/3rd innings. Ryan lives in Fort Wayne IN.
16. Kyle Zegarac, Parkland College, 1-0 record, 4 saves, 4.20 ERA, 20 K's and 8 walks in 15 innings. Kyle is from TF South High School and lives in Lansing IL.
17. Luis Cruz, College of Lake County, 4-2 record, 4.46 ERA, 32 K's in 34 1/3rd innings. Luis lives in Round Lake Beach IL.
18. Chris Burgess, Blackhawk College, 4-3 record, 4.54 ERA, 42 K's in 41 1/3rd innings. Chris is from St. Charles East High School and lives in West Chicago IL.
19. Ray Blackwood, Lewis & Clark Community College, 5-3 record, 1 save, 45 strikeouts in 57 1/3rd innings. Ray is from Southwestern High School and lives in Medora IL.
20. Carmelo Cosme, College of Lake County, 3-2 record, 4.60 ERA, 19 K's in 31 1/3rd innings.
The Chicago Suburban Baseball League has added a post-season tournament for the first time in league history. The top four teams from each division will battle for the CSBL tournament championship in 2011. Teams will be seeded by regular season records.
The league is made up of 12 teams - 6 in the north division and 6 in the south division. The CSBL was organized in 1983 as the Northwest Suburban League and is an adult semi-pro baseball league which is made up from current college, former college and former professional baseball players.
Bobby Pritchett, who is ranked as the #5 prospect for independent baseball by Baseball America, will return to the CornBelter pitching staff for 2011.
Pritchett joined the CornBelters in late June last season and finished with a 2-2 record, 2.86 ERA and 79 K's in 72.1/3rd innings. Pritchett's fastball has been clocked as high as 94.
The CornBelters season starts on May 20, 2011 against the River City Rascals in O'Fallon MO.
Collegiate Baseball News has published their list of high school players to watch in 2011. The list is complied from nominations from high school coaches, players who made All-State teams last year or who signed or committed to play on a college team in the fall.
Players to Watch in Illinois:
RHP - Alex Hemeling, Glenbrook North High School
RHP - Andrew Grahn, North Clay High School
RHP- Anthony Ciango, Downers Grove North High School
P - Blake Fiedelman, Stevenson High School
C - Blake Hickman, Simeon High School
RHP - Brandon Magallones, Providence Catholic High School
INF - Brand Valach, Carl Sandburg High School
LHP - Bryant Holdman, Breese Central High School
RHP - Charlie Naso Jr., St. Laurence High School
OF - Charlie Tilson, New Trier High School
OF - Chase Hainline, Olympia High School
MIF - Chase Matheson, McHenry High School
INF - Chris Godinez, Lake Forest High School
MIF - Cody Gilfillan, Peoria Notre Dame High School
RHP/1B - Cody Vogler, Lincoln Way High School
LHP - Dan Ludwig, Naperville Central High School
INF - Dane Sauer, West Chicago High School
LHP - Derek Thompson, Teutopolis High School
OF/RHP - Dontrell Rush, Harlan Community High School
LHP - Dylan Craig, Murphysboro High School
LHP - Garrett Schlect, Waterloo High School
P - Ike Greenspon, Stevenson High School
RHP/INF - Jake Junis, Rock Falls High School
OF - James Howell, Jacksonville High School
MIF - J.C. Davis, DuQuoin High School
OF/LHP - Jeff Boehm, Mt. Carmel High School
OF/INF - Jeff Schalk, Wheaton North High School
RHP - Joe Ceja, Ottawa Marquette High School
LHP/1B - Joe Filomeno, St. Rita High School
INF - Joe Kelch, East Peoria High School
LHP - Joe Learnard, Catlin High School
RHP/SS - Joe Perricone, Hersey High School
RHP - John Kravetz, Mt. Carmel High School
INF/OF - Jordan Parr, Illinois Valley Central High School
RHP - Josh Ferry, Lemont High School
OF - Justin Stawychny, Leyden High School
3B/RHP - Keelin Rasch, Harrisburg High School
SS - Kevin Goergen, Lemont High School
1B/DH - Kyle Johnson, Harlan Community High School
SS/RHP - Mason Snyder - Ottawa Marquette High School
INF - Matt Anderson, Hinsdale Central High School
OF/LHP - Matt Meadows, O'Fallon High School
LHP - Matt Panek, Cary-Grove High School
RHP - Max Allen, Highland Park High School
OF/3B - Michah McCulloch, Rochelle High School
INF - Michael Hurwitz, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
INF - Michale Martin, Stevenson High School
RHP - Nick Burdi, Downers Grove High School
INF - Paul Solka, Maine West High School
MIF/P - Ryan Koziol, Brother Rice High School
SS/P - Ryne Roper, Harrisburg High School
P - Stephen Toma, Yorkville High School
OF - Tim Barry, Oak Forest High School
P - Tyler Radke, Stevenson High School
LHP - Wes Benjamin, St. Charles East High School
RHP - William Polley, Oak Park River Forest High School
SS/C - Zack Soria, St. Rita High School
1B/RHP - Zak Sedlace, Edwardsville High School
The NJCAA, along with Perfect Game, has released it's the 2011 Baseball Pre-Season Rankings for each division. Listed below are the ranked teams from Illinois.
Division I:
#24. Wabash Valley College
Others receiving votes - John A. Logan College
Division II:
#1. Heartland Community College
#5. Parkland College
Others receiving votes - Kankakee Community College
Division III:
#3. Joliet Junior College
Others receiving votes - Waubonsee Community College
To view the entire lists, you can click on the link below.
2011 NJCAA Baseball Pre-Season Rankings
Left handed pitcher Dan Ludwig, Naperville Central High School, has been named to the 2011 Louisville Slugger TPX Pre-Season All-American team. Dan has complied a 15-1 record, a 1.74 ERA, 8 complete games and 91 strikeouts with only 9 walks in 76 1/3rd innings over the past two seasons.
Dan has committed to play baseball at Belmont University.
Honorable Mention:
Multi Position Players:
Joe Filomeno, St. Rita High School, .461 batting average, 13 doubles, 14 home runs, 64 rbi's at the plate. On the mound, 7-2 record, 3.06 ERA, 75 strikeouts in 63 2/3rds innings. Joe is signed with Louisville.
Keelin Rasch, Harrisburg High School, .471 batting average, 10 doubles, 9 homers, 50 rbi's at the plate. From the bump, 6-0 record, 2.03 ERA, throws low 90's.
The Pre-Season All-Americans are chosen through coaches nominations and takes up to three months to complete.
Baseball America released their 2011 Junior College Preview with two top 20 prospects from Illinois.
Right handed pitcher Ian Gardeck, Angelina Junior College, University of Dayton, hit 98 MPH this fall according to scouts. Ian is from Crystal Lake South High School and lives in Lake in the Hills IL.
Left handed pitcher Jerad Grundy, Heartland Community College, University of Miami, drafted in the 48th round of the MLB Draft in 2009. Jerad is from Johnsburg High School and lives in Johnsburg IL.
Listed are the 2011 top players to watch in the Summit League who are from Illinois teams or live in Illinois. The list is based on how conference coaches voted in a pre-season poll.
Top Players To Watch in 2011:
RHP - Garrett Bolt, Western Illinois University, transfer from Muskegon Community College, Garrett lives in Wheeler MI.
RHP - Zach Sterling, Western Illinois University, transfer from Onley Central College, Zach lives in Lima OH.
OF - Ryan Cowhey, Western Illinois University, transfer from Oakton Community College, attended Carl Sandburg High School and lives in Orland Park IL.
C - John Koszulinski, Western Illinois University, .354 batting average, 6 home runs, 49 rbi's last season. John is from Lincoln Way East High School and lives in Frankfort IL.
3B - Bryan Jordan, Western Illinois University, .308 batting average, 9 home runs, 18 doubles and 35 rbi's in 2010. Bryan is a transfer from Black Hawk College and lives in Cincinnati OH.
C/OF - Brett Clark, IUPU Ft. Wayne, transfer from South Suburban College, .340 batting average, 3 homers, 15 doubles, 2 triples, 25 rbi's last season. Brett lives in St. John IN.
OF - Kurt Dudley, IUPU Ft. Wayne, transfer from Springfield College, .284 batting average, 6 home runs, 9 doubles, 2 triples and 32 rbi's last season. Kurt attended Auburn High School and lives in Auburn IL.
The 2011 top players from Illinois to watch in the Southeastern Conference. The top players are based on how the coaches voted in a pre-season poll.
Top Players from Illinois:
Relief Pitcher/DH Braden Kapteyn, University of Kentucky, 2 wins no losses, 2 saves, 4.09 ERA, .294 batting average, 6 homers last season as a sophomore. Braden is from Illiana Christian High School and lives in Lansing IL.
Relief Pitcher Brett Huber, Ole Miss, 2 wins no losses, 12 saves, 3.54 ERA, 54 strikeouts. Brett attended Althoff Catholic High School and lives in Belleville IL.
Left Handed Pitcher Austin Wright, Ole Miss, transfer from Chippola Community College, attended Conant High School and lives in Schaumburg IL.
Luke Cassis will take over as interim head baseball coach replacing former head coach Tom Raven. Cassis served as an assistant coach under Raven and was responsible for infielders and the strength and conditioning program.
Cassis is from Wheaton North High School and played college baseball at University of Missouri from 1999-2002.
Bart Zeller has accepted the job to manage the new (or reorganized) independent Joliet team - the Slammers. Zeller, the former pitching coach for the Southern Illinois Miners in 2010, has been a member of Mike Pinto's coaching staff since 2005.
Bart Zeller is a native of Chicago Heights IL, logged one major league at bat with the St. Louis Cardinals and attended Rich East High School.
The Slammers will play 96 games in the Frontier League and 48 home games at Silver Cross Field in Joliet in 2011.
For more info on the Joliet Slammers please call 815-722-BATS (2287).
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.
