Last weekend it was Florida… this coming weekend, our boys are going to Texas for the Al Ogletree Classic. More specifically, they’ll be visiting Edinburg Stadium. That’s the home of the University of Texas Pan American Broncs who are currently 0-4 this season. Don’t make fun though. UTPA was the home field of Al Ogletree himself.
Ogletree coached for 41 years at UTPA and ended up with an amazing 1217 victories. He has a long list awards and accomplishments. And believe it or not, he has been inducted into eight hall of fames. UTPA has some good info on him on their web site. Yes, no doubt, Ogletree is someone who deserves a tournament named after him.
The schedule for the University of Illinois at the Al Ogletree Classic:
|
|
Games #4,5.6 |
Record: 2-1 |
| Feb 27 – 7pm CST |
vs Texas Pan-American |
at Edinburg Baseball Stadium, Edinburg, Texas |
| Feb 28 – 3pm CST | vs Stephen F. Austin |
at Edinburg Baseball Stadium, Edinburg, Texas |
| March 1 – 9:00 am | vs Texas Arlington |
at Edinburg Baseball Stadium, Edinburg, Texas |
Illinois had a decent offensive weekend scoring 29 runs in three games and ending with 18 hits against West Virginia. We’ll see if the pitching (and fielding) can catch up.
It’s a little early but sophomore Phil Haig looks like he’s shaping to be the Friday starter this season. After his performance against Iowa, no doubt he’s solidified that.
If three games are any indication, it looks like Illinois is settled at catcher, 2b, ss, 3b, and the outfield spots. The two remaining spots are going to be platooned (or TBD). At first base, Hartleb is using both Mike Giller and Matt Dittman with maybe Pete Cappetta putting some time in there as well. Cappetta will also see some time as designated hitter as well as Chris Montgomery and who knows who else.
A quick look at our opponents this weekend:
Opponent:
|
Texas Pan-American Broncs
|
| Conference: | Independent |
| Head Coach: | Manny Mantrana (1st year) |
| Current Record: | 0-4 |
| Baseball Program website | Team Season Preview |
Opponent:
|
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks |
| Conference: | Southland |
| Head Coach: | Johnny Cardenas (4th year) |
| Current Record: | 1-3 |
| Baseball Program website | Team Season Preview (via CBB) |
Opponent: |
Texas Arlington Mavericks |
| Conference: | Southland |
| Head Coach: | Darin Thomas (2nd year) |
| Current Record: | 3-2 |
| Baseball Program website | Team Season Preview |
Hey Tom, love the site! Great Illini baseball coverage, nicely done. Just a quick note: I don’t think these three teams are members of the Big 12, but I could be wrong. Keep up the good work!
hey thanks and ooops! you’re right. It’s been corrected.
that’s what I get for typing this up at 1am. :)