Forget the cold. Forget the fact that it’s only a split squad game. It was just nice to see an honest to goodness baseball game at Illinois Field today.
And in some ways, a split squad game between the University of Illinois baseball squad makes it interesting. It gives us a chance to see ALL of the players. And from their perspective, I’m sure the players like it too. It gives the new guys and those on the bubble a chance to prove themselves in a more competitive atmosphere.
Orange won today, I guess, given their high fives after the game. I really wasn’t keeping score and arrived a couple innings late. But honestly, the score and who wins wasn’t really why I was there. I just wanted to see everyone in action, especially the new guys. I would’ve had a hard rooting for one team at the expense of the other anyway.
Here are some photos (as always, click to enlarge):
Will Strack on the mound
This was my first look at incoming freshman Kevin Johnson who had some blazing stuff.
The Illini catchers: Aaron Johnson at bat and Adam Davis with the tools of ignorance.
The Orange team looks on from the visitors dugout.
Those in the stands were commenting on freshman Brandon Hohl’s nice glovework at third base.
A small crowd huddles in front of the media booth which acts as a wind break.
More photos from today at the photo gallery.
Game 2 of the series is tomorrow (Sunday) at 11:30am. The price is right (it’s free!) so come on out and enjoy some baseball!