Every man is like the company he is wont to keep.
Euripides (484-406 B.C.)
It’s a relevant quote considering the announcement three days ago of the 2012 Illini Baseball schedule. This is big news. Not just because the new schedule has come out so early. But also because of the stiff competition we’ll be facing in the coming year. The Illinois baseball team will face Oregon State, Connecticut, St. John’s and Coastal Carolina in 2012, all teams that made the NCAA Tournament this year.
This is what happens when you hit the big time. As a fan, I’m excited about it. With Illinois winning the Big Ten Tournament and getting as far as they did in the NCAA Regionals, they have something to prove. And it won’t hurt our RPI ranking, either.
One major difference this coming season: the boys will be playing at the Nike College Showcase tournament in Eugene, Oregon (yes, that’s when we take on Oregon State). That will take place on March 9-11. I don’t remember when we have (seriously) scheduled a game that far north that early (I’m not counting that February series at Illinois Field a year or two ago that was promptly cancelled due to cold). I’m hoping for warmer weather for this one.
Of course, Illinois has an early series against new Big Ten arrival Nebraska on March 23-25. That will be a road series to open the Big Ten season. From all reports, Darin Erstad’s Huskers have a tough squad.
You can download a printable schedule (pdf) from fightingillini.com.
Less than three months till opening day!!
Nice schedule! Let’s just hope there aren’t quite as many nailbiters as last season! Go Illini!
Re: Oregon–the good thing is the winter is usually more temperate in Oregon than here due to being near the Ocean. (Wikipedia shows 50s avg. in Feb.)