N-G runs list of 100 best Illini athletes

Justin Parr:  #1 in conference batting average for 2011

The local paper, the News-Gazette, just posted a list of the top 100 Illini athletes according to sportswriter Jeff Huth.

Illini baseball got their due getting eight players mentioned on the list.

#23  Justin Parr

#38  Charlie Tilson

#44  Brandon Hohl

#52  Davis Hendrickson

#67  Willie Argo

#70  Bryan Roberts

#89  Kevin Johnson

#99  Jordan Parr

It should be mentioned that Huth’s list was created before the school year (and most likely the MLB signing deadline) hence any confusion over the inclusion of Charlie Tilson who was signed by the St Cardinals.

As for my opinion, it’s hard to put a few Illini baseball players on any list without putting all of them on it.  I know it’s a cliché but historically, the Illini baseball club has played like a ‘team’.  They cycle through heroes each week, taking turns being the one who comes through in clutch.  These lists are fine for the bigs but I’m not a big fan of ranking players like this on the college level.

That said, every player on this list certainly deserves every accolade coming to them.  I especially like the choice of Roberts.  Good to know that his efforts weren’t forgotten after a year on the shelf.  We’re looking forward to having him back on the mound in 2012.