On the heels of Saturday’s annual Hot Stove Banquet, Illinois’ senior catcher Jason Goldstein was named the #12 senior college baseball player by Perfect Game. Goldstein was ranked the top senior catcher rated by PG.
Last year, Goldstein hit .286 with eight homers and 47 rbis in Illinois championship season. An outstanding defensive catcher, he was drafted in the First-Year Player Draft in 2015 but elected to return to the Fighting Illini for the 2016 season.
Goldstein joins pitcher Cody Sedlock who also garnered pre-season nod from Perfect Game.
Coach Hartleb speaks on 2016 season
This week, Coach Dan Hartleb spent some time in front of the mike on The News-Gazette Sports Page show. Hartleb mentioned the youth of the team saying it’s one of the best incoming freshmen class he has seen. He even went as far to say that among that class, some may end up as junior draftees. Keep your eye on Luke Shilling. Coach mentioned the RHP/1B by name as a game changer.
Coach also emphasized the academic success of the team in the fall. He gave credit to the program staff and also to the upperclassmen players who have set a good example to the new guys.
We’re three weeks away from opening day!!
Coach Hartleib, congratulations on the success of your program and the optimistic future! Can’t wait for the 2016 season!