February 14th is Valentine’s Day. What better way to spend it with your loved one than to follow your favorite baseball team during their season opener? This weekend, Illinois will be taking on Milwaukee, Seton Hall and Wake Forest. It’s been a long off-season and we’re all ready for some baseball!
Technically speaking, Illinois is the home team for two of the three games this weekend but they will be playing down in Winston-Salem, NC. All eyes will be on the Illini especially on Sunday when then play host Wake Forest who is currently ranked #18.
I’m glad they are heading south, by the way. As I write this on Wednesday night, a bitter cold snap is impending here in Champaign-Urbana with low temps below zero. Enjoy the weather, boys!
Weekend starters
Friday: This weekend, we’re beginning with veteran senior Ty Weber on Friday. Weber who had a very solid 2019 season with a 4-3 record with a 3.28 ERA and 46 strikeouts, will be facing Milwaukee.
Saturday: Another Ty, sophomore transfer Ty Rybarczyk from Parkland College takes the mound against Seton Hall. Ty will need to get to bed early Friday night as his stint against the Pirates starts at 9am.
Sunday: Aidan Maldonado who has gotten some good press has the honor of going up against #18 Wake Forest.
| Weekend Schedule | Date | Opponent | 2019 record |
 | Friday, February 14 11am CT | Milwaukee | 35-21-1 |
 | Saturday, February 15 9am CT | Seton Hall | 25-28 |
 | Sunday, February 16 1pm CT | #18 Wake Forest | 31-26 |
Following the games live
If you’re like me and can’t travel with the team, there are still many ways to follow the Illinois baseball games as they happen. WDWS AM-1400 Radio will be broadcasting live and you catch it on streaming audio as well. If you’re situated in a boring meeting, follow the live stats online (don’t tell the boss!).
Finally, following @IlliniBaseball on Twitter is a good way to get the highlights.
Random Ramblings
I sure am glad Garrett Acton decided to return to Illinois for his senior year. He has been bestowed yet another honor (actually a few). He has been named Preseason First Team All-American by the NCBWA and the national Stopper of the Year Watch list. Add that to the host of other preseason honors Garrett has received so far.
Don’t let the pressure get to you, Garrett. Just go out there and have fun!
Speaking of Garrett, he is on the cover of the 2020 Illinois Baseball Record Book. The Record Book is now available online and you can find details on how to receive a physical here. Both Robin and I have photos in the Record Book again this year!
Preseason Honors
Acton joins starter Ty Weber and shortstop Branden Comia who received Big Ten Preseason honors.
Illinois has been projected to place sixth in the Big Ten in 2020 in the preseason poll with Michigan taking the top preseason honors.
- Michigan
- Ohio State
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Indiana
- Illinois
In case you missed it, I had the pleasure to meet Facilities Attendant Matt Wright and posted the results of the interview. Boy, Matt sure is popular! Everyone seems to love him. I’m not too surprised though. Matt is a stand up guy.
While I was touring the clubhouse with Matt, I took this photo of this mural on the wall outside the Coach’s office. Anyone who visits Coach gets a reminder of why he is the Coach of the Decade.
Let’s go get ’em, boys!