On Friday, Illinois baseball will take the field competitively for the first time in almost a year. It was after the Elon game on March 8 when everything shut down for the 2020 season.
But it’s a new year and a new modified 44-game schedule. Assuming everything goes to plan, Illinois will face off against Ohio State for a four-game series this weekend at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina. This weekend’s series includes a doubleheader on Saturday.
At the press conference this week, Coach Hartleb stressed the fundamentals. More importantly, he felt the boys just needed to play some games. The modified schedule with no non-conference games will be an adjustment as the team is starting with the Big Ten season right off the bat.
Probable Rotation
Friday: Andrew Hoffman (2020- 5-0, 2.08 ERA with John A. Logan)
Saturday: Riley Gowens (2020- redshirt)
Saturday: Ty Rybarczyk (2020- 0-1, 4.41 ERA)
Sunday: Cole Kirschsieper (2020- 3-0, 1.35 ERA)
Coach Hartleb is high on Friday starter Andrew Hoffman (above) who is a transfer from John A. Logan Community College. The stats back coach up. He says Andrew has the confidence to win.
I’m interested to see how Riley Gowens performs. Riley was out last year and redshirted for the year.
| Ohio State Buckeyes | |
| Fluor Field | |
| Friday, March 5 | 2pm CT Saturday, March 6 | 9am CT (DH) Sunday, March 7 | 9am CT |  |
Random Ramblings
Scott Beatty is back!
Yes, Beatty will be doing play-by-play behind the mike for WDWS for all of the games. That really shouldn’t surprise me but with the pandemic, everything is up in the air.
Looking forward to hearing your voice, Scott! Thank you for keeping us tethered to Illinois Baseball especially while they are on the road.
Hot Stove Fundraiser reaches its goal!
Last Sunday, the Hot Stove Fundraiser took place in a virtual format. It certainly wasn’t the same as the Illinois Baseball family gathered in one room. Considering our current situation, that would not be a good idea.
With help from events organizer Mike Namoff, Coach Hartleb and the Illinois Baseball program were able to put together an enjoyable virtual Hot Stove Fundraiser. My personal favorite part of it was the recorded greetings from many of the baseball alum who have played for the Illini.
Thanks to the energetic Mike Namoff, Illinois Baseball reached their goal of raising $80,000.
Thanks, Mike!
Remembering John Santas
During the Hot Stove Fundraiser, it was sad to see that we lost John Santas late last year.
A member of the Dugout Club, John was a die-hard Illinois Baseball fan. Before each game, he would walk to the bullpen and give what I’m sure he thought was sage advice to the starting pitcher. Sitting in the first row by the Illinois dugout, he would often share his witty observations with me.
The photo above of John is him in his office with his hand placed on a stack of past Illini Baseball media guides.
Go Illini!