Opening Day!!
This Friday, Illinois Baseball starts off the 2022 season!
One difference for the Illini in 2022 is that they will be playing non-conference teams this year. Illinois went 22-22 last year… all against Big Ten teams. This year, the schedule goes a little back to normal. That change starts with this first series of the year.
The Illini begin the year with a three-game set against the Kansas Jayhawks (30-27, 8-16 Big 12 in 2021). The games will be played at Whataburger Field in the slightly warmer climes of Corpus Christi, Texas.
On the mound
I know Coach Dan Hartleb likes to test his players out in the early season against the non-conference teams. He didn’t have the opportunity to do that last year. It’s a new season and he has a chance to see how his boys respond. This weekend he brings a veteran junior and two sophomores.
Friday: Cole Kirshsieper 3-4, 5.82 ERA
Saturday: Jack Wenninger 4-5, 5.26 ERA (at Murray State)
Sunday: Payton Hutchings 0-0, 8-36 ERA
I for one, am looking forward to seeing what lineup Coach Dan trots out on the field on Friday.
| Kansas Jayhawks | |
| Whataburger Field | Corpus Christi, TX |
| Friday, February 18 | 7pm CT Saturday, February 19 | 2pm CT Sunday, February 20 | 11am CT |  |
| Radio: WDWS | BTN+ | Live Stats |
Random Ramblings
Hot Stove Fundraiser: The February 6th Illinois Baseball Hot Stove Fundraiser was a success by all reports. Thanks to duo of Coach Hartleb and Mike Namoff (and so many others), the fundraiser brought in upwards of $80,000 for the Illinois baseball program.
Radio coverage: Good news! WDWS Radio will be covering the complete Illinois Baseball season in 2022. That means Scott Beatty is returning for his third year as the voice of Illinois Baseball.
You’ll find Scott on the dial at AM-1400 if you are in the area.
In addition, all home games will have online video coverage. Big Ten Network coverage is certainly also going to happen. BTN schedule is to be announced.
Roof re-upped: I mentioned this on social media but it’s definitely worth mentioning here that former Illinois baseball star Shawn Roof was re-signed as manager of the Amarillo Sod Poodles.
Anybody who knows Shawn shouldn’t be surprised at his success. He was a great ballplayer and an even better people person.
Me? I’m looking forward to March 8th. That is the first home game at Illinois Field.
Go Illinois!!