Are you ready for some Illini baseball?? I know I am!
On February 17th, the Illinois baseball commences. Illinois will travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to participate in the Wake Forest Tournament.
During the weekend, the team will fit in four games. They will play two against the Youngstown State Penguins (2022 21-36 record, 12-16 Horizon). In addition, Illinois will face their first real challenge of the 2023. There are two games scheduled versus the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2022 41-19-1 record, 15-14-1 ACC) who are currently ranked #6 in the nation.
This weekend’s probables
Friday: Riley Gowens
Saturday Game 1: Jack Wenninger
Saturday Game 2: Jack Crowder
Sunday: TBA
As usual, I’m not too surprised by Coach Hartleb’s choices here. Of course, I had the pleasure of Jack Wenninger’s presence at my table at the Hot Stove Banquet and he clued me in a little.
As for Sunday’s TBA, pitching Coach Mark Allen has more than a few options. He’ll see who’s up for the challenge.
The Matchups
 |  |
| 2022 21-36 12-16 Horizon | 2022 41-19-1 15-14-1 ACC |
| Friday 11am, Saturday 11am CT | Saturday 3pm, Sunday 11:30am CT |
The complete schedule for the Wake Forest Tournament can be found at the Fighting Illini website, weather-permitting, of course.
But hey, it’s North Carolina. How bad can it be?
Random Ramblings
This is the first time that Illinois will be facing Youngstown State. I can vouch that they have never played them since I have been following the team. I would have remembered any team with the nickname “Penguins”.
Big news for Cam McDonald came out this week!
Cam McDonald
2023 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award Watch List
Cam has been named to the 2023 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award watch list. This award watch list consists of only 51 players around the country.
Nice work, Cam!
If you have been following the Illinois Baseball Report’s Twitter account, you have most likely noticed that I have been doing a opening day countdown for the last month. Starting with #30 Kyle Hudson, I’ve been posting players, former players, and even coaches whose uniform number correspond with the days left.
It’s been a lot of fun and I’m learning a bit in the process. I knew Lou Boudreau’s number 5 was retired but wasn’t sure about uni #1. That was legendary Coach Itch Jones’ number. It hasn’t been worn since he left Illinois in 2005.
Word from reputable sources is that while it is not officially retired yet, it is “unofficially” retired. I’ve combed the rosters since Jones’ departure and no Illini has worn that number. Coach Itch Jones currently ranks 37th among all college coaches in wins with 1,242 all-time. Of those, 474 wins were with the Illini.
Now get some wins, Illini!!