Robbie Signed by Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with former Illini catcher Chris Robinson. Robbie was drafted this year by the Tigers in the 3rd round.
Dan Hartleb Hired as UI Baseball Coach
The University of Illinois has named Dan Hartleb the new Illini Baseball Coach. Hartleb has been signed to a four-year contract and replaces Itch Jones who has retired. Hartleb has been the pitching coach for the Illinois team for the entire 15-year tenure of Jones. He has sent 15 pitchers…
UI Loses the Itch
Maybe others saw this coming but this came as a surprise. UI Baseball coach Richard “Itch” Jones has decided to retire after 15 years as Illinois coach and 39 years of college coaching. Then again, there’s something to be said for getting out while you’re on top. Itch led the…
Bensko Signed by Twins
In Sunday’s paper, I read that Illini firstbaseman Dusty Bensko, who was not picked in last week’s MLB draft, was signed by the Minnesota Twins. He joins Toby Gardenhire, who was drafted by the Twins organization. Congratulations, Dusty!
Illini Dusty Bensko and the MLB draft
TBZ commentor ylees wonders why Illini firstbaseman Dusty Bensko wasn’t drafted this week in the MLB draft. I have to say, that question crosses my mind, too. He led the team in homers with 16 and hit .317. I contacted the News-Gazette sports department for their take on it and…
MLB Draft Begins Tomorrow
Tomorrow the 2005 MLB Draft will commence. The Arizona Diamondbacks have the first pick and claim to have narrowed their pick to three pitchers and some shortstop named Justin Upton. Maybe this one can field. As for myself, I will be watching to see what happens to catcher Chris Robinson.…
UI Drew Davidson Gets All-American Honors
Today, University of Illinois centerfielder Drew Davidson was chosen to the Louisville Slugger All-American third team. It’s the first such honor for an Illini since 2001. Congrats Drew!!
Ohio State Takes Big 10 Tournament
On Sunday, Ohio State defeated Minnesota 14-6 to win the Big Ten Tournament. Tournaments are indeed a different breed. Of the six Big 10 teams represented, #5 Ohio State and #6 Minnesota were the two lowest seeded teams in the tourney. Also, Illini Shawn Roof was selected to the All-Big…
Big Ten Tournament Championship Game Set
If you were a Minnesota Gopher fan, you have to be pretty happy right today. In the bottom of the 9th, eighth place hitter and secondbaseman Joe Maciej hit a walk-off two-run homerun to beat Ohio State 4-3. That sets the stage for the tournament championship game tomorrow. It will…
Big 10 Tournament Over for Illinois
Purdue eliminated Illinois from the Big Ten Tournament today defeating them in a hard fought extra inning contest 4-3. Starter Jimmy Conroy kept the Illini in it for most of the game. One can hardly fault starting pitcher Jimmy Conroy who pitched a heck of a game. He pitched a…