Local media showed up at the Irwin Indoor Football Practice Facility where the Illinois baseball team was taking practice on Friday. It was Media Day and both Coach Dan Hartleb and designated player spokesperson Anthony Drago (above) took some time to speak to the press. Coach Hartleb’s crew is…
After a fall’s worth a practice and a couple of scrimmages, the Orange and Blue World Series took place this week. This is probably the 12th one I’ve attended and I don’t think I’ve seen a more one-sided victory by one of the teams. The Orange Team swept the Blue…
Last Saturday, the Illinois baseball players assembled on Illinois Field for a little friendly competition. A half hour before the game was to start, there was quite a rain and the pitching mound was covered. Things have a way of working out though. At 10:40am, the sky cleared and for…
It’s a take on an old adage but it’s so appropriate in this context. Before Big Ten games, before non-conference games and even before intrasquad scrimmages, it all comes down to practicing the fundamentals. And that’s what the Illinois Baseball team started doing this past week at Illinois Field. Thursday…
Summer fun for Jalin McMillan who hit .329 for the Southland Vikings The PR people at the the baseball program have come up with something new (and I love it!). For the first time, they are posting end-of-season summer league stats for the Illini baseball players. I have always been…
Luke Shilling slides into home during Illinois’ 5th inning rally against EIU Tuesday For the second weekend in a row, Illinois (12-14, 3-3 Big Ten) will be traveling for a Big Ten series. This weekend, they will be playing in Iowa City to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (12-14, 3-3…
Luke Shilling raps a double in Game 1 of the O&B series last fall I didn’t know at last Saturday’s Hot Stove Banquet when I sat at the same table with Luke Shilling that he was going to be honored as the Preseason Big Ten Freshman of the Year as…
Matt James and Luke Shilling both homered for the Blue Team Monday Illinois is taking the Orange and Blue World Series a whole lot more seriously this year. Complete with a PA announcer, a working scoreboard, at bat music and actual umps, it seems that the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics…