Thomas Nelshoppen | Illinois Baseball Report

Articles posted by Thomas Nelshoppen (Page 16)

DIA Facilities Attendant Matt Wright: “It’s a family”

From time to time, I like to interview those people who are involved with the Illinois Baseball program. Recently, I interviewed former Illini catcher and current Marketing Coordinator David Craan. I’ve also had the pleasure to chat with photographers, sports information directors (actually twice), and other former players who made…

Illini baseball “Happy to back” for 2020

On the heels of the announcement that they were chosen to place fourth in the Big Ten by Perfect Game, the Illinois Baseball team held Media Day on Friday afternoon. Local sports pundits heard from Coach Hartleb, Garrett Acton and others at the Irwin Practice Facility. Acton who chose to…

Buck Showalter speaks at 2020 Illinois Baseball Hot Stove Banquet

On Saturday night, the Chancellor Ballroom at the iHotel was filled to capacity with loyal Illinois Baseball fans for the 2020 First Federal Hot Stove Banquet. Three-time Manager of the Year Buck Showalter was the keynote speaker and Mike Namoff facilitated a successful live and silent auction for Illinois Baseball. …

A little bit about the Illinois Baseball Report

Hi Illinois baseball fans, In the spirit of the new year and new season, I thought I would write up a quick article about “What is the Illinois Baseball Report?” Many of you see my posts and photos and might wonder, “who is the guy behind the Illinois Baseball Report?” …

Folks are paying attention to Garrett Acton

In all the hoopla of Coach Hartleb’s Big Ten Coach of the Decade award early this week, one announcement might have been overlooked. Illini reliever Garrett Acton notched another award. On Tuesday, Acton was named to the Perfect Game Preseason All-American second team. This award adds to his Collegiate Baseball…

Dan Hartleb named best B1G coach of the decade

Illinois baseball is starting out the year right. D1baseball.com has named Coach Dan Hartleb the Big Ten Coach of the Decade! According to D1Baseball.com’s All Decade award-laden post: There’s plenty of competition for this honor. Former Indiana coach Tracy Smith has a good argument but only coached half the decade…

Happy Holidays from IBR!

Happy Holidays to all Illini baseball fans!

I hope every player, parent, coach and fan out there has a pleasant, safe, and stress-free holiday season.

We’ll see you at the ballpark in the year 2020!

Closer Acton receives preseason honor

You know we’re getting close to the college baseball season when the pundits begin naming pre-season honors. Such is the case with Illini closer Garrett Acton. The senior righty was just named to the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper All-America second team. The honor is well deserved. Acton set the Illinois AND…

A few words with former Illini catcher David Craan

David Craan (Fighting Illini bio) was a speedy, fine-gloved catcher for the Illinois baseball team. David finished his tenure with the Illini in spring 2019. Apparently, his time at Illinois is not done yet. David wasn’t your typical catcher and there is lot more to him than meets the eye.…

Nine sign letters of intent to play for Illini

The Illinois baseball recruitment team has been busy lately. Today, it was announced that seven high school athletes and two junior college transfers have signed national letters of intent to play for the Illini. According to FightingIllini.com, they are… Jack Crowder RHP Plainfield East HS Ryan Hampe C John A.…