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Hi all--I have moved.  Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few months.  It's tough to leave Indiana for Minnesota, but it has been done.  I will love the three weeks of summer.  As for baseball,...

Coach Schmack has re-introduced the baseball bash!  It will be held in Valpo on Jan 31.  Something like $65 per.  CJ Nitkowski is the guest speaker.  Help us out and have some fun.  Check out the Valpo Baseball website for more info...

Sorry I haven't been more active with the information here...I've been out on the road for two weeks straight between work and baseball.  We were starting to hit the ball really well (finally) over the past couple of weeks.  Coach Schmack had found a lineup that seemed to be finding its groove, and we finally got a couple of players hitting at the .300 mark.  This past week, we have had six players come down with severe flu symptoms.  Mahoney has been to the hospital twice this week and is down ten pounds.  Mahar, Losi, Haas are others affected.  That makes our bullpen very thin. 

We lost today because we only had four hits.  We had to abandon our newly gelled lineup for one that hasn't been used all year.  No excuses--we still need to hit against the league's worst pitching staff.  It just seemed like it was the beginning of spring and we were trying out new stuff again. 

To win this thing, we have to win against Oakland tomorrow.  Lundeen will pitch.  He's fine and I like our chances there, but it's baseball and you never know.  Past that, we will have to win double headers on both Friday and Saturday.  Then win the championship game on Sunday.  Tough task with a depleted staff.  It doesn't look like the guys who are sick (quarantined in a Mequon, WI hotel) are getting better anytime soon.  For starters, we need Lundeen to go about five innings tomorrow, have a big lead for the remaining pen, and pull him to save some for another day.  For starters.  Get your rally hats on, boys.  This is gonna be a tough row to hoe.

In an effort to try and recover some cancelled games, Valpo has added a game against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in South Bend tomorrow, March 26th.  This is in addition to the originally scheduled game at ND on April 1st.  The game tomorrow IS NOT on campus at ND.  It will be played at Four Winds Stadium in South Bend, home of a minor league team.  The place used to be called Coveleski Stadium before undergoing some upgrades, including turf.  The address is 501 W. South Street, South Bend, IN 46601.  First pitch will be at 4:35 CDT/5:35 EDT.

The weather looks cold, but no precipitation.  Game time temp will be around 35 degrees at decrease to about 30 by the time the game ends.  Ellis Foreman will get the start.

The Oakland series this weekend looks bad for field conditions and weather.  Plan on changes.  Keep checking the Valpo site for the most up to date information.

GO SPRING!!

There have been a couple of changes posted to the schedule for this weekend at UIC.  Friday's first pitch is at 5p CDT.  Saturday the series will conclude with a DH starting at 10:30a.  The Sunday forecast high is 32 degrees, so we can play Saturday in the balmy 40 degree heat.  UIC has only four wins, but have played a tough non-con schedule, including a series at Vanderbilt.  The Friday game will be telling, as we haven't had much success against Michelson, their starter.  Webb takes the hill for us...

The team headed back down south for the third weekend in a row to start their spring trip.  Lots of team bonding time on the bus, as this trip took 15 hours.  Given the weather, I'm sure they'll take it.  Got a big win against a good McNeese State team last night.  We got outhit 14-7, but we made ours count--Karch with a 2RBI double and Manning with a three run bomb.  Lundeen made his first appearance of the season, but was rough coming out of the pen.  We'll see if they move him to the Saturday spot after he gets a few innings.  Karch came in with bases loaded and one out in the 8th and got the double play, but got touched up in the ninth, and we got a little luck to get the win.  With bases loaded once again and two outs in the 9th, the Cowboy batter hit a ball out to center field, but Hara slipped and fell.  He caught the ball on his stomach to end the game.  Looking to hit the ball better and get some improved work from the bullpen today...GO VALPO!!

Obviously not the way we wanted to start the series yesterday at Jax State.  They have a nice team, and we didn't pitch or hit.  Tough to win that way.  Here's what to root for as a Valpo fan over the next couple of games, and how to listen/follow:

Look for us to outhit JSU.  We have been outhit in three of four games so far this year.  Focus on the middle of the order.  We need 3-4-5 to just get on base to trigger a big inning.  I know, it's very early, but....

Can Hasler and Losi give us quality starts over the weekend?  Hasler's experience now as the Saturday guy will give him confidence going forward when Lundeen likely returns as the #2 guy.  Look for a reliever to emerge as a good set up guy.  Bryce Yoder is so far looking like a strong candidate to give us multiple innings out of the pen.  Karch will be strong as the closer the farther we get into the schedule. 

I listened to the game on the web on WJLS, 91.9 FM on TuneIn radio or whatever app.  The guy wasn't great, but you got the idea.  JSU also has a live stats link which was well done yesterday.  If you're on Twitter, you can follow @RJMahoney01 for tweets from a Valpo perspective. 

Here's to a good showing this weekend...GO VALPO! 

Here's the 2014 version of the national websites' HL previews.  Like last year, Baseball America didn't do their research and has us nowhere on the radar.  Perfect Game is better, as they were last year.  We placed four players on the PG Presason All-HL Team and Mahoney is mentioned as a MLB draft choice projected in the 12-18th rounds.  Lundeen is listed as a top 2015 prospect as well.  I like it when the team is flying under the radar in the preseason--makes getting that ring a lot sweeter.  I posted the BA link below, but the PG link was subscriber only.  I wasn't sure if the hyperlink would be readable by all, so I copied the entire article below.  Sorry for the lengthy post...

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-college-previews-horizon-league/

The Perfect Game article:

Conference preview: Horizon League

Kendall Rogers         
Published: Thursday, February 06, 2014

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

Overall/conference won-loss records from 2013 indicated
* Projected conference automatic bid


No.    Team    W    L    W    L
1    Illinois-Chicago*    13    11    27    28
2    Valparaiso    13    11    32    28
3    Wright State    9    12    25    30
4    UW-Milwaukee    14    7    29    21
5    Oakland    15    13    20    35
6    Youngstown State    8    16    14    43



PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Pos.    Name    Class    School    Stats/Notes
C    Mitch Ghelfi    So.    UW-Milwaukee    .322-3-19, had a very good freshman campaign
1B    Andrew Bynum    Sr.    Valparaiso    .313-1-14, .400 OBP, very good control of zone
2B    Mike Porcaro    Jr.    UW-Milwaukee    .367-1-43, 14 doubles, 8 stolen bases last year
3B    Sam Koenig    Sr.    UW-Milwaukee    .286-2-24, 17 walks, 11 doubles last season
SS    Spencer Mahoney    Jr.    Valparaiso    .271-1-19, drew over 30 walks last season
OF    Kieston Greene    Sr.    Wright State    .335-4-23, 11 doubles, 19 walks last season
OF    Derek Peake    Jr.    UW-Milwaukee    .327-0-17, 16 stolen bases last season
OF    Chris Manning    Sr.    Valparaiso    .304-3-34, 14 stolen bases in '13, low K total
DH    Mark Fowler    Sr.    Wright State    .308-1-32, lots of potential in his bat
UT    Ryan Solberg    Sr.    UW-Milwaukee    .288-4-24, 8 doubles, 44 hits
SP    Tomas Michelson    Jr.    Illinois-Chicago    3.08, 102.1 IP, 65K/26BB
SP    Travis Hissong    Jr.    Wright State    2.39, 37.2 IP, 52K/19BB, .176 OPP BA
SP    Jason Hager    Sr.    Oakland    3.35, 95.1 IP, 73K/21BB, .260 OPP BA
RP    Karch Kowalczyk    Sr.    Valparaiso    1.73, 26 IP, 13 saves, 18K/7BB

Player of the year: Kieston Greene, of, Wright State

Pitcher of the year: Travis Hissong, rhp, Wright State

Top freshman: Sean Murphy, c, Wright State

Top newcomer: Jake Nath, of, Illinois-Chicago




PROSPECT WATCH
Projected round drafted in ()
-Lists compiled by Allan Simpson



2014—Top 5

1 Jake Paulson, rhp, Oakland (Rounds 8-12)

2 Spencer Mahoney, ss, Valparaiso (12-18)

3 Brendan Shoemake, rhp, Youngstown State (12-18)

4 Joe Perricone, of, Illinois-Chicago (15-25)

5 Nic Manuppelli, rhp, Youngstown State (15-25)

2015—Top 3

1 Robbie Sexton, lhp, Wright State (Rounds 20-30)

2 Michael Brosseau, ss, Oakland (20-30)

3 Dalton Lundeen, lhp, Valparaiso (30-40)

2016—Top 1

1 Sean Murphy, c, Wright State (Rounds 10-15)


HORIZON LEAGUE NOTEBOOK

Wisconsin-Milwaukee: The Panthers won the Horizon League regular season title by 2 1/2 games last season, but failed short of reaching the NCAA postseason after Valparaiso won the conference tournament title and notched a Regional appearance. With that said, the Panthers have a chance to capture the crown again with Illinois-Chicago, Valparaiso and Wright State the main competition. UWM welcomes back a solid starting pitcher in Mike Schneider, who finished last year with a 3.64 ERA in 71 2/3 innings of work, while at the plate, catcher Mitch Ghelfi once again is an all-conference selection after hitting .322 last season ... Also keep an eye on solid hitters such as Sam Koenig, Derek Peake, Mike Porcaro and Ryan Solberg.

Illinois-Chicago: The Flames are the conference favorite this spring with the return of several quality players, including a trio of good starting pitchers in junior righthander Tomas Michelson, senior Mike McKinley and sophomore righty Ian Lewandowski. Michelson is a big-time arm with a fastball up to 93, while he also sits 89-91, and settles in at 86-90 as the game progresses. His secondary stuff continues to improve with a slider replacing a curveball as his wipeout pitch. Meanwhile, keep an eye on sophomore hurler Joe Perricone. Perricone sits 89-92 with his fastball, along with good secondary stuff. Also keep an eye on senior pitcher Charlie Weinberg, who sits 87-90, but has the ability to touch 92 or 93 at times, along with a good curveball. He sat out last season because of Tommy John surgery, but should be healthy this spring ... Positionally, keep an eye on junior college transfer Jake Nath, who has very good speed with a 6.65 60-yard-dash. Meanwhile, also watch for freshman Mickey McDonald, who's polished and has a good swing from both sides of the plate. Slugger Alex Jurich is someone else to watch, while Collin Weyer could miss the season because of a shoulder injury.

Valparaiso: Even without departed head coach Tracy Woodson, who left for the University of Richmond during the offseason, the Crusaders should be just fine with former assistant coach Brian Schmack taking over the post. Valparaiso will have an OK offensive lineup with the return of outfielder Chris Manning, first baseman Andrew Bynum and shortstop Spencer Mahoney, and others, while the pitching staff is the most impressive aspect of this club ... Senior reliever Karch Kowalczyk leads the charge on the mound with a fastball in the lower-90s, while starting pitcher Cole Webb is coming off a respectable 2013 season.

Wright State: The Raiders lost long-time head coach Rob Cooper to Penn State University in the offseason, but good news? They welcome new head coach and previous assistant Greg Lovelady, who has a very good reputation in the region. Lovelady inherits what should be an outstanding ace starting pitcher in righthander Travis Hissong. Hissong has a fastball anywhere from 91-95 and will start after closing last season. He showed a plus slider during the fall, and also continues to develop his changeup as a solid secondary offering. Meanwhile, also keep an eye on senior pitcher Joey Hoelzel, who was 89-91 during the fall with a hard slider and some good sink on his fastball. He includes a deceptive delivery. Lastly, some good injury news on the horizon, as the Raiders welcome back former setup guy Jack Van Horn and Andrew Elliott ... Offensively, keep an eye on talented Mark Fowler, who also has good speed, while sophomore John Brodner and Michael Timm are expected to have solid campaigns ... Freshman catcher Sean Murphy is the main freshman to watch in this league. Murphy has a plus arm and is an excellent defensive catcher. Now, he just needs to make the final adjustments from an offensive standpoint.

Oakland: Head coach John Musachio's club should make a rather smooth transition to the Horizon League this spring. Musachio's OU club welcomes back quite a solid weekend rotation with the return of junior lefthanded pitcher Jason Hager, senior righthander Tim Koons and junior righty Jake Paulson. Paulson is the most heralded prospect on this club with a large frame — 6-foot-7 — along with a fastball up to 94 at times. Meanwhile, Koons has an 8792 FB with a swing and miss slider. Also keep an eye on 6-foot-7 freshman pitcher Connor Fannon, who sits 84-88 with good life on his fastball, while also encompassing a plus breaking ball as part of his repertoire ... Sophomore shortstop Mike Brosseau continues to impress with much improved speed, while catcher Jake Morton is a good athlete with good skills behind the plate ... Injury-wise, the Grizzlies welcome back Jake Morton, Ian Yetsko, Nate Lewis and Lucas Scocchia.

Youngstown State: After not exactly having a good 2013 season, the Penguins hope to finally rise up and make a statement in '14. That won't be so easy, but there's some talent on this roster, specifically from a pitching standpoint. Junior righthanded pitcher Brendon Shoemake sits 88-92 with his fastball, but also touched 94 during the fall. Interestingly, the YSU coaching staff feels like he has even more velocity to gain in his fastball before he stops growing. Meanwhile, keep an eye on talented freshman pitcher Kevin Yarabinec, who sits upper-80s, low-90s with a plus plus slider, while sophomore Jared Wright is a mid-80s pitcher, who, too, has a significant velocity jump soon coming ... Offensively speaking, senior catcher Josh White has good gap-to-gap power and is expected to have a strong season, while Matt Sullivan is a versatile position player, and shortstop Shane Willoughby is a plus defender who will play shortstop each day ... In other news, the Penguins welcome back senior outfielder Kris Moules, who missed half of last season with a wrist injury.

The brand new order forms for 2014 baseball swag is out!  Last year's order was very popular, and there are some returning items with some brand new stuff for 2014, including a line of "Back-2-Back" shirts.  There is a Nike order form with over 45 different items.  An extensive ladies' only order form is also available.  Go to the Facebook site for Valpo Baseball and click on the links for the order forms.  There is a quick turnaround on this.  We need to receive your order form via snail mail by October 21st.  Please check it out today!  Orders will be available for pickup by Christmas.  Payment info is available on the Facebook site.  Thanks for your support!  Proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Valpo baseball.

Valpo Baseball will host its annual golf scramble on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Aberdeen Golf Course in Valpo.  Registration starts at 10:30 with a 12:30 shotgun start.  The address is 245 Tower Road, Valparaiso 46385.  $110 per player/$440 per foursome gets you the golf, a cart, prizes, and a cookout afterwards.  Also, we will have the 2014 Valpo Baseball gear order form available for delivery in time for Christmas.  This is traditionally a great time on a nice course and is well attended by the baseball alumni and general public.  Please consider it if you can spend the day in Valpo, and bring some friends! 

Make checks payable to Valpo Baseball and send to 1009 Union St., Valpo, 46383.  You should also contact Brian Schmack ASAP at Brian.schmack@valpo.edu with your foursome or single.  You may also call 219-464-6117.  See ya there!

As expected, Brian Schmack has been promoted to head baseball coach at Valpo.  Here is a link to a Valpo Athletics video of a Schmack interview.  I love the fact that he mentions twice his desire to "be aggressive on the basepaths" and put "pressure on the defense."  I feel like we need to steal much more than we have the past couple of years.     Coach Schmack called each of the players today, and now must hire two or three assistants to assemble a full staff for 2014.  Great that we have Brian to continue building a program that's becoming relevant nationally.  Win the Horizon again, then win the Regional, and Valpo will at least ring a bell with baseball recruits everywhere.  I'm excited for 2014.  Congrats Coach Schmack and family!

Coach Report: Brian Schmack 7|24|13

Gotta get off the mat and win this elimination game.  DeBoo has been great lately, so I like him on the mound.  Unfortunately, it's a steady rain in Bloomington today and looks like it's going to last all day.  I'm looking for schedule changes coming shortly...

GT is down again, so I'll post here.  Again, I'm receiving updates from a secret follower at the field.  Right now, it's the top of the fifth, and Valpo leads 4-1.  Wormington started for Valpo, and will get the win.  He went four innings.  Drew Hasler is in now and has a K looking and a groundout to start the fifth.  Two down.

Here's the link to the 2013 HL Baseball Tourney bracket.  The tourney will be held in Youngstown from May 22-25.  I assume they'll use the 26th for rainouts.  It's double elimination, and I think that sets us up nicely with the way we're playing now.  One bad day won't kill us, and I don't see us having two bad games in a weekend. 

The way I figure it, if UWM and Valpo sweep the remainder of their HL games, we'll both have a .666 winning percentage.  We will also have a season record of 3-3 against each other.  Any guesses on the #1 seed in that event?  I'm guessing they would name us co-champs, but somebody has to get the top seed...

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wiml/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2013_BB_HL_Bracket.pdf

I'm not getting Game Tracker or anything but an occasional tweet from Brad.  Anyone else?  BTW, I looked and Goshen is something like 4-35 this year.  Haas started and Bryce Yoder is now pitching in the third.  We lead 2-1.  Need GT!!!!!   

We start the second half of the HL season today with some confidence after beating ASU.  The bad news is that ace Cole Webb is out with a hip flexor.  Not sure about a return date for him.  We're going with DeBoo Friday, Lundeen Saturday and TBA Sunday.  I'm just guessing, but maybe freshman Trevor Haas will get his first weekend start.  Wormington is able to go as well.  Elliott Martin was due back a couple of weeks ago, but reinjured a hamstring when he took infield practice and now we're just hoping he can play in the HL tournament.  We need to battle through the injuries and win the series...

Breaking news today, reports are out that UIC will leave for the Missouri Valley Conference.  Other reports say that Oakland is coming in to the HL, but no time frame yet.  The bad news is that UMKC and Denver are also looking at the HL.  Neither of those schools has baseball, and if these are the only moves made, baseball will still be one short of the needed six teams for the automatic NCAA qualifier...

We obviously need a series win this weekend, and there's lots of other things happening too.  The 2012 HL Championship/NCAA Regional sign will be unveiled at EGB. More importantly, the Valpo baseball concession stand with grilled cheeseburgers, brats, and hot dogs will make its Grand Opening.  Concessions will be permanent for all weekend series going forward.

This game was originally scheduled against Holy Cross (IN).  Believe it or not, this is a big game for the Crusaders.  Need a blowout win today.  One where everybody hits.  I have no info on our starter, but I'm guessing one of the freshmen will get the nod, and we'll see a few guys throw today.  The road back to where we can be might start here... 

I'm not in Chicago today, guys.  No updates from me as I have to be at work all weekend.  Right now I'm not getting GT either....anyone else? 

Not really looking forward to playing at Dayton this weekend.  The DH on Saturday is going to be very cold.  It would be slightly worse in Valpo, though, as the temp is a few degrees colder and the field is still unplayable.  I'll attitude adjust and embrace the cold tomorrow.  The parent/fan group is meeting at Texas Roadhouse near the WSU campus after Friday's game for a warmup.  All are welcome!  GO VALPO!

Jetz back here in Auburndale once again to bring you today's game between the UAB Blazers and Valpo Crusaders.  UAB is playing their first game in this tourney and come in with an 8-9 mark on the year.  They are a member of Conference USA.  The Blazers will throw thier ace today, righty Tanner Bryant.  He is making his fifth start of 2013 and has a 1-1 record on the year.  These are all official "Dad" stats, so if a couple of numbers are wrong, I'm sure you'll understand...

Here we go from Aurburndale, FL and the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex for today's game between Valpo and Bucknell.  I am once again far away from the SIDs here at this multiple field plex so I won't have some of the details, but you'll get the idea.  I'm actually 10 feet outside the left field foul pole bringing you these updates due to electrical outlet availability...

We're on line here at Chain O' Lakes (COL) Park.  This is the old spring training home of the Cleveland Indians, and features a sign of former pitcher and Hall of Famer Bob Feller out front.  By the looks of things, the place hasn't been updated since Feller was active.  Don't get me wrong--I love the old school charm of the place.  6000 chairback seats with another 1000 bleachers.  Dark blue painted concrete block concourses.  Corrugated tin roof overheads on the stands and outbuildings.  Huge dimensions--340 down the lines and a monstrous 420 to straightaway center.  Outfielders will get their running in tonight. Welcome aboard everybody to tonight's game between the Yale Bulldogs and Valpo Crusaders in Winter Haven, FL.

The boys are warming up now and the rain has stopped.  Look to start around 11:30 EDT or so.  I'll try to do blog updates here.

Starting lineups are in at chilly Port Charlotte field where the sun came out a little while ago. Valpo is visitors today and will start with:

Mahoney SS
Vavra 2B
Bain 1B
Kowalczyk DH
Martin 3B
Mormon LF
Cribbs C
Hara CF
Manning RF

Haas P

No Rick today, but jetz is back with you for updates on the game from Field #3 at the North Charlotte Regional Park.  After some stomach flu issues for some of the Saders yesterday, Valpo is back to full strength today.  Mahoney is leading off at ss, Vavra batting 2nd playing 2nd, Bain at 1st, Loeffler is the DH, Martin at 3rd, Morman in left, Cribbs behind the dish, Hara in CF, and Manning in right.  We are the home team and wearing all white unis with gold and black trim.  Dalton Lundeen, a true freshman, will get his first collegiate start on the hill...

Villanova comes in 1-6 after some bad weather to start the season in NC.  This is their first game in Port Charlotte.

Sorry for the delay everyone. Rick Mahoney here again. We are currently in bottom of 1 with Georgetown having a runner on third with 1 out. Valpo did not score in top of inning.

We start with the Bonnies tomorrow in chilly Port Charlotte.  Temps in Florida in the high 50s/low 60s thru Monday.  We'll take it but....jeez!  We haven't scored more than three runs in a game this year.  Gotta get the bats going on this trip.

Well, for the locals it was freezing out here last night, but the Valpo travelers loved the weather compared to Nashville last week.  Today looks like 70 and sunny.  LB has a beautiful park in Blair Field.  The outfield is big--348 down both lines.  Cribbs' double last night would have easily been out of EGB.  I couldn't believe it stayed in the park here--he smoked it.

If you saw the Regional last year, you saw the defensive game last night.  Elliott Martin threw a ball away on a tough play at third but otherwise played well.  Loeffler missed a couple of balls at first that should have been outs.  Vavra uncharacteristically made two errors.  The ump made a bad call in the fifth that would have had us out of the inning and saved us two runs.  Bad outing for the Crusaders all around.

Coach Woodson emphasized the need for mental toughness (in different vocabulary) after the game.  We need hard-nosed ballplayers to show up right now, not stat watchers.  The team needs to believe more, play harder, get dirtier.  There may be a feeling that we played well last year with basically the same team, and we seem to be waiting for good things to happen rather than going out and getting the job done.  So far, we are soft.  I think last night should serve as a wakeup for this team.

GO VALPO!

Just starting a thread for opening weekend.  New game notes and a nice piece from SID Brad Collignon have been posted to the baseball website.  There are also links to listen/watch the game live--Sidearm Stats, etc.  Brad, will there be a blog for the away games this year or will that not start until conference play?  I will be in Nashville and will post occasionally here.  GO VALPO! 

Valpo is looking for an alum like this.  I've followed CG since his days with the Tigers.  Always was a great guy, and I'm sad they let him go.  Anyway, this should bring some solid recruits to UIC...

http://www.uicflames.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/020613aaa.html

Here's a link to the Perfect Game site and their Horizon League preview.  No surprise that Valpo is picked to repeat.  Several Crusaders are named to the Preseason All-HL team.  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=7984

The Valpo baseball team is making plans to travel to the Dominican Republic over Thanksgiving break 2013 to play six games against college/minor league-type competition.  A dozen or so teams from around the country go each year and get some national coverage as there's really nothing else going on in college baseball at that time of year.  Indiana went last Thanksgiving, and relayed to Coach Woodson that they enjoyed the experience.  Major league teams have affiliate clubs and facilities there, and we will play the Cubs, White Sox, Royals, Pirates, etc. plus some community teams (Fire and Police teams).  The kids are college aged or have college or better ability.  Valpo players will also get a tour of Santo Domingo and do some community outreach.  The guys will also donate some baseball equipment to the local kids.  Funds must come entirely from families or fund raising, and plans are underway to make this happen.  Another step up for Valpo baseball...

[Mark LaBarbera, Valparaiso]

This from the Perfect Game website.  MLB was on the committee last year as well.  While this doesn't help us at all as far as getting in the tourney, it's great that Valpo has a rep on this important committee. All of the guys listed are ADs of their school or some equivalent.     


"AND THE COMMITTEE IS ...

The 10-member Division I NCAA Selection Committee is the most important body overlooking college baseball, as it decides the national seeds, NCAA Regional hosts, NCAA Super Regional hosts, and most importantly, the postseason field of 64.

The 2013 committee includes:

Dennis Farrell, Big West (Chairman)
Ed Scott, Binghamton
David Hickey, Central Michigan
Robert Goodman, Colonial Athletic Association
Larry Gallo, North Carolina
Rick Greenspan, Rice
Joel Erdmann, South Alabama
Eric Hyman, Texas A&M
Mark LaBarbera, Valparaiso
Randy Buhr, Washington State"

[Orders]

Due to popular demand, a slightly revised order form for 2013 Valpo Baseball Gear from Nike has been produced.  I tried to attach it but the file is too large for this site.  There are 37 different T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, golf shirts, jackets and shorts as well as visors and hats.  Please email me at jetzwalsh@gmail.com if you're interested and I'll email you the form.  Short turnaround on this.  Items #36 and 37 are new (black and white S/S shirts in a fitted cut, Dri-Fit material), no women's shirts (different company) and no skull caps on this order.  Orders need to be placed by January 18th.

The first order is complete and some of you have items in the mail now. If you ordered something on the first order and don't have it by January 18th, respond here and I'll take care of it.   

8)

OK, not really.  I was just thinking about this year's round of conference realignment and teams jumping all over the place and thought, "Why not us?"  My wife looked into it a little bit, and it turns out that the Missouri Valley Conference has nine basketball schools.  With basketball being the big driver for MVC sports, you would think that a tenth team would be desirable.  Valpo is a great fit geographically, and our enrollment is similar to MVC schools like Drake and Evansville.  The MVC does not require football (Evansville has no football team), and we would upgrade big time in baseball and softball.  (Creighton, Wichita St., and Indiana State in baseball, for example.  Creighton's home field is TDAmeritrade Park, home of the College World Series!)  We could keep football as it is (or upgrade it, or whatever) and move all other sports to the MVC.  It would be interesting to know if the HL teams have had any serious discussions lately in this vein.  I'll be all for it when they call and ask my opinion.... 8)

Just thought some of you would appreciate the info...

Lots of nice, new Nike Valpo Baseball apparel is available through the Valpo Baseball Facebook link.  Dozens of items--all high quality stuff and only available through Valpo Baseball--you won't find this stuff anywhere else.  Just get on FB and search for Valpo Baseball or link through the "Social Media" link on the baseball site.  You'll find two order form links--one is for ladies shirts. (You'll see blank ladies shirts on the link, but they will all have "Valpo Baseball" screened across the front.)

All orders must be received by October 31st.  Your gear will ship in time for Christmas, so order for everybody!  This is first class gear for a first class program.  Get it now! ...and thanks for your support!

Any questions, just respond here....GO VALPO!   

A good looking schedule.  As per usual, 18 games on the road to start.  Only four home weekend series... 

http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/schedule/

Also, Valpo had scout day earlier this week.  Last year, one scout showed up.  This year, 22 made the trip.  Nice to be on the radar. 

The baseball infield at Valpo's Emory G. Bauer field got a shave and a wig.  The field last year was a hazard to infielders, as several bad hops nearly got em in the face several times.  We got the luckier end of it, as a couple of times bad hops on balls hit by Valpo batters led to key base hits.  In any event, it was decided to laser grade the infield this fall, and that has been completed, for a measly $30K.  New sod was laid and dirt with topdressing put down.  The link below should take you to a pic that was posted on Facebook.  The boys are able to play on it very soon--like in a day or two!  Good deal!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152063751880433&set=a.10152063751560433.906761.423030780432&type=1&theater

I attended the baseball newcomer's meeting yesterday and got some great news from Coach Woodson.  He confirmed that the baseball team will fly to play games at Arizona State, Long Beach State and also spend two weeks in Florida over spring break, playing South Florida twice and others down there.  He also mentioned that he had trips lined up for 2014 to the Metrodome in Minneapolis to play the Gophers and a trip to....Texas!  He mentioned that we will indeed play the Longhorns and I believe UT-San Antonio with some others while down there.  Valpotx--you wanted it, and you got it!  Home games for you in 2014...

First official baseball practice is September 12.  8)

All of you are invited to the golf tournament on Sept. 29th to benefit the baseball program.  Hope to see you there, valpotx, along with any of you who can make it.  Last year's event was a good time.  The golf is $100 and the bowling is $25.  Here's the details from a flyer sent out by Coach Woodson:

         VALPO BASEBALL       
ANNUAL PARENTS/ALUMNI WEEKEND
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2012

Aberdeen Golf Course
245 Tower Road Valparaiso, IN 46385
219 462-5050
12:30 PM Shotgun Start & 5:30 PM Cookout/Awards to Follow

Inman's Bowling Alley
3201 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383
219 462-1300
8:00 PM Includes Bowling, Shoes, & Beverage

Enjoy reuniting with current players, former players, parents, friends of the program, and our baseball staff. Please call Coach Tracy Woodson @ 219-464-5239 for more information. Or email to tracy.woodson@valpo.edu
_____
GO VALPO!!

A few items from the defending HL Champion Crusader baseball team:

--13 new players will join the Crusaders in 2013.  Ten of those are full or part time pitchers.  Nine of the ten are righties.  There are unofficially 34 players on this season's roster.  Two players, including one from TX, who had previously committed have decided to attend school elsewhere.
I think it's noteworthy that we lost two starting outfielders from last year's team, and only one of the new players is listed as an outfielder.  We do have a couple of guys who play outfield that were out last year with injury.

--First team function is a newcomer meeting on August 18th.  School starts the 21st, and the team will meet as a whole group for the first time on the 22nd.  They will support the football team on August 30th, attending the pregame tailgate (?) and a dinner afterwards.  Alums should think about coming up for that, as it's a 7p kickoff with some events beforehand.

--2012 players who will not return:  Kevin Upp (decided to attend another school after elbow surgery last year), Will Robinson (decided not to return for 5th year), Rob Robakozi (C/RHP transferred to a juco in Phoenix, I believe), Devin Pickell (freshman RHP who did not play last year), Cole Schaenzer (freshman who saw only pinch running duty last year), and Greg Stiller (junior RHP who did not play last year).

--2012 players who were injured or not eligible and will play in 2013:  Andy Burns (INF), Karch Kowalczyk (RHP/IF),  and Michael Morman (IF/OF).

--Obviously our biggest need will be pitching, with the loss of Deetjen, Wild, and Jarad Miller from last year.  Besides the nine incoming potential pitchers, others available to fill two starting roles and a closer spot include Kyle Wormington, Kowalczyk, Sean and Ryan Kennedy, Zack Walsh, Ben Mahar, Connor Buxton, and Mike Jacobs.  Of those, only Wormington and Jacobs will be in their final year of eligibility.

GO VALPO! 

The baseball team has been asked to submit their ring sizes.  Nice job by the AD and all involved with Valpo sports admin.  The players are jacked up.   

P.S. : I did a little research:  The NCAA has set a limit of $325 on each player's ring.  After talking with Josten's, all the decent rings are between $275 and $325.  We need about 40 rings for just baseball--that's $12K or so that has to come from our budget /private donations.  Add three more championships plus bowling for 2011-12, and you're looking at a nice chunk of change.  A nice problem for Valpo to have!

Tyler Deetjen has signed with the Gary Railcats.  Congrats to Tyler on pro contract!  The story is on the Valpo baseball website.

Everything fell our way last weekend and we not only win the regular season crown, but win it by two full games!  The baseball highlight on senior day was closer Jarad Miller getting his first collegiate at bat in his last regular season game.  He promptly laced a RBI double to the right center gap and goes out batting 1.000. 

We play at 8p CDT Thursday against the winner of the 4-5 game between UIC and Butler.  If we can win three straight, we take the title.  Should a second championship game be required, it will happen Sunday.  (double elimination)  If Valpo can win it, they will make the program's first ever appearance in the NCAA tournament.  HOWEVER, I am only thinking about Thursday's game.  "We just want to take it one game at a time."  GO VALPO!

The last regular season series is a Thursday, Friday, Saturday affair against the last place Penguins.  Beware, however, as prior to getting swept by WSU last weekend, YSU was pretty hot, winning five of their last six.  They can play well, and we won our last game against them at YSU by only a 5-4 count.  As I was reminded last weekend, this is baseball, and anything can happen on any given day.

We need to sweep to have a chance at a regular season HL championship.  We are one game behind Wright State for the title, and they are at Milwaukee this weekend.  If we win three, we can be co-champs is UWM loses one.  The Nolan NPI site predicts exactly this outcome.  We would claim a co-championship, but still be the two seed in the tourney since we lost the season series to WSU 4-2. 

We need one more gutsy effort from the pitching staff.  Deetjen has gone deep in lots of games this year, but his velocity is noticeably down and he only went six in two of his last three starts.  Wild has been great, but started slowly at WSU two weeks ago and took the loss last week to UIC.  Wormington has been awfully good the last two weeks and seems to be in the best groove right now.  Miller's still good at closer and the set up guys have been pretty steady, though there have been occasional lapses.

Good luck, fellas.  Let's win three and hope for the best.  GO VALPO!

Gigantic series this weekend in Dayton.  As I write this, Valpo has the fifth longest winning streak in the country at seven games.  We have a date at Notre Dame (also 22-20) tomorrow night, then head to Dayton Thursday afternoon.  In the series at Valpo, WSU swept all three games by a combined total of four runs.  We simply didn't hit, and didn't put any pressure on their defense.  We're one game back of the Raiders for the HL lead, and I like our chances to win this series.  Let's go get it!

It'll be a tough challenge to take the series at UWM.  They have three good starters and the weather will be cold.  Offense will be harder than normal to come by for both teams.  Tassi and Wild are co-favorites for Horizon League Pitcher of the Year at this point (according to the Horizon League Network) and I believe they go against each other Saturday.  We will need to continue to get a strong effort from our starters, and I'm sure they'll deliver.  UWM is two games behind us in the HL, and we are two games back of Wright State.  GO VALPO!

Classic "something's gotta give" series this weekend at the Emory G.  They hit, we pitch.  Let's see who wins.  We're alone in the critical second spot in the HL, but everybody (except YSU) is on our heels.  This is one of what will be several crucial series headed down the stretch.  I like us to win, and maybe sweep.  Vavra is out for Friday, I believe, due to his ejection at ISU.  Need to win two at least, boys.  Let's go get 'em.

Need to get a series sweep this weekend at YSU.  It would be nice to break out and score some runs in each game.  (We don't have to score 32, but double digits would be OK.)  All three games are streamed with live video through the Horizon League Network.  BTW, check out the HLN "Rundown" feature every week--that's their weekly highlight show.  The Valpo baseball team is the only team in the league with video highlights--provided by yours truly.  I won't be at this weekend's games, however, so I hope the live video feed works well.  Also, I'm interested to see about Will Hagel's availability in left this weekend.  He was a dinged a little in yesterday's game and removed.  Mark Johnson took his place in the lineup. 

Must win series to stay in the HL hunt.  Thursday start due to Easter Sunday.  Both team's starters going on one day less rest.  We need to give ours some run support....GO VALPO!