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Valpo Sports => Other Sports => Topic started by: VU2014 on August 02, 2017, 07:49:28 PM

Title: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on August 02, 2017, 07:49:28 PM
https://twitter.com/keegan_bates/status/892831849042587653

Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: FWalum on August 09, 2017, 09:44:06 AM
I don't know if this means anything but was #10 on this list of Chicago area pitching prospects.
https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Top-Prospect---Chicago-Pitching-Analysis-5207348169 (https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Top-Prospect---Chicago-Pitching-Analysis-5207348169)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on September 10, 2017, 12:42:30 AM
I don't remember the last Valpo alum to do it, but Drew Hasler (P) made it to AAA in the White Sox system this year, over the last 1-2 weeks.  Karch Kowalczyk has been a steady contributor at AA Tulsa all season, and may get the call-up to AAA next season.  Might we get our first MLB alum since Lloyd???

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=657651#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=665026#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: Brandon on September 10, 2017, 11:17:47 AM
Quote from: valpotx on September 10, 2017, 12:42:30 AMI don't remember the last Valpo alum to do it



Hasler is the first Crusader to play in Triple-A since Lloyd!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on September 11, 2017, 08:04:17 AM
Very sad news. Valpo Baseball Alum and Valpo Athletics Hall of Famer Ken Schreiber past away.

https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/906649035863359488
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on December 07, 2017, 02:29:19 PM
Fantastic schedule this year!  This is the type of schedule that could garner an at-large bid from the MVC, since it is a strong baseball conference.  This is exciting!

http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2017-18/17848/valpo-baseball-announces-2018-schedule/
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on January 30, 2018, 10:28:59 AM
No Valpo players were voted to the MVC reseason Poll and All-Conference Team.

What should we expect this season? I know the MVC has a powerhouse in MSU but how long will it take the program to fully adjust and be consistently competitive?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on January 30, 2018, 10:39:09 AM
https://twitter.com/patmhickey/status/958378717436370944

Valpo coming in last in the preseason polls.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on January 30, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
I think The Valley may be in for some surprises when it comes to our baseball team.  We bring back three guys who were all conference freshman last year and have 10 seniors and 8 juniors on the team.  I suspect the last place voting is a result of a total lack of information rather than a knowledgeable evaluation of our talent.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on January 30, 2018, 04:39:01 PM
Quote from: vu72 on January 30, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
I think The Valley may be in for some surprises when it comes to our baseball team.  We bring back three guys who were all conference freshman last year and have 10 seniors and 8 juniors on the team.  I suspect the last place voting is a result of a total lack of information rather than a knowledgeable evaluation of our talent.

This report is very similar to the MBB report on Valpo yet is very accurate. Let's hope Valpo baseball does much better. Our baseball team was not that poor in 2017.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on January 30, 2018, 08:46:37 PM
We will be middle of the pack.  Dallas Baptist and Missouri State will be the class of the league
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: Brandon on January 31, 2018, 09:57:08 PM
I'm really looking forward to the start of the baseball season. Pretty cool that the series against both Missouri State and DBU are at home. It's exciting to be in a conference where baseball is a high priority. We could have two nationally-ranked teams come in for weekend series this year. We have a good group of guys who I think are truly excited about the challenge of both The Valley and the schedule as a whole. Last year, we played a three-game road series with Wichita State - got swept but all were one-run games. Beat Illinois State on the road in the only other game against a Valley team. Won one game and lost by only one run in another game at DBU two years ago. It's fair for us to enter the league as underdogs, but we're well coached and we won't get embarrassed; we'll compete.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 17, 2018, 02:58:00 AM
Tough start to the season with a 16-2 loss to Alabama.  Hopefully we do better over the next 2 games!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on February 17, 2018, 10:32:37 AM
Ouch.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 17, 2018, 06:39:22 PM
Tough loss today to Alabama 6-5, after we were leading 5-4 in the 8th.  Lost on a walk-off single.  For those that think we will struggle in the MVC, they will be surprised to see us in the top 4-5.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 19, 2018, 07:35:37 PM
We lose 12-6 in the third game, and are 0-3.  Only a bad showing in the first game, so I see a lot of positives at this point
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 24, 2018, 06:57:20 PM
Baseball with its first win, 11-4 over the University of Oklahoma!  OU was an NCAA tourney team last season, so this is a solid win.  How many of our programs routinely beat Power 5 teams each season?  None really, outside of Baseball :)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2018, 09:33:29 PM
Quote from: valpotx on February 24, 2018, 06:57:20 PM
Baseball with its first win, 11-4 over the University of Oklahoma!  OU was an NCAA tourney team last season, so this is a solid win.  How many of our programs routinely beat Power 5 teams each season?  None really, outside of Baseball :)

I'm glad we pull out some nice wins, it's certainly tough beating that level of competition.  But not willing to compare, no other sport plays 53+ games a year that I'm aware of.

REALLY wish baseball would cut that down to 30'ish like basketball.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 24, 2018, 10:03:21 PM
If we played twice as many games in Men's Basketball, we still would struggle against the P5 teams, and it isn't like Baseball does it at home.  It is ALWAYS on the road.  Regardless of the amount of games, the success % against P5 is soooo much greater ;).  I would definitely not support playing the same amount of games in college, as you do in HS.  It is a gradual uptick from HS to college to Pro, which makes sense.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on February 24, 2018, 10:53:53 PM
We down Holy Cross 20-6, to move to 2-3 overall.  We had 18 walks, which has to be a record for Valpo?? 

Holy Cross also made the NCAA tourney last season, so these were 2 good wins!

Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on February 24, 2018, 11:55:10 PM
Quote from: valpotx on February 24, 2018, 10:53:53 PM
We down Holy Cross 20-6, to move to 2-3 overall.  We had 18 walks, which has to be a record for Valpo?? 

Holy Cross also made the NCAA tourney last season, so these were 2 good wins!

Fantastic hitting in the Crusaders/Crusaders Holy Land match. Well, at least for the Brown & Gold Crusaders! Cross that team off the list of baseball teams to beat. Unfortunately there was no band at this baseball game. With all the scoring it would have been no place for a Tally-band. Too much playing!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VUGrad1314 on February 26, 2018, 12:08:50 AM
2-4 start doesn't tell the whole story. Not only has Valpo beaten a pair of tourney teams from last year, they also have a pair of one run losses--one each to Alabama and Oklahoma. They could easily be 4-2. I don't know. This team looks like it has a chance to be pretty good.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 04, 2018, 07:45:25 PM
We lose two 1 run games to Cal State-Northridge, and beat Grand Canyon handily twice, to arrive at 4-6
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 04, 2018, 08:12:59 PM
That is no small accomplishment in the early part of the season especilally coming out of the snowy mid-west.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 04, 2018, 09:18:30 PM
I watched some of those games.  Baseball and softball have some fire power!  I expect great things from both!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 04, 2018, 10:38:56 PM
You have a very understanding wife.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 05, 2018, 09:05:15 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 04, 2018, 10:38:56 PM
You have a very understanding wife.

The best kind!! ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 12, 2018, 01:16:09 PM
California has not been too gracious to our baseball team.  5 straight losses - two to UC Riverside and 3 to Loyola Marymount.  Only one against Riverside was close (3-4) the rest have a loss margin of 7.25 runs per game.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 13, 2018, 12:37:02 AM
I still think that we will do well once conference rolls around.  We have played some high level competition up to this point.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 13, 2018, 08:20:09 AM
Quote from: valpotx on March 13, 2018, 12:37:02 AM
I still think that we will do well once conference rolls around.  We have played some high level competition up to this point.

We seem to abe able to hit but our pitching at this point has really sucked.  Is that to be expected early in a season for a northern team?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 13, 2018, 11:34:51 AM
Yes, as you pitch indoors off a solid mound for around 3-4 months, while the Southern teams get to feel the dirt of a mound, and not have to worry about pitching in an enclosed space.  It doesn't sound like a big deal, but pitching indoors in a cage/gym is very different than continuous reps on an actual mound :).
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 13, 2018, 11:41:24 AM
TX, do you know any details about the upgrades to Em Bauer Field?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 14, 2018, 12:55:30 AM
Ben Boggs showed me some of the artwork that was intended when he was down in TX a few weeks back, and it looks like it will be a nice mid-major field and stands.  I think that it will definitely help us with Recruiting.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 14, 2018, 10:33:59 AM
Quote from: valpotx on March 14, 2018, 12:55:30 AM
Ben Boggs showed me some of the artwork that was intended when he was down in TX a few weeks back, and it looks like it will be a nice mid-major field and stands.  I think that it will definitely help us with Recruiting.

Gonna be done over the summer?  Or is the schedule not really locked in?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 14, 2018, 12:04:33 PM
My understanding is that it would start after this season, but I might be mistaken.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 14, 2018, 12:10:26 PM
Let's hope so. 
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpo64 on March 14, 2018, 08:00:23 PM
The improvements  include artificial turf infield, natural grasss outfield, improved dugouts & press box, paved parking lot, weight room facilities and eventually lights
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 14, 2018, 09:12:46 PM
How about new grandstands?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 14, 2018, 11:28:12 PM
Wouldn't it be great if the new changes gave us a look like the latest baseball post on the AD web site.  Not saying it has to have 5,000 seasts, but the brick facade and maybe 500 seat backs would be impressive in conjunction with the new press box.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/home/main/#.WTam58aZMo8

I really believe that a truly dedicated and updated facility will influence good baseball players to come to cold, damp, snowy northern Indiana.  The artificial turf infield will definitiely result in fewer cancellations.  The dedicated weight room is key!  Is there a locker room there ?

Stupid Question:  Why can we upgrade the BB field facilities but not simply replace the lower lower bowl ARC seating with a color-coordinated chairback seating configuration?

Possible Answer:  They found a lead donor for Em Bauer Field?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpo64 on March 15, 2018, 12:33:52 PM
I understand that VU was under a little pressure, not sure from where, to up-grade the baseball  facility.  Next to basketball, the Valley has a great baseball reputation and I believe our situation was at the bottom in comparison to other facilities in the MVC.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 12:35:30 PM
Yes, it would have a 500 seat grandstand, and I believe that most are chairbacks. 
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on March 15, 2018, 01:02:23 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 15, 2018, 02:16:58 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 14, 2018, 11:28:12 PM
Wouldn't it be great if the new changes gave us a look like the latest baseball post on the AD web site.  Not saying it has to have 5,000 seasts, but the brick facade and maybe 500 seat backs would be impressive in conjunction with the new press box.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/home/main/#.WTam58aZMo8

I really believe that a truly dedicated and updated facility will influence good baseball players to come to cold, damp, snowy northern Indiana.  The artificial turf infield will definitiely result in fewer cancellations.  The dedicated weight room is key! Is there a locker room there ?

Stupid Question:  Why can we upgrade the BB field facilities but not simply replace the lower lower bowl ARC seating with a color-coordinated chairback seating configuration?

Possible Answer:  They found a lead donor for Em Bauer Field?

Here is a "tour" of the baseball facilities done four years ago.  As for the funding, yes, it was a baseball alum who put up the lead money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYAvx9k6Vkg
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: FWalum on March 15, 2018, 05:33:09 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on March 15, 2018, 12:33:52 PM
I understand that VU was under a little pressure, not sure from where, to up-grade the baseball  facility.  Next to basketball, the Valley has a great baseball reputation and I believe our situation was at the bottom in comparison to other facilities in the MVC.
Baseball facility did not meet the minimum conference requirements and therefore was the first thing to be upgraded.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 08:02:55 PM
Just so everyone is aware, I owned my teammates on that ping pong table, though I rarely beat Tom Starck and Elliott Gibbs :).  Getting that clubhouse was one of the coolest things that happened during my time at Valpo.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: FieldGoodie05 on March 15, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 08:02:55 PM
Just so everyone is aware, I owned my teammates on that ping pong table, though I rarely beat Tom Starck and Elliott Gibbs :).  Getting that clubhouse was one of the coolest things that happened during my time at Valpo.

The Tom Starck that was a big fisherman and hunter?  The one that cut open a giant pregnant salmon in Alumni hall and tried to flush the eggs down the insufficient toilets?  The same toilets that had salmon eggs pop up for weeks after the fact...
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 11:45:31 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 15, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 08:02:55 PM
Just so everyone is aware, I owned my teammates on that ping pong table, though I rarely beat Tom Starck and Elliott Gibbs :).  Getting that clubhouse was one of the coolest things that happened during my time at Valpo.

The Tom Starck that was a big fisherman and hunter?  The one that cut open a giant pregnant salmon in Alumni hall and tried to flush the eggs down the insufficient toilets?  The same toilets that had salmon eggs pop up for weeks after the fact...

It wouldn't surprise me if he did such a thing, but I don't remember him telling me about those things.  He was one of my best friends in college, and this kind of sounds like something he would do.  If your Tom Starck was one of our top pitchers, it is the same guy.  He was the Mid-Con co-Pitcher of the Year our Junior year of 2002-2003.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: FieldGoodie05 on March 16, 2018, 03:46:29 AM
Quote from: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 11:45:31 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 15, 2018, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 15, 2018, 08:02:55 PM
Just so everyone is aware, I owned my teammates on that ping pong table, though I rarely beat Tom Starck and Elliott Gibbs :).  Getting that clubhouse was one of the coolest things that happened during my time at Valpo.

The Tom Starck that was a big fisherman and hunter?  The one that cut open a giant pregnant salmon in Alumni hall and tried to flush the eggs down the insufficient toilets?  The same toilets that had salmon eggs pop up for weeks after the fact...

It wouldn't surprise me if he did such a thing, but I don't remember him telling me about those things.  He was one of my best friends in college, and this kind of sounds like something he would do.  If your Tom Starck was one of our top pitchers, it is the same guy.  He was the Mid-Con co-Pitcher of the Year our Junior year of 2002-2003.

Haha, I've mistaken him for Tom Zimmer! 
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 16, 2018, 12:51:09 PM
Yeah, Tom Zimmer was a taller pitcher who was a hunter/fisher.  I believe that he was a FR when I was a SR, but he was a good guy, as well.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 20, 2018, 11:51:09 AM
I will just leave this here:

Series Notes: The Crusaders have the upper hand in the all-time set with their rivals from Indianapolis, holding a 78-54-1 all-time record against Butler. The 78 wins are the most Valpo has racked up against any one opponent in program history. The Bulldogs won the most recent game 5-3 on March 30, 2014. The Crusaders swept the Bulldogs at Emory G. Bauer Field in 2012, the last series between the two teams before Butler left the Horizon League. Current seniors were not yet in college in 2014, so this will mark the first taste of a Valpo-Butler matchup for everyone on the Crusader roster.

Buck Futler forever!  Let's get these games this weekend! :)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpo64 on March 20, 2018, 12:06:31 PM
Marc Johnson did a fine job narrating the facilities video.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on March 20, 2018, 08:37:05 PM
https://twitter.com/PostTribSports/status/976270900579495937
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on March 21, 2018, 04:27:34 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on March 20, 2018, 12:06:31 PM
Marc Johnson did a fine job narrating the facilities video.

Drew Hassler, the pitcher pointed out in the lounge on the couch by Marc Johnson, finished last year with the Charlotte Knights, the International League AAA affiliate of the White Sox. Is he going to start out with Charlotte this season or is he back in Birmingham, AL with the AA affiliate, the Barons, in the Southern League?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on March 23, 2018, 03:53:34 PM
Friday Afternoon Futler game is live on Facebook...   T3 - Valpo up 3-0, one out, runner on second

link to video and stats on valpoathletics.

http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=211175

Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on March 23, 2018, 04:01:04 PM
Crusaders bat around lead 6-0 on 7 hits; 4 Futler errors...only 1 earned run...  going to bottom of 3rd.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 23, 2018, 06:08:53 PM
9-2 win! :clap: :cheers: :clap:
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on March 23, 2018, 07:22:07 PM
The scheduled second game of the series on Saturday has been postponed due to forecasted snow. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. CT.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 23, 2018, 07:38:11 PM
Glad to see this win!  I do have to say that Butler's 16-4 record is extremely misleading.  They played all Northeastern and Midwestern teams so far, whereas we played a Southern and West Coast schedule, which has a lot more quality in baseball.  Nonetheless, I will take it!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on March 23, 2018, 08:35:38 PM
Quote from: talksalot on March 23, 2018, 07:22:07 PM
The scheduled second game of the series on Saturday has been postponed due to forecasted snow. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. CT.

That would be a miracle.  2-5 tomorrow and a high of 43 on Sunday?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on March 25, 2018, 08:33:03 PM
Another reason that the MVC is a lifelong home for Valpo is the conference RPI in baseball.  The MVC is a premier league overall for a school of our composition.  It is currently #9 in RPI, whereas the HL and Summit are near the bottom:

http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2018/conferencerpi
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on March 26, 2018, 04:45:05 PM
Hey VU playing Ball State at Em Bauer Field on a Monday Afternoon.  Don't Look... it's not pretty.... going into the 6th

http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=207126

'VUR has the play by play...at least it is not an MVC game.

Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on March 26, 2018, 09:03:14 PM
Quote from: vu72 on March 23, 2018, 08:35:38 PM
Quote from: talksalot on March 23, 2018, 07:22:07 PM
The scheduled second game of the series on Saturday has been postponed due to forecasted snow. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. CT.

That would be a miracle.  2-5 tomorrow and a high of 43 on Sunday?

I was not looking forward to sitting in those stands at Bulldog Park.

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x886b53fa75edcaeb:0xde308e915fc68a74!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipObQ2aTclKcTtS55fieSV30wnqIVgLrirhAPqg9%3Dw260-h175-n-k-no!5sGoogle+Search&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipObQ2aTclKcTtS55fieSV30wnqIVgLrirhAPqg9

It was a good decision not to play those games yesterday. It was horrible conditions.

Live View of new dorm going up on Butler's campus

http://earthcam.net/projects/shielsexton/butleruniversity/?FMM
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on April 13, 2018, 07:19:39 PM
Oh so close to two wins at Michigan State before slitting the pair, losing 5-4 in 12 before prevailing 7-6 in the second game.  Well played. :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on April 14, 2018, 11:01:40 AM
MVC tourney is at Dallas Baptist this year, so I will be hosting a DFW Valpo Club event, if anyone makes their way down.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on April 17, 2018, 09:27:53 PM
So here is our problem.  It goes to all of our sports, particularly to basketball. Earlier this season we were hosted, in baseball, by Michigan State,losing 7-6 in 12 before winning the next game 7-6.  No biggy, MSU is pretty bad this season.  Tonight was a different story.  We headed to Illinois, ranked 25th nationally. Based on the announcers, they were expecting a 2 seed in the NCAA tourney.  As the game went on they speculated as to how this game wouldn't help in any way with seeding and could only hurt.

We win 11-7.  Don't expect them on our schedule again any time soon.

The Hell with them!!  Great win!!   :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on April 17, 2018, 11:25:09 PM
Well said, 72.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on April 18, 2018, 02:06:40 AM
I was surprised to see that it had been 30+ years since we last played them. 
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on April 18, 2018, 09:54:00 AM
Guess it'll be another 30 years   :(
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VUGrad1314 on April 25, 2018, 02:42:45 PM
The weather is warming up and so is the competition coming to the area these next couple weeks. Fresh off it's first MVC series win on the road against Evansville the Crusaders still have plenty to say about this year's conference race and they need your support these next two weekends series against DBU and Missouri State the MVC's top two teams both of whom have significant at large ambitions. If our beloved Crusaders are going to make some noise in the race down the stretch they need YOU to come out and make some noise for them. Hope to see you at Bauer Field these next two crucially important weekends! Go Valpo!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: agibson on May 02, 2018, 09:54:06 PM
I notice the MVC tournament is listed as ESPN+ ($). Is this our first test of the service?

I'll admit the ($) sounds discouraging. Did we decide if that was going to affect basketball?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on May 11, 2018, 09:00:37 PM
Nice win tonight on the road at Illinois State  Jon Tieman (5-4) Complete game 130 pitches...2-1 Valpo moves out of a tie with the Redbirds... Crusaders up to 6-10 on the season... Evansville with the upset at Indiana State, knocking the Sycs down to 6-10... that's a 5th place tie in the valley.

MoSt 14-2  (assuming they can hold a 2-run lead in the 9th)
Dall Bap 13-3
Bradley 10-6
SIU 8-8
Valpo and Indiana State 6-10
Illinois St 5-11
Evansville 2-14

2pm First Pitch in Bloomington on Saturday for game two of the set...weather does not look good.  There is a Mothers Day game at 1pm on the schedule.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on May 12, 2018, 01:13:29 AM
If anyone is coming down for the tourney, join us in the DFW Valpo Club's event!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on May 21, 2018, 10:58:47 AM
Not a good weekend for the 'saders...  16-0 and 8-2 losses to Indiana State knocked us to the #7 seed, which gives us the chance to play 2-time defending champ and tournament host Dallas Baptist.
We went 1-2 in regular season games... winning the last game 9-2 behind a Wes Gordon Complete game gem, after dropping the first two games 8-1 and 9-3 and Bauer field at the end of April.

==============



ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The field for the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Championship is set for next week's event at Horner Ballpark in Dallas, Texas, hosted by Dallas Baptist University.

Missouri State earned its sixth   MVC regular-season title and second-straight outright title after finishing 18-3 in league play, earning the tournament's top seed. Missouri State will open play against No. 8 Evansville (3-18 MVC) at 12:30 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, May 23.  The Bears swept the Aces during their three-game series this season.

Host DBU is the tournament's No. 2 seed entering next week's championship. The two-time defending tournament champion Patriots finished the regular-season with a 16-5 MVC record and will face seventh-seeded Valparaiso (6-15 MVC) in their opening game at 7:30 PM (CT) Wednesday evening.

No. 4 Indiana State (11-10 MVC) will face No. 5 Southern Illinois (10-11 MVC) in Wednesday's opening game slated for 9:00 a.m. (CT), while No. 3 Bradley (11-10 MVC) will challenge No. 6 Illinois State (9-12 MVC) in Wednesday's 4:00 p.m. (CT) contest.

Schedule for Wednesday, May 23
Game 1: No. 4 Indiana State vs. No. 5 Southern Illinois, 9 AM (CT)
Game 2: No. 1 Missouri State vs. No. 8 Evansville, 12:30 PM (CT)
Game 3: No. 3 Bradley vs. No. 6 Illinois State, 4 PM (CT)
Game 4: No. 2 DBU vs. No. 7 Valparaiso, 7:30 PM (CT)

double-elimination format

Thursday, May 24
9:02 am CT   Game 5 (Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
12:32 pm CT   Game 6 (Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
4:02 pm CT   Game 7 (Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
7:32 pm CT   Game 8 (Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
Friday, May 25
9:02 am CT   Game 9 (Loser Game 7 vs. Winner Game 5)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
12:32 pm CT   Game 10 (Loser Game 8 vs. Winner Game 6)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
4:02 pm CT   Game 11 (Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
7:32 pm CT   Game 12 (Winner Game 8 vs. Winner Game 10)    ESPN+   Live Stats  //  Recap  //  Box Score
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on May 21, 2018, 01:47:31 PM
I wonder what it would take to schedule the MVC baseball tournament at Busch Stadium in St Louis when the Cardinals are on the road. It seems a natural for that city to embrace the MVC teams despite having no local team in the conference.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpo64 on May 21, 2018, 02:07:06 PM
Disappointed in the results of our last 2 regular season series, especially the IN St. fiasco.  Maybe that beat-down will get us good and ready for the MVC Tourney...let's hope so.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: crusadermoe on May 22, 2018, 06:10:57 PM
St. Louis makes so much sense as a tournament city in the same way it does basketball.  A Busch stadium contract seems not far fetched.

All of the schools are a half day drive from St. Louis and could bring fans just like Arch Madness.  The weather in May works well.

Ah...but in a logical world SLU would  join the MVC and make it a no-brainer.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on May 22, 2018, 09:30:29 PM
Quote from: crusadermoe on May 22, 2018, 06:10:57 PM
St. Louis makes so much sense as a tournament city in the same way it does basketball.  A Busch stadium contract seems not far fetched.

All of the schools are a half day drive from St. Louis and could bring fans just like Arch Madness.  The weather in May works well.

Ah...but in a logical world SLU would  join the MVC and make it a no-brainer.

Great concept. Really great. Except, MLB and Cards have to cooperate — that's not that easy. Dbl elimination tourneys take time to complete. However, is there a minor league stadium in the STL area that could suffice and give the MVC the STL address and a home for the MVC baseball tourney.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on May 23, 2018, 01:38:29 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 22, 2018, 09:30:29 PM
Quote from: crusadermoe on May 22, 2018, 06:10:57 PM
St. Louis makes so much sense as a tournament city in the same way it does basketball.  A Busch stadium contract seems not far fetched.

All of the schools are a half day drive from St. Louis and could bring fans just like Arch Madness.  The weather in May works well.

Ah...but in a logical world SLU would  join the MVC and make it a no-brainer.

Great concept. Really great. Except, MLB and Cards have to cooperate — that's not that easy. Dbl elimination tourneys take time to complete. However, is there a minor league stadium in the STL area that could suffice and give the MVC the STL address and a home for the MVC baseball tourney.

Gateway Grizzlies just off I-255 in the southeast part of the Illinois Metro East part of St Louis (Sauget-pronounced like the french do Saw-shzay). You can see Parks Downtown St Louis Airport from GCS Ballpark because only Mississippi River flood land separates them.

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5665693,-90.1350053,3a,75y,270h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sF2siO-5IMEX9JhWpBjd-GQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.5636314,-90.1248855,1024a,35y,270h,44.67t/data=!3m1!1e3 (that's the airport just to the west)

http://www.gatewaygrizzlies.com/landing/index

Also the River City Rascals in St Charles County. They are in the same Frontier League as the Grizzlies. The Frontier League includes teams in Metro East St Louis, St Charles County, MO, Evansville, Suburban Kentucky (Cincinnati), Normal, IL, Southern Illinois (Marion), Joliet, IL, Cleveland (Lake Erie--they host the MAC baseball tourney), Schaumburg, IL, Traverse City, MI, Washington, PA (Washington Wild Things--"I think I love you" When is Charlie Sheen Night?) and Crestwood, IL (Windy City Thunderbolts).

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8216621,-90.681426,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVHTlFZ3B-Fmq9Hz44VGyMg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8229609,-90.6801208,261a,35y,180h,44.93t/data=!3m1!1e3

http://rivercityrascals.com/landing/index

This webpage shows how to rent Carshield Field in O'Fallon, MO which seats 2,500 http://rivercityrascals.com/carshield-field/renting_-the_shield-

Sauget is easier to get to from downtown St Louis but it is an industrial area (home of Monsanto), flood plain, strip club and airport area.

O'Fallon, MO in St Charles County, MO is in a huge and booming suburban area.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on May 23, 2018, 08:10:13 PM
Sprung for ESPN+ and am watching Valpo and Dallas Baptist.  The broadcast might as well be the Cards v. the Cubs.  Valpo now beating the Pitcher of the year, 4-1 in the 2nd!  GO VALPO!!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on May 23, 2018, 10:03:08 PM
DBU on to their fourth pitcher.  Valpo leads, 7-6 still batting in the 7th!!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on May 23, 2018, 10:24:50 PM
Please, please, please.........
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vusupporter on May 23, 2018, 11:24:52 PM
Boom. 13-10 good guys. Let's do it again tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on May 24, 2018, 02:01:50 AM
Impressive.  I might have to go to the Bradley game!  I let everyone in our DFW network/database know of the event, so hopefully you saw a decent amount of Valpo fans!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: talksalot on May 24, 2018, 06:22:14 AM
The audio was pretty good... and it sounded like Valpo had a nice crowd (or they were right next to the pressbox)

Bradley won 14-2 yesterday... let's hope they got that out of their system... we went 1-2 in the regular season, in games at Bauer Field at the end of March.

Good Luck Tonight !
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on May 24, 2018, 07:46:21 AM
What a beautiful baseball field.  That looked first class all the way.  I doubt very much that their fans were expecting the new kids from Indiana to actually know how to play the game!  Good luck today!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: crusadermoe on May 24, 2018, 03:53:47 PM
That's impressive.   Go Crusaders!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on May 26, 2018, 06:48:50 PM
We had a good showing this season, as we were in every MVC game, which is the 10th highest rated conference in college baseball (RPI).  In all likelihood, both Missouri State and Dallas Baptist make the tourney this season, regardless of who wins tomorrow's championship game.  If Bradley would have won the tourney, we had a chance at 3 teams.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bigmosmithfan1 on May 27, 2018, 03:15:11 PM
I'm fine with the rotation system for baseball, though moving to a neutral site would match what most other major conferences do. You could easily take a financial bath on that, though, if you get a bad weather weekend or your bigger fanbase programs don't advance.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VUGrad1314 on May 28, 2018, 11:41:26 AM
MVC gets two bids for baseball as Dallas Baptist will play in the Fayetteville Regional with Arkansas Oral Roberts and Southern Miss; while Missouri State will play in the Oxford Regional with  Ole Miss Saint Louis and Tennessee Tech.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on May 29, 2018, 08:37:10 AM
Quote from: valpotx on May 26, 2018, 06:48:50 PM
We had a good showing this season, as we were in every MVC game, which is the 10th highest rated conference in college baseball (RPI).  In all likelihood, both Missouri State and Dallas Baptist make the tourney this season, regardless of who wins tomorrow's championship game.  If Bradley would have won the tourney, we had a chance at 3 teams.

You called it TX.  Now, what does VU BSB need to do in 2018-19 to be in the middle of the pack (or better).  Em Bauer Field will be rennovated, but players and coaching make the difference.  While at the MVC tourney, did you hear anything on the recruiting front?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on May 29, 2018, 07:53:03 PM
We have a great talent pipeline.  We were a couple key hits/outs away from victory in many regular season and conference tourney games.  Our kids will have learned a lot this season from those games, and we are positioned well for success next season with the team coming back.  I see a third place finish in 2018-2019.  They are always tight to the vest on recruiting in baseball.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on May 29, 2018, 08:25:39 PM
Quote from: valpotx on May 29, 2018, 07:53:03 PM
We have a great talent pipeline.  We were a couple key hits/outs away from victory in many regular season and conference tourney games.  Our kids will have learned a lot this season from those games, and we are positioned well for success next season with the team coming back.  I see a third place finish in 2018-2019.  They are always tight to the vest on recruiting in baseball.

Why is that?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on May 29, 2018, 09:08:44 PM
We are losing alot, 10 seniors I recall.  But, we do have key guys back in Dawson, Kapers, Tieman, Shaikin, Billinger and others.  Pitching is always the key.  If Tieman can turn inot "the man", much could change.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on May 30, 2018, 02:15:02 AM
10 Seniors lost, but many key contributors back.  You pursue a lot of people in baseball, so you really don't hear about them until they sign.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on June 06, 2018, 05:36:45 PM
Congrats to Scott Kapers for getting drafted in the 17th round by my Texas Rangers!  I would love to see him in a few years in Arlington, even though it would mean losing him at Valpo!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on June 06, 2018, 09:27:31 PM
Quote from: valpotx on June 06, 2018, 05:36:45 PM
Congrats to Scott Kapers for getting drafted in the 17th round by my Texas Rangers!  I would love to see him in a few years in Arlington, even though it would mean losing him at Valpo!

So do you think he isn't back for his senior year at Valpo?  Does he go immediately to the minors?
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on June 08, 2018, 11:37:34 AM
I would assume so, as you still get a decent signing bonus in that round.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: mj on June 08, 2018, 11:08:04 PM
https://www.perfectgame.org/Draft/Signings.aspx?y=2017 (https://www.perfectgame.org/Draft/Signings.aspx?y=2017)

This lists the signing bonuses from the 17th round in the 2017 draft. Looks like the average is around 100K. A decent amount of money but certainly not life changing.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU75 on June 16, 2018, 11:22:17 AM
Kapers signed with the Rangers Thursday.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on July 16, 2018, 06:01:16 PM
https://twitter.com/BigTex612/status/1018991521209692161
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on July 16, 2018, 10:37:11 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on July 16, 2018, 06:01:16 PM
[tweet]1018991521209692161[/tweet]



And we VU fans are excited to see you make an excellent choice. Welcome to Valpo!
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on July 17, 2018, 08:35:02 AM
Jacob is a 6'5" right handed pitcher!  He is going to be a senior.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VU2014 on August 17, 2018, 09:59:17 AM
https://twitter.com/jakemiller296/status/1030266569157435392
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on August 22, 2018, 05:58:27 PM
Wow, Valpo Baseball Commit 2023 on his Twitter page...I am officially old :)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: bbtds on August 22, 2018, 07:55:12 PM
Quote from: valpotx on August 22, 2018, 05:58:27 PM
Wow, Valpo Baseball Commit 2023 on his Twitter page...I am officially old :)

Did you sign up for social security yet? Remember it's not automatic. You must file for your social security payments.   ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on August 26, 2018, 02:21:00 AM
Karch Kowalczyk made it to AAA in the last week, to join Drew Hasler's stint last year and briefly this year.  We did not have someone in AAA for quite a long time, and now had 2 in the last year.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on October 09, 2018, 10:28:23 AM
I noticed that the baseball team will have a Fall game against Triton College on Saturday 10/13 at noon and another game the following Saturday against Fort Wayne. 

That made me wonder what progress has been made on refurbishing Em Bauer Field.  I believe it was announced earlier in the year after we formally joined the. MVC (although in a quick review of bb press releases it did not jump out at me).  I think it involved constructing an artifical turf infield, adding lights, and renovating the grandstands and press box.  Was I dreaming that or was it actually announced?  Did anyone in for Homecoming venture over there and notice any changes?

Usually when things like this are announced by VU, the money is already in the bank.  Once the 2018 season concluded, the whole summer was available to make the changes in time for Fall bb.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: vu72 on October 09, 2018, 10:54:38 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 09, 2018, 10:28:23 AMme wonder what progress has been made on refurbishing Em Bauer Field. 

The answer is "none".  I was staying at a hotel, at homecoming, within a very short walk to the baseball field so took the opportunity to see what is going on at Em Bauer.  My understanding is that funds are being raised but nothing has changed.  Not withstanding the nice clubhouse, the softball field is much nicer than the baseball field.  The softball field has some chairback seating, not so at baseball.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: valpotx on October 09, 2018, 12:40:08 PM
Yes, the plans do involve the things that you mention, but I do believe that funding is being finalized.
Title: Re: 2018 Baseball
Post by: VULB#62 on October 09, 2018, 12:50:21 PM
Quote from: vu72 on October 09, 2018, 10:54:38 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 09, 2018, 10:28:23 AMme wonder what progress has been made on refurbishing Em Bauer Field.

The answer is "none".  I was staying at a hotel, at homecoming, within a very short walk to the baseball field so took the opportunity to see what is going on at Em Bauer.  My understanding is that funds are being raised but nothing has changed.  Not withstanding the nice clubhouse, the softball field is much nicer than the baseball field.  The softball field has some chairback seating, not so at baseball.

That's disappointing.   :(

Quote from: valpotx on October 09, 2018, 12:40:08 PM
Yes, the plans do involve the things that you mention, but I do believe that funding is being finalized.


Glad to know I wasn't dreamin.  It's a little unusual for the Athletic Department to announce upgrades like this without already having ( or at least having most of) the money in hand.

I hope this thing gets started quickly and is completed by the start of the next Spring season -- at least the infield portion.  I say this after looking at the press release archive and seeing so many postponements and cancellations.