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!
Here's some pics from the YSU series/Senior Day to give you a feel for the atmosphere. Hope the link works.
https://plus.google.com/photos/107694216823525506352/albums/5744666703875255233?authkey=CJfjqerNsaaRmQE (https://plus.google.com/photos/107694216823525506352/albums/5744666703875255233?authkey=CJfjqerNsaaRmQE)
I know if I just thought about it a little longer that it might come to me but what does "BRO" stand for on the t-shirts?
Quote from: jetz on May 20, 2012, 02:22:36 PM
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!
[/b]
Well said and we all want that NCAA appearance and hopefully, MORE!! However, if we make the Tourney, if will NOT be the Program's first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
If I got everything right from the record books, we have appeared in 11 NCAA post season tournaments. 1958, 59, 62, 63, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 74, and 76. Of those appearances 58, 63, 66, 67 and 68 were the "University" division with the others being in the "College" division. The University division included games against Ohio State, Minnesota and others so clearly it was at the highest level.
It is certainly fair to say that it could be the first in a very long time or since Em Bauer retired. Em didn't get the field named after him for nothing! If I'm not mistaken, all of the previous NCAA appearances were under his guidance.
Quote from: bbtds on May 20, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I know if I just thought about it a little longer that it might come to me but what does "BRO" stand for on the t-shirts?
It very simply is short for "Brother". Kevin Wild's brother, Shaun, was stabbed and killed in a Chicago area bar on February 4th of this year--just before the baseball season started. Shaun was a friend of many current baseball players, and graduated from North Central. He was a second grade school teacher and was killed trying to break up a disturbance and defend his college buddy, as he was attending a NCC football reunion at this bar. The guy also stabbed two others that night and was taken into custody. One of the players had those shirts made. The all say "Wild" and have Shaun's football number 36 on the back. The entire team wears them for pregame warmups in remembrance. Also, the team, parents, and families all participated in a balloon release in Shaun's honor at the field immediately after the final game yesterday. As you can imagine, this has been extremely tough on the Wild family, and it makes the fact that Kevin has been stellar on the mound and was named team MVP extra special.
VU72, thanks for the info about the post season. Obviously, I was misinformed. I don't think the tourney back in '76 was a 64 team field was it? Was the criteria to make the NCAA tourney different then? Was it the NCAA tourney that they made in the most recent seasons you listed or some other post season? Regardless, thanks for the info...
Quote from: jetz on May 20, 2012, 04:42:34 PM
VU72, thanks for the info about the post season. Obviously, I was misinformed. I don't think the tourney back in '76 was a 64 team field was it? Was the criteria to make the NCAA tourney different then? Was it the NCAA tourney that they made in the most recent seasons you listed or some other post season? Regardless, thanks for the info...
I have no idea about the format in previous years. If you run into Bill Steinbrecher, he certainly would know.
This from Wikipedia:
1950–1953
From 1950 to 1953 the preliminary rounds were not managed by the NCAA but rather by the district colleges, and thus these games are not recorded in the official history books of the NCAA. The winner of each district managed playoff (although some districts did not have playoffs and chose to select their teams by committee) were sent to the College World Series. The College World Series was a double elimination tournament.
1954–1974
From 1954 until 1974 the tournament consisted of eight Districts named District 1 through District 8. Each district consisted of between two and five teams playing in differently formatted tournaments. Some years included automatic College World Series qualifiers. In that case, no District games were played for that team. For an example see: 1959 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament. The winner of each district moved on to the College World series, which was a double-elimination tournament.
1975
1975 was the first year of the Regional format. Eight Regionals consisted of four teams in a double elimination tournament. The winner of each Regional moved onto the College World Series, which was also a double elimination-tournament.
1976–1981
The tournament essentially remained unchanged from the 1975 version, however, one Regional consisted of six teams in a double-elimination tournament, instead of four like the other 7 Regionals. The winner of each Regional moved onto the College World Series, which was also a double elimination-tournament.
So there you have it. Clear as mud. Although today's format is complex for the casual sports fan as well...
Quote from: jetz on May 20, 2012, 04:38:13 PM
Quote from: bbtds on May 20, 2012, 03:11:58 PM
I know if I just thought about it a little longer that it might come to me but what does "BRO" stand for on the t-shirts?
It very simply is short for "Brother". Kevin Wild's brother, Shaun, was stabbed and killed in a Chicago area bar on February 4th of this year--just before the baseball season started. Shaun was a friend of many current baseball players, and graduated from North Central. He was a second grade school teacher and was killed trying to break up a disturbance and defend his college buddy, as he was attending a NCC football reunion at this bar. The guy also stabbed two others that night and was taken into custody. One of the players had those shirts made. The all say "Wild" and have Shaun's football number 36 on the back. The entire team wears them for pregame warmups in remembrance. Also, the team, parents, and families all participated in a balloon release in Shaun's honor at the field immediately after the final game yesterday. As you can imagine, this has been extremely tough on the Wild family, and it makes the fact that Kevin has been stellar on the mound and was named team MVP extra special.
Thanks for taking the time to type out the explanation. I do now seem to remember Kevin's brother's death being discussed on here previously. I wish the best for the Wild family and express my condolences.
Correction on who we play in the tournament, we will actually get to play the lowest remaining seed from the first round of games! That means either UIC, Butler, or YSU (if they upset Milwaukee).
In regards to our past NCAA tournaments, I believe that we were told those were from our time as an NCAA D-2 school? I seem to remember coaches telling us that we have not been to the NCAA tournament ever since we moved to D-1.
Why aren't we hosting? I guess basketball and softball led me to believe that conference champs = tournament hosts...
Baseball bids it out to the different schools, similar to what we did in the Mid-Con for baseball. I believe that UIC has one of the better stadiums, and they always try to do the tournament where fans are most likely to attend.
Quote from: valpotx on May 21, 2012, 12:25:19 PMBaseball bids it out to the different schools, similar to what we did in the Mid-Con for baseball. I believe that UIC has one of the better stadiums, and they always try to do the tournament where fans are most likely to attend.
dislike. we're more centrally-located than all the other baseball schools, and while home-field advantage is less a factor in baseball than in (say) basketball, I think we earned this. It's not like we're the B1G getting people to come to Indianoplace for a football championship.
Take the Southshore train into the loop. $7.25 each way. You can use a credit card to buy tickets one way or round trip in the machines at the Dune Park station. Get off at the last stop at Randolph & Michigan Ave. Walk to the nearest Walgreens or CVS (there is a Walgreens on the corner of Michigan & Washington, 1 block south of Randolph). Buy a CTA "fun pass" for $5.75. It's a 24 hour pass that starts when you use it the first time. The CTA does not sell them in their machines. If you use it three times you have saved money already as a one way ride is $2.25 on a bus or train. When putting the CTA pass into a turnstyle machine show the white side facing you and the arrow pointing into the machine. Walk west to the Washington-Blue line station on Washington & Dearborn(away from the lake). Take the Blue line train (only train that runs north & south on Dearborn in the Loop). The 2 directions for the Blue line are O'Hare Airport and Forest Park. You want the train going towards Forest Park. Go to 5th stop and get off train at UIC/Halstead stop. Walk east towards Halstead St. on the walkways exiting the station between the traffic lanes of I-290(Eisenhower Expressway). At the exit for the Train Station you catch the #8 Halstead bus going south. Or you can walk south on Halstead 7 long blocks. You don't have to cross Halstead. The bus stop is a few steps from the door of the train station. Use the same CTA "fun pass" on the bus as you did for the blue-line train. The bus stop where you want to get off the bus is on the south side of Roosevelt at Halstead. You can either tell the bus driver where you want to get off or pull the wire that runs over the top of the windows after the bus stops at Taylor Street or crosses Taylor Street. Walk south to Maxwell St. and turn right. Go about 2 blocks & Les Miller Field is on the right. Les Miller Field is south of the Physical Education Building.
If you want to go to another location in Chicago (Wrigley Field, Museum of Science & Industry, etc) between games take the Halstead #8 bus north. Catch the bus on the east side of Halstead just north of Roosevelt. The bus stop for the blue-line station will be just south of the door to the train station on the east side of Halstead just as it begins to cross over I-290. Cross over Halstead to the west side of the street. Take the blue-line train in the direction of O'Hare Airport. If you want to take another train out of the Loop (example-red line train to Wrigley Field). get off on one of the stops on Dearborn such as Jackson, Monroe or Washington. Go east 1 street to State and take a Red Line train north towards Howard. The options are Howard or 95th. Get off at Addison stop & walk 1/2 block west and you'll see Sheffield & Addison intersection & Wrigley Field. The main sign & entrance is on Clark & Addison just another block west on Addison.
If you are hungry and like Greek food Greektown is north on Halstead from Les Miller Field. When the Halstead #8 bus goes north go past I-290 to the stop at Jackson. The bus stop is on the south east side of Jackson & Halstead. You'll see Greektown to the north & west of the bus stop.
http://www.transitchicago.com/ (http://www.transitchicago.com/)
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/maps/ctatrainmap.png (http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/maps/ctatrainmap.png)
http://www.uicflames.com/genrel/052012aab.html (http://www.uicflames.com/genrel/052012aab.html)
Wow! You should have either been a tour guide or travel agent! Nice job!
Quote from: vu72 on May 21, 2012, 03:20:48 PM
Wow! You should have either been a tour guide or travel agent! Nice job!
Spent way too much time chasing a girl who attended UIC (Illinois-Chicago Circle back then). Just recently went back to see another friend who works in the loop and nothing much has changed except the prices. I noticed the Kensington stop was eliminated on the Southshore trains and the Dune Park station is a whole lot nicer. I just have a good memory for stuff like that. I don't know why.
I follow the pink line on my Garmin. Tix are $25 for the tourney pass or $10 per game. UIC always rips us off...there was talk of charging them for tickets/parking at Valpo. :lol:
Quote from: valpotx on May 21, 2012, 10:20:34 AM
In regards to our past NCAA tournaments, I believe that we were told those were from our time as an NCAA D-2 school? I seem to remember coaches telling us that we have not been to the NCAA tournament ever since we moved to D-1.
Coaches were right. Valpo went D1 in basketball in 1982 and in other sports after that. (DII before that.) We have never been to the NCAA tournament as a Division I school. At least if my Wiki sources are correct...
Quote from: jetz on May 21, 2012, 10:26:28 PM
Quote from: valpotx on May 21, 2012, 10:20:34 AM
In regards to our past NCAA tournaments, I believe that we were told those were from our time as an NCAA D-2 school? I seem to remember coaches telling us that we have not been to the NCAA tournament ever since we moved to D-1.
Coaches were right. Valpo went D1 in basketball in 1982 and in other sports after that. (DII before that.) We have never been to the NCAA tournament as a Division I school. At least if my Wiki sources are correct...
Technically that may be correct as the distinction between D1 etc is a fairly recent change. However, to say Valpo has never competed for a National Championship at the highest level before, demeans the accomplishments of teams from many years ago.
For example, in 1963 the record books show we competed in the University Division Championship and played Illinois and then Notre Dame. In 1967 we played Ohio State and Western Michigan and in 1968 we played Minnesota and Ohio State in those tournaments. I somehow doubt that those teams would want to acknowledge that in those years they weren't competing at the highest level--call it D1 or what ever.
My point is not to nitpick but rather to acknowledge our history of accomplishment and how great it would be to RETURN, not advance for the very first time.
Valpo first played as a D-1 Basketball team in 1977-78 season. Evansville and a number of other schools moved up at the same time. I'm not sure when it became official with the NCAA. Things were different back then as "small colleges" or "College Division" schools often played up in tournaments as they still do in Wrestling, Hockey, Lacrosse, and maybe others. Another example of how things have changed was the Southern Illinois won the NIT in 1967 as a small college.
Quote from: vu72 on May 22, 2012, 07:34:23 AMTechnically that may be correct as the distinction between D1 etc is a fairly recent change. However, to say Valpo has never competed for a National Championship at the highest level before, demeans the accomplishments of teams from many years ago. For example, in 1963 the record books show we competed in the University Division Championship and played Illinois and then Notre Dame. In 1967 we played Ohio State and Western Michigan and in 1968 we played Minnesota and Ohio State in those tournaments. I somehow doubt that those teams would want to acknowledge that in those years they weren't competing at the highest level--call it D1 or what ever. My point is not to nitpick but rather to acknowledge our history of accomplishment and how great it would be to RETURN, not advance for the very first time.
Thank you. DI, DII, etc. didn't exist prior to this. So, yes, the coaches are correct, but it is a technicality. And, it's my ONLY complaint about the current coaches. I'm not sure whether it's intentional or not, but they act like Valpo baseball started with Woodson's hiring. I know plenty of baseball alumni who have been given the "cold shoulder" by this staff. It's insulting, and demeans all the efforts from some of us who played long ago. Frankly, they shouldn't be giving out the #8, either. It was retired for Em Bauer years ago, and he gave Coach Twenge specific permission to wear it. After Twenge left, the number should have been removed from the rotation.
This year's team's accomplishments are fantastic. They stand on their own. But they shouldn't be tarnished by an attempt to lower past accomplishments. A "return" to Regional play will be just as exciting to me as if it were the first.
The coaches who mentioned never participating in the 'D-1 NCAA tournament' were on the previous regime actually, from when I played 2000-2004. Obviously, we all knew about the success in the 60's and 70's, as every time we went to practice you could see the accomplishments listed on that brown board as you entered the complex.
The unfortunate thing if we make the NCAA tournament this year will be that the media outlets will probably be reporting it as our first NCAA appearance, since it will be the first with the official D-1 title.
Quote from: valpotx on May 22, 2012, 10:26:25 AMThe coaches who mentioned never participating in the 'D-1 NCAA tournament' were on the previous regime actually, from when I played 2000-2004. Obviously, we all knew about the success in the 60's and 70's, as every time we went to practice you could see the accomplishments listed on that brown board as you entered the complex. The unfortunate thing if we make the NCAA tournament this year will be that the media outlets will probably be reporting it as our first NCAA appearance, since it will be the first with the official D-1 title.
That's not true at all. Jetz wasn't around while you were playing, so he couldn't have heard that statement then. He's referring to this year's coaches.
And, I've known the coaches who were coaching then for over 25 years, they never said that. I'm curious as to which coach you believe said that? Not Twenge, and certainly not Tim Holmes. I never heard Olson say that. The prior regime had a very close relationship to both Bauers. They went out of their way to respect the accomplishments of Em's teams.
I really recommend that you ratchet down your sensitive nature on this board, and believing you were a part of every conversation in VU baseball. I fully respect your accomplishments and those accomplishments of baseball teams past. However, you keep taking every statement I make as words straight from Twenge's mouth, but there were plenty of other coaches around that acted as authority figures outside of the main two of Twenge/Oly. I also didn't say that Jetz was saying that coaches mentioned this phrase, it was something that when asked about on the field in query, a few coaches mentioned we had not been to the tournament since making the official jump to D-1, meaning what is now constituted as Division 1. They DID mention we had been several times in the 60s/70s when it was in a different format.
Stating such things as 'to which coach you believe said that,' and 'that's not true at all,' are meant to try and discredit someone when you were not there for every conversation. I am not discounting your relationship with coaches, so please stop trying to prove me wrong in every comment I make, when I know what I am saying was told to me, and my experience DID happen (imagine that).
I am not going to name names on here 1b, but no, it wasn't Twenge/Holmes/Oly. Neither was it said in discrediting the accomplishments of previous teams, it was simply saying that we had not been to the tournament as it is now situated, which they call Division 1.
Edit: Also, neither I nor the coaches who answered the question at the time, ever mentioned that it was a fact. It was just what they/I had been led to believe. This is why I put a question mark in my original comment when asking about our last NCAA appearance...
I disagree wholeheartedly about the current coaches level of respect for the program's history. Valpo1b - unless you have had a specific conversation with any of the coaches and have been actually given "the cold shoulder", then you should be careful about your suggestion that they don't care and are disrespectful about the program's past success. I would strongly encourage you to reach out and have a personal conversation with Coach Woodson and see for yourself. In fact, considerable effort has been made to organize an alumni golfing event every fall (with an alumni game) and a banquet every winter which has given Coach Woodson an opportunity to acknowledge the past players, which he has. If you were there, you would know this.
In fact here is an excerpt from Oct. 2010 fall alumni game news article from Valpo's website -
Last weekend (October 2-3), Valparaiso University's baseball alumni returned to campus to take part in a weekend of activities.
"It is always great to see our former players," said head coach Tracy Woodson. "We value each and every one of them as they are the ones that are part of the history and tradition of this program. We want them to be proud of where our program is and where we are headed."
Go Crusaders and Good Luck!
You would think that this is the correct information, since it is coming from the University now on the athletics website. Apparently our last 'D-1' appearance was in 1968 (total of 5 in our history), with 4 'D-2':
Looking to End a Long Drought: The Crusaders are looking for the Horizon League Tournament title to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships. Valpo has not been to an NCAA Tournament in baseball since 1976 in the college division (Division II). The Crusaders made appearances in the college division tournament in 1969, 1972, 1974, and 1976. Valpo has not been in the NCAA Tournament in Division I (then known as the university division) since 1968. The Crusaders also had university division tournament appearances in 1958, 1963, 1966, and 1967.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2011-12/11824/crusader-baseball-ready-for-horizon-league-tournament/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2011-12/11824/crusader-baseball-ready-for-horizon-league-tournament/)
Quote from: valpotx on May 22, 2012, 02:14:26 PM
You would think that this is the correct information, since it is coming from the University now on the athletics website. Apparently our last 'D-1' appearance was in 1968 (total of 5 in our history), with 4 'D-2':
Looking to End a Long Drought: The Crusaders are looking for the Horizon League Tournament title to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships. Valpo has not been to an NCAA Tournament in baseball since 1976 in the college division (Division II). The Crusaders made appearances in the college division tournament in 1969, 1972, 1974, and 1976. Valpo has not been in the NCAA Tournament in Division I (then known as the university division) since 1968. The Crusaders also had university division tournament appearances in 1958, 1963, 1966, and 1967.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2011-12/11824/crusader-baseball-ready-for-horizon-league-tournament/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2011-12/11824/crusader-baseball-ready-for-horizon-league-tournament/)
I think that settles it!! :whiteflag:
OVER??? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until MEL DOERING says it is!
Was it over when the Cleveland State coach threw the pep band's drumstick onto the ARC floor!??!??
Question: Does VU have any banners hanging anywhere in any athletic facility representing these five D-I tournament appearances? If not, we absolutely should place them somewhere. A 1958 D-I tournament appearance? That's some substantial sports history right there.
Great point Joe.
And what about the ICC championships etc.? Maybe there's something in a trophy cabinet somewhere? But.......
Why aren't those dates painted on the outfield wall or under the scoreboard at Em Bauer Field?
Somebody who corresponds with Coach Woodson should plant that idea. Adds to the home field aura/advantage.
There wasn't any references to the championships during my time, other than at the entrance to the facility on a brown sign with yellow lettering, which used to be fenced-in. I don't remember how it was referenced, but they didn't distinguish between levels of competition. When I was on campus in March, I noticed that they did away with the fence around the parking area, which made it more inviting. I didn't remember to see if the brown sign was still there though. Any trophies should be in the trophy case, but I never really looked in the ARC's trophy case while in school. I also agree that any past appearances should be displayed somewhere, whether on the OF walls or in the clubhouse.
As a new member of the Valpo baseball family, I really appreciate all the baseball history I've read here from everybody. I was obviously misinformed when I posted something about a "first ever NCAA appearance", and I'm glad Valpo has such a history. I did not post that comment after hearing it from any current coach--no current coach or player has ever said that to me. Part of my mistaken impression came from the fact that, as mentioned above, there is no recognition that I know of in the ARC or at the baseball facility of these prior appearances. I was already planning on mentioning that we put a conference title on the outfield wall--I thought it would be cool to finally have a season mentioned as a conference champion or maybe an NCAA appearance. So I will mention this after the season is complete, to include all past years conference championships and NCAA appearances as well. I notice this at several other fields, and I think should be able to show potential recruits that Valpo baseball has been there and can get there today.
Also, I like to find out a school's baseball history. The talk here and research on line has been a good education for me regarding Valpo baseball and the past machinations of the NCAA tourney. I believe the current regime does appreciate all the past alumni and their contributions, and hopefully we can move towards more visible recognition at the baseball facility in the offseason.
Now, on to the business of taking the first step towards a 2012 tournament title...GO VALPO!
Quote from: jetz on May 23, 2012, 09:50:25 AM
As a new member of the Valpo baseball family, I really appreciate all the baseball history I've read here from everybody. I was obviously misinformed when I posted something about a "first ever NCAA appearance", and I'm glad Valpo has such a history. I did not post that comment after hearing it from any current coach--no current coach or player has ever said that to me. Part of my mistaken impression came from the fact that, as mentioned above, there is no recognition that I know of in the ARC or at the baseball facility of these prior appearances. I was already planning on mentioning that we put a conference title on the outfield wall--I thought it would be cool to finally have a season mentioned as a conference champion or maybe an NCAA appearance. So I will mention this after the season is complete, to include all past years conference championships and NCAA appearances as well. I notice this at several other fields, and I think should be able to show potential recruits that Valpo baseball has been there and can get there today.
Also, I like to find out a school's baseball history. The talk here and research on line has been a good education for me regarding Valpo baseball and the past machinations of the NCAA tourney. I believe the current regime does appreciate all the past alumni and their contributions, and hopefully we can move towards more visible recognition at the baseball facility in the offseason.
Now, on to the business of taking the first step towards a 2012 tournament title...GO VALPO!
Good post and I certainly agree that the outfield wall would be a great place to acknowledge these past and current accomplishments. valpotx, as a former player, did mention a wall presumably in the clubhouse which has these former championships noted. I have never been in the facility so don't know personally.
As for the ARC, I think those banners are reserved for activities played there, which include only basketball and volleyball. If you go to the practice facility (hilltop) you will see numerous pictures and banners honoring previous NCAA participants, including those prior to D1.
The idea that Coach Woodson would somehow ignore previous teams or players just seems silly and I'm glad you cleared that up. Current players don't have any money! One such previous player, who has been a big financial supporter of baseball, and who is a fraternity brother of mine, is Pat Scala, (yes, the meat baron), whose son played for the Crusaders.
It is so much fun to be talking about and enjoying other sports. This year has been a blast and sure hope it continues!!
The brown sign I was mentioning was actually outside by the front entrance to the parking area (maybe 100 yards from the clubhouse), not in the actual clubhouse. I should have been more clear in what I meant by 'facility.'
Neat that your fraternity brother was Mickey's dad! Mickey had transferred in from TCU for either his last year, or last two years when I had just started playing at VU. He was a solid player!
Believe it or not YSU knocks off Milwaukee 8-4. UIC wins at Les Miller Field over Butler 10-1.
Valpo takes on YSU at 8:00 p.m. Central time.
Butler plays Milwaukee at 10:00 a.m. Central
UIC plays Wright State at 3:00 p.m. Central
FYI, there is an 11:00 p.m. Southshore train from Millennium Station and also a 12:45 a.m. train (in case you get the munchies and don't have commitments in the early morning)
YSU starts eight left handed batters. Deetjen is a lefty. Sean Kennedy (Valpo releiver) is a lefty and will probably be first out of the pen. ;D
We are very proud of our baseball tradition. Last year we created the "Hall of Champions" in the ARC. There is a team picture of every one of our conference championship teams all the way back to the 1945 ICC football team. It includes everyone of the baseball championship teams mentioned in this thread. We also have hung pictures of teams that played in the NCAA post season (regardless of classification) that were not conference championships. This also includes a number of baseball teams from the 60's and 70's.
Over the last few years we have inducted 6 baseball players and the 1968 team into the Hall of Fame. The 2012 class included Russ Steinbeck an All-American in baseball from the Class of 1967.
If Coach Bauer's number was retired we were not aware. I am going to talk with Bill Steinbrecher regarding that matter, if it is true we will stop using #8.
Coach Woodson & I have discussed recognizing our championships and All-Americans with signs in the outfield. To this point in time we have had other priorities connected with the condition of the playing field and the clubhouse. It is our sincere hope to raise the money at some point in the future to enable that recognition to happen.
Coach Woodson and I have been talking since his first day on campus of restoring baseball to the levels established by the program under Coach Bauer in the 50's 60's and 70's. We have been making steady progress and are excited to have taken a significant step this year.
We have a great baseball tradition, we want to honor it by adding to it.
Thanks for the post Mark. I take it the outfield sign matter is settled. Appreciate you reading and responding. Hope we can win you another HL title this weekend. GO VALPO!
That definitely was not expected for YSU to beat Milwaukee. Such is the unpredictable nature of college baseball. Hopefully the guys do not take them lightly, so that we can be one step closer to the NCAA tourney! Just winning this game against YSU will help save so much of our pitching in keeping us in the winner's bracket. I have always said that if we get to the tourney I will be there, regardless of Regional site. It is obviously premature to talk about an NCAA Regional, but it seems like the HL champion usually gets sent to TX or somewhere else in the Southwest, so it would be an easy trip for me :)
Quote from: valpotx on May 24, 2012, 01:02:45 AM
That definitely was not expected for YSU to beat Milwaukee. Such is the unpredictable nature of college baseball. Hopefully the guys do not take them lightly, so that we can be one step closer to the NCAA tourney! Just winning this game against YSU will help save so much of our pitching in keeping us in the winner's bracket. I have always said that if we get to the tourney I will be there, regardless of Regional site. It is obviously premature to talk about an NCAA Regional, but it seems like the HL champion usually gets sent to TX or somewhere else in the Southwest, so it would be an easy trip for me :)
Lots I want to say here, valpotx, but you can't suck me in to that jinx black hole again! :lol: I am thinking only about beating the Fighting Penguins tonight and looking no further. I'll be at UIC in the mid afternoon today..."One game at a time." (Biggest sports cliche ever.)
11:00 a.m. DFW to O'Hare American Airlines flight 2344 arrives 1:15 p.m. $789.60 Round trip
Blue line train directly to UIC/Haltead stop $2.25 (towards Forest Park) approximately 2:30 p.m
Halstead #8 bus from blue line station to Roosevelt. $2.25 approximately 2:45 p.m.
Just in time for the 3:00 p.m. game UIC vs. Wright State game. $25 ticket for rest of HL tournament
How supportive of your team are you?
Haha, considering I took an impromptu trip up to Valpo for the men's basketball conference tournament game against Butler on 2 day's notice, I would say very supportive. I can't make this tournament due to family obligations, but I have been to 9 of the last 12 tourneys!
Quote from: valpotx on May 24, 2012, 09:35:45 AM
Haha, considering I took an impromptu trip up to Valpo for the men's basketball conference tournament game against Butler on 2 day's notice, I would say very supportive. I can't make this tournament due to family obligations, but I have been to 9 of the last 12 tourneys!
Too bad. I was going to offer you a side trip to a car race in Indy this coming weekend. ;D
Milwaukee back to beating up on the Bulldogs, they are up 7-0 in the bottom of the 3rd inning with runners on 1st & 2nd, 2 out.
EDIT: Panthers don't stop and score 5 more on a double, hit by pitch and home run for 12-0 lead still in bottom of 3rd. 2 out.
Wind blowing very briskly from right to left field is a big factor today. Windy City is a great nickname for Chicago today.
Of course if Butler doesn't get back in the game with 2 runs if this was 6th or 7th inning the game would be over soon. Bulldogs lead off with homer in top of 4th inning. Oh yeah, college baseball doesn't have to use the mercy rule. Good thing.
As much as I would like to see Milwaukee lose because they are a good opponent, you can't help but smile when another Butler team is on the verge of elimination :)
Chicago has a wind advisory which actually doesn't start till 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. today.
Milwaukee's Meeteer hit's his 1st home run ever in college and Panthers go up 14-1 after 4th inning ends.
Let's hope the wind dies a bit for the YSU/Valpo game.
Quote from: bbtds on May 24, 2012, 11:38:51 AM
Chicago has a wind advisory which actually doesn't start till 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. today.
Milwaukee's Meeteer hit's his 1st home run ever in college and Panthers go up 14-1 after 4th inning ends.
Let's hope the wind dies a bit for the YSU/Valpo game.
keep the ball down, and it shouldn't matter as much. ;)
Milwaukee doesn't get a run in 6th inning the first time since the 1st inning. The Panthers are up 19-1. Butler does have the bases loaded in the top of the 7th inning with 2 out.
I found it interesting that Butler's season went bad when they lost to Xavier in April in what a color guy from Butler said was a game where Butler was better in every way. Makes you wonder what will happen if they lose to Xavier when they are both in the A-10.
EDIT:Butler doesn't score in top of 7th inning.
Isn't it the Butler Way to say that they are better than everyone else, even when they lose? I am sure the Butler Way has a reason for why they are getting spanked 19-1 as well :)
Milwaukee spanks Butler out of the tournament with a final score of 19-2.
I wonder if the next game between UIC & WSU will be wind-enhanced?? too.
Quote from: valpotx on May 24, 2012, 12:51:42 PM
Isn't it the Butler Way to say that they are better than everyone else, even when they lose? I am sure the Butler Way has a reason for why they are getting spanked 19-1 as well :)
So, losing 29-3 over two games is a bad thing? :crazy:
Man, a hit parade being put on by UIC, up 11-2 in the top of 3rd on WSU!
When that simple single to left bounced over the left fielders head and hit the base of the wall you know this game is being affected by the wind. 13-2 UIC as they post 9 runs in the top of the 3rd inning.
Wind aside, what's up with Wright State? Lose 3 in a row to lose a share of the title and now getting pounded 13-2 in the 3rd? Talk about folding your tent.
Quote from: vu72 on May 24, 2012, 04:26:54 PM
Wind aside, what's up with Wright State? Lose 3 in a row to lose a share of the title and now getting pounded 13-2 in the 3rd? Talk about folding your tent.
PantherU was tweeting this morning, "Where were these bats yesterday?"
It's baseball ;)
UIC (visitor in this game at their home field) leads 19-9 in bottom of 9th inning. Wright State leads off with a home run. No out.
I sure hope with Valpo's pitching that we don't give up 19 runs tonight.
EDIT:19-9 is the final in favor of UIC
Just announced that Tyler Deetjen will start for Valpo in the final game of the day. Not Kevin Wild.
Hope Valpo LFer Hagel has a good feel for what the wind is doing after that fly ball to left that almost left the field on what looked rather like a routine play.
Watching on the HL Network -- first time seeing VU BB live. Batters look well coached (stance, swing, timing, etc.). To you guys who have followed this team a lot more than me: This appears to be the result of a coach who stresses good fundamentals. Is Woodson that kind of guy, or has he just recruited that kind of kid?
Nice field BTW.
Hagel pulled out of the game after the end of the inning. He hit the wall very hard on fly ball to left that tipped off the top of his mitt and landed over the fence for a home run. Valpo 2 - YSU 1.
Last time I hope a Valpo player is judging the wind correctly. Although for Hagel it got out there so quick he couldn't judge his distance from the fence soon enough.
Middle of the 4th inning. YSU had runner on 2nd base. Hitter knocks one to left and the wind scoops it up and brand new left fielder Mark Johnson makes a nice play to end it. That is not an easy left field to play tonight at all.
Valpo leaves the bases loaded for the 2nd time (2nd & 4th innings) as both times Chris Manning flies out.
Still 2-1 Valpo over YSU.
Deetjen makes good play on ball hit right back at him, up the middle, with 2 out & runner on 3rd base.
Going to bottom of 5th inning Valpo 2, YSU 1.
Here we go again. Valpo has bases loaded, this time with no outs in bottom of 5th inning.
EDIT: Mahoney singles up the middle and 2 runners score for Valpo. 4-1 Valpo lead. Finally!
2nd EDIT: Billy Cribbs singles & knocks Martin in from third. Mahoney moves to third & Cribbs is on 1st. YSU changes pitchers. Still no outs.
You have to wonder how long Woodson will go with Deetjen.
5-1 Valpo
3rd EDIT: Scoby flies out to CF and Mahoney scores from third on SF. Valpo 6, YSU 1 1 out.
4th EDIT: Valpo gets runners on 2nd & 3rd base & Vavra flies to CF for 4th RBI sac fly for Valpo. 2 out.
Valpo 7, YSU 1. That leaves runner on 3rd base with 2 out.
WP by new YSU pitcher lets runner from third score. 2 out & Manning singles & Johnson walks. Runners on 1st & 2nd base.
Valpo now leads 8-1.
YSU changes pitchers again.
1st EDIT: Loeffler doubled off right field wall knocks in 2 for Valpo. VALPO 10, YSU 1.
Final batter pops up to end the 5th inning. 8 runs on 7 hits.
Really glad to see that Valpo has better chance to score 19 runs.
Mahoney leads off the 6th inning with a double after YSU goes down with 2 hits in top of 6th inning but still only sent 3 hitters to the plate.
1st EDIT: Valpo scores 11th run on 5th sac fly of the game in bottom of the 6th inning. Valpo 11, YSU 1.
Only 8 runs to go. :)
Manning leads off the 7th inning with double.
What happened to "Take me out to the ball game?" ;)
Our pitching staff is so deep that I presume Coach is not going to risk another pitcher unless he thinks Miller could use some work.
I thought Deetjen would be relieved after the 5th inning so I don't know that much. I guess they don't need Deetjen again till he has proper rest. Having him pitch with the wind blowing so hard to left field may turn out to be a better move. Hopefully tomorrow the wind will be much less effective.
Deetjen is currently pitching the 8th inning.
Where's that mercy rule when you need it? :-[
It was announced that Kevin Wild will pitch tomorrow.
Valpo has scored 3 here in the bottom of the 8th inning. bases are still loaded. 1 out. We need 5 more runs before we get 2 more outs. 14-1 Valpo.
1st EDIT: Mahoney walks. another run scores. 15-1 Valpo. Grand slam would make it the 3rd team today to win & score 19 runs.
2nd EDIT: Scoby gets infield hit to 3rd baseman. Valpo 16-1. Bases still loaded. 2 outs & 3rd baseman drops foul pop up by left field foul line. Wind is still playing tricks out there. 3 runs to go.
3rd EDIT: Yoder strikes out to end 8th inning. Darn. Really needed those 3 runs. Should we let them score 15 and score 3 in the bottom of the 9th inning? Nah! I guess not.
4th EDIT: another 2 nice catches by Mark Johnson in left field when anything hit that way is tough. 2 out. 1 out to go. Now YSU gets 2 singles with 2 outs. Runners on 1st & 2nd base. Ryan Kennedy is pitching the 9th.
5th EDIT: After wild pitch that moves runners to 2nd & 3rd base. YSU gets 2 runs on single. Then Mark Johnson makes another tough catch in left for Final out.
VALPO WINS! VALPO WINS! 16-3.
WE WIN! 16-3! HUZZAH!
That game was painful to watch as a pitcher, but great to watch as a Crusader fan. So many of our hits were absolute ropes! Obviously there is no mercy rule in this tournament with some of these scores!
Seems to be back to the usual at UIC today as neither Milwaukee or WSU are blowing the doors off their opponent. It's 1-0 Wright State on a wild pitch with a runner on third base in the 3rd inning. Milwaukee is threatening to score with runners on 1st & 2nd with 1 out in the top of the 7th inning. WSU has just changed pitchers.
1st EDIT: Milwaukee benefits greatly from the old ground rule double. With a runner on 1st & 2 out the Raider batter blasted one to left field, and today you have to hit it hard to left--no wind aid today--and it hit something pretty hard & bounced over the fence. It kept the runner on 1st base from scoring. After Milwaukee changed pitchers he recorded the final out of the 7th inning. Still 1-0 WSU.
2nd EDIT: Milwaukee had runners on 1st & 3rd base with 1 out in the top of the 8th inning. The pitcher coaxed a sharp ground ball to 2nd base out of the hitter and the Raiders turned the double play. Suddenly it seemed a huge crowd from WSU erupted (or there are some loud Raider fans next to the broadcast tent).
3rd EDIT: Milwaukee tied it up in the top of the 9th inning on 2 singles and a sac bunt. Score is currently 1-1 after 10 innings. WSU stranded 2 runners in the bottom of the 10th inning. Going to top of 11th.
Wright State had the winning run at third base with 2 out but a fly out ended the bottom of the 11th inning. Still 1-1 going to top of 12th.
EDIT: In the bottom of the 12th inning the Raiders got the bases loaded with no one out. Garrett Gray singled in the winning run sending Milwaukee home and Wright State to a 3:00 p.m. game with YSU.
I think we should be happy that Milwaukee was sent home, as they were the better team heading into the tournament. WSU has slumped into the tournament with many losses over the last few weeks.
LET'S go YOUNGStown
(clap-CLAP, clap-clap-CLAP)
That answers my question. I was just going to ask (as I listen to the tied up game) which team I should root for ;)
YSU takes a 1 run lead in the 6th! We definitely want YSU to win this one...
Never mind me, it just dawned on me tx was talking about the morning game and he already got the result he wanted. This game wasn't as much of a question for me, though HLN announcer implies that YSU typically muscles up at tourney time.
According to livestats http://www.cstv.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbasebl.html?event=1116953&school=cs&sport=mbasebl&camefrom=&startschool=wiml& (http://www.cstv.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mbasebl.html?event=1116953&school=cs&sport=mbasebl&camefrom=&startschool=wiml&)
YSU is up 5-4, bottom 8, where WSU has a man on 2nd and 2 outs...
He must be WSU-focused then, because he obviously did not watch yesterday's 16-3 @$$ whooping by Valpo! :)
Alright boys, let's take care of UIC tonight, and then await the winner of UIC and....gasp....YSU, tomorrow! Thank you Mr. Aquadro (YSU's pitcher who threw 8 2/3)!
maybe he is, but he wasn't wrong! YSU wins 5-4, in another excellent championship series effort by Aquadro! Glad they didn't pitch him against us (nor can they, now!)
Of course, if they get past UIC ;)
Having trouble as to who is left, winners bracket, losers bracket,schedule, etc, Can somebody fill us in on the details? Thanks
Valpo plays UIC tonight as the only two teams undefeated in the tourney. The loser plays YSU tomorrow morning as the only two teams left with only 1 loss. The winner of that game takes on the winner of tonight's game in the afternoon. If no team is left with 0 losses after that, those two teams play again on Sunday I believe. Otherwise the winner of tomorrow afternoon's game advances to the NCAA tourney.
Thanks Stl....go Valpo!
??? Anybody have a sense of how many VU fans are in attendance?
:thumbsup: Great rally and win. :thumbsup:
BTW I am up in northern Ontario (about 400 miles north of Toronto) on a consulting gig and I'm watching Valpo BB win a close one on the internet in my room at the Holiday Inn. Doesn't get much better. Cool, huh? Gotta hand it to the HLTV network for that.
Get some sleep boys. Big one tomorrow.
Great win for the program, only one more and we go dancing in another sport. I don't care if people use that term exclusively for basketball, as I sure will be dancing if we make it :)
How about that Mark Johnson?
Comes into Valpo's first game against YSU when Will Hagel gets hurt crashing into the left field wall on YSU's home run which was greatly wind aided. Johnson makes several tough tough catches in wind blown left field, all three outs in the 9th inning of the YSU game. Then in the UIC game delivers the game winning hit with 1 out in the bottom of the 8th inning with the bases loaded & the game on the line.
Outstanding! Now that is a great substitution.
It appears Hagel has suffered a shoulder seperation.
c'mon, bbtds, i expect more from you, like "Hagel apparently is suffering from separation anxiety, since he got the cold shoulder" or something.
Watching the UIC-YSU game and what great coverage! Three or four cameras with views into the dugout etc. versus one in the previous games. Also great instant replays. Can't wait for the Valpo game at 4! GO VALPO!!
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on May 26, 2012, 09:18:47 AM
c'mon, bbtds, i expect more from you, like "Hagel apparently is suffering from separation anxiety, since he got the cold shoulder" or something.
You don't think Hagel is hurting from not being with his fellow players on the field? His shoulder should heal from it's muscle tearing but his friendship with his teammates will be forever fractured when he sits on the field furniture. I'm sure Will needs a hug. ;D
Don't be surprised if this PBP guy on the HLN starts being more and more a UIC fan as the game goes on. He was trying to hide it last night but you could tell he was very disappointed when Valpo scored 3 in the 8th to take the lead. And then when Valpo had 2 runners thrown out at the plate he was overly dramatic for UIC. He's trying but his UIC loyalty comes through.
FWIW This afternoon he was very precise in listing individually, year-by-year, all the HL championships UIC has won in baseball.
Big improvement in camera coverage and use of replay -- that's pretty sweet.
It's the same way it was for softball - the host school is responsible for production for the early stages of the tournament, and then Webstream Productions comes in for the championship day(s).
The plate umpire this game has a terrible strike zone! He is calling it several inches further than normal on each side of the plate. I guess you can say he is at least being consistent, but I don't envy these hitters in having to swing at some of this crap...though I would love to hit against this UIC pitcher, as I face guys in my adult league in area that throw harder :)
Anybody else notice they sang "Take me out to the Ball game" in the last 2 games?
Well, hopefully we come out and score early for tomorrow's game! I really would hate to see UIC in the NCAA tournament while being 10+ games under 0.500. It just makes the conference look so bad when you have one of those teams...
:-*Tough loss in a great very tight game. We'll get it done tomorrow!!
Whoever starts on the mound better have good stuff in the 1st inning.
I really think the announcer is doing a very good and fair job. 6-5 Valpo! Hang on guys!!
Bases loaded - unable to score in the 6th. Nutz. Unlike yesterday HLTV feed (to me at least) is very poor.
Go Valpo!
Update: Big bottom of the 7th -- now up to 12-5 VU, .......er, make it 13-5. No, now it's 14-5 on a Mahoney triple. And that's all folks.
Top of 9th. Two out on a flyout and double up.
Pop up. VU the CHAMPS!
We go dancing...in baseball!!! Great job guys, proud to be an alum of the program :)
6 HL Championships (4 regular season and 2 tourney) in 2011-12 for this senior class. Not too shabby.
Congrats to all the hardworking kids and coaches this year. And kudos to Mark and the administration. Hope Van Morrison was right in singing "....the best is yet to come." :clap:
Great end to a fantastic baseball season. Congratulations to the team and good luck in the NCAA tourney.
Also want to extend my kudos to the whole athletic department, to all the coaches and players on a year to remember. Thanks again to Mark L. for his fine leadership and excellent decisions on the hiring of coaches.
Awesome job putting out the Flames and winning the tourney title. Here's a couple of takeaways from the weekend:
--Poor job of hosting by UIC. Concessions closed in the third inning of our first two games. Out of Gatorade in the fifth of the last game--a 90 degree day. The Valpo bench needed some and we had to run to a store to get it. Only warm bottled water available. AND NO HOT DOGS!! WTH!! Staff didn't allow us on the field at the end for pictures until after the awards were handed out. Pretty weak effort.
--Hagel took a huge hit to the shoulder in game one and he was out, giving Mark Johnson a chance to play. All he did was win the tourney MVP. Tough luck for Will, but he talked to Johnson prior to each of his at bats with some good advice and was a huge plus in the dugout.
--Nice job by the baseball alums. Several showed up and some in their old school shirts. Good to see the guys coming out on Memorial Day weekend. Also, we had the biggest and loudest fan group BY FAR! Even outdid UIC. I know the team enjoyed the support.
Off to the Regionals. I'm proud of this team for finishing. Bunch of winners...
In honor of the 2012 HL Championship effort I have revised and enhanced my fantasy plans for an athletic campus at Valpo. I moved the baseball stadium next to the field house (it should have been there in the first place). In addition, watching the game at Miller Field, I added some important features: I added two light stanchions in Left and Right Field, a scoreboard, and a batting background thingee in CF. Also, I built two grass berms along the left and right field sidelines for fans who prefer to sit on grass or bring their lawn chairs. [This is a tradition in the Cape Cod Summer College League BTW]. Taking a hint from Jetz, I expanded the press box and with it the concession stand right below it - because it doesn't sell beer it will stay open throughout the games. Here is the revised Athletic District (this also allowed me to illustrate the two soccer practice fields as well).
Click on the image to enlarge.
Just curious if the alums you are speaking about were recent, or also included 5-10+ years ago? :)
Here is the Em Bauer Field detail. Somewhere out there is a sign with all the championships and NCAA participation. Note the batting cages in right. The grandstands would be permanent (brick & mortar) similar to Miller Field. Dugouts would be beneath the stands and slightly below field grade. Oh, and the plaza behind the grandstand has been expanded over the previous version. There should definitely be be an entry arch and nice fence there as well. This plan enables Valpo to be a HL Tournament host in the future. [Click on image to enlarge]
Two years ago I played a couple of legit 9 inning games at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY. Great experience. Superb playing surface. One part of their fundraising program is about buying inscribed paving stones for the surrounding plaza. Just a thought for Em Bauer Field.
I think this fantasy is pretty commensurate with the program we've got going here and the size of the school, and it brings the games onto the central campus which IMO is a big, big plus. But if you are wondering about the difference between Mid Major and BCS approaches to baseball check out the Purdue schematics in this link:
http://www.blackandgoldbaseball.com/new-baseball-stadium.cfm (http://www.blackandgoldbaseball.com/new-baseball-stadium.cfm)
Got this off Dale Carlson's Twitter: "Valparaiso only school in nation to win both regular season and tourney titles in both baseball and softball this year." Haven't corroborated it, but seems plausible.
Definitely seems like it would be true. That is a hard feat to accomplish!
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 27, 2012, 08:27:45 PM
Here is the Em Bauer Field detail. Somewhere out there is a sign with all the championships and NCAA participation. Note the batting cages in right. The grandstands would be permanent (brick & mortar) similar to Miller Field. Dugouts would be beneath the stands and slightly below field grade. Oh, and the plaza behind the grandstand has been expanded over the previous version. There should definitely be be an entry arch and nice fence there as well. This plan enables Valpo to be a HL Tournament host in the future. [Click on image to enlarge]
Two years ago I played a couple of legit 9 inning games at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY. Great experience. Superb playing surface. One part of their fundraising program is about buying inscribed paving stones for the surrounding plaza. Just a thought for Em Bauer Field.
I think this fantasy is pretty commensurate with the program we've got going here and the size of the school, and it brings the games onto the central campus which IMO is a big, big plus. But if you are wondering about the difference between Mid Major and BCS approaches to baseball check out the Purdue schematics in this link:
http://www.blackandgoldbaseball.com/new-baseball-stadium.cfm (http://www.blackandgoldbaseball.com/new-baseball-stadium.cfm)
I seem to remember seeing a completed new baseball field while driving around West Lafayette looking for a fellow church member's son's student apartment. We had gone up to Lafayette to eat and see the Wolf Park in Battle Ground. If you haven't seen the Wolf Park it's an interesting place. It was a Mother's day present to our wives. I believe we were on McCormick Rd. which had a lot of construction on it on the north end. Although it could have been closer to the main part of campus. It looked especially new and the parking lots were still being finished. I remember thinking if Valpo ever had the money to build something like that it would be a miracle. Kind of reminded you of a double A baseball complex. Not quite as good as the triple A Indy Indians complex.
Speaking of the Indy Indians, it's probably a good thing for Valpo fans that the International League schedule maker had the Syracuse Chiefs coming to Victory Field this weekend for a 3 games series. Of course maybe the IHSAA would have had Victory Field booked if the Indians weren't playing anyway. I wonder if Purdue could have over ridden the IHSAA.
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 27, 2012, 08:04:10 PM
In honor of the 2012 HL Championship effort I have revised and enhanced my fantasy plans for an athletic campus at Valpo. I moved the baseball stadium next to the field house (it should have been there in the first place). In addition, watching the game at Miller Field, I added some important features: I added two light stanchions in Left and Right Field, a scoreboard, and a batting background thingee in CF. Also, I built two grass berms along the left and right field sidelines for fans who prefer to sit on grass or bring their lawn chairs. [This is a tradition in the Cape Cod Summer College League BTW]. Taking a hint from Jetz, I expanded the press box and with it the concession stand right below it - because it doesn't sell beer it will stay open throughout the games. Here is the revised Athletic District (this also allowed me to illustrate the two soccer practice fields as well).
A nice feature from Baum Stadium at Arkansas is also worth your consideration: the main entrances from behind home plate and down both baselines were surrounded by about nine foot glass walls. One of the sections rolled back to accommodate a larger crowd entering and exiting, but then they closed it when the game was being played and just used standard doors to come and go. This made a great wind break with lots of light and an open feel. Once you were in, there was no wind whistling from your back towards the field. A must have at Valpo with the cold.
Consider it done. This a fantasy after all. ;)