LeatherneckNation / Specific Sports Topic Forums / Leatherneck Men's Sports

Baseball trivia....

Leatherface — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:07:33 GMT

Who holds the homerun record-career _ name,years,number of HR?

Who holds the homerun record-season _ name,year, number of HR?

Just some ramblings!

Neckfansince71 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:57:23 GMT

Spent a week out in California visiting family! My Mom has dimentia and I was not really too sure if she would remember me when we arrrived basically because our phone conversations have not gone well recently. But, she was very excited when my wife and I walked in, she may not know exactly who I am in the fabric of the universe, but she knows that I have been an important part of her life, and to tell you the truth, thats all that matters!

I was sad to hear about Coach P also. I had a bought of skin cancer a couple of years ago, nothing serious, they just cut it off, but still, the C word really gets my attention. I am glad they caught this and wish him a speedy recovery. I think the boys, Coach H, and the staff will respond to this situation in a positive manner. Just have to have him back for the start of the playoffs!

So, the press guide is on line. Once again it is thick and full of facts! Funny, if you click on the last section, and go to Target Western Forward, there is a picture of the future west side of Hanson Field displayed, the same one that I use to announce my "opinions!" (Not sure what the correct name for it is!) This is the first time I have seen it since it was available on line at the WIU Athletic Website for a few weeks, and then removed about 3 years ago. I think it is definitely a part of the "capital campaign!" With the PAC about to be come a reality (as soon as Blago and the boys pull there heads out of there butts) maybe the west side rehab is closer then we may think!

WESTERN vs Arkansas Pre-Game Tailgate

WIU712 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:08:16 GMT

August 30, 2008

WESTERN Alumni & Friends Pregame Tailgate--WESTERN vs. Arkansas

Time: All Day
Location: Univerity of Arkansas, The Gardens Gazebo

Description: Join us for a alumni & friends pre-game tailgate when the WESTERN Leathernecks take on the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

3:00 p.m. Tailgate
6:00 p.m. Football Game

Social: $12.00
Social & Football Ticket: $57.00

Tailgate will be located in "The Gardens" in a Gazebo. This area is located south of Razorback Stadium. Parking will be available in Lot 56. The University of Arkansas will have shuttles running throughout the day and continue after the game along Razorback Road.

Come out and help us root on the Leathernecks!

Reservations may be made through the WESTERN Alumni Association:
https://www.wiu.com/alumni/purchase.asp?eID=348

Or contact the Alumni Association at: A-Association@wiu.edu

C'mon back WIU712...

Leatherface — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:20:52 GMT

This is a forum. Your comments are as good as anyone else's.

Why was the Bradley BBall game canceled?

western-101 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:54:54 GMT

Why did we cancel the Bradley baseball game?

Congrats to Men's Golf

WIU BB 31 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:03:39 GMT

I believe this is thier fourth straight conference title. Shot -8 as a team the last round to come from behind. Job well done by Coach Blasi.

D-1 Baseball rankings

western-101 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:56:54 GMT

Here is a quick link for us to check in once in a while to see how Wetern Baseball stacks up.

http://www.boydsworld.com/baseball/rpi/currentrpi.html

Field Conditions at Boyer Stadium

WIU712 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:29:08 GMT

I just read that Sunday's Leatherneck Baseball double-header with IPFW has been moved to Macomb High School due to "adverse field conditions" at Boyer Stadium.

Don't we protect the field ???? Why would Macomb High's baseball field be in a better condition than WESTERN's ?????

2008 Football Schedule

WIU712 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:19:49 GMT

Hey Leatherneck Fans!

The 2008 Football Schedule is out. Once again, there will be 6 home games. With now nine teams in the Gateway, we will always have 4 Conference games at home and 4 Conference games on the road every year.

Season will start on Saturday, August 30th vs Arkansas.

Homecoming will be October 18th vs Indiana State.

A schedule oddity has us playing Northern Iowa at home again next year. With 19 of 22 starters back plus our kicker & punter, perhaps we can pay them back!

Sat, Aug 30 Arkansas at Fayetteville, Ark. TBA

Sat, Sep 06 Quincy (Hall of Fame Game) Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Sep 13 South Dakota State * at Brookings, S.D. TBA

Sat, Sep 20 Stephen F. Austin (Family Weekend) Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Oct 04 Missouri State * at Springfield, Mo. TBA

Sat, Oct 11 North Dakota State * at Fargo, N.D. TBA

Sat, Oct 18 Indiana State (Homecoming) * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 01 Northern Iowa * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 08 Southern Illinois * at Carbondale, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 15 Illinois State * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 22 Youngstown State * Macomb, Ill. TBA

Sat, Nov 29 NCAA Playoffs at TBA TBA

* Conference Games

Concentrate on one sport???????

Leatherface — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:03:14 GMT

Looking at athletic monies, attendance at events, D1 involvements etc. Let me through out an idea. Somewhat tongue in cheek, but.....

Maybe WESTERN should become one of these *one sport schools*. Ala Valpo and others. By this , I mean -Valpo as an example, I believe most would agree that BB is what they are interested in supporting, financing and promoting on a competitive level in D1. Football is limited scholarship, and I get the impression the other sports exist because the NCAA and conference require them to have a full complement. BB is their bread and butter- even some national publicity.

I believe WESTERN should put football in this context. INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR FOOTBALL. Get to the point where a conference title is common, and playoff success is common. Become known as a football powerhouse- year in and out. Few down years. I consider WESTERN a "football school" anyway, lets put more into it and become a power talked about in the fall each year. It's not like the other sports can garner the attention that WESTERN can tap from the football program.

Like I said, somewhat tongue in cheek, and devil's advocate- but..........

Double header in the Dark?

western-101 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:08:26 GMT

I must really be running out of things to do (or at least putting off the things I should be doing) but I couldn't help but notice the baseball team has a Double header scheduled on April 15th vs. Alabama A&M.

OK, so that is normal enough, except the second contest's scheduled start time is 6:30 P.M.

I have only two conclusions to draw:
1. After the third inning the game will be played in the dark.
2. Between now and April 15th lights will be installed at Boyer Stadium.

Doe's anyone know if there are plans to install lights at the baseball field?

I believe WESTERN'S..

Leatherface — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:41:35 GMT

achievements have actually been good considering the obstacles it faces. I would imagine that Macomb is the smallest community any Gateway or Summit school is located in. Add the very low populated area, and economic problems the area faces - I am gratefull WIU has been able to compete at the level they aspire to obtain. One must wonder how much more money they can get out of western Illinois for growth. I think they need to step up fundraising - get beyond the golf outings, and try some new things. Of course, the "big" money has been tapped well, but perhaps there's more to do for general fund-raising. Not bashing anything- some thoughts.

An End to the Westerwinds Name ??

WIU712 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:47:12 GMT

Review Proposal To Unify Western Athletic Team Names

Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb is reviewing a proposal to unify the athletic team names to Leathernecks.

Goldfarb held an initial meeting today (Sept. 26) with coaches from Western women’s and men’s athletic teams. He plans future sessions to discuss the proposal with WIU student-athletes, Western Athletic Club members and campus leadership groups. The proposal was brought forward by Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson and Athletic Director and Assistant Vice President for Student Services Tim Van Alstine on behalf of requests they receive annually from women’s teams coaches and players.

“The proposal to unify names must be considered in the context of the history and tradition of women’s and men’s athletics at Western,” Goldfarb said. “It is important to consider all points of view and obtain broad-based input before a decision is made on an issue with such significance within our athletic programs.”

Goldfarb and Director of Equal Opportunity and Access Cathy Couza seek input from the campus community, alumni and others through e-mail submissions and a voluntary web-based survey available at

http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/survey/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=8J32NF

Currently, WIU women's teams are named Westerwinds, and men's teams are named Leathernecks. In 1927 Western first used the Leathernecks name for men’s athletic teams. In 1977 the Westerwinds name was established for women's intercollegiate athletics teams.

Almost time to go rabbit hunting

Leatherface — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:13:06 GMT

WESTERN Band at the U of I Game

WIU712 — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 19:00:24 GMT

Hey Leatherneck Fans!

This message is for you WESTERN fans going to the Sept 8th game vs Illinois in Urbana:

The WESTERN Band will be making the trip over to play for the game. In addition, they will make an appearance and perform at the pre-game social at the WESTERN Alumni Associaton tent.

The Alumni Association will be hosting a pre-game social from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM on game day. The tent will be north of Kirby Avenue, along Oak Street, west of the stadium.

So if you are heading over to the game, make plans to stop by the Alumni Tent and listen to the Marching Leathernecks perform before they head over to the stadium.

WESTERN Band Making to the Trip to the U of I Game!

WIU712 — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:49:53 GMT

Hey Leatherneck Fans!

I just heard that the Marching Leathernecks will be going over to play at the Sept 8th game vs the Univeristy of Illinois!!

So we will have our band at the game to help keep our crowd fired up! Hopefully we will get to hear "The Fight Song" and "Hot Time" a lot as that will mean that we are doing a lot of scoring.

I'm hoping that the Band will be able to stop by the WESTERN Alumni Association Pre-Game social to play a bit before the game. That would be great!

Let's hope that we have a huge crowd at that game!

Mid-Con Baseball Tourney

Leatherface — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:19:53 GMT

Earlier there was a little talk on the ORU board about Mid-Con Championship sites etc.
Nothing was derogatory, but there was talk about the Baseball tourney and WIU not really being prepared for such a conference series. Does anyone know of any problems at the tourney? I'm sure attendance wasn't too good. Was there any administrative problems?

Keep in mind ORU strongly supports their Baseball program, and Tulsa certainly can add more than Macomb for players and fans. However, for future opportunities to host conference championships, any issues need to be addressed.

One time recently,WESTERN hosted the track and field championships at D3 Monmouth College's facilities. Is manpower an issue for these types of events.(volunteers)? If so, I would think a call for volunteers around the Macomb area would be well received. Area schools and booster clubs could pitch in.

It would be unfortunate, but the championships will probably be in the metro areas- for attendance and financial support. Maybe the financial support is the key.

Not quite there yet!

Neckfansince71 — Sun, 27 May 2007 11:05:59 GMT

The table was set but we ended up all dressed up with no where to go! The pieces seemed to be in place, but we ended up with a 100 piece puzzle with 99 pieces. TV, Boyer Stadium looking great, conference tournament in Macomb for the first time ever, a team on the brink of breaking the record for wins in a season! A surprisingly firm victory for ORU on Thursday, and then a first game lead in the double dip on Friday that was within the grasp only to float away like an untied balloon. That game had to have hurt. Obviously from the rest of the games played that weekend, it had an obvious effect. Thursdays opener in the MidCon tournament slipped away in similar fashion, and the Necks were no where to be found on Friday morning! What happened? Were they tired? Was the pitching staff exhausted? A win against Iowa in Macomb, and then 6 straight losses? What would the mind set have been if they could have pushed across the winning run in the tenth inning with one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd in the first game of the double hitter against ORU?

Don't get me wrong! I think Coach Hyman and the Necks are about to be a force each and every year in the Summit and NCAA tournament. We still need a pitcher or two, and we just hired an assistant to help the hitting. We have the momentum of another 30 win season, a really nice facility to play in! We are almost there!

WIU Baseball team snubbed!

sportsnut — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:57:09 GMT

I think this is a definite SNUB by the Mid Con to a great program. I'm really disappointed in this.

Coach Stan Hyman was chosen as Coach of the Year by the Mid Con. SUPER! He deserves it.

Travis Check was selected as CO PLAYER OF THE YEAR with a pitcher from ORU.

Now, watch this breakdown..

First team all conference

#1 team in the conference - ORU gets league leading 8 players
#5 team in the conference - Southern Utah gets 6
#3 team in the conference - Valpo gets 4
#4 team in the conference - Centenary gets 3
BOTTOM DWELLER Oakland - gets 3

#2 TEAM...WITH COACH OF THE YEAR AND CO PLAYER OF THE YEAR ...gets T W O ! TWO...2! (One of those was Mark DiBernado for 2nd TEAM!)

Get real. We have players batting in the .300's and obp in the .300 and .400 range; some players with great stats who are not even recognized.

I could understand this if we were the #4 team or the #5 team, but when you're the #2 team - preseason #1 pick...well above .500 this is a travesty!

I hope the NECKS come out and kick it today and tomorrow and just win the darn conference bid to the NCAA tourney. That would teach them!

Full Funding of Sports

neck06 — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:32:52 GMT

Does anyone know the scholarship numbers for the non-major sports (soccer, baseball/softball, track) I would like to see fully funded players for these teams. All these team do well and would be better with more scholies available.

Track and Field

Leatherface — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:54:53 GMT

Congrats to both men and women for getting second place at this past weekends meet. eastern won the meet. Apparently eastern has a fully funded track program for men and women- according to the quote from the WESTERN coach. He was pleased they were able to get that close to eastern's fully funded program. I didn't realize WESTERN was only funding track and field on a limited basis.

Major league players?

Leatherface — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:59:07 GMT

Any former Leatherneck baseball players on a current major league roster. I'm not thinking minor leagues etc, just the MLB teams.

Baseball

wiudrs — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:44:29 GMT

The Leathernecks take on Purdue this weekend. This is a great opportunity to support the Leathernecks and watch a Big Ten school. We need as many people as possible at these games. Friday at 3:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Here is the chance to come out and watch a "big name" program take on the Leathernecks.

Men's and Women's indoor track

Leatherface — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 11:14:13 GMT

With only five schools having indoor track teams, WESTERN should earn some points for all sports, mens sports, and womens sports conference trophies. I think we all know WESTERN can use all of the points they can get. Interesting that the MidCon (D1) needs to go to a D3 school to have their conference meet- Illinois Wesleyan. Doesn't anyone have an indoor facility to handle this?

Good luck to them, I believe they do have some good athletes on each men's and women's teams for WESTERN.

Baseball schedule!!!

Leatherface — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:35:00 GMT

Wow, what an impressive schedule for WESTERN. Big 12 and Big 10 schools galore! Here's hoping they do well, and battle ORU for the conference crown.

Definitely a year to go!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 10:55:53 GMT

I got news for all of you! As far as DT's tenure as coach, no matter what happens, he has a year to go. I don't think the university has the money to fire, then hire, and pay two different coaches for the same job. I also think a 5 year contract is a 5 year contract. If we are going to attract a group of good candidates in the future, they have got to know that they will be given every chance to succeed in Macomb. Again, I think DT has done a good job of recruiting talent, of course at times they have had questionable attitudes which has resulted in their untimely departure or stupid infractions like the IPod incident.

I will get my opportunity to see the Necks live next Saturday night. Hopefully I can meet a couple of you face to face, unless you think that is a bad idea. Folks I have talked to about the team who have seen them play a number of times besides of course the posters on this website, claim there is talent, but no team organization. There is no cohesion, or team unity. One person even said he thought the Necks would be a very good playground team because thats the way they play on the floor.

People say DT is a really nice guy, with a great family, and everyone would really like to see him get it done. But, he has not been very good at fitting the pieces together. He could really use an assistant to help with the X's and O's! I am surprised he did not learn more from Charlie Spoonhour when he coached with him.

Still the fact is, he will have one more year no matter what happens unless he chooses to resign. We all feel really bad about this situation, just think how he feels! But team basketball, team unity, team concepts allows you to win close games as a team.

Bought the Rocky vision package for the month. Live games are a bit choppy, probably because of my computer and DSL hookup, but the recorded games are really quite good and I am enjoying the interviews at halftime, especially with Holly K., who not only appears to be a nice lady, but a driven softball coach.

The sound of metal banging fills the air!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 11:24:33 GMT

Daughter informed me yesterday, that alot of noise is coming from Hanson Field due to the construction of the East Stands. A quick look reveals a number of poured posts along the top and bottom of the ridge, along with major posting activity going on in the front area. Wonder how far they have got to pound down the steel into the ground with that large piece of equipment. Would indicate to me that the East structure is going to be quite large and last a long time. I know it does not look like much right now, put by August its gonna be a sight to be hold.

Got a couple of copies of Gordy Taylor's "Across the Miles" interview. Had time to listen to the Margenthaler interview and the Gil Peterson and Tony Karas interview. I will share some of their comments with you as time goes on but Peterson brought up the "Rebuild the Rock" program that revamped the inside of the blockhouse and allowed for a bigger pressbox. I didn't realize that I was at WIU during the transition from a NAIA institution to a full fledged NCAA school. Not only was there a name change, but also a major change in fund raising. Malpass came to WIU from VaTech and he really wanted to up grade Hanson Field. He of course was use to just going to the alumni and athletic club and getting bucket loads of cash. But as we all know, Macomb is and was different. You had a NAIA mentality, where WIU was really good in basketball and football but most of the state schools like WIU that were in the NAIA made the transition to the NCAA during that time, and alot of those schools are now playing D1 basketball and Bowl or Championship football. When Peterson went to the Leatherneck club and asked for money, the president of the club said sure, what do you need $10,000? The answer was no, about $500,000 dollars. 1/2 a million back in the middle 70's would have allowed for a major upgrade. Peterson said they immediately got pledges from the community totally $100,000 and then they went to ask for money from a fund that was dually controled by the University and the student body government, a fund of over $600,000 and were dismissed! How sad! They did put in the new track with the money and held a number of D11 National Championships there. They also built a new press box which is still there, and like I said earlier, refurbished the block house with new lockers etc. But that was it. Peterson said that the new lockerroom is a palace, and he praised Randy Ball and Coach P for getting the job done in a tough financial situation. VanAlstine has done a lot to bring WIU to the 21st century. There are upgrades everywhere, except of course on the scoreboard for basketball and just lately in football.

Rumor has it that there were a number of recruits at the awards banquest last weekend, more than they have ever had, and alot of kids from out west. Think Don's crew has been hot on the trail this recruiting season, something that was hampered with the constant staff turnover the last couple of years. Sill think they should make Ducey a wide receiver and start Matt Barr this year. But of course that is my opinion. VanAlstine has really go the money presses rolling and things are going to continue to improve in the coming years. Track once again has some really good athletes, baseball and softball appear to be back.

Finally, I always wondered why Gil Peterson and company had a small time/town attitiude. But they didn't!!!!!!!! He really did a fantastic job moving WIU up the athletic ladder for NAIA to NCAA D1. Unfortunately it took WIU's move from a rural University, to one popular with suburban kids to get the ball rolling. Not a cut to rural Illinois, just seems to be more people with money up in this area. Pella hasn't hurt Macomb either, nor WIU, nor athletics.

Well enough! Sorry for the book length of this post. The historical perspective I got gave the feeling that yes, there is a long ways to go, but we are moving there finally.

Odds and ends!

Neckfansince71 — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:59:48 GMT

Has anybody been by Hanson Field lately? Just wondering with the type of weather we have had if there is steady progress on the new east stands! Anyone see anything? My daughter, who functions as my Neck eyes will be driving back to school on Sunday and with classes starting on Tuesday, I am sure I will get the report then, but just curious about this right now.

Also, Baseball team roster.....I Goggled a number of the players and I was pretty impressed with the credentials of alot of them. The pitchers from California look really good. Maybe we can split our early games with the Big 12 and return to conference play with at least an even record. There are also a whole lot of home games scheduled along with the conference tournament. Boyer is really nice!

And, for the first time ever, the softball team has a male assistant coach!!!!!!! I don't think this would have ever happened with Veroni in charge, especially with the problems the females and the males had when the athletic departments were competing for funds and such. Baseball and softball will be much improved.

Men's Soccer Mid-Con Champs!!!

Aspen — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:19:29 GMT

a 2-0 victory in the mid-con championship on Sunday. they'll find out where/who they play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this afternoon (monday) at 3:00 p.m. ... watch party at parkside.

great job by the men! first time a program has won three-straight mid-con championships. time to bust through and win that first round match in the tournament!

Soccer making a run

Aspen — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:28:38 GMT

great to see the leatherneck soccer program winning in conference and on a high note going into tomorrow's battle in peoria ... bradley is one of the top teams in the midwest year-in and year-out ... good luck against the Braves! bring home win #10 this season guys!

Accidental Deletion

Aspen — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 07:18:13 GMT

sorry guys, i accidentally added a new topic, then deleted the wrong one, which was great news about the Baseball Stadium....NecksFanSince71, can you please repost to correct my incredible error!!!!!

NEW TEAM JOINING THE MIDCON!!!!!!!!

Leatherneck Newbie — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:19:07 GMT

IPFW has been invited to the midcon, and they accepted! exciting.
http://www.mid-con.com/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=4072

Any news on the Western Swim Teams?

Western Swimmer — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:00:43 GMT

Just checking to see if anyone has any knowledge on the swim teams? I swam at Western from 1995-1999. We one 5 conference championships by then end of my senior year.

Thanks

Gateway or Midcon?

Leatherneck Newbie — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:45:51 GMT

I read about the conflicts of the MidCon, and there was never any clarity on what happened there. Which conference do you think is more important? The Gateway brings in the most money out of all of the sports, but on the other hand, the Gateway doesn't give support to all of the sports that Western is a part of. Cumulatively, the other sports (with a big help from basketball) does bring in more money than football, I assume. The Midcon may go alltogether from the reports, so where would Western go? Ohio Valley?

This also brings in another question. The Illinois schools (ISU, WIU, EIU, SIU) bring a good amount of competition to the sports that they are a part of. I don't know the athletic comparison of the schools inside of their own conferences outside of the Gateway, but they are always very competitive with each other. Why aren't these schools in a conference together (maybe along with schools from Indiana or Missouri or somewhere close)?

any baseball players heading to minors

Aspen — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 06:50:37 GMT

the MLB draft starts today and i didn't follow leatherneck baseball too closely this year....are there any potential draft picks or free agent signees that played for western this year? also, is Rick Short still playing.....

Boyer Stadium

Aspen — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 18:31:12 GMT

http://www.wiuathletics.com/baseball/images/newfield1.jpg

check out this picture ... looks like a great facility with the pictures on the web. anyone been there to see a game at Boyer?