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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Illinois College baseball aims high despite preseason poll ranking

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Jacob Waddle Head Baseball Coach | Illinois College Athletics Website

Jacob Waddle Head Baseball Coach | Illinois College Athletics Website

The Midwest Conference has announced its 2024 Preseason Coaches Poll for baseball, placing Illinois College in the seventh position with 27 points. The Blueboys aim to surpass these expectations as they enter the new season.

Illinois College's team consists of 26 returning players from last year, along with 18 freshmen and four transfers. Key players include Logan Schweigert, a Second-Team All-MWC catcher who batted .341 last season with 12 doubles and three home runs. First baseman Jon Tate and outfielder Louie Bartlelli are also expected to contribute significantly to the team's offense. Tate recorded a .309 batting average with 27 RBIs, while Bartlelli hit .341 and was perfect in stolen bases before an injury ended his previous season early.

Other notable returnees are infielder Nolan Decker and outfielder Ryne Mapes. Decker impressed in his freshman year by batting .433 towards the end of the season. Mapes returns after missing most of last season due to injury but is known for his speed on base paths.

Connor Hennemann will continue at shortstop, bringing defensive skills alongside potential offensive improvements. Outfielders Tyler Barker, Jonathan Odom, and Ryan Huskey are set to enhance the team's performance this spring.

The pitching staff sees Branson Shaw leading as ace pitcher after striking out 41 batters over 45 innings last year. Supporting him are Andrew Wieneke, Jack McGuire, Jacob Smith, Dylan Eaton, Ben Jarboe, Tory Wickman, and Aidan Lougeay—all part of a record-setting strikeout team from last season.

New additions include first-year pitchers Charlie Lardi, Anthony Buonaura, Connor Akstulewicz, Jake Holder; utility player Parker Phillis; transfers Chris Campau from McKendree University; Tyler Allen from Frederick Community College; and second baseman Adam Passmore from Lincoln Land Community College.

Head Coach Jacob Waddle expressed confidence in his squad: "The expectations within our program are extremely high. We have a great group of guys who are motivated to prove what we're capable of."

Illinois College begins their season against Loras College on February 24 at Joe Brooks Field.

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