The Illinois State baseball alums used every trick in the book, including the hidden ball trick, but could not pull off the upset over this years Redbird squad falling, 4-1, in seven innings at Redbird Field Saturday.
The current Redbirds jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning when Kevin ODell scored from third on a throwing error by the pitcher and Jeremy Accardo was able to reach home on a double to left-center by Lance McMillan.
The Birds tacked on another run in the third when ODell reached on his second double of the day and later scored off a single by Accardo.
Former Redbird Ryan Cantrell got the alumni team its first hit of the game in the fourth inning with a lead-off double to left-center. He later scored on a single to center by Greg Mote.
This was such a fun experience, said Cantrell. I was hoping we would get some more runs but to meet the older guys and play in a fun and relaxing setting like this is a blast.
The alumni team missed a golden opportunity to score another run in the fifth inning, but Mike Saunches was called out at the plate attempting to score from second on a single to left by Tyler Turnquist.
I havent run the bases in about a month so I couldnt go any faster, said Saunshes, recalling the play. I tossed off my helmet trying to change the umpires call, but I knew that I was out. It was just fun to be able to play here again with these guys.
The alums used the hidden ball trick to get out of the fifth inning after Nate Whitney reached second on a throwing error by the pitcher with two outs.
One of the big highlights of the game came in the top of the seventh when Illinois State head coach Jim Brownlee stepped to the plate for the alumni team and hit a line drive single into left field.
For me, this was a great experience, because I am really excited about the future of this baseball program, said Illinois State Hall of Famer and former Major League pitcher Lee Buzz Capra. Jim (Brownlee) did an excellent job of getting people together to play in this game and we are all just excited to be a part of this great program.
The alumni team finished the game with seven hits and two errors, while the current Birds had eight hits and no errors.
In attendance for the alumni team were T. K. Klein (1966-69), Ernie Pederson (1966-70), Scott Matthews (1993-97), Todd Keck (1993-96), Ed Tolzien (1997-2001), Andy Schofield (1992-95), Matt Seipp (coach, 1999-2002), Brad James (1987-91), Mike Saunches (2000-02), Ryan Cantrell (1998-2002), Paul Sperry (1967-70), Guy Homoly (1969), Dan Duck Hogan (1970-73), Tyler Turnquist (1995-98) and Matt Gainer (1991-95).
Also, Greg Mote (1993-96), Greg Troemel (1980-84), B.J. Burkhart (1998-99), Ryan Duncheon (1996-2000), Doc Kief (trainer, 1966-69), Lee Buzz Capra (1966-69), Jim Klein (1968-70), Bob Graczyk (1968-70), Jake Perganson (1999-2002), Dan Steinbach (1970-73), Todd Reeser (1981-85), Dennis Fox (1969-70), Tom Hammerton (1980-84) and Eddie Pieczynski (1998-99). Coaching the alums was former Redbird head coach for the 1969 NCAA Championship team Duffy Bass.
