Jon Peacocks four home runs in the first six games of the 2002 season put the Illinois State first baseman on a pace to hit about 15 more than the Redbird single-season record.
Now, with 10 hits in his first 20 at bats, along with those 4 homers and 7 runs batted in, Peacock has emerged as a force in the Redbird lineup as Illinois State travels to the prestigious Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno, Calif. The Birds start play on Monday against UC-Santa Barbara, continuing with a Tuesday game vs. host Fresno State and Wednesday vs. Gonzaga.
Nobody--not even coach Jeff Stewart--expects the Redbird junior to hit 30 more homers this year, but Stewart is happy Peacock is feeling comfortable, both at the plate and with his new surroundings. Peacocks first year of college was spent at Kentucky, where he didnt play baseball. His second was at Triton College--where he did. He arrived at Illinois State in January, 2001, and hit a respectable .301 in his first season as a Redbird.
Jonny has been fairly consistent game-to-game so far, said Stewart. I think he has elevated his game, but, more importantly, I think he has had the opportunity to find a comfort zone and understand his role on the team. Coming into the program mid-year last year was tough on him.
But Stewart believes Peacocks improving ability to adjust to his surroundings mirrors his ability to adjust to different pitchers and pitching styles on the mound.
He is a throwback, said Stewart. He puts in a good days work. Jon is one of those guys who loves baseball and who throws himself into it. Its nothing mysterious; he produces because he has the right mind-set about his work.
Peacock has moved across the infield from third base, where he was the 2001 regular, to first base, where he alternates with fellow Redbird slugger Mike Saunches. The one not playing first is the designated hitter.
Weve alternated Jon and Mike at first base and they bring different strengths defensively, said Stewart. Offensively, we need them both, and despite his (.250) average, Mike has been using the whole field and his approach is what we want (at the plate).
With tough competition all week--the Redbirds will play Oral Roberts, Liberty, Fordham and Pacific in later games--the Johnny Quik Classic provides more than just big-name opponents brought in by veteran Fresno State coach Bob Bennett, who is in the final season of his 34-year coaching career.
We went there in 1994 and they have invited us back ever since, said Stewart. This year, it corresponded with spring break for us so we went for it. It is considered to be one of the classiest and nicest in-season tournaments in the country. Coach Bennett is in his last year, and the atmosphere there is always one of the best in college baseball. So we think its a nice opportunity for our team in a lot of ways.
Saddled with a young and inexperienced pitching staff, Stewart is challenging his team to make the key plays that have gone awry during close losses this season.
We need for our young pitchers to get after it, and we need the rest of the team to make plays when they need to be made, said Stewart. We have let winning opportunities slip away. Its early in the season, but its time to make sure the job gets done.
