May 17, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
With the completion of the 2008 season Saturday, the Illinois State baseball team announced its annual team awards. Junior Kevin Dubler was named the team's most valuable player, while sophomore Ryan Copeland earned the program's pitcher of the year honor. Senior Eric Theisen and freshman Kevin Tokarski were also recognized for their efforts during the Redbirds' season. The awards were voted on by the players, coaches and staff.
Dubler was the unanimous choice for player of the year, after the catcher led the team in every offensive category. Dubler, who was named a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, batted .358 with 23 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 44 walks and 56 RBI. The Downers Grove, Ill., native also led the team with 20 multiple-hit games and 16 multiple-RBI games, and was 15-for-18 in stolen bases. Dubler's 23 doubles broke the ISU single-season record for doubles in a season.
Copeland was the most consistent pitcher for the Redbirds in 2008, as the left-hander posted a 3.93 earned-run average. Though he finished with a 4-7 record, the Des Plaines, Ill., native led the Missouri Valley Conference, and is currently No. 9 in the nation with only nine walks. Copeland also led the team with 72 strikeouts and 89.1 innings pitched, which also ranks near the top of the league leaders. Opponents batted .274 against the Redbirds' Friday starter, and he allowed 39 earned runs during his time on the mound.
After overcoming adversity in the past two seasons, Theisen was named the team's captain. Theisen, who finished 5-5 with a team-best 3.74 ERA, was the most reliable arm out of the bullpen during the 2008 season. Theisen also moved back into the weekend rotation for the Redbirds' last three conference series, and posted a 1-1 record with a 3.79 ERA in his last three starts. Theisen battled back from Tommy John surgery in the offseason, while he missed the 2006 season due to a shoulder injury. Theisen finished his career with the record for most career appearances with 86.
Tokarski garnered both the Coach Bass "Mr. Hustle" Award and the team's most improved player accolade. Named for the former Redbird skipper Duffy Bass, Tokarski was a key at the top of the Redbird lineup in his first collegiate season and earned the "Mr. Hustle" award. The Downers Grove, Ill., native made the move to shortstop from second base, his natural position, and batted .303 with 61 hits, including seven doubles, two triples and 16 RBI. Tokarski was second on the team with 46 runs scored, while he led the program and the Valley with 32 stolen bases, which helped earn him the most improved player honor. Tokarski also put his name in the record books, as his 32 stolen bases set the new school standard for stolen bases in a season.
The Redbirds will now take the summer off as a team; however, many of the student-athletes will head to the numerous summer baseball leagues in order to improve their skills. For information on the players' action during the course of the summer season, be sure to check GoRedbirds.com.
