Bluejay Baseball
Bluejay Baseball
Creighton University Athletic Dir. Bruce Rasmussen 75
The 2009 Creighton Baseball Media Guide was written, edited and designed by Rob Beuerlein. Editorial assistance provided by Creighton Sports Information staff, Creighton baseball staff, Creighton Public Relations staff and Assistant Athletics Director Kevin Sarver. Outside covers were designed by Damon Andersen, Creative Reservoir. Inside covers were designed by Rob Beuerlein.
Printed by MultiAd Sports of Peoria, Ill.
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Thank you for your interest in Bluejay baseball. We look forward to seeing you at one of our 26 home games this year. - Ed Servais
Media Info
Photos courtesy of Rob Anderson, Eric Francis, Creighton Media Services, Scott Bruhn, John Wall of Missouri State Photo Services, Staten Island Yankees, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Omaha World-Herald, Northwoods League, USA Baseball, Wisconsin Woodchucks and the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Creighton University
Credits:
Aside from a strong baseball tradition, Creighton also gives the opportunity to the student-athlete that not many get from around the country. Considered one of the top universities in the Midwest, Creighton gives students the opportunity to achieve a top-notch education, while also developing strong, life-lasting relationships.
Bluejays in the Majors
Omaha, Nebraska 76 Staff Directory 77 Academics 78 Strength & Conditioning 79 Traditions 80-81 Sports Information 82 Radio/TV Outlets 83 Missouri Valley Conference 84
Creighton fans have the opportunity that no other school in the country does. As annual host of the College World Series, we are able to play several games at Rosenblatt Stadium, site of the national championship. Last year we played nine games, and this year we will play 11 there. It is such a thrill for not only our players, but also our opposition to be able to play regular season games at such a historic site.
Record Book
Campus 72-73 Rev. John P. Schlegel S.J. 74
Those fans who favor the pro game, can also be excited about Bluejay baseball. The team has had 18 players reach the Major Leagues in its history. Last season Pat Venditte, who most remember as the only ambidextrous pitcher in Division I, was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round. Pat received Minor League Short Season Reliever of the Year recognition for his work with the Staten Island Yankees this past summer.
2008 Review
2008 Review Review of Season 44-45 2008 Stats 46-47 2008 Game Highs 48 2008 MVC 49 2008 Game-by-Game 50
All-Americans 60-61 All-Time Series Records 62 Last Time it Happened 63 Year-by-Year Results 64-69
We have been in the top-20 in the NCAA in terms of fielding percentage four of the last five years. Our run has been highlighted by a 2004 season in which we had the top fielding percentage in the nation, and the third-best in NCAA history at .982.
2009 Opponents
42-43
CU History NCAA Tournament Teams 55-59
In the last five seasons, Creighton has established itself as one of the top baseball programs in the country. Since 2004 we have the 23rd-best record in the nation at 196-99. That mark is also second best in the Missouri Valley Conference over that span. In order to have that success we have had to establish an identity as all top programs do. Our identity is based on skill development with an emphasis on defense.
Player Bios
2009 Opponents Opponent Profiles
51 52-54
Coaches Bios
12-13 14 15 15
Record Book Single Game Season and Career
2009 Outlook
Coaching Staff Ed Servais Rob Smith Brent Alwine Johnny Sweeney
Players Dan Blair 16 Vicente Cafaro 17 Jeremy Hauer 18 Zak Moore 19 Darin Ruf 20-21 Ian Dike 22 Robbie Knight 23 Bob Lackovic 24 Mike Nihsen 25 Matt Patterson 26 T.J. Roemmich 27 Jonas Dufek 28 Greg Hellhake 29 Josh Perreault 30 Elliot Soto 31 Jimmy Swift 32 Jack VanLeur 33 Joey Bowens 34 Zach Willand 34 Ryan Barban 34 Nick Becker 35 Vince Bellino 35 Eric Bruns 35 Kirk Clark 36 Austin Cole 36 Alex De La Rosa 36 Zane Hinkel 37 Peter Kelly 37 Brandon Koenigstein 37 Bobby Lewis 38 Nick Musec 38 Otto Roberts 38 C.J. Rose 39 Kurt Spomer 39 Scott Thornburg 39 Carson Vitale 40
Roster Info
2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10
Introduction
Creighton Baseball Quick Facts CU Sports Complex Rosenblatt Stadium Roster Info TV/Radio Roster 2009 Outlook
Welcome to all Bluejay fans, media and those hopeful to be part of the Bluejay program in the future! As we begin another season on the diamond, we hope to further the success we’ve had recently.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
Quick Facts School Information
Coaches Information
Program Information
University: .........................................Creighton University Location:........................................................... Omaha, Neb. Founded: ......................................................................... 1878 Enrollment:.................................................................... 7,051 President: ............................. Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. Athletic Director:...............................Bruce Rasmussen School Colors: ..........................................Blue and White Nickname: ................................................................. Bluejays Affiliation: .................................................... NCAA Division I Conference: ................................................Missouri Valley University Web Site: ...................... www.creighton.edu Athletics Web Site: ..................www.gocreighton.com Conference Web Site: ..............www.mvc-sports.com
Head Coach:.........................................................Ed Servais Alma Mater: ...................Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1981 Record at Creighton: ................196-99 (6th season) Career Record: ................. 378-181-1 (15th season) Assistant Coach: ................... Rob Smith (3rd season) Assistant Coach: .............. Brent Alwine (1st Season) Volunteer Coach: .... Johnny Sweeney (1st Season) Baseball Office: .................................... (402) 280-2483
*records incomplete before 1966
2008 Review
Baseball SID: ................................................Rob Beuerlein Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-5801 Cell Phone: ............................................. (832) 279-0327 Email: [email protected] Sports Information Director: ............... Rob Anderson Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-5544 Email: ...................................... [email protected] Associate SID ................................................... Rob Simms Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-2433 Email: ............................................ [email protected] Fax: ............................................................ (402) 280-2495 Press Box (CU Sports Complex).. (402) 280-2787 Press Box (Rosenblatt Stadium) . (402) 380-1676 CU Sports Hotline:.............................. (402) 280-5555 Mailing Address: ........Creighton Sports Information 2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178
Stadium Information Primary Stadium: ........................... CU Sports Complex Capacity:......................................................................... 1,000 Dimensions: ....................LF - 330, CF - 400, RF - 330 Surface: .........Artificial Turf Outfield/FieldTurf Infield Year Opened ................................................................. 1988 Secondary Stadium: .....................Rosenblatt Stadium Capacity:......................................................................23,100 Dimensions: ....................LF - 335, CF - 408, RF - 335 Surface: ..........................................................Natural Grass Year Opened ................................................................. 1948
2008 Overall Record:..............................................37-21 Home Record: .................................................. 22-6 at CU Sports Complex: .......................... 18-1 at Rosenblatt Stadium: ............................ 4-5 Road Record: .................................................12-12 Neutral Site Record:......................................... 3-3 2008 MVC Record:..................................................... 16-8 Home: ................................................................... 10-2 at CU Sports Complex: ............................. 9-0 at Rosenblatt Stadium: ............................ 1-2 Away:........................................................................ 6-6 2008 Postseason Record: ......................................... 2-2
Team Information Lettermen Returning/Lost: ...............................17/13 Position Starters Returning/Lost: ........................ 4/4 Pitchers Returning Lost: ............................................ 9/4 Newcomers:........................................................................ 17
Number of Years (since 1966): ................................ 43 Overall Record (since 1966): ..1269-925-8 (.578) NCAA Postseason Appearances: .................................8 Last Appearance: ....................................................... 2007 NCAA CWS Appearances: ...............................................1 Last Appearance: ....................................................... 1991
SID Information
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Bluejay Baseball Introduction
Creighton Sports Complex
Roster Info 2009 Outlook Coaches Bios Player Bios
The Creighton Sports Complex has served as the home of the CU baseball team since it opened in 1988 and was renovated in 2000. The on-campus facility features SafePlay playing surface on both the baseball and neighboring softball fields. In the fall of 2006, the infield of the baseball diamond was refurbished with FieldTurf, thanks to a $20,000 grant courtesy of College World Series of Omaha, Inc. The field plays 330 feet to left and right field, 400 to center field and 390 to the gaps. The complex is located at 22nd and Burt Street in Omaha and seats 1,000 at capacity.
2009 Opponents 2008 Review Record Book Bluejays in the Majors
Kitty Gaughan Pavilion houses spacious locker rooms and indoor batting cages for Bluejay players. The two-story structure is also home to the baseball and softball offices. The Jim Hendry Locker Room now features new carpet and a 36” flat screen TV. On game days, concession stands and restrooms are available for fans as well as indoor viewing areas for both the baseball and softball fields.
Creighton University Media Info
3
Creighton and Rosenblatt Stadium
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
The annual home of college baseball’s pinnacle has served as the “home away from home” for the Creighton baseball program. The Bluejays annually play several games a year at Rosenblatt Stadium. Creighton played nine games at Rosenblatt Stadium in 2008 and will play 11 games there in 2009 beginning on April 1 against Kansas State. Creighton annually serves as the host of the College World Series. Creighton baseball players are able to experience on a yearly basis the aura and thrill of playing in a facility that houses so much history and has been the site of many moments of glory.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
Built in 1948, the site of the Men’s Division I College World Series since 1950 was originally called Omaha Municipal Stadium. Johnny Rosenblatt (1907-1979) whose name graces this ballpark, played amateur, semipro and professional baseball before entering a life of public service. He located this hilltop site and pushed for its construction. It opened in 1948 and two years later attracted the NCAA College World Series. Johnny, ebullient and upbeat, served as mayor of Omaha from 1954 to 1961, but was stricken with Parkinson’s Disease in the prime of life. Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium, also home to the Omaha Royals, has carried his name since 1964. Thanks to the dedication of the city of Omaha and countless benefactors, the stadium has evolved into a representation of what college baseball is all about -- teamwork, dedication and camaraderie. The Road to Omaha sculpture, standing in front of Rosenblatt, was a gift to the city of Omaha and Series fans from College World Series of Omaha, Inc., the local organizing committee. The “Road to Omaha” was sculpted in 1999 by Omaha artist John Lajba and serves as a permanent testimonial to the enduring sports tradition.
Stadium Seating The general admission area is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, with a ramp leading up to a patio deck, plus there’s handicapped seating on both the right and left field sides. Total Seating 23,100 Grand Stand/View Club -- 17,700 General Admission -- 5,400 ADA Accessibility Street Address Rosenblatt Stadium 1202 Bert Murphy Ave. Omaha, NE 68107
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Bluejay Baseball
Top Single-Game Regular Season attendance Dates In Rosenblatt History
Creighton 2009 Games at Rosenblatt Att.
Team
vs. Team
21,158 20,011 18,758 18,316 15,436 14,650 13,862
#10 Nebraska #3 Nebraska #13 Nebraska Nebraska Nebraska #6 Nebraska #1 Nebraska
vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.
Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton
Date 5/16/06 5/10/05 5/15/02 5/15/07 5/10/00 5/13/08 5/09/01
Result Nebraska 4-1 Creighton 5-3 Nebraska 9-1 Creighton 9-2 Nebraska 10-2 Nebraska 8-1 Nebraska 8-4
2009 Outlook
vs. Kansas State 6:00 p.m. vs. Northern Iowa 6:00 p.m. vs. Northern Iowa 2:00 p.m. vs. Kansas 6:30 p.m. vs. Air Force (Doubleheader) 4:00 p.m. vs. Illinois-Chicago 12:00 p.m. vs. Nebraska 6:30 p.m. vs. Bradley 6:30 p.m. vs. Missouri State 12:00 p.m. vs. Nebraska 7:00 p.m.
Roster Info
Wed. April 1 Fri. April 10 Sat. April 11 Tue. April 14 Wed. April 15 Sat. April 18 Tue. April 21 Fri. April 24 Sat. May 9 Tue. May 12
Introduction
Creighton and Rosenblatt Stadium/Directions
Coaches Bios Player Bios on I-80 west across the Missouri River to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
From I-80 East: Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, continue on
From I-29 North: Traveling north on Interstate 29, take I-80 West at the
From I-29 North: Traveling north on Interstate 29, take I-80 west at the
convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Follow the above directions from I-80 West.
convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Stay on I-80 west and get off at the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
From I-80 East: Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, take Interstate
I-80 east to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn right onto 13th Street heading south and Omaha’s Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
480 North to downtown Omaha and follow the above directions.
From I-29 South: Traveling south on Interstate 29, take I-80 west at the conFrom Eppley Airfield: When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbott
Media and Team Parking: Parking credentials are not required at the Creighton Sports Complex. It is recommended you park several rows from the stadium to avoid foul balls.
From Eppley Airfield: When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbott Drive and continue south into downtown until you reach Capitol Ave. Turning left at Capitol Ave. will put you in the Missouri River so turn right - heading west – and continue on Capitol Ave until you turn left (heading south) at 10th Street. Continue on 10th Street for approximately two miles through neighborhoods and when you go over Interstate 80 you’ll see the Henry Doorly Zoo on your left and Omaha’s Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium on your right.
Media Info
5
vergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Continue on I-80 west across the Missouri River to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
Creighton University
Drive and follow toward downtown, where Abbott Drive will turn into Cuming Street. From Cuming Street, turn left onto 23rd Street and continue straight up the hill into the campus parking lot. Continue until reaching the top of a hill, from there the Kitty Gaughan Pavilion as well as the baseball and softball fields will be visible on the left.
Bluejays in the Majors
From I-80 West: Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, continue
on I-80 West across the Missouri River to I-480 North to downtown Omaha. Once on I-480, get into the far right lane and continue straight to the I-480 East/Highway 75 split. Take Highway 75 (the right fork). Exit to the right on the Cuming Street exit, turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Cuming. After going through the Cuming and 24th Street intersection, make a right onto 23rd Street and continue straight into a campus parking lot. Continue until reaching the top of a hill, from there the Kitty Gaughan Pavilion as well as the baseball and softball fields will be visible on the left.
Record Book
From I-80 West: Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, continue
2008 Review
Directions to Rosenblatt Stadium
2009 Opponents
Directions to CU Sports Complex
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball 2009 Creighton Roster Information Numerical Roster No. 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 43
Name Ryan Barban Robbie Knight Jimmy Swift Elliot Soto Vince Bellino Scott Thornburg Nick Becker Zak Moore Jeremy Hauer Peter Kelly Greg Hellhake Zane Hinkel Darin Ruf C.J. Rose T.J. Roemmich Vicente Cafaro Otto Roberts Kirk Clark Carson Vitale Ian Dike Mike Nihsen Bobby Lewis Alex De La Rosa Eric Bruns Josh Perreault Zach Willand Bob Lackovic Dan Blair Brandon Koenigstein Matt Patterson Jack VanLeur Joey Bowens Nick Musec Kurt Spomer Jonas Dufek Austin Cole
Pos. INF CF INF SS INF C OF RHP LHP OF LHP INF 1B RHP/OF LHP/OF 2B RHP RHP C 1B RHP OF OF C OF RHP RHP C RHP RHP LHP C RHP RHP/INF RHP RHP
B/T R/R R/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/L R/R R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R S/R R/R R/R
Ht. 5-10 5-11 6-3 5-9 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-1
Wt. 175 185 200 158 165 200 185 190 190 170 180 180 220 185 190 175 195 202 195 245 205 190 170 195 165 198 190 195 180 190 205 175 183 200 210 180
Yr. Fr. RJr. RSo. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. RSo. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. RSr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. RJr. Fr. Fr. Jr. RSo. RFr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. RSo. RFr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.
Hometown (Previous School/High School) Arvada, Colo. (Ralston Valley HS) Bennington, Neb. (Kansas State Univ./Millard North HS) West Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS) Algonquin, Ill. (Dundee Crown HS) Papillion, Neb. (Skyline CC/Creighton Prep HS) Lakewood, Colo. (J.K. Mullen HS) St. Louis, Mo. (Jefferson College/St. John Vianney HS) Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn HS) Sherrard, Ill. (Indian Hills CC/Alleman Catholic HS) Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS) Quincy, Ill. (Quincy Notre Dame HS) Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS) Omaha, Neb. (Westside HS) St. Peters, Mo. (Fort Zumwalt South HS) West Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS) Maracay, Venezuela (Iowa Western CC/Wayne State College) Belleville, Ill. (Belleville West HS) Moline, Ill. (Iowa Western CC/Moline HS) Victoria, B.C. (McLennan CC/Lambrick Park HS) Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest HS) Ralston, Neb. (Univ. of Nebraska/Ralston HS) Boise, Idaho (Boise HS) Skokie, Ill. (Loyola Academy HS) Oregon, Ill. (Sauk Valley CC/Oregon HS) Bennington, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS) Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista South HS) Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic HS) Boulder, Colo. (Boulder HS) Waterloo, Ill. (Waterloo HS) St. Louis, Mo. (Jefferson College/Parkway South HS) Brandon, S.D. (Brandon Valley HS) Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville HS) St. Charles, Mo. (Duchesne HS) Honey Creek, Iowa (Tri-Center HS) Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS) Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic HS)
9 29 16 4
Head Coach: Ed Servais (Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1981) -- Sixth season Assistant Coach/Pitching: Rob Smith (Indiana, 1998) -- Third season Assistant Coach/Hitting: Brent Alwine (IPFW, 2006) -- First season Volunteer Assistant Coach/Hitting: Johnny Sweeney (Saint Louis, 2006) -- First season
Pronunciation Guide Bellino...................................Buh • LEE • no Cafaro ..................................Kuh • FAR • oh Dufek ....................................DEW • feck Hauer ...................................HOW • er Hellhake...............................HELL • ick Koenigstein ........................KOH • nig • stine Lackovic...............................LACK • uh • vick Musec ..................................Mew • SECK Nihsen ..................................NISS • en Perreault ............................PER • row Roemmich..........................REM • ick Ruf .........................................ROUGH Spomer................................SPOH • mer Vitale .....................................VUH • tal • ee Willand.................................WILL • ind
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Bluejay Baseball
Alphabetical Roster No. 1 8
By Position
Pos.
Yr.
Seniors (5)
Infielders (9)
Canada (1)
Ryan Barban Nick Becker
INF OF
Fr. Jr.
Dan Blair Vicente Cafaro (RS) Jeremy Hauer Zak Moore Darin Ruf
Ryan Barban Vince Bellino Vicente Cafaro Ian Dike Zane Hinkel Darin Ruf Elliot Soto Kurt Spomer* Jimmy Swift
British Columbia.....Carson Vitale
Vince Bellino
INF
Jr.
Dan Blair Joey Bowens Eric Bruns
C C OF
Sr. RFr. Jr.
19
Vicente Cafaro
INF
RSr.
21 43 27
Kirk Clark Austin Cole Alex De La Rosa
RHP RHP OF
Jr. Fr. Fr.
Jeremy Hauer Greg Hellhake
LHP LHP
Sr. RSo.
14 12 2 34
Zane Hinkel Peter Kelly Robbie Knight Brandon Koenigstein
INF OF OF RHP
Fr. Fr. RJr. Fr.
32
Bob Lackovic
RHP
Jr.
26
Bobby Lewis
OF
Fr.
10 38
Zak Moore Nick Musec
RHP RHP
Sr. Fr.
24 35 30 20 18 17 15 5 39 3 7 36 22 31
Mike Nihsen Matt Patterson Josh Perreault Otto Roberts T.J. Roemmich C.J. Rose Darin Ruf Elliot Soto Kurt Spomer Jimmy Swift Scott Thornburg Jack VanLeur Carson Vitale Zach Willand
RHP RHP OF RHP OF/LHP RHP/OF INF INF RHP/INF INF C LHP C RHP
RJr. So. RSo. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. RSo. Fr. RSo. Jr. RFr.
Sophomores (6)
Pitchers (17)
Jonas Dufek Greg Hellhake (RS) Josh Perreault (RS) Elliot Soto Jimmy Swift (RS) Jack VanLeur (RS)
Right-Handed (13)
Freshmen (14) Ryan Barban Joey Bowens (RS) Austin Cole Alex De La Rosa Zane Hinkel Peter Kelly Brandon Koenigstein Bobby Lewis Nick Musec Otto Roberts C.J. Rose Kurt Spomer Scott Thornburg Zach Willand (RS)
Kirk Clark Austin Cole Jonas Dufek Brandon Koenigstein Bob Lackovic Zak Moore Nick Musec Mike Nihsen Matt Patterson Otto Roberts C.J. Rose* Kurt Spomer* Zach Willand
Iowa (3) Honey Creek..............Kurt Spomer West Des Moines .......Jimmy Swift T.J. Roemmich
Minnesota (1) Plymouth ......................... Peter Kelly
Missouri (4) St. Charles ................... Nick Musec St. Louis................. Matt Patterson Nick Becker St. Peters ...........................C.J. Rose
Left-Handed (4) Jeremy Hauer Greg Hellhake T.J. Roemmich* Jack VanLeur
Catchers (5)
* Player listed at multiple positions
South Dakota (1) Brandon .................... Jack VanLeur
Creighton University
Venezuela (1) Maracay ..................Vicente Cafaro
Bluejays in the Majors
Dan Blair Joey Bowens Eric Bruns Scott Thornburg Carson Vitale
Nebraska (12) Bennington ..............Robbie Knight Josh Perreault Elkhorn .............................Zak Moore Lincoln .....................................Ian Dike Omaha ........................... Austin Cole Jonas Dufek Zane Hinkel Bob Lackovic Darin Ruf Papillion....................... Vince Bellino Zach Willand Ralston .........................Mike Nihsen
Record Book
11 13
Illinois (9) Algonquin ...........................Elliot Soto Belleville .......................Otto Roberts Libertyville.................. Joey Bowens Moline .................................Kirk Clark Oregon ..............................Eric Bruns Quincy.........................Greg Hellhake Sherrard ..................Jeremy Hauer Skokie ....................Alex De La Rosa Waterloo ...Brandon Koenigstein
2008 Review
Jr. So.
Nick Becker Alex De La Rosa Peter Kelly Robbie Knight Josh Perreault T.J. Roemmich* C.J. Rose*
2009 Opponents
1B RHP
Outfielders (7)
Idaho (1) Boise ..............................Bobby Lewis
Player Bios
Ian Dike Jonas Dufek
Nick Becker Vince Bellino Eric Bruns Kirk Clark Ian Dike Robbie Knight (RS) Bob Lackovic Mike Nihsen (RS) Matt Patterson T.J. Roemmich Carson Vitale
Coaches Bios
23 41
Juniors (11)
Colorado (3) Arvada..........................Ryan Barban Boulder ................................Dan Blair Lakewood ........... Scott Thornburg
2009 Outlook
6 33 37 28
By State/Country
Roster Info
By Class
Name
Introduction
2009 Creighton Roster Breakdown
Media Info
7
#1 • Ryan Barban • INF • Fr. 5’10 • 175 • Arvada, Colo.
#2 • Robbie Knight • OF • RJr. 5’11 • 185 • Bennington, Neb.
#3 • Jimmy Swift • INF • RSo. 6’3 • 200 • West Des Moines, Iowa
#5 • Elliot Soto • INF • So. 5’9 • 158 • Algonquin, Ill.
#6 • Vince Bellino • INF • Jr. 5’9 • 165 • Papillion, Neb.
#7 • Scott Thornburg • C • Fr. 6’2 • 200 • Lakewood, Colo.
#8 • Nick Becker • OF • Jr. 6’1 • 185 • St. Louis, Mo.
#10 • Zak Moore • RHP • Sr. 6’2 • 190 • Elkhorn, Neb.
#11 • Jeremy Hauer • LHP • Sr. 5’10 • 190 • Sherrard, Ill.
#12 • Peter Kelly • OF • Fr. 5’11 • 170 • Plymouth, Minn.
#13 • Greg Hellhake • LHP • RSo. 6’1 • 180 • Quincy, Ill.
#14 • Zane Hinkel • INF • Fr. 6’2 • 180 • Omaha, Neb.
#15 • Darin Ruf • INF • Sr. 6’3 • 220 • Omaha, Neb.
#17 • C.J. Rose • RHP/OF • Fr. 6’2 • 185 • St. Peters, Mo.
#18 • T.J. Roemmich • LHP/OF • Jr. 6’1 • 190 • West Des Moines, Iowa
#19 • Vicente Cafaro • INF • RSr. 5’10 • 175 • Maracay, Venezuela
#20 • Otto Roberts • RHP • Fr. 6’4 • 195 • Belleville, Ill.
#21 • Kirk Clark • RHP • Jr. 6’2 • 202 • Moline, Ill.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
8
Bluejay Baseball Introduction
#24 • Mike Nihsen • RHP • RJr. 6’3 • 205 • Ralston, Neb.
#26 • Bobby Lewis • OF • Fr. 6’2 • 190 • Boise, Idaho
#27 • Alex De La Rosa • OF • Fr. 5’11 • 170 • Skokie, Ill.
#28 • Eric Bruns • C • Jr. 6’0 • 195 • Oregon, Ill.
#30 • Josh Perreault • OF • RSo. 5’9 • 165 • Bennington, Neb.
#31 • Zach Willand • RHP • RFr. 6’2 • 198 • Papillion, Neb.
#32 • Bob Lackovic • RHP • Jr. 6’0 • 190 • Omaha, Neb.
#33 • Dan Blair • C • Sr. 6’1 • 195 • Boulder, Colo.
#34 • Brandon Koenigstein • RHP • Fr. 6’0 • 180 • Waterloo, Ill.
#35 • Matt Patterson • RHP • Jr. 6’1 • 190 • St. Louis, Mo.
#36 • Jack VanLeur • LHP • RSo. 6’3 • 205 • Brandon, S.D.
#37 • Joey Bowens • C • RFr. 5’11 • 175 • Libertyville, Ill.
#38 • Nick Musec • RHP • Fr. 6’3 • 183 • St. Charles, Mo.
#39 • Kurt Spomer • RHP/OF • Fr. 6’2 • 200 • Honey Creek, Iowa
#41 • Jonas Dufek • RHP • So. 6’5 • 210 • Omaha, Neb.
#43 • Austin Cole • RHP • Fr. 6’1 • 180 • Omaha, Neb.
2009 Outlook
#23 • Ian Dike • INF • Jr. 6’4 • 245 • Lincoln, Neb.
Roster Info
#22 • Carson Vitale • C • Jr. 6’1 • 195 • B.C., Canada
Coaches Bios Player Bios 2009 Opponents 2008 Review Record Book Bluejays in the Majors Creighton University Media Info
9
Bluejay Baseball
Starting Pitchers
Bullpen
Catchers/Designated Hitter
• The Bluejays return their top three starting pitchers from a year ago. • Jeremy Hauer led all Bluejay starters in wins with eight, going 8-2 with a 3.32 ERA. His 84.0 innings pitched was tops among Creighton rotation members as well. • Zak Moore had a bit of a down year in 2008 after a great 2007 when he was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA. The team is hoping for him to return from injury in the summer and fall of 2008. • Mike Nihsen led all MVC pitchers with a 2.30 ERA. He tied for the team lead with 14 starts. He also led all Creighton starters holding opponents to a .231 average against him last year. • Jonas Dufek is looking to be the team’s top midweek starter. In 2008 he made just one appearance. • Greg Hellhake is also in the running for the Creighton rotation. He is coming off a solid 2008 season in which he was 3-2 with nine starts, the most of any freshman a year ago.
• Creighton’s bullpen will have a different look this season as the team is looking to replace Pat Venditte who led the team in 2008 in wins (9) and innings (86.1). • Jack VanLeur established himself as the No. 2 option out of the bullpen a year ago, and could be the go-to guy this year. He was second on the team with a 2.35 ERA in 2008. • Bob Lackovic will also compete for the No. 1 spot out of the bullpen. He was third on the team in 2008 with a 2.83 ERA. His high 80’s fastball allowed him to strikeout 20 in 28.2 innings. • Kirk Clark is the leading candidate to be the Bluejay closer this year. He is a junior transfer from Iowa Western Community College. • T.J. Roemmich provides another left-handed arm out of the bullpen. Was 2-1 in 2008, despite battling arm troubles in the second half of the year. • Matt Patterson is looking to make more of a contribution in his second year with the team. He hopes to provide valuable depth in helping to replace the loss of Venditte.
• The catcher position is the biggest question mark heading into 2009. The team loses its top three catchers (Joe Servais, Brett Mieras and Tony Pechek) from a year ago. • Scott Thornburg is a candidate to start behind the plate. He is a freshman from Lakewood, Colo. When not starting behind the plate, he could start at DH against left-handed pitching. • Carson Vitale, a junior transfer from McLennan Community College, will be the main competition for Thornburg. He set a McLennan school record in 2008 for doubles in a season with 20. • Dan Blair is expected to receive extensive playing time behind the plate, after providing depth for three years. • Ian Dike, candidate for the starting DH job. He started four games in 2008 with four RBIs. • Zane Hinkel freshman coming off injuries in the fall. He is another candidate for the DH job. Led all of Nebraska Class A high school players in 2008 with a .547 average.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
2009 Outlook
Infielders
Outfielders
Schedule
• In order for the Bluejays to have success in 2009, the team will rely greatly on its infield defense, which returns three of four starters from a year ago. • 2009 Preseason All-MVC Darin Ruf is looking to regain the form that made him the 2007 MVC Player of the Year. His power has improved over the summer, and he is expecting an outstanding year in his final year as a Bluejay. • Vicente Cafaro returns as the starter at second base in his second year with the club. In 2008 he was second on the team with a .324 average, and tied for second on the team with two triples. • Another 2009 Preseason All-MVC pick, Elliot Soto will return as the team’s starting shortstop. He tied Cafaro for second on the team with two triples in 2008. • Jimmy Swift, regarded as one of the team’s most improved players in the fall this year. He is replacing Steve Winkelmann as the team’s starting third baseman and can also play shortstop. • Ryan Barban is a freshman from Arvada, Colo., and will be the main backup to the middle infielders.
• Two-thirds of the Bluejay outfield will be comprised of newcomers this season, as 2009 Preseason All-MVC Robbie Knight is the only holdover from a year ago. • Knight will return to his role as captain of the outfield in center this season. He has improved his bat skills in the offseason, while still showing his great jump for the ball in fall practice this year. • Nick Becker, a junior college transfer from Jefferson College, is the leading candidate to start in left field. In 2008 he led Jefferson in batting average (.413), slugging percentage (.703) and on-base percentage (.474). • T.J. Roemmich is a candidate to get the starting nod in right field. He is filling a dual role this season, as he will also be a part of the Bluejay bullpen. A year ago he had three home runs. • Zane Hinkel is a freshman coming off injuries in the fall. He’s a top candidate for the fourth outfielder job along with competing for the starting DH spot. Hinkel led all of Nebraska Class A high school players in 2008 with a .547 batting average.
• The Bluejays have a tough opening month this season. The team opens up with 13 games in 19 days, spanning five different states. • Creighton will play 17 games against NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago. • After playing nine games at Rosenblatt Stadium a year ago, the Bluejays return to the site of the College World Series for 11 games this year. • Creighton will face Big 12 teams six times this season, including three games with in-state rival Nebraska (April 7, 21 and May 12). Two of the three games will be held at Rosenblatt Stadium (April 21 and May 12). • MVC play will open on March 20 in Terre Haute, Ind., as the Bluejays face Indiana State. • The Bluejays will face off against five first-time opponents in 2009. Creighton will be meeting Coastal Carolina, IPFW, Dayton, Stony Brook and UNC-Wilmington for the first time. • A 2007 NCAA Regional rematch will take place on March 7, in Conway, S.C., as the Bluejays meet Albany. Creighton defeated Albany 21-11 in Fayetteville, Ark., on June 2, 2007 in the schools’ only other matchup.
10
Creighton University Athletic Dir. Bruce Rasmussen 75
The 2009 Creighton Baseball Media Guide was written, edited and designed by Rob Beuerlein. Editorial assistance provided by Creighton Sports Information staff, Creighton baseball staff, Creighton Public Relations staff and Assistant Athletics Director Kevin Sarver. Outside covers were designed by Damon Andersen, Creative Reservoir. Inside covers were designed by Rob Beuerlein.
Printed by MultiAd Sports of Peoria, Ill.
1
Thank you for your interest in Bluejay baseball. We look forward to seeing you at one of our 26 home games this year. - Ed Servais
Media Info
Photos courtesy of Rob Anderson, Eric Francis, Creighton Media Services, Scott Bruhn, John Wall of Missouri State Photo Services, Staten Island Yankees, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Omaha World-Herald, Northwoods League, USA Baseball, Wisconsin Woodchucks and the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Creighton University
Credits:
Aside from a strong baseball tradition, Creighton also gives the opportunity to the student-athlete that not many get from around the country. Considered one of the top universities in the Midwest, Creighton gives students the opportunity to achieve a top-notch education, while also developing strong, life-lasting relationships.
Bluejays in the Majors
Omaha, Nebraska 76 Staff Directory 77 Academics 78 Strength & Conditioning 79 Traditions 80-81 Sports Information 82 Radio/TV Outlets 83 Missouri Valley Conference 84
Creighton fans have the opportunity that no other school in the country does. As annual host of the College World Series, we are able to play several games at Rosenblatt Stadium, site of the national championship. Last year we played nine games, and this year we will play 11 there. It is such a thrill for not only our players, but also our opposition to be able to play regular season games at such a historic site.
Record Book
Campus 72-73 Rev. John P. Schlegel S.J. 74
Those fans who favor the pro game, can also be excited about Bluejay baseball. The team has had 18 players reach the Major Leagues in its history. Last season Pat Venditte, who most remember as the only ambidextrous pitcher in Division I, was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round. Pat received Minor League Short Season Reliever of the Year recognition for his work with the Staten Island Yankees this past summer.
2008 Review
2008 Review Review of Season 44-45 2008 Stats 46-47 2008 Game Highs 48 2008 MVC 49 2008 Game-by-Game 50
All-Americans 60-61 All-Time Series Records 62 Last Time it Happened 63 Year-by-Year Results 64-69
We have been in the top-20 in the NCAA in terms of fielding percentage four of the last five years. Our run has been highlighted by a 2004 season in which we had the top fielding percentage in the nation, and the third-best in NCAA history at .982.
2009 Opponents
42-43
CU History NCAA Tournament Teams 55-59
In the last five seasons, Creighton has established itself as one of the top baseball programs in the country. Since 2004 we have the 23rd-best record in the nation at 196-99. That mark is also second best in the Missouri Valley Conference over that span. In order to have that success we have had to establish an identity as all top programs do. Our identity is based on skill development with an emphasis on defense.
Player Bios
2009 Opponents Opponent Profiles
51 52-54
Coaches Bios
12-13 14 15 15
Record Book Single Game Season and Career
2009 Outlook
Coaching Staff Ed Servais Rob Smith Brent Alwine Johnny Sweeney
Players Dan Blair 16 Vicente Cafaro 17 Jeremy Hauer 18 Zak Moore 19 Darin Ruf 20-21 Ian Dike 22 Robbie Knight 23 Bob Lackovic 24 Mike Nihsen 25 Matt Patterson 26 T.J. Roemmich 27 Jonas Dufek 28 Greg Hellhake 29 Josh Perreault 30 Elliot Soto 31 Jimmy Swift 32 Jack VanLeur 33 Joey Bowens 34 Zach Willand 34 Ryan Barban 34 Nick Becker 35 Vince Bellino 35 Eric Bruns 35 Kirk Clark 36 Austin Cole 36 Alex De La Rosa 36 Zane Hinkel 37 Peter Kelly 37 Brandon Koenigstein 37 Bobby Lewis 38 Nick Musec 38 Otto Roberts 38 C.J. Rose 39 Kurt Spomer 39 Scott Thornburg 39 Carson Vitale 40
Roster Info
2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10
Introduction
Creighton Baseball Quick Facts CU Sports Complex Rosenblatt Stadium Roster Info TV/Radio Roster 2009 Outlook
Welcome to all Bluejay fans, media and those hopeful to be part of the Bluejay program in the future! As we begin another season on the diamond, we hope to further the success we’ve had recently.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
Quick Facts School Information
Coaches Information
Program Information
University: .........................................Creighton University Location:........................................................... Omaha, Neb. Founded: ......................................................................... 1878 Enrollment:.................................................................... 7,051 President: ............................. Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. Athletic Director:...............................Bruce Rasmussen School Colors: ..........................................Blue and White Nickname: ................................................................. Bluejays Affiliation: .................................................... NCAA Division I Conference: ................................................Missouri Valley University Web Site: ...................... www.creighton.edu Athletics Web Site: ..................www.gocreighton.com Conference Web Site: ..............www.mvc-sports.com
Head Coach:.........................................................Ed Servais Alma Mater: ...................Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1981 Record at Creighton: ................196-99 (6th season) Career Record: ................. 378-181-1 (15th season) Assistant Coach: ................... Rob Smith (3rd season) Assistant Coach: .............. Brent Alwine (1st Season) Volunteer Coach: .... Johnny Sweeney (1st Season) Baseball Office: .................................... (402) 280-2483
*records incomplete before 1966
2008 Review
Baseball SID: ................................................Rob Beuerlein Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-5801 Cell Phone: ............................................. (832) 279-0327 Email: [email protected] Sports Information Director: ............... Rob Anderson Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-5544 Email: ...................................... [email protected] Associate SID ................................................... Rob Simms Office Phone: ......................................... (402) 280-2433 Email: ............................................ [email protected] Fax: ............................................................ (402) 280-2495 Press Box (CU Sports Complex).. (402) 280-2787 Press Box (Rosenblatt Stadium) . (402) 380-1676 CU Sports Hotline:.............................. (402) 280-5555 Mailing Address: ........Creighton Sports Information 2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178
Stadium Information Primary Stadium: ........................... CU Sports Complex Capacity:......................................................................... 1,000 Dimensions: ....................LF - 330, CF - 400, RF - 330 Surface: .........Artificial Turf Outfield/FieldTurf Infield Year Opened ................................................................. 1988 Secondary Stadium: .....................Rosenblatt Stadium Capacity:......................................................................23,100 Dimensions: ....................LF - 335, CF - 408, RF - 335 Surface: ..........................................................Natural Grass Year Opened ................................................................. 1948
2008 Overall Record:..............................................37-21 Home Record: .................................................. 22-6 at CU Sports Complex: .......................... 18-1 at Rosenblatt Stadium: ............................ 4-5 Road Record: .................................................12-12 Neutral Site Record:......................................... 3-3 2008 MVC Record:..................................................... 16-8 Home: ................................................................... 10-2 at CU Sports Complex: ............................. 9-0 at Rosenblatt Stadium: ............................ 1-2 Away:........................................................................ 6-6 2008 Postseason Record: ......................................... 2-2
Team Information Lettermen Returning/Lost: ...............................17/13 Position Starters Returning/Lost: ........................ 4/4 Pitchers Returning Lost: ............................................ 9/4 Newcomers:........................................................................ 17
Number of Years (since 1966): ................................ 43 Overall Record (since 1966): ..1269-925-8 (.578) NCAA Postseason Appearances: .................................8 Last Appearance: ....................................................... 2007 NCAA CWS Appearances: ...............................................1 Last Appearance: ....................................................... 1991
SID Information
2
Bluejay Baseball Introduction
Creighton Sports Complex
Roster Info 2009 Outlook Coaches Bios Player Bios
The Creighton Sports Complex has served as the home of the CU baseball team since it opened in 1988 and was renovated in 2000. The on-campus facility features SafePlay playing surface on both the baseball and neighboring softball fields. In the fall of 2006, the infield of the baseball diamond was refurbished with FieldTurf, thanks to a $20,000 grant courtesy of College World Series of Omaha, Inc. The field plays 330 feet to left and right field, 400 to center field and 390 to the gaps. The complex is located at 22nd and Burt Street in Omaha and seats 1,000 at capacity.
2009 Opponents 2008 Review Record Book Bluejays in the Majors
Kitty Gaughan Pavilion houses spacious locker rooms and indoor batting cages for Bluejay players. The two-story structure is also home to the baseball and softball offices. The Jim Hendry Locker Room now features new carpet and a 36” flat screen TV. On game days, concession stands and restrooms are available for fans as well as indoor viewing areas for both the baseball and softball fields.
Creighton University Media Info
3
Creighton and Rosenblatt Stadium
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
The annual home of college baseball’s pinnacle has served as the “home away from home” for the Creighton baseball program. The Bluejays annually play several games a year at Rosenblatt Stadium. Creighton played nine games at Rosenblatt Stadium in 2008 and will play 11 games there in 2009 beginning on April 1 against Kansas State. Creighton annually serves as the host of the College World Series. Creighton baseball players are able to experience on a yearly basis the aura and thrill of playing in a facility that houses so much history and has been the site of many moments of glory.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
Built in 1948, the site of the Men’s Division I College World Series since 1950 was originally called Omaha Municipal Stadium. Johnny Rosenblatt (1907-1979) whose name graces this ballpark, played amateur, semipro and professional baseball before entering a life of public service. He located this hilltop site and pushed for its construction. It opened in 1948 and two years later attracted the NCAA College World Series. Johnny, ebullient and upbeat, served as mayor of Omaha from 1954 to 1961, but was stricken with Parkinson’s Disease in the prime of life. Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium, also home to the Omaha Royals, has carried his name since 1964. Thanks to the dedication of the city of Omaha and countless benefactors, the stadium has evolved into a representation of what college baseball is all about -- teamwork, dedication and camaraderie. The Road to Omaha sculpture, standing in front of Rosenblatt, was a gift to the city of Omaha and Series fans from College World Series of Omaha, Inc., the local organizing committee. The “Road to Omaha” was sculpted in 1999 by Omaha artist John Lajba and serves as a permanent testimonial to the enduring sports tradition.
Stadium Seating The general admission area is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible, with a ramp leading up to a patio deck, plus there’s handicapped seating on both the right and left field sides. Total Seating 23,100 Grand Stand/View Club -- 17,700 General Admission -- 5,400 ADA Accessibility Street Address Rosenblatt Stadium 1202 Bert Murphy Ave. Omaha, NE 68107
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Bluejay Baseball
Top Single-Game Regular Season attendance Dates In Rosenblatt History
Creighton 2009 Games at Rosenblatt Att.
Team
vs. Team
21,158 20,011 18,758 18,316 15,436 14,650 13,862
#10 Nebraska #3 Nebraska #13 Nebraska Nebraska Nebraska #6 Nebraska #1 Nebraska
vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.
Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton Creighton
Date 5/16/06 5/10/05 5/15/02 5/15/07 5/10/00 5/13/08 5/09/01
Result Nebraska 4-1 Creighton 5-3 Nebraska 9-1 Creighton 9-2 Nebraska 10-2 Nebraska 8-1 Nebraska 8-4
2009 Outlook
vs. Kansas State 6:00 p.m. vs. Northern Iowa 6:00 p.m. vs. Northern Iowa 2:00 p.m. vs. Kansas 6:30 p.m. vs. Air Force (Doubleheader) 4:00 p.m. vs. Illinois-Chicago 12:00 p.m. vs. Nebraska 6:30 p.m. vs. Bradley 6:30 p.m. vs. Missouri State 12:00 p.m. vs. Nebraska 7:00 p.m.
Roster Info
Wed. April 1 Fri. April 10 Sat. April 11 Tue. April 14 Wed. April 15 Sat. April 18 Tue. April 21 Fri. April 24 Sat. May 9 Tue. May 12
Introduction
Creighton and Rosenblatt Stadium/Directions
Coaches Bios Player Bios on I-80 west across the Missouri River to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
From I-80 East: Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, continue on
From I-29 North: Traveling north on Interstate 29, take I-80 West at the
From I-29 North: Traveling north on Interstate 29, take I-80 west at the
convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Follow the above directions from I-80 West.
convergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Stay on I-80 west and get off at the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
From I-80 East: Traveling east on Interstate 80 from Lincoln, take Interstate
I-80 east to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn right onto 13th Street heading south and Omaha’s Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
480 North to downtown Omaha and follow the above directions.
From I-29 South: Traveling south on Interstate 29, take I-80 west at the conFrom Eppley Airfield: When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbott
Media and Team Parking: Parking credentials are not required at the Creighton Sports Complex. It is recommended you park several rows from the stadium to avoid foul balls.
From Eppley Airfield: When leaving the terminal, turn left (south) on Abbott Drive and continue south into downtown until you reach Capitol Ave. Turning left at Capitol Ave. will put you in the Missouri River so turn right - heading west – and continue on Capitol Ave until you turn left (heading south) at 10th Street. Continue on 10th Street for approximately two miles through neighborhoods and when you go over Interstate 80 you’ll see the Henry Doorly Zoo on your left and Omaha’s Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium on your right.
Media Info
5
vergence of the two interstates in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Continue on I-80 west across the Missouri River to the 13th Street exit. At the 13th Street stoplights, turn left onto 13th Street heading south (going over I-80) and Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is on your left about two blocks ahead.
Creighton University
Drive and follow toward downtown, where Abbott Drive will turn into Cuming Street. From Cuming Street, turn left onto 23rd Street and continue straight up the hill into the campus parking lot. Continue until reaching the top of a hill, from there the Kitty Gaughan Pavilion as well as the baseball and softball fields will be visible on the left.
Bluejays in the Majors
From I-80 West: Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, continue
on I-80 West across the Missouri River to I-480 North to downtown Omaha. Once on I-480, get into the far right lane and continue straight to the I-480 East/Highway 75 split. Take Highway 75 (the right fork). Exit to the right on the Cuming Street exit, turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Cuming. After going through the Cuming and 24th Street intersection, make a right onto 23rd Street and continue straight into a campus parking lot. Continue until reaching the top of a hill, from there the Kitty Gaughan Pavilion as well as the baseball and softball fields will be visible on the left.
Record Book
From I-80 West: Traveling west on Interstate 80 from Des Moines, continue
2008 Review
Directions to Rosenblatt Stadium
2009 Opponents
Directions to CU Sports Complex
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball 2009 Creighton Roster Information Numerical Roster No. 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 43
Name Ryan Barban Robbie Knight Jimmy Swift Elliot Soto Vince Bellino Scott Thornburg Nick Becker Zak Moore Jeremy Hauer Peter Kelly Greg Hellhake Zane Hinkel Darin Ruf C.J. Rose T.J. Roemmich Vicente Cafaro Otto Roberts Kirk Clark Carson Vitale Ian Dike Mike Nihsen Bobby Lewis Alex De La Rosa Eric Bruns Josh Perreault Zach Willand Bob Lackovic Dan Blair Brandon Koenigstein Matt Patterson Jack VanLeur Joey Bowens Nick Musec Kurt Spomer Jonas Dufek Austin Cole
Pos. INF CF INF SS INF C OF RHP LHP OF LHP INF 1B RHP/OF LHP/OF 2B RHP RHP C 1B RHP OF OF C OF RHP RHP C RHP RHP LHP C RHP RHP/INF RHP RHP
B/T R/R R/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R L/R L/L R/R R/R L/R R/R R/R R/R R/R L/L R/R R/R S/R R/R R/R
Ht. 5-10 5-11 6-3 5-9 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-1
Wt. 175 185 200 158 165 200 185 190 190 170 180 180 220 185 190 175 195 202 195 245 205 190 170 195 165 198 190 195 180 190 205 175 183 200 210 180
Yr. Fr. RJr. RSo. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. RSo. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. RSr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. RJr. Fr. Fr. Jr. RSo. RFr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. RSo. RFr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr.
Hometown (Previous School/High School) Arvada, Colo. (Ralston Valley HS) Bennington, Neb. (Kansas State Univ./Millard North HS) West Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS) Algonquin, Ill. (Dundee Crown HS) Papillion, Neb. (Skyline CC/Creighton Prep HS) Lakewood, Colo. (J.K. Mullen HS) St. Louis, Mo. (Jefferson College/St. John Vianney HS) Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn HS) Sherrard, Ill. (Indian Hills CC/Alleman Catholic HS) Plymouth, Minn. (Wayzata HS) Quincy, Ill. (Quincy Notre Dame HS) Omaha, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS) Omaha, Neb. (Westside HS) St. Peters, Mo. (Fort Zumwalt South HS) West Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS) Maracay, Venezuela (Iowa Western CC/Wayne State College) Belleville, Ill. (Belleville West HS) Moline, Ill. (Iowa Western CC/Moline HS) Victoria, B.C. (McLennan CC/Lambrick Park HS) Lincoln, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest HS) Ralston, Neb. (Univ. of Nebraska/Ralston HS) Boise, Idaho (Boise HS) Skokie, Ill. (Loyola Academy HS) Oregon, Ill. (Sauk Valley CC/Oregon HS) Bennington, Neb. (Creighton Prep HS) Papillion, Neb. (Papillion-LaVista South HS) Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic HS) Boulder, Colo. (Boulder HS) Waterloo, Ill. (Waterloo HS) St. Louis, Mo. (Jefferson College/Parkway South HS) Brandon, S.D. (Brandon Valley HS) Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville HS) St. Charles, Mo. (Duchesne HS) Honey Creek, Iowa (Tri-Center HS) Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS) Omaha, Neb. (Skutt Catholic HS)
9 29 16 4
Head Coach: Ed Servais (Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1981) -- Sixth season Assistant Coach/Pitching: Rob Smith (Indiana, 1998) -- Third season Assistant Coach/Hitting: Brent Alwine (IPFW, 2006) -- First season Volunteer Assistant Coach/Hitting: Johnny Sweeney (Saint Louis, 2006) -- First season
Pronunciation Guide Bellino...................................Buh • LEE • no Cafaro ..................................Kuh • FAR • oh Dufek ....................................DEW • feck Hauer ...................................HOW • er Hellhake...............................HELL • ick Koenigstein ........................KOH • nig • stine Lackovic...............................LACK • uh • vick Musec ..................................Mew • SECK Nihsen ..................................NISS • en Perreault ............................PER • row Roemmich..........................REM • ick Ruf .........................................ROUGH Spomer................................SPOH • mer Vitale .....................................VUH • tal • ee Willand.................................WILL • ind
6
Bluejay Baseball
Alphabetical Roster No. 1 8
By Position
Pos.
Yr.
Seniors (5)
Infielders (9)
Canada (1)
Ryan Barban Nick Becker
INF OF
Fr. Jr.
Dan Blair Vicente Cafaro (RS) Jeremy Hauer Zak Moore Darin Ruf
Ryan Barban Vince Bellino Vicente Cafaro Ian Dike Zane Hinkel Darin Ruf Elliot Soto Kurt Spomer* Jimmy Swift
British Columbia.....Carson Vitale
Vince Bellino
INF
Jr.
Dan Blair Joey Bowens Eric Bruns
C C OF
Sr. RFr. Jr.
19
Vicente Cafaro
INF
RSr.
21 43 27
Kirk Clark Austin Cole Alex De La Rosa
RHP RHP OF
Jr. Fr. Fr.
Jeremy Hauer Greg Hellhake
LHP LHP
Sr. RSo.
14 12 2 34
Zane Hinkel Peter Kelly Robbie Knight Brandon Koenigstein
INF OF OF RHP
Fr. Fr. RJr. Fr.
32
Bob Lackovic
RHP
Jr.
26
Bobby Lewis
OF
Fr.
10 38
Zak Moore Nick Musec
RHP RHP
Sr. Fr.
24 35 30 20 18 17 15 5 39 3 7 36 22 31
Mike Nihsen Matt Patterson Josh Perreault Otto Roberts T.J. Roemmich C.J. Rose Darin Ruf Elliot Soto Kurt Spomer Jimmy Swift Scott Thornburg Jack VanLeur Carson Vitale Zach Willand
RHP RHP OF RHP OF/LHP RHP/OF INF INF RHP/INF INF C LHP C RHP
RJr. So. RSo. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. RSo. Fr. RSo. Jr. RFr.
Sophomores (6)
Pitchers (17)
Jonas Dufek Greg Hellhake (RS) Josh Perreault (RS) Elliot Soto Jimmy Swift (RS) Jack VanLeur (RS)
Right-Handed (13)
Freshmen (14) Ryan Barban Joey Bowens (RS) Austin Cole Alex De La Rosa Zane Hinkel Peter Kelly Brandon Koenigstein Bobby Lewis Nick Musec Otto Roberts C.J. Rose Kurt Spomer Scott Thornburg Zach Willand (RS)
Kirk Clark Austin Cole Jonas Dufek Brandon Koenigstein Bob Lackovic Zak Moore Nick Musec Mike Nihsen Matt Patterson Otto Roberts C.J. Rose* Kurt Spomer* Zach Willand
Iowa (3) Honey Creek..............Kurt Spomer West Des Moines .......Jimmy Swift T.J. Roemmich
Minnesota (1) Plymouth ......................... Peter Kelly
Missouri (4) St. Charles ................... Nick Musec St. Louis................. Matt Patterson Nick Becker St. Peters ...........................C.J. Rose
Left-Handed (4) Jeremy Hauer Greg Hellhake T.J. Roemmich* Jack VanLeur
Catchers (5)
* Player listed at multiple positions
South Dakota (1) Brandon .................... Jack VanLeur
Creighton University
Venezuela (1) Maracay ..................Vicente Cafaro
Bluejays in the Majors
Dan Blair Joey Bowens Eric Bruns Scott Thornburg Carson Vitale
Nebraska (12) Bennington ..............Robbie Knight Josh Perreault Elkhorn .............................Zak Moore Lincoln .....................................Ian Dike Omaha ........................... Austin Cole Jonas Dufek Zane Hinkel Bob Lackovic Darin Ruf Papillion....................... Vince Bellino Zach Willand Ralston .........................Mike Nihsen
Record Book
11 13
Illinois (9) Algonquin ...........................Elliot Soto Belleville .......................Otto Roberts Libertyville.................. Joey Bowens Moline .................................Kirk Clark Oregon ..............................Eric Bruns Quincy.........................Greg Hellhake Sherrard ..................Jeremy Hauer Skokie ....................Alex De La Rosa Waterloo ...Brandon Koenigstein
2008 Review
Jr. So.
Nick Becker Alex De La Rosa Peter Kelly Robbie Knight Josh Perreault T.J. Roemmich* C.J. Rose*
2009 Opponents
1B RHP
Outfielders (7)
Idaho (1) Boise ..............................Bobby Lewis
Player Bios
Ian Dike Jonas Dufek
Nick Becker Vince Bellino Eric Bruns Kirk Clark Ian Dike Robbie Knight (RS) Bob Lackovic Mike Nihsen (RS) Matt Patterson T.J. Roemmich Carson Vitale
Coaches Bios
23 41
Juniors (11)
Colorado (3) Arvada..........................Ryan Barban Boulder ................................Dan Blair Lakewood ........... Scott Thornburg
2009 Outlook
6 33 37 28
By State/Country
Roster Info
By Class
Name
Introduction
2009 Creighton Roster Breakdown
Media Info
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#1 • Ryan Barban • INF • Fr. 5’10 • 175 • Arvada, Colo.
#2 • Robbie Knight • OF • RJr. 5’11 • 185 • Bennington, Neb.
#3 • Jimmy Swift • INF • RSo. 6’3 • 200 • West Des Moines, Iowa
#5 • Elliot Soto • INF • So. 5’9 • 158 • Algonquin, Ill.
#6 • Vince Bellino • INF • Jr. 5’9 • 165 • Papillion, Neb.
#7 • Scott Thornburg • C • Fr. 6’2 • 200 • Lakewood, Colo.
#8 • Nick Becker • OF • Jr. 6’1 • 185 • St. Louis, Mo.
#10 • Zak Moore • RHP • Sr. 6’2 • 190 • Elkhorn, Neb.
#11 • Jeremy Hauer • LHP • Sr. 5’10 • 190 • Sherrard, Ill.
#12 • Peter Kelly • OF • Fr. 5’11 • 170 • Plymouth, Minn.
#13 • Greg Hellhake • LHP • RSo. 6’1 • 180 • Quincy, Ill.
#14 • Zane Hinkel • INF • Fr. 6’2 • 180 • Omaha, Neb.
#15 • Darin Ruf • INF • Sr. 6’3 • 220 • Omaha, Neb.
#17 • C.J. Rose • RHP/OF • Fr. 6’2 • 185 • St. Peters, Mo.
#18 • T.J. Roemmich • LHP/OF • Jr. 6’1 • 190 • West Des Moines, Iowa
#19 • Vicente Cafaro • INF • RSr. 5’10 • 175 • Maracay, Venezuela
#20 • Otto Roberts • RHP • Fr. 6’4 • 195 • Belleville, Ill.
#21 • Kirk Clark • RHP • Jr. 6’2 • 202 • Moline, Ill.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
Bluejay Baseball
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Bluejay Baseball Introduction
#24 • Mike Nihsen • RHP • RJr. 6’3 • 205 • Ralston, Neb.
#26 • Bobby Lewis • OF • Fr. 6’2 • 190 • Boise, Idaho
#27 • Alex De La Rosa • OF • Fr. 5’11 • 170 • Skokie, Ill.
#28 • Eric Bruns • C • Jr. 6’0 • 195 • Oregon, Ill.
#30 • Josh Perreault • OF • RSo. 5’9 • 165 • Bennington, Neb.
#31 • Zach Willand • RHP • RFr. 6’2 • 198 • Papillion, Neb.
#32 • Bob Lackovic • RHP • Jr. 6’0 • 190 • Omaha, Neb.
#33 • Dan Blair • C • Sr. 6’1 • 195 • Boulder, Colo.
#34 • Brandon Koenigstein • RHP • Fr. 6’0 • 180 • Waterloo, Ill.
#35 • Matt Patterson • RHP • Jr. 6’1 • 190 • St. Louis, Mo.
#36 • Jack VanLeur • LHP • RSo. 6’3 • 205 • Brandon, S.D.
#37 • Joey Bowens • C • RFr. 5’11 • 175 • Libertyville, Ill.
#38 • Nick Musec • RHP • Fr. 6’3 • 183 • St. Charles, Mo.
#39 • Kurt Spomer • RHP/OF • Fr. 6’2 • 200 • Honey Creek, Iowa
#41 • Jonas Dufek • RHP • So. 6’5 • 210 • Omaha, Neb.
#43 • Austin Cole • RHP • Fr. 6’1 • 180 • Omaha, Neb.
2009 Outlook
#23 • Ian Dike • INF • Jr. 6’4 • 245 • Lincoln, Neb.
Roster Info
#22 • Carson Vitale • C • Jr. 6’1 • 195 • B.C., Canada
Coaches Bios Player Bios 2009 Opponents 2008 Review Record Book Bluejays in the Majors Creighton University Media Info
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Bluejay Baseball
Starting Pitchers
Bullpen
Catchers/Designated Hitter
• The Bluejays return their top three starting pitchers from a year ago. • Jeremy Hauer led all Bluejay starters in wins with eight, going 8-2 with a 3.32 ERA. His 84.0 innings pitched was tops among Creighton rotation members as well. • Zak Moore had a bit of a down year in 2008 after a great 2007 when he was 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA. The team is hoping for him to return from injury in the summer and fall of 2008. • Mike Nihsen led all MVC pitchers with a 2.30 ERA. He tied for the team lead with 14 starts. He also led all Creighton starters holding opponents to a .231 average against him last year. • Jonas Dufek is looking to be the team’s top midweek starter. In 2008 he made just one appearance. • Greg Hellhake is also in the running for the Creighton rotation. He is coming off a solid 2008 season in which he was 3-2 with nine starts, the most of any freshman a year ago.
• Creighton’s bullpen will have a different look this season as the team is looking to replace Pat Venditte who led the team in 2008 in wins (9) and innings (86.1). • Jack VanLeur established himself as the No. 2 option out of the bullpen a year ago, and could be the go-to guy this year. He was second on the team with a 2.35 ERA in 2008. • Bob Lackovic will also compete for the No. 1 spot out of the bullpen. He was third on the team in 2008 with a 2.83 ERA. His high 80’s fastball allowed him to strikeout 20 in 28.2 innings. • Kirk Clark is the leading candidate to be the Bluejay closer this year. He is a junior transfer from Iowa Western Community College. • T.J. Roemmich provides another left-handed arm out of the bullpen. Was 2-1 in 2008, despite battling arm troubles in the second half of the year. • Matt Patterson is looking to make more of a contribution in his second year with the team. He hopes to provide valuable depth in helping to replace the loss of Venditte.
• The catcher position is the biggest question mark heading into 2009. The team loses its top three catchers (Joe Servais, Brett Mieras and Tony Pechek) from a year ago. • Scott Thornburg is a candidate to start behind the plate. He is a freshman from Lakewood, Colo. When not starting behind the plate, he could start at DH against left-handed pitching. • Carson Vitale, a junior transfer from McLennan Community College, will be the main competition for Thornburg. He set a McLennan school record in 2008 for doubles in a season with 20. • Dan Blair is expected to receive extensive playing time behind the plate, after providing depth for three years. • Ian Dike, candidate for the starting DH job. He started four games in 2008 with four RBIs. • Zane Hinkel freshman coming off injuries in the fall. He is another candidate for the DH job. Led all of Nebraska Class A high school players in 2008 with a .547 average.
Media Info
Creighton University
Bluejays in the Majors
Record Book
2008 Review
2009 Opponents
Player Bios
Coaches Bios
2009 Outlook
Roster Info
Introduction
2009 Outlook
Infielders
Outfielders
Schedule
• In order for the Bluejays to have success in 2009, the team will rely greatly on its infield defense, which returns three of four starters from a year ago. • 2009 Preseason All-MVC Darin Ruf is looking to regain the form that made him the 2007 MVC Player of the Year. His power has improved over the summer, and he is expecting an outstanding year in his final year as a Bluejay. • Vicente Cafaro returns as the starter at second base in his second year with the club. In 2008 he was second on the team with a .324 average, and tied for second on the team with two triples. • Another 2009 Preseason All-MVC pick, Elliot Soto will return as the team’s starting shortstop. He tied Cafaro for second on the team with two triples in 2008. • Jimmy Swift, regarded as one of the team’s most improved players in the fall this year. He is replacing Steve Winkelmann as the team’s starting third baseman and can also play shortstop. • Ryan Barban is a freshman from Arvada, Colo., and will be the main backup to the middle infielders.
• Two-thirds of the Bluejay outfield will be comprised of newcomers this season, as 2009 Preseason All-MVC Robbie Knight is the only holdover from a year ago. • Knight will return to his role as captain of the outfield in center this season. He has improved his bat skills in the offseason, while still showing his great jump for the ball in fall practice this year. • Nick Becker, a junior college transfer from Jefferson College, is the leading candidate to start in left field. In 2008 he led Jefferson in batting average (.413), slugging percentage (.703) and on-base percentage (.474). • T.J. Roemmich is a candidate to get the starting nod in right field. He is filling a dual role this season, as he will also be a part of the Bluejay bullpen. A year ago he had three home runs. • Zane Hinkel is a freshman coming off injuries in the fall. He’s a top candidate for the fourth outfielder job along with competing for the starting DH spot. Hinkel led all of Nebraska Class A high school players in 2008 with a .547 batting average.
• The Bluejays have a tough opening month this season. The team opens up with 13 games in 19 days, spanning five different states. • Creighton will play 17 games against NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago. • After playing nine games at Rosenblatt Stadium a year ago, the Bluejays return to the site of the College World Series for 11 games this year. • Creighton will face Big 12 teams six times this season, including three games with in-state rival Nebraska (April 7, 21 and May 12). Two of the three games will be held at Rosenblatt Stadium (April 21 and May 12). • MVC play will open on March 20 in Terre Haute, Ind., as the Bluejays face Indiana State. • The Bluejays will face off against five first-time opponents in 2009. Creighton will be meeting Coastal Carolina, IPFW, Dayton, Stony Brook and UNC-Wilmington for the first time. • A 2007 NCAA Regional rematch will take place on March 7, in Conway, S.C., as the Bluejays meet Albany. Creighton defeated Albany 21-11 in Fayetteville, Ark., on June 2, 2007 in the schools’ only other matchup.
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