Second Annual First Pitch Dinner A Huge Success EMU's Jay ...
Eastern Michigan University Baseball Newsletter – Winter 2010/2011
Second Annual First Pitch Dinner A Huge Success
EMU's Jay Alexander Speaks At ABCA National Convention
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Head Baseball Coach Jay Alexander and the Eagles put on, yet another, great First Pitch Dinner, held at the EMU Student Center Ballroom Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011. “Award winning” sports columnist Rob Parker served as the keynote speaker for the event. Parker, a nationally renowned sports columnist, has worked in sports media since 1993, reporting for Channel 4 WDIV in Detroit fresh off a master's degree from Columbia University. He's been a member of the Baseball Writer's Association of America since 1990 and currently makes regular appearances on ESPN's FirstTake. “Members of the EMU baseball family enjoyed dinner and an entertaining message from guest speaker, ESPN Sports Columnist Rob Parker,” Alexander said. Guests in attendance included EMU Baseball Alumni Tom Siefert, Brandon White, Doug Martin, Joe Skaisgar, Sean Harrington, Jeremy Nordquist, Jeff Harris, Bobby Henderson and Todd Hendricks. EMU Alumni Eric Rass again displayed numerous items from EMU Baseball's past and present, including game worn jerseys, bats, trading cards and media guides. The event helped the EMU baseball program fund its spring trips as well as other projects to help enhance the team's performance throughout the season.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Head Baseball Coach Jay Alexander was one of several speakers featured at the 66th Annual American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention held in Nashville, Tenn. Alexander, who was named to the ABCA College Playing Rules Committee last June, spoke for the first time at the convention, giving a presentation entitled, “The Three Elements of a Good Swing.” The third-year head coach of the Eagles spoke on the final day of the event which ran January 6-9. Others who spoke were among the likes of Colorado Rockies Manager Jim Tracy, Head Coach Ray Tanner of the 2010 National Champions South Carolina Gamecocks, Clemson coach Jack Leggett, College Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Ward and current Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price. Alexander was one of more than 30 speakers during the convention which gathered over 4,600 coaches around the country to Nashville's Opryland Hotel. Next year's convention is slated to be held in Anaheim, Calif. January 5-8, 2012.
Eagles’ Season Quickly Approaching…
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University baseball team was picked by the coaches to finish third in the Mid-American Conference West Division in 2011, the conference office announced today, Feb. 8. The Eagles made a valiant run in the 2010 MAC Tournament as they came within a win shy of the championship game as the seventh seed in the doubleelimination bracket. Head Coach Jay Alexander will return seven starting position players and four pitchers to his 2011 squad. Reigning MAC West champs, Central Michigan, earned 69 points to be tabbed as preseason favorites followed by Toledo (60), Eastern Michigan (46), Ball State (37), Northern Illinois (26) and Western Michigan (12). In the East, Kent State was the unanimous choice to ESPN’s Rob Parker poses for a picture with the entire EMU repeat as East Division champions as it garnered the baseball team, including Head Coach Jay Alexander and his full 72 points. The Golden Flashes were followed by assistant coaches. Miami (53), Bowling Green (50), Ohio (35), Akron (24) and Buffalo (16). Kent State was also picked to repeat as tournament 1970 NAIA National Champions ● 1976 NCAA College World Series Runner-Up ● 1975 NCAA Regional Champions MAC Champions: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982, 2003, 2007 MAC West Champions: 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008 MAC Tournament Champions: 1982, 2003, 2008
Eastern Michigan University Baseball Newsletter – Winter 2010/2011 champions, earning five of the 12 first place votes. Central followed with three points followed by Toledo (2), Miami (1) and Eastern Michigan (1). 2011 MAC Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll MAC East Division 1. Kent State - 72 Points 2. Miami - 53 Points 3. Bowling Green - 50 points 4. Ohio - 35 points 5. Akron - 24 points 6. Buffalo - 16 points MAC West Division 1. Central Michigan - 69 points 2. Toledo - 60 points 3. Eastern Michigan - 46 points 4. Ball State - 37 points 5. Northern Illinois - 26 points 6. Western Michigan - 12 points
Coaches’ Corner “I am excited for the start of the season. As we move forward to playing an extremely difficult schedule I know it will prepare us for a grueling MAC season. Please come out and support us on the field as we have 22 home games this season including the inaugural "Oestrike Classic" Tournament. As a result of our worst snow winter in a while it has been impossible to practice outside. “However because of our new indoor facility we have had the opportunity to scrimmage without going outside. By doing this it should help quicken our readiness for series against Clemson University, ranked 4th in the country. As always thank you for your continued support of EMU Baseball.” "With the help of many we can do great things" – Head Coach Jay Alexander
MAC Tournament Champions Kent State (5), Central Michigan (3), Toledo (2), Miami (1), Eastern Michigan (1)
UPCOMING EVENTS Feb. 18, 2011 – Opening Day: EMU hits the road to take on 4th-ranked Clemson to open the 2011 campaign. March 18-20 – Oestrike Classic. Also serving as the home opener, EMU will host a three-day tournament, welcoming Oakland and Alma to Oestrike Stadium. March 25 – Mid-American Conference opener against Buffalo at Oestrike Stadium. First pitch at 3 p.m. Contact EMU Baseball: EMU Baseball Office 200 Bowen Field House Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Head Coach Jay Alexander Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568 Asst. Coach Andrew Maki Office: 734-487-1985 Fax: 734-487-4568 Asst. Coach Aaron Hepner Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568 Director of Baseball Ops. Kevin Wheeler Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568
EMU Baseball Online www.emueagles.com/baseball 1970 NAIA National Champions ● 1976 NCAA College World Series Runner-Up ● 1975 NCAA Regional Champions MAC Champions: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982, 2003, 2007 MAC West Champions: 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008 MAC Tournament Champions: 1982, 2003, 2008
Second Annual First Pitch Dinner A Huge Success
EMU's Jay Alexander Speaks At ABCA National Convention
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Head Baseball Coach Jay Alexander and the Eagles put on, yet another, great First Pitch Dinner, held at the EMU Student Center Ballroom Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011. “Award winning” sports columnist Rob Parker served as the keynote speaker for the event. Parker, a nationally renowned sports columnist, has worked in sports media since 1993, reporting for Channel 4 WDIV in Detroit fresh off a master's degree from Columbia University. He's been a member of the Baseball Writer's Association of America since 1990 and currently makes regular appearances on ESPN's FirstTake. “Members of the EMU baseball family enjoyed dinner and an entertaining message from guest speaker, ESPN Sports Columnist Rob Parker,” Alexander said. Guests in attendance included EMU Baseball Alumni Tom Siefert, Brandon White, Doug Martin, Joe Skaisgar, Sean Harrington, Jeremy Nordquist, Jeff Harris, Bobby Henderson and Todd Hendricks. EMU Alumni Eric Rass again displayed numerous items from EMU Baseball's past and present, including game worn jerseys, bats, trading cards and media guides. The event helped the EMU baseball program fund its spring trips as well as other projects to help enhance the team's performance throughout the season.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Head Baseball Coach Jay Alexander was one of several speakers featured at the 66th Annual American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention held in Nashville, Tenn. Alexander, who was named to the ABCA College Playing Rules Committee last June, spoke for the first time at the convention, giving a presentation entitled, “The Three Elements of a Good Swing.” The third-year head coach of the Eagles spoke on the final day of the event which ran January 6-9. Others who spoke were among the likes of Colorado Rockies Manager Jim Tracy, Head Coach Ray Tanner of the 2010 National Champions South Carolina Gamecocks, Clemson coach Jack Leggett, College Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Ward and current Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price. Alexander was one of more than 30 speakers during the convention which gathered over 4,600 coaches around the country to Nashville's Opryland Hotel. Next year's convention is slated to be held in Anaheim, Calif. January 5-8, 2012.
Eagles’ Season Quickly Approaching…
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University baseball team was picked by the coaches to finish third in the Mid-American Conference West Division in 2011, the conference office announced today, Feb. 8. The Eagles made a valiant run in the 2010 MAC Tournament as they came within a win shy of the championship game as the seventh seed in the doubleelimination bracket. Head Coach Jay Alexander will return seven starting position players and four pitchers to his 2011 squad. Reigning MAC West champs, Central Michigan, earned 69 points to be tabbed as preseason favorites followed by Toledo (60), Eastern Michigan (46), Ball State (37), Northern Illinois (26) and Western Michigan (12). In the East, Kent State was the unanimous choice to ESPN’s Rob Parker poses for a picture with the entire EMU repeat as East Division champions as it garnered the baseball team, including Head Coach Jay Alexander and his full 72 points. The Golden Flashes were followed by assistant coaches. Miami (53), Bowling Green (50), Ohio (35), Akron (24) and Buffalo (16). Kent State was also picked to repeat as tournament 1970 NAIA National Champions ● 1976 NCAA College World Series Runner-Up ● 1975 NCAA Regional Champions MAC Champions: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982, 2003, 2007 MAC West Champions: 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008 MAC Tournament Champions: 1982, 2003, 2008
Eastern Michigan University Baseball Newsletter – Winter 2010/2011 champions, earning five of the 12 first place votes. Central followed with three points followed by Toledo (2), Miami (1) and Eastern Michigan (1). 2011 MAC Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll MAC East Division 1. Kent State - 72 Points 2. Miami - 53 Points 3. Bowling Green - 50 points 4. Ohio - 35 points 5. Akron - 24 points 6. Buffalo - 16 points MAC West Division 1. Central Michigan - 69 points 2. Toledo - 60 points 3. Eastern Michigan - 46 points 4. Ball State - 37 points 5. Northern Illinois - 26 points 6. Western Michigan - 12 points
Coaches’ Corner “I am excited for the start of the season. As we move forward to playing an extremely difficult schedule I know it will prepare us for a grueling MAC season. Please come out and support us on the field as we have 22 home games this season including the inaugural "Oestrike Classic" Tournament. As a result of our worst snow winter in a while it has been impossible to practice outside. “However because of our new indoor facility we have had the opportunity to scrimmage without going outside. By doing this it should help quicken our readiness for series against Clemson University, ranked 4th in the country. As always thank you for your continued support of EMU Baseball.” "With the help of many we can do great things" – Head Coach Jay Alexander
MAC Tournament Champions Kent State (5), Central Michigan (3), Toledo (2), Miami (1), Eastern Michigan (1)
UPCOMING EVENTS Feb. 18, 2011 – Opening Day: EMU hits the road to take on 4th-ranked Clemson to open the 2011 campaign. March 18-20 – Oestrike Classic. Also serving as the home opener, EMU will host a three-day tournament, welcoming Oakland and Alma to Oestrike Stadium. March 25 – Mid-American Conference opener against Buffalo at Oestrike Stadium. First pitch at 3 p.m. Contact EMU Baseball: EMU Baseball Office 200 Bowen Field House Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Head Coach Jay Alexander Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568 Asst. Coach Andrew Maki Office: 734-487-1985 Fax: 734-487-4568 Asst. Coach Aaron Hepner Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568 Director of Baseball Ops. Kevin Wheeler Office: 734-487-0315 Fax: 734-487-4568
EMU Baseball Online www.emueagles.com/baseball 1970 NAIA National Champions ● 1976 NCAA College World Series Runner-Up ● 1975 NCAA Regional Champions MAC Champions: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982, 2003, 2007 MAC West Champions: 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008 MAC Tournament Champions: 1982, 2003, 2008
