Season of Love and … Baseball!
Eleuria Starfish
February 9, 2023
Valentine’s day is just around the bend, and coincidentally so is the Illinois Central College (ICC) baseball and softball season. For those without a valentine during the season of love, the good news is, there is another noteworthy season to look forward to. ICC baseball and softball season will ensue in the morning and evening of February 17, respectively.
The men’s team will be departing from Illinois on an excursion to play in Mississippi. While in Mississippi the Cougars Baseball team will play against Northwest Mississippi, Baton Rouge, Jones, Pearl River, and Mississippi Gulf Coast, before returning to Illinois to play off in several different cities in early March.
The men’s team consists of 18 freshmen, several of which are relief pitchers, 9 sophomores, and 2 juniors. Last year, the men’s team had an overall record of 20-28 and a win percentage of .417.
The men’s team is looking to have a winning record this season and is excited about upcoming games.
Hunter Cooley, second baseman, started baseball when he was only five. Since the male Cougars kickoff their games in Mississippi, around 650 miles from home, Cooley notes that his favorite aspect of away games is seeing the new towns and cities, as well as the unique fields the team play on. Cooley says this season that he is most excited about the new experiences that college ball brings, and hopefully winning a lot with the guys.
Cooley notes, “It is usually difficult for me to join a new team, but from day one I knew these guys were special, and I love every single one of them. They’re great teammates.”
The softball team will also hit the road in the start of its season. Facing off against several worthy opponents in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The women’s team will initially face off against Bishop State, Coastal Alabama South, East Central, and Northwest Florida State in the Sun Chief Classic. The classic will end on February 14, and the softball team will then venture north to Burlington Iowa on February 24 where they will participate in the Southeastern Iowa Dome Tournament.
ICC’s women’s team consists of 9 returning sophomores and 7 freshman players. Last season, the softball team had an overall record of 33-20 with a winning percentage of .623. The indoor hitting cages at the Cougar Plex have allowed the team to prepare in the colder months to face off against their Alabama foes.
ICC’s baseball and softball teams, with plenty of new freshmen on this year’s rosters, are gearing up to work hard and have fun while showing up in the deep south. The gentlemen cougars will have their first home game Thursday, March 16, at 4 p.m. on ICC’s Thome Field, against the Lakeland Lakers. The lady cougars will have their first home game on March 23, at 3 p.m. against the Danville Jaguars. Don’t miss the chance to show some cougar pride at their next home games!