Final nonconference tune-up for Warhawks Thursday afternoon vs Marian

The UW-Whitewater baseball team will host Marian University (Fond du Lac) in doubleheader action Thursday afternoon at the newly renovated Purcha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. It will be the Warhawks' final tune-up prior to the WIAC opener April 7th at UW-Platteville.

Game one of the doubleheader will get underway at 1 p.m.

The Warhawks (10-1) opened the home season last Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of Ripon Coollege. The Hawks won the opener 11-1 with Riley Tincher (4-0) going the distance in the run-rule shortened game. Ryan Leavitt and Jeff Donovan paced the offense. Leavitt went 3 for 4 with two home runs and five RBI. Donovan ended the game going 4 for 4 and 3 RBI.

In the nightcap. Jason Hooper, Kyle Lee and Ben Versnik combined to scatter five hits in the Hawks 3-1 win. Rob Coe led the Hawks' offense going 2 for 4 with 4 RBI.

The Sabres (2-8) also enter the game off a Tuesday (3/30) doubleheader vs. Ripon College. Marian won the opener 7-5 before losing the nightcap 14-4 (7 innings.

I'll be blogging live from Thursday's doubleheader (I PROMISE). Among the special features on the blog will be a video entitled: Gameday at the Mills.

Don't forget your sun screen and I'll see you at the Park Thursday afternoon

Reinhard in search of new destination in Major League Baseball

Last week former UW-Whitewater pitcher, Greg Reinhard, received another lesson about the politics of professional sports recently. The 6-2, 225 lb righthanded pitcher was entering his 6th year in professional baseball following a record breaking career at UW-Whitewater culminated by the 2005 NCAA III Baseball National Championship.

Last week the Chicago Cubs player transaction wire read:
Released: RHP Diego Encarnacion, RHP Robert Hernandez, RHP Jeff Kennard, RHP Kevin Kreier, RHP Josh Lansford, RHP Dionis Nunez, RHP Greg Reinhard, RHP Josh Whitlock, RHP Hank Williamson, 1B John Contreras, 2B Dwayne Kemp, 3B Jordan Petraitis, SS Robert Bautista, OF Kevin Soto, OF Sean Williams.

It was just last summer that reports out of Chicago and its Triple-A affiliate in Des Moines (Iowa Cubs) indicated that the talented right hand pitcher was very close to getting the call up to the majors. It never happened.

The reason for a player’s release is seldom identified. One hears rumors but nothing more. In Major League Baseball, a player’s move through the minors is often dictated by contract status and the amount of compensation being paid to the player.

What now for the Marinette, Wisconsin native? Voiceseyeonbaseballblogspot.com has learned that several MLB teams have shown interest in Greg. Don’t look for a team to sign Reinhard until the end of 2010 training camp later this week. Signing with an independent team is also a possibility.

I’ll keep you updated.

- Voice

Varsity Reserve games a learning experience for young Warhawk players

I was feeling a little cranky this afternoon following my diabetic exercise workout at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. I thought I'd drop by UW-Whitewater's baseball facility, sit in the stands, and watch John Vodenlich's team practice.

I got to The Mills and discovered that their was actually a varsity reserve game going on. The young Hawks were taking on UW-Whitewater's club team.

The varsity reserves were handily ahead, 32 to 1, when I arrived. I didn't care. I plunked my butt into one of the stadium seats and simply watched how the Hawk coaching staff approached the one-sided affair.

In my eyes, the coaching staff made sure the youngesters were approaching the game the Warhawk way. Pitch selection, defensive positioning, communication were just some of the areas that were being taught even though the varsity reserve squad was handily ahead in the game.

By the way, the UW-Whitewater club team was also down in Florida last week participating in the NBCA Spring Training Showcase. The Hawk Club team played similar games against varsity reserve teams including: Ohio State, Northwestern, Colorado, Ohio University and Cornell. The Club team posted a 1 & 5 mark in the sunshine state. The win was vs. Colorado. All games were competitive with the winning scores all 10 runs or less.

For the record, the Varsity Reserve's defeated the UWW Club team 41-2 but it didn't matter. sitting in the stands under sunshine and mid-70s temperatures, I left the ball park cranky-free!

The Hawks host Marian University (WI) Thursday afternoon at James B. Miller Stadium. The first game of the doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. Bring you sun screen and I'll see you at the Mills tomorrow!

Hawks ranked No. 6 in American Baseball Coaches Association Top 25

Earlier this week I told you that the UW-Whitewater baseball team was ranked 13th in the D3baseball.com NCAA Division III Top 25 national poll. The American Baseball Coaches Association has the other weekly Division III poll.

The first ABCA poll of 2010 is out. UW-Whitewater is ranked No. 6 in this week's poll. Defending national champion, the University of St. Thomas (Minn), is ranked No. 1 followed by Chapman (Calif.), Trinity (Conn.), Mississippi College, and Wooster (Ohio).

The Warhawks are the only Wisconsin team in the ABCA Top 25. UW-Stevens Point is listed in the Also receiving votes section of the poll.

The next ABCA Poll will be released on April 6th.

Attending UW-Whitewater is much more than just sports for it's student athletes

I was waiting for my car to be serviced Tuesday morning at Ketterhagen Ford-Mercury in Whitewater. I noticed the latest edition of Whitewater Magazine in the waiting area. The feature story in the UW-Whitewater magazine is titled Student Athletes Excel.

Among the student-athletes featured is Jordan Stine. The senior from Merrill is one the main cogs on John Vodenlich's Warhawk baseball team. Stine is back this season after missing all of the 2009 baseball season due to injury.

In the article, Stine talks about learning the "lessons of life" while at school in Whitewater. Stine cut short his winter semester break to coach youth baseball camps on campus to help raise money for Warhawk baseball's spring break trip to Forida in March.

An excellent student, Stine is seeking a sociology degree with a minor in criminal justice.

While some refer to college athletes as "dumb jocks" the truth is anything but. Approximately 700 student-athletes attend UW-Whitewater each year competing in 20 sports. In the article UW-W Athletic Director Paul Plinske explains that men athletes on campus have a solid 2.89 grade point average. The women athletes an even better 3.19 GPA average.

According to Plinske "UW-Whitewater student athletes truly earn what they recieve."

Paricipating in a sport puts an incredible strain on time management. An athletes day is long, from early morning workouts, through classes, team meetings, hours of homework, and trips for games both home and away.

To be successful it is all about time management.

Coach John Vodenlich remembers back when he was attending UW-Whitewater. Vodenlich's mentor and former coach Jim Miller required his student athletes to attend every class, sit up front and be respectful. Vodenlich understands that Mill's rules were a huge lesson in life. The highly successful baseball coach continues to echo the messages of Miller who has the newly renovated UWW baseball stadium in his name.

Back to Stine who says college would have been a totally different experience without baseball.

"It's fun, and I'm thankful that I've been part of UW-Whitewater baseball and the UW-Whitewater athletic tradition," Stine said. "I'm going to miss it. I thing it's bettered me in the long run."

(The preceeding story included excerpts from the Whitewater Magazine article entitled: Student Athletes Excel, written by Anita Clark. The adjacent photo featuring Jordan Stine (left), Ingrid Stensvaag (center), Alyse Karls (right) is courtesy of Gregg Theune)

Mid 70 temps and sun for Thursday afternoon's twin-bill vs Marian at The Mills

Marian University (Fond du Lac) will bring a 2 & 8 record into Thursday's doubleheader against UW-Whitewater at James B. Miller Stadium

The Sabres split a pair of games with Ripon College on Tuesday afternoon in the home opener for Marian in Fond du Lac. Tim Holtz hit a game-winning home run in the ninth inning and Mitchell Gardner pitched eight solid innings to help give the Sabres a 7-5 victory in game one. Ripon won the nightcap 14-4 in seven innings. The games were the first for the Sabres since returning from a spring break week in Arizona.

The first game in Thursday afternoon's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m.

Warhawk fans, think seriously about taking the afternoon off on Thursday. The Weather Channel says the sun will be shining with a temperature in the mid-70s!!!

I look forward to seeing you at The Mills GO HAWKS!!

Hawks up to 13th in this week's D3baseball.com Top 25

UW-Whitewater continues to climb the ladder in the latest D3baseball.com Top 25 Poll.

Off to a 10 & 1 start to the season, the Warhawks jumped four spots this week to No. 13 in the NCAA Division III national baseball poll. Last week the Hawks were ranked No. 18 garnering 181 votes by the panel of 25 coaches nationwide. This week, Whitewater gets 307 votes, just three short of No. 12 Rose-Hulman (Indiana).

Defending NCAA Division III National Champion St. Thomas is a unanimous No. 1 pick garnering all 25 votes for the poll's top spot.

UW-Stevens Point is the only other WIAC team appearing in the weekly D3baseball.com Top 25 Poll. The Pointers (7 & 4) drop four spots in the poll this week to No. 19.

Hawks host Marian University Thursday for Twin-Bill

The UW-Whitewater baseball team awaits Marian University (Fond du Lac) for a non-conference doubleheader Thursday (4/2) at newly renovated Purcha Field at Jim Miller Stadium.

Marian University dropped the final two games of their spring trip to Arizona on Sunday to Gustavus Adolphus College. The Gusties came back and won game one 9-7 and finished the afternoon with a 9-2 victory. Marian is now 1-7 on the season.

The Sabres open the “North” portion of its scheduled Tuesday (3/30) afternoon at Ripon College. The Warhawks are coming off a doubleheader sweep of Ripon (11-1/3-1) last Saturday in Whitewater’s home opener. Jon Vodenlich's squad will take a 10-1 record into Thursday's doubleheader.

First pitch in game-one of Thursday’s doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.

Welcome into the Voice Box

Hello again everybody – Voice here. Tonight I’m debuting a regularly scheduled column titled VOICE BOX

Several times a week I will let my readers know how I feel about a multitude of stories and issues regarding UW-Whitewater and the WIAC baseball.

To comment simply click on the word comments that is located immediately at the end of this column.

Great start for the Warhawk baseball team. Less than a week from the start of the WIAC season, the Hawks 10-1 record is best in the conference. The one thing to remember is the season is really just getting underway. No time to celebrate. The key is to focus one game at a time and I have a feeling it will be a VERY GOOD season for the Warhawks.

Warhawks team batting average is .402 (1st in WIAC)
Warhawks team ERA is .465 (3rd in WIAC)

The Warhawks have played 11 games to date – In 8 of the 11 games the Hawk pitching staff has given up 4 runs or less.

• Riley Tincher leads league with a 4-0 record

• Riley Tincher ranks third in WIAC with a 2.35 ERA
• Jason Hooper ranks eighth in WIAC with a 3.21 ERA

• Riley Tincher is third with 17 SOs (23 innings pitched
• Jason Hooper ranks third with 16 SOs (14 innings pitched)

The Warhawks offense has put up big numbers through its first 11 games…

• Daniel Putnam leads the WIAC with 22 hits, Jeff Donovan is tied for second with 19.
• The Warhawks have the top three players in runs scored: Putnam 22, Donovan 16, and Mike Kenseth 15.
• On the WIAC RBI List: Jeff Donovan is No. 1 with 22, Jordan Stine ranks 3rd with 17. Donovan also leads the WIAC with 4 home runs.
• The Warhawks dominate the Total Bases list with the top three being: Daniel Putnam 37, Jeff Donovan 36, Ben Kuhlmann 30
• Daniel Putnam leads the conference stealing 7 bases in 7 attempts.

Next up for the UW-Whitewater baseball team will be a doubleheader vs. Marian College at James B. Miller Stadium on Thursday afternoon beginning at 12-noon.

I'll have more in the Voice Box tomorrow here on Voiceseyeonbaseballblogspot.com

Man I hate technical problems!!!

I was hoping to get a number of posts published today here on Voiceseyeonbaseballblogspot.com however my day has been spent with Dan, an AT&T repairman, who has been troubleshooting why my DSL is not working. YES I have paid my bill. Someone "up there" sure has a "bone" to pick with me. Check my blog this evening for a couple of tidbits.

-Voice-

Weekend WIAC Baseball Scoreboard (3/25 - 3/28)

Here's your WIAC Baseball Scoreboard (3/25 - 3/28)

Saturday, March 27

UW-La Crosse 5, Concordia-St. Paul (MN) 4 (Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN)
Concordia-St. Paul (MN) 5, UW-La Crosse 2

Washington (MO) 1, UW-Platteville 0 (8 innings) (St. Louis, MO)
UW-Platteville 9, Washington (MO) 3 (St. Louis, MO)
Washington (MO) 10, UW-Platteville 7 (St. Louis, MO)

UW-Superior 4, North Park (IL) 1 (Chicago, IL)
North Park (IL) 3, UW-Superior 2 (Chicago, IL)

UW-Whitewater 11, Ripon 1 (7 innings) (Whitewater)
UW-Whitewater 3, Ripon 1 (Whitewater)

Sunday, March 28

St. Norbert 5, UW-Stevens Point 4 (De Pere)
UW-Stevens Point 8, St. Norbert 1 (De Pere)

North Central (IL) 11, UW-Superior 5 (Naperville, IL)
North Central (IL) 8, UW-Superior 5 (Naperville, IL)

UW-La Crosse vs Augsburg (DH) Tonight at the Metrodome (Minneapolis)

Jeff Donovan back playing Warhawk baseball this spring

During game-two of Saturday afternoon’s home opening doubleheader, I asked Jeff Donovan who was in the on-deck circle if he was going to make it up to Madison Saturday night for the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Banquet.

Both UW-Whitewater football coach Lance Leipold and Jeff Donovan were scheduled to be feted during the event. Leipold as the 2009 Wisconsin College Football Coach of the Year. Donovan the 2009 Wisconsin College Football Player of the Year.

Donovan’s answer was simple and to the point…. “ Heck no - this is baseball season.”

The Wauwatosa East High School basketball team was playing Milwaukee King in a sectional contest at Milwaukee Marquette High School back in the spring of 2006. Jeff Donovan was a starting forward averaging 9.2 points per game his senior season. I was sitting with then UW-Whitewater football coach Bob Berezowitz and Monica Donovan, mother of Tosa East senior starting forward Jeff Donovan. Mind you, I was at a basketball game and I remember saying to Monica that Jeff would look awfully good in a UW-Whitewater uniform.

A generation ago it was not uncommon for a UW-Whitewater, or back then, Whitewater State College to play two sports in college. If a student-athlete plays two sports in the new millennium in college it normally is big news.

Donovan, also a 1st team All-State quarterback received plenty of interest both in football and baseball following his senior seasons at Tosa East..

Donovan had a couple Division 1 offers to play baseball but he really wanted to play two sports in college. Jeff wanted to play baseball and football.

Donovan and his parents visited UW-Whitewater in March of 2006. I was with the Warhawk baseball team on their 2006 spring trip in Arizona. Sitting poolside one afternoon I received a telephone call saying Jeff has decided to play baseball & football.

Donovan showed the difficulty of playing two sports in college. His grades suffered resulting in Jeff missing the 2009 Warhawk baseball season.

Donovan has returned this spring and is off to a solid start playing first base and hitting a robust .475. Jeff will also be called on to do some pitching for John Vodenlich's team in 2010.

Donovan lists his top accomplishments to date at UWW as being the starting quarterback in two NCAA Division III football games (winning the National Championship last December) AND playing in the 2008 Division III College World Series.

Jeff Donovan is one of those players that excels at whatever sport he is playing at the time. For the Warhawk baseball team, Jeff is just a solid player that will help make the Warhawks a strong title contender this spring.

Pitching the name of the game in Warhawks 3-1 win in the nightcap of Saturday's twin-bill sweep

Timely hitting and another solid pitching performance propelled the Warhawk baseball team to 3-1 win in game-two of a home-opening double header at at the newly renovated Purcha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.

As was the case in game-one, Ripon scored a run in the top of the fourth to take a 1-0 advantage on an Adam Grambow RBI single.

The Red Hawks appeared on the way to extending the lead in the top of the sixth however Kyle shut the door on Ripon after coming into the game (in relief of starter Jason Hooper) with runnners at 1st and 3rd and just one out). The sophomore righthander got Aaron Kassner swinging followed by getting Adam Gambow to ground out with the bases loaded.

The Warhawks responded with three in the bottom of the sixth inning. Rightfielder Daniel Putnam led off with a single, followed by an RBI double by Donovan. Centerfielder Jordan Stine was hit by a pitch, and Ben Kuhlmann sacrificed the runners to second and third. Catcher Rob Coe brought in both runners with a single through the left side to conclude the scoring in the game.

(In the adjacent photos - Jeff Donovan(No. 34) awaits Jordan Stine to score on Rob Coe's game-winning two RBI single in the three-run sixth inning. Matt Beyer (No. 17) also waits to greet Stine and Donovan - photo by Tom Pattison)

Three Warhawk hurlers combined to match Tincher's game one effort. JasonHooper went five and a third in his third start of the season. The senior from Lake Mills, gave up the one run on four hits, walking two and striking out six. Lee came into the game getting his team out of a first and third situation with just one out. The former Beaver Dam Golden Beaver went two and two thirds to pick up the win (now 2-0 on the season), yielding just one hit and striking out three. Sophomore righthander Ben Versnik picked up his first save of the season by striking out the side in the ninth inninng.

Whitewater, now 10-1 on the season, will host Marian College April 1 at Prucha Field at Miller Stadium, with the twinbill getting underway at 1:00.

Score by Innings R H E
-------------------------------------------
Ripon College....... 000 100 000 - 1 5 1
UW-Whitewater....... 000 003 00X - 3 6 0
-------------------------------------------

Tincher too much for Ripon in Saturday's home opener

The following is an excerpt from Voice Pattison postgame interview with Saturday’s game-one starting pitcher Riley Tincher. The senior right-handed pitcher from Oregon, Wisconsin is cut in the mold of Aaron Dott). Dott, the Warhawks top pitcher in 2009 is currently in the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization. Dott signed with Tampa Bay after being drafted in the 31 round of MLB’s 2010 draft. The big left-hande pitcher for Class A (Short Season) Hudson Valley (NY).)

Tincher opened the home portion of the 2010 season by going the distance in the Warhawks’ 11-1 (seven inning run rule) victory. The Senior lefthander stymied Ripon, giving up five hits, walking one and striking out. The victory raises Tincher’s season record to 3-0.)

Voice: Congratulations on the win in the home opener.

RT: Thank you – thank you very much.

Voice: You are now 3 & 0 on the season. Talk about your solid start on the mound…

RT: Being a senior Coach Vodenlich really wanted me to be a leader on the staff. He wanted me to throw as many innings as possible. My main goal is to give my team a chance to win each time I go to the mound.

Voice: Were you surprised that you were able to get the complete game (seven inning run rule win) being your first game pitching in cold weather (53 degrees at game time)?

RT: Not really, I was working off four days rest and I felt pretty fresh. I really felt good going into the 6th and 7 innings.

Voice With the win today you are off to a 3 & 0 start and leading the team with 23 innings pitched in five appearances. Your 17 strikeouts, and 2.35 ERA leads the team. You remind me of your former teammate, Aaron Dott. (Dott pitched a team-high 99 2/3 inning last year with a team-high 119 strike outs, posting a 7-5 record).

RT: Thanks, Aaron showed the importance of being a workhorse on the mound. He showed the importance of being able to go to the mound and go deep in a ballgame each start for us.

Voice: You guys are off to an outstanding 8 & 0 start to the season. Do you think you guys are where you want to be with the WIAC season less than two weeks away?

RT: Absolutely – We still have a number of things to work on but now that we are in the season we are pretty much where we want to be.

Riley Tincher
Year of Eligibilty: Senior
Height 6-3
Weight 225 lbs
Major/Minor: Health, Health Performance and Recreation

Hawks roll 11-1 (7 innings) in game-one vs Ripon

Big bats and strong pitching were the recipe for success Saturday in the Warhawks'11-1 win over Ripon College in UW-Whitewater's 2010 home opener.

Senior lefthander Riley Tincher coninued his excellent early-season pitching by giving up just five hits, while walking one and striking out six going the distance for Jon Vodenlich's team. The senior from Oregon, Wisconsin is now 3 & 0 on the season.

Ripon took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning on a Dave McFarland RBI single.

The Hawks responded with five in the bottom of the fourth. Ryan Levitt ripped a two-run home run to get the Hawks on the board. A third run scored on a passed ball, and first baseman Jeff Donovan capped the inning with a two RBI single to make the score UWW 5, Ripon 1.

Whitewater added one in the 6th and erupted for its second five run inning of the day in the seventh. Levitt's three-run home run, his second HR of the day, highlighted the inning for the Hawks.

Despite opening the "North portion" of the schedule in lower 50 degree temperatures, the Hawk bats stayed hot.

Ryan Levitt paced the Warhawks at the plate by going 3 for including 2 home runs and 5 RBI. Jeff Donovan went 4 for 4 and 3 RBI. Jordan Stein and Daniel Putnam each added to hits for the Hawks.

Score by Innings R H E
-----------------------------------------
Ripon College....... 000 100 0 - 1 5 2
UW-Whitewater....... 000 515 X - 11 13 0
-----------------------------------------

Computer techs and garbage bags can't get Voice to get his blog online on Saturday

Vbice here -

Saturday was great for the UW-Whitewater baseball team with its doubleheader sweep of Ripon College. Saturday was "hell on earth" for the Voices Eye on UWW Baseball Blog.

After blogging late Friday night I went to bed excited about debuting "gameday" blogging of the Ripon-UWW doubleheader Saturday morning.

Saturday morning shortly after 10 a.m. I attempted to log-on to my computer via my Sprint Broadband Card. No success.

My computer spent the next two-and-a-half with my good freinds at KC Computer Sales here in Whitewater. Despite jumping through the hoops that computer technitions must do - Ryan and the gang at KC Computer resolved the problem and had me on the way to James B. Miller Stadium by 12:30 p.m. - a half hour after normal Saturday morning business hours.

Got to the ballpark while the dulcit tones of PA announcer Tom Lange was giving the large home opening crowd the starting lineups. It took me an inning to set up my blogging location just behind the backstop just steps away from Mills barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs.

Oops - evening with mostly cloudy skies - the outdoor light was too much for me to be able view my computer screen. What to do??? Hurried home (2 minute drive) to get a couple extra large trash bags. Scurried back to the stadium and tried that out in an effort to be able to view my computer screen. There I was with a trash bag over my head. Lee Munger, UWW's strength and conditioning coordinator, said I looked like an NFL instant replay offical. Head groundskeeper, John Betz, said I defintely looked better with a bag over my head!

To cut to the chase - the bag over the head method of blogging just didn't work.

In an emergency effort - I tried going up to the media level with Mr. Lange along with the sports information crew - there just wasn't enough room. I felt bad about the situation on media row and went back downstairs left late in game one. Sorry for the inconvenience guys!!!

I spent game-two sitting in my portable lawn chair enjoying the game.

I'll work on a better situation and I promise I'll be blogging LIVE at next Saturday's nonconfereance doubleheader vs. Marian College at "the Mills."

Again, a big thanks to KC Computers for getting my computer off the "injured reserve list" in time for yesterday's Warhawk baseball home opener.

I'll have a full blog session of how I viewed the Warhawks doubleheader sweep of Ripon College on Sunday.

Warhawk open home schedule Saturday vs. Ripon College

The UW-Whitewater baseball team is back from its week-long spring break trip to Florida. John Vodenlich's team went 5 & 1 in Florida and will take an 8-1 record into tomorrow's (Saturday's) doubleheader vs. Ripon College at the brand new James B. Miller Stadium.

Ripon will bring a 6 & 4 mark into tomorrow's doubleheader. The Redhawks have played all of its games on its spring break trip in Florida. Ripon has not played since its loss to Augustana (Ill) on March 19th.

The Red Hawks ended the 2009 with an 18-15 record, which was their fewest wins since the 2000 season, while also finishing with an 11-5 mark in the MWC. Ripon has seen plenty of success on the baseball diamond. The Redhawks have won 17 Midwest Conference Championships and average 26ed victories per season over the past decade.

Ripon has been picked to finish third in the 2010 MWC Preseason Coaches Poll. St. Norbert is the preseason pick to win the Midwest Conference Title. Beloit is picked for second, with Ripon third.

The Warhawks and Redhawks are scheduled to get tomorrow's twin bill started at 1 pm.

Voiceeyeonbaseball Blog will be blogging all day live from The Mills.

March 25th WIAC Scoreboard

With opening day of the WIAC season less than a week away a number of teams are winding up preconference spring games.

On Wednesday (3/25) at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis UW-Oshkosh split its fifth consecutive doubleheader under the dome. The Titans won the opener, 2-1, over Bethany Lutheran (Mankato, Minn). The Vikings came back for a 6-2 victory over UWO in the nightcap.

Oshkosh is now 5 & 5 on the season with all ten games (5 DHs) played at the Metrodome. Five of the 10 games have been one-run games with the Titans winning its first one-run game on Thursday (3/25) in its 2-1 victory over Bethany Lutheran.

The Titans have scheduled doubleheaders: (4/2)vs. Lawrence University at Oshkosh for UWO's first outdoor games of the season. The following day, (4/3) the Titans travel to DePere to play two against St. Norbert College.

Meanwhile down in Florida...

UW-Stevens Point won a pair of games wrapping up the Pointers 2010 Florida trip.
In Thursday morning's first game, UWSP defeated Allegheny College (Penn) 2-1). Later in the day, the Pointers beat Lawrence University (Appleton, WI) 7-3 to wrap up the Pointer's 2010 Forida schedule. Point won five of the seven games played in central Florida the past week, including four of its final five games.

UW-Stevens Point will play a pair of nonconference doubleheaders (3/28 at St. Norbert & 4/3 at Ripon College) prior the the Pointers' WIAC opening day doubleheader April 7th at Oshkosh.

St. Scholastica (Minn) looks to be strong again in Division III Midwest Region

The 21st-ranked St. Scholastica baseball team (Duluth, Minn) played its final doubleheader in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for the season this (Thursday) morning and swept Augsburg College 15-2 and 5-3.

The two wins give the Saints an overall record of 13-3, while the Auggies fall to 6-11 overall.

Earlier this month St. Scholastica won eight of nine games in Florida. SSU only loss was a 20-9 defeat at the hands of Rutgers-Camden (8 & 5) out of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Saints and North Port's rival UW-Superior (6 & 3) also played down in Florida. St. Scholastic defeated the Yellow Jackets.

The Saints will open Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play next weekend when they travel to face Northwestern College for a three-game series.

The Saints are coming off a 36-7 season in 2009 and will be looking for their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance this season.

UW-Oshkosh spring training at the Metrodome continues this afternoon

Not all WIAC baseball teams spent spring break in Florida this month.

UW-Oshkosh along with UW-La Crosse have used the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis for it's "spring training" games so far this season.
Oshkosh has split four doubleheaders at the dome over the past three weeks.

The Titans (4-4) are taking on Benthany College (Minn) in doubleheader action this (Thursday) afternoon at the Metrodome.

After its sixth straight one-run affair, the UW-Oshkosh baseball team overcame a 7-0 deficit with a nine-run inning to post a doubleheader split with St. John’s (Minn.) on Wednesday (March 24) night under the Dome.

UW-LaCrosse also will spend the weekend at the Metrodome. The Eagles, off to a 1-3 start to the season, have doubleheaders scheduled vs. Concordia University, St. Paul (Minn.) on Saturday (3/26), vs. Augsburg on Sunday (3/28) and will wind up its Metrodome dates with a doubleheader vs St. Johns (Minn) on Tuesday evening (5/30).

UW-Whitewater has played a number of early spring games in the Metrodome over the past several years. According to Warhawk head coach John Vodenlich, the dome has been referred to as Prucha Field North! Its accessability has been a major boon in the early season, not only for the Warhawks, but most other WIAC teams.

UW-Platteville spent the spring break in North Carolina going 6-0 earlier this month in Fayetteville (North Carolina). The Pioneers only loss so far this season was a 9-4 loss in the season-opener at Greenfield College (Ill) on March 4.

Hawks set for home opener at the new James B. Miller Stadium

The UW-Whitewater baseball team is wrapping up its annual spring break trip to Florida in mid-70's temperatures. The Hawks will open the home portion of the schedule Saturday afternoon with a double-header vs. Ripon College at brand new James B. Miller Stadium.

Naming the stadium for Miller reflects his long-time role in UW-Whitewater’s baseball program and the Intercollegiate Athletic Department. Miller served as head baseball coach for 17 years and retired as coach in 2003 after setting a school-record 416 victories. He has never had a losing season during his coaching career at Whitewater. He remains with the department, beginning his 41st year. He is a three-time Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association College Coach of the Year and a three-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

Miller led the Warhawks to seven NCAA Division III play-off appearances, in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2001 and 2003. He also captured three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships in 2000, 2001, and 2003, and made four National Collegiate Athletic Association regional appearances in 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1996. Miller coached one Position Player of the Year and two Pitchers of the Year since the WIAC established the awards in 1997. In his 17 seasons at Whitewater, Miller also reached 12 All-Americans.

He was inducted into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

“When you start out as a coach you’re not looking for these honors… you just want to win the next game,” Miller said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to stay at UW-Whitewater and build up a strong resume. It’s very flattering to think that in 50 years from now my name will be on something. It’s just unbelievable.”

“‘Mills’ has invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears into Warhawk baseball and personally I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this naming opportunity than he,” Intercollegiate Athletics Director Paul Plinske said. “He and his wife, Carol, have given of their personal resources in ways that have significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience.”

Prucha Field has long been one of the finest baseball fields in Wisconsin. The renovations have made the facility much more than just a baseball field - it is now a stadium.

Workers are now just finishing up with phase-one of a $900,000 facility expansion project. The just completed upgrades include an upgraded sound system, new warning track, new masonry backstop with suspended netting, extensions to the dugouts, new bullpens, underground irrigation in the outfield and an indoor shower and bathroom. The infield features synthetic turf.

Lights have also been added to the Mills Stadium baseball facility. Funding for the lights are courtesy of a $200,000 donation from 2006 UW-Whitewater graduate, Eric Baldwin. Baldwin, a team captain as member of the 2005 NCAA Division III national championship team is currently an emerging star of professional poker. The Beaver Dam native had a monster year in 2009, putting his psychology major and math minor to use while winning more than $1.5 million in tournament play. He picked up a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet by winning a No-Limit Texas Hold'em event and was named player of the year by "Card Player" magazine.

Thanks for following Warhawk Baseball here on Voiceseyeonbaseballblogspot.com

Good evening everybody - Voice Pattison here thanking all of you that have found your way to Voices Eye On Baseball Blog. In just four days nearly 2000 of you have logged on since the Blog's debut last Sunday. If you like the blog I ask that you please spread the word to anyone you may know in Warhawk Nation.

What I want for my blog readers is to look at certain aspects of UW-Whitewater and WIAC baseball beyond the box scores and statistics.

Each story includes a spot at the bottom of each story where you can comment on the story (IE posted by Voice 5:36 pm commments 0. Simply click where it says comments 0 and let us know your opinion)

I know many Warhawk baseball fans are unable to attend many weekday games. I just want to let you know that I'll be at virtually at all Warhawk games, home and away this season. I'll be blogging all game long including the addition of photos and even some video clips. I can't wait!

I hope this project will bring Warhawk baseball just a little closer for you. I love the game and just want to make a difference this spring!

I spent an hour at the brand, spanking new Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium. I'll be posting my thoughts about the new baseball facility Thursday morning.

WIAC Baseball Standings (Through 6 p.m. March 24)

UW-Whitewater: 8 wins 1 loss

UW-Platteville: 5 wins 1 loss

UW-Superior 6 wins 3 losses

UW-Stevens Point 4 wins 3 losses (games 3/25 & 3/26 to round out Florida trip)

UW-Oshkosh 3 wins 3 losses (All games played to date in Metrodome- with
doubleheaders tonight at Dome vs St. Johns (MN) and 3/25 vs
Bethany Lutheran (MN)

UW-Stout 3 wins 6 losses

UW-La Crosse 1 win 3 losses (No Florida Trip - doubleheaders set for Friday,
Saturday & Monday at the Metrodome)

The following are the home openers for WIAC teams beginning this weekend:

Saturday March 27th
Ripon College @ Whitewater (DH)

Thursday April 1st
Loras College @ UW-Platteville

Friday, April 2nd
Lawrence University @ UW-Oshkosh

Saturday, April 3rd
Finlandia (MI) @ UW-Stout

Monday, April 5th
Gustavus Adolphus (MN) @ UW-La Crosse

WIAC Opening Day Games - Wednesday, April 7th

UW-Whitewater @ UW-Platteville (DH-9 inning games)

UW-Stevens Point @ UW-Oshkosh (DH-9 inning games)

UW-La Crosse @ UW-Stout (DH-9 inning games

W & J gets Putnamized Wednesday in the Hawks 12-4 win

Spring baseball in Florida is usually full of surprises. The schedule indicated that the UW-Whitewater baseball team was to play Bowdoin College (Maine) Wednesday morning. SURPRISE! The Hawks actually played Washington and Jefferson College (Penn) on Wednesday for the second time in three days.

The two teams played a high scoring game Monday with the Warhawks scoring six runs in the final two innings for a 12-8 victory.

The Hawks again pounded the ball around Myrtle Lake Park led by right fielder Dan Putnam (Pictured). The junior from Ashland (WI) finished the game a single shy of hitting for the cycle in a 12-4 Warhawk win over the Presidents.

Putnam tripled in the first inning, homered in the fourth, doubled in the sixth and scored three runs while driving in four.

Putnam's homer put the game out of reach in the bottom of the fourth inning, while the Warhawks tacked on three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure the eight-run triumph.

Mike Kenseth was the only other Warhawk with a multi-hit game. The senior shortstop pounded out two hits to go along with two runs scored and one RBI.

Jordan Stine recorded three RBIs in the game; one on a sacrifice fly in the fourth and two off of a double in the sixth. Stine has had four multiple RBI games this season.

Starting pitcher Aaron Leitner picked up his second victory in three decisions so far this spring. The sophomore from Chilton scattered nine hits while striking out four and walking none in 4.2 innings pitched.

The Hawks received an outstanding effort from the bullpen with Kyle Lee (3.0), Logan Peot (0.1) and Jason Hooper (0.2) giving up no runs, four hits while striking out four W & J batters over the final 4.1 innings.

The one negative aspect to the game was sloppy play in the field for both teams. W&J finished with five errors, Whitewater with four. The Warhawks scored twelve runs on just ten hits and five Warhawks reached base after being hit by a pitch.

The Warhawks are now 8 & 1 on the season. They are scheduled to open the home portion of the schedule Saturday afternoon by host Ripon College in a twin bill beginning a 1 p.m. It will be the first game played at the sparkling new James B. Miller Stadium at Prucha Field.

Who's hot for the Warhawks so far in 2010

The Warhawks enter Wednesday morning’s spring trip game vs. Bowoin College (Maine) boasting a solid .432 team batting average.

Fred Gromalak leads those with at least five at bats so far this season with a .727 batting average (8 for 11). Ryan Leavitt ranks second with a .500 (4 for 8) early season batting average. Others batting over .400 through eight games include: Matt Beyer (.483), Rob Coe (.474), Ben Kuhlmann (.471), Jeff Donovan (.451), Daniel Putnam (.432) and Tim Conroy (.400).

Putnam and Kuhlman lead the Hawks with 16 hits each. Jeff Donovan tops the team with 17 RBI. Kuhlman is second with 14, Matt Beyer and Jordan Stine are tied with 13 RBI apiece.

Jeff Donovan, back following a season off, leads the team with 4 home runs. Beyer, Kuhlman and Gromalak rank second with 2 home runs apiece.

Daniel Putnam leads the Warhawks with seven stolen bases through eight games.

The UW-Whitewater pitching staff has a 5.91 ERA entering game nine of the season today.

Riley Tincher leads the Hawks with 16.0 innings pitched. Kyle Lee has pitched 10 innings followed by Aaron Leitner’s 10 and Brian Hooper’s 8 innings.

Tincher (2 starts) also leads pitchers with at least 5 innings pitched with a .2.81 ERA and opponents batting average of just .200.

Jason Hooper (2 starts) is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA.

Kyle Lee has pitched in three games (all in relief) and has posted a 5.73 ERA.

Aaron Leitner has pitched 10 innings to date and has posted a 5.4 ERA.

Blog suffered a attack of a malicious third party gadget! this morning - situation has been resolved

Hi, Voice here...
Logging onto Voices Eye on Warhawk Baseball earlier today was virtually impossible to what I have been told was an attack of a malicious third party gadget! The situation occurred as the result of my adding a TMZ link onto my blog on Monday. It took my nearly four hours this morning to rectify the issue (ie: removing the attachment from this blog).

I have been told by my good friends Blogger that this incident WAS NOT a virus and was corrected early this afternoon.

I apologize for the inconvenience! GO Warhawks!!


-Voice-

Warhawks up 3 spots in this week's D3baseball.com Top 25

UW-Whitewater and UW-Stevens Point are the lone WIAC teams showing up in this week's D3baseball.com Top 25 national poll.

The Warhawks, off to a WIAC best 7 & 1 mark, jumped three spots to No. 18 in the poll released on March 21. Whitewater has the day off today after defeating Washingto & Jefferson (Penn) 12-8 on Monday in Winterhaven, Florida. The Hawks are scheduled to play Bowdoin College (Maine) on Wednesday.

Stevens Point is ranked 15th for the second consecutive week. The Pointers opened its 2010 Florida trip Monday by spitting a doubleheader against Trinity College (Conn). The Pointers play Washington & Jefferson in doubleheader action today (Tuesday).

The Warhawks return home later this week and are scheduled to play a doubleheader vs. Ripon College on Saturday (3/27) in Whitewater’s home opener at sparkling new James Miller Stadium’s Prucha Field.

Hawks come from behind for 12-8 win over Washington and Jefferson

The UW-Whitewater baseball team continued to bang the ball around the park Monday, coming from behind for a late inning non-conference win in Winter Haven, Florida

Trailing 7 – 6 after seven innings, the Warhawks exploded for three runs in the 8th and three in the 9th for a 12-8 win over Washington & Jefferson (Penn). With the victory, the Hawks improve to 7 & 1 on the season.

Senior first baseman Jeff Donovan (pictured) continued his solid spring by going 3-for-4 at the plate with one run scored and four RBIs. Sophomore left fielder Matt Beyer finished the game 2-for-4 from the plate, including a homerun, with three RBI along with three runs scored. Ben Kuhlmann also had a big day at the plate. The Hawks’ second baseman drove in three runs while going 2-for-5 from the plate.

Six Warhawks tallied two or more hits in the game that featured 15 hits for UW-Whitewater and 10 by Washington and Jefferson.

Andrew Bauer pitched the final two innings for the 'Hawks and earned the win. Bauer surrendered two hits and one run while walking two and striking out three and is now 1-0 this season. Ben Versnick got the start on the mound for Whitewater, giving up four runs and five hits in just one inning of work. Riley Tincher pitched a solid six innings giving up just three runs before giving way to Bauer in the 8th inning.

The Warhawks have Tuesday off before taking on Bowdoin College (Maine) on Wednesday in Winterhaven, Florida.

The Warhawks are scheduled to return home Friday. Weather permitting, the Hawks will take on Ripon College on Saturday in the first game to be played at Jim Miller Stadium. First pitch Saturday is set for 1 p.m.

Eric Baldwin allows lights to be turned on at "Mills" Stadium

It has been well-chronicled over recent weeks about former UW-Whitewater baseball player, Eric Baldwin, donating $200,000 to the Warhawk baseball program.

I just read a story on the Babes Love Baseball Blog.

How does the 2006 UW-Whitewater graduate afford to donate "2 large" back to his school? As most of you already know, Eric is an accomplished professional poker player. In 2009, the former Warhawk baseball team captain earned a not to shabby $1.5 million!

Success on the pro poker circuit isn't a huge surprise to me. He was already an "up and comer" at "Texas Hold-Em" while still in school in Whitewater.

Now having his UW-Whitewater psychology degree and success on the professional poker scene, Eric is just another example great success for a UW-Whitewater graduate.

Thanks Eric!!

To read the entire Eric Baldwin article on the Babes Love Baseball Blog. click the following:
http://www.babeslovebaseball.com/2010/01/poker-pro-donates-200000-to-baseball.html

Why the Metrodome and not Miller Park?

There was once an old adage that WIAC teams might schedule early season non-conference games in late March or early April but the odds are that the games will seldom be played on the scheduled date. The reason? Simple - the weather.

Over the past three years, a number of WIAC schools have been able to play those early season games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.

This season, 15 of the first 16 games were played at the Metrodome.

With the exception of UW-Platteville, the rest of the WIAC scheduled games at the Metrodome this season.

I don't know the answer but why are no state college baseball games scheduled at Miller Park (adjacent photo) in Milwaukee? I don't no what the field conditions are this time of year at the retractable-roofed stadium.

It would be great if some of the WIAC schools in this part of the state could rent Miller Park instead of making the nearly six hour trip to Minneapolis (for some schools several times a season).

I'm not ranting - just wondering. I'll do my homework and check back with you later this week.

-Voice-

Superior the surprise WIAC team so far

The Warhawks are off to a solid 5-1 record now midway through its 2010 Florida trip

UW-Superior is the surprise team of the season to date with a 7 & 2 record. The Yellowjackets opened the season by splitting a pair of games against Macalester (Minn) at the Metrodome. Superior just completed its Florida trip with a 5 and 2 mark in Vero Beach, Florida. One of the losses was to crosstown rival St. Scholastica (Minn).

UW-Platteville has ended its spring trip with a 5 & 1 record. The Pioneers opened the season with a 9-4 loss at Greenville College prior to five straight wins in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

UW-Stevens Point is the conference favorite according to WIAC sports information directors. The Pointers are in Auburndale, Florida for seven spring games this week. The Pointers opened the season on March 9th at the Metrodome in Minneapolis by splitting a doubleheader with St. Olaf College (Minnesota)

UW-Oshkosh’s “spring trip” has been six nonconference games at the Metrodome. The Titans are 3 & 3 after opening the season with a doubleheader sweep of Augsburg (Minn), splitting a twin bill with Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.), while losing two to Edgewood College. Oshkosh has a pair of doubleheaders scheduled at the Metrodome this week (vs St. Johns 3/24 and Bethany Lutheran 3/25)

UW-La Crosse is also playing its “Spring games” in the Metrodome. The Eagles have lost three of its first four games this season. UW-L has doubleheaders scheduled with Concordia (Minn), Augsburg (Minn) and St. Johns (Minn) later this week

UW-Stout opened its Florida trip Sunday with a 7-6 loss to Augustana, IL in Winter Haven, Florida. The Blue Devils, who opened the season by splitting a doubleheader against Minnesota-Crookston back on March 4th at the Metrodome.

Teams will open there outdoor schedules back in Wisconsin beginning at March 27th when the Warhawks host Ripon College in the first official game on Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.

On an off-day Warhawks should check out Chain of Lakes cruise out of nearby Mount Dora, Florida

The Warhawks spring games are all located in Florida's lake country West of Orlando.

I made four trips to the Orlando area back in 2007, visting my sister who was battling breast cancer at the time. One of the final outings we were able to make prior to Sue's (pictured) death was an evening on Central Florida's world famous Harris Chain of Lakes which is about 30 minutes due north of the Clermont, Winter Garden area where Whitewater is playing its spring games this spring.

Captain Doolittle's Eco-Tours from Mount Dora is a wonderful way to experience the
flora and fauna of Lake County’s world famous Harris Chain of Lakes. The boat tours seek out eagles, ospreys, many other birds, ’gators, otters, raccoons, even bob cats and more ~ a truly Great Family or Team Outing for All Seasons, including Fabulous Sunset Tours.

A number of movies have filmed on location in the area.

If you are down in Florida watching the Warhawks this week, you might want to check into the Mount Dora boat tour.

For reservations (suggested) call 352) 434-8040

Warhawks power past Salem State 17-9

My computer is just back from getting a new hard drive following its crash 10 days ago. I’ll attempt to get everybody updated on the Warhawks’ 5 & 1 start to the season.

UW-W rebounded from Saturday’s 17-9 loss to SUNY-Cortland (NY) by routing Salem State (Maine) 27-12 Sunday in Clermont, Florida. It was game-three of the Warhawks 2010 spring trip to Florida.

John Vodenlich’s squad brought out the “heavy lumber - or in this case aluminum," by blasting seven home runs in the game. Jeff Donovan, Fred Gromalak (Pictured), and Ben Kuhlmann each belted two home runs while Jordan Stine added one in a early season rout of Salem State.

Gromalak (Freshman - Kettle Moraine), making his first collegiate start at catcher, finished 5 of 6 at the plate with the two home runs, 5 RBIs, 3 runs scored ad 2 stolen bases.

Kris Lee, one of several Hawk pitchers, picked up his second win of the season.

The Warhawks will remain in Clermont until March 26 and are off on Monday and Tuesday but return to action on Wednesday for a game against Bowdoin College.

Coming up Monday here on Voice's Sye on Warhawk Baseball Blog I'll take a look at the Warhawks' solid start to the season and some of the reasons why.

Welcome to Tom Pattison's Voice's Eye On UWW Baseball Blog

Hello again everybody, my name is Tom Pattison, and I've been broadcasting UW-Whitewater football, basketball and baseball on the radio for the past 24 years.

I have just completed chronicling Warhawk fotball's 2009 national championship season on my http://www.warhawkfootball.com Website along blogging during Warhawk men's and women's basketball teams during te NCAA Division III Tournament.

Despite suffering a stroke three years ago, my passion runs deep for "painting a picture" for UW-Whitewater sports fans and I hope this blog will add some additional interest and excitement for Warhawk baseball fans this spring.

If you enjoy reading the Voice's Eye On UWW Baseball Blog please recommend it to other Warhawk baseball fans. I will also welcome questions from Voice's Blog readers involving Warhawk baseball and the 2010 season. If you have a question or comment, please email me at tpattis@core.com

It is going to be a VERY exciting season for John Vodenlich's 2010 UW-Whitewater baseball team. Make sure you are a "regular" at Warhawk home games this spring at James B. Miller Stadium's fully renovated Prucha Field.

Good luck as the Warhawks set sail on another championship season.

More to come

- Voice -