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Illinois Baseball: Illini announce awards from 2020 fall ball

By David Carey

A baseball left inside a dugout at the baseball field at Maurer Geering Park on March 16, 2020.Empty Ball Fields
A baseball left inside a dugout at the baseball field at Maurer Geering Park on March 16, 2020.Empty Ball Fields /
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Wrapping up their fall season, Illinois baseball handed out awards to some promising new faces.

The basketball and football seasons may be on the minds of Illini fans, but Illinois baseball has recently wrapped up their fall season and several pitchers have already impressed.

The team handed out awards to several pitchers for their performance on the field during the fall season, offering fans a glimpse of what the spring season will hold. The three awards highlighted the excellent start that these players have had.

The first award handed out was the “Most Outstanding Pitcher Award”, which was given to junior transfer, Andrew Hoffmann. The announcement was made on November 4 on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/IlliniBaseball/status/1324176648758022146

Hoffman is a transfer from John A. Logan College, where he pitched to the tune of a microscopic 2.08 ERA over 26 innings. In those 26 innings, “Hoff” was able to amass an eye-popping 46 strikeouts and only issued seven walks.

There is much excitement around the Plainfield native to make an immediate impact on the rotation. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound pitcher was ranked the No. 14 JUCO prospect by Prep Baseball Report.

If the reports are true, the Illini may have a future MLB Draft pick on their hands. John A. Logan has been a great source of talent for the Illini. Another fall standout, catcher Ryan Hampe, also transferred from the junior college. Hampe put together a very solid Orange & Blue & Grey Series, hitting .500 with three doubles.

Others Receiving Awards

Alex Vera was the recipient of the “Most Outstanding Reliever Award”. Vera is also another highly touted pitcher. Out of high school, Vera was the No. 7 left-handed pitcher in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report and was a top 500 recruit in the nation by Perfect Game.

As a high school senior, Vera amassed 72 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA at Joliet Catholic High School. He looks to be a huge boost for the Illini bullpen for years to come.

The “Fall Ball Adversity-Endurance-Will Award”, was given to Riley Gowens. Gowens was awarded the honor after missing the 2019 season with an injury. He looks to also anchor the pitching staff this upcoming season after being highly-touted coming out of high school.

Gowens was the No. 5 right-handed pitcher in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report and amassed a 2.25 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched during his senior year at Libertyville High School.

Next. Ayo Dosunmu named to preseason All-Big Ten Team. dark

Despite the baseball season being seemingly far away, the Illinois baseball team and staff have much to look forward to out of some fresh faces.  If the fall season is any indication of what the spring will bring, Illinois fans should be very excited about this team. Both fans and players alike will be eager to get the season started after a COVID-shortened 2020 season.

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