Illinois State opens the 2024 campaign this weekend in the 2024 Snowbird Classic against St. Thomas and Saint Louis in Port Charlotte, Florida. All games will be shown on FloSports ($).
Illinois State returns some key leaders to the diamond this season in Honorable Mention All-MVC member, Daniel Pacella, MVC All-Defensive team member, Auggie Rasmussen, as well as seniors Erik Kubiatowicz and Cameron Mabee.
Kubiatowicz and Mabee return after a 2023 season that saw a combined 81.1 innings pitched, 58 strikeouts, 32 appearances (9 starts), and 25 walks for the pair.
The Redbirds open with a game Friday morning against St. Thomas. They'll play a game Saturday against St. Loui and a double-dip on Sunday against both its Friday and Saturday opponents again.
Illinois State was 20-30 overall (9-18 MVC) in 2023 in a season that saw pitchers Elijah Dale and Derek Salata become the newest 'Birds drafted in the MLB Draft.
Daniel Pacella gained national attention as he was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper following a season where he hit .307 with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs.
Illinois State, which finished 9th in the 10-team MVC in 2023, was picked to finish 7th in the 10- team MVC in 2024. Reigning MVC regular season and tournament champion, Indiana State, was picked as the league favorite as the Sycamores received eight of the 10 first-place votes.
