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the

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2015 VOLUME 119 ISSUE 75

2015

Baseball

& Softball Guide

Keep believing Softball has unfinished in baseball Baseball at Wichita State is a proud program with an illustrious history. In case you forgot: WSU has 55 All-Americans, one national championship, seven College World Series appearances, two NCAA Super Regional appearances, 20 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles, and 17 MVC tournament titles. Find those numbers anywhere else in the Valley? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. You won’t. The baseball team here is something worth being proud of. However, things have since changed. The team is 4-10 (3-5 home, 1-5 away), and is the fifth best batting team in the conference — and the second worse in field percentage. With no conference games played at this point, the Shockers’ record has them as the second worst team in the Valley in front of Southern Illinois. That is unacceptable. That’s not WSU baseball. And the players know it. “It comes down to us as the players,” junior outfielder Daniel Kihle said.

Illustration by Tarun Bali

business in MVC

“Our coaches have done their jobs. They’ve brought in the players. We have a great recruiting class, one of the best we’ve had in school Last year, Wichita State won its history.” first Missouri Valley Conference Kihle said he believes everychampionship in softball. Don’t be thing will ultimately come down surprised if — when — it happens to how the players respond again. because the coaches have put in I’m calling it now. the time, brought in the players COLUMNS BY After finishing last season with and provided the resources. RAHIM THOMPSON the most wins in conference play “The coaches got us prepared,” (21-6), the Shockers fell short of Kihle said. “It’s about us going expectation, finishing tied for third in the out there and doing what they taught MVC tournament. us to do. We’re not doing the things we That won’t happen this year. wanted or thought we would do, but it’s Here’s why: the Shockers brought back baseball. 14 letter winners and seven starters after “There are a lot of games left. We are only losing one. The team will have six putting in the hours and are doing newcomers, too. Of the 14 letter-winners more to get us prepared.” are two NFCA All-Midwest Region players Some of the newer things Kihle said in Cacy Williams (First Team) and the team is doing to get prepared is Brittany Fortner (Second Team); three practicing in-game situations so when All-MVC first team selections in Fortner, the time comes in the game, it’ll be Melanie Jaegers and Williams, who were almost second nature. also voted Newcomer of the Year and That’s a start. Player of the Year; and one All-MVC See BELIEVE on page 2 second team selection in Paige Luellen.

Talk about star power. This team is loaded with young talent. Last year, the Shockers led the MVC in batting with a .314 percentage. Williams lead the MVC individually in batting average (.424). Williams led in hits (72) and runs scored (57), too. Williams was second in RBI’s (47) only to her teammate Luellen who had 48. Williams led in home runs and total bases. I won’t go down her entire stat line. She was voted Player of the Year for a reason. Nonetheless, the Shockers will repeat in the regular season and carry that momentum — along with the feeling of tying for third in last year’s tournament — to the tournament this year. And they will win it. No other team in the conference brings back such firepower and yet still has the feeling of unfinished business to motivate them. You won’t see it in any other team this year. See MVC on page 2

Baseball & Softball Guide

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MARCH 11, 2015

Wichita State needs to reconsider, appeal the NCAA

Numerous things occurred this offseason with Wichita State’s baseball team. COLUMN BY Of course, JAMES KELLERMAN they brought in some great recruits, thanks to second-year head coach Todd Butler. The worst news in the offseason was that Casey Gillaspie decided to leave school early to play pro ball. That was the worst news until the NCAA handed out its rulings against the program. For a rough timeline of events, Butler found that players were using a 50 percent Under Armour discount provided by a former assistant to purchase shoes, clothing, hunting gear and other non-athletic items for roughly $7,000. He reported it to the university, which then reported the findings to the NCAA. The NCAA’s investigation took a while, but they found the current coaching staff was not at fault, and former head coach Gene Stephenson and the former assistant were at fault. Then, the NCAA slapped WSU with a one-year probation, a $5,000 fine and an order to vacate all wins in which the players participated while ineligible. Immediately after the rulings, university President John Bardo said the university would appeal the vacation of wins. But then Stephenson said he received a letter from someone at the NCAA saying his wins would not be vacated from his record. Following that, Bardo came back on Feb. 17 and made a

statement that the university wouldn’t appeal the vacation of wins because, “After a careful review of the issues associated with an appeal of the NCAA Committee on Infractions’ decision in our recently completed baseball case, I have decided that it is not in the best interest of the university to proceed with such an appeal. This is not a decision that was made lightly or without proper counsel.” He went on to say the standards for such an appeal are specific. This also means that Stephenson’s wins will be vacated, dropping him from being the second-winningest coach in NCAA history. I don’t think anyone could possibly believe not appealing was the right move. What’s the worst that could happen from an appeal? Appeal the decision and the NCAA says “no” and to vacate the wins? I’ve had homework due for a class before, and I’ve emailed the teacher the night before it’s due asking for more time. What’s the worst thing I received back from a teacher? “No. It’s due tomorrow.” So, I did the homework and turned it in the next day. The craziest thing is that I think WSU would win the appeal. If the NCAA is vacating the wins, how was it not out of bounds by the NCAA to also suspend some of the players for the first three to nine games last season? I just don’t get how the NCAA isn’t abusing its power. The NCAA has had two years

File photo by Manny De Los Santos

University President John Bardo gives a speech during the grand opening of Shocker Hall in August.

worth of wins vacated, suspended players for three to nine games last season and ordered the players to pay back the other 50 percent (which they’ve done, for the most part), and the NCAA is somehow not abusing its power? Hopefully, the university will take its time and find some kind of loophole or something,

because this needs to be appealed. The NCAA always finds a way to do more than they should. If these infractions were never brought to light, I think WSU could’ve just swept it under the rug and acted like it never happened. But, WSU did the right thing, admitted its fault and

now gets this penalty. Two years of WSU baseball no longer exist now, and that doesn’t make a single ounce of sense. It’s baseball season, though, and I guess no appeal means everything is behind us. So, I’ll just head over to Eck Stadium, watch a game and take in the sights and sounds.

File photo by Manny De Los Santos

An exciting home run celebration; you can expect much more in 2015.

File photo by Manny De Los Santos

The Shocker baseball team is looking to have a successful season.

BELIEVE

from page 1

But to be totally honest, we can’t place the blame 100 percent on one person. The Shockers — as all historically great teams — play a tough schedule where they travel and play teams in Texas and on the west coast. Nevermind the recent NCAA drama with the sanctions on clothing and illegal discounts. We’re past it. Could the suspensions and negative press play a hand in distracting the team? Sure. But great teams don’t make excuses. They deal with the results and fix them. This team hasn’t given us

any excuse and clearly they are putting pieces in place, so let’s continue to support our team and celebrate when they turn it around. Historically, great teams always do.

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MVC

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As it stands right now, the Shockers are first in the conference (no surprise) with a 14-9 record. Drake and Missouri State are tied for second with a 9-10 record. The two next best teams in the conference are under .500.

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Now do you see why I feel so strongly about the odds of the Shockers winning the title outright this year? Unless some unforeseeable otherworldly miracle happens for

every other team in the conference, I don’t see how things will change. This title is there’s to lose. If it’s not clear now, it certainly will be a month from now. You can bet on it.

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Baseball & Softball Guide

MARCH 11, 2015

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THE KEY PLAYERS

B a s e b a l l Softball

#21 Cacy Williams

Photo by Kevin Brown

Williams is a redshirt junior from Platte City, Mo. After starting 56 games as a freshman at Emporia State, she transferred to Wichita State and made an instant impact. As a sophomore, she was named the 2014 MVC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. It’s the first time the same player won both awards in the same season. Williams looks to lead the Shockers this season as she’s been named to the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List.

#18 Brittany Fortner

Photo by Kevin Brown

Fortner, a left-handed junior outfielder for the Shockers, was twice named MVC Player of the Week last season and named to the 2014 MVC All-First Team. She was also a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I All-Midwest Region Second Team a year ago. She was second on the team in hitting percentage and home runs, third in runs scored and slugging percentage, and fourth in RBIs. She was named to the preseason First Team All-MVC.

#20 Melanie Jaegers

#10 Mackenzie Wright

Jaegers is heading into her senior year after being named to the All-MVC First Team and All-MVC Scholar Athlete First Team. The Mesquite, Texas, native started all 55 games last season and led the team in sacrifice hits (14) and stolen bases (14). Jaegers was named to the preseason First Team All-MVC along with teammates Cacy Williams and Brittany Fortner.

A freshman utility player from Midwest City, Okla., Wright attended Carl Albert High School where she won a high school state championship. So far this season, Wright has started 22 games and has 13 hits and 16 runs. She’s seventh on the team in batting average.

— Compiled by Rahim Thompson

#25 Isaac Anderson Anderson is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher from Boise, Idaho. Majoring in communication, Anderson is a transfer student from the College of Southern Idaho, where he excelled. In 2013, Anderson played his freshman season at College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho. Anderson went 3-0 with two saves and a 0.82 ERA. He pitched 22 innings and gave up only 11 hits with 21 strikeouts. At the end of the year, Anderson was drafted in the 34th round by the Kansas City Royals. Statistically Anderson finished the year in great standing. Anderson hit .295 with 29 runs, 57 hits, seven

doubles, three triples, four home runs, 39 RBI and 16 stolen bases on top of being named to the Region 18 All-Region First Team. Anderson spent one more year at College of Southern Idaho before transferring to Wichita State. At the end of another impressive season, Anderson was again drafted, but this time in the 19th round by the Cincinnati Reds. Anderson made 13 appearances with 11 starts through the season, and went 4-5 with a 3.90 ERA and three complete games. Anderson also pitched 60 innings with 28 walks and 49 strikeouts, and hit .282 with 16 runs, 24 hits, eight doubles, one triple, eight RBI and two stolen bases.

#18 Daniel Kihle Kihle is a junior outfielder from Goddard, Kan. Kihle played high school ball at Andale before coming to Wichita State. Kihle made a great transition to college baseball in both his freshman and sophomore seasons at WSU. In his first year, Kihle played in 35 games with 11 starts, five in right field, four in centerfield and two as the designated hitter. For the season, Kihle hit .191 with seven runs, nine hits, one double, one home run, six RBI and two stolen bases and had two multiple-hit games and one multiple-RBI game. Kihle was successful in academ-

ics, too. He was named to the AD’s honor roll for fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters. In Kihle’s sophomore year, he played in 40 games with 39 starts, 23 in left field, 15 in centerfield and one as the designated hitter. He hit .313 with 21 runs, 50 hits, 12 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 22 RBI and 10 stolen bases, and had a season-long eight-game hitting streak. Also, he had 13 multiple-hit games and six multiple-RBI games and was awarded for his sensational play by being named second team All-Valley and named Valley Player of the Week last April.

#4 Jordan Farris Farris is a second basemen from Ventura, Calif. Farris is a junior at Wichita State, but before attending WSU, Farris attended Arkansas, Oxnard Community College and Saint Bonaventure High School. In 2013, Farris attended the University of Arkansas where he played in 35 games with 26 starts. Farris hit .222 with 14 runs, 22 hits, six doubles, three

home runs, 20 RBI and three stolen bases. In 2014, Farris played his sophomore season at Oxnard Community College in Oxnard, Calif. He was a member of the team that won league championship and he played in 40 games and hit .257 with 24 runs, 39 hits, six doubles, two triples, two home runs, 18 RBI and three stolen bases.

#1 Tanner Dearman Dearman is an infielder and outfielder from Anadarko, Okla. Dearman attended Anadarko High School where he lettered four years in baseball and four in football. In baseball, Dearman was named All-State and the Western Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association Player of the Year in 2012. As a junior, Dearman hit .489 with 66 runs, 28 RBI and 25 stolen bases. As a senior, he hit .435 with 46 runs, 29 RBI and 35 stolen bases. Dearman finished an impressive high school campaign when he set the all-time mark for batting average in 2011 with the Oklahoma Travelers with a .558 average. He was a member of a team that was a state semifinalist during his junior and senior seasons. In 2013, Dearman’s freshman year at Wichita State, he played in 51 games with 43 starts, 39 at second base and four in centerfield. Dearman got off to a great start with a nine-game hitting streak. He had 16 multiple-hit

File Photo

games and five multiple-RBI games. Dearman was named to the Missouri Valley All-Tournament Team. Dearman has continued his impressive season. In 2014, Dearman played in 53 games with 51 starts, 31 as the designated hitter and 20 in left field. He hit .232 with 36 runs, 44 hits, five doubles, one triple, one home run, 13 RBI and 20 stolen bases. Dearman had an impressive season-long 12-game hitting streak from March 15 to April 1. He also had nine multiple-hit games and two multiple-RBI games. He was named honorable mention All-Valley Scholar-Athlete. He had a season-high four hits at Arizona State and scored a season-high four runs. Dearman was consistent in his play. He had a season-high two RBI twice. Again, Dearman was named to the AD’s honor roll for the fall 2013 semester. — Compiled by Rahim Thompson

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Baseball & Softball Guide

MARCH 11, 2015

Photo by Joshua Duncan

Eck Stadium, home of Shocker baseball, has undergone a series of changes since its opeing in 1985.

History of Eck Stadium, home of Tyler Field

By Brennen Smith SPORTS REPORTER @brennen19_26

ck Stadium, home of Tyler Field, officially opened in 1985. Seven years prior, Shocker Field consisted of a dirt field, asphalt, AstroTurf and a chainlink fence. In 1981, a 322-seat bleacher unit was installed. Concrete dugouts were added at about the same time.

The Shockers advanced to the national championship game in 1982, which warranted the construction of Eck Stadium three years later. Eck was originally built with 3,044 seats, at a cost of $700,000. The stadium was named after Wichita car dealer, Rusty Eck, because he had supported the Wichita State baseball program. Since the initial construction of the stadium, many renovations have been made. The first large renovation came in 1988

and led to the name of Tyler Field. Ron and Linda Tyler contributed most of the $425,000 needed for the renovation, and the new field was named after them. The renovation added 292 box seats, new AstroTurf and a rubberized warning track. Numerous other renovations include Coleman Hill, Bledsoe Plaza and the Virginia H. Farah All-American Club. Coleman Hill was added in 2000 and allowed for the

addition of two pavilions and terraces. The outfield hill is a popular area for WSU students and general admission seating. The Virginia H. Farah All-American Club is another seating area that is fairly new. The club serves about 200 people and membership includes complimentary food and beverages, priority parking and club admission to a climate-controlled facility with a great view. Bledsoe Plaza is part art exhibition and part walk-

through hall of fame for past Shocker athletes and boosters who contributed to WSU baseball history. A 1999 $7.8 million renovation project at Eck Stadium probably would not have been possible without former WSU baseball coach Gene Stephenson, the winningest coach in college baseball since 1978. In 2003, Eck Stadium ranked sixth in a “Baseball America” poll for ballparks that made the largest impressions.

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Wilkins Stadium is home to the Wichita State softball team.

History of Wilkins Stadium

By Brennen Smith SPORTS REPORTER @

he home for WSU softball has come a long way since April 6, 1994, the first year permanent lighting was installed. The first evening softball game was played on campus that night, according to goshockers.com Construction on Wilkins Stadium began three years later, in 1997, replacing the Wichita State Softball Diamond that seated around 300. Finished in 1998, Wilkins Stadium seats 1,000 fans. The $1.3 million stadium was made possible through student facility fees and contribution

from C. Howard Wilkins, as well, and his family and friends. In 2000, the infield was renovated. The $28,000 renovation went to new irrigation, new topsoil and a new drainage system. The field was also releveled and sloped correctly. More improvements occurred in 2003, including covered batting cages and a new scoreboard. Since the upgrades, more fans visited Wilkins Stadium than ever before, setting new attendance records for the stadium. Situated on the east side of campus, the stadium provides a view of the recently-closed Braeburn Golf Course and the green cedar trees that sit outside the field’s wooden fence. The home of Shocker softball is considered among the best stadiums

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Performing with Wichita State’s S dance troupe breaks down social b

formed at a 9/11 unity dance. gathering hosted by Global Forget what religion they Ragini games. Thejust team will to struggled onFaith the road and at home, In Action, a local and away were—they wanted Wichita State Venkatasubban return six starters, but also lost six. but did considerably betterthat in promotes organization dance. Last season, the Shockers has 10 MVC all titles in neutral fieldsbringing (6-5, 9-17,all12-10). religions Illinois State Dance crosses finished with a record of 34-21. In the school’s historyraces, and nine Bradley finished the season in the When my cousin Anjana together. religions, cultures the Missouri Valley, ShockersShocker tournament appearances. MVC with a 15-12 Keyshow NCAA and andthe I founded The record. hour-long boundaries. went 21-6 on their way to ISU also has six conference players are Maria Schroeder, who Shakthi,winning Wichita State’s included Jewish prayer, Even though I’m the title. The team was strong on tournament titles. is leading thedevotional team in batting first South Asian dance Christian songs, Indian, I’ve done ballet the road and at home. Away, the average withIslamic .364, and Rachel and team, in the fall of 2008, expression since age 3, a dance that Loyola Shockers were 15-7; while at home, Huggins, Kelly Kapp and Amanda our only motivation was a Hindu chanting. originated in France. I’ve they were 14-7. The Shockers Barna. The Braves are off toteam, a The Loyola isn’thop, off to desire to bring Indian Our dance which taken Ramblers zumba, hip finished third in the MVC rough start with a 5-18 record and the best of starts. Loyola currently made up of many tap, jazz, African dance, tournament. fusion dance to the are 1-3 away.isNo homecultures, games have andmodern is 2-3 away Midwest. different chose has an 8-12 bellyrecord dance, The team returns 14 letter been played.three songs that representand 6-9dance in neutral fields. Key others. Compared to other and so many winners after losing five. Two of players for Loyola are Erica, Nagel, universities on the east and remembrance, struggle and Dance breaks down Drake the five lost were position starters, Madison Hope, Brooke Wyderski westThe coasts, which frehope—the three themes of barriers because it’s only but two will return. Shockers The Bulldogs and Hannah Jenkins. Nadal andyour quently host Indian dance the finished event. last achieved by lowering are also returning two pitchers season with a 19-33 record. They Hope leads the team with After our performance, inhibitions—anda .333 when after losing two. competitions and shows, finished with an even 6-6 record at batting average and Evansville is WSU didn’t was have much of a many people congratulated that happens, any preLast season, Cacy Williams home, while struggling away and 8-12 at this point. presence. us for showing them a conceived notions about NFCA All-Midwest RegionWe firstwantedintoneutral fields with a 8-14 and change that. Missouri snippet of our culture. team while Brittany Fortner was religion andState race auto5-13 finish. The team finished As honors. we started performing awarded second team What really struck us, matically get lowered as sixth in the MVC with an 11-14 The Missouri State Bears around Wichita, All-MVC first team players were however, however, were the Muslim well. record. The Bulldogs return 10 finished last season with a 28-27 Fortner, Melanieanother Jaegers and purpose came into gentleman, Take letter winners after losingCatholic six. Key record. The teamShakthi—we’ve struggled at Williams. Williams also won play—bringing the world woman and countless had dancers well of Indian, players are Megan Sowa, Laura home but performed in away newcomer of thetogether year and through player of dance. who asked The if we and neutral African, Vietnamese, Brewer and others Rebekah Schmidt. fields. MSU finished the year. Paige Luellen was Shakthi perSunday, teach them how to10-16 inChinese, Bulldogs arecould 9-10 and Schmidt the MVC.Cambodian, One key Column by

Wichita State

Illinois State

The Shockers finished 2014 fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 13-8 record. The team finished with a 19-10 home record and a 9-16 record away. The Shockers returned eight starters and lost one player to graduation. The Shockers started the 2015 season with a 4-10 record and are 3-5 at home. Key players are Mikel Mucha, Ryan Tinkham, Chase Rader and Jordan Farris. Mucha leads the team in batting with a .366 average.

Illinois State finished 2014 with a 33-22 record and was 10-11 in the MVC. The team was above average in home and away games. However, Illinois State was dominant on neutral fields with an impressive 11-3 record. The team is lead by Paul DeJong, Daniel Dwyer and Joe Kelch. Illinois State is 6-6 right now and lost five of its six away games.

Bradley The Braves are off to a hot start with an 11-2 record. The team is impressive away and in neutral fields (5-1, 6-1). In 2014, the Braves struggled with a 24-27 record and lost more than half of their home games. The Braves finished last season with a 5-16 record in the MVC.

Dallas Baptist Dallas Baptist finished last year with a 40-21 record. The team was dominant at home with a 20-8 record and finished conference play with a 14-7 record. Dallas Baptist is led by Camden Duzenack and David Martinelli.

Evansville Evansville finished last year with a 34-21 record. The team was solid both away and at home, though they struggled in neutral fields. Evansville finished in the MVC in good standing with a 15-6 record. The team is lead by Kevin Kaczmarski and Josh Jyawook.

Indiana State

Indiana State was an above average team in the MVC last year. The team finished conference play with a 14-7 record and an overall record of 35-18. This year’s team will be led by Derek Hannahs and Landon Curry. The Sycamores are 4-7 at this point and has lost three of its four away games.

Missouri State

Missouri State is off to a pretty good start this season with an 8-4 record, a better start than last year. The team is 1-1 in away games and 7-3 on neutral fields. The Bears have yet to host a home game. The team is lead by Blake Graham, Justin Paulsen and Spencer Johnson.

Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois struggled in 2014. The team finished with the worst record in the MVC with a 4-17 record in conference play. The team’s overall record was 26-31. 20 of those losses were away. The team is struggling at this point with a 2-12 record. Southern Illinois has lost all of its six away games and is 1-3 at home.

awarded All-MVC second team honors. The team is 14-9 and is undefeated at home with a 4-0 record. Fortner leads the team in batting average with .414.

leads the team with a .417 batting average.

returner is Bethany Sullinger.

Northern Iowa

Obama’s jobs speech str delivery, but weak in co Evansville

The Panthers finished last The Evansville Purple Aces season with a 28-20 record. The struggled last season. The team panthers were 8-4 at home and finished the season with a 19-32 Indiana State .500 at away fields. The Panthers record, one of the lowest finishes in finished 14-12 in the MVC. Key Indiana State finished the 2014 the conference. Evansville finished returners are Rikki Alcaraz, Alyssa season just above .500 with a 27-26 with the worst record in the MVC Buchanan and Caitlin Wnek. record. The Sycamores struggled in with a 7-19 record. Evansville will defending their home field with a Southern be led by Susan Norris, every detailChandra was given to of … $449 Illinois billion. 6-11 record, but did slightly better Column by Parr, Danielle Freeman and Abbi the press. Oh, and this would The Southern Illinois Salukisall be away and in neutral fields (9-10, False. FreemanHis leads the is team in finishedpaid the season last year with to a plan ambitious. for without adding 12-5). ISU finished 5-19 inDerek the batting average with$250 .500. billion in tax28-24 record and tied third in the blair Nearly the deficit. MVC, good enough for a 10th Evansville iscuts, off tomore a slowjobs start MVC withHow a 15-11 forwith teachers, canrecord. this beThe done? place finish. The Sycamores are a 6-17 record. team is returning 13 letter winners President Barack Obama firemen and cops, massive That is an amazingly good returning 11 of their letter winners five. Five starters a joint amounts of money spent after to losing question, because it remains Illinois State after only losing held two. Six of thesession of as well. The 2015 captains Congress on Thursday to rebuild roads and bridges,return, unanswered by the Obama team’s newcomers are freshmen. State Redbirds are Kelsey Gonzalez, Kalyn share his plan to fix The Illinois spending in a new super fast administration, whoHarker say it finished season last year Bradley and Meredith There are America. His plan was verytherail system, and investments will beWilson. answered “soon.” slightly with a 25-27 five seniors theplausible team. SIU has is secretive until the day of under in .500 green energy. The on only answer The Braves finished last season record. However, the team played four MVC titles and six NCAA the The speech, All for the low, low price that taxes will be raised with a 27-32 record. teamwhen almost considerably well in both home appearances in the school’s history. — Compiled by Rahim Thompson

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Baseball & Softball Guide

MARCH 11, 2015

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Although Eck Stadium is home to Wichita State baseball, it is also a central place for fun to be had for all ages.

Baseball isn’t always boring

Before coming to Wichita State, I was never a big fan of baseball. It’s not for COLUMN BY everyone. The Sarah Carlson games are often long, and some people might call them boring. These days, I enjoy going to Shocker games for the most part, but I’m not one of the fans you’ll see bundled up when it’s cold or sitting with an umbrella in the rain. I’m usually good with baseball up until about the fifth inning. However, with food, friends or an unusually exciting game, baseball games are a good way to sit back and enjoy the nice weather we’ve been having lately. If you’re one of those people who

have never been to a Shocker baseball game, you should change that. Here’s why: 1. The atmosphere is pretty great. At Eck Stadium, you’ll see everyone from young couples and families, to the older generation of Shocker fans, all coming out to support the home team. The camaraderie can’t be beat, and it’s always fun to cheer on the Shockers with such a great fan base. 2. It’s free. If you’re a WSU student, you can go to baseball games for absolutely nothing. It’s free entertainment. Why wouldn’t you go? 3. You can bring your own food and drinks. Or buy theirs. If you go sit on Coleman Hill, in the outfield, you can pack the cooler and bring your favorite snacks — without even having to sneak them in. If you

prefer to sit in the stadium, well, you’re on your own with the sneaking. There are, however, food and drink options available at the concession stands, with plenty of peanuts to be shelled. 4. You might get some sun. The general admission stands are practically a tanner’s Mecca. All of that reflecting aluminum is sure to help get your tan started or give you a pretty nasty sunburn. No guarantees on what you end up with. 5. It’s a fun, cheap date. If you and your significant other are students, you can go to the game for free. Pack a picnic, head to Coleman Hill and you’ve got yourselves a cheap date that’s not another movie or trip to the bowling alley. If I haven’t convinced you yet, then maybe it’s not baseball that’s boring. Maybe it’s you.

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Baseball games can be a place to enjoy food, drinks and alcoholic beverages while watching the Shockers play.

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Baseball & Softball Guide

MARCH 11, 2015