Husker baseball begins the season at Peoria, Arizona against Gonzaga in less than 10 days.
The last time we saw Husker baseball, well, let's say that fans stopped giving a damn, the team went straight into the tank, and Mike Anderson got hisself fired. Enter new head coach Darin Erstad, a new conference that's all but irrelevant on a national scale, and no one knows what to expect.
One thing is certain. The Husker athletic department wants you to come back to Husker baseball.
It's hard to know what to expect here. Perhaps Erstad can take a set of players that underachieved (understatement) under Anderson and turn them into Big Ten contenders in their first season.
If you're interested in Husker baseball, I want you to take about 15 minutes and watch Darin Erstad's speech at a Husker Athletic Fund Luncheon on February 3rd. (Hopefully the embed code works - it is a monstrous set of goo, if not hit the linky above.)
One thing about Erstad. He may not have the experience, but holy cow, if that guy doesn't sound like a head coach, I don't know what you're looking for.
I have a decision to make. A few years ago I covered college baseball heavily, to the point that I started a site called "Big 12 Hardball". I'd say I covered it as well as anyone else except the professionals. I stopped covering it heavily for a few reasons.
First, I was editing Cornhusker Kickoff, a Nebraska football yearbook. That is gone now, as my publisher is going out of business (damn you economy). Second, it was taking too much time away from my kids. And third, because, really, mostly no one gave a damn as the Husker baseball team sank into the basement of the Big 12.
So, here's the deal. Are you excited for Husker baseball? Are you interested in how Darin Erstad will fare as a head coach? Do you want us to cover Husker baseball, or are you one of those people who's ego gets fed by the football team and that's really the only sport you're ever going to care about?
Bottom line - are you planning on going back to Haymarket Park this year or not?
0 recs | 16 comments
Yes. I’m a UNL student so tickets are free. I made it to 6 or 7 games last year and I think we might’ve won one while I was there but Haymarket Park is a good place to chill for a couple of hours.
jdhusker - February 8, 2012
I'll keep an eye on baseball but I won't make it to Haymarket and I can't watch it on TV because it's baseball and I'd rather sit on tacks.
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 8, 2012
I feel like that's a decision you might really end up regretting
Unless, of course, all the tacks are pokey-side-down.
Cheeseandcorn - February 8, 2012
That's how I feel for watching five minutes of baseball.
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 8, 2012
You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.
Cheeseandcorn - February 8, 2012
Hey. I've toned down the anti-baseball rhetoric.
I just continue to be unable to watch baseball on TV, at least actively.
I will willingly attend baseball games.
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 9, 2012
Haymarket is a gem
Seriously, it’s one of the more fun places to kick it on an afternoon and watch some baseball. Of course, I’m one of those weird people who loves baseball and would probably watch it anywhere… Still, I’m excited for new energy in the baseball team. I think that was the worst part of the games I caught last year. Anderson had just sucked the life out of the team and they responded by helping him get ushered out unceremoniously.
KennardHusker - February 8, 2012
Have you been to the new Werner Park?
I hear it was modeled after parks like Haymarket.
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 8, 2012
I didn't make it down there last summer
It kills me that I didn’t too. My wife is not exactly the baseball enthusiast I am, and so last summer was spent fairly baseball-deprived. This year should be different, though. I am considering a multi-game pack this year to force my hand and get me in the stadium. My friends who went said it was just awesome and its nice to watch some good farm talent.
KennardHusker - February 8, 2012
My parents get season tickets.
Unfortunately, now that I’m up here in Wisconsin, the timing didn’t work out last summer to make it to a game. But I’m determined to go this summer.
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 8, 2012
I just watched
coach Erstad’s speech, and Wow…I wanted to slap on my sports bra, grab my glove and race on to the field. Even though he has no coaching experience to speak of, I think Osborne made a great hire. Plus, it sounds like Erstad has made excellent hires himself for his staff.
Whether he can infuse that winning attitude he has into the team is yet to be seen, but I’m sensing a big turn-around this year for Husker baseball. Can’t wait for the first pitch!
redvalley - February 8, 2012
Time will tell
But I’m looking forward to it too. We should own the Big Ten though so even if we’re not that good we shouldn’t have anything like last year in the offing.
jdhusker - February 8, 2012
Agreed
I could listen to Coach Erstad do press conferences all day! Unfortunately he has to go do that whole coaching thing in between them…
Had to miss all last season due to traveling for school, but other than April this year, should be able to head down to Haymarket and support me some Huskers!!
Also looking forward to see how this B1G conference schedule works.
brutus1382 - February 8, 2012
It should be noted that Big Ten baseball is no where near as scary as Big 12 baseball...
I think Erstad can win. Wisconsin doesn’t even have baseball! (At the D1 level).
Salt Creek and Stadium - February 8, 2012
yea buddy
I tell you what it’s big 10 clobbering time. I can’t wait, 10 days cant be here soon enough. Erstad is the man, after watching that film, makes me want to grave my glove too and get this man to omaha. Go big red baseball its children of the corn time baby.
DirtySkers - February 8, 2012
Wow
I can’t believe that a mere 3, 4 seasons ago we were contenders. I’ve followed Husker baseball since the Van Horn and the old Buck days. This is sad to read and hear that the opinion is nobody gives a crap.
Hawks Field is definitely a gem, and many parks have been modeled after it for many reasons, including the drainage system for harsh weather, the concourse—everything..now it sounds like we’re back to square one.
Yes, B1G baseball sucks. If we can’t take the conference from the likes of a Minnesota, we shouldn’t have a baseball team. This is ridiculous.
BryanNbugaha - February 9, 2012 via mobile
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