Inside Lions Baseball wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Opening day is set for Friday February 19 at Alumni Field.  First pitch scheduled for 6:00pm.

Southeastern Receives Votes in Pre-Season Poll

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team received votes in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s 2010 Pre-Season poll that was released today.

Lions Baseball Excels in the Classroom

Once again the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team has excelled in the classroom. During the Fall semester the Lions finished with a cumulative team GPA of 3.16. The Lions had 24 out of 35 players post a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with 4 student-athletes posting a 4.0 GPA.

As they have done each season under head coach Jay Artigues, the Lions baseball team continues to put the student in student-athlete.

Former Lion Closer Traded to Twins

Former Southeastern Lion closer Chris Province has been traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Minnesota Twins.

Province, a fourth round pick out of Southeastern in the 2007 MLB draft, projects as a middle reliever or closer with his new team. The 6’3 right hander posted a 2.60 ERA in 43 appearances over 79.2 innings with the Double A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern league in 2009. Province struck out 55 batters and was named a 2009 Eastern League All Star.

The Slidell, LA native currently is the Lions All Time career saves leader with 14.

NCBWA Names Lions Closer Pre-Season All-American

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Chris Franklin was named a 2nd team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, the organization announced today.

Lion Baseball Holiday Update

As the holiday rush is fast approaching the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team is putting the brakes on the Fall semester. With Fall practice, workouts, and intra-squads behind them, the Lions are in their last week of the semester with final exams beginning next Monday.

Southeastern Names Bellairs Director of Athletics

Southeastern Louisiana University introduced W. Bart Bellairs as its Director of Athletics at press conference today.  Bellairs joins Southeastern after serving the same position at Savannah State University in Savannah, GA.  His appointment is contingent upon final approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.  Bellairs is expected to join the staff in early January.

Click Here to Read the Full Story

College Baseball Today's Top 10 Off-Field Issues of the 2000's

Here is an interesting article about the Top 10 off-field issues concerning College Baseball within the last 10 years.  The story is written by Eric Sorenson of College Baseball Today.

Click here to read the story

ILB has a link to Eric's site and the D1baseball.com site he refers to under "College Baseball Links" if you scroll down the left menu.

Lions Vote on Fall World Series Awards

After completing the most competitive Fall World Series in the Jay Artigues era, the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team gathered Monday in the Dugas Center to vote for the Fall World Series award winners.

Lions Baseball to Host Fall Baseball Bash

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will be hosting its annual Fall Baseball Bash on Friday November 13, 2009 at 7:00pm in Twelve Oaks on the Southeastern campus. The Fall Baseball Bash is a fun filled night which includes dinner, draw down raffle, door prizes, auction of Lions baseball memorabilia, and a chance to meet Head Coach Jay Artigues and his staff, along with former Lion baseball players.

For ticket information please call the baseball office at (985)549-3566.

Go Green! Go Gold! GO LIONS!!!

Green Wins Fall World Series in 12 Inning Thriller

With the Fall Word Series knotted at two games apiece it was only fitting that the decisive 5th game would come down to the last at bat. And if the series wasn’t already exciting enough, it took 5 extra innings to get a winner.

Green Evens Series at 2, Winner Take All Set for Sunday

If anything can be said of Coach Jay Artigues' 2010 Lion baseball team it is that they will be a very competitive bunch. After being down 2-0 in the Fall World Series, the Green team has stormed back and has taken control of the series with a 6-5 victory on Family Day at Alumni Field.

Lions to Host Family Day

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will be hosting its first ever “Family Day” Saturday, November 7 at Alumni Field. The gates will open at 10:00 AM.

Early Runs, Solid Pitching Lead Green Team to Victory

The Green team, with its backs against the wall, came out in Game 3 swinging. The Green team jumped out to an early 5-0 lead by scoring 3 runs in the top of the first and then scored 2 more runs in the top of the second.

Gold Team Goes Up 2-0 in Fall World Series

Once again the Gold team jumped out to a comfortable lead with the Green team having another big late inning. But just as in game one, it wasn’t enough as the Gold team won game 2 6-3 to take a 2-0 lead in the five game series.

Game 1 Taken by the Gold Team in Walk-Off Fashion

The Gold team claimed an 8-7 victory in Game 1 of the Fall World Series with a walk-off walk. The teams combined for 18 hits, with 13 coming from the Gold team.  But it was a bases loaded walk that gave the Gold team the victory.

Fall World Series Poll

Be sure to vote for who you think will win the Fall World Series in the newest Inside Lions Baseball fan poll!!

   

Lions to Conclude Fall Workouts with Green & Gold World Series

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will conclude its Fall workouts with its annual Green-Gold World Series starting Tuesday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00. Games 2 & 3 will resume Wednesday and Thursday with 5:00 start times. The series will wrap up over the weekend with Game 4 beginning at 11:00 on Saturday morning and Game 5 on Sunday at noon. The Green team will be coached by Matt Riser and the Gold team will be coached by Justin Cryer.

Fingleson to Enter Southeastern Hall of Fame

Former Lion baseball great Gavin Fingleson will be enshrined into the Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics Hall of Fame during halftime of the Lions football game against Central Arkansas on Saturday afternoon.

On Deck This Week....

The Southeastern Louisiana baseball team has a busy week on tap as Coach Jay Artigues and his Lions will host four intra-squad games this week. The Lions will be playing on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The intra-squad schedule is as follows:

Latest Poll Results

Would you like to see college baseball make the move from aluminum bats to wooden bats?

Diamond Club Meeting Slated for October 29

Coach Jay Artigues and the Lions baseball staff will be hosting the first Diamond Club meeting of the year on Thursday October 29, 2009 at 6:00PM in the Billups’ Room on the Southeastern campus. Topics to be discussed include Family Day at Alumni Field and the Fall Baseball Bash, which will be held in Twelve Oaks.

You can join the Diamond Club at the meeting or Click Here to download an application and mail it to the SLU baseball office.

Reminders
Family Day at Alumni Field:  November 7, 2009
Fall Baseball Bash:  November 13, 2009

Lions to Host Intra-Squads This Week

The intra-squad schedule for the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team this week is as follows:

Thursday October 22 at 2:30pm
Friday October 23 at 2:30pm
Saturday October 24 at noon

All intra-squad games are free and open to the public. PLEASE REMEMBER TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER.

Artigues Inducted into PRCC Hall of Fame

Southeastern Louisiana head baseball coach Jay Artigues was recently inducted into the Pearl River Community College Sports Hall of Fame. Artigues coached at his Alma Mater from 2002-2005 and played for the Wildcats from 1988-1989.

Lions Baseball to Host Family Day

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will be hosting its first ever “Family Day” on Saturday, November 7 at Alumni Field. The gates will open at 10:00 AM.

Included in the festivities will be free hot dogs and drinks for all fans, a fun jump for lil’ Lion fans, and a glimpse of the 2010 edition of Lions baseball, as the Green battles the Gold in an intra-squad game. The intra-squad game is scheduled to begin at 10:40. After the game all kids will be able to run the bases on Pat Kenelly Diamond and meet their favorite Lion players.

Coach Jay Artigues and his staff are welcoming all former Lion baseball players and their families to join the fun.

Family day is free and open to the public.

Go Green! Go Gold! GO LIONS!!!

Rivals.com Takes a Look at Changes Needed in College Baseball

Kendall Rogers of Rivals.com takes an interesting look at some changes needed in college baseball. Rogers is the college baseball editor for Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports. For the last 10 seasons he has extensively covered the college baseball scene across the nation.

Click here to read the story

Getting to Know the Southland Conference - Part III

Inside Lions Baseball completes its three part look at the 12 schools which makeup the Southland Conference. In Part III ILB takes a look at the 4 schools that call the Bayou State home, as we highlight McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, and Southeastern Louisiana.

Latest Poll Results

Who has become the Lions biggest rival on the diamond?

This Weeks Intra-Squad Games

As the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team enters its third week of fall practice, Coach Jay Artigues and his Lions will host three intra-squad games this week. With the Homecoming football game against Sam Houston State set for Saturday evening at 6:00, the intra-squad games will have a change in schedule this week.

Thursday October 15 at 2:30pm
Friday October 16 at 2:30pm
Sunday October 18 at 6:00pm

All practices/intra-squad games are free and open to the public. PLEASE REMEMBER TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER.

Getting to Know the Southland Conference - Part II

Inside Lions Baseball continues its three part look at the 12 schools which makeup the Southland Conference. In Part II ILB continues it swing through Texas and heads into Arkansas as we highlight Lamar, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, and Central Arkansas.

Getting to Know the Southland Conference - Part I

Inside Lions Baseball will begin taking a three part look at the 12 schools which makeup the Southland Conference. Today ILB highlights the SLC office and will take a look at the University of Texas-San Antonio, Texas State, the University of Texas-Arlington, and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Lions Baseball Featured on "The Big Game"

Click the link below to view a story featuring the Southeastern baseball team that aired on Thursday night's episode of "The Big Game" on the Southeastern Channel.  Thanks to Chris Mycoskie for providing his story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT96iKFU3dw

Lion Nation...Cast your Vote

Inside Lions Baseball wants the Lion Nation to participate in our fan interactive polls.  Check regularly for the latest Inside Lions Baseball poll by scrolling down the left menu.  The poll is located underneath the "College Baseball Links" section.

On Deck This Weekend...

After 3 impressive intra squad games last weekend the Southeastern baseball team will be back on the diamond with three more intra squad games this coming weekend. Come out and get an up close glimpse of the 2010 Lions! This weekend’s Green & Gold schedule is as follows:

Friday October 9 at 2:30pm
Saturday October 10 at 10:00am
Sunday October 11 at 5:00pm

All practices/intra squad games are free and open to the public. Times are subject to change due to weather.

(Photo by Helen Addison)

Fall Baseball Bash

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will be hosting its annual Fall Baseball Bash on Friday November 13, 2009 at 7:00pm in Twelve Oaks on the Southeastern campus. The Fall Baseball Bash is a fun filled night which includes dinner, draw down raffle, door prizes, auction of Lions baseball memorabilia, and a chance to meet Head Coach Jay Artigues and his staff, along with former Lion baseball players.

For ticket information please call the baseball office at (985)549-3566.

Go Green! Go Gold! GO LIONS!!!

Schneider Part of National Championship Summer Team

As most college baseball players spend their summers away from home looking to improve their skills in collegiate summer leagues across the country, Southeastern’s Justin Schneider was able to stay close to home. Schneider, who hails from Kenner, was able to represent the Big Easy as a member of the New Orleans Boosters.

New Features

The "On Deck" feature will preview Southeastern baseball games for the upcoming week.

The "Week in Review" feature will take a look back at Southeastern baseball games from the previous week.

The "Players of the Week" feature will include the Southeastern Hitter of the Week and the Pitcher of the Week as selected by Inside Lions Baseball.

Artigues Announces 2010 Schedule

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team released its 2010 schedule this weekend. The Lions will open the season at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field with a three game series against Eastern Illinois, the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions, beginning February 19. This will be the third consecutive season the Lions and Panthers have kicked off in Hammond.

ILB Highlights Breakout Players

Pictured:  Justin Boudreaux looks to have a breakout season in 2010.

With three of his top hitters from 2009 returning, to go along with two weekend starters and his All-American closer, Coach Jay Artigues has a rock solid foundation to build his 2010 team.  A team that will be expected to contend for the Southland Conference title and earn Southeastern’s first NCAA Regional bid since 1994.

Fall Ball is in the Air

Head on out to Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field as Coach Jay Artigues and his staff put the Lions through three intra squad games this week. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday October 1 at 2:30
Friday October 2 at 2:30
Saturday October 3 at 1:00

All practices/intra squad games are free and open to the public.

(Photo taken by Helen Addison)

Home Sweet Home

Southeastern Louisiana baseball has called Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field home since February 14, 1992 when they opened the stadium with an 8-6 victory over Grambling State University.

One-Handed 8 Year Old Strives to be the Best on the Diamond

Timmy Ruffino, a 8 year old Little Leaguer from Mandeville, becomes an inspiration for all as he excels on the diamond despite being born with only one hand.  This is a great story.  Read the full article from the Times Picayune by clicking on the link below.

http://www.nola.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/09/crystal_ruffino_had_never_hear.html

Fall Practice Begins Sunday

Get your first glimpse of the 2010 Southeastern baseball team, as coach Jay Artigues and his Lions begin Fall practice at Alumni Field on Sunday September 27 at 1:00 PM.  All practices are open to the public.  Its a great opportunity for Lil' Lion fans to see the players up close.

Go Green! Go Gold!  GO LIONS!!!

2010 Newcomers Looking to Impress

As the Southeastern Louisiana baseball team gears up for its first team practice of the Fall on Sunday, Coach Jay Artigues has plenty to be excited about. Coming off his third consecutive 30 win season and returning 7 starting position players, 2 weekend starters, and his All-American closer it would seem things couldn’t get any better.

Enter his 2010 signing class.

Hargis Ranked in Perfect Game's ACBL Top 25 Summer Propsect List

Perfect Game Crosschecker, the premier baseball scouting operation in the country, recently recognized Southeastern Louisiana’s Cass Hargis as the #20 pro prospect in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League this past summer.

Making the Grade

To say the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team excelled on the diamond in 2009 would sell these student-athletes short. Not only did they complete one of the most successful seasons in school history, but the Lions also put up some impressive numbers in the classroom.

The Road to Omaha is Paved in the Fall

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team completed one of the most successful seasons in school history during the 2009 campaign. The Lions finished the season with a 37-22 record. The 37 wins ranks 2nd best all time behind the 1992 and 1994 squads who finished with 38 wins. Their 21 Southland Conference wins set a new school mark which helped the Lions earn the number 2 seed in the SLC tournament. That was the highest the Lions finished in the conference standings since joining the SLC in 1998.

The Fans Have Spoken...

The Fans have spoken with their votes in the first ever poll conducted by Inside Lions Baseball.  When asked "Who would you like to see throw out the first pitch on Opening Day 2010", Lions fans responded with 43% wanting to see New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton throw out the first pitch when Southeastern hosts Eastern Illinois at Pat Kennely Diamond at Alumni Field on February 19, 2010.

The Boys of Summer

As the Lions prepare for the fall season, let's recap the summer season.

Five members of the '09 team competed this past summer in collegiate leagues across the country.  The summer leagues are wooden bat leagues which are set-up to mimic minor league play.  Most leagues consist of at least 35 games plus post season play with little time off. 

Lion players participating in summer league play were Justin Boudreaux, Josh Cryer, Cass Hargis, Torin Lucas, and Trey Martin.

Things are getting started...

Lions intra squad game on Saturday, October 3rd Approximate start time is 1pm at Alumni Field.

Fall Baseball Bash...FUN...FUN...FUN - Friday, November 13th
Come join the party - Food - Auction Items - Draw Down Raffle - and more!
Contact the baseball office for ticket info at 985-549-3566.

Become a Lion Baseball Supporter - Join the Diamond Club!
Click here:  
http://www.lionsports.net/documents/2009/1/24/Diamond%20Club%20Application.pdf

COMING SOON...The Boys of Summer

Find out which Lion players competed over the summer....stay tuned!

Former Lions Reach for a Big Dream

Every little league baseball player has the dream of playing in the "big leagues" on the green grass of a Major League ballpark. For these 4 former Lions their dream is one step closer. Chris Province, Bryan Frichter, Wade Miley, and Ty Summerlin are all pursuing their dream as professionals in the minor league ranks across the country.

Former Ole Miss Rebel Joins Staff

Former Ole Miss pitcher Justin Cryer joined the Lions coaching staff for the 2010 season as a volunteer assistant coach.

Cryer, a two year letter winner with the Rebels, spent two seasons in Oxford
where he helped Coach Mike Bianco's teams to a pair of NCAA Regional appearances.
After posting a 2-4 record with a 1.35 ERA to go along with 2 saves in 2008, the Toronto Blue Jays made Cryer their 29th round selection in the 2008 MLB draft.

Cryer hails from Leesville, LA and is the older brother of current Lion Josh Cryer.

'09 NOTABLES...

* Lions finish the season with 37 wins - one win shy of the school record!

* Lions finish the season with 21 conference wins - the most in school history!

* Lions sweep season series from UL-Lafayette for the 1st time since 1985!

'09 Players Making History

As we look forward to the 2010 season, I think we should recognize some record book entries from the '09 season. Congratulations to the players who made their mark in the Southeastern Baseball Record Book in 2009.

Action Photos

Check out shots of the 2009 season at http://www.lionsbaseball.shutterfly.com/
Action pictures courtesy of Ms. Helen Addison...thanks Ms. Helen!

Welcome to Inside Lions Baseball

Welcome to Inside Lions Baseball...the unofficial home of Southeastern Louisiana University baseball.