Column: Baseball coach Schmitz has talent to get job done

By: Kevin Murphy / Sports Editor

Posted: 4/6/09

Jim Schmitz isn't going to take the credit.

The Eastern head baseball coach knows the Panthers (21-5, 7-0 Ohio Valley Conference) can have a special season, and with an 11-game winning streak, they are moving up in the national rankings as well.

"It's not coaching," Schmitz said. "It's players who make the plays and get hits and get the big out. That's a sign of a good team."

Well, this team can be pretty darn good. This team also pushed Schmitz to his 400th and 401st career Eastern victories Saturday against Murray State at Coaches Stadium.

Schmitz was ho-hum about it, as usual.

He was the same way after his 500th overall career victory against Tennessee Tech in 2007.

But you know what? That's probably a good thing.

Both Eastern head women's basketball coach Brady Sallee and head softball coach Kim Schuette have said that maintaining a balanced level keeps teams fighting, but not getting down for losing either.

With Schmitz's team this season, losing isn't an option.

The Panthers have three good starting pitchers: junior left-hander Tyler Kehrer and sophomore right-handers Josh Mueller and Mike Recchia.

Last season, it was clutch hitting, timely defense and a good team ERA that helped the Panthers in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament as they advanced to the NCAA Regionals. This season, the Panthers have hit 41 home runs and 69 extra base hits.

"This season is really special," Schmitz said. "Our slogan is 'ante up.' The ante's even higher now, people saying that we're good, and they're getting excited about it. Hopefully, we'll continue."

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.