"Now we get back to baseball, where things have been quite a bit less fun for another local program. I wrote in a previous column about how lower-level institutions have essentially been converted into the minor leagues for Division 1 schools, but that leaves a lot of mid-majors in the lurch. Take Butler University, which is a member of the Big East in major sports. Thing is, they don't really put any effort into anything other than basketball."
"As such, you have a baseball program that can't really attract impact transfers and is just as likely as a D2 or D3 school to lose eligible players to more prestigious schools. Not that it matters given the state of the team's pitching staff last season. Over 430.1 total innings, the Bulldogs ranked 295th out of 299 schools with an aggregate 10.44 ERA. They had a 236 WHIP from 651 hits allowed (13.63 per 9 innings, 297th) and 364 walks issued."
Thanksgiving weekend featured local football successes: the Bears beat Philadelphia to reach the NFC's top seed, Indiana Hoosiers finished an undefeated regular season, and the Brownsburg Bulldogs won a second straight Indiana class 6A title. Baseball has been less successful for a local program. Butler University prioritizes basketball and neglects baseball recruiting, leaving the team unable to attract impact transfers and vulnerable to losing players to larger programs. The pitching staff performed poorly last season, compiling a 10.44 ERA, 236 WHIP, 651 hits allowed and 364 walks over 430.1 innings. A strategy focused on developing overlooked local prep players could build momentum despite transfer departures.
Read at Cubsinsider
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