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Head Baseball Coach Ed Mathey

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Chat Live with Ed Mathey

 Head Baseball Coach Ed Mathey
Chat Live with Ed Mathey

Thursday, March 30, 4:30 p.m. CT

Thank you for joining our Live Chat with NIU Head Baseball Coach Ed Mathey. This chat has ended. Please check below for the questions and answers.

We appreciate you being a part of the first online chat on the new niuhuskies.com!

Moderator: Coach Mathey has joined us after practice. Thank you for participating in the live chat.
Greenville, NC: Coach, How is the barbecue in Dekalb? Your old friend m. ward
Coach Mathey: Hey Mike, how are you? The culinary choices in DeKalb are growing by the day. Hope all is well in Greenville. My personal favorite is BW3 for barbecue.
Harvey: Being a fellow Harveyite, I have followed your coaching career for quite some time. How much influence does your humble beginnings play on your coaching style? Also, did you modify your style when you started coaching Division I?
Coach Mathey: A lot of people don't realize that Harvey used to be a great baseball community - great Babe Ruth and Little League baseball. The community levels were committed to baseball in Harvey and that set a great foundation. Lou Boudreau grew up in Harvey and Denny McLain played Babe Ruth in Harvey. Antwaan Randle El was drafted out of high school as a baseball player. It was a good area to grow up in. As far as coaching style, it has been had some minor modifications. The game has changed from the speed of the game standpoint but it is still the game of baseball.
Mokena: I am interested in becoming a coach at the high school level, however, I feel I may not have the time to balance both coaching and family life. Can you tell me how you balance your home responsibilities and the superb effort you have put forth coaching the Huskies?
Coach Mathey: First of all, the coaching aspect. To be a high school coach now, a certification test needs to be passed. You can contact your local high school about details for that. Mokena is a good baseball area with several good schools, both public and private, and will look for coaching help even on a limited basis. There is definitely a balance that needs to struck between coaching and family life. There are times of the year where it is more difficult than others. How that works best for you I suggest you check with the people in your house.
Chris, Dekalb: Have any of your players had any crazy rituals? I lived with Tug Gillingham for a year, and I know he had some crazy rituals going on.
Coach Mathey: I would have to say that Tug was one of the most ritualistic players I have ever coached. By the time the guys reach our level, they have their routine that works best for them. I would say Tug is probably at the top of the list as far as "preparations" go.
Robert, Dekalb: Coach, how do you compare this team compared to the great team you had in 2003? Thanks for taking time to chat.
Coach Mathey: I think the 2006 edition of the Huskies has some similarities to the 2003 team in regard to team speed and desire to win. Our 2003 team was a great offensive team with a lot of power throughout the lineup. The 2006 team doesn't have the same power, we've got some good speed and can run the bases a little better overall. I think the current has a pretty good chance to defend and pitch the ball well, where our 2003 team had the offense to overcome any defensive deficiencies. If you were to tell me that this team were to go where the 2003 team went, I'll take it.
Ted W. (Peoria, IL): In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between coaching Division I and Division III baseball?
Coach Mathey: The biggest differences are on the mound and on the bases. At Division III you might have one or two guys who could move on to professional baseball, Division I staffs have five or six that could do that. Offensively, top to bottom, the hitters and better and run the bases better.
Elmwood Park: Why isn't Danny Skelly playing?
Coach Mathey: Danny is healthy and working hard in our program, but chances are this season will be a redshirt season for him.
Dave (Columbia, MO): Coach Mathey - Can you tell me what Tim McDonough's favorite flavor of Double-Bubble is? I want to send him one of those birthday balloons filled with his favorite type of candy!
Coach Mathey: In Tim's current situation, he prefers the Atkins Chocolate treats, however, in his binge days, Hershey's with almonds and Reese's peanut butter cups would be his choices.
Chicago: Coach, The team is on a roll, but Gametracker was down for the Bradley double header and I could not follow the games. Please get IT (or someone)to fix this problem. I need my Huskie fix! Beat Akron!
Coach Mathey: We had technical difficulties for the home opener. You may want to resubmit this question to the SID's chatline. You can always follow us live at Ralph McKinzie Field.
bakersfield california: Is it true you have a large following in Bakersfield California that has adopted the NIU Huskies?
Coach Mathey: Yes, it is true. The west coast contingent of Huskie baseball is alive and well. We get frequent letters and donations from Bakersfield and we appreciate their support, especially the folks at Guthrie's.
Ron (Countryside): Was Sean Hoye the best two sacker you've ever seen?
Coach Mathey: Hey Ron, I'm not sure how well Sean played second but I know he was a heck of a right fielder and at times swung a big bat for us.
Ken (Bridgeview): Coach, I understand you have a pitching backround, you must not be happy w/ a team ERA close to 6. What action are you taking to improve the staff's overall ERA? Seems like the hitters are holding their own, how do you feel about the hitters? Remember pitching and defense win championships. Thanks
Coach Mathey: Ken, yes I am an old pitching guy. I still strongly believe pitching and defense wins championships, but I also believe that hitting will win you some games along the way. While our spring trip wasn't friendly to our pitching staff, I am confident they have the right stuff to carry us the rest of the way.
Mike Budler, Aurora, IL: Why do you schedule so dog-gone hard in your non-conference plans????
Coach Mathey: Mike, good to hear from you. It's been a philosophy of mine that it takes steel to sharpen steel. The goal of our non-conference schedule is to prepare us for MAC play and to get us to that championship. Also, I think our players really like the challenge of playing the opponents we play and those are the types of players we are looking for.
Proidgy: Is it wrong to throw inside in practice games? ED
Coach Mathey: I think pitchers have to practice throwing inside with batters in the box. It is something we work on in those situation when a pitcher is not proficient at it and we warn the hitters that it is coming inside. Pitchers have to be able to pitch on both sides of the plate.
Daniel (DeKalb): What is the best thing you have ever said to an Umpire when arguing a call?
Coach Mathey: The best thing from the umpire's opinion is "Yeah, you got that call right." From our standpoint, we had a situation where one of our players hit a home run at the end of game one of a doubleheader that was called foul. I told the umpire that after this game when he was walking to the locker room to change, that he needs to take a long hard look at the configuration of the foul pole and our football stadium behind it and come back and tell me if he honestly thought that ball was foul. At the start of game two, he told me he missed the call because he had a bad perspective on it. So I guess I won the argument.
Marco Alcala (Tucson, AZ): Nice home debut Coach. I'll be moving to Arizona next week and was wondering what are the chances of Huskies going back to the SouthWest again? How was the experience at ASU, was it useful? -OMIS Class of '99
Coach Mathey: Hey Marco, we would love to go back to the southwest and play. The experience at Arizona State was incredible. They have a storied program and a great team, fair umpires, and a great facility. We are actually trying to get on their schedule in 2008.
S.M. (Janesville): It seems that only schools from warm weather climates make it to the CWS (and win) every year. What do you think schools from colder climates need to do in order to become legitimate contenders?
Coach Mathey: In 2008, we are getting some help in that regard with a universal start date of late February for games and a practice start date of no earlier than Feb. 1. In my opinion, facilities that you can practice baseball in year round would be the biggest asset a northern school could have.
Steve England (Chicago): Bobby Stevens and Marc Besteman, do you feel they are best double play combo in MAC this year?
Coach Mathey: I think that Bobby and Marc could potentially be the best middle infield in the MAC. It is still to early to tell, but I like their defensive coverage and as the season goes on they will get to know each other better and better. I think you'll see more double plays as the year progresses.
bob: why do many of your players still chew....
Coach Mathey: Actually, Bob, not many of our players chew at all, if any. The NCAA and our athletic training department has been cracking down on it pretty well. I think that has helped our players stay away from tobacco.
Joe (DeKalb): What are your thoughts on the draft? In particular the drafting of juniors. Obviously you're happy for them, but is there a bit of selfishness in wanting them back?
Coach Mathey: Absolutely, juniors who are draft eligible and getting drafted are hard to replace with freshmen. However, we educate our players on the pros and cons of the draft, playing professional baseball vs. returning for their final year of school. If it is their desire to go out and play professional baseball, we are going to support our player. However, statistically, college players are going to earn more money over their lifetime with their degrees than they will playing professional baseball.
Elgin: How do you feel about this up coming weekend with Akron? I noticed that they have a couple good starting pitching, do you think that you're pitching will be able to hang with theirs?
Coach Mathey: I anticipate a competitive weekend with Akron. Their Friday starter has been a horse this year and they have a couple hitters who are pretty dangerous as well as some team speed. However, I like our chances of being successful this weekend.
Erik "E" Thornton: Coach, Any particular reason why you wear the #45?
Coach Mathey: Actually, Erik, I was a big fan of #41 growing up, but when I got to college #41 was taken. I went to #45 and it has kind of stuck ever since.
Frankfort: I've noticed that you seem to recruit from the same high schools. Is there any reason why we keep seeing the same schools reporting in the fall at NIU?
Coach Mathey: No particular reason. Anything north of I-80 in Illinois we feel is great territory for recruiting. It just happens that a number of our players have come from successful programs over the years.
woodstock: How do you deal/coach with so many differnt types of people without creating any unecessary tension?
Coach Mathey: That is one of the fun parts of this job. Each and every year the personalities and the players change. One of my coaching mentors said that it takes all kind of vegetables to make a good stew.
Tinley Park: How do you recruit players to a four year school when you only have a one year deal???
Coach Mathey: I don't see that as an issue. If we do our job here, we anticipate returning. We also inform kids when recruiting to make sure they like the school, the academic environment, and the other players in the program. Those are the important things.
Scott (from New lennox): After leading the Mac in saves as a freshman why is Mark Badgley not the closer?
Coach Mathey: In Mark's sophomore year, we had Trevor Wohlgemuth who was pretty exceptional as a closer and drafted by the Giants. Since Mark's injury he has been working his way back to form, but regardless Mark knows is getting the ball in big situations for us. We are happy to have Mark on our pitching staff.
Paul W (Frankfort): Who is the best left handed hitter you have ever seen?
Coach Mathey: The best lefthanded hitter I have seen would be one of three people - Craig Stefan at North Central College, Scott Simon at NIU, or a kid named Paul that I played summer baseball with but can't remember his last name.
Verno (Decature, IL): Coach, offensly how much does Tim m'dunuh help with your hitters
Coach Mathey: Coach Mac is our hitting coach and works endlessly with our hitters. I would be lost without him.
Naperville: Why isnt Timmy Ryan playing? I understand you had a veteran catcher but it seems like the younger, less experienced guys have had more oopportunities. Any reasons? GO HUSKIES
Coach Mathey: Tim has had a few opportunities to this point. But it is a long season and we anticipate him having more opportunities to shine for us.
Frank (Chicago): Why do you pull a pitcher from a win situation after he has thrown one strike?
Coach Mathey: Frank, I think you are referring to a specific situation when we took Mark Badgley out of a game against Bradley. We extended Mark through that time and Bradley had a left-handed pinch-hitter up. In an effort to give Matt German more time in the bullpen, we had Mark through one pitch to the hitter and that is when we elected to make the change and go to Matt German. Fortunately for us it worked out.
M. Brandts (Marietta, OH): Hey coach is it ok to brush someone off the plate after they hit 2 home runs off you already?
Coach Mathey: Hey Mike, how was your career with Seattle? Those two balls you hit off me in the regional championship were absolute bombs. I probably should have thrown in off the plate the first two at-bats and not the third at-bat. To answer your question, I think it is okay to do that.
G-Unit (Chicago): Coach, you a sox or cubs fan? Don't get political on me =)
Coach Mathey: What up, G? Definitely a southside fan. No politics involved. Go Sox!
Hammer (Oswego, IL): Coach, How much do you bench?
Coach Mathey: DAnny, not as much as I used to, and more than you ever have. Hope all is well.
Lubbock TX: I know you plan to play at Texas Tech again in 2007? Are there any plans to be down here again after that?
Coach Mathey: Lubbock, One of my favorite places to go and I'd love to come back. Send a note to Coach Hays and suggest to bring the boys from Northern Illinois back down. How are the steaks at Cagle's?
Mike: What are your thoughts on the current freshmen and their contributions right now.
Coach Mathey: Mike, our current freshman class is doing a great job. Coach McDonough did an outstanding job on the recruiting trail bringing in guys who are not only great kids, but good baseball players as well.
Steven (Gary): What do you think of Nick Hall and Scott Simon's chances are of to getting drafted after this season?
Coach Mathey: Steven, I think both Nick and Scott are on the radars of professional scouts. Not having seen enough other college juniors and seniors in the area, it is hard to say what their chances are, but I think they both have pro baseball careers ahead of them.
Gus (Lubbock, Texas): Tell me some more about the play of Scott Simon last weekend. Also, when you come to Lubbock next February, are we eating steak at Cagle's again or do you want to try something new?
Coach Mathey: Gus, good hearing from you. Last week at Ohio University, Scott Simon was hitting everything off the barrel of the bat. One of our coaches made the comment, and I agree with it, that it was like he was shooting pool out there the way he was placing the ball. As for Lubbock in 2007, Cagle's would be outstanding. When you have had the best, why go anywhere else.
Dwyer (DTA): Is Abella still hurt?
Coach Mathey: Erin,physically, I think Danny is healthy. Other than that, I am not sure. Hope all is well.
Mike (Naperville): DO you think 2 way players are a good idea in college baseball?
Coach Mathey: Mike, actually, yes, I think two-way players are a great idea in college baseball. When we are faced with travel roster sizes, it is great to have a guy who can do multiple things on your roster.
DeKalb: I have followed huskie baseball for years and i noticed that you have been in a steady decline in wins over the past three years, what do you think the problem is?
Coach Mathey: The difference between 34 and 31 wins isn't really a decline. However, the dropoff from 31 to 16 can be directly attributed to our inability to defend the baseball last year. That along with key injuries to some of our frontline guys made last year a difficult season for not only the players and coaches, but the fans as well.
Marc (Crystal Lake): Is Crystal Lake the best HS baseball town in the state?
Coach Mathey: Marc, Crystal Lake is a good high school baseball town. We have several Huskies on our roster from Crystal Lake. However, I am not going to get into an argument as to who is the best. Let's leave that for another day.
Moderator: That is all the time we have for today. We thank Coach Mathey for stopping by and thank you for your questions and interest in Huskie baseball. We hope to see you out at Ralph McKinzie Field.
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