Sept. 13, 2006

DeKALB, Ill. - While the college baseball calendar is in between the summer league season and the fall practice season, a pair of Huskies, one current and one former, are making headlines.

STEVENS LISTED AMONG TOP PROSPECTS BY BASEBALL AMERICA: NIU shortstop Bobby Stevens earned recognition in Baseball America for his play this summer in the Central Illinois Collegiate League. The publication tabbed him as the league's No. 3 prospect. Stevens was named the league's tournament MVP while leading the Twin City Stars to the CICL Championship. He belted the game-winning home run in the title game after leading the league in runs scored, ranking second in hits and third in batting average during the regular season.

FORMER HUSKIE TAKES MOUND WITH OPPORTUNITY TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIP: Former Huskie pitcher Joe Piekarz is scheduled to start for the Kane County Cougars in Game Two of the Midwest League Championship Series Wednesday night in Geneva. The Cougars took Game One of the best-of-five 4-3 on Tuesday night and the second game is slated for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Elfstrom Stadium. Piekarz posted an 8-7 record with a 3.26 ERA during the regular season in 35 appearances and 16 starts. The lefty totaled 127.0 innings, second-highest on the Cougars, an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

NIU BASEBALL GOLF OUTING SET FOR SATURDAY: Reservations are still being accepted for the annual NIU Baseball Golf Outing set for Saturday, Sept. 16 in Genoa. The entry fee includes golf, food, and a ticket to the NIU-Buffalo football game that night at Huskie Stadium. For more information contact the baseball office at 815-753-0147. Entry forms are available on the baseball page of www.niuhuskies.com.