Feb. 1, 2011

click here for coaches' MVC preseason poll

Four Redbirds highlight preseason all-MVC team

Defending champion and preseason pick Illinois State leads the way with four players as the Missouri Valley Conference released its preseason all-conference team, in voting by the league’s head coaches.

The four Redbirds honored include one senior in starting pitcher Corey Maines and three juniors, second baseman Kevin Tokarski, catcher Matt Mirabal (pictured above) and reliever Kenny Long.

Evansville, Missouri State and Wichita State each had three players recognized, with Creighton and Southern Illinois both with one.

The 2010 season starts on Friday, Feb. 18, with all eight teams in action. Conference play begins on Friday, April 8. Creighton will host the 2011 MVC Tournament May 24-28 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, the new home for the College World Series.

2011 MVC Preseason All-Conference Team

Pos. Name, School, Class

1B Johnny Coy, Wichita State, So.
1B Chris Serritella, Southern Illinois, Jr.
2B Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State, Jr.
3B Cody Fick, Evansville, Sr.
SS Eric Stamets, Evansville, So.
C Matt Mirabal, Illinois State, Jr.
DH Preston Springer, Wichita State, Sr.
UT Kevin Medrano, Missouri State, Jr.
OF Trever Adams, Creighton, Sr.
OF Aaron Conway, Missouri State, Sr.
OF Greg Wallace, Evansville, Sr.
SP Tim Kelley, Wichita State, Sr.
SP Corey Maines, Illinois State, Sr.
RP Grant Gordon, Missouri State, So.
RP Kenny Long, Illinois State, Jr.

(photo by Jimmy Jones)