Sports Editor’s Daily Pitch: April 12, 2024

Sports Editor Matt Daniels has highlighted three reasons to love sports today in the area. Firstly, Braxton Waller of the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team and Jillian Schlittler of the Unity girls’ track and field team have been named the latest high school Athletes of the Week. Secondly, Tyler Jay made his MLB debut with the New York Mets, pitching two innings in relief and helping the team secure a 16-4 victory. Lastly, there are 11 different events happening in Champaign-Urbana over the weekend, including Illini baseball, softball, track and field, men’s tennis, and women’s tennis.

In other news, Brad Underwood, the Illinois basketball coach, is set to make $4.3 million for his eighth season at Illinois, with a potential increase to $4.8 million if he remains with the team through April 30, 2025. Reports have also surfaced about Mark Pope potentially succeeding John Calipari as the next Kentucky men’s basketball coach.

Additionally, there are three events to keep an eye on: the Northern Illinois at Illinois baseball game, the Purdue at Illinois softball series, and the Gary Wieneke Memorial track and field event. Unity girls’ track and field coach Tony Reetz also shared insights in a Coach’s Corner segment, revealing his favorite sports teams, coaches he admires, and his biggest pet peeve.