table of contents · worthington stadium 10 crowder/muckel field house 11 ... year-by-year coaching...

TAB

LE OF C

ON

TENTS

Liberty Flames Baseball 1

LIBERTY BASEBALL

What They’re Saying About Liberty Baseball 2

Flames and Professional Baseball 3

All-Time Honors 6

Covering the Flames 8

Travel Information/Radio 9

Worthington Stadium 10

Crowder/Muckel Field House 11

2008 Outlook 12

Strength and Conditioning 14

MEET THE STAFF

Head Coach Jim Toman 16

Assistant Coach Scott Jackson 18

Assistant Coach Nick Schnabel 19

Assistant Coach Jeremiah Boles 20

Sports Medicine Staff 21

Support Staff 22

MEET THE FLAMES

Numerical Roster 24

Pronunciation Guide 24

Alphabetical Roster 25

Geographical Roster 25

Player Profiles 26

Photo Roster 38

2008 OPPONENTS

Opponent Profiles 40

Flames Series Results 48

2007 SEASON IN REVIEW

2007 Season in Review 50

2007 Flames Statistics 52

2007 Flames Results 53

The Big South Conference 54

2007 All-Conference Teams 55

2007 Conference Statistics 55

Past Big South Champions 55

2007 Big South Tournament Review 55

2007 Big South Statistical Leaders 56

RECORDS

Chronology 58

Individual Records 60

Team Records 62

Season Top 10 63

Top Career Performances 64

Year-by-Year Team Batting and Pitching 65

Year-by-Year Leaders 66

Year-by-Year Results 67

Flames in the Postseason 74

The Last Time 74

Year-by-Year Coaching Summary 74

All-Time Roster 76

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

The University 80

The University Administration 83

Athletics Director Jeff Barber 84

Athletics Department/Senior Staff 84

Athletic Adminstration 85

Athletic Excellence 87

Academic Services 88

2008 BASEBALL QUICK FACTS

School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liberty University

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lynchburg, Va.

Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1971

Enrollment . . . . . . . . .10,400 (Resident), 28,600 (Total)

Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Red, White and Blue

Nickname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Flames

Mascot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eagle

Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big South

Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Jerry Falwell

Chancellor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Falwell, Jr.

Executive Vice President . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Ron Godwin

Athletics Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Barber

Athletic Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(434) 582-2100

Head Baseball Coach . . Jim Toman (N.C. State, ‘85, ‘95)

Record at Liberty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Year

Career Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Same

Baseball Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . .(434) 582-2103

Baseball Office Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2912

Assistant Coaches . . . Scott Jackson (Campbell, ’98)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick Schnabel (East Carolina, ‘00)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremiah Boles

Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Lawrenson

Strength and Conditioning Coach . . . . . Matt Hagen

2007 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-25

Conference Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-7/3rd

Letterwinners Returning/Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18/6

Starting Position Players Returning/Lost . . . . . . 6/3

Pitchers Returning/Lost (Min. 30 IP) . . . . . . . . . . .5/2

Newcomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Liberty’s All-Time Record . . . . . . . . . 911-730-7 (.555)

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worthington Stadium/1,000

Stadium Dimensions (L to R) . . . . .325-375-390-375-325

Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bermuda Grass

Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Todd Wetmore

Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2292

Cell Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 841-8974

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2076

E-Mail Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

AMR/Baseball Contact . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Bomberger

Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2605

Cell Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(434) 221-5576

E-Mail Address . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Asst. Athletic Media Relations Director Vincent Briedis

Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2294

E-Mail Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Asst. Athletic Media Relations Director . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Carmany

Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2604

E-Mail Address . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Press Box Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (434) 582-2914

Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.LibertyFlames.com

This publication has been produced by the LibertyUniversity Athletic Media Relations Office

Editor: Ryan Bomberger. Assistant Editors: Todd

Wetmore, Vincent Briedis and Paul Carmany.

Contributors: Owen Benson, Dwayne Groff, Brad

Johnson and Jim Toman. Cover Photography: Les

Schofer. Contributing Photographers: Bob DuVaul,

Don Garlock, Kevin Giedd, Jamie Hall, Tim Lyons, Jeff

Raymond, Les Schofer, Brian Sennett, Corkey Trewin,

Barry Whitten and the LU Archives.

Layout/Typesetting: Ryan Bomberger and Heather

Lehosit, Morgantown Printing and Binding,Morgantown,

W.Va. - Printing: Morgantown Printing and Binding,

Morgantown, W.Va.

15 23

39 49

57 79

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Liberty Flames Baseball2

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT

LIBERTY BASEBALL

“Coach Toman is a recruiting wizard and a recent

National Assistant Coach of the Year while at South

Carolina. Liberty is a rapidly approaching East Coast

powerhouse.”

- Arizona Western Head Baseball Coach John Stratton

“I think Liberty could be a gold mine. Jim Tomanwill do a great job there because he is a greatrecruiter ... The administration has made a greatcommitment to he and his staff.”-Southern College Coach (Southeastern 80:

Liberty - SEBaseball.com, 1/14/2008)

“Watch out Big South, here come the Flames.” - A Good Time to Be at Liberty by Mark Etheridge(SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007)

"If you have 11.7 scholarships, nice facilities, a strongacademic system, and hard-working coaches, you canhave success no matter who you are," Toman said."College baseball has never been better. I think withthe television and the ticket sales, the sport is healthy.These schools see what others have done and feelthey can emulate. Jeff Barber was at South Carolinaand saw it first hand. He wants to bring that here. Thefootball team is in the top 25 in Division I-AA with aneye on potentially moving to Division I. The whole pro-gram has a top 25 D-I philosophy.” - Liberty Head Coach Jim Toman (A Good Time to Be

at Liberty - SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007)

“Liberty has hired one of the great men in all of

college baseball. He is a fantastic coach and a

great recruiter.”

– South Carolina head baseball coach Ray Tanner

"He's a baseball guy. He eats, drinks and sleeps

baseball. He has a great rapport with the players.

He's just a baseball guy through and through."

- Liberty Athletics Director Jeff Barber (Liberty Inks

Toman - Lynchburg News & Advance 6/25/2007)

“Departure of Toman a big loss.”

– by Ron Morris of The State (Columbia, S.C.

newspaper 6/25/2007)

“Toman was given ample resources to lure quality assistant

coaches. A master recruiter himself, the head coach

brought in a young aggressive staff that will scour the

nation for talent.”

-A Good Time to Be at Liberty by Mark Etheridge

(SEBaseball.com 7/31/2007)

FLAM

ES IN TH

E MA

JOR

S


FLAMES IN THE MAJORS

Sid Bream - 1BYears at Liberty : 1979-81

12 Years in the Majors

Major League Debut: Sept. 1, 1983

1983-85 Los Angeles Dodges

1985-90 Pittsburgh Pirates

1991-93 Atlanta Braves

1994 Houston Astros

Lee Guetterman - RHPYears at Liberty : 1978-81

11 Years in the Majors


1984-87 Seattle Mariners

1988-92 New York Yankees

1992 New York Mets

1993 St. Louis Cardinals

1995-96 Seattle Mariners

Randy Tomlin - LHPYears at Liberty : 1986-88

Five Years in Majors

Major League Debut: Aug. 6, 1990

1990-94 Pittsburgh Pirates

Doug Brady - 2BYears at Liberty : 1989-91

One Year in Majors


1995 Chicago White Sox


FLA

MES

AN

D P

RO

BA

SEA

BA

LL

1976

Clay Elliot, SSAtlanta Braves

Drafted 10th Round

1976

Jeff Mincey, CPittsburgh Pirates

Drafted 21st Round

1978

Bernie Young, OFChicago White SoxSigned Free Agent

1981

Sid Bream, 1BLos Angeles DodgersDrafted 2nd Round

1981

Lee Guetterman, LHPSeattle Mariners

Drafted 4th Round

1982

Doug Smith, RHPMinnesota Twins

Drafted 28th Round

1982

Renard Brown, OFSeattle Mariners

Drafted 3rd Round

1986

Pat Sipe, 1BMontreal Expos

Signed Free Agent

1986

Niles Creekmore, RHPMontreal Expos

Signed Free Agent

1987

Clint Horsley, RHPSt. Louis CardinalsDrafted 29th Round

1988

Randy Tomlin, LHPPittsburgh Pirates

Drafted 18th Round

1989

Tony Beasley, 2BBaltimore Orioles

Drafted 19th Round

1989

Jamey Mason, CCalifornia Angels

Drafted 51st Round

1989

Doug Reynolds, CBaltimore Orioles

Drafted 33rd Round

1990

Frank Speek, RHPSt. Louis CardinalsDrafted 26th Round

1990

Todd Samples, OFMontreal Expos

Drafted 9th Round

1991

Doug Brady, SSChicago White SoxDrafted 12th Round

1992

Rodney Ashby, RHPChicago Cubs

Signed Free Agent

1993

Rich Humphrey, RHPHouston Astros

Drafted 57th Round

1994

Terry Weaver, 3BCincinnati Reds

Drafted 23rd Round

1995

San Francisco GiantsDrafted 21st Round

1995

Jason Baker, OFLos Angeles Dodgers

Signed Free Agent

1996

Danny Hodges, LHPChicago Cubs

Drafted 41st Round

1997

David Benham, CNew York Mets

Drafted 41st Round

1998

Boston Red SoxDrafted 12th Round

1998

Jason Benham, 3BBaltimore Orioles

Drafted 37th Round

FLAMES AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL


FLAMES AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

1998

David Dalton, SSAtlanta Braves

Signed Free Agent

1998

Benji Miller, RHPSan Francisco GiantsDrafted 21st Round

1998

Steve Wright, OFSeattle Mariners

Drafted 17th Round

2000

Brian Adams, LHPBoston Red Sox

Drafted 8th Round

2000

Dan Valentin, RHPOakland Athletics

Drafted 31st Round

2004

Tampa Bay Devil RaysSigned as Free Agent

2000

Scottie Scott, C

Cleveland IndiansSigned Free Agent

2001

Josh Brey, LHPSt. Louis CardinalsDrafted 4th Round

2002

Joey Monahan, SSChicago Cubs

Drafted 7th Round

2002

Keith Butler, CFChicago Cubs

Drafted 10th Round

2002

Matt Hagen, 3BSeattle Mariners

Drafted 12th Round

2002Jonathan Schneider, RHP

Pittsburgh PiratesDrafted 15th Round

2002

Steve Baker, OFSan Diego Padres

Drafted 29th Round

2003

Larry Wayne York, 2BMontreal Expos

Drafted 14th Round

2003

Erich Cloninger, CBoston Red Sox

Drafted 35th Round

2007

Garrett Young,OFBoston Red Sox

Drafted 46th Round

2007

Phillip Laurent, OFSan Diego Padres

Signed Free Agent

2007

Michael Just, 2BHouston Astros

Signed Free Agent

1998

Tim Harrell, RHPLos Angeles DodgersDrafted 20th Round

1998

Phil Kojack, RHPPittsburgh Pirates

Signed Free Agent

2004

Jason Jones, RHPNew York YankeesDrafted 4th Round

2005

David Bechtold, LHPColorado Rockies

Drafted 28th Round

2006

Michael Solbach, RHPArizona Diamondbacks

Drafted 48th Round

2007

Arizona DiamondbacksDrafted 19th Round

LIBERTY PLAYERS CURRENTLY

IN PRO BASEBALL

(AS OF THE END OF 2007)

PlayersName Level Team (Organization)

Jason Jones AA Trenton (New York Yankees)

Matt Hagen Ind. Rockford

Michael Just Ind. River City

Phillip Laurent Ind. River City

Arizona Fall Padres (SanDiego)

ManagementTony Beasley Third Base Coach Pittsburgh Pirates

Sid Bream Hitting Coach A State College (Pittsburgh)

Randy Tomlin Pitching Coach AA Potmac (Washington)

FLAM

ES AN

D P

RO

BA

SEBA

LL


ALL

-TIM

E H

ON

OR

S

All-AmericansFirst Team1981 Sid Bream

NAIA, NABC1981 Renard Brown

NAIA

Second Team1981 Darrell Manuel

NAIA

Preseason All-Americans2006 Aaron Grijalva, 1B

Louisville Slugger/Collegiate Baseball

Freshman All-AmericansFirst Team2000 Keith Butler

Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America 2005 Aaron Grijalva

Louisville Slugger/ Collegiate Baseball

Second Team2000 Joey Monahan

Baseball America CoSIDA Academic All-American College DivisionFirst Team1980 Richard DeWitt

University DivisionThird Team1998 Jason Benham

Brooks Wallace National Player of theYear Preseason Watch List2007 Garrett Young

ABCA All-Atlantic RegionFirst Team1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins2000 Josh Brey 2004 Jeremiah Boles

Second Team1998 Steve Wright

ECAC All-Star TeamFirst Team1991 Doug Brady1998 Jason Benham

Second Team1992 Danny Brahn1998 Steve Wright

CoSIDA Academic All-District1998 David Benham

Jason Benham2005 Phillip Thompson2006 Phillip Laurent

VaSID All-State Team1991 Doug Brady

Chris RobbinsDanny Brahn

1996 Steve Wright1998 Jason Benham

Steve Wright2000 Keith Butler 2002 Larry Wayne York

Marcus Maringola2004 Jeremiah Boles2005 Phillip Laurent

VaSID All-State First Team2006 Phillip Laurent2007 Garrett Young

VaSID All-State Second Team2006 Chad Miller

Michael Just

VaSID All-State Honorable Mention2000 Josh Brey

Dan Valentin2002 Joey Monahan2005 Aaron Grijalva

VaSID Coach of the Year1991 Johnny Hunton2000 Dave Pastors (Co-Coach)

Big South Player of the Year1998 Jason Benham2000 Keith Butler

Big South Rookie of the Year1995 Tim Harrell2000 Keith Butler

Big South Scholar-Athleteof the Year

2000 Brian Harrell (Co-Scholar Athlete)2001 Matt Stewart

Big South Coach of the Year1998 Dave Pastors

Big South All-ConferenceFirst Team1992 Danny Brahn1993 Rich Humphrey1993 Charlie Kim1994 Charlie Kim1995 Jason Baker1996 David Benham

Steve Wright1997 David Benham1998 Jason Benham

Steve Wright1999 Anthony PennixL2000 Keith Butler

Kelly KnouseScottie ScottDan Valentin

2001 Trey Miller2002 Marcus Maringola

Larry Wayne YorkMatt HagenJoey Monahan

RIGHT SIDE -Clockwise from top:

Renard Brown,

Jason Benham and

Phillip Thompson

LEFT SIDE -

Counter Clockwise from top:

Richard DeWitt, Doug Brady

and Matt Stewart

ALL-TIME HONORS

Sid Bream

Keith Butler

2003 Chad Bryan2004 Jeremiah Boles2005 Phillip Laurent2007 Kenneth Negron

Tim Nanry

Second Team1994 Terry Weaver 1995 Tim Harrell

Jake Hines1997 Benji Miller1998 David Benham

David DaltonBrian HarrellBenji Miller

1999 Scottie Scott2000 Jay Sullenger

Joey MonahanJosh Brey

2001 Steve BakerLarry Wayne YorkJosh BreyAnthony Pennix

2002 Steve BakerKelly KnouseJason Jones

2004 Carlos Garcia2005 Chris Zuvich 2006 Michael Just

Phillip Laurent Chad Miller

2007 David Giammaresi Tim John Garrett Young

Big South All-Tournament1993 Rich Humphrey (MVP)

Beau Martin Sheldon Bream Scott Harmsen Charlie Kim

1997 Jason Benham Ryan McClellanMike Giordano

1998 David Dalton (MVP)Steve Wright Bryan Byler Phil Kojack Benji Miller

1999 Anthony PennixTrey Miller

2000 Jason Suitt (MVP) Larry Wayne YorkJay SullengerKeith Butler

2001 Trey Miller Keith Butler

2002 Matt Hagen Marcus Maringola Keith Butler

2003 Erich Cloninger Phillip Laurent Chad BryanJeff Brown P.K. Keller Ryan Page

2006 Aaron Grijalva Phillip Laurent Phillip Thompson

2007 Patrick Gaillard P.K. Keller Michael Solbach Dustin Umberger Garrett Young

Team Most Valuable Players1974 Wayne Stough1975 Bill Brown1976 Clay Elliott1977 Jeff Mincey1978 Lee Guetterman1979 Sid Bream1980 Sid Bream1981 Sid Bream1982 Renard Brown1983 Darrell Manuel1984 Todd Nelson1985 Pat Sipe1986 Pat Sipe1987 Rodney Carter1988 Randy Tomlin1989 Tony Beasley1990 Todd Swisher 1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins1992 Mike Kreider1993 Rich Humphrey, Charlie Kim1994 Jeremy Tully1995 Jake Hines1996 Steve Wright1997 David Benham1998 Jason Benham1999 Anthony Pennix2000 Keith Butler, Josh Brey, Dan Valentin2001 Trey Miller

2002 Kelly Knouse2003 Chad Bryan2004 Jeremiah Boles2005 Aaron Grijalva2006 Phillip Laurent2007 Garrett Young

Al Worthington Award Winners1998 Tim Harrell1999 Darren Adams2000 Brian Harrell2001 Chad Bryan2002 Jeff Haines2003 Daniel Bote2004 Josh Butcher2005 David Bechtold2006 Chad Miller2007 Tim John

Omaha Award Winners2000 Alex Dooley, Israel Noble

ALL-TIM

E HO

NO

RS


ALL-TIME HONORS

RIGHT SIDE -Clockwise from top:

Danny Brahn, Charlie Kim and

Phillip Laurent

LEFT SIDE -

Counter Clockwise from top:

Darell Manuel, Chris Robbins

and Brian Harrell

Tim Harrell

Joey Monahan

MEDIA INFORMATION

Media CredentialsWorking press credentials for Liberty University

home games can be obtained by contacting the

Flames Athletic Media Relations Office. Due to

space limitations, seating cannot be guaranteed in

the Liberty baseball press box. Only requests

from sports writers of DAILY newspapers and

sports directors of television stations, along with

media agencies covering the visiting team, will

receive top priority. Only radio stations with a full-

time sports director who conducts a daily sports

show will receive credentials. Credentials will not

be mailed, but can be picked up at the baseball

press box on game day. An I.D. may be required

when picking up credentials.

Game Day Press ServicesThe Athletic Media Relations staff will be at your

service throughout the contest. All members of the

media will be provided with line-ups, roster cards,

press guides and other pertinent information. Full

statistics will be available at the end of the game.

Telephones and a fax machine will also be avail-

able for the media’s use.

Photography PoliciesPhotographers are not permitted inside the fence

or to take photos on top of the dugouts.

InterviewsDuring the season, Coach Jim Toman is available

for interviews weekday mornings, except

Wednesday, on Thursdays after Flames Club

Luncheons and before or after practice in the

afternoons. Players are generally available before

or after practice. They will not be availabe for

interview prior to a game. All interviews must be

arranged through the Athletic Media Relations

Office at least one day in advance at (434) 592-

2292. Please do not call the baseball office.

Players will not be asked to miss class or study

hall. On game days, the Flames’ locker room is

closed after games, home or away. Coach Toman

and requested players will be made available after

a brief cooling off period.

Visiting Radio Stations Liberty University will have a phone line in its

press facilities for use by visiting broadcasters.

Visiting stations will need to bring all of their own

equipment required to originate a broadcast.

Please clear up any of the questions on equip-

ment prior to the date of the game. All calls must

be made collect or direct dial from the station to

the baseball field. There is an emergency line in

case of technical difficulties. Check with the

Liberty Athletic Media Relations Department for

the emergency number.


MED

IA I

NFO

RM

ATI

ON

RADIO

WVGM 1320 AM “The Game”

Nick Pierce, Executive Producer

3305 Old Forest Rd.

Lynchburg, VA 24501

Phone: (434) 534-8500

Fax: (434) 534-6101

TELEVISIONWDBJ-TV/Channel 7

Mike Stevens, Sports Director

P.O. Box 7

Roanoke, VA 24022-0007

Phone: (540) 344-7000

(540) 985-3623 (after hours)

Fax: (540) 344-5097

WSET-TV/Channel 13

Dennis Carter, Sports Director

2320 Langhorne Rd.

Lynchburg, VA 24051

Phone: (434) 528-1313

Ext. 137

Fax: (434) 847-8800

WSLS-TV/Channel 10

John Appicello, Sports Director

401 3rd St. SW

Roanoke, VA 24011

Phone: (540) 981-9110

(540) 981-9126 (after hours)

Fax: (540) 343-2059

PRINTLiberty Champion

Sports Editor

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24502

Phone: (434) 582-2124

Fax (434) 582-2420

Lynchburg News and

Advance

Chris Morris, Sports Editor

Chris Lang, Beat Writer

101 Wyndale Drive

P.O. Box 10129

Lynchburg, VA 24506

Phone: (434) 385-5554

Fax: (434) 385-5538

The Richmond Times

Dispatch

Sports Editor

P.O. Box 85333

Richmond, VA 23293

Phone: (804) 649-6554

Fax: (804) 775-8085

The Roanoke Times

Bill Bern, Sports Editor

P.O. Box 2491

Roanoke, VA 24010

Phone: (540) 981-3100

Fax: (540) 524-4698

Wire Services

Associated Press

Sports Desk

700 East Main St., Suite 1380

Richmond, VA 23219-2684

Phone: 1-800-552-9935

Fax: (434) 643-6223

COLLEGE BASEBALLMEDIA OUTLETSBaseball America

Aaron Fitt, Assistant Editor

Phone: 1-800-845-2726

Website: BaseballAmerica.com

Collegiate Baseball

Lou Pavlovich, Jr., Editor

Phone: (520) 623-7815

Website: baseballnews.com

College Baseball.Rivals.com

Kendall Rodgers, College Editor

Phone: (615) 507 3935

Website: collegebase-

ball.rivals.com

CollegeBaseballInsider.com

Sean Ryan, Phil Stanton.

Editors

National College Baseball

Writers Association

Bo Carter, Executive Director

Website:

sportswriters.net/ncbwa

Southeastern Baseball

Mark Etheridge, Publisher

Phone: (205) 886-7978

Website: SEBaseball.com

2008 FLAMES MEDIA OUTLETS

Phone: (434) 582-2292

Fax: (434) 582-2076

Website: LibertyFlames.com

Mailing Address:

Office of Athletic Media Relations

Liberty University | 1971 University Blvd. | Lynchburg, VA

24502

Todd WetmoreAssistant AD for Athletic

Media Relations

Football, Wrestling,

Softball Contact

Cell: (434) 841-8974

[email protected]

Ryan BombergerAssociate Athletic

Media Relations

Director

Baseball, M/W Soccer,

M/W Tennis Contact

Cell: (434) 221-5576

[email protected]

Vincent BriedisAssistant Athletic Media

Relations Director

MBSK, Men’s Golf,

Website Contact

Cell: (434) 841-0839

[email protected]

Paul CarmanyAssistant Athletic Media

Relations Director

WBSK, M/W Cross

Country/Track,

Volleyball Contact

Cell: (434) 221-5575

[email protected]

Flames Sports NetworkWRVL- 88.3

Jerry Edwards, Station

Manager

Box 25,000

Lynchburg, VA 24506

Phone: (434) 582-3688

Fax: (434) 582-2994

WWMC – 90.9 “The Light”

Jamie Hall, Station Manager

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24502

Phone: (434) 582-3691

Fax: (434) 582-7461

COVERING THE FLAMES

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

RA

DIO

/TRA

VEL


RADIO/TRAVEL

RECOMMENDED AREA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

Flames DiamondHotel Property

Extended Stay America1910 University Boulevard(434) 239-8863

Flames PreferredHotel Property

Days Inn3320 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 847-8655

Kirkley Hotel2900 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 237-6333

Ramada Inn3436 Odd Fellows Road(434) 847-7500

Wingate3777 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 845-1700

OtherHoliday Inn Select601 Main Street(434) 528-2500

Big South Conference Local Choice Hotels(Call 877-240-2929 toreceive 15% discount – LUCode #00211890)

Comfort InnRt. 29 & Odd Fellows Road(434) 847-9041

Sleep Inn3620 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 846-6900

Flames DiamondDiningProperty

Chick-fil-A4003 Wards Road(434) 239-2557

Crown Sterling6120 Fort Avenue(434) 239-7744

Golden Corral4005 Wards Road(434) 832-6440

LU Dining Services1971 University Boulevard(434) 582-2247

Panera Bread3911 Wards Road(434) 239-6992

Taco Bell2210 Wards Road(434) 237-3965

Flames PreferredDiningProperty

Dairy Queen8021 Timberlake Road(434) 237-7030

Shakers3401 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 847-7425

Sundae Grill3700 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 846-5076

OtherApplebee’s3624 Candlers MountainRoad(434) 528-2626

McDonald’s2135 Wards Road:(434) 239-7852

4030 Wards Road:(434) 237-5623

River Ridge Mall:(434) 237-4216

Sonic Drive-In3805 Wards Road(434) 832-8122

LYNCHBURG TO:Miles Hours

Army - West Point, N.Y. 488 8:10

Charleston Southern – Charleston, S.C. 410 7:00

Coastal Carolina – Conway, S.C. 295 6:00

Coca Cola Classic - Hattiesburg, Miss. 800 12:15

Columbia - New York, N.Y. 415 7:25

Clearwater Invitational - Clearwater, Fla. 806 12:52

George Mason – Fairfax, Va. 170 3:25

High Point – High Point, N.C. 125 2:15

James Madison – Harrisonburg, Va. 97 2:05

Longwood - Farmville, Va. 50 :55

Norfolk St. - Norfolk, Va. 200 3:45

Old Dominion – Norfolk, Va. 210 3:50

Radford – Radford, Va. 94 1:30

Rider - Lawrenceville, N.J. 360 6:25

UNC Asheville – Asheville, N.C. 280 5:00

VCU – Richmond, Va. 110 2:25

VMI – Lexington, Va. 75 1:30

Virginia - Charlottesvile, Va. 68 1:15

Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, Va. 93 1:50

William & Mary – Williamsburg, Va. 170 2:45

Winthrop – Rock Hill, S.C. 220 4:00

This season, the Flames Sports Network plans to broadcastseveral Liberty contests. Games will be aired live on

WWMC 90.9 FM “The Light” and online on the World Wide Web at LibertyFlames.com and thelightonline.com.

Feb. 29 vs. Rider

March 2 vs. Rider

March 4 vs. Old Dominion

March 8 vs. Army

March 9 vs. Army

March 18 vs. James Madison

March 28 vs. Coastal Carolina

March 30 vs. Coastal Carolina

April 1 vs. William & Mary

April 8 vs. James Madison

April 9 at Virginia

April 16 vs. Virginia Tech

April 18 vs. VMI

April 30 vs. George Mason

May 7 at Virginia Tech

May 11 vs. Longwood

May 13 vs. VCU

May 16 vs. High Point

May 18 vs. High Point

LIBERTY BASEBALL RADIO BROADCASTS

FROM 29 NORTH (from Danville, Va.) -Take 29 North to Lynchburg. After passing

the Lynchburg Regional Airport on left, take

the 460 East exit. Go one mile to the Liberty

University exit. Go straight through stop sign

onto the Liberty University campus.

FROM 29 SOUTH (from Charlottesville,Va.) - Take 29 Business South to Lynchburg.

Take the second Candler's Mountain Road

exit. Take a right at the second light. Take

another right at the second light onto

University Blvd. Go a 1/2 mile to Liberty

University.

FROM 460 EAST (from Roanoke, Va.) -Take 460 East to Lynchburg. Take the Liberty

University exit. Go straight through stop sign

onto the Liberty University campus. Go a 1/4

mile to Liberty University.

FROM 460 WEST (from Richmond, Va.) -Take 460 West to Lynchburg. Take the

Candler's Mountain Road/Liberty University

exit. Take a left at the first light onto

University Blvd. Go a 1/4 mile to Liberty

University.

FROM I-95 (from Richmond, Va.) - Take 64

West to Charlottesville, and then take 29

South from Charlottesville to Lynchburg.

(See above directions from 29 South)

DIRECTIONS TO LYNCHBURG:

Liberty University moved into Worthington

Stadium during the 1979 season after play-

ing and practicing at other fields throughout

the city of Lynchburg for four years. At the

time, the Flames moved to Worthington

Stadium, it was named Liberty Field.

On May 3, 1986, the field was officially

named Worthington Field after former

Liberty Baseball Coach and Athletic Director

Al Worthington. The Flames posted a 19-3

win over Maryland in the inaugural game.

Worthington came to Liberty in 1974 after

playing professional baseball with the New

York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Minn-

esota Twins. He built a strong base for the

program and recruited former major lea-

guers and Liberty players Sid Bream, Lee

Guetterman and Randy Tomlin.

Worthington posted a 343-191 mark at

Liberty as the Flames moved from the

NCCAA level all the way to the NCAA

Division I ranks under his leadership. He

also piloted Liberty to three fifth-place finish-

es at the NAIA World Series from 1981 to

1983.

The name was changed from Worthing-

ton Field to Worthington Stadium during the

1995 season. Worthington Stadium presents

one of the nicest fields on the East Coast. It

was recognized in 1998 by Sports Turf

Magazine as the “Diamond of the Year” in

college baseball. The Flames have an over-

all record of 475-214-4 at the facility since its

inception in 1979.

A state-of-the-art clubhouse opened in

2003 adjacent to Worthington Stadium. It

was the first of a two-phase renovation proj-

ect. The first phase included locker facilities,

restrooms, indoor batting cages, private

boxes and a team room. The second phase

will include additional seating for 600-700

more people and stadium lighting.

During the summer of 1999, a 5,200

square-foot hitting area was constructed

along the left field side of the stadium. It is

complete with lighted batting cages and

modern hitting equipment. The field received

a face-lift as new Bermuda grass was laid

out in the infield. During the winter of 2000,

a new netting backstop was put in place and

a new sound system was purchased for the

stadium.

In 2006, new flag poles along with flags

featuring each of the Big South Conference

schools were placed along the outfield fence

in both left and right fields. Last season, a

state-of-the-art field turf collar was installed

around home plate, along with a refurbished

scoreboard and windscreens down each

line.


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Liberty Year-by-Year Results at Worthington Stadium

2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-9

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-9

2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-5

2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-12

2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-12

2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-10-1

2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-9

2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-8

1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-9

1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-9

1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-8

1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-10

1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-8

1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-12-1

1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-7-1

1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-4

1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-5-1

1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-5

1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7

1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9

1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-3

1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-9

1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-4

1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-4

1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-4

1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-4

1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-6

1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-2-1

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .475-214-4 (.688)

Al Worthington


CROWDER/MUCKEL FIELD HOUSE

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With a nucleus of experienced playersreturning, combined with a new coachingstaff under first-year head coach Jim Toman,the 2008 Liberty Flames look to capture theBig South Championship and advance to aNCAA Regional for the first time since 2000this upcoming spring.

The Flames return four of their top five hit-ters and three of their top five pitchers froma season ago. In addition, Toman inherits asquad with six of its eight position startersback from 2007.

“We have older players who have been inthe Big South, and that should give us achance to be successful,” said the newLiberty skipper. “Anytime you can get expe-rience on your team, it’s a good thing. It is aplus.”

The last two seasons, the Flames havereached the Big South title game only tocome up short. With a seasoned, veteranteam, Toman’s squad looks to move beyondthe title game this year.

“We’re preparing for the season as if weare going to win the Big South regular sea-son and the tournament, because we wantto be in postseason play,” stated Toman.“Our seniors have never been to a regional,and we want to get them to one.”

The Flames return 18 letterwinners fromlast year’s team, which posted its third-straight 30-plus win season with a 36-25mark and finished with its best conferencemark since 2000 at 14-7. With the additionof several players from injuries last season,Liberty will have seven seniors and 11 jun-iors on the roster, and should once againcontend for the conference title.

“The coaching staff felt the guys workedreally hard this fall and that our team hasreal good chemistry,” stated Toman.“They’ve played together and we believe thisis a group which can have success.”

A Look at the Flames by Position:

PitchingThe 2008 Liberty pitching staff seems

well stocked, as Liberty returns most of itskey members from last season’s moundstaff. In addition, the Flames will also wel-come back several members who sat outlast season due to injury.

“We are not sure how it will all fall intoplace, but [Pitching] Coach [Scott] Jacksonhas been working hard with our pitchers andwe will see in preseason how things sortout,” commented Toman on how the staff willbe utilized this season.

The Liberty starting rotation looks solidwith Dustin Umberger, Ryan Page, ClarenceNicely and David Stokes. Umberger, 5-4 in2007 with a 4.83 ERA, could also see timeas the team’s closer.

“Dustin may end up in both roles, as wewant to finish games. We would like to get alittle stronger as the game goes. He couldsee himself in the bullpen on Friday andSaturday, and if he doesn’t pitch, start onSunday,” explained Toman.

Stokes, a right-hander, led the Flames inwith eight wins and posted a 4.82 ERA, in93.1 innings in his first season with Liberty.Meanwhile, Toman and Jackson look tomove left-hander Page, a senior, back intothe starting rotation, after pitching in relieflast season. “Page is a strike thrower and aleft-hander,” said the Liberty skipper. “Thiswill allow us to start a right-hander on Friday,switch to a left-hander on Saturday and goback to a right-hander on Sunday.”

Nicely, a junior who transferred to Libertyin 2007 from Auburn, rounds out the rotation.The right-hander appears to be close to100% after missing last season due to anarm injury.

In relief, the Flames will have 12 pitchers,eight right-handers and four left-handers.From the right-side, Liberty returns DaneBeakler, Tyler Light and Andrew Wilson.Beakler, who is coming off of a lower arminjury in 2007, could see time as the squad’scloser, while Light and Wilson saw signifi-cant innings last season and will be lookedupon to provide quality innings in 2008.

Newcomers Brett Curll, a Maryland trans-fer, Rusty LaJoie, Jimmy Miller, and Joe

Steinwedell, a transfer from Pepperdine,round out the Flames’ staff from the rightside.

Freshman Stephen Evans along withreturners Grady Ihnat, Chase Vaden andDoug Wallace fill out the Liberty bullpen fromthe left side.

Cody Brown and Tommy Bussey, bothinfielders, may see double duty this springwith mound time as well.

CatcherLiberty seems set behind home plate this

season with two-year starter Errol Hollingeronce again assuming the bulk of the squad’scatching duties.

“Errol had a very good fall,” said Toman.“He knows how to handle a pitching staff.He’s a very intelligent catcher.

“We need someone back there who canbe another coach. I think Coach Jacksonand he will work well together and Errol willbe a real asset.

“This fall, he got a lot stronger in theweight room, and I look for him to have abreakout junior season.”

Last season, would-be base stealersfound Hollinger hard to run on, as the juniorthrew out a conference-leading 24 runners.At the plate, the junior ranked as the No. 22toughest hitter to strike out in the country,striking out only once every 15.9 at bats,while hitting .281 with three home runs and32 RBIs.

Also, sophomore Nathan Thompson andfreshman Jeff Jefferson could see time atthe position. Thompson hit .292 in 32 gameslast season. Jason Love, coming off an arminjury, will add depth at the position, as wellas freshman Philip Locklear.

InfieldThe Flames return starters at three of the

four infield positions in 2008. Entering theseason, shortstop is the only position Libertywill be looking to fill with the graduation ofthree-year starter Patrick Gaillard.

One of the familiar faces on the Flames’infield will be at first base, where AaronGrijalva, a three-year starter, will return forhis final season. One of the Big South’s tophitters his first two seasons in a Liberty uni-form, the senior looks for a return to form thisspring after an injury-plagued campaign lastyear. After hitting over .340 as a sophomoreand a freshman, Grijalva dropped to .250 in2007, while playing in 41 games. He will bejoined by junior Shawn Teufel and newcom-ers Jason Love and Doug Bream. A gooddefensive first baseman, Teufel saw action in49 games last season, while Love andBream are candidates to serve as theFlames’ designated hitter.

Dustin Umberger

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At second base, Liberty seems set withthe return of all-conference first-team per-former Kenneth Negron and junior Bussey.

“Kenny is a good offensive player and hasimproved defensively this fall, while workingwith Coach [Nick] Schnabel,” said Toman.“Tommy Bussey is a great attitude, work-ethic guy. He came on strong late in the falland he may see some time as pitcher thisseason also.”

Negron, a junior, finished fifth in the BigSouth with a .364 batting average andscored 50 runs, while spending time in theoutfield and at second base last season.Bussey, who missed a portion of the yeardue to a groin injury, hit .284 in 23 games.

Aaron Phillips will take over at shortstopthis season for Toman’s squad. The senior,who started at the position in place of aninjured Gaillard several times in 2007, cap-tured the starting nod with a good fall.

“Aaron has a very accurate arm fromshort and plays well defensively,” notedToman. “He also hit about .330 this fall to winthe job hands down, both defensively andoffensively. “ Freshman Aaron Parnell willback-up Phillips at the position.

Meanwhile, third base looks to be incapable hands, with the return of seniorDavid Giammaresi and junior Brown. “Thetwo of them are pretty even,” said Toman.“Brown has shown good power this fall anda good arm, while Giammaresi put up goodnumbers last season. Brown’s going to helpus on the mound also, while Giammaresicould see time as the designated hitter.”

Giammaresi earned all-Big South second-team honors last season, hitting .308 with 40RBIs and 17 doubles, the fifth most in theconference. Brown, who also spent time atfirst base, hit .296 in 34 games in 2007.

OutfieldOnce again, talent will not be in short

supply in the Flames’ outfield this season.Liberty returns senior starters Garrett Youngand P.K. Keller, while adding the speedy TimRotola in center field.

“We look for Young to be one of our besthitters this season, and he could turn out tobe a pretty good draft pick in June,” statedToman. “Rotola, a junior college transfer,showed speed and plays well defensively,while Keller has the ability to put up somegood numbers.”

This spring, Young, a 2008 BrooksWallace Player of the Year Preseason WatchList member, will move to left field afterpatrolling center field last season.The senior was a VaSID All-State first-team

member and an earned all-confer-ence mention by ranking among the Big South leaders in eight offensive categories.Young finished third in the confer

ence and 62nd nationally with a .389 battingaverage in 50 games.

Rotola takes over the center field positionafter two years at Independence in Kansas.Last season, he was named a NationalJunior College Academic All-American.Meanwhile, Keller moved from center field tothe corner outfield positions last season. Asolid defensive outfielder, the senior record-ed eight outfield assists in 2007. At theplate, Keller hit .328 with 42 RBIs. He endedthe year by being selected to his second BigSouth All-Tournament team.

Freshman Joe Feeley will also see timein the Liberty outfield this season and isexpected to serve as the designated hitter.

In addition, Jefferson, who may also seetime at catcher, will be in the outfield andToman believes he could see playing timeearly in his career.

ScheduleLiberty will open its 2008 season against

Notre Dame in the Clearwater Invitational onFeb. 22. The Flames will also face 2007NCAA Regional participant Albany and Iowain Clearwater on the opening weekend.

After a midweek game at Norfolk State,Toman’s charges will kick off their homeschedule with a three-game set, Feb. 29-March 1, at Worthington Stadium againstRider.

In March, the Flames will travel toHattiesburg, Miss., for the Coca-ColaClassic, March 14-15. Liberty will face Cal-State Northridge on the tournament’s open-ing day, while squaring off with hostSouthern Miss, a 2007 NCAA Regional par-ticipant, and Cal-State Northridge again onMarch 15.

Liberty will open its 21-game conferenceslate in late March by hosting defending BigSouth Champion Coastal Carolina in athree-game series (March 28-30). TheFlames will also host conference rivals VMI(April 18-20) and High Point (May 16-18) atWorthington Stadium.

Liberty will host the 2007 Big SouthBaseball Championship at Dan E. DanielMemorial Stadium in Danville, Va., from May20-24. The Big South Champion receivesthe conference’s automatic berth to a NCAARegional, the following weekend (May 30-June 2).

2008 OUTLOOK

Aaron Grijalva

CatchersHollinger

ThompsonLocklear

First BaseGrijalvaTeufelBreamLove

Second BaseNegronBussey

ShortstopPhillipsParnell

Third BaseBrown

Giammaresi

Left FieldYoungFeeley

Center FieldRotola Right Field

KellerJefferson

Right-Handed PitchersUmberger

NicelyStokesBeaklerLaJoieWilsonLight

SteinwedellCurllMiller

Left-Handed PitchersPage

WallaceVadenEvansIhnat

FLAMES AT A GLANCE

table of contents · worthington stadium 10 crowder/muckel field house 11 ... year-by-year coaching...

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