Bandwagon's year-end wrap up includes the year's most interesting/compelling stories (according to Brian, Lisa, and John, anyway), an interview with Big Ten Network's Alex Roux, and some MLB Hall of Fame inductee dish. Enjoy!
When Tim Nugent came home from World War Two – little did he know his efforts to help wounded veterans in the late 40’s at the University of Illinois' former Galesburg campus would later make him the ‘Father of Accessibility’ in Champaign-Urbana, and for college students all over. The new Big Ten Network documentary "The Game Changer" includes film footage from the 1950's, telling the story of how Nugent began his efforts.
U of I history professor Adrian Burgos learned through his family, and his love for baseball, that Latin players played a large role in the game since its early days. Burgos' research is the focus of "Playing America's Game", which includes interviews with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, and current Chicago White Sox slugger Jose Abreu. The program premieres Saturday at 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
The 27 straight victories set a new Big Ten Conference record. After topping Nebraska Thursday, The Illini (46-6-1) will play Maryland Thursday in the Big Tournament.
With its 45-6-1 record, and current 26-game winning streak, U of I Athletic staff say Illinois Field is a mere 'lock' to host its first-ever NCAA baseball regional the weekend of May 29-31.
