April 7, 2002

Champaign, Ill. - Andy Schutzenhofer exploded on to the Illinois Baseball scene in 2000. In his first season as an Illini, Schutzenhofer earned a spot as a freshman All-American. He was also named All-Big Ten, making him the first Illini freshman to make the first team in over a decade. Now at the start his junior year, he has already broken into the top 10 in career batting average and consecutive starts and he's threatening the top 10 in four other categories.

Schutzenhofer has been a strong contributor in his early years at Illinois. As a late addition to the 2000 roster, Schutzenhofer was a little anxious about Big Ten baseball. "Every freshman is a little nervous coming in, but once you start playing and have a little success it just all comes together," Schutzenhofer said. "Once I got used to it and realized I could play at this level, it was really a lot of fun."

Schutzenhofer made a smooth shift to college baseball. As his stats show, he had an outstanding freshman year as an Illini. "I didn't think I would make such an easy transition from high school to college and have the success that I did. It was definitely a big honor to step in and do that," Schutzenhofer said.

What does Schutzenhofer bring to the Illinois teams besides his tremendous hitting ability? "I think I bring some leadership to the team. Guys know that I have been in some tough situations and have had some success. I think they kind of look up to me and follow my lead."

Andy attributes much of his success to his dad Dennis. "He was my coach growing up. Since I've been little I've been working with him, he really pushed me. He got me going in the right direction. He was my high school coach. We talk baseball a lot. He gave me all my knowledge of the game and has helped me with all my skills."

Dennis Schutzenhofer throws batting practice for the St. Louis Cardinals. This has allowed Dennis to continue to help Andy with the development of his baseball skills. "Dad talked to the hitting coach for the Cardinals and showed him a tape of me. I was able to get a few tips from him," Schutzenhofer said.

Schutzenhofer's success has earned him a spot playing in the Alaska Baseball League this summer. The league runs from June to early August and is one of the top summer collegiate leagues in the country. Schutzenhofer is excited about the opportunity. "I feel fortunate to be able to go play in a league like that. I think it's going to be a lot of fun and I've heard great things about it. I'm really looking forward to this summer," Schutzenhofer said.

Although summer ball is not totally new for Schutzenhofer (he spent last summer playing for the Waterloo, Iowa Bucks), being over 4,000 miles from home will be. "It's going to be different this summer. You just have to get in good with the other guys and hopefully get a good family to live with," Schutzenhofer said.

Andy thinks his two years at Illinois have prepared him for the summer. "There have been a few Big Ten guys that have gone up there and done well. I think overall I'm prepared to do that."

This summer will be another positive step in Schutzenhofer's baseball career. "I think it'll help a lot. It is the closest thing to minor league ball we can do. That's what the coaches talk about. That is what we are all here for is to get to the next level. Going up there and playing six or seven days a week will really help my game."

Schutzenhofer has made himself a very valuable member of this Illinois team and a feared hitter in the Big Ten. He has a great opportunity to continue to improve his game this summer. If he continues his current pace after another year at Illinois, Schutzenhofer will hold several spots in the Illinois record books for years to come.