It is not everyday the University gets a mention during Major League Baseball games, but when former standout players contribute to their teams’ success, it is worth noting where they got their start.
Both outfielder Nolan Reimold [with the University from 2003-2005] and pitcher Burke Badenhop [2002-2005] had their most prolific games so far in their professional career just hours apart from one another on Wednesday.
After making his major league debut earlier this month with the Baltimore Orioles, Reimold hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 12-10.
Since getting called up from the minor leagues, Reimold has been one of the Orioles’ best offensive threats batting .265 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 13 games, all of which have earned him a spot as the everyday left fielder.
Badenhop wanted to make sure his former teammate was not the only player from the University to make an impact on yesterday’s games.
‘I couldn’t let Nolan steal all the thunder,’ Badenhop said to the Miami Herald in jest.
Not to be outdone, Badenhop held the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies to one run over five innings helping his Florida Marlins win 6-2.
Improving his record to 3-2 on the season, this was Badenhop’s most proficient outing of his career. Badenhop will ‘ have another opportunity to remain in the Marlins’ starting rotation. He had previously not started a game in over a year.
BG baseball coach Danny Schmitz, who called both players after their stellar outings, knew just how much yesterday meant to Reimold, Badenhop and University athletics as a whole.
‘I think both young men did BGSU very proud yesterday,’ Schmitz said.
Getting goose bumps by just watching his former players succeed, Schmitz notes the importance this will have in future recruiting opportunities.
As of right now though, Schmitz said if Reimold and Badenhop continue to work hard and represent the University like they have been, Major League Baseball is in good shape.
‘They have tremendous work habits and are taking advantage of the opportunity,’ Schmitz said.
FACTBOX: Before their coming out parties, both Reimold and Badenhop have had remarkable careers.
Nolan Reimold: Age: 25 Hometown: Greenville, Pennsylvania bats and throws right-handed 2004 and 2005 All-Mid-American Conference First Team 2005 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year 2005 Baseball America Third-Team All-America selection Drafted in the second round [61st overall selection] by the Orioles in 2005 Named International League Batter of the Week from April 13-19, 2009 Made his major league debut and collected his first hit with the Orioles on May 14, 2009
Burke Badenhop: Age: 26 Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio bats and throws right-handed 2004 All-MAC Academic Team 2005 Academic All-America First Team Selected in the 19th round by the Detroit Tigers in 2005. Made his major league debut with the Marlins on April 9, 2009. Collected his first major league win on May 7, 2009 against the Milwaukee Brewers. ‘
