It is not everyday the University gets a mention during Major League Baseball games, but when former University standouts 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.
After making his major league debut last month with the Baltimore Orioles, Reimold, 25, hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning last Wednesday 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 .286 with five home runs and 11 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 the same day.
‘I couldn’t let Nolan steal all the thunder,’ Badenhop said to the Miami Herald in jest.
Later in the night, 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. 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 their performance meant to Reimold, Badenhop and University athletics as a whole.
‘I think both young men did BGSU very proud yesterday,’ Schmitz said after both of their performances last week.
Getting goose bumps by just watching his former players succeed, Schmitz notes the importance of their performances 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.
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NOLAN REIMOLD Outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles Age: 25 Hometown: Greenville, Pennsylvania Bats and throws right-handed 2004 and 2005 All-Mid-American Conference First Team 2005 All MAC Player of the Year 2005 Baseball American Third-Team All-American selection Drafted in the second round [61st overall selection] in 2005 Named International League Batter of the Week from April 13-19, 2009 Debuted and collected his first hitwith the Orioles on May 14, 2009
BURKE BADENHOP Pitcher for the Florida Marlins Age 26 Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio Bats and throws right-handed 2004 All-Mid-American Conference Academic Team 2005 Academic All-American First Team Selected in the 19th round by the Detroit Tigers in 2005 Made his major league debut with the Marlins on April 9, 2008 Collected his first major league win on May 7, 2008 against the Milwaukee Brewers
