Three Salukis on Perfect Game's preseason All-MVC list

02/07/2017 | 9:33:00 | Baseball

Baird named Preseason MVC Pitcher of the Year

Perfect Game's MVC Preivew

Michael Baird, Logan Blackfan and Chad Whitmer were all named preseason All-MVC in Perfect Game's Missouri Valley Conference preview. Baird was Perfect Game's preseason MVC Pitcher of the Year.

Perfect Game is now the third organization to name Baird the preseason MVC Pitcher of the Year, joining D1Baseball and Baseball America. His 1.76 ERA last year led the MVC and is the best of any returning starter in the nation. Blackfan and Whitmer were also named preseason All-MVC in the Valley's coaches poll. Blackfan led the league in doubles last year with 23, and Whitmer went 7-4 with a 2.77 ERA, the fifth-best in the Valley.

Opening day is only 10 days away. The Salukis open the 2017 season at Stetson on Feb. 17. Southern's home opener is Friday, March 3, vs. Western Illinois. Tickets are on sale now at 877-SALUKIS or SIUSalukis.com.