"We hit rock bottom and turned around": Illinois HC Dan Hartleb exudes pride after team wins the BIG Ten regular season title

Illinois Baseball's Head Coach Dan Hartleb was over the moon following the Fighting Illini's 9-4 win over Purdue to clinch the Big Ten regular season title. Head Coach Dan Hartleb was keen to point out this success as a result of their team's grit and determination.

Following the victory, the 58-year-old couldn't keep the smile off his face, highlighting how they overcame their struggles through their team spirit.

"This team has been unbelievable. We started out so tough. We hit rock bottom and turned around, and got things going and, you know, they’ve been a family. They’ve supported each other all year, it’s just awesome. These guys have been unbelievable."

Before taking on Southern Indiana in a 3-game series in March, the Fighting Illini were struggling at 5-10 in the regular season. However, that home series represented a turning point in their season, a point that Hartleb was keen to shed some light on.

The Fighting Illini defeated Purdue 9-4 to secure their 31st Big Ten Regular Season title

"There’s no doubt that a number of teams would’ve quit."

"This group, they’re just awesome. A lot of groups would’ve quit and this group bonded together. Just absolutely awesome!"

Following the series win over Southern Indiana, the team never looked back, turning Illinois Field into a fortress while taking on their rivals in the Big Ten. They finished the season 33-17 overall and 18-6 in the Big Ten Conference. The most impressive stat is their home record, which stands at 20-3.

Illinois HC Dan Hartleb dedicates conference win to two special individuals

Before facing a Gatorade bath from his players, Hartleb dedicated this major success to Mark Allen, their pitching coach and Illinois baseball legend Richard "Itch" Jones.

"One thing I want to say. This championship is for two people: Mark Allen, our pitching coach, he’s struggling with cancer and ‘Itch’ Jones. Two of my favorite people in the world.

With this victory, Illinois baseball defied all the odds to take the top seed in the Big Ten Conference tournament, which will take place between May 21st and May 26th at Charles Schwab Field, Omaha. They will kick off the tournament against the 8th seed, which is Penn State.

Given their recent run of form, it would be hard to bet against them. However, at the moment, the Fighting Illini will be keen on savoring this incredible success together before travelling over 600 miles to Nebraska to start their postseason.