Over 150 students began their quest Tuesday for a spot on the 1990 NIU baseball team.

Everyone came out with the same intentions, but the reasons they came out is what made the situation unique. It’s more than just trying out for a baseball team.

“Hopefully, if I make the team, I can schedule my time better,” sophomore John Szuberla said. “During my free time, I won’t be watching T.V. all the time. I’ll go to the library since I’ve never really spent a lot of time there.”

One freshman just has the basics on his mind, because the try-outs are a new experience altogether.

“I came to play ball,” Maine East graduate Bernard Lee said. “I don’t know what to expect because this is the first try-outs I’ve ever been to.”

Most of the hopefuls are pretty serious about their baseball dreams.

“I’m looking to make the team and hopefully get some playing time in my first year,” second baseman Jose Godina said. “I played four years at Providence-New Lenox and plan to give 110 percent—I didn’t come out just for the hell of it.”

Another freshman, David Stevens out of Belvidere High School sees the try-outs as an advantage to the underclassmen.

“Since the coach doesn’t know anyone and I’m young,” Stevens said, “I thought I’d give it a shot. Division I baseball would be a good experience.”

Experience doesn’t necessarily mean a spot on the roster, not even football experience, but that isn’t stopping Mark Kennedy.

Kennedy is a junior transfer from Harper Community College, who played nose-tackle for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a season and a half. The Hersey graduate was red-shirted as a freshman, then suffered torn ligaments in his right shoulder during spring practice, so he took a year off from school and returned to Harper last year.

“We’ve got four days,” Kennedy said. “I have to do whatever it takes and we’ll see after that.”

Kennedy is a southpaw pitcher, and since he had surgery on his right shoulder, the Hersey product is optimistic.

“I’ve pitched for ten years and I’m a lefty,” Kennedy said. “So I’m confident.”

Despite the high turnout of “young” guys, senior Jeff Ney, who has four years of NIU baseball club experience, doesn’t mind that he will only have one year to play.

“I’m kind of surprised at the number of guys that came out,” the corporate communications major said. “But, I guess that’s a good thing to work on. I think I can offer the team leadership and previous experience.”

They all hope their number will be called when it comes down to selecting the “Final 20.”