Baseball's Willie Argo, Volleyball's Michelle Bartsch, runner Melissa Bates, gymanst Melissa Fernandez, soccer player Danielle Kot, tennis player Dennis Nevolo, gymanst Daniel Ribeiro and softball player Danielle Zymkowitz

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Illinois finally gets a crack at Notre Dame ... in baseball.

BATAVIA - Matt Milroy is headed to the University of Illinois and not to the minor leagues. At least not yet.

The Illini signee said Monday the Boston Red Sox recently decided not to offer a contract to the right-handed pitcher after drafting him in June. Major League Baseball’s signing deadline for incoming college recruits or collegians with remaining eligibility was 11 p.m. CDT  Monday.

Ex-Illini Spiezio back in pro baseball

Bob Zuppke checks in as Loren Tate's greatest Illini coach of all time. Read on for the rest — and his explanation as to why he picked the way he did.

DES MOINES, Iowa – As word spread that the starting catcher for the Chicago Cubs was headed to the disabled list, the messages began flooding into Chris Robinson's cell phone.

"As soon as it happened, former teammates and everybody was texting me, seeing whether I would be the guy," the former Illinois catcher said.

Which former Illini is the best at his current sport?

1. Deron Williams, NBA — Utah Jazz star and Olympic gold medalist among top couple point guards in the league

From Huff Hall to Memorial Stadium to the Assembly Hall – and especially to Illinois Field, a relative Voodoo hall of superstitions – UI athletes consider their numbers an extension of themselves. Their jersey or uniform number is more than fancy stitching.

"It's your identity," says basketball forward Dominique Keller, No. 23.