1

2006 Outlook ........................................... 22006 Roster .............................................2006 Roster .............................................2006 Roster 3

Head Coach Steve Farley ....................... 4Assistant Coach Robert Keeney ............. 5Assistant Coach Dennis Kas ................... 5Assistant Coach Jason Taulman ............. 5

Gabriel Araujo ........................................ 10Renato Araujo ........................................ 10Tony Barnes ............................................ 7Rick Betsch ........................................... 11Bryan Bokowy ......................................... 8Jeff Brown ................................................ 6Dustin Bucalo .......................................... 7Ricky Chomicz ......................................... 7Craig Costello .......................................... 6Kyle Cox ................................................ 11Jon Dages ............................................... 9Clayton Deeb ........................................... 6Joe Dempsey .......................................... 8Evan DePotter .......................................Evan DePotter .......................................Evan DePotter 11Brian Deter ..............................................Brian Deter ..............................................Brian Deter 9Patrick Feeney ........................................ 6Matt Ferguson ......................................... 8Stephen Gill ............................................. 7Nate Hart ................................................. 9Ryan Kruszka ........................................ 11Joel Matheny ......................................... 11Kyle McLaughlin ...................................... 9Kyle McWilliams .................................... 13Alex Montagano .................................... 11Ryan Neat ............................................... 9Austin Nickol .......................................... 12Joe Ochs ............................................... 12Joe Pauley ............................................. 10Andrew Piekarski ................................... 12Alex Rinearson ...................................... 10Geoff Ritter ............................................Geoff Ritter ............................................Geoff Ritter 13Edwin Rodriguez ................................... 12Jeff Sinkiewicz ....................................... 12Matt Sokolowski .................................... 12Mike Stout ............................................. 13Tyler Tepe .............................................. 13Brandon Tormoehlen ............................. 13Aaron Thompson ..................................... 8Josh Vollmer ..........................................Josh Vollmer ..........................................Josh Vollmer 10Colin Ziegel ........................................... 13

2005 Stats and Results ......................... 14

Individual Records ............................16-17Team Records ....................................... 17All-Time Lettermen ...........................18-19Coaching Records ................................. 16Year-by-Year Results ............................. 17Bulldogs in the Pros .............................. 20

Bullpen Club .......................................... 15Butler University .................................... 21Butler Athletics ..................................22-23Horizon League ..................................... 21Butler Baseball Facilities/Services ........ 24

2006 Season

2006 Players

Location ...................................Indianapolis, Ind. 46208Founded ................................................................1855Enrollment ............................................................4,200Nickname .........................................................BulldogsColors ................................................... Blue and WhiteConference .......................................... Horizon LeagueHome Field ......................................Bulldog Park (500)Dimensions .......................(L-R) 330-370-400-370-330President ..............................................Dr. Bobby FongAthletic Director ..........................................Athletic Director ..........................................Athletic Director John ParryAthletic Deparment Phone .................. (317) 940-9375

Head Coach .....................Steve Farley (Minnesota ‘81) Record at Butler ..........................Record at Butler ..........................Record at Butler 372-392-1/14 years Career Record .............................425-436-1/17 years Office Phone ..................................... (317) 940-9721Assistant Coach ........... Robert Keeney (Minnesota ‘96)Assistant Coach ................Dennis Kas (Anderson ‘74)Assistant Coach ......Jason Taulman (St. Joseph’s ‘95) Office Phone ..................................... (317) 940-6536Baseball Athletic Trainer ..........................Baseball Athletic Trainer ..........................Baseball Athletic Trainer Ryan Galloy

2005 Record .........................................................19-35 Home: 11-10 Away: 7-21 Neutral: 1-42005 League Record/Finish ............................4-12/5th Home: 2-6 Away: 2-6Letterwinners R/L ................................................20/11Position Starters R/L ...............................................6/3Pitchers R/L ..............................................................6/5Newcomers ...............................................................17

Associate A.D./SID .................................. Jim McGrath Office Phone ..................................... (317) 940-9414 E-Mail ........................................ jmcgrath@butler.eduAssistant SID ......................................... John Dedman Office Phone ..................................... (317) 940-9994 E-Mail ........................................ jdedman@butler.eduSports Information Fax ....................... (317) 940-9808Sports Information Address ........... Hinkle Fieldhouse.................... 510 W. 49th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208Press Box Phone ................................. (317) 940-6597Website .......................................www.butlersports.com

Quick Facts

Credits and Media InformationCredits: The 2006 Butler baseball media guide was produced by Butler baseball coach Steve Farley and Butler sports information director Jim McGrath. Pictures courtesy of Brent Smith and Lisa Farley. Cover design by Alisha Shuppert of the Butler Publications Offi ce. Requests for information about Butler baseball should be directed to Jim McGrath (jmcgrath@butler.edu).

On the Cover: As Butler celebrates its 150th birthday in 2005-06, Butler seniors Stephen Gill, Craig Costello, Jeff Brown, Pat Feeney and Clayton Deeb look to add another successful chapter to the Bulldogs’ heralded past.

2006 Butler Baseball

www.butlersports.com

Butler Baseball BroadcastsBig Play Productions again will broadcast Butler baseball games this spring on IndianaSportsRadio.com. The play-by-play announcers for the games will be Brian Giffi n, a former member of the broadcast team for the Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball team, and Brian Scott. All Butler home games will be broadcast on IndianaSportsRadio.com.

Coaching Staff

2005 Season

History

Butler University

Directions To ButlerFrom Northwest: I-65 south to I-865 east to I-465 east, exit at U.S. 31 (Meridian Street); take Meridian Street south to 49th Street, turn right on 49th Street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).From North: U.S. 31 (Meridian Street) south to 49th Street, turn right on 49th Street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).From Northeast: I-69 south (becomes Binford Blvd.) to 46th Street, turn right on 46th Street and follow to Boulevard Place, turn right and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (3 blocks).From East: I-70 west to I-65 north; exit I-65 at Meridian Street; take Meridian Street north to 49th Street, turn left on 49th Street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).From Southeast: I-74 north/west to I-465 north, exit at I-70 west and follow to I-65 north; exit I-65 at Meridian Street; take Meridian Street north to 49th Street, turn left on 49th Street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).From South: I-65 north, exit at Meridian Street and follow Meridian Street north to 49th street, turn left on 49th street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).From West/Southwest: I-70 or I-74 east to I-465 north; exit I-465 at 38th street, follow 38th street east to Meridian Street (7-8 miles), turn left at Meridian Street and follow north to 49th street; turn left on 49th street and follow to Hinkle Fieldhouse (5 blocks).

2

2006 Outlook

After averaging more than 32 wins per year from 2002 to 2004, Butler’s baseball squad struggled in 2005. “No doubt about it, last year was a very disappointing season,” said Butler head coach Steve Farley. “We didn’t show the competitiveness and fi re that our program has been known for. We had some major injuries to key players, but we don’t want to use that as an excuse. This year’s seniors played in the Horizon League championship game just three seasons ago, so we know we have guys who have the experience to take us to the top of the conference again. We beat every team in our league at least once in 2005, and we beat good programs like Minnesota, Indiana, Xavier, Toledo and others. Last year is in the past. We’ve turned the page, and now we can’t wait for the 2006 season.” Farley and his staff added 19 new play-ers, the largest recruiting class in the league. “We needed to increase the competitiveness in our program,” said the Butler coach. “We need guys to get hungry again. Players need to know that they’ll be earning their playing time. We have a solid group of seniors. From what I saw this fall, we are back on the right track.”

PITCHING“We’re carrying 14 pitchers on our roster,” said Farley. “That’s the highest number I’ve had at Butler. I didn’t like how we competed on the mound last spring. We didn’t pitch with confi dence, and we looked soft too many times. That’s why we brought in so many new guys this fall. I want to bump up the competition level and force some guys

to raise their intensity level.” Returning seniors Craig Costello and Pat Feeney have pitched quality innings during their Butler careers. Costello, who threw a no-hitter against UW-Milwaukee in 2004, led the team in victories for a second straight year in 2005, while Feeney threw 25 innings in relief, despite battling injuries. Sophomores Bryan Bokowy, Jon Dages, Brian Deter and Josh Vollmer all saw con-siderable time on the mound a year ago, and each showed signs of being a qual-ity collegiate starter. Eight freshmen took the mound for the Bulldogs during the fall season and showed considerable promise. Righthander Jeff Sinkiewicz threw a high percentage of strikes and impressed Butler’s coaches with the way he challenged hit-ters. Righthander Ryan Kruszka put up big numbers on the radar gun, while high school teammates Joe Ochs and Evan DePotter both pitched quality innings. Lefthander Matt Sokolowski and righthander Tyler Tepe both showed solid command of their pitches. The Bulldogs even added an international fl avor with lefthanded brothers Gabriel and Renato Araujo joining the team from Brazil.

CATCHINGJunior Joe Dempsey, who started 38 games as a sophomore, missed much of the fall season, while recovering from a knee in-jury, but he’s expected to be the Bulldogs’ top backstop in the spring. With Dempsey on the sidelines, Butler’s three freshmen catchers were given considerable time be-hind the plate. Austin Nickol is coming off a state championship season as a catcher at Brownsburg High School, while Edwin Rodriguez arrived from Puerto Rico and im-pressed Butler’s coaches with his offensive potential and strong throwing arm. Alex Montagano was recruited as a utility player, but he was given plenty of action behind the plate in the fall.

INFIELDOn paper, this may be one of the most tal-ented groups of infi elders at Butler in some time. “I think we have talent and depth at every infi eld position,” said Farley. Seniors Stephen Gill, Clayton Deeb and Jeff Brown return for their fi nal campaign. Brown, who missed all of last season with a back injury, fi gures to start at second base, while Deeb and Gill could see action at several positions. Deeb, a .317 hitter in 2005, played both fi rst and third base last year, while Gill has the speed and arm to compete at shortstop or in the outfi eld. Junior Matt Ferguson played third base, second base and fi rst base during the fall season, and he gives the Bulldogs a serious power threat. Sophomores Alex Rinearson and Joe Pauley were two of Butler’s top performers last year, and both are poised for continued success in 2006. Rinearson, who led the Bulldogs in hitting with a .372 average in 2005, fi gures to start at fi rst base for the Bulldogs, while Pauley, who batted .336 in his initial season, is the

leading candidate at shortstop. Another sophomore, Ryan Neat, made the transition from second base to fi rst base, and he gives the Bulldogs solid depth behind Rinearson. Freshman Joel Matheny was one of the top high school players in Indiana last year, and he could contribute at either shortstop or third base. Additional depth will come from freshman Kyle Cox at fi rst base and fresh-man Mike Stout at second base.

OUTFIELDGone is Horizon League Player of the Year Dale Mueller, a four-year starter who com-pleted his eligibility last spring after settinga Butler batting record with a .359 career average. His absence leaves a big hole in Butler’s outfi eld. “I’m not sure anybody can replace Dale,” said Farley. “The great thing was that Dale was a good leader and tough competitor, and he showed our younger guys how to play the game. I’m confi dent that his infl uence will carry over to our returning outfi elders.” Juniors Dustin Bucalo, Tony Barnes, Ricky Chomicz and Aaron Thompson give Farley a solid corps of returnees. Bucalo batted close to .300 as Butler’s regular centerfi elder last spring. Farley can also call on Gill, who showed promise in the outfi eld during the fall season, and sophomore Kyle McLaughlin, a solid hitter who’s making the switch from catcher to the outfi eld. Another sophomore, Nate Hart, is returning from off-season shoulder surgery. Farley also has added three promis-ing freshmen, Rick Betsch, Andrew Piekarski and Colin Ziegel, all of whom will compete for playing time in 2006.

Alex Rinearson led Butler and finished second in the Horizon League in hitting with a .372 average in 2005.

John Dages topped the Bulldogs with a 4.76 earned run average in his first collegiate season last year.

3

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. B/T Hometown/High School/Previous School 1 Nate Hart OF 5-9 165 So. R/R Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park-River Forest 2 Ricky Chomicz OF 6-0 190 Jr. R/R Glendale Heights, Ill./Glenbard West 3 Aaron Thompson OF 5-11 175 Jr. L/R Waterloo, Ill./Chaminade Prep 4 Jeff Brown IF 6-1 190 Sr. R/R Speedway, Ind./Speedway 5 Stephen Gill IF 5-10 190 Sr. R/R Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville 6 Matt Ferguson IF 6-0 190 Jr. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Dayton 8 Joel Matheny IF 6-1 190 Fr. R/R LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte 9 Dustin Bucalo OF 5-11 185 Jr. L/L Barrington, Ill./Barrington 10 Joe Pauley IF 6-0 190 So. R/R Skokie, Ill./Notre Dame 11 Mike Stout IF 6-0 195 Fr. R/R Carmel, Ind./Park Tudor 12 Joe Ochs P 6-5 215 Fr. L/L Noblesville, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern 13 Rick Betsch OF 6-1 185 Fr. R/R Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle 14 Tony Barnes OF 6-4 218 Jr. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Chatard 16 Colin Ziegel OF 6-1 190 Fr. S/L Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider 17 Andrew Piekarski OF 6-1 195 Fr. L/R South Bend, Ind./Marian 18 Kyle Cox IF 6-2 220 Fr. L/L Indianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis 20 Craig Costello P 6-3 210 Sr. L/L LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte 21 Alex Rinearson IF 6-5 220 So. R/R Fort Wayne, Ind./Northrup 22 Alex Montagano C 5-11 185 Fr. R/R Valparaiso, Ind./Chesterton 23 Edwin Rodriguez C 6-0 200 Fr. R/R Arecibo, Puerto Rico/Colegio Nuestra 24 Josh Vollmer P 6-0 210 So. L/L Carmel, Ind./Westfield 25 Patrick Feeney P 6-1 195 Sr. R/R Grayslake, Ill./Grayslake 26 Austin Nickol C 6-0 185 Fr. R/R Brownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg 27 Gabriel Araujo P 6-4 180 Fr. L/L Colegio Tarsila doAmaral, Brazil 28 Jon Dages P 6-2 190 So. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North 29 Clayton Deeb IF 5-11 190 Sr. R/R Hebron, Ind./Boone Grove 30 Kyle McLaughlin OF 6-0 200 So. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central 31 Tyler Tepe P 6-2 185 Fr. S/R Oregonia, Ohio/Lebanon 32 Bryan Bokowy P 5-10 195 So. R/L Munster, Ind./Munster33 Joe Dempsey C 6-2 210 Jr. R/R Stow, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy

34 Renato Araujo P 6-7 220 Fr. L/L Colegio Tarsila doAmaral, Brazil 35 Matt Sokolowski P 5-11 195 Fr. L/L Fort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Dwenger 36 Brian Deter P 6-3 188 So. L/R Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central 37 Jeff Sinkiewicz P 6-3 190 Fr. R/R Granger, Ind./St. Joseph’s 38 Ryan Kruszka P 6-1 195 Fr. R/R Elwood, Ill./Joliet Central 39 Ryan Neat IF 6-3 215 So. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Speedway 40 Evan DePotter P 6-0 187 Fr. R/R Indianapolis, Ind./Hamilton SoutheasternRS Brandon Tormoehlen C 6-0 210 Sr. R/R Seymour, Ind./Brownstown Central

RS Kyle McWilliams IF 5-11 180 Fr. R/R Carmel, Ind./Heritage Christian RS Geoff Ritter OF 5-11 165 Fr. R/R Indianapolis, Ind/Southport

Head Coach: Steve Farley (Minnesota ‘81)Assistant Coaches: Bob Keeney (Minnesota ‘96), Dennis Kas (Anderson ‘74), Jason Taulman (St. Joseph’s ‘95)

Numerical Roster

No. Name 27 Gabriel Araujo 34 Renato Araujo 14 Tony Barnes 13 Rick Betsch 32 Bryan Bokowy 4 Jeff Brown 9 Dustin Bucalo 2 Ricky Chomicz 20 Craig Costello 18 Kyle Cox 28 Jon Dages 29 Clayton Deeb 33 Joe Dempsey 40 Evan DePotter 36 Brian Deter 25 Patrick Feeney 37 Matt Ferguson 5 Stephen Gill 1 Nate Hart 38 Ryan Kruszka 8 Joel Matheny 30 Kyle McLaughlin 22 Alex Montagano 39 Ryan Neat 26 Austin Nickol 12 Joe Ochs 17 Andrew Piekarski 10 Joe Pauley 21 Alex Rinearson 23 Edwin Rodriguez 37 Jeff Sinkiewicz 35 Matt Sokolowski 11 Mike Stout 31 Tyler Tepe 7 Aaron Thompson 24 Josh Vollmer 16 Colin Ziegel

Alphabetical Roster

Araujo ...........Ah-ROO-zhoBokowy .......Buh-KOE-weeBucalo.........Book-ah-LOWChomicz ........ Choe-MITCHDages ....................DAY-gissDeter .......................Deter .......................Deter DEE-terKruszka ........ KROOSH-kahMatheny ..... Mah-THEEN-eeMontagano .. Mon-TAG-ah-noOchs ..........................OAKSPiekarski ......Pah-CAR-skeeRinearson ......RINE-er-sonSinkiewicz ...Sin-CAY-wichSokolowski ..Sokolowski ..Sokolowski SO-kah-lau-skeeTepe .......................Tep-EEZiegel ....................ZEE-gul

Pronunciation Guide

Roster BreakdownBy Class Seniors (5) Juniors (6) Sophomores (9) Freshmen (17)

By Batters Lefthanded (11) Righthanded (24) Switch (2)

By State/Country Illinois (7) Indiana (24) Ohio (3) Puerto Rico (1) Brazil (2)

By Height 6’3” or taller (9) 6’2” (4) 6’1” (7) 6’0” (9) 5’11” (5) 5’10” or shorter (3)

By Primary Position Lefthanded Pitchers (7) Righthanded Pitchers (7) Catchers (4) Infi elders (10) Outfi elders (9)

By Throwing Arm Lefthanded (10) Righthanded (27)

2006 Bulldogs

4

Overall LeagueYear School Record Pct. Record/Finish Pct. Post-Season1992 Butler 18-35 .340 6-14/5th .3001993 Butler 27-27-1 .500 14-14/4th .5001994 Butler 27-29 .482 11-8/2nd .5791995 Butler 22-27 .449 6-10/5th (West) .3751996 Butler 26-21 .553 14-7/1st .6671997 Butler 18-32 .360 8-16/T-6th .3331998 Butler 33-21 .611 13-5/T-1st .722 NCAA1999 Butler 29-27 .518 14-6/1st .7002000 Butler 31-28 .525 8-8/4th .500 NCAA2001 Butler 25-30 .455 8-12/4th .4002002 Butler 34-23 .596 11-11/4th .5002003 Butler 34-27 .557 16-8/2nd .6672004 Butler 29-30 .492 13-11/2nd .5422005 Butler 19-35 .352 4-12 .250At Butler (14 yrs) 372-392-1 .487 146-132 .525Career (17 yrs) 425-437-1 .493

Steve Farley’s Butler Record

Coaching Staff

Head Coach Steve Farley

The Steve Farley Family (left to right): Hannah, Lisa, Sarah and Steve.

Butler’s baseball program has fl our-ished under head coach Steve Farley for more than a decade and recent seasons have seen unprecedented success! The Bulldogs captured con-ference regular season championships in 1996, 1998 and 1999 and league tournament titles in 1998 and 2000. Farley was named MCC “Coach of the Year” in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 1999. In 1998, the Bulldogs visited Tulsa, Oklahoma, to compete in the NCAA Play-In series against Oral Roberts University, and in 2000 Butler captured

the Horizon League’s automatic bid to the NCAA National Baseball Championship. The Bulldogs fl ew to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for their national tournament appearance and competed against nationally-ranked Nebraska and Wichita State in the NCAA Regional Tournament at the University of Minnesota. In 2002 and 2003, Farley guided the Bulldogs to a school-record 34 victories, Butler’s third and fourth 30-win seasons in six years! Farley is in his 15th season at Butler, and he’s turned the Bulldogs into a consistent winner. The Bulldogs have fi ve winning seasons in the past eight years and have averaged nearly 30 wins per year during that stretch. Teams under his guidance have broken Butler’s school record for victories three times. Farley owns the eight highest single season win totals in Butler baseball history, and he’s Butler’s all-time winningest baseball coach with 372 career victories! He’s had 54 players earn all-conference honors, and 20 of his former players have signed professional baseball contracts. Farley’s success hasn’t been limited to wins and losses. Thanks to his efforts in collecting donations from alumni and other benefactors, Bulldog Park has gone from an average playing facility to a top-notch baseball complex, one that hosted the Indiana North-South high school all-star series in 2001. Farley has also annually scheduled games for the Bulldogs in Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians. He has made Butler summer and winter baseball camps an annual success, with many Indianapolis-area little league and high school players at-tending his camps each year. He also guided the Bulldogs to their fi rst international competition with a six-game tour of Australia in 2003. Program building wasn’t something new for Farley. After serving as a graduate assistant coach under the highly regarded Jerry Kindall

University of Minnesota ‘81 • 15th Season

at University of Arizona in 1983, he began a full-time coaching career as an assistant at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. As the team’s pitching coach, he helped lower Army’s team earned run average to a school-record 3.99 in just two seasons. Farley moved to Davis & Elkins College in 1988, inheriting a team that had fi nished last in the conference the previous two seasons. In 1990, he was named Coach of the Year in the West Virginia Intercol-legiate Athletic Conference after leading Davis & Elkins to its fi rst 20-win season in over a decade. In 1991, he guided the Senators to a division championship. A high school all-state pitcher at River Falls, Wis., Farley earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he became a starting pitcher and three-year letterman. He helped lead the Golden Gophers to the Big Ten fi nals and a berth in the NCAA tournament in 1981. Farley, recipient of the Williams Scholar-Student Athlete Award, earned a bachelor of science degree from Minnesota in 1981, and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Arizona in 1983. In addition to his coaching duties, Farley has served as a director or instructor at several baseball camps, including the NCAA Youth Educa-tion through Sports (YES) clinics at the College World Series. He has also had several articles on baseball strategy and technique published in athletic journals. In January of 2006, he joined several other baseball coaches from the United States on a trip to Regensburg, Germany, to participate in several baseball clinics. The clinics were sponsored by Major League Baseball’s Envoy Program. Farley and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters, Hannah (11) and Sarah (8).

5

Baseball Support Staff

Jim McGrathSports Information Director

Jon HindAssociate A.D./Internal

Operations

Ryan GalloyAthletic Trainer

Mindy FranklinAsst. A.D./Student

Development

Jamey ConnerGroundskeeper

Dr. Chris CarrSports Psychologist

John HardingEquipment Manager

Assistant Coach Bob Keeney

BaseballSupport Staff

Carol ReepAssoc. Athletic Director

Kara KovertMgr., Sports Marketing

and Promotions

Assistant Coach Dennis KasD e n n i s K a s , a member of the In-diana Baseball Hall of Fame, is in his second season as a member of Butler’s coaching staff. Kas joined the Bulldogs after a long and suc-cessful high school coaching career in Indiana. He spent

nearly a quarter of a century coaching, fi rst at Clinton Prairie High School and later at Noblesville High School, and he guided teams to a winning percentage of nearly 70%! He directed Clinton Prairie to an 89-37 record in fi ve seasons, including three conference titles, two county championships and two sectional crowns. Kas took over at Noblesville High School in 1987 and guided the Millers to more than 300 victories, while earning numerous Coach of the Year awards. Kas also was active in the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association, serv-ing as president in 1991-92. The Anderson University graduate (‘74) was named to the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

Bob Keeney is in his fi fth season as a member of Butler’s coaching staff. He joined the Bulldogs in the summer of 2001, after spend-ing two years as an assistant coach at South Dakota State University. The fi fth-year Butler coach

works primarily with the team’s hitters and infi elders, while running the squad’s off-sea-son strength and conditioning program. He also assists with recruiting, scouting, defen-sive positioning and team travel. Keeney, who was a four-year baseball letterwinner and All-Big Ten player at the University of Minnesota, helped lead South Dakota State to a conference runner-up fi nish and a No. 6 ranking in the central region in 2001. Prior to his stint at South Dakota State, he served as an assistant baseball coach at Bethel College (Minn.). He has a B.A. degree from Minnesota (1996) and a master’s degree from South Dakota State (2002).

Assistant Coach Jason TaulmanJason Taulman is returning to the Bull-dogs’ coaching staff after a three-year absence. He was a member of Coach a member of Coach a memberSteve Farley’s staff in 2001 and 2002, and then spent one season as pitching coach at Ball State and two years as

pitching instructor at Trinity Ballpark. Taul-man fi rst joined Butler’s staff in 2001, after spending three years as a professional player and owner/director of the Tippeca-noe Baseball Academy. A 1995 graduate of St. Joseph’s College, Taulman pitched professionally with the Lafayette Leopards and the Sioux Falls Canaries. He was an assistant pitching coach at St. Joseph’s in 1995-96 and served as pitching coach for the Lafayette Leopards in 1998. Taulman was a ds in 1998. Taulman was a ds in 1998. Tfour-year starting pitcher at St. Joseph’s, and he helped lead the Pumas to a Great Lakes Valley Conference title in 1995. He led the GLVC in earned run average in 1994-95.

6

2006 Bulldogs

4 Jeff Brown6-1 • 190 • Senior • Infi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Speedway

“Not having Jeff in our lineup last year because of his back injury was a tough adjustment for our coaching staff. Having him back in 2006 gives us a great situa-tion in the infield. Jeff is a team leader, and he has the tools you look for in a middle infielder - good speed, solid arm and tough hitter. This should be a great year for Jeff.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Sat out the season with a back injury...2004: Played in 55 games, includ-ing 52 as a starter...led the Bulldogs and ranked third in the Horizon League in doubles...finished sixth on the team in hitting...fifth on the squad in runs batted in...second on the team in assists with 113...had 13 multiple hit games...tied Butler’s single game record with five hits against Illinois State...had six RBI’s against the Redbirds...had four hits, including a school-record three doubles, and drove in four runs against Ball State...hit home runs against North Florida, Illinois State and St. Xavier...batted .412 in the Horizon League Tournament...2003: Started 34 games for the Bulldogs...led the team in sacrifice bunts with five...tied for the team lead in triples with two...tied for fourth on the team in home runs with four...named Horizon League Player of the Week (May 19) after helping Butler win three of four games against Detroit...2002: Played in 23 games...had three extra base hits and six RBIs...posted two hits each against Bethune-Cookman and Anderson...High School: Earned nine varsity letters in baseball, football and basketball at Speedway...team captain and all-conference performer in baseball...helped baseball squad to one of its most successful seasons ever as a senior...member of the National Honor Society...high school coach: Bruce Hutchings...Personal: Born August 28, 1983...son of Claude and Anita Brown...public relations/advertising major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2002 23 32 5 7 2 1 0 6 3 14 0-1 .2192003 45 115 24 29 3 2 4 16 12 30 4-4 .2522004 55 197 25 55 14 2 3 24 11 36 3-6 .279Career 123 344 54 91 19 5 7 46 26 80 7-11 .265

20 Craig Costello6-3 • 210 • Senior • PitcherLaPorte, Ind./LaPorte

“After putting up some great numbers as a sophomore, Craig struggled a bit last year. As a senior, he’ll need to dig deep and be a leader on our staff. He knows what it takes to win in the Horizon League, and his experience will be critical to our success this season.” --Steve Farley

2005: Had a team-high 13 starts...led the Bulldogs in victories with five...second on the squad in innings pitched...allowed one run in six innings to pick up a 2-1 win over Minnesota...held UW-Milwaukee to five hits and one run in seven innings to record a win...earned victories over Wright State, Cleveland State and Indiana Tech...2004: Appeared in 15 games, including 12 as a starter...tied for the Horizon League lead in victories with nine...second on the team and ranked 10th in the league in strikeouts...led the Bulldogs in innings pitched...shared the team lead in complete games and shutouts...tossed the sixth no-hitter in Butler baseball history to beat UW-Milwaukee, 2-0...had a career-high 10 strikeouts in the shutout victory over UW-Milwaukee...named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week for performance against UW-Milwaukee...allowed just three hits and chalked up six strikeouts in five innings while picking up a victory over IPFW...had five strikeouts in a victory over UIC...allowed just one earned run in eight innings, while picking up his team-lead-ing ninth victory over Cleveland State...recorded five strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs in eight innings against league champ Youngstown State in the conference tournament...2003: Pitched in 10 games, including four as a starter...tied for fourth on the squad with three wins...earned pitching victories over Austin Peay, Valparaiso and Chicago State...had a career-best six strikeouts at Austin Peay...High School: First team All-State pitcher at LaPorte High School...named Indiana’s “Pitcher of the Year’ by Hoosier Diamond in 2002...two-year all-confer-

ence and all-area pitcher...selected to play in the 2002 Indiana North-South All-Star Game...named team M.V.P. as a senior...posted a 13-4 record with a 1.11 earned run average and 154 strikeouts in final high school season...earned two varsity baseball letters...Personal: Born October 6, 1983...son of Cindy Behenna and Tim Costello...marketing major. G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2003 10 4 25.2 0 31 23 17 13 19 3-2 0 5.962004 15 12 82.1 2 75 43 32 33 55 9-4 0 3.502005 15 13 72.1 2 97 61 50 25 24 5-6 0 6.22Career 40 29 180.1 4 203 127 99 71 98 17-12 0 4.94

29 Clayton Deeb5-11 • 190 • Senior • Infi elderHebron, Ind./Boone Grove

“Clayton came on strong in the middle of last season and got some big hits for our team. He’s played several positions during his career at Butler, and he’s a student of the game. It’s a tough combination being a pharmacy major and a student-athlete, but Clayton has done a great job of handling the time demands. He is a team

leader, and he’s respected by his peers.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in 27 games, including 20 as a starter...team’s fourth-leading hitter with a .317 average...had seven multiple-hit games...helped lead Butler past Cleveland State with three hits, including a home run, and seven runs batted in...had three hits and four RBI’s against Earlham...went three for three with two RBI’s against Wright State...2004: Played in 43 games, including 28 as a starter, as both a second baseman and a first baseman...tied for the team lead in home runs...tied for fifth on the squad in runs batted in...finished third on the squad in putouts with 182...compiled a .956 fielding percentage...had five multiple-hit games...was four for four with three RBI’s against Marian...hit two home runs and drove in six runs in a game against Detroit...had home runs against Indiana State and UIC...posted two hits and two RBI’s against North Florida...2003: Saw action in six games...High School: All-State baseball player at Boone Grove High School...three-time all-conference and two-time all-area performer...helped Boone Grove to a 26-5 record as a senior...set a school record for career home runs (20)...earned four varsity baseball letters...Personal: Born November 30, 1983...son of Dennis and Terri Deeb...pharmacy major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2003 6 5 1 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0-0 .6002004 42 100 15 23 1 0 4 20 6 15 1-1 .2302005 27 82 13 26 8 0 2 22 7 14 2-2 .317Career 75 187 29 52 10 0 6 43 13 29 3-3 .278

25 Patrick Feeney6-1 • 195 • Senior • PitcherGrayslake, Ill./Grayslake

“Pat didn’t participate in fall ball, since he was recover-ing from off-season elbow surgery. I expect him to be 100% in 2006, and he’s thrown plenty of quality innings for us. He has a great work ethic, and, as a senior, I know he’ll step up and give us everything he has.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Pitched in 15 games, including one as a starter...pitched three shutout in-nings at UW-Milwaukee...blanked Valparaiso on no hits for two innings in Butler’s 8-6 win...struck out all three batters he faced against Earlham...2004: Appeared in 16 games as one of the team’s top relief pitchers...led the Bulldogs in earned run average...finished second on the team with three saves...limited Butler’s opponents to a .192 batting average in 30.2 innings of work...pitched eight shutout innings and allowed just four hits while picking up his first Butler win against Wabash...earned first collegiate save with two shutout innings against Wright State...pitched one shutout inning and earned a save against Cleveland State...picked up a save

7

2006 Bulldogs

5 Stephen Gill5-10 • 190 • Senior • Infi elderMerrillville, Ind./Merrillville

“Stephen is one of the hardest working players I’ve ever had at Butler. He’s been a solid infielder for us, and he may have the opportunity to compete in the outfield as well this spring. Our players see him as one of the team leaders, and he’ll take on any role necessary for this team to win.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in 50 games, including 45 as a starter...led the Bulldogs with 16 stolen bases and nine sacrifices...tied for second on the squad with three home runs...had eight multiple-hit games...was three for four with two doubles against Indiana Tech...hit home runs against Dayton, IPFW and Cleveland State...2004: Played in 55 games...second on the team with 53 starts...second on the team in runs scored and bases on balls...set a school single season record by being hit by pitch nine times...led the Bulldogs with 144 assists...was perfect on 11 steal at-tempts...had 12 multiple hit games...compiled two nine-game hitting streaks...had a double, home run, two RBI’s and three runs scored in a game against Indiana STate...hit two doubles against Western Michigan...had two hits, two RBI’s and three runs scored in a game against league champ Youngstown State...hit two home runs against Indiana State and one against Youngstown State...scored three runs in a game against UIC...was two for four with two RBI’s against Dayton...posted a career-high eight assists against both Bradley and Miami...had 16 assists in a four-game series against Wright State and 15 assists in a four-game series against UIC...2003: Saw action in 22 games, including eight as a starter...High School:Two-year all-state performer at Merrillville High School...team captain and M.V.P. as a senior...two-year all-conference and all-area pick...tied the school record for hits in a season...all-area strong safety on high school football team...earned four varsity letters in baseball and three in football...Personal: Born September 22, 1983...son of Shirley Gill...math major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2003 22 31 4 8 1 0 0 3 4 5 0-0 .2582004 55 167 37 44 8 1 3 19 28 25 11-11 .2632005 50 150 31 41 8 0 3 16 11 27 16-17 .273Career 127 348 72 93 17 1 6 38 43 57 27-28 .267

14 Tony Barnes6-4 • 218 • Junior • Outfi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Chatard

“This is Tony’s year to break out and show people what he can do. He’s worked hard to be a capable outfielder, and he can drive the baseball from the right side of the plate. He should be a middle of the order guy, getting extra base hits and driving in runs. We need a good year from Tony, and I’m confident he’ll produce.” -- Steve Farley2005: Saw action in 32 games, including 17 as a

starter...had two hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs at Birmingham Southern...was three for three with a double against Anderson...2004: Played in 26 games, including 15 as a starter...tied for seventh on the team in batting...fifth on the

9 Dustin Bucalo5-11 • 185 • Junior • Outfi elderBarrington, Ill./Barrington

“Dustin came on strong in 2005, making solid strides as an offensive player. He is comfortable in center field, and he’s a good bunter. He needs to be a cata-lyst for our offense near the top of the order, getting on base and scoring runs. We expect him to have a solid spring.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Played in 49 games, including 39 as a starter...led the Bulldogs with 14 doubles...paced Butler’s outfielders with 108 putouts...had 12 multiple-hit games...had a career-best four hits against IPFW...posted three hits, including two doubles at Birmingham Southern...had three hits, including his first collegiate home run, and three RBI’s against South Dakota State...pitched seven and a third innings in four games...2004: Saw action in seven games, including three as a starter...High School: Two-time all-conference pick at Barrington High School...team captain in 2003...batted .449 as a senior...set a state record with a 36-game hitting streak...named to the Chicago Sun Times “Top 100 Baseball Players” for 2003...honorable mention all-area as a junior...batted .403 in conference games as a junior...played on champion Team Illinois in the 2002 Blue-Gray Battle of the States...earned two varsity letters in baseball...high school coach: Jim Hawrysko...Personal: Born April 17, 1985...son of Dennis and Tena Bucalo...history major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 7 13 3 3 0 1 0 2 2 4 0-0 .2312005 49 165 28 49 14 1 2 20 14 25 6-7 .297Career 56 178 31 52 14 2 2 22 16 29 6-7 .292

2 Rick Chomicz6-0 • 190 • Junior • Outfi elderGlendale Heights, Ill./Glenbard West

“Ricky was behind some veteran outfielders last year, but with those guys gone, he got a lot more reps this fall. He made some nice plays on defense, and he continues to show improvement as a hitter. His speed gives him a chance to steal some bases for us. He’s in the hunt for increased playing time in 2006.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in 26 games as a reserve outfielder/pinch runner...had a single, two runs batted in and a run scored in Butler’s win over Earlham...2004: Played in three games, including one as a starter...High School: Two-year all-conference selections at Glenbard West High School...earned second team all-area honors for two straight seasons...earned all-conference honors as a football player in 2002...high school coach: Jim Fornaciari...Personal: Born November 11, 1984...son of Rich and Sandi Chomicz...chemistry major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 3 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-1 .2002005 26 7 9 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0-0 .143Career 29 12 10 2 0 0 0 3 2 2 0-1 .167

against UW-Milwaukee in the Horizon League Tournament...allowed just two hits and no runs in four innings while picking up a win over Wright State...earned a victory over Detroit with one and a third innings of work...2003: Pitched in four games...High School: All-Area pitcher at Grayslake High School...named team M.V.P. as a senior...led high school team in innings pitched, strikeouts and complete games for two straight seasons...received “Best Pitcher” award in 2002...selected to the Northwest Suburban Junior Showcase All-Star tournament...Academic All-Confer-ence...earned two varsity baseball letters...Personal: Born November 17, 1983...son of Tim and Linda Feeney...marketing major. G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2003 4 0 3.0 0 5 4 3 3 1 0-1 0 9.002004 16 1 30.2 0 20 8 7 10 17 3-1 3 2.052005 15 1 25.0 0 39 29 26 9 16 0-3 0 9.36Career 35 2 58.2 0 64 41 36 22 34 3-5 3 5.52

team with a .419 slugging percentage...High School: Three-time all-city performer at Chatard High School...helped high school squad to a pair of city championships...named team MVP...played on stats championship basketball team...Academic All-State in both baseball and basketball...earned four varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Mike Harmon...Personal: Born July 14, 1984...son of Thomas and Kristina Barnes...management information systems major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 26 62 9 17 6 0 1 16 6 0 0-0 .2742005 32 70 11 16 4 1 1 12 9 25 1-2 .229Career 58 132 20 33 10 1 2 28 15 25 1-2 .250

8

2006 Bulldogs

33 Joe Dempsey6-2 • 210 • Junior • CatcherStow, Ohio/Western Reserve Academy

“This is Joe’s year to show what he can do. He has a strong arm and has the potential to hit for power. Ju-niors are key guys in our program, as they know what Division I baseball is all about, and they understand the adjustments that need to be made to succeed at this level. Joe’s summer ball experience in the Northwoods League will help him this spring.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Led the Bulldogs with 51 games played...slugged a team-high four home runs...tied for third on the team in doubles and RBI’s...had eight multiple-hit games...had four hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs against Dayton...hit home runs against Chicago State, UW-Milwaukee and UIC...2004: Played in 47 games, including 38 as a starter...named to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team...tied to fhe team lead in home runs...finished fourth on the squad in slugging percentage (.452)...had a .990 fielding percentage...threw out 13 runners attempting to steal...High School: Three-sport athlete at Western Reserve Academy...baseball team M.V.P. for three straight seasons...all-conference and league co-MVP as a senior...all-area performer...batted .567 as a senior...posted a career batting average of .444...All-State linebacker in football...earned four varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Richard Hoffman...Personal: Born August 22, 1984...son of Mike and Kim Dempsey...history major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 47 135 19 37 8 2 4 20 9 25 1-1 .2742005 51 157 19 41 9 0 4 25 15 27 2-2 .261Career 98 292 38 78 17 2 8 45 24 52 3-3 .267

6 Matt Ferguson6-0 • 190 • Junior • Infi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Cathedral

“Matt has outstanding bat speed and power potential. We’ve used him at both second and third base. He works hard and he wants this team to win. He’s part of a talented and deep group of infielders we have this season. As is usually the case in college ball, hitting consistency will be a key to playing time.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Played in 40 games in his first season after transferring from the University of Dayton...tied for fourth on the team with nine doubles...had a career-best four hits, including two doubles, at Birmingham Southern...was three for three with two RBI’s against Chicago State...had a solo home run in only at bat at UW-Milwaukee...High School: Two-year letterwinner at Cathedral High School...team captain as a senior...earned all-city recognition...received team’s “Mr. Hustle” Award...high school coach: Rich Andriole...Personal: Born January 14, 1985...son of Tom and Terri Ferguson...history major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2005 40 103 12 27 9 0 1 16 11 29 2-2 .262

3 Aaron Thompson5-11 • 175 • Junior • Outfi elderWaterloo, Ill./Chaminade Prep

“We’d love to have Aaron playing with us all year, but as one of Butler’s top soccer players, he can’t join our team until November. Aaron is an outstanding athlete, and he’s a tough competitor. He broke his wrist on our spring trip last year, so I know he’s anxious this season to make up for lost time.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in eight games, before being sidelined for the season with a fracture in his wrist...started 18 of 19 matches as a defender on Butler’s men’s soccer team...named to the All-Tournament teams at the Bradley Classic and the New Mexico Invitational men’s soccer tournaments...2004: Played in 14 games, including eight as a starter...compiled a .424 on-base percentage...handled eight chances without an error...walk-on who earned a spot on the team during the win-ter...member of Butler’s men’s soccer team...High School: Three-sport athlete at Chaminade College Prep High School...earned four varsity letters in baseball as a catcher and second baseman...all-league performer in soccer and hockey...high school coach: Mike Massa...Personal: Born November 2, 1984...son of Harry and Reina Thompson...business major. G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 14 25 10 6 1 0 0 4 8 4 2-4 .2402005 8 9 1 2 0 0 0 1 4 3 0-1 .222Career 22 34 11 8 1 0 0 5 12 7 2-5 .235

32 Bryan Bokowy5-10 • 195 • Sophomore • PitcherMunster, Ind./Munster

“Guys on our team see Bryan as one of the pitchers who can make a difference this season. He got plenty of innings as a freshman, and he worked hard in the off-season on his change-up and slider. Bryan loves to compete, and his bulldog attitude is what we need from our pitching staff this year.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Appeared in 18 games in initial season with the Bulldogs...tied for third on the team with eight starts...led the Bulldogs in strikeouts and finished second on the team in earned run average...picked up his first collegiate victory in a relief stint against Toledo...pitched seven shutout innings to earn a victory against Franklin...had a career-high ten strikeouts in six innings against South Dakota State in first collegiate start...had nine strikeouts in seven innings against Franklin...High School:Earned four varsity letters in baseball as a pitcher at Munster High School...team captain...helped lead his team to the 2004 conference championship...earned all-conference honors...high school coach: Bob Shinkan...Personal: Born December 16, 1985...son of Mike and Arlene Bokowy...undecided major.

G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2005 18 8 54.1 0 78 48 30 21 53 2-6 0 4.97

Bulldogs Down Under

Butler’s baseball squad will make a return trip to Australia in 2006-07. The Bulldogs visited Brisbane, Australia, in January of 2003 and played six games against the Queensland Rams. Butler split the six games, but that was just a small part of the nine-day trip. The Bull-dogs visited the beautiful beaches of Australia on both the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, the Australia Zoo (featuring The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin) and the Lone Pine Koala & Kangaroo Sanctuary.

9

2006 Bulldogs

28 Jon Dages6-2 • 190 • Sophomore • PitcherIndianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North

“At the end of the fall season, we asked our team to vote on their starting rotation. Jon was on every player’s ballot. He has great stuff, and he wants to win. His consistency on the hill will be a key for our staff in 2006.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Led the Bulldogs with 19 appearances in initial season...posted the team’s best earned run average and finished second on the team in strikeouts...had a team-best two saves...picked up first collegiate victory with three and two-thirds scoreless innings against Xavier...allowed two earned runs in seven innings as a starter to earn a win over Chicago State...pitched four and two-thirds scoreless innings to earn a victory at Samford...had a career-high six strikeouts against Chicago State and UW-Milwaukee...High School: All-State pitcher at Lawrence North High School...three-time all-county pick...two-time all-conference...earned three varsity letters in baseball...high school coach: Richard Winzenread...Personal: Born September 11, 1985...son of Tim and Judy Dages...finance major.

G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2005 19 5 56.2 0 65 43 30 21 51 3-3 2 4.76

36 Brian Deter6-3 • 188 • Sophomore • PitcherIndianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central

“Brian saw plenty of action last season. Now he needs to take what he’s learned and bring it to the mound this spring. He’s developing a good slider, and he has worked to get more movement on his fastball. If he keeps his composure and doesn’t try to overthrow, he’ll do a great job for us this year.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Appeared in 16 games in first season with the Bulldogs...picked up first collegiate victory with two innings of shutout relief work against Valparaiso...had a career-high six strikeouts in five innings at Birmingham Southern...High School:Two-time all-conference and all-county pitcher at Lawrence Central High School...helped lead high school squad to the Indiana 4A state title in 2004...set a state finals record with a two-hitter in the championship game...posted a 9-1 record with a 2.29 earned run average in 2004...batted .359 as a senior and .426 as a junior...earned three varsity letters in baseball...all-league performer in soccer and hockey...high school coach: Dan Roman...Personal: Born April 19, 1985...son of Mike and Susan Deter...business major.

G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2005 16 6 46.2 0 74 45 39 24 22 1-1 0 7.52

“Nate has yet to be 100% healthy at Butler, having dealt with some throwing shoulder problems. We’d love to get him back at full strength. He runs well, and he has some pop in his bat. He is a good athlete, and he wants to contribute in our lineup.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Played in five games, including one as a starter...Played in five games, including one as a starter...Played in five games, including one as a starpicked up first collegiate hit against Franklin...High School: Earned two varsity baseball letters as an outfielder at Oak Park & River Forest High School...named to

1 Nate Hart5-9 • 165 • Sophomore • Outfi elderOak Park, Ill./Oak Park-River Forest

30 Kyle McLaughlin6-0 • 200 • Sophomore • Outfi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central

“Kyle continues to make the transition from catcher to outfielder. He hit the ball hard this fall, and he has defi-nite power potential. His strength gives him a chance to be a player who can hit in the middle of the order and make some things happen. He can be a factor in left field or as a DH this season.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in 19 games, including four as a starter...picked up first collegiate hit at Minnesota...had a home run and three RBI’s against Earlham...High School:All-State catcher at Lawrence Central High School...earned all-county and all-conference honors...helped lead prep squad to the Indiana 4A state championship in 2004...earned three varsity letters in baseball and two in football...high school coach: Dan Roman...Personal: Born August 18, 1985...son of Jeff and Linda McLaughlin...physical education major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2004 19 23 5 4 0 0 2 5 5 2 1-1 .174

39 Ryan Neat6-3 • 215 • Sophomore • Infi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Speedway

“Ryan works as hard as anyone on this team. He made the transition this fall from second base to first base. He’s been working hard to make the change from be-ing more of a contact hitter to being a guy with more power potential. Ryan has a great work ethic and a positive attitude.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Played in 19 games, including four as a starter, in initial season with the Bulldogs...recorded first collegiate hit at Birmingham Southern...High School:All-conference infielder at Speedway High School...team captain...two-time Most Valuable Player...Offensive Player of the Year...named to the North-South All-Star game as a senior...batted .500 in 2004 and .469 in 2003...two-time all-conference pick and team MVP in basketball...Hanna Scholastic Award winner as a member of Speedway’s tennis team...earned four varsity letters in baseball...high school coach: Brian Murphy...Personal: Born July 10, 1985...son of former Butler baseball coach Scott and Jan Neat...telecommunications arts major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2005 19 16 6 6 0 0 0 1 8 4 1-3 .375

the Northwest Suburban All-Star Team as a junior...two-year letterwinner and team captain as a quarterback on high school football team...earned Academic All-State honors in both baseball and football...high school coach: Christian Ledbetter...Personal: Born December 29, 1985...son of David Hart and Darcy Chamberlin...finance major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2005 5 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1-1 .500

2005 Horizon League Player of the Year

Dale Mueller became the second player in Butler baseball history to be named Horizon League Player of the Year last spring. The senior outfi elder, who closed out his career as Butler’s all-time leading hitter, fi nished third in the league in hitting in 2005 with a .370 average. He joined former Butler player Justin Beasley, who earned league Player of the Year honors in 1996 and again in 1998.

10

2006 Bulldogs

27 Gabriel Araujo6-4 • 180 • Freshman • PitcherColegio Tarsila Do Amaral, Brazil

“Gabriel showed flashes of his potential this fall. He has a nice, loose arm and a very projectable body. He has a developing curveball and splitter to go along with a good fastball. As his control improves, he will compete for more innings on the mound.” -- Steve FarleyBackground: Pitched for junior, under-20 and adult

teams in several Brazilian National Baseball Championships...pitched for the SP Giants in the Brazilian National Amateur Championships...helped initiate a youth baseball program in the city of Indaiatuba...coach: Juan Carlos Yanez Garcia...Personal: Born June 28, 1986...son of Daniel and Jaquelina Araujo...marketing major.

34 Renato Araujo6-7 • 220 • Freshman • PitcherColegio Tarsila Do Amaral, Brazil

“Renato is the youngest player on our squad. He didn’t turn 18 until December. Like many of our freshmen play-ers, he was a little nervous and trying too hard early in the fall season. He showed improvement as he relaxed and became more comfortable. He has a natural cut fastball, which is really tough on hitters.” -- Steve Farley

Background: Pitched for junior, under-20 and adult teams in several Brazilian National Baseball Championships...earned an invitation to pitch for the Brazilian National Team...pitched for the SP Giants in the Brazilian National Amateur Championships...helped initiate a youth baseball program in the city of Indaiatuba...coach: Juan Carlos Yanez Garcia...Personal: Born December 4, 1987...son of Daniel and Jaquelina Araujo...business major.

24 Josh Vollmer6-0 • 210 • Sophomore • PitcherCarmel, Ind./Westfi eld

“Josh gets great movement on all of his pitches. He had an outstanding fall season. He got a good taste of what it takes to be a successful Division I pitcher last year, and now he’s ready to show people what he can do this spring.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Pitched in 14 games in initial season, including two starts...picked up first collegiate victory with three

shutout innings against Earlham...allowed just one earned run in five and a third innings against IPFW...had a career-high five strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings at Indiana...High School: Two-time all-conference performer at Westfield High School...team captain as a senior...team’s top pitcher and hitter as a senior...four-year varsity starter...varsity letterwinner in both baseball and soccer...named to the NABF All-Tournament Team in 2003 as a member of the Indiana Bulls...high school coach: Ryan Bunnell...Personal: Born March 23, 1986...son of Mark and Bonnie Vollmer...history major.

G GS IP CG H R ER BB SO W-L SV ERA2005 14 2 31.1 0 36 34 23 28 23 1-2 0 6.61

“Joe had an excellent freshman season, and we expect even bigger things from him in the years to come. Joe is a tough competitor. He has good hands and a quick release in the infield. He can play both shortstop and second base. He’ll be an important player in our lineup this spring.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Saw action in 46 games, including 40 as a starter, in his initial season with the Bulldogs...earned second team All-Horizon League honors...finished as Butler’s third leading hitter...placed 12th in the Horizon League in hitting...finished second on the team in RBI’s...compiled an eight-game hitting streak during the season...had 16 multiple-hit games...posted a career-high four hits and scored four runs in Butler’s victory over Earlham...had nine hits and drove in six runs in Butler’s four-game series with UIC...hit his first collegiate home run against UW-Milwaukee...finished with a .946 fielding percentage and wound up second on the team with 106 assists...High School: Varsity letterwinner in both baseball and football at Notre Dame High School...two-year starter in baseball...helped lead high school squad to a state championship as a senior...batted .417 in 2003 and .370 in 2004...had a team-high 17 doubles as a senior...two-time all-conference football player...set a school record with 10 pass interceptions...high school coach: Rick Kostuch...Personal: Born January 20, 1986...son of Steve and Cathy Pauley...secondary education major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2005 46 143 25 48 9 1 1 27 10 24 1-1 .336

10 Joe Pauley6-0 • 190 • Sophomore • Infi elderSkokie, Ill./Notre Dame

21 Alex Rinearson6-5 • 220 • Sophomore • Infi elderFort Wayne, Ind./Northrop

“Alex had a ton of hits as a freshman. Because of a sore shoulder, he wasn’t able to fully participate in fall practice. He should be 100% this spring. He’ll start the year as our top first baseman, and we expect him to drive in runs and be one of the leaders in the infield.” -- Steve Farley

2005: Played in 47 games, all as a starter, in his first season with the Bulldogs...named to the Horizon

League All-Newcomer Team...finished as Butler’s leading hitter...led the Bulldogs in runs batted in and finished second on the team in total hits...tied for second on the team in home runs...wound up second on the team with a .494 slugging percentage...finished second in the Horizon League in hitting...led the league in on-base percentage...compiled an eight-game hitting streak during the season...had 20 multiple-hit games...recorded a career-high four hits, including two doubles at UAB...had three hits in six additional games...hit first collegiate home run and had a career-high five RBI’s at Evansville...slugged a home run and drove in four runs against Indiana Tech...hit a home run at Cleveland State...had eight hits in a four-game series against Wright State...recorded three hits, including two doubles, and scored three runs in a victory over Valparaiso...High School: Three-time all-conference infielder at Northrop High School...named to the North-South All-Star game as a senior...set school career records for hits, doubles and runs batted in...three-time NABF World Series all-tournament pick...2004 NABF batting champ...earned four varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Chris Stavreti...Personal: Born January 6, 1986...son of Bob and Bonnie Rinearson...secondary education major.

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB BA2005 47 172 23 64 10 1 3 33 20 38 0-0 .372

11

2006 Bulldogs

13 Rick Betsch6-1 • 185 • Freshman • Outfi elderCincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle

“Rick really impressed our coaching staff this fall. He looked good at the plate, made some great plays on defense and worked hard every day. He put himself in great position to challenge for a starting outfield spot, and he’s going to see action early in the season.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Team captain at LaSalle High School...batted .360 with 27 runs batted in, 32 runs scored and 12 stolen bases as a se-nior...honorable mention all-conference linebacker on high school football team...earned two varsity letters each in baseball and football...high school coach: Pat O’Conner...Personal: Born November 1, 1986...son of Rick and Becky Betsch...undecided major.

18 Kyle Cox6-2 • 220 • Freshman • Infi elderIndianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis

“Kyle was one of the top high school power hitters in the Indianapolis area last spring. He’s a good athlete and a good student. He improved his overall game this fall, and we see a lot of potential from the left side of the plate from him.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Three-time all-county baseball player at Ben Davis High School...honorable mention all-state as a senior...selected to play in the 2005 North/South All-Star game...two-time all-conference performer...batted .430 with seven home runs as a senior...hit over .400 as a junior...academic all-state player as a member of the state champion Ben Davis football squad...earned three varsity letters each in baseball and football...high school coach: Ace Moorman...Personal: Born January 13, 1987...son of Don and Rosmary Cox...journalism major.

40 Evan DePotter6-0 • 187 • Freshman • PitcherIndianapolis, Ind./Hamilton SE

“Evan is one of several freshmen pitchers who looked solid this past fall. He’s a good competitor on the mound, and he’s not easily rattled. He has a good work ethic, and our players have confidence in him.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Named honorable mention on the All-Metro North team as a pitcher at Hamilton Southeastern

High School...posted a 3-2 record with a 2.58 earned run average and 47 strikeouts in 43 innings in 2005...helped lead high school team to an 18-9 record as a senior...high school coach: Curry Harden...Personal: Born May 1, 1987...son of Dave and Debbie DePotter...undecided major.

“Ryan probably has the best fastball on the team. His ball has a lot of life. He’s a great competitor on the hill. He worked hard in the off-season to improve his off-speed pitches. He could see action as a starter, and if his strike percentages continue to improve, he could be a great closer.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Captain and two-year starter in baseball at Joliet Central High School...all-conference designated hitter as a junior and all-area pitcher/outfielder as a senior...posted a 7-2 record with 77 strikeouts in final high school season...academic all-conference performer...received an Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete award...earned two varsity letters each in football and baseball...high school coach: John Krebs...Personal: Born August 14, 1986...son of Martin and Julie Kruszka...physical education major.

38 Ryan Kruszka6-1 • 195 • Freshman • PitcherElwood, Ill./Joliet Central

8 Joel Matheny6-1 • 190 • Freshman • Infi elderLaPorte, Ind./LaPorte

“Joel was recruited as a shortstop, and he made some outstanding plays from that position this past fall. He has power potential at the plate, which makes him a factor at third base as well. His bat and his arm are going to give him a good opportunity to contribute to our team’s success this spring.” -- Steve Farley

High School: First team All-State shortstop as a senior at LaPorte High School...all-conference and high school team MVP...named MVP of the Duneland Confer-ence...batted .450 with 10 home runs and 41 runs batted in as a senior...earned three varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Scott Upp...Personal: Born October 31, 1986...son of Ken and Angie Zielinski...undecided major.

22 Alex Montagano5-11 • 185 • Freshman • CatcherValparaiso, Ind./Chesterton

“Alex was recruited as a utility player, and we think his bat shows solid potential. He’s a hard worker, a good student, and he learned a lot this past fall. His sum-mer team played a very competitive schedule, and he has held his own against some of the better pitching prospects in the Midwest.”

-- Steve Farley

High School: First team all-area catcher/designated hitter at Chesterton High School...team captain and all-conference performer...batted .376 with six home runs as a junior and .372 as a senior...earned two varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Jack Campbell...Personal: Born July 15, 1986...son of Nick and Dara Montagano...accounting major.

12

2006 Bulldogs

“Matt pitched very well in the fall. He throws three pitches for strikes, and he’s very composed on the mound. As his strength and conditioning level continue to improve, he’s going to continue to be a very effective pitcher for us.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Honorable mention All-State performer as a senior at Bishop Dwenger High School...two-time all-conference player...se-lected to play in the 2005 North/South All-Star Game...posted a 15-7 career record with a 1.65 earned run average and 212 strikeouts...earned three varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Larry Windmiller...Personal: Born August 26, 1986...son of Michael and Mary Sokolowski...business major.

35 Matt Sokolowski5-11 • 195 • Freshman • PitcherFort Wayne, Ind./Bishop Dwenger

23 Edwin Rodriguez6-0 • 200 • Freshman • CatcherArecibo, Puerto Rico/Colegio Nuestra Senora del Carmen

37 Jeff Sinkiewicz6-3 • 190 • Freshman • PitcherGranger, Ind./St. Joseph’s

“Edwin had an excellent fall at the plate, and he has a very solid hitting stroke. He improved as a catcher during the fall season, and he continues to work on his quickness. His bat could give him a good chance to compete as our DH this spring.” -- Steve Farley

Background: One of the top catchers in the Connie Mack League in Puerto Rico...selected for the Excellence Tournament Games, the highest recognition a baseball player in Puerto Rico can receive...selected for the Regional and National All-Star games of the Connie Mack League...batted .526 with six home runs and 20 RBI’s in 2005...MVP of the ARVAJA Basketball Club...coach: William Ofero...Personal: Born April 29, 1987...son of Edwin Rodriguez and Laura M. Perez...accounting major.

“Jeff had an outstanding fall, leading our staff in first pitch and total strike percentages. He threw low strikes and pitched ahead in the count - both keys to success at the college level. He’s earned the opportunity to show us what he can do this spring.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Team captain at St. Joseph’s High School...honorable mention all-conference pitcher...helped high school squad to a regional runner-up finish in 2004...forward on high school basketball team...earned four varsity letters in baseball...high school coach: David Luczkowski...Personal: Born November 3, 1986...son of Thomas and Margaret Sinkiewicz...accounting major.

28 Austin Nickol6-0 • 185 • Freshman • CatcherBrownsburg, Ind./Brownsburg

12 Joe Ochs6-5 • 215 • Freshman • PitcherNoblesville, Ind./Hamilton SE

“Coming off a state championship season as a high school senior, Austin knows what it takes to win. He is a good defensive catcher, and he’s improving as a hitter. Our off-season weight program helped his overall strength level. We typically travel with three catchers, and he will compete for one of those spots.” -- Steve Farley

High School: Honorable mention All-State catcher for unbeaten 4A state champ Brownsburg High School...all-conference and all-Metro West player...batted .400 with 26 RBI’s as a senior...helped high school squad to a 35-0 record in 2005...played on back-to-back state runner-up teams in 2003 and 2004...earned four varsity letters in baseball...high school coach: Pat O’Neil...Personal: Born May 8, 1987...son of Jim and Lisa Nickol...exploratory LAS major.

“Joe is another big reason why we are so excited about the young pitchers on our staff. He knows how to pitch and hitters rarely hit the ball squarely off of him. He had a solid fall season, and he continues to polish up his off-speed stuff. He’s going to be a very good pitcher at Butler.” -- Steve Farley

High School: All-conference pitcher at Hamilton Southeastern High School...named all-county and selected to the All-Metro North team...helped high school team win two sectional championships...earned three varsity baseball letters...high school coach: Curry Harden...Personal: Born August 17, 1986...son of Joe and Cathy Ochs...communication studies major.

“Andrew hit and pitched in high school. He impressed our coaching staff with his arm strength from the outfield this fall, and he made positive strides as a hitter. He’s a hard worker, and he wants to get better. I’m very happy with the progress he made this fall, and he’ll be a player to watch in our program.” -- Steve Farley

High School: First team all-conference outfielder at Marian High School...team captain and Metro All-Star...batted .489 with seven home runs and 44 runs batted in as a senior...hit .380 with eight home runs as a junior...earned three varsity letters in baseball and one each in basketball and swimming...high school coach: Tim Prister...Personal: Born September 13, 1986...son of Thomas and Nancy Piekarski...exploratory/business major.

17 Andrew Piekarski6-1 • 195 • Freshman • Outfi elderSouth Bend, Ind./Marian