Mules Baseball 1999 Season Wrap-Up

The Mules finished with a 43-10 record, the third-highest win total in school history, but fell short in their bid for a sixth straight MIAA championship after posting a 20-1 regular-season league mark. The Mules did serve as hosts for the MIAA Tournament, but Pittsburg State University claimed the conference title. Despite not winning the MIAA championship, the Mules also were able to serve as host for the NCAA Division II Central Regional, but also fell short of making a return trip to Montgomery, Ala., for the Division II Championship. Pittsburg State eliminated the Mules, then PSU was eliminated by Rockhurst College for the regional crown. Individually, the Mules received several postseason honors. Matt Norfleet was a first-team All-America selection and Josh Reynolds was a second-team All-America selection. Norfleet, Reynolds, Nathan Lipowicz and Rich Clover were first-team all-region selections, with Norfleet and Reynolds being named region player of the year and pitcher of the year, respectively. In the All-MIAA selections, Norfleet and Clover were named co-MVPs. Joining them on the first-team selections were Lipowicz, Reynolds and Matthew Stafford. Second-team All-MIAA selections for the Mules were Vinny Valinotti, Chris Curry and Clover (as an outfielder). Receiving honorable mention recognition were Thad Pealer and Craig Ringe. Brad Hill was named MIAA Coach of the Year and during the season recorded the 200^th win of his coaching career.