The 1998 season is quickly approaching for the SIUC baseball team, but the Salukis and the Missouri Valley Conference are already gearing up for hardball.

After a disappointing 1997 campaign, an early start to the 1998 season and a place in the Missouri Valley Conference’s top three in the preseason conference poll are just what coach Dan Callahan and his squad have been waiting for.

SIUC earned 43 points and third place in the MVC’s baseball coaches preseason poll announced Wednesday. The Salukis also placed three members on the league’s all-conference team.

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Starting pitcher Jason Frasor, third baseman Matt Dettman and designated hitter Brad Benson earned preseason all-conference honors after solid 1997 seasons.

Wichita State University captured the top spot in the poll with 62 points, followed closely by Southwest Missouri State University with 57. Illinois State University (42), Creighton University (36), the University of Evansville (35), the University of Northern Iowa (20), Bradley University (19) and Indiana State University (10) complete the rankings.

The Salukis are looking to rebound after struggling to a 23-32 overall record and a 13-15 mark in conference play, finishing fifth in the MVC.

Despite the loss of first baseman Aaron Jones and shortstop Jerry Hairston to professional baseball, the three all-conference selections lead a talented returning group for Callahan.

Frasor, a junior from Oak Park, emerged as SIUC’s No.1 starter as a sophomore. The 5-foot-11 hurler appeared in 21 games and earned a 7-2 record with a 3.59 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 87.2 innings pitched.

Dettman, a senior from Rockford, made an immediate impact after transferring to SIUC from Kishwaukee Community College. The 6-foot-2 third baseman belted a team-high 14 home runs and notched 57 RBIs to go along with a .310 batting average.

Benson, a senior from Tempe, Ariz., also made a name for himself with a standout start after transferring from Arizona Western Community College. The 6-foot-1 lefty finished second behind Jones in batting at .378 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs.

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The Salukis will get the chance to prove themselves earlier than in past seasons. SIUC opens the regular season with a road trip to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Feb. 13. After trips to Oklahoma State University and Southeast Missouri State University, the Salukis make their home debut with the Best Inns Classic at Abe Martin Field Feb. 27 to March 1.