Indians' Bonilla tops OVC list with 168th career walk

Clemente Bonilla is quite a hitter, but taking pitches has resulted in him earning a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference record book.

Bonilla, Southeast Missouri State University's senior second baseman, became the OVC's all-time walks leader Wednesday when he drew his 168th career free pass in the ninth inning against Evansville.

"I didn't even know I was close to it until the other day," he said. "I guess it's pretty neat to have a record for the whole conference."

The previous OVC career walks leader was Jack Perconte, who had 167 for Murray State between 1972-76. Bonilla also set the OVC single-season walk record last year with 61 as he led the nation in that category.

"To break an all-time OVC record is a tremendous accomplishment," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "I think Clemente is one of the toughest outs in the country. He's put together a heck of a career and it's been a pleasure to work with him the last four years."

Bonilla, a 5-foot-9, 170-pounder from Mission Viejo, Calif., is not somebody who gets on base by simply taking pitches. He entered the season with a .338 career batting average and last year hit .382, had a .645 slugging percentage, had six home runs and drove in 34 runs and was the OVC Player of the Year.

But Bonilla said he takes pride in his accurate eye and attempts to get on base any way possible in order to help his team.

"The main thing I want to do is give my team the best chance to win," he said. "It's nice to hit the ball, but the big thing is to get on base any way I can, especially now that I'm at the leadoff spot again."

Even though he set a major record, Bonilla was less than excited about the accomplishment after the game, which the Indians (3-7) lost 7-5.

"I would much rather have won the game," he said.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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