Hamptons Collegiate Baseball Releases Team Rosters For 2009 Season

From Summer Ball News Source
Southampton - As each day passes, another landmark is achieved for the upcoming season of Hamptons Collegiate Baseball. Monday was a historic day in the project?s history as HCB?s front office revealed the 2009 rosters for the five teams who will call the East End home this summer ? the Sag Harbor Whalers, Southampton Breakers, Westhampton Aviators, Riverhead Tomcats and North Fork Ospreys. Read the rest of this entry here.

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UNC-Wilmington/Delaware Series Has Been Cancelled

The big CAA weekend series between the University of Delaware and UNC-Wilmington has been cancelled due to the threat and/or fears of the Swine flu virus, that has been reported on the campus of the University of Delaware. I've been told that one of the Blue Hen players may have come down with the Swine flu. Both the State of Texas and Alabama have cancelled most, if not all high school sporting events. Feel free to read the CAA press release that was sent to me below.

RICHMOND, Va. (April 30, 2009) –The threat of a swine flu (H1-N1 virus) outbreak at the University of Delaware has forced the cancellation of the Delaware baseball team’s three-game series at UNC Wilmington and the Blue Hen softball team’s three-game series at Hofstra this weekend.

A member of the Delaware baseball team was one of the initial four cases of suspected swine flu diagnosed on campus Tuesday. Six more UD students who were ill with flu-like symptoms and treated at UD Student Health Services on Wednesday have been given a probable diagnosis of swine flu. None of the other six are UD student-athletes.

The Delaware baseball team was scheduled to bus to North Carolina on Thursday to begin a pivotal three-game CAA series with UNCW, beginning with a single game Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. The series was scheduled to continue with single games Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The cancelled series will be treated like a series cancelled under the conference’s inclement weather policies and the three games will not be rescheduled. Delaware (23-15, 8-7 CAA) and UNC Wilmington (24-17, 8-7 CAA) are currently tied for fourth place in the league standings.

The Blue Hen softball team (21-18, 7-9 CAA) was scheduled to travel to league-leading Hofstra (26-17, 14-3 CAA) in Hempstead, N.Y. to take on the Pride in a doubleheader Friday at 2 p.m. and a single game Saturday at 12 noon. Since those contests were the final regular season games for Delaware this spring, the Blue Hens’ season has ended. The cancellation of the games also means that Hofstra has clinched the CAA regular-season title and will host the CAA Softball Championship on May 6-8.

“The CAA, in consultation with university and public health officials, will continue to monitor the outbreak of the H1-N1 virus in our communities and will react accordingly,” CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager said. “Our singular concern is to protect the health of our student-athletes, fans and the general public to the best of our abilities.”

The status of all other UD athletics events are being considered on a case-by-case basis and will be continually monitored. Delaware’s women’s lacrosse team is still scheduled to face Old Dominion in the semifinals of the CAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship tonight at 7:30 p.m. at William & Mary.

Checking In On The Alaska Goldpanners 09 Pitching Staff

Here is a brief look at how the future Goldpanners pitchers are pitching this season.

Kyle Brule (Arizona State) is a sophomore from Chandler, AZ. He currently has a 1.17 era in 7.2 innings of work this year. He's given up 6 hits, walked 1, and has struck out 7 batters.

Jeter Ishida (Arizona State) has a 4.76 era in 5.2 innings of work for the Sun Devils this year.

Greg Davis (UCSB) his having a fine year in Santa Barbara. The sophomore is 1-1, with a 3.06 era in 17.2 innings pitched. He has given up 14 hits, and has a bb/k ratio of 12/11 this year.

Jesse Meaux (UCSB) is a sophomore from Glendale, CA. He is 3-0, with a 5.92 era in 38 innings of work this year.

Alex Gillingham (Loyola Marymount) is a freshman from Thousand Oaks, CA. He is 3-2, with a 5.30 in 54.1 innings of work. He has a superb bb/k ratio of 7/40 this season.

Scott Greene (Feather River College) is 8-1, with a 2.73 era in 89 innings of work. He has given up 86 hits, walked 23 and fanned 84 this year.

Will Honjas (Yuba College) is 4-2, with a 4.14 era in 37 innings pitched. He has a great bb/k ratio of 11/45 as well.

Tyler Kehrer (E. Illinois) is 4-3, with a 4.66 era in 56 innings pitched. He's pitched 2 complete games and has struck out 68 this year.

Jordan LeGros (McNeese State) is 3-1, with a 6.48 era in 25 innings pitched. He has walked 11 and struck out 33 this year.

Matt Loosen (Jacksonville) is 3-0, with a 2.84 era in 57 innings pitched. He has surrendered 41 hits, walked 24 and struck out 70 batters this year.

Carey Schwartz (Stanford) is 1-0, with a 4.35 era in 10.1 innings pitched.

Stephen Cardullo Named To Brooks Wallace Award Watch List

From Summer Ball News Source
LUBBOCK, Texas - Florida State's Stephen Cardullo is one of 38 student-athletes named to the initial watch list for the Brooks Wallace Award presented by the College Baseball Foundation and Mizuno.

For the first time since its creation in 2004, the Wallace Award will honor the country's finest shortstop. Previously, the Wallace Award was given to the national player of the year. Last year, Florida State's Buster Posey was the recipient of the Brooks Wallace Award, while Tony Thomas, Jr., was named a finalist in 2007.

In his first year as a regular starter for the Seminoles, Cardullo is hitting .351 in 41 games with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 26 RBI. The Coral Springs, Fla., native currently ranks third on the team in batting average and on-base percentage (.468) and fourth in slugging percentage (.574). He has surpassed his career totals in almost every major offensive category this year.

Cardullo fell into his own at shortstop after making the move to that position on March 17 against Florida. In 26 starts at short, Cardullo has committed just four errors in 97 fielding opportunities. During this time, Florida State has responded with a 21-6 mark after beginning the season 9-6. The move also seemed to spark his offensive production as Cardullo leads all players with a .396 average with six home runs and 23 RBI. His average while starting at shortstop is 141 points higher than in his 15 combined starts at first and second base.

The Wallace Award will be honored during the College Baseball Awards (CBA) Show on July 2 in Lubbock. The CBA will recognize the top players in college baseball as part of the CBF's annual celebration, which also includes the National College Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. In addition to the Brooks Wallace Award, other awards presented during the show will include the National Pitcher of the Year and the Dick Howser Trophy for the National Player of the Year.

Brooks Wallace Award Watch List
Name, School
Shaver Hanson, Baylor
Kyle Smith, Cal Poly
Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton
Brian Guinn, California
Zach Kayne, Davidson
Dustin Harrington, East Carolina
Jordan Kreke, Eastern Illinois
Mike Mooney, Florida
Steven Wickens, Florida Gulf Coast
Stephen Cardullo, Florida State
Brian Pierce, Georgia
Dereck Dietrich, Georgia Tech
Brandon Wikoff, Illinois
David Herbek, James Madison
Drew Biery, Kansas State
Daniel Bierce, Lafayette
Ben Soignier, Louisiana Monroe
DJ LeMahieu, LSU
Nick DiMauro, Mercer
Drew Lee, Morehead State
Bryan Marquez, New Mexico St.
Bryant Hernandez, Oklahoma
Juan Martinez, Oral Roberts
Jeff Kemp, Radford
Dan Rhault, Rhode Island
Rick Hague, Rice
Ryan Bennett, Saint Louis
Sean Nicol, San Diego
Kyle Bellows, San Jose State
Gary Helmick, Towson
Josh Prince, Tulane
Ben Orloff, UC Irvine
Grant Green, USC
Matt Duffy, Vermont
Tyler Cannon, Virginia
Jedd Gyorko, West Virginia
Terrence Dayleg, Western Kentucky
Tyler Grimes, Wichita State

WCL To Host Alaska League Team

From Summer Ball News Source
The West Coast League Kelowna Falcons will host the Alaska Goldpanners in July at historic Elks Stadium. The Alaska League team begins a four week road trip July 6th and is making the stop in Kelowna July 13-15. "This is exciting for our ball club," said Falcons general manager Mark Nonis. "Plus, it gives our fans an opportunity to see a brand new team from a league of a similar caliber." Goldpanners general manager Don Dennis added, "Our trip is designed to visit places and teams that we've met over the 50 years our team has been in operation. We visited Kelowna in the late 90s and had good baseball and good times." WCL teams play 48 league games with additional games, primarily at home, against quality opponents. "This puts the history of the Alaska League against the youthful vibrance of our league," said WCL president Ken Wilson. "It should be good for both leagues and it's the type of thing we feel is good for the entire summer college wood bat industry."

Leeping to Wilson, Leeper Joins Tobs

From Summer Ball News Source
WILSON, N.C. - The Wilson Tobs have announced the addition of Coastal Plain League All-Star center fielder Bobby Leeper for the 2009 season.

An NCAA Cary All-Regional Selection in 2008, Leeper posted a career-high .328 batting average and impressed with a strong throwing arm as well. Last season, Leeper played for division foe Wilmington, where he hit .317 with three home runs and 22 RBIs while stealing 19 bases. Leeper's play earned him the nod as one of the starting center fielders in Asheboro for the 2008 CPL All-Star Game.

The junior is currently patroling centerfield at the University of North Carolina - Wilmington, where he's hitting .272 with a home run and 16 RBIs in 33 games for the Seahawks.

"He's certainly a guy who will fill a number of roles for us," Tobs head coach Jeff Steele said. "He plays all three outfield positions, bunts well, and can steal bases for us."

The Raleigh native also played for the Outer Banks Daredevils in 2007, making 2009 his third season playing in the Coastal Plain League.

"To us, the Coastal Plain League is not only about having good players, but having good local players." Steele said. "The good thing about Bobby is the amount of CPL experience he has, and the fact that he knows the grind of the summer and can still produce at a high level."

At Wakefield high school, Leeper earned an All-State selection his senior season, a two-time All-Capitol 7 Conference selection, and All-Region his junior and senior seasons. On the mound at Wakefield, Leeper was just as impressive, posting four wins and three saves while striking out 30 in 19 innings.

The Wilson Tobs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

Bombers Re-Sign Duo

From Summer Ball News Source
The Dubois County Bombers of the Prospect League (formerly the CICL) have re-signed infielders Wes Fink and Sam Konnoff.

Fink returns for his fourth season with the Bombers in 2009. The Clarksville, Tenn. native is the Bombers’ all-time leader in games played(124), at-bats (459), hits (116) and RBI (55). Last season, Fink had 49 hits, nine doubles and 26 RBI, all team highs. His two homeruns and 20 runs scored tied for the team lead. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Fink is a junior at the University of Southern Indiana. He is batting .303 with three homeruns and 31 RBI in 46 games this spring for the Screaming Eagles.

Konnoff, from San Bernardino, Calif., is back for his second season with the Bombers. He hit .254 with four doubles and 11 RBI in 39 games for the team in 2008. Konnoff led the Bombers in on-base percentage (.409) and walks (30). A sophomore at San Bernardino Valley College, Konnoff is batting .321 this season for the Wolverines. He has two homeruns and 32 RBI in 35 games.

“These guys are so important to our team,” said Assistant General Manager Jace Gonnerman. “Wes is Mr. Bomber. This is our fifth season coming up in Dubois County, and this will be his fourth. Each year, he’s improved. The 2008 season was his best; he was our top offensive player. We expect him to be just as good this season. Sam came in last year and made an immediate impact. He was an on-base machine and also played great defense at first
base and in right field. With a year in the league under his belt, we think the sky is the limit for him in year two.”

Athens Pirates sign All-Star Power Hitter Devin Hicks

From Summer Ball News Source
The Athens Pirates have announced the signing of Mid-South First Team All-Conference power-hitting thirdbaseman Devin Hicks from The Cumberlands University. Hicks played his Freshman year at Ole Miss and then transferred to Cumberlands after a year at Junior College.

Hicks had a monstrous 2009 season with perenial NAIA powerhouse, the Cumberlands, batting .378, with 48 hits. 27 of his hits are for extra bases with 43 RBI. Hicks walked 38 times and hit by pitch 15 times. 16 of his hits were home runs with an overall Slugging percentage of .857 and on base of .550. Hicks was a 2008 All-Star in the well known Boise Summer League.

Hicks is a native of Memphis, Tennessee.

The Athens Pirates are members of the 24 team Great South League based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Great South League is operated and sponsored by the non-profit state-wide Georgia Dugout Club, an organization which promotes baseball in the State of Georgia through high school and college coaches. For more information about the league go to: www.greatsouthleague.com. The Athens Pirates can be found at www.athenspirates.com

BlueSox Select Glenn Sharrar

From Summer Ball News Source
The BlueSox now have their assistant coach in place and he is no stranger to Butler County. Glenn Sharrar played baseball and graduated from Seneca Valley High School. He then went on to pitch at Butler County Community College prior to finishing up his college baseball career at Lock Haven University (PA).

"We are happy to have Glenn with our coaching staff. In light of his back-ground he will be taking on most of the coaching duties with our pitching staff," commented BlueSox GM Leo Trich. Sharrar is a native of Harmony PA and is currently serving as an assistant baseball coach at Slippery Rock High School.

Four Teams Left in Hunt for ASC Baseball Title

From Summer Ball News Source
CLINTON, MS – The championship round of the 2009 American Southwest Conference Baseball Championship Tournament Series will be held Friday-Sunday (May 1-3) at Frierson Field on the campus of Mississippi College.

Playing for the conference championship and a berth into the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship along with host Mississippi College (28-14) will be nationally-ranked Texas-Tyler (34-9), Texas Lutheran (30-12) and Texas-Dallas (27-16).

All games will be available to follow through live audio and live statistics. All links can be found on the ASC’s Tournament Central website.

To advance to the double elimination tournament, the four squads had to win best-of-three series last weekend. Mississippi College swept Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas-Tyler outlasted McMurry in three games, Texas Lutheran swept Ozarks and Texas-Dallas prevailed in Game 3 against Hardin-Simmons. UTD is the only team that won a road series.

MC will be going for its first ASC title since 2003 and TLU will be aiming for a fourth overall crown. The Bulldogs won three straight titles from 2005-2007. Texas-Tyler and Texas-Dallas are eyeing their first conference title. Texas-Tyler is in its second season eligible for postseason play after serving as a NCAA provisional member for four seasons. UTD has been the runner-up three times (2003-2004, 2006).

NOTES: The hosting rights for the Championship Round rotate each year between each division’s top remaining seed. . . . .Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for students; each ticket is a day-pass and will provide admission to all games on that day only. Tournament passes will be available for $12. . . . There will be a limited amount of tournament T-shirts($20) and souvenir programs ($2) available.

Milleville's Grand Slam Powers Stanford Comeback in 6-4 Win Over Sacramento State

From Summer Ball News Source
STANFORD, Calif. - Senior first baseman Brent Milleville belted a game-tying grand slam as part of Stanford's six-run eighth inning, helping the host Cardinal (20-18) rally from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Sacramento State (23-20) by the score of 6-4 tonight at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond. Adam Gaylord delivered a tie-breaking, RBI-double and Jake Schlander added a run-scoring hit as Stanford won its ninth consecutive midweek game - the club's longest such run since an identical nine-game, non-conference winning streak March 23-April 23, 2004.

Six Sacramento State pitchers combined to blank Stanford on three hits - two by Kellen Killsgaard - through the first seven innings, and the Hornets carried a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth. However, nine of the first 10 hitters reached safely as the Cardinal erupted for a six-run frame. Colin Walsh - who has reached base safely in 21 consecutive games - opened the inning with a single off Tommy Elrod. After Joey August and Toby Gerhart each drew walks to load the bases with nobody out, Sacramento State turned to right-hander Jeff Roth. The Hornets' closer struck out the first batter he faced and jumped ahead of Milleville 1-2, but Stanford's slugger sent the next pitch well over the left field wall for his ninth home run of the year and third career grand slam.

After Milleville's electrifying bolt tied the game at 4-4, Zach Jones reignited the Cardinal rally with a single for his second hit of the game. Jones then swiped his second base of the contest (and club-best 14th on the year), and moved to third on a throwing error by the Sacramento State catcher. Jonathan Kaskow walked to put runners on the corners with one out and set the stage for Gaylord, who - two days after setting his career high with four RBI - hammered a run-scoring double just inside the bag at third to put Stanford on top, 5-4. Schlander then followed with an infield single off Roth (2-1) that plated pinch-runner Jeff Whitlow for a 6-4 lead.

Stanford closer Drew Storen (4-1), who came on to face the final two batters of the eighth, earned the win after retiring the Hornets in order in the ninth.

The Cardinal also received a combined 5.0-innings of three-hit, shutout relief from Brandt Walker (1.0ip), Chris Reed (1.0ip), Danny Sandbrink (2.0ip) and Alex Pracher (1.0ip.)

After going 5-2 on its season-long, seven-game homestand, Stanford will hit the road for a crucial, three-game Pac-10 series at Washington State. Friday's game from Pullman, WA is set for 5:30 p.m. PT, while Saturday's contest will start at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday's series finale will start at 12:00 p.m.

St. Louis Slugger Signs with Rochester

From Summer Ball News Source
The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Danny Brock, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound junior infielder from Saint Louis University. Brock will see most of his action at first base this summer and may see some time on the mound.

Currently Brock is hitting .338 with 11 doubles and 27 RBIs. He has started 39 games for the 21-20 Billikens. St. Louis heads to Charlotte, NC this weekend for a 3-game conference set against the UNC Charlotte starting Friday.

Brock came to St. Louis from Northeastern CC (Sterling, CO). He was a two-time All-Conference and All-District selection. He finished his sophomore season hitting .407 with 5 home runs, 41 RBIs and did not allow an earned run on the mound in 11 2/3 innings and picked up 4 saves.

Brock played for the Laramie Colts of the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League last summer and won the league’s home run derby. His father, Greg Brock, played 10 years in the Major Leagues beginning with the Los Angeles Dodgers and finishing his career with the Milwaukee Brewers .

The Rochester Honkers 16th season begins on May 28th, 2009 when the Mankato MoonDogs come to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now on sale. Call the Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

HPU's Hirota, UHH's Lee earn PacWest weekly honors

From Summer Ball News Source
QUEEN CREEK, AZ - Hawai‘i Pacific senior Cheynne Hirota (Hilo, HI/Waiakea) and Hawai‘i Hilo senior pitcher Kekoa Lee (Waipahu, HI/Moanalua) earned this week's Pacific West Conference baseball awards.

Player of the Week (April 20-26) - Cheynne Hirota (right) - Hawai‘i Pacific (Sr., INF/OF, 5-9, 185, R/R, Hilo, HI/Waiakea) - batted .600 in six-game series vs. Hawai‘i Hilo...was 12 for 20 with six runs scored, two doubles and two home runs...drove in 15 runs...had a 1.000 slugging percentage and a .667 on-base rate...walked three times and reached base on a hit by pitch.

Pitcher of the Week (April 20-26) - Kekoa Lee - Hawai‘i Hilo (So., P/OF, 5-9, 185, L/L, Waipahu, HI/Moanalua) - recorded a seven-inning complete-game victory vs. HPU...allowing no earned runs, just two hits and a .083 batting average...struck out seven...issued just two walks and one extra-base hit.

Two Former Owls Split Conference Carolinas POY

From Summer Ball News Source
FOREST CITY, N.C. - Former Forest City Owls Rich Racobaldo of Mt. Olive College and Bryan Fogle of Erskine College were named the Co-Players of the Year for Conference Carolinas. Both players were also named to the All-Conference Team. Both played for the Owls during the 2008 season.

As a senior, Racobaldo hit .404 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs for the Trojans. He was successful on 21 of 29 stolen base attempts. The Trojans finished the year 33-18.

Fogle hit .433 with 19 home runs, 11 doubles, and 67 RBIs. Fogle was named the Conference Carolina Player of the Week for week three. For the week he hit .611 with a triple, five home runs, 14 RBIs, and scored eight runs. The Flyers finished the season with a 35-13 record.

The Forest City Owls are a member of the Coastal Plain League. Entering its 13th season, the CPL has 14 teams in the Virginias and Carolinas. The Owls begin the 2009 season on May 27 when they host the Gastonia Grizzlies at McNair Field in Forest City. For more information on the Owls visit www.forestcitybaseball.com.

Grinnell Sets Season Record For Wins

From Summer Ball News Source
Grinnell, Iowa - The Grinnell College baseball team made history on Tuesday, April 28, in a 6-5 home non-conference baseball win over Simpson College.

Coach Tim Hollibaugh’s (left) Pioneers collected their 20th victory of the season, a new-single season school record. The previous mark of 19 wins was established in 2001.

Grinnell pounded out 13 hits in the game, including three each by sophomore Greg Suryn and senior Brett Maloney. Freshman Ben Pope, the last of four Pioneer pitchers, earned the win to improve to 3-0 on the season.

Checking In On The Vermont Mountaineers 09 Infielders

The Vermont Mountaineers of the NECBL will open their 2009 season at home against Pittsfield on the 5th of June. Here is a brief look at how their 2009 infielders are doing.

Zach Bove (Flagler) is really in the zone now. He is hitting .348/.418/.412 in 158 at-bats. The junior from Winter Haven, FL leads the team with 25 runs and 24 rbi's. He has also hit 8 doubles, smacked 1 homer and has walked 16 times this season.

Joey DeBernardis (Penn State) is a freshman from Lake Zurich, IL. He was drafted by the Marlins in the 38th round of last years draft. He is hitting .267 in 15 at-bats this year.

Nick Martinez (Fordham) is a freshman from Miami. He is hitting .242 in 95 at-bats this year. He has hit 1 homer, and has a bb/k ratio of 10/13.

Matt Prokopwitz (Hofstra) is a junior from Massapequa, NY. He is hitting .339 in 109 at-bats this season. He has also homered twice this year.

Kevin Vance (UCONN) is a freshman from Solano Beach, CA. His is hitting .205 in 39 at-bats. He has hit 2 doubles, scored 5 times and has driven in 6 this year.

Devils Baseball Knock off King's, 10-7, in Freedom Play-in Game

From Summer Ball News Source
WILKES-BARRE, PA – Senior designated hitter Jimmy Sheppard (Gladstone, NJ/Bernards) went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI at the plate while freshman pitcher Jake Hazen (Oakland, NJ/Indian Hills) tossed six innings while allowing two runs on nine hits to pick up the win on the mound, as the fifth-seeded College at Florham Devils beat fourth-seeded King’s, 10-7, in the Play-In Game of the Freedom Conference Tournament on Wednesday afternoon. The Devils will now advance to the four-team double-elimination tournament in Boyertown, PA, beginning on Friday.

With the win, the Devils improved to 20-11-1 while the Monarchs dropped to 22-14-1.

King’s got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the second inning but the Devils came back to explode for six runs in the top of the third on a RBI double by sophomore outfielder Dan Pregno (Stanhope, NJ/Lenape Valley), a two-run double by junior outfielder Matt Oliveto (Union, NJ/Union Catholic), a RBI single by Sheppard and two errors by King’s. FDU then tacked on three more runs in the fourth inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by Sheppard, a RBI single by junior catcher Marc Hubbert (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Boro) and a sac fly by freshman first baseman Matt Joiner (Hamilton, NJ/Nottingham). The Monarchs cut it to 9-3 after the seventh inning but FDU got that run back in the ninth on a solo home run by Sheppard. King’s put a scare into the Devils in the bottom of the ninth inning as they pushed across four runs to make the score 10-7 but FDU was able to stop the bleeding and hang on for the win.

Oliveto finished 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI while Hubbert and Joiner each had two hits and a RBI.

The Devils return to action on Friday, May 1, 2009, as they take on top-seeded Manhattanville in Boyertown, PA, beginning at 4 pm.

Capella Signs Contract with Camden Riversharks

From Summer Ball News Source
GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA. -- Anthony Capella, a 2007 graduate of Gwynedd-Mercy College and four year starter on the Griffin baseball team, signed a professional contract to play for the Camden River Sharks on Monday, April 26.

Capella, signed as a relief pitcher, was a starting outfielder for the Griffins and is among the career leaders in many offensive categories. However, in the fall of his senior season, he started the transformation to become a pitcher in order to capitalize on his tremendous arm strength with the hopes of playing professionally.

During the year, Capella appeared in nine games, boasting a record of 3 wins and 1 loss with an ERA of 3.00. He struck out 20 batters in 18 innings of work, mostly out of the bullpen while allowing just 14 hits, and only one extra base hit throughout the year. Capella was a raw talent on the mound, possessing a fastball that has been clocked as high as 94 MPH, a tight slider and a developing changeup. Several Major League clubs would be in attendance each time Capella was to pitch. However, most scouts saw him as a “raw” power arm and shied away at draft time because of his lack of experience on the mound. “Anthony is a competitor that learned a lot in a short time. He has the arm strength; he just needed to polish his mechanics and gain command of his pitches,” said Head Coach Paul Murphy.

In the two years since Capella graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy, his face was still a fixture at baseball practices, still trying to keep his arm in shape by throwing bullpen sessions and working on his mechanics and throwing regimen. “He loves the game,” said Murphy. “He just needed an opportunity. Hopefully, this is a big break for him and he can make the most of it.”

“Anthony is a local guy who came to our open tryout. He really impressed us, so we decided to give him another look, and he looked even better the second time around. We really think that he can contribute to the team by coming out of the bullpen,” says Jeff Scott, Camden Riversharks Pitching Coach and Director of Baseball Operations

The Riversharks are a member of the Atlantic League, where many former Major League players have played. Since its inception in 1998, the Atlantic League has been home to professional ballplayers both in the early stages of their careers as well as the latter stages. The league has seen such Major League players as Jose Canseco, Ruben Sierra, Tim Raines, Jose Lima, Rickey Henderson, Dante Bichette, Pete Incaviglia, , Carlos Baerga, Jim Leyritz, Brendan Donnelly, Joe Borowski, Jose Offerman, Henry Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, Deivi Cruz and Edgardo Alfonzo among many others.

“This is a great opportunity for me to play with guys that played in the major leagues and hopefully learn from them. I am thankful for the opportunity to play professionally and to be playing for an organization like the Riversharks,” said Capella. “If I can continue to improve and help the ballclub win some games, hopefully I will get a shot to sign with a big league organization. If not, it certainly won’t be from a lack of effort.”

The Atlantic League is comprised of eight teams, the Camden Riversharks (managed by Joe Ferguson), Somerset Patriots (Sparky Lyle), Long Island Ducks (Dave LaPoint), Newark Bears (Wayne Krenchicki), Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Butch Hobson), Lancaster Barnstormers (Von Hayes), Bridgeport Bluefish (Tommy John) and the York Revolution (Chris Hoiles).

The Riversharks play their home games at beautiful Campbell’s Field. Campbell’s Field has quickly become one of the premier minor league baseball stadiums in the country. Honored as “Ballpark of the Year” in 2003 by Digitalballparks.com, and in 2004 by Baseball America, the home of the Camden Riversharks is a 6,400 seat stadium situated along the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. Famous for its unbeatable view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline.

Capella joins former Griffin Badou Gaye as the only Griffins to play professionally. The two-time All-American Gaye was drafted to play in the United States Basketball League and signed to play in Eurpoe a year later.

ACBL players dominate PSAC Awards

From Summer Ball News Source
Mark Angelo (Blazers, East Stroudsburg) earned his second PSAC Player of the Week award after hitting .750 (9-for-12) with five home runs and nine RBI in a four game series with Mansfield. The post grad also drew two walks,was hit by a pitch and hit two sac flys. On the season he hit .421 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI.

Mike Bortz (Blazers), Jeremy Gigliotti (Blazers) and Kevin Thompson (Blazers) also won PSAC weekly awards during the season. Bortz hit .346 while Thompson batted .401 with 12 home runs. Gigliotti posted a 5-2 record with a 2.55 ERA and struck out 68 in 50 innings.

Matt Cotollese (Rockies, West Chester) also won two Player of the Week awards and is hitting .449 with 56 RBI. Bob Stumpo (Rockies,West Chester) is hitting .336 for the Rams and was a Player of the Week also.

Four pitchers on 2009 ACBL rosters also earned Pitcher of the Week awards. Grant Kernaghan (Catz,Bloomsburg) was selected twice while Tom Admire (Blazers, East Stroudsburg), Colby Betz (Catz,IUP) and Mike Bucklin (Rockies,Kutztown) won weekly awards.

CAVENY RETURNS AS HEAD COACH...ASSISTANT COACHES NAMED

From Summer Ball News Source
April 28, 2009 Utica College head coach Shaun Caveny(left) will return for his second season to lead the Rome Thunderbolts once again. Caveny led the Bolts to an 18-7 record and an ECBL title last year. In his playing days, Shaun a 2006 graduate of Utica College and a left handed pitcher finished his career with 35 strikeouts in 49.1 innings pitched. He was an Empire 8 All Conference Honorable Mention in his senior year. Caveny began his coaching career in 2007 at UC as well. He was the Pioneers pitching coach and then landed the head coaching job in 2008. Coach Caveny always has had a good relationship with his players and seems to get the most out of them. The Thunderbolts are happy to have Shaun back for another season....Also back for his second season with the Bolts, but this time as an assistant coach, is Steve Guckemus. Guckemus played his college baseball at Oswego State. Last season he was an outfielder for the Bolts. He finished with a .231 average adding one home run, a team leading eleven RBI's, two doubles and was among the team leaders in runs(12) and stolen bases(7). Steve is a fine addition to the staff....The Thunderbolts have named Ryan Mays their pitching coach for the 2009 season. Ryan was a four year pitcher at Ithaca College graduating in 2007. Mays had a very solid career for the Bombers as he appeared in 47 games going 7-5 with a 4.75 ERA. In 134.1 innings pitched he tallied 98 strikeouts and walked only 36 batters. Ryan is very eager to jump-start his coaching career here in Rome with the Bolts!

For My Friend

It saddens me to have to post this, but one of my loyal readers (and friend) passed away yesterday. Jeff Taylor was a professor at Liberty University. His son, Jeffrey plays for Lynchburg College, and will be playing for the Martinsville Mustangs this season. Words fail me right now. Jeff was very instrumental in me not only starting this blog, but finding information on and about smaller schools. He took pride in the fact that I enjoyed covering D3 baseball. We exchanged emails on a daily basis. Even though we never met in person, he was my friend.

Here is a quick link about what happened. Apparently, he was throwing batting practice to his son, when a ball hit him below the ear. I send my condolences to his family.

HALL JOINS BUCKS FOR 15TH SEASON

From Summer Ball News Source
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, announced today the signing of Southern University catcher/infielder Frazier Hall. The 6’3”, 225-pound sophomore becomes the twenty-fourth player to be added to the 2009 ballclub.

A graduate of Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hall made an immediate impact for the Jaguars offensively last season, batting .384 with three home runs, 35 RBI, and 40 runs scored in 41 games. For his efforts, Hall received Freshman All-American honors.

Thus far in the 2009 season, the Baton Rouge native has started all 22 games for the Jaguars and owns a .395 batting average with one home run, 19 RBI, and 28 runs.

The Bucks will begin their 15th season of action on May 28 as they open the 2009 season on the road versus the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The home opener at historic Riverfront Stadium will take place on May 30 when they play host to the Duluth Huskies. Stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

Woodchucks Sign Ohio Bobcats' Closer

From Summer Ball News Source
WAUSAU, WI – April 27th, 2009 – Bryce Butt, a right-handed pitcher from Ohio University, has inked a deal with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for the 2009 summer. Butt is in his junior season and is one of the Bobcats’ top relief pitchers.

The 5’10”, 180-pound righty has appeared in 20 games this spring with 19 of those coming in relief. In 41.1 innings pitched Butt has struck out 39, while only walking 14. He carries a 3-5 record and is the team leader in saves (5).

One of Butt’s best outings came on April 18th against Akron. The junior from Omaha, Nebraska, entered the game in the top of the ninth with the scored tied at 8-8. Butt lasted five innings and allowed no runs on six hits. His Bobcats teammates helped him earn the win by scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 13th.

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the Northwoods League, a college wood bat summer league featuring players from across the country. Baseball America named the Northwoods League as one of the premier summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country. The Woodchucks 2009 home opener is Friday, May 29th as they take on the Eau Claire Express. For group outing / ticket information contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055 or visit the Woodchucks website at www.woodchucks.com.

MAURIELLO'S RBI NOT ENOUGH

From Summer Ball News Source
Little Falls, NJ: Senior righthander Michael Streaman (Westfield, NJ / Westfield) pitched 7 1/3 strong innings and senior first baseman Jason Lopez (West New York, NJ / Memorial) and freshman third baseman Zachary Brown (Green Village, NJ / Morristown) each picked up two-out RBI in the sixth as second-seeded Montclair State knocked off No. 5 seed Ramapo College, 3-1 in the opening round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Baseball Championship Tournament at Yogi Berra Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Senior lefthander Michael Vitale (Bayonne, NJ / Bayonne) recorded the final five outs for his first save of the season as the Red Hawks improved to 23-13 on the season with their sixth straight victory. MSU will face William Paterson or TCNJ in the next round of the tournament on Thursday, April 30 at Yogi Berra Stadium beginning at 3:30 pm.

Freshman Daniel Mauriello (Monroe, NY / Monroe Woodbury) had two hits and drove in the lone run for Ramapo (19-17), which will face sixth-seeded Rowan University at Jeff Maund Field in Mahwah, NJ on Thursday also at 3:30 in an elimination contest.

Streaman and Roadrunner starter Mike Murano (Brick, NJ / Brick) were locked in a tight pitcher’s duel from the start as each put up zeroes in through the first three innings. Ramapo would crack the scoreboard in the fourth as Joey Cacchiola (Union, NJ / Union) cracked a leadoff triple off the right field wall. Mauriello then bounced a ball through the right side for a single giving the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead. Ramapo would get the next runner on, but Streaman made a good defensive play off the mound to get the lead runner at third and two fly outs as MSU came to bat down a run.

Montclair responded in its half as Scott Evangelist (Northfield, NJ / Holy Spirit) singled up the middle to lead off the frame – Montclair’s first of the game. Mike Boggi (Towaco, NJ / Montville) followed with a double to put runners at second and third. Ed Kloepping (Pennsville, NJ / Pennsville) walked to load the bases however Morano struck out the next hitter for the first out. Freshman leftfielder Mickey McGraw then ripped a grounder in the hole at first base that appeared headed for a base hit. First baseman Pete Sita (Bayonne, NJ / Hudson Catholic) made a diving stop and flipped to Murano for the out as Evangelist scored knotting the game at 1-1. Murano then induced a fly out to end the threat.

The Red Hawks would get the winning runs in the sixth. Kloepping led off with a base hit center and a fielder’s choice by Kevin Bond (Cedar Grove, NJ / Cedar Grove) left MSU with a runner at first and one out. After the second out, Bond stole second which proved to be big as Lopez then smacked a pitch back through the middle for an RBI single giving MSU a 2-1 advantage. Brown followed with a double to deep center field as MSU expanded its lead to two runs.

Streaman would record the next four outs into the eighth before giving way to Vitale, who walked the first hitter he face but got a double play to end the inning. The lefty then set the Roadrunners down in order in the ninth to record the save.

Streaman improved to 6-0 on the year as he allowed four hits and the one run. He struck out three and walked one. Murano suffered the tough loss to fall to 2-2. He went 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs and five hits, striking out three and walking three.

Cacchiola and Mauriello accounted for all of Ramapo’s hits as they each went 2-for-4.

Edgin Returns, Owls Add Andrews from VCU

From Summer Ball News Source
FOREST CITY, N.C. - The Forest City Owls have announced that Josh Edgin will return to play for the Owls this season. The Owls also announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Robbie Andrews from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Josh Edgin started eight games for the Owls in 2008 and appeared in 15 contests. Edgin had a 2-6 record with a 4.26 ERA. He struck out 50 batters while allowing only 17 walks and one home run. Edgin transferred from Ohio State to Francis Marion University before the 2009 season, and has a 2-2 record and a 5.09 ERA with nine starts and 14 appearances for the Patriots. He has tallied 42 strikeouts over 53 innings pitched for the Patriots, who are currently ranked 18th in NCAA Division II poll. Earlier this year Edgin was named the Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week for week eight. He earned the honor by pitching seven innings and allowing only one hit in a 9-3 win over North Georgia. Edgin is a junior right-hander from Three Springs, Pa. and lists Cal Ripken, Jr. as he favorite baseball player. He is studying communications.

Robbie Andrews is a 6-3, 170 pound junior from Covington, Va. Andrews has appeared in 14 games for the Rams and has started four contests. He has a 1-1 record with two saves with a 3.78 ERA and has struck out 18. Andrews played for the Covington Lumberjacks of the Valley League in the summers of 2007 and 2008. Last season for the Lumberjacks Andrews was 3-0 with four saves and 33 strikeouts. He completed the summer with a 4.66 ERA in 17 appearances with two starts. He is majoring in geography and urban studies at VCU and plans on perusing a master's degree in meteorology when his baseball career is over. His most memorable moment in athletics is winning the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association baseball tournament and competing in the Coastal Carolina Regional.

The Owls are still in need of host families for the summer. All that is required to host an Owl is to provide a spare bedroom to the player and allow them to have access to bath and laundry facilities. A player and host family dinner will be held on June 7 and all host families will be recognized before the Owls final home game on August 3. For more information call the Owls at 828-245-0000.

The Forest City Owls are a member of the Coastal Plain League. Entering its 13th season, the CPL has 14 teams in the Virginias and Carolinas. The Owls begin the 2009 season on May 27 when they host the Gastonia Grizzlies at McNair Field in Forest City. For more information on the Owls visit www.forestcitybaseball.com.

`Dogs Take No. 13 Cal Poly to Extra Innings

From Summer Ball News Source
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The Fresno State baseball team took No. 13 Cal Poly to extra innings in a midweek contest, but fell 17-16 in the 10th inning. It is the second game that the Bulldogs have gone into extra innings in 2009.

The Bulldog offense exploded for three home runs from Tom Mendonca, Alan Ahmady and a grand slam by freshman Dusty Robinson. The `Dogs scored 16 runs on 16 hits and have a 20-23 overall mark.

Fresno State's pitching staff combined for 15 strikeouts, which is the most the Bulldogs have struck out in a single game.

The two teams faced off earlier this season at Beiden Field in Fresno and the Mustangs came out on top winning, 13-11.

Leadoff batter Danny Muno walked. Mendonca launched a home run over the left field wall giving the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead. Mendonca has 17 home runs on the year.

Designated hitter Kenny Wise singled to right field. Wise safely slid into second base. It is the freshman's fifth stolen base in 2009. Right fielder Brennan Gowens doubled to center field and Wise crossed home plate extending the `Dogs lead to 3-0.

Cal Poly answered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning tying the game at 3-3.

In the second inning, shortstop Ryan Allgrove singled to shallow left field. Muno singled passed the second baseman and Allgrove advanced to third base. Ahmady knocked one over the left field wall, his third of the season, and the Bulldogs regain the lead, 6-3.

The Mustangs responded with six runs in the second inning taking a 9-6 lead. Sophomore Gene Escat came out of the bullpen for the `Dogs recording back-to-back strikeouts to retire the third inning.

Left fielder Dusty Robinson reached base on a fielding error. Ahmady walked and Robinson advanced to second base. Mendonca singled to right field as Robinson scored and Ahmady advanced to third base. The Bulldogs trail 11-7.

Pinch hitter Jake Johnson grounded out to the shortstop allowing Ahmady to cross home plate and the Bulldogs trail 11-8.

Junior Zac Bischoff came in relief in the fourth inning and sat down the Mustang batters 1-2-3. The righty threw two scoreless innings and struck out a career-high five batters.

Senior Gavin Hedstrom reached base in the fifth inning after getting hit by a pitch. Allgrove walked moving Hedstrom to second base. Muno walked to load the bases. Robinson hit a grand slam over the left center field taking the lead, 12-11.

Robinson's grand slam is the third time this season the `Dogs have hit a home run with the bases loaded.

Cal Poly tied the game at 12 runs apiece in the sixth inning.

In the seventh inning the Bulldogs scored four runs regaining the lead. Muno reached base on a fielding error. Robinson hit a single to left field advancing to third base. Robinson advanced to second base on the throw to third base. Ahmady singled up the middle allowing two runners to score giving Fresno State the lead, 14-12.

Mendonca reached on an error moving Ahmady to third base. Mendonca advanced to second base on the error. Gowens hit an RBI single to second base increasing the `Dogs lead, 15-12.

Hedstrom grounded out to the shortstop allowing Gowens to advance to second base and bringing Mendonca home as the Bulldogs lead, 16-12.

Left-hander Josh Poytress came out of the bullpen in the seventh inning and sat down the Cal Poly batters in order.

In the eighth inning, Muno walked. Muno walked three times on the night bringing his career total to 100. He needs two more to tie eighth place on the all-time list. Muno stole second base and he has 11 stolen bases this season.

The Bulldog infield turned their 35th double play of the year retiring the eighth inning preventing the Mustangs from scoring.

Cal Poly scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game, 16-16.

The Mustangs scored in the bottom of the tenth inning to earn the 17-16 victory.

The Bulldogs return home to face Nevada in a four-game series starting Friday, May 1 at 6:05 p.m. in Beiden Field.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs return to Beiden Field as they host WAC rival Nevada May 1-3. The `Dogs and Wolf Pack square off Friday at 6:05 pm, continue with a doubleheader starting at 2:05 pm Saturday and wrap up the series Sunday at 1:05 pm. Saturday's game features a Community Food Bank food drive. Sunday is Youth Baseball Day and all youth baseball players are invited to take the field for the National Anthem. Visit gobulldogs.com for more information on Youth Baseball Day or to purchase tickets.

Rebels Give Matadors The Horn

From Summer Ball News Source
LAS VEGAS - UNLV baseball got going after the stretch, scoring five runs in the bottom of the seventh to rally for a 13-8 win over Cal State Northridge in a non-conference tilt at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.

Trailing by a run after the seventh inning stretch, the Rebels loaded the bases with a walk and two singles and following a pop out, Kyle Kretchmer came to the plate and stroked a single to center. Two runs would come around to score on the base knock and UNLV loaded them up again on another walk, and Chad Claus put down a bunt that scored a run and the J.J. Sferra capped the rally with a two-run single. Read the rest of this entry here.

Steamers Look West, Sign Two More Pitchers

From Summer Ball News Source
EDENTON, N.C. - Success breeds success. That is what the Edenton Steamers hope happens when pitchers Tanner Vickers of Lubbock, Texas, and Scott Burris of Portland, Ore., bring their winning pedigrees to North Carolina for a summer collegiate baseball league season that is roughly a month away.

Vickers is coming from Lubbock Christian University (Texas), one of the best NAIA programs in the country, ranked No. 1 in the Baseball Coaches' Top 25 for five straight weeks and having an impressive 42-5 record, with 12 straight victories. Lubbock Christian's pitching coach is Jeff Steele, manager of the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League and an adversary that the Steamers and head coach Marty Smith have come to respect.

A 6-2 junior right-hander, Vickers has posted six victories in 11 starts for the Chaps this season, striking out 60 batters in 46.2 innings. In 71 innings as a sophomore, he had a 10-1 record, an impressive 2.79 ERA, a whopping 83 strikeouts (versus 19 walks), and held the opposition to a .220 batting average.

Burris, a 6-0 left-hander from the University of Portland (Ore.), is one of three sophomores that should have an impact on the Steamers rotation after a productive summer season last year. He had 56 strikeouts and only 21 walks in 46.1 innings in nine starts for the San Luis Obispo Blues of the California Collegiate League.

According to a team scouting report, Burris is an athletic lefty who throws hard, but also pitches smart by inducing weak contact early in counts that allows him to pitch deeper in games.

For Portland, Burris has continued to develop his skills for the Pilots this spring with improved control. He stands 4-3 as the team's No. 2 starter with a 4.47 ERA after 10 starts. He has held the opposition to a .252 batting average and has 28 strikeouts.

The team opens this summer season on May 27 at the Outer Banks Daredevils. The first home game will be on May 28 against the Petersburg Generals. Season tickets ($90) are now available for all 28 home games at historic Hicks Field. For ticket information, call (252) 482-4080.

The Steamers are hosting two instructional baseball camps for youths 7 to 13 years old--June 29 to July 1 and July 14-16. Kids will be divided by age group and work stations are organized to practice and improve hitting and fielding skills. The $60 registration fee includes instruction, a camp tee shirt, snacks and a free ticket to a Steamers game at Hicks Field. The registration deadline is one week before the first day of each camp session. Registration forms are available at the Steamers office at 111 E. Freemason Street (behind the grand stand) or by calling (252) 482-4080.

The Edenton Steamers are community-owned and operated in Edenton, North Carolina and are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its thirteenth season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

Checking In On The 2009 Rockbridge Rapids Outfielders

The Rockbridge Rapids are the newest team in the Valley Baseball League. They will open their 2009 season on the road against Waynesboro on the 5th of June. Here is an April 28th update on their future outfielders.

Robert Anston (Boston College--pictured left) is hitting a sweet .360 in 172 at-bats this year. He has an OPS of .958 and he leads the team with 15 doubles. He also has a nice bb/k ratio of 26/31 and has stolen 8 bases for the Eagles.

Rob Froio (Lafayette) is hitting .369/.463/.436 in 160 at-bats (leads team). He's driven in 28 runs, scored 41 times and has stolen 16 bases. He also has a bb/k ratio of 18/11 this year.

Matt Greco is a red-shirt freshman from the University of Delaware. He is hitting .320 in 25 at-bats this season. He's hit 4 doubles and has driven in 9 rbi's this year.

Scott Colton (Stanford) has yet to see any playing time this season. He hails from Newport Coast, CA.

Joe Charron (Binghamton) is hitting .268 in 127 at-bats this year. He's hit 4 homers, driven in 23 and has scored 19 runs this year. He played for the Herndon Braves last summer.

Cox Named CAC Baseball Player of the Week

From Summer Ball News Source
Mary Washington Sr. RHP ANDREW COX (Orlando, Fla./Trinity) was named the CAC Baseball Player of the Week after throwing a four-hit, complete-game shutout against North Carolina Wesley, which recently won the USA South Conference title. Cox walked one and struck out five in the 3-0 victory. He started the week by being named the UMW Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year co-winner with track & field All-American Justin German.

On the Autograph Front For April 28th

Fans of Summer Ball should know that my son and I are not only huge college baseball fans, we are also huge fans of collecting baseball cards and autographs together. In this day and age when many players simply forget about the fans, and won't sign autographs, it's great when players like Richard Bleier take time out of their day to sign autographs for their fans.

Richard is a LHP for the Texas Rangers. He played his collegiate baseball at Florida Gulf Coast University. He was drafted by the Rangers in the 6th round last season. At FGCU in 08, he went 7-1, with a 2.09 era in 90.1 innings pitched. He struck out 76 batters and had a WHIP of 1.06. After being drafted by Texas, he was sent to pitched for Spokane in the Northwest League. He went 4-5, with a 4.02 era in 62.2 innings of work. He had an excellent bb/k ratio of 14/44 and had a WHIP of 1.20. Richard currently pitches for the Hickory Crawdads. He is currently 2-0, with a 0.50 era in 18 inp. He also has a bb/k ratio of 4/14 this year.

Richard played for the Alexandria Beetles during the summer of 2007.

UPJ's Fleck could be on fast track to majors

From Mike Mastovich ath the Tribune Democrat
JOHNSTOWN — Pitt-Johnstown pitching coach Rick Roberts has experienced professional baseball at the highest levels.

He’s seen the business side of the game as well as the on-field action. The former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect has a different perspective when evaluating talent. That said, Roberts won’t be surprised if he’s watching pitcher Kaleb Fleck in the majors, maybe sooner than later.

“The way he developed from last year to this year, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s pitching on TV in two years,” Roberts said. “Kaleb works his butt off in the classroom, in the weight room. He does his stuff like a professional.” Read the rest of this entry here.

Checking In On The Stark County Terriors 09 Pitching Staff

The Stark County Terriers of the Great Lakes League will open their 09 season at home against the Grand Lake Mariners on June 13th. Here is a look at how their future pitching staff is currently doing this year.

J.D. Osborne (Wofford--pictured left) is 2-0, with a 3.05 era in 20.2 innings pitched. He's given up 16 hits, walked 18 batters and has struck out 9.

Ben Danzinger (Akron) is 2-4, with a 5.31 era in 59.1 innings pitched.

Alex Loftin (Akron) is 1-1, with a 6.14 in 222 inp. He has also struck out 25 batters.

Jordan Darnell (Elon) is 2-0, with a 5.23 era in 20.2 inp.

Jake Anderson (Oakland) is 0-1, with a 5.50 in 18 inp. He has made 14 appearances this season.

Matt Barnes (Wooster) is 0-1, with a 0.00 era in 5 innings pitched.

Perci Garner (Ball State) is 0-0, with a 3.65 era in 12.1 innings pitched. He has given up 12 hits, walked 9 and struck out 17 batters.

Kasey Kearcher (Oakland) is 0-2, with a 2.89 era in 9.1 inp. He has also saved 1 game this season.

Ryan Mace (Kent State) is 2.-1, with a 3.54 in 28 innings of work this season. He has a great bb/k ratio of 3/18 this year.

Jon Moore (Pitt at Johnstown) is 1-2, with a 5.81 era in 26.1 inp. He has also struck out 21 batters this season.

Richie O'Brien (Bowling Green) is 2-0, with a 7.88 in 8 innings of work.

Matt Rosinski (Miami of Ohio) has a 5.40 era in 25 innings of work. He has made 23 appearances this year.

MoonDogs Ink Two JC Players

From Summer Ball News Source
Mankato, MN)--The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two players for the 2009 season. Sophomore infielder Edgar Molina of Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA) and sophomore infielder/outfielder Lance Ray of Western Nevada College (Carson City, NV) have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

Molina, a 6’0” 190 lb. sophomore from San Ysidro, CA, has started all 38 games at first base for the Jaguars who are 26-11-1 on the season. He has helped pace Southwestern offensively, ranking first in doubles (12), second in home runs (5), RBI (40), stolen bases (13), walks (17), and third in batting average (.376) and runs scored (39).

“Edgar is a plus defender, who also has tremendous plate discipline and can produce in multiple facets of the game,” said MoonDogs manager Mike Orchard. “He is a high character guy who will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

Ray, a 6’1” 188 lb. sophomore from Las Vegas, NV, has started 43 games for the Wildcats this year, seeing time in the outfield and at first base. He is currently leading Western Nevada in multiple offensive categories including batting average (.389), hits (58), doubles (15), home runs (8), RBI (41), stolen bases (19), walks (30), and runs scored (42). Western Nevada is currently 32-12 on the season, and ranked #13 in the NJCAA Division 1 rankings. Lance recently verbally committed to the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY), and plans to play baseball for the NCAA Division 1 Wildcats next year.

“Lance has a big time bat, and is putting up huge numbers for a high level program in a wood bat league,” said Orchard. “He has a plus makeup, is highly successful both athletically and academically, and someone we are really excited to have on our team.”

The Mankato MoonDogs 2009 Home Opener is set for Friday, May 29 at 7:05 PM against the Rochester Honkers. Single game tickets will go on sale May 2nd at 10:00 AM. To be part of all the exciting MoonDogs action this summer, pick up your season tickets on sale now, along with group and hospitality tickets for all your event needs. For more information visit the team website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.

Lunkers Add Four More

From Summer Ball News Source
(Brainerd Lakes Area) - The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League announced today that four more players have signed contracts to play for the Lunkers this summer according to team owner and general manager Joel Sutherland. The Lunkers have inked freshman teammates Ryan Hawthorne and Shon Roe from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA and University of New Orleans pitcher Mats Mattson and Rhodes College of Memphis pitcher Taylor Babich.

Ryan Hawthorne, a 6 foot 1 inch 195 pound left-hand hitting outfielder, is hitting .330 with 10 doubles and 25 RBI in 45 games played for the Lions. Hawthorne, originally from Grenada Hills, CA will be a duel player for the Lunkers as he also is a left-handed pitcher. Joining Hawthorne from Los Angeles this summer will be 6 foot 2 inch 185 pound infielder Shon Roe. Roe is hitting .262 with 3 home runs, 10 doubles and 31 RBI in 45 games as the starting shortstop for the Lions.

Mats Mattson, a 6 foot 7 inch 195 pound left-handed pitcher, is red-shirt sophomore from San Diego, CA. Mattson is currently 3-1 with 11 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings pitched for the Privateers of the University of New Orleans. Joining Mattson in the Lunkers bullpen this summer will be 6 foot 3 inch 200 pound sophomore right hand pitcher Taylor Babich. Babich is leading the Lynx of Rhodes College with six wins and has 53 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.

"This is a versatile group of players who will bring a lot to the table for us this summer," owner and general manager Joel Sutherland said. "With 68 games in about 74 days, it's important for us have depth and variety across the entire roster," Sutherland added.

The Lunkers Field Manager Ryan Levendoski and Sutherland will continue to build the roster until play begins in late May. The Lunkers home opener, presented by Cub Foods, is Thursday, May 28th at Stewart C. Mills Field. Game time is 7:05. For more information call the Lunkers office at 218-824-3474.

ITHACA’S AARON SAPP JOINS PIONEERS’ PITCHING STAFF

From Summer Ball News Source
Elmira, N.Y. – The Elmira Pioneers of the New York Collegiate Baseball League announced the signing of sophomore righthanded pitcher Aaron Sapp, of Ithaca (N.Y.) College, on Monday.

In his second season with the Bombers, the native of Niskayuna, N.Y., is 4-1 with a team-leading 2.10 ERA in 10 appearances, seven of them starts. Sapp has walked just 19 hitters in 51.1 innings of work. In his first outing of the season on March 10, he registered the victory with a complete-game four-hitter against Occidental (Calif.), while on Friday, Sapp limited Oswego State to no earned runs on three hits in five innings of work in Ithaca’s 5-2 win.

As a freshman, Sapp appeared in five games out of the bullpen, striking out five hitters in 11 innings pitched.

Future Aces Star Flirting With .400 For Johns Hopkins

The Alexandria Aces will be one of the best teams in the Cal Ripken Sr. League this summer. I might be going out on a limb here, but I'm predicting that Jesse Sikorski (Johns Hopkins) will not only be one of the best hitters on the team, he will be one of the better players in the league this season. Jesse is a 6/4/225 pound infielder from Syracuse, NY. The slick-fielder, is swinging a hot bat of late. He is currently hitting .400/.775/.458 in 80 at-bats this year. In somewhat limited duty, he has hit 7 homers, driven in 27 and has scored 24 times. He also has a bb/k ration of 9/15. The Aces open their 09 season on the road against Herndon on July 2.

The Citadel Baseball Inks a Pair from Jacksonville

From Summer Ball News Source
(photo is courtesy of The Citadel Athletics)
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel baseball program announced Monday that a pair of high school players from Jacksonville, Fla. – Bradley Goodson and Michael Clevinger – have signed National Letters of Intent to play at The Citadel. Goodson and Clevinger will join the Bulldogs for the 2010 season.

Both players hail from the Jacksonville, Fla. area and have been standout players at their respective high schools.

Goodson, a shortstop at Providence High School, was recently named the FHSAA District 2A Player of the Year. Goodson was selected to the Norhteast Florida Junior All-Star Team last season after his team won the 2008 Florida State Championship. Goodson hit over .330 in his high school career and holds the Providence school record for RBI, home runs and doubles. Goodson will come to The Citadel in pursuit of a degree in business administration.

Clevinger is a pitcher and infielder from Wolfson High School in Jacksonville where he has earned first team all-conference honors. Clevinger has compiled a 0.78 ERA in high school while amassing a .390 batting average and has been named team MVP for three of his four years. Clevinger’s cousin, Seth McClung, is currently a relief pitcher with the Milwaukee Brewers. Clevinger will pursue a business administration degree at The Citadel.

Goodson and Clevinger will join the program in the fall of 2009 after the team graduates nine players this semester. The Bulldogs are currently 25-17 and have a 12-9 record in Southern Conference play heading into this weekend’s series against SoCon newcomer Samford.

For complete coverage of Bulldog Baseball, please visit the official home of The Citadel Athletics at CitadelSports.com.

Former Huskies Pitcher Melancon Makes MLB Debut

From Summer Ball News Source
(BOSTON, MA) New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Mark Melancon (MUH-lan-sin) made his Major League debut Sunday night in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The former Duluth Huskie pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Andy Pettitte in a game that was seen nationally on ESPN. Melancon, called up on Saturday, entered the game to start the seventh inning and set down Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and David Ortiz in order throwing a fastball clocked as high as 96 MPH. Melancon put himself in a bases loaded, no-out jam in the eighth inning. However, he retired the next three batters to finish off his two scoreless innings.

With the early season struggles and injury issues that the New York Yankees bullpen has been having, Melancon’s numbers at Triple-A made it difficult for him to stay in the minor leagues any longer. In six appearances for Scranton-Wilkes Barre this April, the 24-year old had pitched 10.1 scoreless innings while striking out 17, walking just three, and allowing only four hits. The Golden, CO native earned two wins to go along with his 0.00 ERA.

Drafted in the ninth round in 2006, Melancon missed the entire 2007 season following Tommy John surgery. After pitching in the Dominican Republic that offseason he entered Yankees big league camp in 2008 as one of the team’s most talked about prospects.

For the Huskies in 2004, the 6’2”, 215 pound Melancon pitched in seven games making six starts. He finished the season with a 1-2 record, 1.95 ERA, and 33 strikeouts in 37 innings. He didn’t join the Huskies until around the first of July that summer following his freshman year at the University of Arizona where the Wildcats made a run to the College World Series.

Melancon becomes the 54th Northwoods League player to make it to the big leagues and the third Duluth Huskies player to do so. Doug Mathis, another member of Duluth’s 2004 starting rotation, saw time with the Texas Rangers last season and is currently in Triple-A. Duluth advanced to the NWL Championship Series in 2004 before losing to the Madison Mallards.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The league will begin its 16th season of action on May 28.

Future Copperhead, Lyerly, Earns SAC Honor

From Summer Ball News Source
ASHEBORO, N.C. - Catawba College junior third baseman Craige Lyerly, who will wear an Asheboro Copperheads uniform this summer, has been named Co-Player of the Year in the South Atlantic Conference along with Wingate University senior outfielder Mark Letchworth.

Lyerly, who played has high school ball at East Rowan, posted a league-high 87 hits during the regular season and hit .444. He carried a 26-game hitting streak into the conference tournament last week and led the Indians to the SAC championship, extending his hitting streak to 32 games. He had five hits in the tourney opener against Newberry and had 14 hits in the team's six games. Lyerly will take a .449 average into NCAA Division II regional play, with 14 homers and 48 RBIs.

In addition to Lyerly, former Copperheads Ryan Query (catcher) and Chris Ahearn (shortstop) were named to the All-SAC first team, and outfielder Josh Hohn, who helped lead Randolph County Post 45 to the state American Legion championship last summer and will play for the Copperheads this summer, was a second-team selection.

Another Copperhead-to-be, pitcher Nathan Furr, came on in the ninth to get the save in the championship game win over Tusculum after winning the tourney opener against Newberry with six strong innings in his first start of the season. Furr's ERA stands at 2.23 going into regional action, with seven saves and a 4-0 won-loss record.

The Copperheads are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Heading into its 13th season with 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.com.

Teufel Signs With Alaska AIA Team

Alaska Athletes In Action have recently signed a Liberty Flame for this upcoming summer season. Shawn Teufel is a junior lefty from Tequesta, FL. He is currently 7-1, with a 4.25 era in 53 innings pitched this year. He has given up 59 hits, walked 22 and struck out 52 batters this year. Shawn is the son of former MLB'er Tim Teufel.

Southern Poly's Sean Teague Throws Perfect Game

From Summer Ball News Source
MARIETTA, Ga. - One of baseball's most difficult accomplishments to achieve was met Thursday when Southern Poly pitcher Sean Teague threw a nine-inning perfect game in the Hornets 9-0 win at Southern States Athletic Conference rival Reinhardt.

Teague, a senior, threw 100 pitches and struck out 12 in earning the victory. He improved to 6-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 1.27.

"It started to hit me, probably, in the fifth inning," Teague said in a telephone interview after the game. "I was like, 'Wow, I've gotten this far without messing up. Just keep throwing strikes and trying to get guys out.'"

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hander acknowledged that he couldn't have done it without his teammates.

"I'm still in shock right now," said Teague, who is in his second year at Southern Poly after transferring from Campbell University, where he did not play baseball. "It still hasn't hit me yet, but I couldn't have done it without my teammates backing me up. The defense played great, and they just kept making plays."

Teague's job was made even easier as Southern Poly (42-6, 20-5), which is ranked fourth in the NAIA, scored runs in five of the first six innings in building a 9-0 lead. One of the Hornets' top pitchers, Teague induced nine groundouts and six fly balls in facing the minimum 27 batters.

"This is definitely the highlight of my career," Teague said. "I've never even pitched a complete, nine-inning game before, so to (throw a perfect game), it's like I hit a trifecta - compete game, no-hitter and a perfect game - all rolled into one. It's an awesome feeling."

"Sean had complete control of his pitches and dominated the game from start to finish," Southern Poly coach Matt Griffin said. "This was the best pitching performance I've ever seen in my 10 years of coaching.

As the game progressed, Reinhardt's players cheered themselves on in attempt to break the perfect game. In the Hornets' dugout, the exact opposite occurred as, with each passing inning, the team grew quieter, as is the baseball tradition when a pitcher has a no-hitter or perfect game going.

"My teammates just started getting quiet," Teague said. "No one would say anything when I came to the dugout, thinking they might jinx it. It was kind of funny. You could tell it was intense, though."

Teague began to feel a little nervous in the eighth inning, when he fell behind the Eagles' first batter with a 3-1 count.

"When I fell behind that guy, I thought I was about to walk him and blow the perfect game," he said. "He ended up grounding out and I finished the inning. At that point, I was thinking, 'Alright, just one more inning left. I can do this.'"

Teague's final out of the game was a ground ball to short. As soon as the play was over, his teammates rushed the field.

Setting Teague up to get the win was a Southern Poly offense that totaled 12 hits. Former Kennesaw Mountain High School standout Daniel Hester was 3-for-5 with a double, Josh Grooms and Justin Ray each had two hits and Mason Heller added a three-run home run.

Gems Sign Talented Saint Louis University Freshman

The Quincy Gems of the Prospect League have inked Zach Miller from Saint Louis University. Miller is a 6-0/190 pound freshman from O'Fallon, MO. In 167 at-bats this season, Zach is hitting .347 and has an OPS of 1.026. He leads the team with 54 rbi's and has scored 31 runs this season. He also has a bb/k ratio of 17/26 this year.

MAC Returns Its Baseball Tournament To Chillicothe

From Summer Ball News Source
CLEVELAND – Following a successful first-year run at VA Memorial Stadium in Chillicothe, Ohio, the Mid-American Conference Baseball Tournament will return to the neutral site with an agreement for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and an option also for the 2011 tournament.

In 2008, for the first time since 1982, and for only the second time in league history, the MAC Tournament was held at a neutral site at VA Memorial Stadium in Chillicothe, Ohio. Eastern Michigan won the 2008 MAC Baseball Tournament, defeating Kent State in the championship game.

The tournament field was to eight teams for the first time ever. The prior tournament field consisted of six teams in a double-elimination tournament. The new format will feature a bracket of two pools, with the winner of each double-elimination pool meeting in a one-game, winner take all championship game. The bracketing reflects the College World Series format as played in Omaha.

Home to the Chillicothe Paints Professional Baseball Club of the Prospect League, VA Memorial Stadium seats 4,000 and features a Field Turf playing surface. The championship will run from May 20-23. Chillicothe is located approximately an hour south of Columbus. There will also be a Mid-American Conference Tournament Celebration open to all players, staff, parents and fans to be held Tuesday, May 19 at approximately 7:30 PM.

The only other neutral site MAC baseball championship was held in 1982 at Trautman Field in Columbus. Columbus, at that time, was the headquarters city for the MAC office. All other 18 league tournaments have been on campus sites with the No. 1 seed serving as host.

Information on the Chillicothe Paints organization and VA Memorial Stadium can be accessed at the web site at chillicothepaints.com.

McCrory Makes History, Plays All Nine Positions In One Game

From Summer Ball News Source
There are feats in major league ball that are historic and uncommon. A no-hitter or a player hitting for the cycle are feats that are bound to get national attention. A perfect game will lead off sportscasts everywhere, since there have only been 15 in modern major league history. Even more infrequent though less celebrated is an unassisted triple play, which has happened just 14 times in the bigs.

But on only four occasions has a major leaguer played all nine defensive positions in one game. The first such display of versatility was performed in 1965 by Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A’s. Cesar Tovar duplicated the feat for the Minnesota Twins in 1968. In 2000, both Scott Sheldon of the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers’ Shane Halter turned the trick.

Pat McCrory can now say, “Been there, done that”. The Kilgore native and former Pump Jacks became the first Embry-Riddle player to ever play all nine positions in a game last Tuesday, in the Eagles’ regular season finale against Florida Tech. McCrory played one inning at each position, starting behind the plate. He made his way around the diamond – first base, second base, his usual shortstop position, and third base – before playing left, center, and right field. He closed out Embry-Riddle’s 9-3 victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

McCrory was also busy at the plate all night. He reached base in three out of four times at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a walk. He also stole two bases and scored two runs.

Pump Jacks pitching coach David Therneau and the Eagles open the Sun Conference tournament on May 5 as the top seed after winning their second consecutive regular season title. It was also recently announced that Embry-Riddle was selected to serve as a host for opening round games in the NAIA Baseball National Championship.

As McCrory and the Eagles prepare for the postseason, the playoffs are under way for some former Pump Jacks. Stan Phelps and UT-Tyler finished the regular season as co-champions of the American Southwest Conference East Division after falling to Mississippi College on Monday. The Patriots then put themselves in a hole when they lost the first game of their best-of-three opening round playoff series against McMurray on Friday. But UT-Tyler rebounded on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader to take the series and advance to the conference championship round next weekend.

Ben Taylor’s Scottsdale Community College squad finished out its regular season last week with a 32-20 overall record, 21-17 in conference play. The Artichokes, who entered the week as the #10 team in the country, will open the postseason as the #2 seed in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Division II playoffs. The conference champion receives an automatic berth in the D-II World Series in Enid, Okla.

In Maryland, Ian Schwalenberg saw action in a pair of games this week. He tossed two scoreless innings against LaSalle to capture his second save of the season. He came on in relief in Sunday’s battle with top-ranked North Carolina, taking the loss while pitching the final two innings. Teammate A.J. Casario picked up hits in four of five games during the week, including his eighth home run of the season.

Centenary’s Stephen Tromblee had an eventful series against IPFW after it was announced on Wednesday that he would be coming to East Texas this summer. In the series opener on Friday, Tromblee picked up his team-leading fourth save of the season by holding off a late comeback. He then tossed a complete game in Sunday’s series finale, striking out six while allowing six hits and just one run. Tromblee is now 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA and four saves on the season.

New Mexico split a pair of games this week against BYU, with Daniel Gonzalez picking up hits in both games. Justin Howard made his appearance as a pinch-hitter count, hitting a leadoff double in the ninth on Saturday to kick off a game-tying rally. Gonzalez is now batting .313 on the season and he has 12 multiple-RBI games, quite an achievement for a shortstop batting in the nine-hole, while Howard weighs in with a .280 average.

Sam Houston State opened a mixed week with an upset over #9 Baylor, then ran its win streak to ten games with a doubleheader demolition of Houston Baptist. The Bearkats ended on a down note, though, when they were swept at home by Southeastern Louisiana.

Despite the team’s ups and downs, former Pump Jacks Daniel Nottebart had his best week of the season. Nottebart started on the mound and got the win against Baylor, allowing just one run on three hits in three innings. He then proceeded to bat .615 (8-for-13) the rest of the week with three multi-hit games, four runs scored, and two RBI.

Both Adam De La Garza and Ryan Mooney were part of the onslaught against Houston Baptist, which saw the Bearkats explode for a combined 40 runs and 47 hits in the double header. Mooney went 6-for-10 with five runs, seven RBI, a double and a home run. De La Garza went 3-for-6, drove in three runs, and scored once.

As Panola College gears up for the playoffs, Aaron Wilkerson continues to roll. Wilkerson is now a team-leading 8-1 with a 3.25 ERA and two saves. In 61 innings, the Arkansas signee has allowed only 47 hits, holding opposing batters to a paltry .190 average. He’s also struck out 80 hitters while walking just 16.

Jess Todd: Jess Todd may have been a late cut from the St. Louis Cardinals major league staff in spring training, bu the hasn’t let that dampen his performance this season. The Kilgore High School grad is 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in seven relief appearances for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. In 10.1 innings, Todd has allowed only five hits and walked three while striking out 14. Opponents are batting a miniscule .143 against him.

Todd was a member of the Coppell Copperheads in 2006 before he was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2007 draft.

Free Season Tickets: That’s right, free! With players this season coming to East Texas from across the country, the team is actively searching for host families. Host families enjoy the opportunity to have a potential future major leaguer live with them, forging a bond that lasts a lifetime. As an added bonus, host families receive FREE season tickets for everyone in their household. Click here or contact the Pump Jacks for more information.

The 2009 season is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 5, when the Pump Jacks host the league’s newest team, the Victoria Generals. The 48-game regular season will run through August 8, to be followed by the playoffs and TCL Championship Series. Fans can download a copy of the team’s schedule by clicking here.

Season tickets are currently on sale, with ticket packages starting as low as $105 – and $85 for children and seniors – for all 24 regular season home games. Box seat season tickets are also available, including Lower Box seats, which feature in-your-seat wait service all game long, every game. For more information on Pump Jacks season tickets, click here or contact the Jacks office at (903) 218-GO ET.