Winthrop Ace To Pitch For The Mets In 2010

Winthrop University star, Tyler Mizenko will be a member of the 2010 Hyannis Mets. Tyler is a Junior RHP from Wallington, CT. He pitched for the Sanford Mainers of the NECBL this past summer. He went 1-1 and had a 0.46 era in 19.2 innings of work. He saved 9 games, struck out 23 and held opponents to a .169 batting average. He was selected to pitch in the NECBL All-Star Game, and he was named the #1 prospect in the league by Perfect Game. Here is the scouting report on Tyler as compiled by Allan Simpson.

SCOUTING REPORT Mizenko was understandably lost in the shuffle in a remarkable 2008 Connecticut high-school class that included the likes of shortstop Anthony Hewitt, a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies; lefthander Chris Dwyer, who received a $1.5 million signing bonus this year as a fourth-round pick of the Kansas City Royals upon completion of his freshman year at Clemson; third baseman Jason Esposito, a seventh-round pick of the Royals, now at Vanderbilt; and righthander Matt Barnes and outfielder George Springer, both of whom attended the University of Connecticut and blossomed this summer in the Cape Cod League. For added measure, the Cape's No. 1 prospect this summer, Virginia Tech righthander Jesse Hahn, is another Connecticut prep product, as is Hahn's former high-school teammate, North Carolina righthander Matt Harvey, a third-round pick in 2007. Mizenko went a long way in closing the gap on some of his in-state peers by recording 14 saves as a freshman at Winthrop, second most in Division I by a freshman. He then topped the NECBL by posting nine more saves this summer, while going 1-1, 0.46. In 20 innings, he limited hitters to a .169 average while striking out 23. He earned two more saves in post-season play. But Mizenko may have done the most to make a name for himself in a one-inning stint against Team USA, when he struck out the side with a fastball that topped out at 94 mph. Veteran Keene skipper Marty Testo was so impressed with Mizenko that he said he had the best arm of any pitcher that he had seen in his seven years in the NECBL. At least three other managers concurred, saying Mizenko had the best stuff in the league this summer. Not only was Mizenko's fastball consistently in the 92-95 mph range, but it produced heavy sink from a low three-quarters angle. He also mixed in a sharp, biting slider, and spotted both pitches with precision to both sides of the plate. He even showcased a solid changeup, at times, though rarely used, or needed it. Mizenko might normally fall into the category of being a mid-sized righthander, but scouts see him a little differently as he has an unusually high waist and broad shoulders, physical qualities normally found in bigger pitchers.

ASHEBORO LANDS AMERICAN LEGION STATE TOURNAMENT

From the Asheboro Copperheads
Asheboro and Randolph County will write another chapter to its rich American Legion baseball tradition next summer when the 2010 North Carolina State American Legion Tournament comes to McCrary Park July 23-28.

The tournament bid was submitted to North Carolina American Legion officials in June by the Asheboro Copperheads on behalf of Post 45 and the Asheboro Kiwanis Club, the longtime sponsor of the Post 45 team. The bid was formally approved and awarded to Asheboro by State American Legion Baseball Commissioner Roy Waters and a committee made up of the commissioners from all four state American Legion areas.

The Coastal Plain League worked with the Copperheads with regard to scheduling to make McCrary Park available for the tournament dates. The Copperheads will be on the road for six straight games while their home park plays host to the state event.

Randolph County Post 45 will receive an automatic bid to the tournament as the Area III host team. The Area III champion (or runner-up if Post 45 should win the Area III title) will also qualify along with the top two teams from each of the state’s other three areas. Post 45 won the state title in 2008 in Gastonia and Rowan County, also from Area III, won the 2009 tournament in Greenville and went on to win the Southeast Regional title in Sumter, S.C. and finished third in the American Legion World Series in Fargo, N.D.

“We’re excited and honored to have been selected to host the 2010 state American Legion tournament,” said Ronnie Pugh, a member of the Copperheads’ ownership group and also the head coach for Post 45 for the past five seasons. “It’s going to be a huge undertaking that will take the support from the entire community to make it successful, but we believe the Copperheads, Post 45, the Kiwanis Club and the Asheboro/Randolph County community will rise to the occasion and make it a first-class event that everyone can be proud of. This is something we’ve been thinking and talking about for several years. It’s a great opportunity for the City of Asheboro and all of Randolph County to demonstrate why this has been a hotbed for American Legion baseball for many years.”

The 2010 tournament will mark the 11th year of the event under its current format. For many years the state championship was determined in the playoff series format from beginning to end. But in 2000 an eight-team tournament format was adopted after all four state areas had determined their champion and runner-up in the traditional playoff series format. Caldwell County (Lenoir) was the host of the first state tournament and the event has been held in subsequent years in Garner (twice), Cherryville, Fayetteville, Salisbury, Shelby, Thomasville, Gastonia and Greenville. There are 65 American Legion teams statewide.

Prior to winning the 2008 state tournament in Gastonia, Post 45 had won state title under the old playoff series format in 1966 and 1978 and lost in the championship series in 1962, 1967 and 1975. Post 45’s very first American Legion team in 1935 under coach Rufus Routh also advanced to the state championship series where it lost to eventual national champion Gastonia. However, Post 45 did win one game in the best-of-five series and it proved to be Gastonia’s only loss the entire season.

Tammy O’Kelley, executive director of the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority expressed great excitement over Asheboro’s selection as the 2010 tournament host city.

“This is huge feather in Asheboro’s cap,” said O’Kelley. “It’s really an honor for Asheboro to be selected to host a tournament connected with the American Legion because it’s such a great organization that does so much for people all over our country. This will have huge implications for our area hotels, restaurants and attractions. It’s going to bring a lot of people into Asheboro and Randolph County.”

Duke Baseball Announces Challenging 2010 Schedule

From Duke University
(photo is courtesy of Duke Photography)
DURHAM, N.C. - Nine series against NCAA Regional qualifiers from 2009 highlight a challenging 2010 Duke baseball schedule, as announced by head coach Sean McNally on Wednesday.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Player To Watch For In 2010--Ryan Ferguson

Throughout the fall and winter, I will be highlighting, spotlighting or mentioning players that I believe are poised to have either big seasons in 2010 or are poised to have a breakout season. Again, I'm not a scout in any way or shape. The one constant factor in my picking of the players is that they all had productive summer seasons.

Ryan Ferguson is a Senior C/OF from Temple University. He is 6-2/ 215 pounds and hails from Glen Mills, PA. He played high school baseball and wrestling at Garnet Valley High. As a Senior, he was named the the ALL-SCCL team and to the 2nd Team All-Delco Team. This past year, Ryan hit .333 in 27 at-bats for the Owls. He hit 4 doubles, smacked 1 home run and drove in 5 runners. He also scored 7 runs during the regular season.

Ryan spent this past summer playing for the Elmira Pioneers of the NYCBL. He had an outstanding summer and was named an All-Star. He hit .301/.449/.429 in 136 at-bats for the Pioneers. He hit 11 doubles, stroked 3 home runs and drove in 28 runs. He also scored 16 runs and stole 2 bases for Elmira. He walked 30 times, was fanned 26 times and had a fielding % of .968. He lead the team in doubles and walks and was tied for first in home runs.

With more playing time, Ryan should be one of the better hitters on the Temple baseball team.

John Jay Baseball Volunteers With Riverside Park Fund

From Summer Ball News Source
The John Jay College of Criminal Justice baseball team continued its winning ways! On Nov. 20, the team spent a portion of the day in Riverside Park helping in a park rehabilitation effort through the Riverside Park Fund volunteer project.

The Bloodhounds spent over three hours planting and rescuing plants as well as helping repair a badly damaged slope in the park which was damaged due to the extensive stormy weather in New York during the summer months.

“The John Jay baseball team is an asset to Riverside Park,” said Lynda Miller, director of the Riverside Park Fund. “They are a hard working, polite and enthusiastic group whose efforts will go a long way in helping the Park to recover from the extensive storm damage it suffered this summer.”

The baseball team planted six American Hollies and rescued a White Pine along West 104th street.

“Volunteering in the park is a lot of fun. It gets the team to bond in a way other than just baseball,” said senior captain Edwin Hernandez. “It definitely makes us a better baseball team on the field as a result. What’s best about it is when you look back on it and see how beautiful something looks, you can say you were a part of it.”

The Riverside Park Fund’s mission is to preserve and improve New York’s classic waterfront green space. Riverside Park stretches four miles along the Hudson River starting at West 72nd street and concluding at West 158th street. It covers 330 acres of land.

“We love volunteering for the Riverside Park Fund. It is a fantastic organization and exists for a great cause,” said John Jay director of athletics and head baseball coach, Dan Palumbo. “Many people have a much more enjoyable time in the Park because of the Riverside Park Fund.”

John Jay baseball participates in numerous events year round. Each year the team sponsors a Christmas party for orphans in the area and hosts an annual fund raising dinner in honor of former John Jay baseball head coach Lou DeMartino.

The 2010 baseball season opens on Sun. Feb. 28 against Capital University at 11 a.m. followed by John Carroll College at 2:30 p.m. at the Snowbird Classic in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Darien's Hodges to pitch for Virginia Tech

From Rich DePreta at The Advocate
More and more, life is all about networking.

That is one large part in the equation where Darien High School senior lefthanded pitcher Ricky Hodges signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Virginia Tech next fall.

"The first college recruiting e-mail I ever received was from Virginia Tech. I remember how excited I was about it years ago," Hodges said. "It's something how it all worked out in the end."

Read the rest of this entry here.

Xavier’s Nittoli to Pitch for BlueSox

From the Butler BlueSox
Vinny Nittoli of Gibsonia PA has signed to play for the Butler BlueSox in ’10. The 6’1 200 RHP is currently in his freshman year at Xavier University.

Nittoli played his high school career at Pine Richland just north of Pittsburgh PA. He also played in a Quad A Palomino League where he helped his team get to the Championship game of the 2008 East Zone Tournament. His summer ERA was just under 1.0.

His Xavier coach had this to say. “Vinny has the ability to be a front-line pitcher for us", said Head coach Scott Googins. “ He is a competitor and hard nose kid. Nittoli has a 90 mph plus fast ball with a good slider, which makes him a potentially dominant pitcher for us,” said Googins.

In his senior year at Pine Richland HS, pitcher Nittoli was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettes WPIAL AAAA All-Section First team.

Britton-Foster to return

From Summer Ball News Source
The Okotoks Dawgs are excited to announce the re-signing of a key member of the Dawgs pitching staff. Right-hander Danny Britton-Foster has commited to return to Okotoks in 2010.

Danny Britton-Foster, a 6’3’’ 180 lb right-handed pitcher, is going into his sophomore season at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Danny suited up for Team Canada’s National Junior Team before moving on to UBC. In his freshman season with the Thunderbirds in the spring of 2009, Britton-Foster had good success with a 5-2 record while holding a 3.47 ERA. In 62 innings, he allowed 60 hits while striking out 35 and issuing just 10 walks.

In his first summer in Okotoks in 2009, Danny’s talents were on full display; He earned a 3-0 record for the Dawgs while holding a microscopic 1.08 ERA. In 7 games -5 starts- he logged 33 innings, allowing 24 hits while striking out 30 and walking just 7. Here is what Assistant Coach Brett Thomas has to say on the signing of Danny, “We are extremely excited about having Danny back. He was a big part of our staff after just his freshman year last year and we think we can expect even more from him this year. We look forward to seeing Danny in that Dawgs uniform once again in 2010."

The Dawgs are very pleased to bring back a key member of the pitching staff, in Danny Britton-Foster. We look forward to welcoming him back to Okotoks in June, as he helps lead the quest for a 4th Championship for Okotoks.

WIU Names Mike Villano Head Baseball Coach

From Summer Ball News Source
MACOMB, Ill - (www.goleathernecks.com) Western Illinois University has announced the hiring of Mike Villano as its new head baseball coach.

Villano takes over the program after the passing of Stan Hyman, who served as head coach of the Leathernecks for eight seasons.

"This is a bittersweet announcement in that we will always remember Stan Hyman as a great person and a great baseball coach," Western Illinois Director of Athletics Dr. Tim M. Van Alstine said.

"However, I am pleased to announced that Mike Villano will continue in Stan's footsteps as the new Leatherneck baseball coach. Mike has an impressive and extensive background that spans from his time as a student-athlete to his professional playing career and his time as a coach."

Villano spent the past six seasons at Central Michigan University, where he served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator and spent last season as the team's hitting coach.

"I am very excited about this great opportunity at Western Illinois," Villano said. "I believe the program has tremendous potential because of its location in an area of the country that produces many great baseball players."

Under his guidance, the Chippewa pitching staff led the Mid-American Conference in team ERA in 2008 (4.62) and 2005 (3.31). His pitching staff finished second in the MAC and 14th nationally in ERA (3.71) while also finishing second in the conference in opponent batting average (.256) and strikeouts (387) during the 2007 campaign.

His 2007 staff included the MAC Pitcher of the Year in Josh Collmenter, who was eventually drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

On the recruiting trail, Villano helped compile a class that was ranked 27th nationally and first in the Midwest Region by Collegiate Baseball in 2006. He has coached a total of 27 players who have gone on to professional careers.

The Chippewas posted an overall record 202-137 (.596) and a conference record of 99-55 (.643) in Villano's time as an assistant.

Prior to his career at Central Michigan, Villano spent one season as the pitching coach at Oakland where he helped lower the pitching staff's ERA from 7.00 in 2002 to 4.90 in 2003.

Villano enjoyed a successful playing career at both the collegiate and professional levels. He was a four-time all-conference selection as a pitcher at Saginaw Valley State University and was named as the Great Lakes Conference Freshman of the Year in 1991.

He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 24th round of the 1994 amateur draft and played professionally for nine seasons, culminating with a Major League call-up from the Florida Marlins in 1998.

Villano earned his bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State in 2001 and also earned a master's degree in physical education from Central Michigan in 2008.

Sweets Pitching Staff to be Coached by Michaud

From the Walla Walla Sweets
Walla Walla, WA (November 24, 2009) – Pitchers will make up roughly half the roster of the Walla Walla Sweets in 2010. In order to maximize this asset, the Sweets have brought in a pitching coach that has a strong pedigree on the East Coast and has been charged with helping lead a revival of baseball at Whitman College.

Mark Michaud, the pitching coach at Whitman College, has been hired by the Walla Walla Sweets to hold the same position for their inaugural season in 2010. A Groton, CT native, he will join skipper J.C. Biagi in bringing summer baseball back to Walla Walla. He came to the Northwest as part of Jared Holowaty’s staff at Whitman, where in addition to his pitching coach responsibilities oversees recruiting for the Missionary baseball program.

Michaud has been coaching collegiate baseball since 1998, where he began his career at Eastern Connecticut State University. He was part of a coaching staff that won two NCAA national championships in four years. Career stops have included the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Rockford (IL) College, Siena College (NY), the University of Maine, and a return engagement at Eastern Connecticut State University. Michaud’s staffs are characterized by pitchers who lead their leagues in team ERA, strikeouts, strikeout-to-walk ratios, and WHIP, all key elements to successful baseball clubs.

“I look forward to working with J.C. in building a championship franchise,” said Michaud. “Our pitchers will be smart, aggressive and put the team in a position to win ball games.”

“I am excited that Mark will be part of the coaching staff,” said Biagi. “We’ll have pitchers from programs all around the country, and we are confident in Mark’s ability to command respect, teach proper technique, compete for a championship, and prepare our players to advance their baseball careers.”

“Mark has a bright future in the college game,” said Jeff Cirillo, a partner in the Sweets ownership group and a former Major League Baseball All-Star who participated in the interview process. “He loves working with pitchers and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our franchise.”

The Sweets, an expansion franchise in the West Coast League, will open up the 2010 season by hosting defending league champion Wenatchee AppleSox at Borleske Stadium on June 8. Season tickets are now available by calling 509.522.BALL (2255) or by visiting www.wallawallasweets.com.

Woodhouse to Join ASU Red Wolves Baseball

From Summer Ball News Source
(photo is courtesy of Arkansas State)

JONESBORO, Ark. (11/24/09) - Arkansas State head baseball coach Tommy Raffo announced Tuesday that Mountain Home senior Cody Woodhouse has signed a National Letter of Intent with ASU and will join the Red Wolves baseball program next year.

Woodhouse, a 6-4, 185-pound right-hander has been a standout pitcher for Mountain Home High School for the last two seasons, and was named Junior Varsity Pitcher of the Year while playing in Cordova, Tenn. in 2007. At Mountain Home, he was selected to the All-Conference team in 2008 and 2009, and as a junior, he was named All-State.

"Cody is a power right-handed pitcher that will be a factor in the Sun Belt Conference," said Raffo. "He has a nice, loose arm and has the ability to spin the ball very well. We look forward to Cody joining the Red Wolves program."

Woodhouse is the son of Darla Woodhouse and is coached by Ronnie Blevins at Mountain Home High School.

Villanova Short-stop Signed By BlueSox

From the Butler BlueSox
The BlueSox signed Tyler Sciacca from Villanova University and in doing so picked up a very good short-stop. His college coaching staff believe that he could become the premier defensive short-stop in the Big East college conference.

The 5’10 170 infielder is from Stanton island NY and played at the same high school as ’09 BlueSox catcher Frank Esposito. “We are fortunate to pick up Tyler,” stated GM Leo Trich. “Strong defense up the middle is always and from we are told, Sciacca will give us that”, Trich said.

Tyler Sciacca hits from the right side and is currently a sophomore at Villanova.

NWL Alumni Added to 40-Man

From the Northwoods League
Several former Northwoods League players recently had their contracts purchased by their Major League squad when they were added to the 40-Man Roster. Although it isn't a guaranteed spot on a Major League roster, it is an important step on a player's path to the big leagues.

For many of these players, this move was made so that their current organization keeps the player's rights without the risk of another organization selecting him in the upcoming Rule-5 Draft.

Former Northwoods League players added to a 40-Man Roster include:

Baltimore Orioles 1B Rhyne Hughes (Duluth '04)
Chicago Cubs LHP John Gaub (St. Cloud '04)
Florida Marlins RHP Jay Buente (Wisconsin '04-05)
St. Louis Cardinals OF Allen Craig (Alexandria '03/05)

In other transaction news, the Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed RHP Chris Jakubauskas (St. Cloud '99) off waivers from the Mariners.

Four Questions With Kyle Olasin

Kyle Olasin (photo is courtesy of rajuncajuns.com) is a Senior outfielder from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is 5-10/175 pounds and hails from La Place, LA. He played JUCO ball at Delgado CC. This past year, he hit .305/.416/.376 in 154 at-bats. He scored 34 runs, knocked in 33 and stole 10 bases for the Rajun Cajuns. He also hit 5 doubles, 3 triples and smacked 2 home runs in 2009.

Kyle played for the Waikiki Surfers in the Hawaii Collegiate League this past summer. He had an outstanding summer and was eventually named as the 5th best prospect in the league by Perfect Game. He hit .346/.467/.457 in 107 at-bats for the Surfers. He scored 26 runs, drove in 16 and had 5 triples. He showed outstanding plate discipline as he walked 18 times and was only fanned 5 times. He also stole 17 bases this summer. He was tied for first in the league in triples and tied for 3rd in stolen bases. He was voted as being the fastest base runner in the league.

Kyle recently answered four questions for us.

Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Kyle Olasin--As a kid, I loved the Atlanta Braves. In saying that, I wanted to hit like Chipper Jones and play outfield like Andruw Jones. Today, my favorite players would have to be Grady Sizemore and Curtis Granderson.

SB--What were some of the best things about playing for the Waikiki Surfers this past summer?
KO--I definitely enjoyed the beautiful weather. I also liked my Coach, Adam Millan. My teammates were easy to get along with. It was a very memorable summer for me.

SB--What are some of your goals for this upcoming season?
KO--Being that this is my last year, my main goals is to play my heart out everyday, no matter what. I would like to hit for average and be a threat on the bases and in the field. Ultimately, I would love nothing more than to get drafted and continue my career.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
KO--My favorite baseball movie is The Sandlot. I watched that movie so many times, I can't keep track.

Thanks Kyle. Please click here to view a scan of Kyle's autograph.

If you know of a player or coach that would like to be featured in my "Four Questions with..." series, send me an email at 316sports@gmail.com.

Sanchez Signs With Oregon

Barstow High School Senior pitcher, Aaron Sanchez has signed on to play for the University of Oregon next season. He is projected to be drafted in the first 10 rounds of next June's draft, so it remains to be seen if Aaron will actually make it to Oregon next year. You can read about Aaron's signing here.

Radford Baseball Announces 2011 Early Signing Class

From Summer Ball News Source
RADFORD, Va. – An incoming class of five players: right-handed pitchers Michael Costello (Manassas, Va./Stonewall Jackson) and Tyler Costello (South Riding, Va./Paul VI), shortstop Cam Hodge (Roanoke, Va./Hidden Valley), outfielder Blake Sipe (Weyers Cave, Va./Fort Defiance) and first baseman Jake Taylor (Ellicott City, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) have signed letters of intent to join the Radford baseball program for the 2011 season.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Copperheads Sign URI Infielder

From the Lake Norman Copperheads
The Lake Norman Copperheads have signed University of Rhode Island infielder Dan Haverstick. The 6'1 sophomore hit .286 as a freshman at URI and played flawless defense at 1st and 3rd. Haverstick did not make an error all season. Last summer he was an all-star in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League when he led the Southhampton Breakers in hitting (.312), on-base percentage, and was second on the team in stolen bases.

Baseball Adds Six During Early Signing Period

From the University of Houston
HOUSTON - The University of Houston baseball team made preparations for the 2011 season with six athletes signing National Letters of Intent during the early signing period, head coach Rayner Noble announced.

Lucas Moran, Jacob Dahlstrand, Mitchell Taylor, Chase Wellbrock, Chad Rogers and Ryan Broussard will join the program during the 2011 season.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Mohawks Sign Two Catchers

From the Amsterdam Mohawks
The Amsterdam Mohawks have signed two catchers for the upcoming 2010 season. Matt Colantonio. a member of the 2009 Championship Mohawk team has agreed to return, along with Luke Maile, a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Luke was the Kentucky State High School player of the year in 2009.

Colantonio, a junior at Brown University, has caught practically every game for Brown in his two seasons there. In his freshman year, he led the team in hitting with a .376 average. Last summer for the Mohawks, Matt hit .268 in 23 games and proved to be one of the better defensive catchers in the NYCBL.

Maile, was drafted out of High School in 2009 by the Boston Red Sox but opted to attend Kentucky instead. The 6'3, 200 pound backstop, was rated as the 12th best draft prospect in the state of Kentucky last year.

The pipeline with the Mohawks and Kentucky have proven fruitful for both sides as many players that have played for the Mohawks have gone on to shine for the Wildcats in subsequent seasons. Second baseman Chris Bisson and left-handed pitcher Logan Darnell are prime examples of that. Darnell (2008) and Braden Kapteyn (2009) have also been rated as the NYCBL's top pro prospect in each of the last two seasons.

The Mohawks won the NYCBL Championship in 2009 with a 36-12 record and were ranked 13th in America by PerfectGame Crosschecker. They won their last 13 games and 26 of their last 29 along the way.

HCB Notebook: Westhampton Field Gets Extreme Makeover; Recruits, Coaches Sign On

From Brett Mauser in the Hamptons.com
(photo is courtesy of HCB)

With winter around the corner, there are plenty of items being cooked up in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball hot stove. It's time to go around the horn and examine some of the organization's off-season moves ...

Read the rest of this entry here.

Wilson Tobs Welcome Two Chippewas of Central Michigan

From the Coastal Plain League
The Wilson Tobs have signed Bryce Marrow and Rick Dodridge from Central Michigan University.

Bryce Marrow is a 6’2” 180 pound junior right-handed pitcher. As a sophomore in 2009, Marrow had a 4.10 E.R.A., in 48.1 innings of work with a 2-4 record. Bryce fanned 31 batters and had an opponent batting average of .245. During conference play Marrow was lights out, he had a 1.17 E.R.A. and owned an impressive opponents batting average of .117. Most of Marrow’s work came from the bullpen where he collected one save. He also made four mid-week starts for the Chippewas and performed strong throwing at least seven innings in each start. Bryce will be a key component to the Tobs bullpen this summer and could make some spot starts and compete for the closer role.

“We are excited to have two more great players coming to us form Central Michigan” said Tobs head coach Jeff Steele “They have always been great about sending us frontline talent, and we are expecting the same out of Bryce and Rick this summer”

Rick Dodridge is a 6’5” 215 pound sophomore left-handed pitcher who hails from West Branch, Michigan. As a freshman Dodridge started ten games with a record of 3-4. Rick had an E.R.A. of 6.58 in 53.1 innings of work and struck out 41 batters. In 2008 the Kansas City Royals drafted Rick in the 30th round. Whether it is as a starter or in the bullpen, Dodridge can be a much-needed equalizer from the left side. Hopefully, Dodridge can provide the same spark that fellow teammate and left-handers Trent Howard and Dan Taylor provided for Wilson during the summers of ’06, ’07, and 09’.

The Wilson Tobs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 14 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 http://www.coastalplain.com.

Six GC diamond players sign with four-year schools

From The NewsHerald.com
PANAMA CITY — The important decisions are now behind six Gulf Coast athletes.

Five Commodore baseball players and one softballer took advantage of the early signing period last week to seal their four-year college futures. Weeks spent fielding offers and hours of recruiting are now over, and they can focus on the spring seasons set to begin in less than three months.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Braves Announce First Signings For 2010

According to the Newsleader.com, the Staunton Braves have inked Brett Goodloe from William and Mary and Daniel Wright from Radford. Both are freshman this season. You can read the press release here.

Railroaders sign Bob Glover

From the Fulton Railroaders
The Railroaders received a contract for their last opening for an outfielder. He is Bob Glover, a 6'1", 185 lb left handed thrower and right handed hitter from Parkland College. Bob was instrumental in Parklands National Championship last year. He has already signed to play for the University of Dayton in 2011.

Cole, Cuno Return to Sliders in 2010

From the Springfield Sliders
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Two players from Creighton University that played in Springfield last summer have signed contracts to agree to come back in 2010. Both Outfielder Clay Cuno (New Bloomfield, Mo./New Bloomfield HS) and right-handed pitcher Austin Cole (Omaha Neb./Skutt Catholic) will be Sliders once again next summer.

Going into his junior year as a Bluejay, Cuno hit .220 last summer for the Sliders and was one of the team’s main sources of power. He led the team with 7 home runs and triples (4) along with finishing second on the team in RBI (26).

Austin Cole, a redshirt freshman made 12 appearances out of the bullpen and once start last summer. As a Slider, he pitched over 25 innings, striking out 20 batters. Cole will take on vital role in the Sliders pitching staff for 2010.

Throughout the Sliders history, they’ve had a good relationship with Creighton baseball. In the inaugural season, infielder Elliot Soto (Algonquin, Ill/Dundee Crown) played a large role in the Sliders championship season as they went 32-18 and won the Central Illinois Collegiate League.

On last summers team, the Sliders also had catcher Scott Thornburg (Lakewood, CO/J.K.Mullen HS) and right-handed pitcher Otto Roberts (Belleville, Ill./Belleville West) Thornburg, who is going into his sophomore year at Creighton, hit .261 with 2 homer runs, 9 doubles and 14 RBI in 119 at-bats.

Roberts finished with a 3-3 record, posting a 2.87 ERA. He started six games for the Sliders, two of them turned out to be complete game shutouts against Dubois and Quincy.

The Sliders finished 22-32 last summer and look forward to an exciting 2010 of summer baseball. Stay tuned to the Sliders website for more updates on next seasons roster.

The Springfield Sliders are a member of the Prospect League, a wood bat summer league featuring players from across the country. For ticket information contact the Sliders office at 217-679-3511 or visit the website at www.springfieldsliders.com.

Ben Rawding Now With BlueSox

From the Butler BlueSox
The 6’4 RHP from Beaver Falls PA has been signed by the BlueSox for the 2010 summer season.

“Ben Rawding is an exceptional local pitcher and we are glad to have him with us.” said GM Leo Trich. “Now playing for Mercyhurst College, Rawding is a product of Black Hawk high school where he put together a great career”, Trich continued.

“We have enjoyed a successful recruiting year for the ’10 season and the Pittsburgh region has produced a number of outstanding pitchers. We see Ben as being one who has great potential . We are confident he will have success in the Prospect League,” he concluded.

Grizzlies Sign Local Gardner-Webb Star

From the Coastal Plain League
The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of Zeke Blanton, a Forest City native who attends Gardner-Webb University.

Blanton, a 6-0, 200 pound outfielder transferred from the University of North Carolina in 2009 and will begin his first season with Gardner-Webb in 2010. Blanton, who is projected to play left field for the Bulldogs, comes to the Grizzlies with an impressive pedigree. The sophomore won a state championship at East Rutherford High School in 2007 and earned All-State honors. Blanton played 19 games for the College World Series bound North Carolina Tar Heels in 2008 before transferring to Gardner-Webb.

This past summer Blanton led the Southern Collegiate League in hitting while playing for the Morganton Aggies. Blanton batted at .415 clip while leading the league with 71 hits in only 45 games played. He had 3 triples, 3 homeruns and drove in 21 runs while stealing 18 of 19 bases. Blanton was selected as a starter in the Southern Collegiate All-Star game.

“Zeke is one of the top hitters in not only the state of North Carolina but in the country,” said General Manager Jesse Cole. “This past summer in Morganton he demonstrated his outstanding hitting abilities by leading the league in hitting. We expect this success to carry over with the Grizzlies in 2010 and for Zeke to be an exciting player to watch this summer.”

Grizzlies 2009 All-Star Byron McKoy also starred in the Southern Collegiate league in 2008 before playing for the Grizzlies last summer.

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th, against the Asheboro Copperheads. Limited season tickets are available. For more information call the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622 or visit the website at http://www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

The Gastonia Grizzlies are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its fourteenth 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

BOLTS ADD TWO MORE TO THEIR ROSTER

From the Rome Thunderbolts
The Rome Thunderbolts are making some final touches to their 2010 roster by adding Columbia University sophomore first baseman Anthony Potter(left) and Holy Cross freshman pitcher Andrew Boyce. Potter, a native of Cazenovia, NY played in 31 games, starting 27 in his inaugural season for the Lions. He batted .200 with 19 total hits which included five doubles, two home runs, 14 RBI's and two stolen bases.....Boyce played his high school ball at Kingswood-Oxford in Connecticut. The Avon, CT native was a team captain in his senior year as he went 7-1 with a 1.05 ERA, struck out 48 batters in 47 innings, including three complete games. He was also a two-time team MVP. The Bolts are happy to have added two more quality players to their roster.

Liners Join the Prospect League

The newest team in the Prospect League will be the DeKalb Liners. The Liners plan to play their home games as Sycamore Park.

Murphy Resigns at ASU

This is very late breaking news, but several media outlets are reporting that Pat Murphy has resigned immediately from Arizona State. I will keep up updated once I learn more.

Former All-American Andrew Bailey takes AL Rookie of the Year Honors

From the New England Collegiate Baseball League
The NECBL and the Lowell All-Americans would like to congratulate Former All-Americans pitcher Andrew Bailey as he secured the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year Award. Bailey now a closer for the Oakland A's, won the honor by a comfortable margin beating out the young Texas SS Elvis Andrus and Tiger's righty Rick Porcello. The young righty garnered 13 first place votes, 6 seconds and 5 thirds to amass 85 total points as Andrus and Porcello finished at 65 and 64 points respectively. Bailey was a member of the All-Americans in 2004 and set the franchise record in strikeouts, mowing down 79 players in 62 1/3 innings as he posted a 3.32 ERA and led the team in wins with a 4-4 record. Bailey, who was selected as an NECBL All-Star, kept opposing batters off the bases as they hit a meager .188 off him in a sign of what was to come.

After his career at Wagner College, Bailey was selected by the Athletics in the 6th round (188th overall) and breezed through the minor leagues making his Major League debut with the A's this spring. He took full advantage of the opportunity with a fantastic first half that earned him a trip to the All Star game to play with some of the games elite players. Bailey did not stop there as he continued to put up great numbers the whole season, ending with a 6-3 record with a miniscule 1.84 ERA and a .88 WHIP, to go along with 91 strikeouts and 26 saves. Once more the NECBL and All-Americans congratulate Andrew Bailey on a tremendous rookie campaign and look forward to watching his career prosper in the seasons ahead.

West Coast League Signs Agreement With Pointstreak

From the West Coast League
Real-time scoring is coming to the West Coast League for the 2010 season. The WCL and Pointstreak.com, Inc. have reached a long-term agreement for Pointstreak to provide real-time scoring, official statistics, and league administration services to the league. "Partnering with Pointstreak gives our teams a fabulous real-time package, and our fans prompt and easy access to all our league games and the numbers that make summer college wood-bat baseball such a great attraction," said WCL president Ken Wilson. A unique feature of Pointstreak's statistical solution is Game Live, a real-time flash application that streams play-by-play results over a 3-D graphical image of a baseball diamond.

FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER TO HEAD UP DANS

From the Danville Dans

DANVILLE, IL. The Danville Dans have named former major leaguer, Steve Bieser, Dans Head Coach for the 2010 Prospect League Season.

Drafted as a catcher by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989, Bieser played thirteen years of professional baseball for six different Major League organizations, two years at the Major League level with the Mets and the Pirates, and eight at the AAA level. In 1997 he was named New York Mets Rookie of the Year.

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Coach Bieser is currently employed by St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, MO as an upper level math teacher and Head Baseball Coach. During his tenure, he has led Vianney to two State Championships and holds a career record of 120-34.

He is the founder and president of the Saint Genevieve Baseball Club and the Head Coach of American Legion Summer Teams with records that include two State Championships (2007, 2008) and a National Championship (2008).

Coach Bieser has coached five players selected in the first year major league player draft (1st, 5th, 22st, 22nd, & 42nd rounds). Over 80% of his high school players have gone on to play college ball with 12 playing at the Division 1 level, 4 attaining freshmen All-American status, and one named a two-time All-American.

Bieser will bring his experience, directing The Pro Edge Baseball Camps, to Danville Dans campers and individual players, sharing his expertise in the areas of hitting, fielding and pitching. He has had an excellent reputation of producing top notch catching prospects as well.

Coach Bieser is married to the former Diahann Lynn Dunlap. The couple has four children, Cole (18), Whitley (15), Briley (11), and Carley (3).

Sweets Sign Three From KU

The Walla Walla Sweets of the WCL have signed a trio of Jayhawks for the 2010 season. Jordan Dreiling, James Stanfield and Kevin Kuntz will all be on the inaugural roster for the Sweets this coming summer. You can read the press release here.

North-South Challenge Set for McNair Field

From the Coastal Plain League
McNair Field will host the inaugural North-South Challenge Friday February 26 through Sunday February 28. Teams participating are Appalachian State University, Gardner-Webb University, Marist College, and Niagara University. The event will feature two games each day.

The event begins Friday with Gardner-Webb playing Marist at 3 pm and Appalachian State facing Niagara at 7 pm. Saturday Gardner-Webb will play Niagara at 1 pm and Appalachian State will play Marist at 4 pm. Sunday Appalachian will battle Niagara at 1 and Gardner-Webb will take on Marist at 4 pm. Tickets to the North-South Challenge are included in 2010 Forest City Owls season tickets. Bonus Book tickets for the 2010 season are also good for entry, and single game tickets will be available at the gate.

Appalachian State hosted a three game series against Jacksonville State at McNair Field last season. Gardner-Webb’s game versus Davidson scheduled to be played at McNair Field last spring was rained out.

“We are very excited to partner with Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb on this event. They are both quality baseball programs that have tremendous fan bases in the area. I expect this event to grow and be an annual occurrence” said Owls general manager James Wolfe. The Owls 2010 roster will feature players from three of the schools participating in the challenge.

Appalachian State was 33-21 in 2009, with a 15-13 record in the Southern Conference. Gardner-Webb finished the 2009 season with a record of 25-25, with a 13-14 record in the Big South Conference. Marist College finished the 2009 campaign with a 31-28 record and a 15-9 Mid Atlantic Athletic Conference record. Marist won the MAAC tournament and participated in the Florida State regional. Niagara was 20-35 last season with a 14-10 MAAC record.

Owls fans can now follow their favorite team on facebook and Twitter. Become a fan of the Forest City Owls on facebook and search ForestCityCPL on Twitter for all the latest news and updates on the Owls.

The Forest City Owls are the 2009 Coastal Plain League Petitt Cup Champions. The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 14th season. Featuring 15 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 website at http://www.coastalplain.com.

Player To Watch For in 2010---Tony LePore

Throughout the fall and winter, I will be highlighting, spotlighting or mentioning players that I believe are poised to have either big seasons in 2010 or are poised to have a breakout season. Again, I'm not a scout in any way or shape. The one constant factor in my picking of the players is that they all had productive summer seasons.

Tony LePore is a Senior infielder from Southern Illinois University. He is 5-10/ 170 pounds and hails from Orland Park, IL. He went to high school at Sandburg High. He went on to play at South Suburban JC, where he was named All-Region and All-District.

Last year at SIU, he hit .283/.329/.324 in 173 at-bats. He scored 22 runs, drove in 16 and hit 4 doubles on the year. He walked 10 times, was fanned 31 times and stole 4 bases in 2009.

This past summer Tony played for the North Fork Ospreys of the Hamptons Collegiate League of the ACBL. He was named to the All-Star Team and lead the team with a .343 batting average in 99 at-bats. He scored 11 runs, drove in 13 and hit 2 doubles this summer. He showed a better eye at the plate as he walked 16 times and was only fanned 19 times. He also stole 9 bases for the Ospreys.

With an outstanding summer behind him, Tony is poised to have a breakout season in 2010.

NBC needs to pay up

Apparently the National Baseball Congress is late in handing out it's prize money to teams for winning it's World Series. The following article explains the bizarre situation with the NBC. You can read the story here.

New West Coast League Teams Sign First Players

From the West Coast League
The West Coast League expansion Walla Walla Sweets and Cowlitz Black Bears have signed their first players. The Sweets signed three Kansas Jayhawks players, a team widely considered a candidate for Omaha in 2010. The Sweets signed sophomore catcher James Stanfield, who started 13 games last season for the Jayhawks, and contributed a big hit in the NCAA tournament. They also inked freshman infielder Jordon Dreiling and infielder Kevin Kuntz. Kuntz is the son of former big leaguer Rusty Kuntz, who currently works for the Kansas City Royals. California native Nolan Clark, a hard-hitting catcher who also throws a fastball in the mid-90s, is the first player signed by the Black Bears. Clark, a freshman at UNLV, graduated from Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo earlier this year, where he helped the Cougars to the 2009 California Interscholatic Federation Southern Section crown. "Nolan is a physical presence behind the plate, with a strong arm and enough power to have an immediate impact in the middle of our lineup," said UNLV coach Buddy Gouldsmith.

SwampDogs Add Assistant to Coaching Staff

From The Coastal Plain League
The Fayetteville SwampDogs announced today the latest addition to an already impressive coaching staff. The SwampDogs welcome Ben Quinto to the team for the 2010 summer.

Quinto is a 1999 graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV. He was voted first team all conference his junior and senior season, along with being voted all state shortstop for Nevada his senior year. He started his collegiate playing career at the College of Southern Nevada, helping them to a 99-18 record in two seasons. His success earned him a scholarship to the University of San Diego. In his tenure with the Toreros he helped the team earn the school’s first ever conference championship. In the summer of 2003 Quinto earned a spot as the starting shortstop for the Philippine National Team.

Quinto spent two summers with the St. Cloud (MN) Riverbats of the Northwoods League and is still the team’s record holder for fielding percentage for shortstops. His effort on the field during his summer with the Riverbats would leave a lasting impression on one of the opposing coaches, Darrell Handelsman.
He began his coaching career with the White Rock Tritons (varsity baseball) as an assistant coach from 2007-2009. He left the Tritons to accept the assistant coaching position with the Menlo College Oaks.

“I’m very thankful to Coach Handelsman and the Fayetteville SwampDogs for this great opportunity,” says Quinto. “I played against Darrell’s teams for two years in the Northwoods League and he always had well coached teams that played hard and competed! I’m excited to now be a part of one of those teams and learn from someone who has had tremendous success at every stop.”

“Ben brings a hard-nosed approach to playing the game,” said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. “I look forward to him being an integral part of working with our infielders and hitters. He will be another great addition as we embark on our 10th season in Fayetteville and work towards a CPL championship.”

The Fayetteville SwampDogs 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 Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com .

Lunkers Net Pitching Coach for 2010

From the Brainerd Area Lakes Lunkers
(Brainerd Lakes Area) - The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers are proud to announce today the hiring of pitching coach Dan Lipari from Youngstown State University. The addition of the two will help the franchise build on a successful 2009 season, in which they earned the best record of any Northwoods League team in the lakes area since 2002.

"Experience is crucial when building a coaching staff and Dan has it," Lunkers field manager Ryan Levendoski said. "Dan has proven to be an excellent developer of young talent and we couldn't be happier to have him with the Lunkers in 2010."

Prior to becoming an assistant pitching coach at Youngstown State University, Lipari was a three-year letterwinner at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa from 2006-08. While Lipari himself does not have experience in the league, his older brother Tom won Northwoods League championships with the St. Cloud River Bats both as a player (2000) and a coach (2007).

"We were lucky to land Dan for the 2010 season," team owner/general manager Joel Sutherland said. "He has an impressive coaching resume given his age, and his experience both as a player and as a coach will compliment Coach Levendoski well."

Don't forget to check out the merchandise section at lunkersbaseball.com as all hats and clothing are 50% off!!! Also, it's never too early to get your season tickets and Lunker Packs for the 2010 season. For more information call the Lunkers office at 218-824-3474 or visit www.lunkersbaseball.com.

Summer Ball Conference Resounding Success

From the Coastal Plain League
The 2009 Summer Ball Conference came to a close Tuesday afternoon marking the first ever promotional seminar for college summer baseball. More than sixty-five representatives from college teams around the country came together for three days to discuss the growth, innovations and ideas that are unique to college summer ball.

The event organizers, Infinity Pro Sports, put together the action packed three-day seminar that included a trade show, big panel discussion and ballpark tour. One of the highlights of the event included a feature presentation on Sunday from Steve DeLay, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mandalay Sports, who owns six Minor League teams. DeLay discussed the sell out mentality that has helped lead the Dayton Dragons to 704 consecutive sell outs.

Monday’s events included six breakout sessions dealing with all aspects of summer college ball from ticket sales and community relations to player recruiting. Monday night all attendees visited Sims Legion Park, the home of the Grizzlies and were given a ballpark tour and feature presentation from Vern Stenman, GM of the Madison Mallards. Stenman discussed the promotions and events that have made Madison become the top team in college summer ball, averaging more than 6,000 fans per game.

The event concluded on Tuesday with a final speech from Minor League Baseball’s promotional guru, Mike Veeck. Veeck lead a hilarious speech discussing the importance of having fun promotions at the ballpark and trying anything and everything. All attendees were then treated to a Big Panel discussion where all speakers answered questions and wrapped up the event.

The 2009 Summer Ball Conference marked a remarkable success for an industry that began as a small business and is now primed and ready to grow at a tremendous rate. Gastonia Grizzlies and Forest City Owls owner Ken Silver stated: “This is exactly what happened to Minor League Baseball in the 1990’s. The industry became almost an over night success after the teams began to treat each game as entertainment and putting on a show for the fans. We may look back at this Conference and say this is what propelled college summer baseball into what Minor League Baseball is today.”

With the success of SBC 09, the Madison Mallards have already agreed to host in 2010.

The Gastonia Grizzlies are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 14th season. Featuring 15 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 website at http://www.coastalplain.com.

Russell Wilson better in worse year for N.C. State

From Darryl Slater at the Richmond Times-Dispatch
BLACKSBURG This time last year, quarterback Russell Wilson was leading North Carolina State to wins in its final four games, which made the Wolfpack 6-6 and eligible for a bowl game. A redshirt freshman, Wilson impressed everyone with his poise, and after the season, he was named ACC rookie of the year and became the first freshman quarterback in league history to be chosen first-team all-conference.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Taylor Hicks, Joe Robinson And Austin Wheeler Sign With Georgia

From Summer Ball News Source
ATHENS, Ga. --- Pitchers Taylor Hicks and Joe Robinson along with first baseman/outfielder Austin Wheeler all have signed a national letter-of-intent to attend UGA, Bulldog coach David Perno announced Wednesday.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Cal Ripken League welcomes new franchise for 2010

From the Cal Ripken League
The Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League announces the addition of a new franchise for the 2010 season: the Southern Maryland Cardinals. The Cardinals ownership group is headed by Chuck Winegardner and Donnie Herbert.

Chuck Winegardner is President/owner (with brother Tom) of Winegardner Automotive Group (organized in 1980) which has four General Motors dealerships located in southern Maryland. His background includes involvement with Doyle Baseball since the late 1990s, Team Connecticut from 2006 to the present, and, for the last two years, North Hurricanes Baseball Organization in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Doyle Baseball is a Florida-based company that trains young ballplayers. Team Connecticut and North Hurricanes Baseball operate traveling teams for 11-18 year olds.

Donnie Herbert is Regional Manager of Atlantic Coast Cotton, a clothing company with a major sportswear division, and president/owner of Limousines of Calvert, which specializes in limousine sales and services. He teamed with Chuck Winegardner from 2000-2006 to operate Team Chevy Baseball (a travel organization for 10-16 year olds) and the Huntingtown Hornets Football organization, which has operated since 1997. Donnie is also a member of the Transportation Committee for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.

The Cardinals were organized in 2008, playing their first season in the Maryland Collegiate Baseball League. In 2009 they moved to the Clark Griffith Baseball League and won the Griffith League Tournament championship.

For the 2010 season in the Ripken League, the Cardinals will play most of their home games at Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover Maryland, two miles southwest of BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport. The ownership group has expressed an interest in changing the team’s name to better reflect the new area they will be playing in.

''We are extremely pleased to have the Cardinals join us,'' says Commissioner Bob Douglas. ''They have a first-rate operation and will be a very competitive addition to the Ripken League.''

Weinhardt Named AFL Pitcher of the Week

From The Northwoods League
Robbie Weinhardt continues to impress in 2009. Weinhardt, who pitched for the St. Cloud River Bats in their 2007 Championship Season, is finishing up his season in the Arizona Fall League along with many of baseball's other top prospects.

On Monday, he was named "Pitcher of the Week" after pitching four scoreless innings, striking out seven, and earning a save for the Peoria Javelinas in Week 5 of the season. After allowing runs in his first three games this fall, Weinhardt has settled in by tossing 11 consecutive scoreless innings spanning six appearances. In that time he's struck out 18, walked just two, and allowed only six hits.

Weinhardt, 23, is a right-hander in the Detroit Tigers' system. He finished the 2009 regular season in Double-A with the Erie Seawolves where he carried a 2.30 ERA in 20 appearances. This followed his promotion from the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers where he dominated the Florida State League to the tune of a 0.85 ERA in 22 games. Combined, Weinhardt went 1-2 with five saves and a 1.57 ERA in 63 innings with 72 strikeouts and 26 walks.

Weinhardt, 6'2" 205 lbs, was a 10th round draft choice out of Oklahoma State University by the Tigers in 2008.

(Photo courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lakelandlocal)

Cowlitz Black Bears sign first player

The Cowlitz Black Bears of the West Coast League have signed their first player for the 2010 summer season. Nolan Clark, a catcher for UNLV, will be expected to help handle the Bears pitching staff this summer. You can read the press release here.

Pioneers Lend A Helping Hand To Island Harvest Organization

From Summer Ball News Source
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 17, 2009)- Athletes from the C.W. Post Pioneers baseball, softball, and football teams gave back to their community as they leant a helping hand to Island Harvest last weekend to help in the campaign against hunger.

Read the rest of this entry here.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Baseball Signs Twelve for 2010-2011

From Summer Ball News Source
IUP Baseball has signed Branden Barnes, Pat Bradley, Devin Doutt, Paul Indrihovic, Aaron Lupia, Mike Lupia, Tyler Mroz, Evan Phillips, Chase Wallace, Jared Weed, Jake Weibley, and Christian Wolosik to NCAA National Letters of Intent for the 2010-2011 season.

IUP is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA Division II.

“This recruiting class is loaded with quality individuals who possess a high level of talent,” commented IUP baseball coach Jeff Ditch. “We will continue to have a strong foundation of baseball skills and academic excellence. The pitchers are very talented on the mound and the position players are extremely athletic. Recruiting coordinator Anthony Rebyanski did a great job representing IUP and we are thrilled to have these young men join our team. It will be fun to watch them compete in the highly-competitive PSAC next year.”

IUP will graduate 13 seniors from the current team.

“Our players are very important in the recruiting process, along with IUP’s reputation for a quality education, the new dorms and KCAC, and the campus atmosphere,” added Ditch. “We have an outstanding senior class this year. It is a tremendous recruiting challenge to fill the shoes of our current seniors.”

This is the sixth recruiting class for Ditch at IUP. Since 2006, his teams have been ranked nationally by Collegiate Baseball, Ping!Baseball, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, posted a school record 36 wins in 2008, PSAC West Runner-up, participated in the PSAC Post Season, recorded 20 school records, NCAA best three year improvement from 2006-2008 (10 wins to 36 wins), earned a 3.08 cumulative team GPA, 108 Dean's List honors, 44 PSAC scholar awards, and two PSAC Top Ten scholar awards.

IUP recently completed the fall practice season and is now in the skilled instruction, lifting, and conditioning phase as they prepare for the 2010 season opener on Saturday, February 13, at Wingate, North Carolina.

2010-2011 Signees:

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/ High School
Branden Barnes LHP 5-11 165 Tylersport / Souderton Area
Pat Bradley RHP 6-1 170 Pittsburgh / North Allegheny
Devin Doutt LHP 5-10 165 Lower Burrell / Burrell
Paul Indrihovic LHP 6-0 180 Coraopolis / Montour
Aaron Lupia SS 6-1 190 Middletown / Middletown
Mike Lupia C 6-1 195 Middletown / Middletown
Tyler Mroz 3B 6-3 210 Pittsburgh / Chartiers Valley
Evan Phillips LHP 5-11 170 Harrisburg / Susquehanna Township
Chase Wallace RHP 6-3 185 New Florence / United
Jared Weed RHP 6-3 170 Washington Crossing / Council Rock North
Jake Weibley OF/P 6-0 175 Duncansville / Hollidaysburg
Christian Wolosik RHP 6-2 170 Pittsburgh / North Catholic


BRANDEN BARNES – left handed pitcher
- Parents Jeffery and Shawn Barnes
- Plans to study Safety Science
- Souderton Area High School coach Mike Childs
- Summer team All Star Baseball Academy, coach Mark Freed
- Phillies Camp Cy Young award
- Cocoa Expo Home Run Derby Runner-up
- Bellefonte Showdown Tournament MVP

PAT BRADLEY – right handed pitcher
- Parents Daniel and Louise Bradley
- Plans to study Education / Journalism
- North Allegheny High School coach Andy Maddix
- 2009 WPIAL Champion and State Runner-up
- Summer team Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs (WPEBL), coach Ray Antonelli
- 2009 West Penn Elite Baseball League Champion
- Won three games in WPEBL playoffs and pitched CG win in the championship
- Fall team Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs, coaches Chase Rowe and Ray Antonelli

DEVIN DOUTT – left handed pitcher
- Parents Mark and Susan Doutt
- Plans to study Business
- Burrell High School coach Mark Spohn
- Honors Society
- Section 3 WPIAL Class AA Champions in 2007, 2008
- PIAA State Runner-up in 2007
- Pitched a no-hitter with 12 K’s, three year baseball letter winner
- Summer team Springdale (WPEBL), coach Bill Devine
- Fall team Burrell Buccaneers, coach Mark Spohn

PAUL INDRIHOVIC – left handed pitcher
- Parents Liane and Paul Indrihovic
- Plans to study Physical Education
- Montour High School coach Glenn Vietmeir
- Honor Roll and Honor Society
- Bobby DiClemente Award for MVP and DiCesaro Sports Award
- Three year letter winner in baseball and one year in bowling
- Pittsburgh Post Gazette strikeout leaders in WPIAL
- Summer team 1080 Media, coach Andy Timko
- 2008 Youngstown Class B Summer League Championship
- Fall team Robinson Township, coach Glenn Vietmeir

AARON LUPIA - catcher
- Parents Joseph and Terry Lupia, identical twin brother of Mike
- Plans to study Elementary Education or Physical Education
- Middletown High School coach Rick Givens
- 2009 National Honor Society and Top 10% of class
- Three year letter winner in baseball, basketball, two year letter winner in football
- Mid-Penn Conference 1st team
- Summer team Middletown Legion Post 594, coach John Williams
- Participated in Pennsylvania American Legion East-West All-Star game
- Dauphin County All-Star Catcher, Region 4 All-Star

MIKE LUPIA - shortstop
- Parents Joseph and Terry Lupia, identical twin brother of Aaron
- Plans to study Elementary Education or Physical Education
- Middletown High School coach Rick Givens
- 2009 National Honor Society and Top 10% of class
- Three year letter winner in baseball, basketball, two year letter winner in football
- Mid-Penn Conference 1st team
- Summer team Middletown Legion Post 594, coach John Williams
- Participated in Pennsylvania American Legion East-West All-Star game
- Dauphin County All-Star Shortstop, Region 4 All-Star

TYLER MROZ – third base
- Parents Frank and Carolyn Mroz
- Plans to study Athletic Training
- Chartiers Valley High School coach Jim Jaskowski
- 2009 Class AAA WPIAL and PIAA Runner-up
- Junior season .361 batting average, 8 HR, 8 2B, 35 RBI, 26 runs scored
- MSA Sports Diamond Stud Award
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review All-Star
- Summer team Steel City Wildcats (WPEBL), coach Mark Saghy

EVAN PHILLIPS – left handed pitcher
- Parents Dave and Teresa Phillips
- Plans to study History Education and Coaching
- Susquehanna Township High School coach Matt Rau
- Honor Roll
- Sophomore season 6-0 with 64 K’s and 2.62 ERA
- Patriot News Big 11 All-Underclass team
- Junior season 7-2 with 73 K’s and 1.88 ERA
- Patriot News Big 11 third team
- Summer team Paxton American Legion, coach John Mazolla
- Fall team Mid-Penn Aces, coached by Al Hobby

CHASE WALLACE – right handed pitcher
- Parents Robert and Cindy Wallace
- Plans to study Safety Science
- United High School coaches Bill Huss and Greg Mytrysak
- Heritage Conference All-Star 2008, 2009
- High School tournament MVP 2009
- Honor Roll Student
- Summer team AAABA Berkley Hills Renegades, coach Roland Black
- Summer team Westmont American Legion, coach Dave Price
- Fall team ERA Elite, coach Rick Roberts

JARED WEED – right handed pitcher
- Parents Bruce and Kim Weed
- Plans to study Business Marketing
- Council Rock North High School coach Dan Kusters
- 2009 District runner up, Elite Eight
- 30 K’s in 20 innings pitched as closer
- Summer team Newtown Senior American Legion, coach Bob Maley
- Fall team Big League 30’s, coach Paul Zikmund
- Won college select tournament in Rhode Island with Big League 30’s
- Allowed four earned runs in 25 innings pitch with Big League 30’s

JAKE WEIBLEY – outfield / left handed pitcher
- Parents Steve and Jan Weibley
- Plans to study Criminology
- Hollidaysburg High School coach Jon Szynal
- 2009 District 6 Class AAAA Champions
- PIAA Class AAAA Playoffs
- Junior season led team in HR’s and RBI’s
- Four year letter winner and four year starter in baseball
- Summer team Hollidaysburg Legion, coach Chris Glass
- Fall team ERA Elite, coach Rick Roberts

CHRISTIAN WOLOSIK – right handed pitcher
- Parents Christopher and Pamela Wolosik
- Plans to study Business Management / Accounting
- North Catholic High School coach Pat Walsh
- All-Section in 2009, 7 - 4 W/L, 1.81 ERA, 58 innings pitched, 37 hits, 90 K’s
- Pitched no-hitter with 11 K’s and two one-hitters with 10 and 13 K’s
- 2007 WPIAL Champion
- 2009 WPIAL Runner-up
- Summer team Independent Players (WPEBL), coach Jim Basilone

Four Questions With Tom Belza

Tom Belza is a Junior infielder from Oklahoma State University. He hails from Loevland, OH. Tom was named a 2008 Freshman All-American, and he has been the Cowboys leading hitter for the past 2 seasons.

Tom spent this past summer playing for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod League. He really struggled this summer, but I'm not ready to give up on one of the best hitters in the Big-12 yet. He hit .183 in 115 at-bats. He scored 16 runs, drove in 11 and hit 1 homer. He played outstanding defense for the Anglers this summer. He was ranked as the #79 prospect in the league by Perfect Game.

Tom answered four questions for us.

Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Tom Belza--Derek Jeter

SB--What are some of the best things about playing for Oklahoma State?
TB--Playing in the Big XII Conference.

SB--What are your plans for this upcoming summer?
TB--I'll be playing for the Anglers again.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
TB--Field of Dreams


Thanks Tom. To view a scan of Tom's autograph, click here.

BlueSox Sign UCONN Catcher

From the Butler BlueSox
Division 1 catcher John Sulzicki from Stratford CT will be helping with catching duties for the BlueSox in 2010.

“Sulzicki is a powerful left-handed hitting catcher who can also play 1st base,” said Head Coach Jason Wuerfel. “He had a breakout summer in the Atlantic Baseball Confederation League, hitting .372 with 10 doubles and 2 home runs,” Wuerfel said.

Sulzicki is a 6’3 210 sophomore who bats left and throws right.