Teague to play for the Lunkers

From the Spectator
The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League announced today that Kyle Teague of Valdosta State, Charlie Henderson of Regis University and Matt Florer of Loyola-Marymount have signed contracts to play for the Lunkers this summer according to general manager Dustin Anaas. All three played for the Lunkers during the 2010 season.

Teague, a right-handed junior from Oxford, Mich., was arguably the Lunkers best pitcher last summer. He led the team in strikeouts, was among the team’s leaders in innings, wins and ERA and was one of the team’s three Northwoods League Mid-Season All-Stars. Teague begins his first season at VSU after transferring from Oakland (Mich.).

Henderson, the right-handed junior from Centennial, Colo., showed great control and stamina last summer as he led the Lunkers in starts and innings. He will become the first-ever third-year Lunker, as he has been with the team since the Lunkers’ inaugural 2009 season.

Florer is a southpaw from Mission Viejo, Calif. who saw his 2010 Lunkers season cut short due to injury. He is entering his sophomore season at LMU and can contribute both as a starter and out of the bullpen.

“Having guys around like Matt, Charlie and Kyle who know the grind of the Northwoods League and what it takes to be successful is important not only for their progression as players, but to our first-year players as well,” General Manager Dustin Anaas said. “Having these guys back on our staff will give us confidence in our arms from the get-go.”

The Lunkers Field Manager Ryan Levendoski and Anaas will continue to build the roster until play begins on June 1. The Lunkers home opener is Wednesday, June 1 at Stewart C. Mills Field when the Lunkers take on the Alexandria Beetles at 7:05.

For more information call the Lunkers office at 218-824-3474 or visit lunkersbaseball.com.

KIMMEL TO SIGN WITH BOLTS

From the Rome Thunderbolts
Wesley College junior first baseman Geoff Kimmel has agreed to play for the Rome Thunderbolts this upcoming summer. The 6'1" 210 lb. Kimmel out of Lawrenceville, NJ had his 2010 season cut short by injury, but hit .381 with seven doubles in 11 games. In 2009, led the team with a .401 batting average, 61 hits and 47 runs batted in. His four homers tied for second on the team. He was among the CAC leaders in both hits and batting average. Kimmel had 18 mult-hit games, including a four hit game and a five hit effort and also drove in at least four runs on four different occasions. The first baseman also struck out just 13 times in 152 at bats.

Power Sign Drury University Freshman

The Niagara Power of the NYCBL have signed Drury University freshman 1B/P Matt Stacks. Matt is 6-1/190 pounds and he hails from Lee's Summit, MO. He attended Rockhurst High School. As a senior, he was an honorable mention All-State ballplayer.Matt should be a welcome addition to the Power this summer.

West Coast League Elects New Officers For 2011

From the WCL
The votes have been tabulated and the West Coast League has a new group of officers for 2011. Jim Corcoran of the Wenatchee AppleSox and Eddie Poplawski of the Bellingham Bells will serve as league vice-presidents, while Dan Segel of the Corvallis Knights is the league secretary, and Tony Bonacci of the Cowlitz Black Bears will serve as treasurer.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

Mike Kindel (OF—SLO Blues/Kansas State)

AVG/SLG/OBP	ATB	HITS	2B	3B	HR	R	RUNS	STB
.307/.407/.350	140	43	8	3	0	23	19	20

Anthony Siracusa signs with the Salt Cats

From the Syracuse Salt Cats
Anthony Siracusa, who also was named the Mid-State Athletic Conference player of the year, was the first TC3 baseball player ever named first-team all region. Voting for the all-region team was done by coaches from the 17 teams in Region III. Siracusa, a liberal arts and sciences-general studies major, led the team with a .443 batting average and tied for the team lead with 17 doubles. As a pitcher, he tied for the team lead with four wins and was second with an ERA of 4.70. He added a team-best 43 strikeouts. He has agreed to play for the Brockport Golden Eagles of the SUNYAC in 2011.

Second Former Marlin Named Preseason All-American

From the Coastal Plain League
Current Methodist University and former Morehead City Marlins catcher Trey Such has been named a first team selection by D3 baseball .com as part of their 2011 Preseason All-American list.

Such put together a strong sophomore campaign for the Monarchs in 2010 as he started all 42 games. He led his team in hitting, with a .393 average,13 home runs, and 54 RBI. For his on-field success, Such accumulated accolades including second team All-American, first team All-Region and first team All-Conference.

While with the Marlins in the beginning of the summer season, Such batted .313 with three doubles and two RBI in limited play. In all, Such started eight games for the first-year Marlins. Along with three other Methodist teammates, Such helped the Marlins to a 7-2 record to open the Marlins’ summer season.

“Trey was a valuable member of our inaugural Marlins team,” said Marlins head coach Jay Bergman. “He is an outstanding representative of Methodist University and is worthy of his preseason honors.”

The Morehead City Marlins are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th 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.

BUCKS SIGN LINDAUER FOR 2011 SEASON

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of infielder Thomas Lindauer, from Moline, Illinois, to their roster for the 2011 season. Prep Baseball Report listed Lindauer, a freshman at the University of Illinois, as the No. 4 defensive infielder in the state. Lindauer joins fellow Illini teammate Davis Hendrickson with the Bucks for the summer.

A graduate of Moline High School, Lindauer was named the Quad City Times Athlete of the Year in 2010 and to the All-Big 6 Conference first team 2008-2010. In 2009, he hit .405 with eight home runs, 41 RBI, and 47 runs as a right-handed batter and thrower. Lindauer also received varsity letters in basketball and golf.

"We have always had very good luck with players that have been sent to us by Illinois associate head coach and former Bucks field manager Eric Snider, and Thomas is no exception," said Bucks Coach Travis Kiewiet. "We are expecting Thomas to help solidify the middle infield for us this summer. He comes to us highly recommended and will be counted on throughout the season to bring his energy and enthusiasm for the game of baseball to the field every day."

Born December 2, 1991, Lindauer, at 6'1" and 155-pounds, comes from an athletic family. His father, Derek Lindauer, played baseball and basketball at Murray State University, his mother, Andria McDermott, played softball at University of South Carolina, and his uncle, Dirk Lindauer, played baseball at Missouri State University.

"I have heard good things about Waterloo from former players Willie Argo and Chris Pack," said Lindauer. "They say it's a great time and the atmosphere of the games is better than most leagues. I look forward to contributing my skills in the following years."

The Bucks will open the 2011 season on the road at the Battle Creek Bombers on June 1. Waterloo's home opener is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at 6:35 pm versus the Eau Claire Express. Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

Landon Anderson (OF—Waterloo Bucks/Dallas Baptist)

AVG/SLG/OBP	ATB	HITS	2B	3B	HR	R	RUNS	STB
.293/.385/.352	270	79	16	0	3	32	22	23

2011 Roster includes a new 3rd baseman

From the Fulton Railroaders
With the retirement of three year veteran 3rd baseman Lee Kimbell, the Railroaders have finally found a replacement. The 2011 Roster rounds out with the signing of new 3rd baseman Tyler O'Daniel from Rend Lake Community College. O'Daniel stands 6' 0" at 195 lbs. and bats right. Tyler will be attending the University of Indianapolis in the fall of 2011. His hometown is Calvert City, Ky and played his high school ball at Marshall Co. High School.

Four Questions With Kyle Helisek

Kyle Helisek is currently a junior pitcher from Villanova University. He hails from Cranberry Township, PA. Kyle went 3-7, and had a 4.28 era for the Wildcats last season. He spent this past summer pitching for the Sanford Mainers of the NECBL. He went 3-2,and had a 3.02 era in 41.2 innings of work. He allowed 39 hits and had a bb/k ratio of 8/27 this summer.

Several weeks ago, Kyle answered four questions for us.


Summer Ball-Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Kyle Helisek--I always like watching Pedro Martinez because he always looked like he was having fun. That's the most important thing.

SB--What was the best thing about playing for the Mainers this past summer?
KH--Meeting kids that I will play against in years to come. I especially enjoyed the players that play in the Big East Conference.

SB--What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?
KH--I'd like to give my team a chance to win every start. I also have a personal goal of being one of the best pitchers in the Big East this year.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
KH--Summer Catch--a must see for me as I am headed to pitch on the Cape this summer.

Loggers Lock up a Pair of Bruins

From the La Crosse Loggers
LA CROSSE, WI – The La Crosse Loggers Baseball Club added a pair of big bats from a national powerhouse earlier today, when they officially announced the signings of sophomores Trevor Brown and Dennis Holt from UCLA.

Trevor Brown is one of UCLA most versatile position players with the ability to catch as well as play first base, third base and shortstop. Brown will be looking to build upon a successful freshman campaign in which he hit .300 for the Bruins, who lost to South Carolina in the 2010 College World Series finale, over 60 at-bats with one home run and nine RBI’s. Brown also enjoyed a very successful summer in 2010, earning first-team All-West Coast League honors after hitting .333 with 16 RBI’s in helping the Wenatchee Apple Sox to a West Coast League title.

Like his teammate Trevor Brown, Dennis Holt also made a big impact as a freshman for UCLA in 2010. Holt, a left-handed hitting outfielder, was the Bruins top pinch-hitter going 6-for-9 off the bench tying for the team lead in pinch hits. Holt, a Yorba Linda, Calif. native, also enjoyed a very productive summer in the West Coast Collegiate League as he hit .288 with two home runs and 11 RBI’s and totaled a .429 on-base percentage for the Walla Walla Sweets.

After advancing to the finals of the College World Series last year for the first time in school history, Collegiate Baseball has ranked UCLA third in their pre-season polls for 2011. The Bruins returning 20 letterwinners, including future Loggers Trevor Brown and Dennis Holt.

Brown, Holt and the rest of the 2011 Loggers will open their 2011 campaign on June 1 at Green Bay as part of a three-game set. The 2011 home opener will pit the Loggers against the Madison Mallards on Saturday, June 6 with first pitch at The Lumber Yard set for 6:05 p.m.

DANS WELCOME BACK COACH HUTCH

From the Danville Dans
(DANVILLE, IL) – The Danville Dans have named former Dans Head Coach Mike Hutcheon to lead the Dans for the 2011 season.

Hutcheon was Head Coach of the Danville Dans from 1989 through 1993. During his tenure, he led the team to Central Illinois Collegiate League regular season and tournament championships in each of those five years. Hutcheon also coached the Wareham Gatemen in the summer collegiate Cape Cod League in 1988, where his team finished as League and Series Champions.

A graduate of Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, Hutcheon obtained his masters degree at Mississippi State University in 1989, where he spent two years working under legendary coach Ron Polk. During that time span, the Bulldogs won the SEC Championship, were runner-up in regional play, and were ranked #1 in the nation during a 14-week span.

Hutcheon resigned last year after seven seasons as head coach of the Air Force Academy Falcons. Prior to his stint at the Academy, he served as a collegiate head coach for 13 years. During that time, he was named Conference Coach of the Year three times. In 2002, he was named Regional – as well as National – Coach of the Year after winning a National Championship coaching Bethel College.

Coach Hutcheon has coached 28 All-Conference Players, five All-Americans, and many professional players, among them eight major leaguers. Two of those players are Danvile Dans alumni – Eric Stults (Dodgers & Rockies) and Chris Michalak (AZ, TX, Blue Jays & Reds).

Hutcheon is a native of Gunnison, CO. He and his wife, Laura, have been married 21 years and are the parents of four children: Manie (20), Dane (16), Mary Garland (12) and Hal (10).

The Danville Dans play in the Prospect League, a wooden bat summer college league. For more information about the Danville Dans, visit our website, www.DanvilleDans.com.

Wizards Bring Back Whitehead

From the Watertown Wizards
In a series of roster updates, the Wizards will kick off the 2011 season by announcing a familiar face returning to Watertown this summer. Kevin Whitehead (Canisius), now a sophomore, will be returning to the Fairgrounds to backstop the Wizards in our quest to be the western division champions in the newly formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League

Wizards General Manager Todd Kirkey- "We are excited that Kevin is coming back to Watertown this summer. He is a guy that we think has a ton of ability and it is nice that we are getting him a year later in his development. He has a ton of power and another year at Canisius will certainly help him when he arrives here. Kevin is also a great clubhouse guy, one of our more popular players and we are expecting big things out of him this summer." Kevin will be staying with Wade, Kristine and Hunter Czajkowski this summer, the same family he was with last year.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

Ben Versnik (Pitcher—Green Bay Bullfrogs—UW Whitewater)

W-L	ERA	INP	HITS	G	GS	CG	SH	SV	BB	K’S
1-1	2.33	19.1	13	18	0	0	0	5	9	28

Wake Forest Picked Sixth in ACC Atlantic Division

The Wake Forest Deamon Deacons have been picked to finish 6th in the ACC Atlantic Division as announced by the ACC coaches. Wake will be hoping to capitalize on a 2010 conference record of 8-22. Junior inf/of Carlos Lopez will be counted on to provide speed and leadership. He hit .377 in 53 at-bats for the Elmira Pioneers this past summer. He also had 2 home runs and 17 rbi's for Elmira. You can read the full press release from Wake Forest here.

HENDRICKSON TO PLAY FOR BUCKS IN 2011

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of outfielder Davis Hendrickson to their roster for the 2011 season. Hendrickson, a sophomore at the University of Illinois, is the third player to be named to the Waterloo roster for the team's 17th season.

Last season, Hendrickson hit .258 for the Fighting Illini in 29 games. The Macomb, Illinois native finished the season with a .378 on-base percentage and five RBI.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to play for the Waterloo Bucks," said Hendrickson. "I am looking forward to a summer of high-level baseball."

Hendrickson played high school baseball at Macomb High School where he was named to the 2009 Class 1A/2A All-State team by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches' Association. The left-handed hitter and thrower was ranked number 26 in the state by Prep Baseball Report and was a first-team All-Olympic Conference selection 2007 through '09. Born August 19, 1990, Davis is the son of Mark and Ericka Hendrickson.

The Bucks will open the 2011 season on the road at the Battle Creek Bombers on June 1. Waterloo's home opener is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at 6:35 pm versus the Eau Claire Express. Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

Adam Morgan (Pitcher—Harwich Mariners/Alabama)

W-L	ERA	INP	HITS	G	GS	CG	SH	SV	BB	K’S
1-0	1.44	25	18	4	4	0	0	0	5	21

Coaches Pick UCSD To Win 2011 CCAA Baseball Title

UCSD Photo

Coaches from the California Collegiate Athletic Associate have unanimously voted UCSD to repeat as the CCAA conference champions. The Tritons open up the 2011 season as the #2 team in the country. Senior pitcher, Tim Shibuya will be instrumental in the Tritons run to the conference title. Tim went 5-1 for the Green Bay Bullfrogs last summer. He also posted a 1.85 era in 48.2 innings pitched.

Bingham says he's trying to drum up interest in Titans

From the Republic American
TORRINGTON -- Mayor Ryan J. Bingham said Thursday that he is trying to facilitate an effort by the owners of the Torrington Titans to sell the team to prospective owners.

Bingham said there are "a few people" interested in buying the one-year-old Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League team, "but there is nothing as far as I know that has panned out."

Read the rest of this article here.

River Bats add a pair of sticks

From the St. Cloud River Bats
(ST. CLOUD, MN) – The St. Cloud River Bats have announced the signing of two additional players for the 2011 season. Jordan Fox (UC Irvine) and Ronald Sucre (Pittsburgh) recently inked contracts to play for the River Bats this summer.

Fox, a junior from Hacienda Heights, Calif., joins fellow Anteater Jordan Alexander. In his first two seasons at UC Irvine, the 5’9’’ utility man has played a variety of positions, including first base. Last season Fox hit .275 in 37 games; he also stole six bases in eight attempts.

“Jordan is a very versatile young man,” River Bats Managing Partner Joel Sutherland said. “It’s hard to make it through the long summer season without guys like him.”

Last summer Fox played summer ball for the Cowlitz Black Bears of the West Coast League. He led his team in batting average (.331) and finished as one of the top 10 hitters in the league.

“His coaches [at UC Irvine] say he is an absolute wizard with the glove,” River Bats Field Manager Ben Quinto said. “He also knows what the summer cycle is all about.”

Accompanying Fox will be Sucre, a 6’0’’, 185-pound sophomore infielder from Miami, Fla. Last spring, Sucre played primarily third base and appeared 30 games, 11 of which were starts. He hit .266 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 64 at-bats. Sucre is teammates with former St. Cloud River Bat John Schultz.

“Ronald is one of the up and coming players in Pittsburgh’s program,” Sutherland said. “He will be a major contributor for us this summer.”

The River Bats remain in the process of assembling the 2011 roster. Keep checking www.riverbats.com for continuing coverage of the River Bats off-season. Be sure join the River Bats on Facebook and on Twitter.

Nate Woods Named to Pre-Season All-American Team

From the Belmont Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Senior Nate Woods (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) earned Pre-Season All-American accolades over the holiday break as announced by Collegiate Baseball newspaper and iconic baseball bat company Louisville Slugger. The Bruins' first baseman was selected to the Third Team for his performance over the past couple of seasons. Read the rest of this article here.

**Nate is a former Baltimore Redbird (Cal Ripken League)

Barths Honored for 10 Years of Ownership

From the Coastal Plain League
Florence County Council members honored Florence RedWolves owners Kevin Barth and his wife, Donna, with a resolution of recognition for their 10 years as owners of the Florence RedWolves baseball organization Thursday.

“I had no idea what they had in mind,” Barth told Charles Tomlinson of SCnow.com after the presentation. “My wife and I, we were very honored and humbled and appreciative of that resolution.”

Further, he went on to pass along the accomplishment to the people who have made great contributions to the team, including general manager Jamie Young, all of the players and their host families, and the fans.

Two former players, Barrett Kleinknecht of the Atlanta Braves and Nick Liles of the San Francisco Giants, were on hand for the Barths’ recognition.

When the RedWolves open the 2011 Coastal Plain League season in May, Barth hopes to attract more families to games at Legion Field.

“The big hope for this season is that we can get over the hump and win the championship instead of being runner-up, like we’ve done three times,” he said.

The Florence RedWolves are members of Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th 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. The CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 39 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com.

Top Performers from 2010--Ryon Healy

My next top performer from the 2010 summer season is Ryon Healy of the Conejo Oaks. Ryon is a true freshman from the University of Oregon by way of West Hills, CA. He played his high school ball at Crespi Carmelite High School. He was one of the best high school players in the country and was expected to be a high draft pick, but a high price tag ensured that he would attend Oregon.

Ryon spent this past summer playing for the Conejo Oaks of the California Collegiate League. He was nothing short of outstanding this summer. He was among the league-leaders in just about every offensive story.

He hit .360/.522/.452 in 178 at-bats. He led the league with 64 hits and also led the league with 17 doubles on the summer. He also smacked 4 home runs, scored 29 runs and led the league with 38 runs batted in. He had a pretty good bb/k ratio of 22/37 and he also stole 2 bases for the Oaks. Lastly, he led the league with 93 total bases.

He was selected to participate in the CCL All-Star Game and he was named to the First Team All-CCL Team. The league also voted him as the TOP MLB Hitting Prospect.

Perfect Game ranked him as the 6th best prospect in the league, while Baseball America has Ryon ranked as the #1 prospect in the league. Here is the BA scouting report on Ryon:

"In a league heavy in pitching potential, the bat of a potential two-way player stood out. Healy wasn't drafted this spring after floating a seven-figure signing bonus out of famed Crespi High in Encino, Calif. While he was a dominant pitcher as a high school junior and could pitch again for Oregon—he's bumped 95 mph in the past in short stints and has a 6-foot-4 frame—he impressed with the bat this summer, hitting .360/.432/.522 with a league-best 17 doubles and 38 RBIs for Conejo. Healy's swing, size and third-base position evoked comparisons to Evan Longoria and Scott Rolen from league managers. One scout said Healy's hit tool was more advanced, while another said his best tool eventually would be his power. He has strong forearms and hands that help him generate good bat speed. Healy lacks polish defensively at the hot corner, making 16 errors this summer, and may wind up at first or in an outfield corner, though he's a below-average runner."

Here are his final 2010 summer stats.

• .360 avg (4th in league)
• .522 slg (3rd in league)
• .452 obp (3rd in league)
• 178 atb
• 64 hits (1st in league)
• 29 runs
• 38 rbi's (1st in league)
• 17 doubles (1st in league)
• 4 home runs (tied for 5th in league)
• 22 walks
• 37 strikeouts
• 2 stolen bases
• 93 total bases (1st in league) 

Green Bay Bullfrogs Make “Cheesy” Bet with Pennsylvania Team

From the Green Bay Bullfrogs
Green Bay, WI – As Green Bay prepares to tackle Pittsburgh in football's big game in two weeks, the Green Bay Bullfrogs have challenged another team from Washington, Pennsylvania to a bet over whose hometown team will prevail in February. On the line: the public humiliation of one team’s mascot.

Washington’s mascot, the Wild Thing, made a bet with Jeremiah of the Green Bay Bullfrogs that if Pittsburgh loses in Dallas on February 6th, he will wear a Cheesehead during the Wild Things first homestand of the season. If Green Bay loses, Jeremiah must carry and wave a Terrible Towel at that team’s first game.

Todd Marlin, managing director of the Wild Things and spokesperson for the team’s mascot, said, “The Wild Thing is completely confident that the black and gold will be victorious and claim their seventh title that he has told Jeremiah that he should be prepared to taunt the Green Bay faithful with a Terrible Towel this summer…he even suggested that Jeremiah start practicing a routine to ‘Renegade’ to go with his towel waving.”

Jeremiah fired back through his spokesperson, Bullfrogs Owner and President Jeff Royle. “Jeremiah has no concerns about having to wave that towel during our first homestand in June. Just as he has done since he was a little tadpole, the Green Bay players will be leaping into the stands all game long. He is very confident that the Championship Trophy will be brought home to Green Bay where it belongs. The Wild Thing should be prepared to strap on that Cheesehead and wear it proudly.”

In addition to the mascots’ wager, the front offices of the two teams have put some local cuisine on the line.

If Green Bay wins the bet, the Wild Things will send a package including Penn Brewery beers, Albert’s Meats, Sarris Candies and homemade pierogies.

If the Wild Things win the bet, the Bullfrogs will send a package including "Johnny Blood" Titletown Beer from Titletown Brewing Company, Renard's Cheese Curds and Klement's Bratwursts, plus the offer of a free haircut for Pittsburgh’s famously coifed No. 43 at Shear Sports Barber Shop.

The Green Bay Bullfrogs, a summer collegiate baseball team in the Northwoods League, play their home games a few miles away from Green Bay's historic field.

The Wild Things, an independent baseball team in the Frontier League, are located in Washington, Pa., about 25 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh.

The Bullfrogs will open their season in FrogVille, WI on June 1st against the La Crosse Loggers. Season ticket, half-season and mini plan packages are on sale now, and deposits for group tickets are being accepted. To order, call the box office at 920-497-7225 or visit the team website at www.greenbaybullfrogs.com.

Nashua Collegiate Baseball Signs Trio of Merrimack College Players

From Press Release
The Nashua Collegiate Baseball Club is pleased to announce the signing of three local players for the upcoming inaugural season at Holman Stadium. These signings mark the first contracts with the soon-to-be-named franchise.

RHP/1B Alek Morency is a freshman at Merrimack College and a Nashua, NH native. A former team captain at Nashua North, Morency was a first team all-state selection as a senior and a third team all-state as a junior. Last season, he was named MVP of the Senior All-Star Game after pitching five shutout innings.

RHP Travis Terrill is a freshman at Merrimack College and a Hudson, NH native. As a senior at Alvirne High School, Terrill was a first team all-state selection and named to the Lowell Sun all-area team. He was also awarded the team’s Cy Young Award.

INF Brandon Cox is a freshman at Merrimack College and a Nashua, NH Native. Cox was twice named as a first team Telegraph all-star at Nashua South. He was also a second-team all-state selection as a senior and a third-team honoree as a junior. In addition to baseball, Cox captained the varsity basketball team as a senior.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

David Casey (INF/OF—Conejo Oaks/Notre Dame)

 

AVG/SLG/OBP	ATB	HITS	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI’S	STB
.283/.371/.407	179	49	8	0	2	22	25	2

Mohawks bring fans, fun to PGCBL

From the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League
The city of Amsterdam, N.Y., is the home of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, a must-see for all those Hulk Hogan and “Handsome” Harley Race fans out there. If you travel to the southern part of the city, you can look out over the Mohawk River and a section of the famous Erie Canal.

Local resident Brian Spagnola is fine with those Amsterdam attractions, but wrestlers and rivers aren’t what endear him to the upstate New York town of just more than 18,000 inhabitants. To Spagnola, Amsterdam’s emergence as home to a top-notch, collegiate-level summer baseball club should be its identity.

Spagnola is the president of the Amsterdam Mohawks – one of eight franchises in the newly organized Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League – and is also the acting president of the PGCBL. To hear him tell it, if visitors want to get a feel for the pulse of Amsterdam, they only need to attend a Mohawks game.

Read the rest of this article here.

Razorbacks open practice on Friday

Arkansas Photo

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team will take to the field at approximately 1:30 tomorrow (Friday) for the first time in 2011.  The Razorbacks should be in contention for not only a SEC Title, but also in contention for a trip to Omaha. You can read the press release here. The Razorbacks will be counting on D.J. Baxendale to help solidify their rotation. D.J. spent this past summer pitching for the Y-D Red Sox of the Cape Cod League. He went 2-3, and had a 2.61 era in 20.2 innings of work. He was also named the Y-D Pitcher of the Year.

Cranbrook's new baseball franchise to be called the Cranbrook Eds

From the Townsman
Cranbrook's Home Run Society has taken the Western Major Baseball League's conditional franchise to the next level, and today announced its team name - "the Cranbrook Eds."

Last month, the board of governors of the WMBL awarded Cranbrook an expansion team, conditional on the construction of a WMBL-ready stadium. The target date for WMBL play to begin in Cranbrook is 2013.

The Home Run Society was to hold an event Wednesday morning at McDonald's Restaurant, highlighted by the unveiling of the logo that will be used in it's future marketing. The logo features a mascot style elephant holding a baseball bat in its trunk, wearing a vintage baseball cap circa 1926 when the story of "Cranbrook Ed" unfolded.


Read the rest of this article here.

YJ's Add Five Canadians

From the WMBL
Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Yellow Jackets are pleased to announce the signing of five Canadian Players for the 2011 WMBL Season. The Jackets have signed Left-handed pitcher Shane Kraemer, Right-handed pitcher Paul Thompson, Outfielder Sean Pisarski, Right-handed pitcher Steven Latos and Third baseman Mike Hole.

LHP – Shane Kraemer
Shane Kraemer is a Southpaw who hails from Chilliwack, BC. The 6’1” 195-pounder is a sophomore with South Dakota State University. Last season with the Jackrabbits the crafty lefty started 10 games; posting a 4-3 record in 50 innings pitched with 41 strikeouts. Head Coach Ritchie Price from South Dakota State says “Shane has an excellent change up and should do very well throwing against wood bats in the WMBL”. Kraemer attended the Mizuno Junior Elite Camp in 2007 and should be a great addition to the Yellow Jackets pitching staff this season.

RHP - Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson is a Right-handed pitcher from Pierson, Manitoba who attends Minot State University and will be a Junior with the Beavers this fall. The 6’3” 195-pounder is a horse on the mound and was Minot State’s #1 starter in 2010 with 65 innings pitched and led the team with a 4.85 era.

The Jackets can’t wait to get him on the mound and according to the Beaver’s Head Coach Brock Weppler, “Paul is a big strong right-hander who will give you quality starts and always give you a chance to win.”

Paul also pitched for Team Manitoba in the 2007 Canada Cup and in the 2009 Canada Games.

OF – Sean Pisarski
Sean Pisarski has good speed on the base paths, picking up 10 doubles and 3 triples and hitting .317 with the University of British Columbia last spring. The 6’2” 190 pound left handed hitter is a mainstay with the T’birds in the outfield; also using his quickness on defense. Sean is a native of Mississauga, Ontario and is a graduate of the Toronto Mets organization and represented Ontario at the 2009 Canada Games.

RHP – Steven Latos
Steven Latos hails from Lloydminster and attends Thompson Rivers University in BC. This 5' 10" 180 pound Right handed pitcher will return to the Jackets for the 2011 WMBL Season after joining the club at the end of last season. Steven has a good fastball and a real nice curve ball that he can consistently throws for strikes in key situations. He represented Saskatchewan at the 2008 Canada Cup and 2009 Canada Games.

3B – Mike Hole
Mike Hole is a big right-handed hitter from Vancouver, BC who stands 6’2” and weighs in at 220lbs. Hole plays 3rd and 1st base and was with Division 1 Pepperdine University last spring. Hole played in the Hawaii Collegiate Baseball League last summer with the Aliis where he had a .242 batting average with 2 home runs, 4 doubles, 12 runs batted and 7 steals.

Hole played for Team BC in the 2009 Canada Games and 2007 Canada Cup and was also coached by Canadian Baseball Hall of Famer John Haar with the North Shore Twins, who commented on Holes’ ability and attitude.

"Every coach wants a guy like this on his team who is strong can swing the bat with good speed.”

The Tenth Anniversary season of the Yellow Jackets opens May 28th in Moose Jaw with the home opener the following night against the same Miller Express on May 29th at Cairns Field (one block south of 11th St and Ave P).

Season Tickets and 10 game flex packs are available by calling 244-9744. Check out our club news on Facebook by using the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saskatoon-Yellow-Jackets/168243359887162?v=wall

Four Questions With Kevin Crumb

Kevin Crumb is a 6-5/225 pound junior pitcher from the University of Buffalo. He hails from Waterford, MI and he attended Our Lady of the Lakes High School. He spent this past summer playing for the Nashville Outlaws of the Prospect League. He went 0-1, and had a 0.93 era in 29 innings of work. He appeared in 18 games for the Outlaws and he had a bb/k ratio of 7/25 on the summer.

A while ago, Kevin answered four questions for us.


Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Kevin Crumb--Ken Griffey Jr.

SB--What was the best thing about playing for the Outlaws?
KC--Having Vanderbilt's Hawkins Field as our home field.

SB--What are your personal goals for this upcoming season at Buffalo?
KC--To go out and compete every time I take the mound regardless of the situation. I would like to lead my team into the MAC Playoffs as well.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
KC--The Sandlot

Miners To Host Open House For Prospective Families

From the Prospect League
BECKLEY — Jennifer and Chris Davis have an apartment over their detached garage. It was all ready for West Virginia Miners catcher Michael Marietta when he reported to Beckley last spring.

Most nights, he fell asleep in the family’s living room after an evening of coloring or playing video games with the Davis’ children.

Marietta and his host family hit it off immediately, just one of several positive experiences that will lead to those same connections later this year for the Miners’ second season.

“There was no apprehension,” Jennifer Davis said. “It was just meeting him and there was an instant comfort and complete trust.”

Read the rest of this article here.

Shepple to Return, Stingers Sign 4 New Players

From the Northwoods League
The Willmar Stingers today that pitching coach Tyler Shepple will return for another season with the club. The Stingers also have signed four more players bringing the total to 11 players committed for the 2011 roster.

Stingers field manager Matt Hollod and the organization signed two pitchers and two outfielders to contracts this week. Joining the roster for the 2011 season will be; freshman Jake Foley (OF, Florida Gulf Coast University), freshman Ricky Knapp, (RHP, Florida Gulf Coast University), freshman Jordan Brown Jr. (OF, University of Kansas) and sophomore Taylor Thomas (RHP, University of Kansas).

Shepple will serve in the same role as pitching coach and 1st base coach for the second season and work with a pitching staff that will see new faces other than Stinger returners RHP Jacob Barnes (Florida Gulf Coast University) and Michael Jahns (Northwestern University).

Shepple, an Arvada, CO native attended the University of Washington and was a 7th round draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers. Shepple played two years of professional baseball before having a career ending shoulder injury. After his pro career, he went back to Seattle and began operating an indoor baseball training facility. He currently operates a facility in Denver and Seattle, while also training athletes in sports performance.

“We’re very excited to have coach Shepple back for another season, as a former pitcher, minor league prospect; he brings a wealth of knowledge with him.” Co-owner Ryan Voz said.

Two of those new faces on the mound for the Stingers will be Knapp and Taylor, both hoping to make an immediate impact. Thomas, a Overland Park, KS native, had a great red-shirt freshman year at Kansas last year where the 6’ 3” 210 lbs. pitcher threw 48 1/3 innings with 49 strikeouts for a combined 4-1 record and 4.47 ERA. Last summer, Thomas pitched for the Palm Springs Power of the Southern California Collegiate League where he helped lead his team to a 33-4 overall record.

Knapp is a 6’ 190 lbs. pitcher who was drafted by the Detriot Tigers in the 44th round of the 2010 Major League Draft. He is originally from Port Charlotte, FL. where he compiled 169 strikeouts during this junior and senior high school seasons. Knapp played in the Florida State All-Star Game as a senior after going 5-3 with a 1.42 ERA during the regular season. He is also the son of current Detriot Tigers pitching coach Rick Knapp.

“Ricky is a young athletic arm and the Florida Gulf Coast coaches feel he has a very high ceiling and looks to be in the Eagles starting rotation this spring.” Field Manager Matt Hollod said.

Also joining the Stingers in hopes of improving on a near playoff miss is outfielder Jordan Brown Jr. Brown will bring team speed as the 5’ 10” 180lbs left-handed hitter will be expected to cover the majority of the ground at Bill Taunton Stadium. Brown is a Kansas City, Mo. Native whose cousin Josh Childress plays for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association.

The final recent signee is Jake Foley, a 6’ 0'' 170 lbs. left-handed hitting speedy outfielder. He along with Brown are expected to help continue team speed from 2010, which the Stingers ranked fourth in stolen bases in the 16-team league. Foley is originally from Punta Gorda, FL and will be an everyday player for Florida Gulf Coast alongside college teammate Stingers teammate Sean Dwyer.

Vynne Graduates Naval Flight School with Honors

From the AppleSox
(Wenatchee, WA)- Former AppleSox assistant coach Fletcher Vynne has graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. Vynne graduated in early December and is now attending Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL. The popular coach joined the military after the AppleSox season wrapped up last summer.

Before coaching with the AppleSox, he helped the University of British Columbia capture the NAIA World Series in 2006 as a player and later served as a graduate assistant for Seattle University.

Notes: Jeff Ames has been named a junior college Preseason All-American by Baseball America. Ames, the AppleSox closer in 2010, was also listed by the magazine as the #12 junior college prospect in the country…Former AppleSox pitcher Jason Hammel (2001) has signed a new 2-year, $7.75 million dollar contract with the Colorado Rockies. Hammel went 10-9 with a 4.81 ERA as a starter for the Rockies last season…The Rockies pitching staff could include two former AppleSox pitchers this season, as Clay Mortensen (2005-2006) was traded by the Oakland A’s to the Rockies earlier this week. Mortensen spent most of his 2010 season in Triple-A with the Sacramento River Cats, but did make one start for the A’s in July, earning a no-decision.

Summer baseball team to include pro prospects, local standouts

From the Seacoast Online
A handful of pro prospects and a collection of locally-grown standouts will comprise the bulk of the roster for the Seacoast entry in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League this summer.

Mike Daboul, who's overseeing the make-up of the team, said Thursday that all but "eight or nine" spots on the 26-player roster have been filled, with those remaining expected to be finalized over the next couple weeks.

Catchers Zac Fernandes (Marshwood) and Chris Tuttle (Exeter), outfielder/pitcher Keegan Pafford (Portsmouth), and pitchers Taylor Denson (Phillips Exeter Academy) and Casey Cotter (Winnacunnet) are among the players who've signed contracts to play with the team. Players aren't paid, but will gain potentially valuable exposure in the wooden-bat league, which is modeled after the Cape Cod and New England Collegiate baseball leagues.

Read the rest of this article here.

Former Bullfrog Named To Preseason All-GSC Team

Former Green Bay Bullfrog, Brian Burgess has been named to the preseason All-Gulf South Conference Team. Burgess currently pitches for the University of West Alabama. As a member of the Bullfrogs, he went 4-2, and had a 1.79 era in 40.1 innings pitched. He saved 6 games and he fanned 41 on the season.

The following is from the West Alabama press release:

"Burgess set the school record for saves in a career last season as he recorded nine to give him 25 overall. That mark also puts him into a tie for the most in GSC history."

You can view the full press release here.

Statistical Quick Hit From The 2010 Summer Season

Keenan Kish  (Pitcher—Youse’s Orioles/University of Florida)

W-L	ERA	INP	G	GS	CG	SH	SV	HITS	BB	K’s
3-1	3.86	23.1	5	4	0	0	0	26	10	16

Reynolds Reflects on Award Winning Season

From the WMBL
Adam Reynolds used his experience in the WMBL from 2009, to help set the stage for a spectacular 2010 season.

The right-handed pitcher from Guelph, Ontario returned to the Lethbridge Bulls in 2010 for his second season in the WMBL. His first season in Lethbridge was a solid one, with an ERA just over 4 as a key part of the Bulls starting rotation, but that pales in comparison to what he was able to do in 2010.

Reynolds was untouchable right from the first pitch of 2010, going 7-0 in 7 starts with a stellar 1.26 ERA. His efforts were instrumental in earning the Bulls the second seed in the West Division at 26-22, one game ahead of Medicine Hat in what was an ultra-competitive West Division this past season. While being an integral part of his team’s success, Reynolds says it goes both ways,

“I can’t say that I have experienced that type of success before in my career. 7-0 was an amazing year but I really can’t take all the credit; my teammates where always there backing me up, they were making plays getting me runs whenever I got in trouble.”

Adam tries not to over think his responsibilities, stating simply, “My job was to get outs and keep my team in the game; luckily I was able to do that throughout my year.”

Reynolds attributes his dramatic improvements from summer ’09 to the summer of 2010, to having first hand experience in the WMBL. Adam explains that he was able to study the WMBL and its hitters during his first season in 2009, giving himself an opportunity to formulate a more effective plan of attack the next year. Reynolds was effective to say the very least in 2010. Over his 7 starts, he allowed just 32 hits in 50 innings, and his strike out to walk ratio sat at an impressive 55/16, all leading to his 1.26 ERA, which was best among WMBL starting pitchers.

Reynolds has spent his collegiate career at the University of Guelph as he balances his baseball aspirations and his academic goals. While not attending a well known baseball school, the native of Guelph, Ontario feels the WMBL has given him his opportunity to test himself against challenging opposition from both sides of the border, and the experience has made him a better pitcher as a result.

Reynolds rise to prominence in the WMBL not only saw him become one of the best pitchers in the league; he was the best. Reynolds was named WMBL Pitcher of the Year in recognition of his perfect summer. The significance of this award is not lost on Reynolds,

“It is definitely a source of pride to be named WMBL Pitcher of the Year; this is Canada’s premier collegiate league.” He also adds, “Whenever you’re the top pitcher in a league of this caliber it’s going to look good on a resume.”

Now a senior at the University of Guelph, it is likely that Reynolds has thrown his last pitch in the WMBL, as he is aiming for a professional career, but he has no shortage of positive memories from his time in Lethbridge. Though he has made many appearances on the mound for the Bulls over the last two seasons, the first appearance Reynolds made as a Bull is still the most memorable for him. Adam got the start for the Bulls as they visited Seaman Stadium in Okotoks for Opening Day 2009. Reynolds lead the Bulls to a win, and remembers that night being an eye opening introduction to the league.

“My first start in Okotoks at their home opener in 2009, playing in front of 2100 fans, beating the Dawgs and experiencing the intense rivalry between the Dawgs and the Bulls was a phenomenal experience.”

Reynolds also remembers the Bulls Canada Day tilt at Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge; an annual doubleheader that sees nearly 2000 fans attend the nightcap with fireworks every year. He recalls the atmosphere in the ballpark, and says that was an experience he “will never forget”.

As he now looks to sign on with an independent professional team for 2011, Reynolds sees the WMBL as a quality option for any collegiate player,

“The caliber of baseball players in the league from my experience is only getting better. If you want a chance to play every day, getting work in during the summer playing against some high caliber ball players then the WMBL is perfect.”

Congratulations to Adam Reynolds, on a very successful WMBL career, capped off by the 2010 WMBL Pitcher of the Year Award.

Facelift Continues

From the Fayetteville Swampdogs
As the offseason continues, work on "The Swamp" moves forward. The new wrought iron façade has been put in place to greet families as they gear up for an affordable, family night of entertainment each time they visit "The Swamp" in 2011. The new façade is just part of the facelift taking place this offseason the next project underway are the bathrooms.

Everything in the bathrooms has been completely removed as crews work to put in new toilets, sinks, walls and hand dryers. The new toilets will be low-flow water saving toilets with automatic flushing sensors. The hand dryers are electric commercial hand dryers. As the SwampDogs continue to be green certified in the office the focus has now turned to the park. With the new toilets and hand dryers this will bring us one step closer. The sinks in the women's bathroom now are set in new cabinets as to freshen up the area.

"The Fayetteville Cumberland County Parks and Rec department has done an incredible job of upgrading the facility here at J.P. Riddle Stadium. All these improvements will serve to make the fan experience more enjoyable here at "The Swamp"," said SwampDogs Director of Operation Darrell Handelsman.

The SwampDogs work hard every offseason to put something new and exciting into the experience for fans as they enter a new summer of fun. In previous years the SwampDogs have expanded the Miller Lite Liberty Lounge twice to accomodate the growing interest in that area of the park. In Fun-Go's Homerun Haven, powered by Lumbee River EMC, the area had been expanded to include another bounce house, a doghouse-like entrance and facepainting for the kids to enjoy.

Top Performers From 2010--Bryson Myles

My next Top Performer From the 2010 Summer Season is Bryson Myles of the Mckinney Marshals. Bryson is currently a junior outfielder from Stephen F. Austin University. He is 6-0/225 pounds and he hails from Grand Prairie, TX. He attended and stared in both baseball and football at Arlington Grace Prep. He was originally a TCU football recruit, but he spent the last two seasons at Weatherford Junior College. He hit .371 with 5 home runs in 181 at-bats last year.

Bryson spent this past summer patrolling the outfield for the Mckinney Marshals of the Texas Collegiate League, and he had a great summer. He hit .328/.543/.428 in 116 at-bats for the Marshals. He scored 27 runs, knocked in 18 and was first in the league with 6 home runs. He also added 5 doubles and 1 triple on the summer. He also was among the league leaders with 20 stolen bases.

For his performance this past summer, Bryson was named to the All-TCL Team. He was also named the 3rd best prospect in the league by Perfect Game. Baseball America also ranked him as the 7th best prospect in the league. The following is from the BA scouting report on Bryson:

"Described as a "pure athlete" who also played football in high school, Myles has five-tool potential if he can strengthen his arm. He's inexperienced, but he showed improvement from last summer to this summer, when he hit .328/.428/.543 with six homers and 18 RBIs. After struggling against breaking balls last year, Myles did a better job laying off pitches out of the zone in 2010. He works hard, has good speed and quick wrists. After spending the last two years at Weatherford (Texas) JC, Myles will transfer to Stephen F. Austin State for his junior season."

Here are his stats from the 2010 summer season.

• .328 avg
• .543 slg (3rd in league)
• .428 obp
• 116 atb
• 38 his
• 27 runs
• 18 rbi's
• 5 doubles
• 1 triple
• 6 home runs (1st in league)
• 11 walks
• 24 strikeouts
• 20 stolen bases (3rd in league) 

Four Questions With Jeremy Banks

Jeremy Banks is currently a junior first baseman from Youngstown State University. He is 6-1/200 pounds and hails from Steubinville, Ohio. Jeremy hit .313/.475/.395 in 179 at-bats last season. He also hit 5 home runs and drove in 37 runs batted in for the Penguins.

Jeremy spent this past summer playing for the Slippery Rock Sliders of the Prospect League. He hit .278/.397/.353 in 209 at-bats. He scored 28 runs, knocked in 24 and led the team with 17 doubles. He also added 2 home runs for the Sliders.

Several weeks ago, Jeremy answered four questions for us.


Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Jeremy Banks-Ken Griffey Jr.

SB--What was the best thing about playing for the Sliders this past summer?
JB--Just playing in a different environment.

SB--What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?
JB-Play up to my potential.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
JB--For Love Of The Game

Seattle University Pair Headed to Walla Walla

From the Walla Walla Sweets
WALLA WALLA, Wa. – Cory Mack and Eric Yardley, a pair of eastern Washington natives, won’t have far to travel to play summer ball in 2011. The Walla Walla Sweets have signed the Seattle University Redhawks duo to West Coast League contracts for the coming season.

Yardley, a sophomore utility player, was named West Coast League honorable mention for Moses Lake in 2010. The Richland, Wash. native went 2-2 with an ERA of 1.85 in 21 appearances for the Pirates. He had 5 saves and struck out 32 batters while walking only 5. In 3 appearances against Walla Walla, Yardley pitched 7 2/3 innings and gave up 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 9 Sweets. Prior to the WCL season, Yardley went 1-1 at Seattle U during his freshman campaign.

As a Bomber at Richland High School, the 6-foot 1-inch, 165-pounder was a teammate of 2011 Sweet Brett Jacobs (now at Washington State) and was named 1st team all-area utility player as a senior. Additional 2011 Sweets Kody Young (Kamiakin High School, now at Columbia Basin College) and Andrew Mendenhall (Southridge High School, now at Oregon) were also named to the same all-area team.

Mack, a freshman left-handed pitcher, is a three-time honoree of the BBNW Eastern Washington Select Scout team and was named to the 2nd team all-Greater Spokane League last spring as a senior. The Central Valley High School product wrapped up his senior season with a 2.86 ERA in 35 2/3 innings while limiting opposing hitters to a .268 average. The Bears won a split of the GSL title in 2010 with a dramatic two-game sweep of then-first place Mt. Spokane on the regular season’s final days.

The 2010 season marked the first varsity baseball season for the Redhawks in 24 years. Seattle U will begin its second season under head coach Donny Harrel on February 18 with a four-game series at Cal State-Northridge. Mack and Yardley will see several of their Sweets teammates throughout the 2011 spring season, including Zach Nice (Portland, March 4-5 and 25-26), Doug Christie (Washington, March 8, April 5, 12, and 19) Jacob Overbay and Tim Culligan (Nevada-Reno, March 28, April 8-10), Goose Kallunki and Austin Heaps (Utah Valley, May 4), and Mendenhall (May 10-11).

IOWA CITY NATIVE EWING RETURNS TO BUCKS' ROSTER

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced infielder Andrew Ewing will return to play for the Bucks in 2011. Ewing, a junior at the University of Iowa, is the second player to be named to the Waterloo roster for the team's 17th season.

Last season, Ewing signed with the Bucks on August 1. The Iowa City, Iowa native made the most of his opportunity with Waterloo, hitting .305 with five RBI, 12 runs, and a .388 on-base percentage in just 17 games. Ewing hit .455 when he led off an inning and .385 versus the Battle Creek Bombers.

The 5'11", 185-pounder hit .290 for the Hawkeyes in 2010, playing in 23 games. Ewing finished his collegiate season with 12 runs scored and a .452 on-base percentage. In Big Ten play alone, Ewing hit .600 with a .750 on-base percentage.

Ewing played high school baseball at Iowa City West High School, being named the Conference Player of the Year as a senior. While playing for West, Ewing was named a two-time First Team All-State selection and a three-time First Team All-Conference honoree.

Born December 13, 1989, Andrew is the son of Joe and Brenda Ewing.

The Bucks will open the 2011 season on the road at Battle Creek on June 1. Waterloo's home opener is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at 6:35 pm versus the Eau Claire Express. Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

Edenton Coach Names Assistants for Summer Season

From the Coastal Plain League
Dirk Kinney, the 2011 head coach of the Edenton Steamers, has finalized his coaching staff. Steve Moritz and Rob Vessell will report to Edenton and Historic Hicks Field this May to help Kinney with the 2011 squad.

Steve Moritz enters his first season as hitting coach for the Steamers. Moritz is currently an assistant coach at Georgia College and State University under Head Coach Tom Carty. Moritz had prior stints at Darton College in 2009-2010 and Middle Georgia College from 2006-2009.

While at Middle, Moritz served as the hitting coach and assistant recruiting coordinator. He also worked with catchers and the development and running of the Warriors strength and conditioning program. Moritz saw all three teams finish with a team batting average of .320 or better and the teams averaged 40 wins a season. In 2009 Moritz helped lead the Warriors to a GJCAA championship, a regional championship and a trip to the 2009 JUCO World Series.

The 2010 season saw Moritz switch gears and stay within the GJCAA conference as he accepted the job offer as the Darton College pitching coach. The Cavaliers finished fourth in the conference and RHP Kevin Bibler was named 1st team all conference. Moritz also saw three other pitchers off that squad sign Letters of Intent to continue their baseball careers at either the NCAA Division 1 or 2 level.

Moritz serves as the strength and conditioning coach at Georgia College while he helps Assistant Coach Zeke Mitchem in recruiting and working with hitters. Moritz will also continue to work with the catchers and spend time with head coach Tom Carty in coaching the pitchers.

Moritz is originally from Overland Park, Kansas where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2005 with a degree in Speech Communication and is pursuing his graduate degree in Exercise Science at Georgia College. Moritz is single and currently resides in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Rob Vessell begins his second season as University of Arkansas at Fort Smith’s pitching coach, assistant recruiting coordinator and academic advisor. Vessell was previously the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division II Henderson State University.

The Russellville, Ark., native was an assistant coach for six seasons at Henderson State. The last season he was with the Reddies, who compete in the Gulf South Conference, they posted a 34-16 win-loss mark and set the school record for wins in a season, as well as being ranked as high as #7 in the country. During his six seasons, Vessell coached 21 all-conference players, five all-region players and three All-Americans as well as one player being drafted in the 26th round by the Kansas City Royals.

Vessell is a 1999 graduate of Russellville High School, where he was a three-sport athlete earning all-state honors in baseball as a junior and senior. He played four seasons at NCAA Division II Arkansas Tech University. The former pitcher helped lead the Wonder Boys to a runner-up finish in the Gulf South Conference in 2001 and holds the Wonder Boys’ record for most appearances during a career with 63.

Vessell earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in health from Henderson in 2004 and continued his education by earning a second bachelor’s degree in general studies with a minor in history from Henderson State just three years later in 2007.

The Edenton Steamers compete during the summer at Historic Hicks Field in downtown Historic Edenton, North Carolina. Edenton is a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Heading into its 15th 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 wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 39 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com. For more information on the Edenton Steamers, please visit the team website at http://www.edentonsteamers.com .

Sharks GM to Run in Cooper River Bridge Run

From the Coastal Plain League
The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced today that General Manager, Andrew Aguilar will be running in the Cooper River Bridge Run, in Charleston, S.C., on April 2, 2011.

Aguilar will also be trying to raise money for the Special Olympics. The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world.

“We are very proud of Andrew for undertaking such a great charitable endeavor. Special Olympics of Wilmington is a tremendous organization that helps so many local athletes through all of their various programs,” Said Darrell Handelsman, owner of the Sharks.

Those interested in sponsoring Aguilar can do so by logging onto the Sharks website at http://www.wilmingtonsharks.com and click on the logo for the Cooper River Bridge Run. All proceeds will go directly to the Special Olympics here in Wilmington on behalf of the Sharks.

“Special Olympics is an outstanding program and we are excited to be able to reach out and give back to this awesome charity,” said Andrew Aguilar, general manager of the Sharks.

The Wilmington Sharks are members of Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th 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. The CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 39 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com.

SHARKS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF POWER PITCHER

From Press Release
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks announced today that they have signed Zach Rafferty to a letter of commitment for the upcoming inaugural summer collegiate baseball season. Rafferty helped Anna Maria College (AMC) to a program record 21 wins last season, which resulted in the team’s first-ever Eastern College Athletic College championship appearance. He led The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) in “batting average against,” holding his opponents to an AMC record .165 batting average against; more than 40 points lower than any other TCCC pitcher. Rafferty also set the program’s record for strikeouts in a single season, compiling 62 strikeouts in just 47.0 innings of work. In his best performance of the year, Rafferty came within two outs of tossing a no-hitter, finishing with a one-hit complete-game shutout in a 1-0 victory versus New England College in which he racked up nine strikeouts.

Rafferty, who is a junior at AMC this year, attracted many professional scouts to AMC games during 2010 as they paid particular attention to his powerful right arm. Prior to the 2010 draft he had been contacted by scouts from eight different Major League Baseball teams, which included the Red Sox, Yankees, Brewers, Blue Jays, White Sox, Mets, Nationals, and Phillies.

Rafferty is primarily a fast ball pitcher who gets a lot of strikeouts and throws a slider and a changeup as his complimentary pitches. His AMC coach David McNamara stated that "Zach is a hard throwing righty; a smart kid with great size and power at 6 ft-5, 230. He consistently throws in the 90's."

The Sharks Head Coach Ted Currle stated that “we are excited to have Rafferty on the team and expect him to compete for one of the starting rotation spots this summer.”

LOCAL SHORTS: Anderson to play in Cape Cod League

From the Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd High School graduate Nick Anderson of St. Cloud State University has signed a contract to play in the Cape Cod League this summer.

Anderson, a junior pitcher, has signed to play with Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

An All-NSIC and All-region performer for the Huskies, Anderson will begin his third season as a starter for the Huskies in 2011. He owns a 3.60 career ERA at SCSU with 122 career strikeouts. In 2010, he was an All-Star for the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League.

Read the rest of this article here.

West Virginia Miners Announce Major League Pitcher Kris Benson as Celebrity Key Note Speaker for 2011 All-Star Game

From the Prospect League
(Beckley, WV) The West Virginia Miners announced today that former Major League Pitcher, Kris Benson will attend the July 13, 2011 Prospect League All-Star Game in Beckley, West Virginia. “We are thrilled and honored to have Kris Benson serve as our celebrity key note speaker for the Prospect League summer mid-season classic,” said Prospect League Commissioner, David Chase. West Virginia Miners Pitching Coach, Jeff Wallace and Kris were teammates when they both pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1997-2001. While in Nashville last week attending the Winter Baseball Meetings, Jeff introduced Kris Benson to West Virginia Miners General Manager Mike Gilligan and Prospect League Commissioner David Chase and the two of them extended Kris an invitation to serve as the 2011 Prospect League’s All-Star Key Note Speaker as well as throw out the first pitch and be in Beckley, West Virginia for all the various All-Star festivities in mid July.

Read the rest of this article here.