Former Yankee Jurik promoted to High-A Lynchburg

From the Webster Yankees
Former Webster Yankees right-hander Dan Jurik was promoted from Low-A Rome to the Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina) after Pitcher David Hale was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder strain.

Jurik was the Braves’ 25th-round pick in last year’s draft and he split time between the GCL, Danville and Rome last season. Combined, he was 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings.

This season, he made two appearances for Rome in relief. In 4 2/3 innings, he recorded a save, allowed a hit, walked one and struck out seven.

Jurik was a key member of the 2009 Yankees pitching staff where he posted a 4.71 in 36.1 innings of work.

Rafters Hire John Martin as New Field Manager

From the NWL
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have a new field manager. Team officials announced today that they have hired Emporia State University (Kansas) assistant coach John Martin to lead the 2011 team.

Martin has spent the past three seasons as the top assistant at Emporia State University, one of the elite NCAA Division II programs in the country. Emporia State is currently ranked in the top five in Division II baseball in the nation. He has worked closely with pitchers and catchers during his tenure at Emporia State, while also being heavily involved with the recruitment of student athletes.

Martin spent his last two summers with the Liberal Bee Jays of the Jayhawk Collegiate League, guiding the 2010 team to a National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series Championship and a 42-13 overall record as the team’s manager. He was honored for his efforts by being named the 2010 NBC Manager of the Year. The NBC brings in champions from various summer leagues in the country to determine a national champion each year.

In 2009 Martin coached for the Bee Jays under former Major League manager Mike Hargrove before taking over the reins as field manager last summer. Liberal finished third at the NBC World Series in 2009 while posting a 34-20 overall record that summer. The Jayhawk League is a wood bat, summer collegiate league in Kansas sanctioned by the NCAA, similar to the Northwoods League.
Martin spent three years as a member of the Emporia State Hornets squad and was the 2006 Roger Newell “Most Inspirational Player” Award Winner. During his senior season with the Hornets he hit .303 with 30 RBI and from his catcher position threw out 17 would be base stealers.

Following his senior season he was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 24th round of the June Major League Draft. He spent time with both the Gulf Coast Dodgers and the Ogden Raptors where he hit .256 with three RBI and an on-base percentage of .343. In 2008 he played with the Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League where he hit .257 with three home runs and 30 RBI.

Martin is very familiar with the Northwoods League having spent the summers of 2004 and 2005 as a member of the Madison Mallards, where he helped lead Madison to a 2004 Northwoods League Championship. In 2005, he collected the game-winning hit against the Rochester Honkers to knock Rochester out of the South Division Playoff Series and advance the Mallards to the 2005 Northwoods League Championship Series. In a bit of irony, current Mallards field manager Greg Labbe was the manager of the Rochester Honkers that season. Labbe and the rest of the Madison Mallards are set to square off with Martin and the Rafters on June 1st, Opening Day at Historic Witter Field. It is sure to be an exciting match-up as the two field manager’s debut with their new teams.

"When we started the search for our new field manager we had a short list of requirements. We wanted someone that we had a personal relationship with, that understood what it takes to win in the Northwoods League, that had experience running a team, and that we knew would represent us and the city of Wisconsin Rapids well. John Martin brings all of these things to the table and much more. Wisconsin Rapids is going to love this guy,” commented Rafters Co-owner and President Vern Stenman.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to coach some very talented players in a town that really loves their baseball,” said new field manager John Martin. “I could not thank Vern and Liz enough for this opportunity and I promise I will do everything possible to make this summer successful.”

Tobs Return Three off 2010 Roster

From the CPL
The Wilson Tobs announced today the return of three players from the 2010 season. Outfielder Ryan Daughtry and infielder and right handed pitcher Steve Nikorak will call Fleming Stadium home for the second consecutive summer. Also returning for the Tobs is utility fielder Keith Morrisroe.

Daughtry is a 6-0, 190 pound junior from Princeton, N.C. Through 42 games with Barton College this spring Daughtry leads the Bulldogs with a .344 batting average. He has hit 15 doubles and has 26 RBIs. He was named to the 2011 Conference Carolinas All-Conference Second Team. Last summer with the Tobs Daughtry batted .295 with 28 RBIs and six doubles. He started 49 games for the Tobs. Daughtry was named a starter in the 2010 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game and drew two walks and scored a run as the American All-Star’s designated hitter.

Nikorak is a 6-2, 215 pound redshirt junior at Temple University. For the Owls this year Nikorak has started every game and is batting .384 with seven home runs, 18 doubles, and has 44 RBIs. In 159 at bats he has struck out just 23 times and has drawn 10 walks. He has made 15 appearances and made two starts on the mound for Temple and has a 7.56 ERA with a 3-4 record and two saves. Nikorak has struck out 31 batters and walked 27. Last summer with the Tobs Nikorak started 31 games and played in a total of 35 contests. He batted .176 with two home runs and 13 RBIs. On the mound for the Tobs Nikorak was 6-2 with two saves in 11 appearances and started seven games. He struck out 36 and walked 21 in 51.0 innings pitched. Nikorak lead the Tobs with a 1.76 ERA

Morrisroe is a junior from Chantilly, Va. The 5-11, 180 pound combination catcher and outfielder has started all 38 games at Concord College and is batting .348 with two home runs, nine doubles, and 29 RBIs. For the Tobs last summer Morrisroe batted .295 with six doubles and 28 RBIs. He started 49 games for the Tobs and appeared in a total of 51 games. Morrisroe was a reserve in the 2010 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game with the National All-Stars.

“We are very pleased to bring back Daughtry, Nikorak, and Morrisroe for the 2011 season” said Tobs general manager James Wolfe. “With their experience we will look to them to be team leaders on and off the field.”

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrationg its 15th season in 2011, the CPL 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 families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both the players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 42 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, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague).

Woodchucks Nab Creighton Centerfielder

From the Wisconsin Woodchucks
The Wisconsin Woodchucks have announced the signing of Mike Gerber, a left-handed centerfielder from Creighton University, for the 2011 season.

A native of Naperville, Illinois, Gerber has been a regular starter in centerfield for a Creighton squad that has dominated thus far on the spring. With a 26-8 record, and only one loss in the Missouri Valley Conference, the 28-ranked Jays expect to do some damage come tournament time.

Making 25 starts on the season, Gerber, a freshman, has posted a .268 batting average, three homeruns, a .384 on-base percentage, and a perfecting fielding percentage, with 15 games remaining on the conference slate.

Not year before locking down a starting role on a tournament-bound Division I team, Gerber starred at Neuqua Valley High School, where he made the Illinois All-State selection and set the school record in career homeruns.

Flashing a power bat with defensive prowess in center, the New York Yankees selected Gerber in the 2010 Amateur Draft. Gerber elected to continue his education instead, choosing to pursue an education in Graphic Design at one of the top academic institutions in the Midwest.

USC Broadcaster Tapped to be the Voice of the Bells

From the Bellingham Bells
Bellingham, Wash. – The Bellingham Bells have hired Johnie Freatman, an undergraduate student at the University of Southern California, to be the play-by-play broadcaster for the 2011 season of West Coast League baseball in Bellingham. Freatman, who is pursuing a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Journalism, is completing his sophomore year at USC. He will graduate in May 2013.

“It’s an incredible honor to be the voice of the Bells. I couldn’t be more excited about the vision Eddie (Poplawski) and Blake (Buswell) have for this team and its place in a baseball-rich community like Bellingham,” Freatman said. “This is an amazing opportunity and I hope to make a lasting impact not only in the broadcast booth but in the community as well.”

Freatman arrives in Bellingham with a wealth of broadcasting experience. At USC, he has broadcasted football and men’s and women’s basketball for the school’s radio station, KXSC. He has also served as a voice of the Trojans baseball team for usctrojans.com, the school’s official athletic website. He co-hosts a sports talk show at USC, has done extensive color commentary and sideline reporting, and has hosted pregame shows for USC football games.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Johnie join our team,” said Bells’ general manager, Blake Buswell. “Johnie is an incredibly talented young broadcaster who will bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to our ballclub throughout the coming season.”

Freatman has very strong connections to Bellingham and the state of Washington. He grew up in the Seattle area, spending his middle and high school years on Mercer Island. His great grandparents and grandfather were raised in Bellingham and his mother was born here. He has had family members living in the city for around 120 years, with multiple cousins residing here now.

“It’s very serendipitous that I’ll be getting this opportunity in the same place that my family has been for so many years,” said Freatman.

A highly regarded writer, Freatman recently won USC’s prestigious Malamud Scholarship. He writes frequently for neontommy.com, has freelanced for the UK-based Evercore Media Group, and has written for pgatour.com.

Freatman has excellent marketing and media relations skills as well. He was the remote show coordinator for KXSC in 2010-2011 and he was recently named the station’s marketing director for the 2011-2012 school year.

The Bells will play their season and home opener on June 3 at Joe Martin Field against the Kelowna Falcons.

Individuals and companies with inquiries about season tickets, corporate sponsorship opportunities, or any other matters related to the ballclub, are encouraged to contact the Bellingham Bells office at (360) 746-0406, or via e-mail at bells@bellinghambells.com.

Verlander Records 1000th Strikeout

From the CPL
Coastal Plain League alum and Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander (photo courtesy of Mark Cunningham/Detroit Tigers) recorded his 1,000th major league strikeout on May 22 in the Tigers 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

The 28-year old right-hander struck out Chicago batter A.J. Pierzynski for his eighth punch out of the game, and add his name to a list of 444 other pitchers who have struck out 1,000 hitters in their big league careers. He was just the 15th Tigers pitcher to reach that mark. Further, Verlander entered the game with 992 career strikeouts, 450th on the all-time strikeouts list. In Friday’s game, he passed—in order—Joe Dobson, Scott Kazmir, Joel Pineiro, Sterling Hitchcock, Bill Lee, Bob Ewing, and Joey Jay. Verlander is now tied with Ralph Terry and Tom Browning.

Should Verlander be able to record 200-plus strikeouts again this year - a feat he has easily achieved each of the past two years - then he could see his name vault into the top 300 by the end of the season. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan (who pitched from 1966-1993) leads that list with a total of 5,714 strikeouts. Verlander, in comparison, has a current total of 1,008 to his name, but is only in his sixth full season in the big leagues.

A three-time Major League All-Star and the American League Rookie of the Year in 2006, Verlander pitched for the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League in the summer of 2002. That summer, he made seven appearances and pitched 40 1/3 innings, coming away with a 2.68 ERA and 1-4 record. Overall, he gave up 14 runs, 12 of which were earned, on 22 hits, and walked 26. But, it was his number of strikeouts that jumps out, as Verlander racked up 54 of them on the season and opposing batters hit only .161 against him.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL 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. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 42 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, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cpleague).

RIVERFRONT STADIUM TO HOST NJCAA TOURNEY

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced that renovated Riverfront Stadium will play host to the 2011 NJCAA Region XI Division II Baseball Tournament May 12 through the 16th. Seven teams from the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference will play in the five-day, 11-game event.

"The ICCAC is extremely happy to be at Riverfront Stadium," said ICCAC Commissioner Thom McDonald, "and we are very excited to be bringing a highly competitive tournament to the Cedar Valley Community."

The opening game of the tournament is set to begin at 12:00 pm on Thursday, May 12, followed by two more games that day. Three games are scheduled to be played on both Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, while two games are set to be played on Sunday, May 15. The tournament championship will be played at 3:30 pm on Sunday, or at 12:00 pm on Monday, May 16, if a double-elimination game is required.

"Baseball fans in the community, no matter if they follow the MLB, NCAA, or high school ball, will be thrilled with the high level of competition and the quality of baseball at this tournament and won't walk away disappointed from this experience," said Eric Tubbs, Tournament Director.

Ticket pricing is as follows: $7 for adults; $4 for students (includes college). The tournament is sponsored by the Days Inn and Suites, the Cedar Valley Sports and Entertainment Commission, and Rawlings Baseball.

"After our search for a great venue for this tournament I know that our coaches and student athletes will be extremely pleased with the facility, community support, and overall atmosphere that Riverfront Stadium and Waterloo provides," said ICCAC Assistant Commissioner Nic Scandrett.

Fans can go to the ICCAC website at www.iccac.org to visit the official tournament page which has the tournament bracket as well as live coverage of all of the games. Des Moines Area Community College, and Head Coach and former Bucks' Manager Dan Fitzgerald, is currently ranked 10th in the NJCAA Top 15 National Poll. A new set of rankings is set to be announced tomorrow (April 27).

The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) was founded in 1996, and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). They are the governing body of 15 member schools in Iowa and 21 men's and women's sports held in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The ICCAC has been committed to the enhancement of their young adults' educational experience, as well as the development of quality relationships between their schools and the communities of Iowa. Ever since their founding, they have strove to create a highly competitive atmosphere while promoting good sportsmanship and desirable characteristics, such as leadership and teamwork, that will create the best possible atmosphere for their players, coaches, fans, and the communities in which they are involved.

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.

Oregon State Players Join Rafters

From the NWL
The Rafters announced today that they have added three position players from Oregon State University. Outfielders Garrett Nash and Sam Montgomery and infielder Luke Acosta will call Wisconsin Rapids home this summer.

Garrett Nash has been selected by Major League Baseball clubs twice. He was chosen in the 4th Round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers and again in 2010, in the 39th Round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. After making a life-altering decision two years ago that took him away from college and the game of baseball, Nash has returned to Oregon State this spring and has appeared in 29 games, batting .211 with 4 doubles and 9 RBI. He is 7-for-9 in stolen base attempts so far this spring and carries a .348 on-base percentage. After his two-year absence, he is starting to get back in his baseball groove.

Nash was a starter for Oregon State much of his freshman season in 2008, and on the way to becoming a potential first round Major League draft pick following his junior season. He was already on the Major League Baseball radar after being drafted in the 4th Round by the Texas Rangers out of Jordan High in 2007. However, Nash’s outlook on life changed during his freshman year and he decided to take a two-year break from school and baseball to go on a mission trip during the 2009 and 2010 school years.

As a freshman in 2008, Nash appeared in 34 games, starting 27, in his first collegiate season for the Beavers. The switch-hitter batted .277 with eight doubles, one triple, one home run, while tallying 15 RBI. He showed why Major League scouts were intrigued by his speed as he stole 36 bases as a freshman. He finished his first year with six multiple-hit and three multiple-RBI efforts.

Nash lettered four years and earned First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Region in three seasons while attending Jordan High School in Draper, Utah. As a senior in 2007, he hit .434 with 6 home runs and 27 RBI, while also stealing 32 bases in only 27 games. He was named Rawlings 2nd Team All-American and West-All Region 1st Team his senior year. As a junior, Nash was named team MVP after batting .533, with 7 home runs, 7 triples, 21 doubles, 27 RBI, 39 stolen bases and 47 runs scored.

That season, he was ranked No. 15 among the Area Code Games Top 20 Prospects by Baseball America. He was also named as Fastest Baserunner on Baseball America’s “Best Tools” list for the Area Code Games. As a sophomore, he was named Team MVP after batting .507 with 6 home runs, 11 triples, 19 doubles, 27 RBI, 37 stolen bases and 48 runs scored. As a freshman, he was named MVP after batting .429 with 2 home runs, 3 triples, 6 doubles, 24 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 29 runs scored.

Luke Acosta is appearing in his first action for the Beavers this spring after spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at Hutchinson Community College. This spring, Acosta has appeared in 16 games while batting .313 with 4 doubles, 8 RBI and carries a .421 on-base percentage.

While at Hutchinson Community College, Acosta earned both first and second-team all-conference honors in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. As a sophomore, he appeared in 48 games, batting .393 with 9 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 27 RBI. He tallied 33 stolen bases in 39 attempts and also had an on-base percentage of .491. In 2010, he helped lead his team to the JUCO World Series in 2010.

Acosta lettered three seasons at Lafayette High School in Louisiana, where he served as team captain and was an Academic All-American during his tenure there. He is majoring in Business at Oregon State.

Sam Montgomery attended Sierra Junior College in Rocklin, California his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to Oregon State. As a sophomore, he started 36 games and batted .368 with 15 doubles, 5 home runs, and 23 RBI for the season, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors as an outfielder. He was also named an All-Northern California-All American in 2010. As a freshman, he batted .318 while starting 27 games for Sierra.

During the summers following his freshman and sophomore campaigns, Montgomery played for the Folsom Pioneers of the West Coast League-Tri State, an independent college wood bat team. In 2010, he started 44 games and batted .296, with 13 doubles, 3 triples, and 7 home runs. In 2009, he appeared in 41 games, batting .318 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs.

Montgomery was a three-year letter winner at Bellarmine College Preparatory School in San Jose, California. He is a native of Fremont, California.

Cavemen owner wants to see stadium ready for season

From Connect Tristates.com
HANNIBAL, MO. -- Some work is being done to try and get Clemens Field in Hannibal ready to go for the start of the Hannibal Cavemen baseball season.

Right now, the co-owners of the team are at odds over who should be responsible for getting the field and the stadium ready for play.

Read the rest of this article here.

Sharks to Host Craft Beer Fest

From the CPL
The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced today that they in conjunction with Tryon Distributing and Phi Kappa Alpha will be hosting the 1st Annual Wilmington Sharks Craft Beer Fest.

Local craft breweries from around the State of North Carolina will be participating in the event, which will take place on Saturday, May 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the “Shark Tank”.

Tickets for the event will go on sale on Monday, May 2 for $15 prior to the event and $20 at the gate with tickets only being available for purchase through http://www.wilmingtontickets.com. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Cape Fear Center for Inquiry.

The starting line-up for this event will include; Boone Brewing Company, Asheville NC, Duck Rabbit Brewery ‘Dark Beer Specialists’ out of Farmville, NC, Mother Earth Brewing Company, Kinston NC featuring the first LEED certified Brewery in NC,
Highland Brewing Company, Asheville NC, brewing quality brews over for over 15 years, and Craggie Brewing Co., whose owner Bill Drew worked as Brewmaster for Highland brewing Co and now has his own acclaimed brewery. He supports the local community and charities –encouraging the green/local movement.

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 42 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.

NAVS LIGHTING IT UP ACROSS THE COUNTRY

From Press Release
LYNN - This year's North Shore Navigators roster will again feature Saugus native Dario Pizzano, who last year played in a team-high 39 games for the Navs en route to the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) championship. This year, Pizzano is having a phenomenal sophomore season at Columbia.

The 20 year-old leads the Lions in a variety of categories, including hitting (.364), home runs (6) and RBI (31). Pizzano also leads the team in doubles (13), total bases (81), walks (17), slugging (.614) and on-base percentage (.442).

This all comes after a record-setting freshman season for Pizzano. As a rookie, the left-handed hitting outfielder hit .374 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI, as all three marks were good for second on the team in 2010. The dozen homers set a school single-season record.

Along with Pizzano, five other key members of last year's title team will return to the Navigators this summer. Lefties Crayton Bare (Baylor) and Kevin Kyle (Georgia Perimeter) are both back, as are righties Nolan Corr (Wheaton) and Daniel Patrick (Palm Beach State). Bare and Corr were NECBL All-Stars last summer, and Kyle, now in his sophomore season after pitching at Clemson last year, is 4-1 in seven starts.

Shortstop Cody Dent (Florida) also returns. The son of former MLB All-Star Bucky Dent has appeared in 22 games for the No. 2 Gators.

The Navigators also have five former MLB Draft selections in tow. Notre Dame's Dan Slania and Eric Jagielo were selected in the 42nd and 50th rounds respectively in last June's amateur draft. Slania, a 6-4 righthander, has a 1.50 ERA in 16 appearances out of the bullpen. The infielder Jagielo is hitting .287 with two home runs and 15 RBI. Jon McGibbon (Clemson) was a 29th round pick of the Seattle Mariners last June and is currently hitting .348 in 30 games for the No. 16 Tigers.

Starting pitcher Garrett Levsen (Point Loma) was also a 29th round pick in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The righthander leads the team in starts (11), innings pitched (66.2) and strikeouts (42), while teammate and outfielder Shain Stoner is hitting .333 with a team-high eight home runs and 29 RBI. He will accompany Levsen and join the Navigators in the coming months.

The final former draftee to represent the Navs is outfielder Chad Taylor (South Florida), a 13th round selection out of high school in 2009. Now a sophomore, Taylor is hitting .264 and has started all but two games for the Bulls.

Other colleges and universities representing the Navigators this summer include Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Rutgers, and Boston College. The team's title defense begins in June, as the Navigators' home opener at Lynn's Fraser Field will take place Saturday, June 11 against the Laconia Muskrats. For tickets or more information, fans can call the Navs' box office at (781) 595-9400.

Peter Delani | North Shore Navigators
General Manager |978-420-7028| email: pdelani@nsnavs.com
www.nsnavs.com

Summer League Signings

Are you ready for some summer league baseball? Believe it or not, the summer league season is just about a month away. I can't wait.  Here are a few more signings to wet your appetite.

**Andrew Virgili (Baltimore Redbirds--Lynn) 6-5, 2.75 era in 79.2 innings pitched, 12 app, 75 hits, 22 walks, 81 k's, .256 OBA.

**Phillip Ferragamo (Wenatchee AppleSox--UCI) 1-0, 2.75 in 19.2 inp, 13 app, 17 hits allowed, 7 walks, 14 k's.

**Adam Nelubowich (Wenatchee AppleSox--Washington State) .174 in 35 atb, 3 runs, 4 rbi's, 1 double.

**Jake Wood (Victoria Generals--UTSA) .254 in 114 atb, 12 runs, 25 rbi's, 7 db's, 1 hr, 14 walks.

**Jason Cohen (Herndon Braves--DePauw) .374 in 131 atb, 22 runs, 28 rbi's, 10 db's, 4 triples, 1 home run, 18 walks.

Outlaws Zackrison returns for 2011 Season

From the Oneonta Outlaws
Oneonta Outlaws (NYCBL) have announced that Head Coach Greg Zackrison will return to lead the ball club in 2011 after guiding the Outlaws to a 2nd best league record 26-16 including a league best 18-4 at Home and playoffs in 2010. Greg also coached the Saratoga Phillies to a third place finish and playoffs in 2009 before the team’s relocation to Oneonta. Greg is presently an Assistant coach at Massasoit Community College in Brockton Massachusetts. Massasoit has won 4 New England Regional titles and appeared in the NJCAA World Series three times, including a third place in 2005.

For two summers Greg coached in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League with the Harwich Mariners (07, 08) In 2008 Harwich won the Cape league title for the first time in 21 years. Greg has coached 42 players selected in the Major League draft, 28 of those selected were in the first 12 rounds, including the second overall selection in 2009 Dustin Ackley.

Greg has earned a Bachelors degree from UMASS Dartmouth and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State College. Greg and his wife Amy are expecting their first child in May.

Outlaws Co Owner and Managing Partner Keith Rogers said, “There is no better summer college baseball coach in the country than Greg and we are very fortunate to have him manage the ball team for a 3rd season. Greg’s a leader and has the rare ability to get the most out of his players while keeping a fun, loose clubhouse. He understands the grind of playing a 50 game summer schedule after coming off long college seasons and has a true passion for the game that resonates with his players”.

Zackrison added, "I would like to thank co-owners Keith Rogers and Dan Scaring for the opportunity to coach in Oneonta for the second season in the NYCBL. I am real excited about this year’s roster and hope to bring an NYCBL championship to Oneonta for the ownership and the fans".

The Oneonta Outlaws, New York State’s Premiere Summer College Baseball Program, season begins in June and play at Historic Damaschke Field.

SwampDogs Continue to Bolster 2011 Roster

From the CPL
The Fayetteville SwampDogs announced today the signing of Dillon Checkal of the University of San Diego (CA) for the 2011 season.

Checkal, a 5-11, 170-pound infielder/outfielder, will make the trip for his first summer in Fayetteville. The redshirt sophomore is off to a tremendous season in 2011 for the USD Toreros. The left-handed hitting Checkal is second on the team in batting average, hitting at a .330 clip. He also has two doubles, two triples and 16 RBIs on the season. In 2010, he helped lead the team to a WCC Championship hitting .411 with nine runs, two doubles and two stolen bases in 25 games. Checkal currently plays alongside 2010 SwampDog Corey LeVier.

Checkal finished his high school career strong at Santa Fe Christian HS. His senior year he batted .400 with a .631 on base percentage. He also stole 10 bases and only struck out once earning him both team MVP and Coastal League Player of the Year honors.

“We’re xcited to have Dillon as part of our organization this summer. Being able to play multiple positions, he’ll add versatility to our lineup,” said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. “He is a quality left-handed hitter who has shown the ability to handle quality pitching at the highest level.”

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 11th season in the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL 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. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 42 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the CPL, please visit the league website at coastalplain.com, be sure to friend us on Facebook (at facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague) .

FORMER BUCKS OUTFIELDER NAMED BIG 10 PLAYER OF THE WEEK

From the Waterloo Bucks
Champaign, IL - Former Waterloo Bucks outfielder Willie Argo, currently a junior at the University of Illinois, was named the Big 10 Player of the Week on April 25. Argohit .444 (4-for-9) with one double, two home runs, and seven RBI in the Illini's series versus Michigan State University.

Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Argo slugged 1.222 and had an on-base percentage of .545. Argo was 3-for-3 with runners on base and 2-for-2 with men in scoring position in the series.

Argo played for Waterloo in 2009 and 2010, appearing in 99 games for the Bucks. In 365 at bats, Argo hit .219 with four home runs, 38 RBI, and 41 stolen bases, which ranks seventh for the most thefts for a career in team history.
A draft pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 49th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Entry Draft, this is Argo's third career conference honor, as he earned Player of the Week awards on March 29, 2010, and on April 27, 2009.

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.

Swamp Bats add third Keene State assistant

From the Sentinel Source
The Keene Swamp Bats have added John Raiola of Keene State to the coaching staff for the upcoming season.

A former pitcher at the University of Rhode Island, Raiola will join fellow Owl assistants Marty Testo and Dan Moylan in the Bats’ dugout this summer.

Raiola also was a member of the coaching staff that led the Newport Gulls to the 2009 NECBL championship.

Read the rest of this article here.

Two Jayhawks Join the Flock

From the NWL
The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of two players from the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Infielder Jake Marasco and pitcher Jordan Jakubov have joined the squad for the 2011 season.

Marasco is a 6’3”, 208-pound redshirt sophomore infielder who is currently hitting .284 with six doubles, two homeruns and 12 RBI. He just went 1-3 and scored two runs in KU’s 4-2 in over #4 ranked Texas on Saturday. Texas however took the series 2 games to 1.

A graduate of Maize High School in Wichita, KS, Marasco finished his senior season hitting .448 with 13 doubles and 33 RBI in only 23 games. He lettered four times in football and twice in baseball. Marasco was the KAKE TV student Athlete of the Year, Maize male Athlete of the Year and a member of the National Honor Society and Kansas Scholar Athlete.

Jakubov is a 6’4”, 193-pound redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher who has made 8 appearances on the year, pitching 10.0 innings and striking out 5. Opponents are only hitting .222 against him. Jakubov also graduated from Maize High School in Wichita, KS where he was selected as a Louisville Slugger All-American as a senior. Jakubov was named his team’s MVP twice during his prep career.

House Finds a Home in Rochester

From the Rochester Honkers
The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Austin House from the University of New Mexico.

The 6’4” 185-pound sophomore is a late inning reliever. House has appeared in team high 14 games, pitching 21.1 innings and striking out 15.

A 2009 graduate of La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, House helped his team to a state championship in 2008 and was named first team all-state, first team all-district and first team all-metro as a senior. House was then drafted in the 25th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to attend New Mexico.

The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start. Their home opener is Thursday, June 2nd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

Steamers Stockpile Two More Arms

From the CPL
The Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League announce today the addition of two more right-handed pitchers to the 2011 roster. Red-shirt junior Ryan Turner and junior Mike Hernandez (pictured L-R, courtesy of their respective schools SID offices) will play in Edenton in 2011.

Turner hails from North Richmond Hills, Texas, at 6-5, 195 pounds. He is the closer for the Tarleton State University Texans (TX) in the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference. As a hurler for the Victoria Generals in the Texas Collegiate League during the 2010 summer, Turner appeared in 11 games, including one start. In 20.2 innings on the mound for the Generals he posted a 1.31 ERA and a .117 batting average against, adding 30 strikeouts to 11 walks. Turner is a talented bullpen arm, and three times has been drafted him in the past, including Atlanta in 2010, and the Rays in 2008 and 2007. He could hear his name called for a fourth time this June. He is a power arm that will team with Chris Bassitt to give Steamers head coach Dirk Kinney two nasty options at the back of the bullpen that feature low 90s fastballs, good command, and a put-away slider. Turner works in the 89-93 mph range with a low 80s slider that has depth and two-plane break. He transferred to Tarleton this year from McClennan Community College after playing his freshman year at Midland College, another Texas JUCO program.

Hernandez will join the Steamers after a spring playing for the Butler University Bulldogs (IN) in the NCAA Division I Horizon League, where he is a weekend starter in 2011. The Crown Point, Ind., native weighs in at 6-2, 205 pounds and is finishing up his third year as a stalwart in the Butler rotation. He spent his 2010 summer pitching for the Waynesboro Generals in the Valley League, where he appeared five times, making four starts. Over 29 innings pitched for the Generals, Hernandez had a .252 batting average against, 28 strikeouts to 12 walks, and only yielded two extra-base hits for a lowly opponent slugging of .279. He spent two quality summers in the Valley League and he comes to Edenton with a tremendous track record of success and experience on the hill. Hernandez is at his best when he is able to induce early weak contact with his power sinker that generates groundballs in bunches but he has the ability to get strikeouts as well. Reports have him touching 93-94 mph with his fastball this spring for Butler but he typically works in the high 80s to low 90s. He complements the fastball with a quality change up and he should benefit from the Steamers annually strong infield defense.

Turner and Hernandez are two more quality signs for the Edenton pitching staff this season. Turner projects to a leveraged role in the bullpen and Hernandez has the makings for the rotation. Turner has been dominant thus far this spring for the Texans, who have resided in the Division II top 30 for most of the season. He has racked up 10 saves and five wins in 21 appearances, including 50 strikeouts against just 11 walks in 32.2 innings. Following a bit of a slow start to the spring, Hernandez is in a groove right now that has seen him post five quality starts in his last 6 outings. His cumulative numbers to this point in the season are 35 strikeouts and 14 walks in 47.2 innings pitched; and on the strength of that good two-seamer he has only one home run allowed and a groundout:flyout ratio near 2.0.

The Edenton Steamers compete during the Summer at Historic Hicks Field in downtown Historic Edenton, North Carolina. 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. 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 htt://www.coastalplain.com. For more information on the Edenton Steamers,please visit the team website at http://edentonsteamers.com.

Former Mallard All-Star Jerrud Sabourin becomes Indiana's all-time hits king

From the Madison Mallards
The Madison Mallards are excited to announce that former first baseman Jerrud Sabourin has become Indiana University's all-time hits leader.

Sabourin notched his 306th career hit when he recorded his third base-knock of the game in a 6-0 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes on April 17. He surpassed the previous record-holder in Alex Smith (1982-1986). Sabourin has started 208 consecutive games for the Cream and Crimson.

He played for the Mallards in 2009 and posted a .294 batting average (62-for-211) with nine doubles, one home run, and 28 RBI over 60 games. He was also named to the Northwoods League Mid-Season All-Star Team and recorded a double in three plate appearances in the All-Star game.

As of April 25 the San Diego, CA native was hitting .263 with eight doubles and 20 RBI through 40 games.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League and will play a 70-game schedule in the new-and-improved "Duck Pond" beginning on Opening Day, June 7th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05 p.m.

Single-game tickets for the 2011 season will go on sale beginning Saturday, May 7. Fans can purchase tickets either online at Mallardsbaseball.com or over the phone by calling the ticket office at 608.246.4277. Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are now on sale.

Former Steamer, Scribner, Debuts with Padres

From the CPL
Former Edenton Steamers right-hander Evan Scribner (picture courtesy of Andy Hayt/San Diego Padres) made his major league debut Tuesday night with the San Diego Padres.

With the Padres trailing 8-1 to Atlanta, Scribner took the mound to start the top of the seventh inning. Jason Heyward connected on a grounder to third baseman Jorge Cantu for what was debatably ruled a hit. But Scribner wouldn’t let that get to him as he proceeded to get Chipper Jones to ground into a double play. Then, after a single by Dan Uggla, Scribner got Freddie Freeman to ground out to second to get out of the inning without any damage done.

Overall, he ended up pitching two innings of scoreless baseball, surrendering just a pair of hits and walking one on the night.

A member of the Steamers in 2006, Scribner is now the 42nd CPL alum to make it to the show, and the fourth from the Edenton franchise to do so. Furthermore, he is the third alum to debut during the 2011 season, joining the Dodgers’ Jerry Sands and the Rangers’ Coby Eppley.

A 28th-round draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007, he started his professional career in Missoula (Rookie) before advancing to Single-A South Bend. In 2008, he started the season with the Silver Hawks, going 2-3 with a 1.57 ERA through 23 appearances. Scribner then pitched in five games for Advanced-A Visalia before being traded to San Diego.

As a member of the Padres organization, he picked up with Advanced-A Lake Elsinore. There, he made 20 appearances, going 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA. He was promoted to San Antonio (AA) in 2009, and spent two seasons with the Missions – combining to go 12-9 with a 2.84 ERA.

After spending time at spring training earlier this year, Scribner was sent to Triple-A Tucson. While there, he was 0-1 with three saves in four opportunities before getting called up.

While in Edenton, Scribner went 6-1 with a 1.17 ERA through 11 appearances – six of them starts. His ERA was the fourth-best in the league. In 46 1/3 innings, the right-hander from Central Connecticut State surrendered just six earned runs on 31 hits, while walking just eight and striking out an impressive 50 batters. He also was a part of three combined shutouts that summer.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL 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 families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both the players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 42 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, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague).

Madison Mallards to Plant a Tree Every Time a Bat is Broken in 2011

From the Madison Mallards
Madison, WI – April 21, 2011. The Madison Mallards have announced the start of season-long promotion with Barnes, Inc. and the City of Madison Parks Department to plant a tree in a City Park every time the Mallards break a wooden bat at home during the 2011 season.

To launch the promotion, the Mallards, Barnes, Inc. and the City of Madison will plant a tree in Warner Park on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2011 at 10 am. This event will be open to the media and Parks Superintendent Kevin Briski, Mallards General Manager, Conor Caloia and Mark Barnes from Barnes, Inc. will be available for comment. Mallards’ mascot Maynard G. Mallard will also be present.

Barnes Inc. will be the official sponsor of the Mallards “Break a Bat, Plant a Tree” season-long promotion. This promotion will create awareness of the impending Emerald Ash Borer and make an effort to maintain the tree population in the City of Madison Parks. During all 35 Mallards home games in 2011, the Mallards and Barnes Inc. will donate a tree to the City of Madison Parks Department when a Mallards player breaks an ash bat during a game. The Mallards will donate at least one tree per night (35 total) throughout the season. Each of these trees will be planted in City parks throughout Madison. This promotion will be a major focus of the 2011 season due to the Mallards partnership with the City of Madison Parks.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League and will play a 70-game schedule in the new-and-improved “Duck Pond” beginning on Opening Day, June 7th against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05p.m.

Single-game tickets for the 2011 season will go on sale beginning Saturday, May 7. Fans can purchase tickets either online at MallardsBaseball.com or over the phone by calling the ticket office at 608.246.4277. Group tickets, including hospitality areas perfect for company outings are now on sale.

DUTCHMEN SIGN TWO TO COMPLETE CATCHING TRIO

From the Albany Dutchmen
By: Eric Samulski

The Dutchmen finalized their trio of catchers this week by signing two experienced backstops to join Temple's Will Remillard. After a tough year behind the dish in 2010, the Dutchmen focused on bringing in defensive-minded players to control the game at home plate and are confident that they found two perfect fits in Ryan Welke of Northwest Florida State and Dain McNabb of Middle Tennessee State.

A Red-shirt Freshman from Tallahassee, Welke came to Northwest Florida State after originally signing with Auburn out of high school. The 6'3" 200 pounder, moved to the JUCO powerhouse, currently ranked #5 in Division One by NJCAA to be closer to home where he enjoyed a tremendous high school career. Playing for Brian Kelley at Rickards, Welke was named All-State honorable mention three times, was named District 2-4A Player of the Year, All-Big Ben Player of the Year and was a participant in the FACA All-Star Game. He was a career .370 hitter and threw out 69% of baserunners in his three years as a full-time starter. He has enjoyed similar success with the Raiders, hitting .263 with three HRs and 25 RBIs through 33 games.


Like Welke, McNabb has made his name with impressive defensive statistics. a four time All-District winner and three time All-Region nominee, the Loudon, Tenn native was named First-Team All-State as as Senior after setting a school record and throwing out 61 baserunners in one season to go along with a .516 batting average, nine home runs and 45 RBIs. As a Sophomore at Middle Tennessee State, the 5'8" 180 pound McNabb has forced his way into playing time behind the dish. Starting in 19 of his 24 appearances, McNabb has a .242 batting average and eight RBIs and continues to play tremendous defense, leading all catchers in assists.

Arnsberg Commits to Return for Generals

From the Victoria Generals
The Victoria Generals announced today that Kyle Arnsberg has signed to rejoin the team for the upcoming 2011 summer season. Arnsberg was a member of last season’s 2010 Texas Collegiate League Championship team.

“We’re excited to have Kyle back in Victoria playing for us again this summer,” commented Victoria’s general manager, Blake Koch. “It’s a big compliment to our organization to have players who want to continue to come back and play for us every year.”

Arnsberg is currently a freshman at McLennan Community College in Waco where he plays for former Generals head coach, Chris Clemons. Arnsberg transferred to MCC after redshirting last year at Arizona State University.

Arnsberg has started at catcher, first base, or designated hitter in all of MCC’s 49 games this season. To date, Arnsberg is currently batting .303 with 16 doubles, three homeruns, 22 walks, and 29 RBIs.

Arnsberg, a native of Arlington, Texas, was drafted in the 45th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox.

Kyle is the son of current Houston Astros pitching coach, Brad Arnsberg. Brad pitched six seasons in the major leagues for the New York Yankees (1986-87), Texas Rangers (1989-91), and Cleveland Indians (1992). Brad is currently in his second season with the Astros. Brad was formerly the pitching coach for the Montreal Expos from 2000-03 and for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2005-09.

The Generals kickoff the 2011 season at home on June 1. Game time is 7:05pm at Riverside Stadium against the East Texas Pump Jacks.

Season tickets can be purchased at the Generals front office located at 3708 North Navarro Suite A in the Landmark Shopping Center, online at www.VictoriaGenerals.com, or by calling 361-485-9522.

Three More Pitchers Sign With Prospect League Teams

Three more pitchers have signed contracts to play in the Prospect League this summer. Cody Dickerson (Pepperdine) is a Freshman RHP from Cypress, TX. He currently has a 5.14 era in 7 innings pitched this season. He will be playing for the Danville Dans this summer. Kurt Kudrecki (Indiana State) is a Freshman RHP from Dyer, IN. He has  a1-0 record, and a 1.38 era in 13 innings pitched. He will pitch for the Dubois County Bombers.  Adam Beach (Lake Erie College) is a Sophomore RHP from Vermilion, Ohio. He is 3-3, and has a 6.69 era in 37.2 innings pitched. Adam will pitch for the Lorain County Ironmen this summer.

California Glory coming back to Lodi with Jonathan Knight as manager

From the Lodi News
The California Glory collegiate baseball team is returning to Lodi this summer and Lodi's own Jonathan Knight is taking over as manager.

The Glory arrived in Lodi last year, taking over Zupo Field as the third collegiate summer squad to come to town in the last four years after the Lodi GrapeSox and the Lodi Baseball Club. The Glory will play 21 games at Zupo Field this season, starting with their opener on June 4 against the Fresno Cardinals. The regular season goes through the end of July.

Read the rest of this article here.

AppleSox Add Three Red Devils

From the Wenatchee AppleSox
(Wenatchee, WA)- One of the top junior college baseball programs in the northwest will once again supply players to the AppleSox in 2011. A trio of right handed pitchers from Lower Columbia College, Jeff Ames, Ben Ruff, and Garrett Tygerson, are set to play in Wenatchee.

The Red Devils are the defending Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) Champions, capturing their league high 10th title in 2010. The connection between the AppleSox and the school is easy to find. Each summer several of the top Red Devils follow LCC and AppleSox pitching coach Rob Hippi from Longview to Wenatchee.

“Certainly we have our relationship with Coach Hippi, but they are probably the most successful and established junior college baseball program in the northwest over the last 30 years,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “We don’t have a lot of junior college players on our team, but I think the ones we do have come in with a chip on their shoulder. They are surrounded by Division I players in our league and are eager to prove they belong.”

Ames is set to pick up where he left off last season for the AppleSox. The flamethrower flourished when he converted to the closer role in early July. After making the move to the bullpen, he did not allow a run in league play throughout July and August. He was the only relief pitcher selected to the 2010 All-WCL First Team, finishing the season with nine saves, including three in the playoffs.

He was named as a junior college Preseason All-American and the #12 junior college prospect in the country by Baseball America. Pro scouts have been keeping a close eye on the draft eligible sophomore from Vancouver, who is 2-0 with a 2.73 ERA this spring.

“He hit 100 mph on the radar gun the other day,” said AppleSox and LCC pitching coach Hippi. “There are consistently around 30 scouts behind home plate every time he pitches. It’s the most attention I’ve seen a player receive in all my years at LCC.”

Ruff is in his first year at LCC after spending his freshman season at University of Portland. No stranger to the West Coast League, he spent last summer as a member of the Bellingham Bells. The Fife native was a two-way player for the Bells, serving as the team’s closer and also playing third base. He earned All-WCL honorable mention for his accomplishments on the mound, going 2-2 with a 1.77 ERA and earning nine saves.

“He is currently out with a broken hand but he should be ready for the summer,” said Hippi. “The plan is to just have him pitch with the AppleSox and not play in the field. He’s got some juice on the mound.”

Tygerson, a sophomore from Ashland, OR, has made eight appearances on the mound for the Red Devils, going 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA.

“He will probably be coming out of the bullpen,” said Hippi. “He is an athlete. He can run like a deer and even had a scholarship offer to play basketball from Humboldt State University out of high school.”

The AppleSox open the 2011 season June 3rd with a three-game home series against the Kitsap BlueJackets. Tickets are available now at www.applesox.com or by calling (509) 665-6900.

A whirlwind field upgrade in Rochester

From Fosters.com
ROCHESTER — A whirlwind project to upgrade Bert George Field (the Spaulding High School baseball field) is under way this week that over time could make the field one of the finest high-school fields in New Hampshire.

The Seacoast Mavericks, a member of the inaugural four-team Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), have signed a five-year lease with Rochester and in lieu of payment for using the field are spending an estimated $50,000 to upgrade it. The field is also used primarily by Spaulding High School baseball teams and American Legion Post 7.

Read the rest of this article here.

Eppley Makes Debut with Rangers

From the Wilmington Sharks
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – Former Wilmington Sharks right-hander Cody Eppley made his major league debut Saturday night with the Texas Rangers.

Entering out of the pen in the top of the seventh inning, Eppley went two innings and surrendered just a pair of hits. He also struck out one as he helped lead the Rangers to a 3-1 victory over Kansas City.

"It was a blast just to get out there on the mound," Eppley told Evan Grant of the Dallas News. "To get the strike out gave me a little more confidence to do the job, but that's how I've worked to right-handers since I dropped down. It was just going back to muscle-memory and letting that take over. It still hasn't sunk in and probably won't until I wake up tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be shocked, then."

A member of the Sharks in 2007, Eppley is now the 41st CPL alum to make it to the show, and the fourth from the Wilmington franchise to do so. Furthermore, he is the second alum to debut during the 2011 season.

Taken in the 43rd round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Virginia Commonwealth University, Eppley started with Rookie-level Arizona before moving up to Clinton by the end of 2008. The next year, he found himself in Single-A Hickory, where he went 1-3 with a 2.93 ERA through 37 appearances.

Eppley started the 2010 season with High-A Bakersfield and was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA through 18 innings before being promoted to Frisco (AA). After pitching effectively for the RoughRiders (1-1, 1.19 ERA), he was called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he finished the year with a 2-1 record and 4.08 ERA through 28 2/3 innings of work.

After being invited to spring training with the Rangers, he began the 2011 season at Triple-A Round Rock and pitched 8 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball before getting the call to join the big club in Arlington.

While in Wilmington, Eppley went 3-4 with a 4.69 ERA through eight starts. In 48 innings of work, he allowed 27 runs – 25 earned – on 52 hits, while walking just 18 and striking out 39. Further, he threw a complete game with eight strikeouts against New Bern on June 23rd as the Sharks swam to a 4-2 win.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrationg its 15th season in 2011, the CPL 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 families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both the players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 41 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague).

First South African To Play In West Coast League

From the WCL
The Klamath Falls Gems have signed the first South African to ever play in the West Coast League. Wesley Hoskins, a 22-year-old right-handed hitting first baseman, will join the club for the 2011 season. Hoskins was a reserve on South Africa's 2009 World Baseball Classic team and will attend Green River (WA) Community College in the fall.

DANS NAME ASSISTANT COACH

From the Danville Dans
(DANVILLE, IL) – The Danville Dans have named Bret Simmermacher as assistant coach for the 2011 season. He joins Dans Head Coach Mike Hutcheon for the 2011 season, which begins June 2.

Simmermacher is currently head baseball coach at the New Mexico Military Institute. A graduate of the University of West Florida, Bret obtained his bachelor and masters degrees while pitching for the Argonauts. He signed a professional contract with the Seattle Mariners in 1986 and won a Northwest League Championship with the Bellingham Mariners.

After finishing his playing career, Simmermacher obtained his doctorate degree at the US Sports Academy in Sports Management and currently serves as a distance faculty member.

Dr. Simmermacher is a native of Crestline, Ohio. He and his wife, Charlene, live in Roswell, NM and are parents of four children, Natahsa (24), Allyssa (22), Justin (19) and Cheyenne (12).

The Danville Dans are part of the Prospect League, one of the premier college summer leagues in the nation. Baseball players from as far away as California, Texas, Florida and Maryland come to Danville to improve their pitching, fielding skills, and hitting with wood bats. The Dans alumni include 19 current or former major league players.

MASON CITY'S ADAMS RETURNS TO BUCKS FOR 2011

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced that catcher/first baseman Jordan Adams will return to the Bucks for the 2011 season. Adams is currently a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Adams becomes the third player from last season's squad to return for the '11 season, joining infielder Andrew Ewing and catcher Jeremy Lucas.

Last summer, Adams, originally from Mason City, Iowa, joined the Bucks during the last week of the season, playing in four games. The right-handed batter had two hits, including one double, and drove in two runs. Adams hit .125 for the Bucks over 16 at bats.

This season for the Chippewas, Adams is hitting .317 in 18 games. In 60 at bats, Adams has one home run, 10 RBI, and a .450 slugging percentage.

"Jordan is a big Midwest boy with tremendous bat speed and power to all fields, and is a great character kid," said Bucks Manager Jason Nell. "We are counting on him to hit in the middle part of the line-up if he can put the ball in play. I look forward to seeing his improvement at Central Michigan, and then transferring it to play with the Bucks."

The 6'2", 220-pounder started 10 games behind the plate and three as the designated hitter for Central Michigan during the 2010 season. In 60 at bats, Adams had 13 hits and nine RBI. He ended the season with a slugging percentage of .350.

Born July 23, 1990, Adams is a graduate of Newman Catholic High School. Adams broke a state record by hitting seven career grand slams and was a three-time All-State elite team selection. Jordan is son of Tony and Pam Adams.

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.

Mohawks Announce Signing of Six Pitchers

From the Amsterdam Mohawks
The two time defending New York Collegiate League Champion Amsterdam Mohawks have announced the signing of six pitchers for the 2011 season. The Mohawks, members of the newly formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, will be looking for a third championship in a row, as they captured the New York Collegiate League crown the past two seasons.

Abram Williams, from Radford University, Mark Leiter Jr from NJ Tech, Mike Dodakian from Dartmouth College, Shaun Coughlin from the University of Maine, Kris Barone of Mt. Olive College, and Brett Housseal from Marist College will look to carry on a rich tradition of pitching excellence in Amsterdam. Mohawks General Manager Bill Terlecky commented on the hurlers. "Its nice to have a solid base of pitchers that have had success in college and that throw strikes. As we all know, pitching is all about throwing strikes. Its also nice to welcome back Abram Williams who was clearly the top closer in the NYCBL last season. Getting to him in the 9th inning with that big curveball is a major boost to the team."

Williams, a native of Radford, VA is a junior at Radford. He is the only pitcher from the 2010 Mohawks team that will be returning in 2011. He served as the 2010 closer and after amassing 14 saves and an ERA under 2.00, he was named the Mohawks Pitcher of the Year and a 1st Team All-NYCBL selection. He struck out 41 batters in 30 innings pitched. Thus far this spring for Radford, Abram has 10 saves and a 2.08 ERA.

Leiter, the son of former major league pitcher Mark Leiter and nephew of Al Leiter, has been sensational in his sophomore season at NJ Tech. The Lanoka Harbor, NJ native gave up nine runs in one inning in his first start of the season but since then has been brilliant. In his last 46 innings he has given up just 24 earned runs and struck out 52 batters and has an ERA under 4.00.

Dodakian, a native of Walpole, MA is a freshman right hander at Dartmouth. Thus far in 2010, the 6'0 right hander has been brilliant and one of the Big Green's main pitchers. In 20 innings pitched, he leads Dartmouth with a 2.20 ERA . He is expected to be one of their top starters of the future.

Coughlin, a 6'3 220 pound freshman right hander is Maine's top bullpen pitcher as well. Another player that is expected to be a top starter by next season, the Northfield, CT native has had a stellar freshman season for the Black Bears. Thus far in 38 innings pitched, Shaun leads Maine with a team low 3.30 ERA on the season.

Barone, a junior at Division II #1 ranked Mt. Olive College (NC) has been a solid contributor out of the bullpen for the 34-6 Trojans. The Gloversville, NY native played in the NYCBL last summer as part of the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs staff and was their top pitcher. He participated in the NYCBL Pro Prospect Game during All-Star Day. He threw over 50 innings for the DiamondDawgs and had a 4.09 ERA.

Housseal, a sophomore at Marist, is also the main bullpen guy for the Red Fox's. The 6'3 220 pound right handed pitcher is a hard thrower who is also expected to be a conference starter next season. So far in 2011, the Landisville, PA native has thrown 28 innings and has a 3.21 ERA.

The Mohawks open their season on Thursday June 9 against the Albany Dutchmen. They will have an opening weekend giant fireworks show after their second home game on Saturday June 11. This is the first of six fireworks shows the Mohawks have on tap for the season. Other shows will be June 24, July 1, July 3, July 15, and July 29.

Former Rapids Twin Gary Gaetti Set to Return to Rapids

From the NWL
This year, Rafters Opening Day at Historic Witter Field will provide baseball fans the chance to welcome back one of the great players to ever don a Wisconsin Rapids Twins uniform. After 20 Big League seasons, two All-Star selections, and four Gold Glove Awards, Gary Gaetti is set to make a return to where it all started.

Gaetti will make an appearance at the Rafters Home Opener on June 1st against the Madison Mallards. Gates to the contest will open at 6:05 p.m., with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. Gaetti will be available for autographs at the game and will also throw out the Ceremonial first pitch that night as well.

Gaetti was drafted twice by Major League Teams (St. Louis Cardinals 4th Round 1978 January Draft; Chicago White Sox 3rd Round 1978 June Draft) before accepting an offer from the Minnesota Twins after being selected in the 1st Round (11th overall) of the 1979 June MLB Draft. He played in 66 games that summer in the rookie league for the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League where he batted .257 with 14 home runs and 42 RBI. The following summer he moved even further onto the Twins radar after his performance during the 1980 season in Wisconsin Rapids.

The 1980 Wisconsin Rapids Twins finished 2nd in the Midwest League and featured three future Major Leaguers with the likes of Gaetti, Kent Hrbek, and Jim Eisenreich. Gaetti played 138 games at third base that season while posting some impressive statistics. He finished the 1980 season with a .266 (134-for-503) batting average, 22 home runs, 82 RBI, and 77 runs scored, while also stealing 34 bases. He also smacked 27 doubles and carried a .358 on-base percentage that season.

Following his tenure in Wisconsin Rapids, Gaetti played the following season with AA Orlando before making the leap directly to the Major Leagues with the Minnesota Twins as a 22 year old in 1981. He went on to play 20 seasons in the Major League with the Twins, California Angels, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox. Gaetti won a World Series championship with Minnesota in 1987 and was the MVP of that year’s America League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers. That year, he became the first player ever to hit home runs in his first two postseason plate appearances.

In his 20 Major League seasons, Gaetti played in 2,507 games and amassed 2,280 hits, 360 home runs, 1,341 RBI while posting a lifetime .255 batting average. He was honored for his defensive prowess by being awarded four consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1986 through 1989 and was a two-time All-Star selection during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Gaetti retired from Major League Baseball as an active player during the 2000 season.

Following his playing career, Gaetti was inducted into the North West Missouri State University athletic hall of fame, his alma mater, in October 2003. He coached in the Houston Astros minor league system as a hitting coach with the AAA New Orleans Zephyrs from 2002 to 2004 and was promoted to hitting coach for the Houston Astros on July 14, 2004 when the team dismissed manager Jimy Williams, hitting coach Harry Spilman, and pitching coach Burt Hooton. Gaetti remained in that position until July 12, 2006, when he was relieved of his duties. Following the 2006 season, he was hired as the hitting coach for Tampa Bay’s AAA affiliate, the Durham Bulls. Gaetti is currently working at Baseball USA in Houston, Texas. On August 19, 2007, the Minnesota Twins inducted him into the team's Hall of Fame.

Raging Tide Sign Three Top-Notch Pitchers

The Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide have signed three more top-flight pitchers for the 2011 summer season. Rich Anastasi (Fordham) is a LHP from Waldwick, NJ. He is a perfect 4-0 this season and has a 1.52 era in 23.2 innings of work. He has appeared in 16 games and has a great bb/k ratio of 3/29 this year. Matt Cook (Northeastern) is a RHP from Hamilton, MA. He has a 1.38 era in 13 innings pitched this year. He has apperaed in 7 games and has held opponents to a .200 batting average this year. Chris Carmain (Northeastern) is a RHP from Methuen, MA. He is 1-2 and has a 5.27 era in 27.1 innings pitched this year. He has appeared in 15 games and has fanned 29 batters this year.

Ex-Westerner Named Carolina League Player of the Week

From the NECBL
Third baseman Michael Olt was named the Carolina League Player of the Week for the period between April 7th and April 17th.

Olt, a supplemental first round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2010, hit .424 with five doubles, three homers and 10 RBI. He slugged .848 during the week and a half.

Olt had just 69 pro games under his belt before starting the season at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach. The Branford, CT native and UConn product played for the Danbury Westerners in his freshman summer of 2008. Olt hit .279 and slugged .469. His six home runs were sixth best in the NECBL and he finished second in the League in runs scored. Olt homered for the winning Southern Division in the 2008 NECBL All-Star game.

Red Sox Hall of Famer Bob Stanley to Appear on NESN Friday April 29th

From the Seacoast Mavericks
Red Sox legend Bob Stanley will be on the Yawkey Way stage as a guest of Tom Caron Friday April 29th at 5:30 pm before the Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners. Caron, who hosts the Red Sox pre-game show Friday Night Fenway, will be speaking with Stanley about his current role as President of the Seacoast Mavericks (Rochester, NH) of the newly formed Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) as well as his role as a member of the FCBL Board of Directors. Stanley has been influential in the development of this new summer college baseball league based in New England.

This night also marks the 25th anniversary of the night Roger Clemens struck out 20 Seattle Mariners and Stanley and TC will take a look back to this historical record.

“I am excited about talking about my new roles in the FCBL. I have enjoyed being part of the development of this league and the Seacoast Mavericks team. We are going to have some real exciting college players here in New England this summer,” said Stanley.

The FCBL will start its inaugural season on June 9th and part of the mission of the league is to provide a highly competitive atmosphere for some of the nation’s best college baseball players with many of them coming from New England. This summer the FCBL will have teams in Rochester, NH (Mavericks), Nashua, NH (Silver Knights), Martha’s Vineyard, MA (Sharks), and Torrington, CT (Titans).

Chris Hall, Commissioner of the FCBL, said Stanley has been “A tremendous asset to the Futures League and has made a major impact on the Maverick franchise.”

Stanley was a member of the Red Sox on the night Clemens struck out 20. “I actually warmed up in the 9th that night. I was pretty sure Roger had things in control,” said Stanley.

Hall, Mavericks owner Dave Hoyt, and Mavericks Director of Baseball Operations Mike Daboul will also be on hand with Stanley.

Pioneers Sign "Legacy" Players

From the Elmira Pioneers
Following in the footsteps of two of the Pioneers All Stars from 2010, the Pioneers announced the signing of catcher Patrick Hyde (Northern Kentucky University) and OF/1B Aaron Hopper (Marietta College).

Hyde follows last year's Pioneers catcher Brian Erie from NKU to Elmira. For the Norsemen of NKU Hyde is hitting .239 and leads the team in HR's with 4 in only 46 at bats. "We knew with Erie finishing his senior year, Pat would not be the everyday catcher at NKU. But, he has tremendous power and he will bring that strong bat to Dunn Field." stated Head Coach Dan Shwam.

Hopper is hitting.337 with 2 HR's and 34 RBI's for nationally ranked #2 (D3) Marietta College. "John Snyder was a great pickup from Marietta and with Cody Castle (last year's Pioneers Pitching Coach) on the staff of the Marietta club, we knew we would get someone with great potential. Aaron looks like he fits the bill." said GM Jeff Kunion.

The Pioneers Opening Weekend starts June 9 versus the Cooperstown Hawkeyes. The first Thirsty Thursday of the year, all drinks are $1.00. Enjoy the pregame concert and the postgame Fireworks Show, presented by the City of Elmira. "Lucky Fan" giveaways include an HD TV, a DVD player, an interactive game system, jewelry and more.

Friday, June 10 is Buffalo Wild Wings Night. The first 500 fans receive a coupon for six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Saturday, June 11 is Home Necessities Water Bottle Night, the first 500 fans receive a free water bottle courtesy of Home Necessities.

Both Friday and Saturday "Lucky Fan" giveaways include an HD TV, a DVD player, a digital camcorder and more.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Pioneers exclusive retail ticket outlet, Jubilee Foods at 2898 Westinghouse Road, Horseheads.
For more information visit www.elmirapioneers.com or call the Pioneers office at either 607-734-2690 or 516-521-0206.

This summer, Have Even More Fun at the Dunn.

Bombers Re-sign 2010 All-Star Battistelli

From the NWL
The Bombers are returning another starting pitcher to their rotation today, re-signing Joe Battistelli from Eastern Michigan University for the 2011 season.

Battistelli pitched extensively for Battle Creek in 2010, earning a 4-4 record, 4.67 ERA, and striking out 45 through 52 innings. In his sophomore season with the Eagles, he’s 3-1, though he’s pitched mostly out of the bullpen with a handful of starts. Joe was an All-Star for the Bombers a season ago representing Battle Creek in Eau Claire, WI last summer. Battistelli is heavily involved with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in the EMU community.

“With Joe being our only All-Star last year, there was no question we wanted him to be a part of our squad in 2011. He is a guy that will give his team a chance to win every time he goes out there. He should also help our new pitchers settle in right away.” said Brian Colopy, Bombers GM.

BUCKS ADD ARM TO STAFF

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Joe Zwierzynski to their roster for the 2011 season. Zwierzynski (pronounced zwer-ZIN-ski), originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois, is currently a sophomore at Michigan State University.

Currently for the Spartans, Zwierzynski owns a 1.04 ERA in seven appearances. With 8.2 innings pitched, Zwierzynski is 1-0 with eight strikeouts and is holding batters to a .250 average.

"Joe is a big man from the Big 10. He is going to be a large part of the rotation for the Bucks," said Bucks Coach Jared Krasselt. "Having been a team captain in high school, this young man knows how to lead and how to win, and that kind of recipe is necessary to put a Northwoods League Championship together."

Zwierzynski finished the 2010 season with an ERA of 6.06 after appearing in 12 games for the Spartans. The 6'4", 230-pound pitcher went 16.1 innings in the season, with 17 strikeouts. Zwierzynski played for the Play Ball USA Patriots in the summer of 2010. He started in nine games and finished with a record of 3-4. Zwierzynski ended the season with 36 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.48.

Zwierzynski attended Prairie Ridge High School, where he helped the team to a 29-8 record as a senior captain and was named first team All-Conference and All-Area. Joe was born September 27, 1990 and is the son of Mike and Margie Zwierzynski.

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.