(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball Club has announced the respective signings of Santa Clara pitcher and catcher, Cory Hall and Patrick Terry for the 2010 summer.  The young Broncos will add to an extremely talented and deep Woodchucks ball club poised to make a Northwoods League Championship run just a few short months from now. This season will not be the first summer the Broncos’ duo has teamed up, as they played the 2008 summer together with the Regina Red Sox under the tutelage of current Woodchucks manager Guido Aspeitia.

Hall, the 6’2” Canadian righty, is pitching in his second season at Santa Clara after making one-year stops at Taft College and Gonzaga University.  As a redshirt sophomore last season, Hall pitched 34 innings, mostly in relief, where he carried a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 27 to 11.  More importantly, when Hall played for Guido in Hall’s hometown of Regina he posted a very respectable 3.32 ERA in 40 2/3 innings- while helping out at the plate with a .339 batting average.  Expect Hall to post some impressive numbers as a junior at Santa Clara, as he has shown all the ability and talent to do so.

Hall will be joined by a Bronco lifer in catcher Patrick Terry.  A Washington state native, Terry is in his fourth season at SC after walking on -and traveling- from day one as a freshman.  “I’m a hard worker, and I’ll leave everything I have on the field,” said Terry.  “This season I’m trying to take full advantage of every opportunity, trying to limit wasted at-bats, and focus on the present.”  Terry has mostly been used as a defensive replacement in his career, but thus far through 11 games played, Terry boasts a .368 batting average.

“He [Coach Aspeitia] taught me a lot about myself as a player. I am really excited to get to play for him again, he has a great coaching style, and he knows how to bring all of the guys together. I think he will provide us with the best possible opportunity for success with the ‘Chucks,” said Terry.  “I’m looking forward to doing something special in Wausau this summer.”

The Woodchucks 2010 home opener is on Thursday, June 3rd as they take on the Madison Mallards.  For group outing/ticket information contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055 or visit the Woodchucks website at woodchucks.com.

(BATTLE CREEK, MI) - The Battle Creek Bombers are pleased to announce the additions of Spring Arbor University teammates Shane Street and Brett Kauten to their 2010 team roster.

The pair of Cougars, set to join the Bombers this season, are both freshman for the nationally renowned NAIA baseball power. “We are excited to bring in talented student athletes like Shane and Brett to compete for us,” said Rick Lindau, Bombers General Manager. “Both of these young men hail from Michigan, play collegiate ball just up the road at Spring Arbor, and should hopefully make the transition easily to the competitive Northwoods League.”

Street is an accomplished catcher entering his first collegiate season with the Cougars. The 6’0”, 190 pound native of Rockford, MI was All-Conference, All-District and All-Region in his senior season for Rockford High School. He was also honored as the team’s most valuable player and received a gold glove award for his work behind the plate.  “Shane is blessed with a very strong right arm and great hands to enable him to be a premier receiver for his mound corp,” said Stan Eldridge, Bombers skipper and an assistant coach with the Cougars. “With a great knowledge and understanding of the game, Shane will serve as another coach on the field as he handles and leads the defense. We also expect that Shane will be an important part of the offense throughout the summer.”

Kauten comes to the Bombers by way of Spring Arbor and Utica Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, MI. At 5’11” and 190 pounds, the freshman infielder was an All-State performer in 2009 and participated in the prestigious MHSAA East-West All-Star Game at Comerica Park last summer. “Adding a bat like Brett’s will greatly enhance our offense this summer,” said Eldridge. “With the ability to power the ball to the gaps and as well as Brett runs, he will create excitement for Bombers fans and be an important member of the team. Brett will also work in the middle of the defense to support a strong Bombers pitching staff.”

Street and Kauten join fellow Cougars alumni Andy Paulun and Cody Sharp as members of the Bombers. Paulun and Sharp both pitched for Battle Creek during the 2008 season.

The Battle Creek Bombers begin their fourth season of play on June 2, 2010. For schedule information, or to reserve your season tickets, call (269) 962-0735 or e-mail info@battlecreekbombers.com.

(Eau Claire, WI) Eau Claire Express field manager Dale Varsho announced the next three verbal commitments to his roster today. Baylor right-hander Trent Blank is set to return from the 2009 team and will be joined by Yavapai teammates Ty Forney and Devon Zenn. The 2010 roster now stands at ten.

Blank, a 6-foot-2-inch right-handed pitcher, appeared in ten games (seven starts) for the Express in 2009. He finished with a record of 3-1 and a 4.43 earned run average. The sophomore has logged 14.2 innings this spring for the Bears and has a 2-1 record and 4.30 ERA in four appearances (two starts). Blank appeared in 15 games with four starts as a freshman at Baylor.

Forney is a 5-foot-10-inch sophomore infielder at Yavapai. The Gilbert, Ariz. native played in 57 games as a freshman, batting .357 with 38 runs batted in. He has followed up his impressive freshman season with a strong start this spring, as he is batting .301 and leads the team with nine stolen bases through 22 games. His nine steals have already surpassed his total of seven in 2009.

Zenn is a 5-foot-11-inch freshman for the Roughriders. In 19 games this spring, the infielder is batting .316 and is a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen bases. He is tied for the team-lead with 11 walks and leads the team with a .469 on-base percentage. Zenn appeared in 21 games as a senior at Benicia (Calif.) High school and had a .400 batting average. He was drafted out of high school by the Los Angeles Angels in the 27th round of the 2009 June Amateur Draft, but chose to attend school and play collegiate ball at Yavapai.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office.

  (Madison, WI) The Madison Mallards have re-signed Sun Prairie native and 2009 Team MVP Kurtis Muller, a junior outfielder for the Iowa Hawkeyes, for the upcoming season.

Muller, who dreamed of playing for the Mallards when he was a member of the team’s ballpark cleaning crew for two summers ending in 2007, enjoyed a magical two months last season in leading the offense-heavy ballclub with a .335 batting average.

Accolades for the youngster began near the season’s halfway point as he was named to the Northwoods League Mid-Season All-Star Team in June after hitting .302 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 15 RBI through the first 42 games. He was also hitting an eye-popping .388 on the road at that mark.

“It was a huge honor to be named an all-star and a great feeling to know that you’re grouped together with the best of the best in all of the Northwoods League,” said Muller from his home in Iowa City.

Muller sure made his mark in the All-Star Game, held at the Thunder Bay Border Cats’ home, Port Arthur Stadium, in Ontario, Canada.

In an immensely competitive affair, Muller finished the contest going 3-for-5 at the plate with two stolen bases, and was named the game’s “Star of Stars.” His team, the South Division, won the game 4-2; fitting because Muller doesn’t lose often, even if the game doesn’t count in the standings (he won back-to-back WIAA State Baseball Championships with the Cardinals in 2005 and 2006).

Although his season ended abruptly on July 26 when his right calf was struck with a baseball during an at-bat against the Waterloo Bucks, Muller still went on to lead the team in average (.335), runs (40), triples (2), stolen bases (19), and on-base percentage (.409).

Even though he missed the season’s last 17 games, Muller was named to the NWL Post-Season All-Star Team for his still-impressive body of work.

So what does he have left to prove this summer?

For one, Muller points to the large gap between his batting average at home (.242) and that on the road (.422). Despite playing one fewer game in foreign ballparks, he accumulated 20 more hits, 6 more doubles, and 8 more runs while on the road.

To this day, Muller is still puzzled after looking at those numbers. “You know, I was talking to (Manager) C.J. late in the year after I was injured and asked him why I had posted great numbers on the road but struggled at times at home, and neither of us could come up with a reason,” said Muller.

“My approach during each at-bat didn’t change even though I was in different environments. It’s just one of those things that happen in the crazy game of baseball.”Also, being a draft-eligible junior, the former Sun Prairie star has his sights set on the MLB Draft held in June. But that’s another three months away, and right now, Muller has his attention set solely on helping the Hawkeyes win their next game.

“I’m going to let the draft do its thing and if something good comes from it, then I’ll certainly appreciate that moment. But now, I’m still focused on having a special season in Iowa City and continueto build momentum heading into my time in Madison this summer,” said Muller.

“There’s truly no better place to watch a Mallards game than at the “Duck Pond,” and I cannot wait to bring that energy back to our great fans beginning June 2.”

Opening Day 2010 for the Mallards is Wednesday, June 2 against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05 p.m. Single-game tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m.

(Rochester, MN)– The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the hiring of Eric Brock as their pitching coach for the 2010 season.  Brock is currently in his second year as an Assistant Coach at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to join such a first class organization like Rochester,” said Brock.  “I want to thank the entire Rochester Honkers organization as well as Ryan Ruiz for making this possible.  I look forward to an exciting summer.”

Brock, 26, started his collegiate career at Arizona State after being drafted by the Houston Astros right out of high school.  He transferred from ASU to Saddleback College in 2004 where he played one season.  The right-hander went 8-0 with a 3.94 ERA.  He finished his Saddleback career by pitching a complete-game victory in the state championship game.  Brock then went on to pitch at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for his final two collegiate seasons.  He guided the rebels to a 2005 Mountain West Conference Championship and was a team captain in 2006.  Brock then played professionally for the Utica Brewmasters of the New York State League and the Reno Silver Sox of the Golden League.  He then began his coaching career in 2008 with Saddleback College.

“I’m really excited to have found Eric,” said Honkers Field Manager, Ryan Ruiz.  “He brings a ton of experience as a player and a coach.  His experience in pro ball will help prepare our kids for the next level, which this league is all about.  I couldn’t be more excited to work with Eric!”

The Rochester Honkers 17th season begins on June 2nd when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start.  Their home opener is Thursday, June 3rd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available.  Call the Honkers office at 507-289-1170 or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com for more information.

(Waterloo, IA) The Waterloo Bucks have announced that pitcher Anthony Sambula will be joining the team for the 2010 season.  Currently, Sambula is a junior at Cleveland State University and is the 15th player to sign with the Bucks for the summer.

This season for the Vikings, Sambula has started all three games he has appeared in and currently holds a 1-1 record.  In 19 innings pitched, the left-handed hurler has struck out 18 while walking just 12 and holds a 3.79 ERA.  Sambula is holding opposing batters to a .215 average and is currently Cleveland State’s Friday starter.

This will be Sambula’s first season for Waterloo.  Bucks’ Manager Jason Nell is eager to see Sambula in pinstripes for Waterloo this summer.

“Anthony is a good lefty to mix in between right-handers,” said Nell.  “It is tough to square him up and he should be very effective if he throws first pitch strikes.  We would like to see him pitch to both sides of the plate to keep hitters off balance - especially with his second pitch.”

Last season for the Vikings, Sambula appeared in 19 games with nine starts. The southpaw finished with a 3-4 record, a 6.29 ERA, and a career high 32 strikeouts.

A graduate of West Geauga High School in Chesterland, Ohio, Sambula earned three varsity letters as a pitcher and helped lead his team to the league title as a senior.  He was an All Conference selection his final two seasons and was named the team’s MVP as a senior.

Originally from Novelty, Ohio, the 5′11″, 175-pounder was born on June 28, 1989.  Anthony is the son of Jim and Donna Sambula.

The Bucks will open the 2010 season at home on Wednesday, June 2 at 6:35 pm versus Wisconsin Rapids.  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.

Wausau, WI  -  University of California, Santa Barbara pitcher Nick Capito has signed on for his first season of Wisconsin Woodchucks baseball.  The 21-year-old Artesia, California native is enjoying his first season at UCSB after spending the first two years of his collegiate career at highly regarded Santa Ana Junior College.

The transition from junior college to Big West ball can be difficult for anyone, not to mention left-handed pitchers.  But if Capito’s first impressions resonate, it looks like he should be just fine.  In Capito’s first start at Santa Barbara last week, he managed to pick up a loss while giving up one run over a strong seven-and-one-third innings of work.

The 6’2” Capito will try to carry on the Santa Barbara legacy, following in the footsteps of noted alumnus, former Oakland Athletics star, and his personal favorite major league player - Barry Zito.

While attending Santa Ana College, Capito crossed paths with the Dons’ pitching coach Tim Matz, who will also be joining the Woodchucks this season as an assistant coach.  Hopefully the duo can team back up and reproduce Capito’s prolific numbers he enjoyed with the Dons.  In 103.1 innings as a sophomore last spring, under Matz’ tutelage, Capito posted a 12-2 record with a 2.70 earned run average-while striking out 78 batters.

More impressively, Capito led the Dons to an Orange Empire League title in both of his seasons at SAC, while leading the team to the super regionals as a freshman and the state championship finals as a sophomore.

Capito, an English major, assembled a 24-5 career record at La Quinta High School while being a part of three conference championship teams.  He would go on to be named all-conference as a junior and senior, while posting his first career no hitter as a high school sophomore.

The Woodchucks 2010 home opener is on Thursday, June 3rd as they take on the Madison Mallards.  For group outing/ticket information contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055 or visit the Woodchucks website at www.woodchucks.com.

-     provided by Casey Olbrantz, Woodchucks Media Relations Department

(Rochester, MN)– The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of two Cal State Fullerton Titan outfielders for the 2010 season.  Anthony Hutting and Ivory Thomas will continue the long tradition of CSF players coming to Rochester every summer.

Hutting is a 6-foot 185-pound left handed freshman from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.  He finished his senior season at Tesoro High School hitting .444 with 5 home runs, 32 RBI and a team-high 31-game hitting streak.  For his efforts he was named an All-Orange County, All-South Coast League and an All-CIF selection.  Hutting was then drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2009 MLB First-Year Players Draft.  Hutting is the cousin of San Francisco Giants outfielder Aaron Rowand and cousin of Tampa Bay Devil Rays right-handed pitcher, James Shields.

Thomas is a 5’9” 175-pound freshman right-hander from Los Angeles, CA.  He was a four-year letter winner at Downey High School. He finished his senior season hitting .360 with 18 RBI and was 24-26 in stolen bases.  Thomas was a two-time San Gabriel League MVP (2008, 2009) and a three-time first team all-league selection.  Thomas was a 42nd round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2009 MLB First-Year Players Draft.

The 18th ranked Cal State Fullerton Titans travel to Tucson, AZ this weekend for a 3-game set vs. the Arizona Wildcats.

The Rochester Honkers 17th season begins on June 2nd when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start.  Their home opener is Thursday, June 3rd against Mankato at Mayo Field starting at 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available.  Call the Honkers office at 507-289-1170 or log on to www.rochesterhonkers.com for more information.

Madison, WI – The Madison Mallards have signed University of Iowa sophomore infielder/pitcher Sean Flanagan for the team’s upcoming 10th season in the Northwoods League.

Sean Flanagan, a 6’3”, 200 pound sophomore infielder/right-handed pitcher from Downers Grove, Illinois, started 11 games at first base, seven games in left field, and appeared in five games on the mound for the Hawkeyes his freshman season. Offensively, he led the team in slugging percentage (.590), and compiled the fifth best batting average (.301). His six home runs were good for second on the Hawkeyes but set a record for most long balls by a freshman. In conference play, Flanagan had a team-best .696 slugging percentage.

This spring, Flanagan has found his power stroke early in connecting on two long balls and driving in five runs through only five games. He is hitting .294 (5-for-17) with six runs scored. Interestingly, Flanagan has already been hit by a pitch on three occasions.

The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Opening Day 2010 is Wednesday, June 2 against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05 p.m. Single-game tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m. Log on to www.mallardsbaseball.com for more information.

Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express roster continues to develop, as the team announced four more commitments to the 2010 roster today. University of Illinois-Chicago teammates Steve McGuiggan and Nathan Orf join the Express along with Nebraska Cornhusker teammates Josh Scheffert and Chris Williams. Field Manager Dale Varsho’s roster now stands at seven.

McGuiggan is a 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pound outfielder for the UIC Flames. The junior from Apple Valley, Minn. began his career with a bang, batting .370 while leading the team in hits (85), triples (5) and multi-hit games (27). His outstanding freshman season earned him several postseason honors, one of which was being named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team. McGuiggan experienced a slight drop off as a sophomore, finishing with a .254 batting average and team-leading totals in stolen bases (18) and runs scored (37). In seven games this spring, McGuiggan has collected ten hits in 29 at-bats, good for a .345 batting average.
  
Orf is a 5-foot-8-inch, 165-pound sophomore at UIC. The catcher had a standout freshman season, collecting 48 hits in only 36 games. His .429 batting average contributed to his various postseason honors, which included being named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team. Orf has a double in his only at-bat early on this season.

Scheffert, a 6-foot-2-inch infielder and pitcher, was a dominant two-way player at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School. He pitched and played shortstop, collecting a 6-2 record and a 0.96 earned run average on the mound while batting .416 and driving in 32 runs as a batter. Scheffert has appeared in five of the Cornhuskers’ seven games early on this season, driving in six runs in 16 official at-bats.

Williams, a 6-foot-2-inch freshman pitcher, is a native of Omaha, Neb. The right-hander led his high school team to a state title as a senior, winning nine games with an impressive 1.63 ERA. Williams is likely to work out of the Huskers’ bullpen with the opportunity to work himself into a setup role. He has yet to appear in a game early on in Nebraska’s season.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. The following day, the Loggers will travel to Carson Park for the Express home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 and the game is sponsored by Maverick Media. Continue checking the www.eauclarieexpress.com in the coming weeks as the 2010 roster will continue to develop.