Archive for February, 2010
Friday, February 26th, 2010
(Mankato, MN)– The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club are enthusiastic to announce the signing of two more returning players as they fill their opening day roster. Left-handed pitcher Alex Burgos (State College of Florida) and infielder Troy Larson (University of Minnesota) were key contributors to the MoonDogs success last season.
Burgos, a 5’11’’ 170 lb. sophomore, had a stand-out season with the MoonDogs, tying for second in wins with four and had an ERA of 1.80 over 50 innings pitched. Last season Burgos was third amongst pitchers in appearances with 17. One of these appearances was an outstanding relief win against Waterloo, posting seven strike outs in four innings, winning 1-0.
Last season with State College of Florida Alex recorded three wins, 47 strike outs, in 55.2 innings pitched.
Field Manager Mike Orchard said, “Once he got acclimated he was one of our best pitchers. He pitched without fear, and could spin a nice breaking ball.”
Larson, a 6’0’’ 175 lb. red shirt freshman, had a productive 17 game showing last year with a .292 batting average. Larson’s performance last season with the MoonDogs earned him a full-time spot on the team for the 2010 summer.
“Larson earned a spot on the team by understanding the game, providing quality at bats, and doing the right thing on the field,” commented Orchard.
At Hill-Murray High School (Maplewood, MN) Larson earned All-State and All-Metro recognition during his senior season.
The Mankato MoonDogs Home Opener is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2 at 7:05 against the Rochester Honkers. Single game tickets will go on sale in early May. Season tickets are now on sale at the new MoonDogs office located 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information visit the MoonDogs website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Office at 507-625-7047.
Tags: Burgos, Larson, Mankato, Minnesota, MoonDogs, State College of Florida
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Friday, February 26th, 2010
Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that right-handed pitcher Matt Grabowski will be joining the team for the 2010 season. Currently, Grabowski is a junior at Princeton University and is the 13th player to sign with the Bucks for the summer.
Last season for the Tigers, Grabowski appeared in 21 games as the team’s closer and late-inning reliever. Grabowski had a 2-1 record with a 2.65 ERA in 34 innings pitched. He held his opponents scoreless for 14 of those appearances. Grabowski was an honorable mention All-Ivy selection, finishing the year with five saves and striking out 20 with 10 walks.
A graduate of Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, New Jersey, Grabowski earned four varsity letters as a pitcher and had an 18-5 career record. The hurler was 6-1 as a senior with a 3.54 ERA and was named All Conference and All Parochial three times.
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.
Tags: Bucks, Grabowski, Princeton, Waterloo
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Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Wausau, WI - The Wisconsin Woodchucks have re-signed Washington State University pitcher Anthony Drobnick for his second season of ‘Chucks baseball. The 6’2” 208-pound righty has just embarked on his sophomore season at WSU under head coach Donnie Marbut.
Drobnick was a late arrival in his first season as a Woodchuck due to Washington State’s success in reaching the NCAA tournament regionals and Drobnick’s participation in summer school. Regardless, in 18 strong appearances (predominantly as a closer) Drobnick went 3-1 while posting a 3.08 ERA whilst holding his opponents to an impressive .216 batting average.
“He was as big a part of our push at the end of the season as anyone,” said Woodchucks manager Guido Aspeitia on Drobnick’s return. “We’re real happy to have Anthony back, great kid, works hard, [and a] good team leader.”
In 2009 at Washington State, Drobnick battled through a trying true freshman campaign. While only appearing in 10 games, Drobnick flashed his potential by striking out one batter per inning pitched while posting a .263 opponent batting average. It would appear that control issues- which are in no way uncommon for young power pitchers- stymied his progress to end his freshman season with a 6.30 ERA.
Drobnick had a prolific career at Seattle Prep School where he starred on the mound and in the field, lettering all four years. He would be named a team captain as a junior, as well as 1st team All-Conference, league MVP, and 1st team All-State. During his senior campaign, Drobnick would be named team captain once again, while garnering All-Conference first team accolades as a designated hitter, and All-State second team honors as a pitcher- posting a .313 BA and a 0.92 ERA, respectively.
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.
Tags: Drobnick, Washington State, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that right-handed pitcher Kyle Webb will be joining the team for the 2010 season. Currently, Webb is a freshman at Elon University and is the 11th player to sign with the Bucks for the summer.
This will be Webb’s first season for Waterloo Bucks. Waterloo Manager Jason Nell is eager to see Webb in the bullpen for the Bucks this summer.
“I have always had great success with Elon kids,” said Nell. “Elon is a solid Division I program with great coaches and good character kids. I think Kyle will continue this relationship and I am looking forward to it. He will bring a side-arm slot, has great control, and the ability to make guys swing and miss, which is needed late in the ballgame. We will use Kyle as a set-up guy or possibly as a closer.”
A 2009 graduate from Providence High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Webb was named the Florida class 2A Player of the Year, finishing his senior season with a 0.81 ERA. The hurler lead his class 2A team to the state title in 2008 and was named District 6-2A Player of the Year. A first team All First Coast and first team class 2A All-State selection, Webb went 10-1 with one save and a 0.80 ERA as a junior. Webb allowed only one hit and an unearned run while throwing a complete game in the state champion contest. He also was the winning pitcher in two district championship series games and was named a MaxPreps Baseball All-American.
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.
Tags: Bucks, Elon, Waterloo, Webb
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Rafters are excited to announce the signing of three pitchers from the University of Southern California. The first official members of the inaugural Rafters squad will be Andrew Triggs (sophomore right-handed pitcher), Chad Smith (sophomore right-handed pitcher) and Brad Douthit (sophomore left-handed pitcher). The Trojans, along with most of college baseball, open up play this weekend.
Andrew Triggs, 6’3”, 210 lbs (R/R)
Triggs had an impressive and standout year as a freshman. He earned Pac-10 Conference honorable mention and Pac-10 Conference All-Academic first team in 2009. Triggs appeared in 15 games in 2009 and started 10; he finished the year with a 5-3 record and an ERA of 3.96. Triggs threw a complete game on April 10th against Oregon and had 6 strikeouts. Triggs is slotted to have the No. 1 spot in the weekend rotation for the Trojans in 2010.
This past summer, Triggs played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. He is originally from Nashville, TN.
Chad Smith, 6’3”, 210 lbs (L/R)
Smith is a sophomore with 45 innings of experience for the Trojans. Smith ended the season with a 3.40 ERA and one save. Smith earned the start against at No. 1 UC Irvine in 2009 and allowed one run on two hits in 6 innings of work. Smith made his collegiate debut against Pepperdine a year ago. Smith is expected to be a part of the weekend rotation for the Trojans. Smith also has a cousin, Scott Nestor, playing with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Brad Douthit, 6’3”, 185 lbs (L/L)
Douthit will compete for playing time out of the bullpen. Douthit adds depth to the Trojans pitching staff. He made five appearances in 2009 and finished the season with a 4.15 ERA. Douthit had an impressive high school career with a personal career best ERA of 1.86 as a junior.
Field Manager Laverty on Triggs, Smith and Douthit:“I was very excited when Andrew, Chad and Brad became available for the summer. Andrew and Chad are expected to be in the USC starting rotation and Brad will pitch in relief and possibly get a few mid-week starts. All three will bring a great amount of experience to the Rafters pitching staff for the inaugural season.”
Ticket Packages and Group Tickets are on sale now! For more information call (715) 424-5400 or visit www.raftersbaseball.com. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2010. Opening Day at Witter Field is scheduled for Sunday, June 6 at 6:05pm vs. the Eau Claire Express.
Tags: Douthit, Rafters, Smith, Southern California, Triggs, USC, Wisconsin Rapids
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
The Alexandria Beetles are proud to announce the hiring of Matt Bishop as the team’s new director of media relations and broadcasting. Bishop, a Blaine, Minnesota native, is currently a junior at Saint Cloud State University in the radio broadcasting program.
Bishop brings over three years of broadcasting experience to the Beetles, in both the television and radio industries. The sports director for KVSC 88.1 FM at SCSU, Bishop is currently the play by play voice for KVSC’s coverage of St. Cloud State women’s hockey. Along with his play by play role, Bishop has also worked SCSU baseball, football, basketball and volleyball broadcasts.
“I am very honored and proud to be part of the Alexandria Beetles organization,” said Bishop. “I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am for this summer. Baseball is such a great sport and the Northwoods League is a great league to work in. I look forward to increasing my broadcasting skills and seeing some great baseball throughout the summer.”
“The entire Beetles Organization is excited to have Matt Bishop join our staff for our 10th Season Celebration in 2010 as our Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting,” said Beetles General Manager Shawn Reilly. “Matt has experience in front of the microphone down at St. Cloud State and we can’t wait to have him call our games on the Beetles webcast when the team is both at home and on the road.”
The Beetles will begin their 10th Anniversary season on June 2nd against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers at 6:05 at Knute Nelson Memorial Ballpark. For more information go to www.alexandriabeetles.com.
Tags: Alexandria, Beetles, Bishop
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010
(Rochester, MN)– The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that NWL All-Star catcher Drew Beuerlein, a 6 foot, 200-pound junior from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) will return to the Rochester Honkers this summer.
The versatile switch-hitting Beuerlein finished the 2009 Honkers season hitting .273 with 3 homeruns and 26 RBI. However in the post-season run to the NWL Championship, he hit .300 with 4 RBI, including a momentum turning homerun in game 3 of the NWL Championship, as the Honkers won 7-4 to claim their 5th NWL Title. Beuerlein proved his versatility playing left-field for all 5 games of the playoffs, and making a diving catch in game 3 to preserve a Honkers lead. Overall, He played 5 different positions in the field last summer as well as the team’s designated hitter. His versatility was key to the team’s championship run, something that will benefit the 2010 Rochester Honkers.
UNLV opens their 2010 season this weekend when Sacramento State comes to Las Vegas, NV Friday night to begin a 3-game set. A native of Scottsdale, AZ, Beuerlein is the cousin of Steve Beuerlein, the former NFL quarterback who played for 14 seasons and retired in 2003.
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 for more information or go to www.rochesterhonkers.com.
Tags: Beuerlein, Honkers, Rochester, UNLV
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Eau Claire, Wis. – Eau Claire Express field manager Dale Varsho announced today the first three commitments to his 2010 roster. All three players return from a 2009 team that qualified for the Northwoods League postseason. UIC Flames teammates Jason Ganek and Andy Leonard are set to return along with Yavapai pitcher Tyler Bremer.
Ganek is a 6-foot-3-inch, 185-pound infielder and pitcher for the Flames. The junior joined the Express at about mid-season last year, seeing time as both a position player and a pitcher. He finished with a .203 batting average to go along with one home run and 11 runs batted in. Ganek saw more success on the mound, finishing with a 2.16 earned run average and three saves in eight appearances. In 2009, Ganek played exclusively at third base for the Flames. He started each regular season game there and led the team with a .333 batting average and three triples. He ranked second on the team with 35 runs scored and 32 RBI’s. At the conclusion of the season, he was honored as part of the All-Horizon League Second Team. UIC begins their 2010 spring season this Friday.
Leonard is a 5-foot-10-inch, 165-pound junior shortstop. He was a major contributor to the Express last summer, as he led the team in games played (60), at-bats (233) and RBI’s (30). The Palos Heights, Ill. native was one of Eau Claire’s most complete players, as he excelled defensively at shortstop as well. Leonard’s success with the Express was a carry over from a good spring season for the Flames in which he led the team with 64 hits and 22 doubles. He was instrumental in UIC’s runner-up finish in the Horizon League Tournament, as he was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Bremer is a 6-foot-2-inch, 205-pound right-handed pitcher. The sophomore at Yavapai tossed the first no-hitter in Express history last summer on July 16. Bremer’s historic outing was part of a solid first season with the Express in which he had a 3-1 record and 2.85 ERA in 41 innings pitched. Bremer spent his freshman season at UC Davis and is slated to join the Baylor Bears in 2011 as a junior. Yavapai recently began their spring season, in which Bremer is 0-2.
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. Make sure to continue checking the www.eauclaireexpress.com website in the coming weeks as the 2010 roster will continue to develop.
Tags: Bremer, Eau Claire, Express, Ganek, Leonard, UIC, Yavapai
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Madison, WI – The Madison Mallards have signed Oakland University right-handed pitcher Matt LaMothe for the 2010 season.
Matt LaMothe, a 6’1”, 160 pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Troy, Michigan, saw action in 17 games last season that included nine starts in posting a 4-4 record and 5.45 ERA. He made his OU debut against Eastern Kentucky, and picked up the win after allowing one run and two hits in relief.
LaMothe played for the Geneva Red Wings of the New York Collegiate Baseball League last summer and posted a 3-3 record and 3.77 ERA in 43 innings of work.
While at Athens (MI) High School, LaMothe was a four-year letter winner and served as captain his junior and senior seasons. He holds the Athens record for most strikeouts in a game and career.
LaMothe is a very athletic right-handed pitcher, has a fast arm, and has always been a strike thrower, so he has a very good chance to start for us this summer,” said Mallards Field Manager C.J. Thieleke. “I know Oakland is very excited to place a player in the Northwoods League and we certainly share the same excitement level in building a relationship with Head Coach John Musachio.”
The Madison Mallards are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Opening Day is slated for Wednesday, June 2, at 7:05 p.m. against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Season and group tickets are now on-sale and can be purchased by calling the box office at 608.246.4277. For more information log onto www.Mallardsbaseball.com.
Tags: LaMothe, Madison, Mallards, Oakland
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Monday, February 15th, 2010
Wausau, WI - The Wisconsin Woodchucks have signed UNLV first baseman Robbie De La Cruz for the 2010 summer. De La Cruz (5’8”, 225 lb) transferred to UNLV after attending the junior college powerhouse, Fresno City College, to start his collegiate career.
“Robbie De La Cruz will be one of, if not the best, first baseman this league has ever seen, on both sides of the ball,” said Woodchucks skipper Guido Aspeitia on the signing of De La Cruz. “Our fans will embrace not only his style of play, but his infectious personality. Robbie De La Cruz equals excitement.”
De La Cruz tore up the Central Valley Conference last season at Fresno City College where he posted a .370 batting average on his way to winning All-Conference accolades, not to mention a second consecutive Gold Glove Award.
“Robbie is a good glove man and maintains excellent plate discipline,” said UNLV Rebels Head Coach Buddy Gouldsmith on De La Cruz’s transfer. “He comes from a storied program at Fresno City College, under the guidance of successful head coach Ron Scott.”
The 2010 season won’t be the first time De La Cruz has suited up for Aspeitia. Two summers ago their paths crossed when Aspeitia led the Regina Red Sox and De La Cruz posted a very respectable .294 batting average coming off his first season of college ball.
“Not to look past this season we have coming up but I’m very excited for summer ball, especially after taking last summer off. There was nothing like playing all week and swinging wood bats through summer,” said De La Cruz.
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.
Tags: De La Cruz, UNLV, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
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