The Hot Corner

All-American Third Baseman ‘Chucks Bound

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:36:35 +0000

(Wausau, WI) - High school All-American and Pepperdine third baseman Chris Amezquita has signed on for his first summer of Wisconsin Woodchucks baseball. The La Mirada, California native, standing 6’2” 190 lbs, says he is “excited to be a part of the Woodchucks family and ready to have a great summer on the diamond. I will be sure to leave it all out on the field and [I am] very excited to have a great time with the ‘Chucks.”

“Amezquita is a great get for us, Aflac All-American, one season under Rick Vanderhook at UCLA; it says something about a kid when he transfers out of a place and they tell you good things about him,” said ‘Chucks skipper Guido Aspeitia. “He’ll be athletic, solid, and fun to watch.”

Amezquita, now a sophomore, played his first season of college ball with the UCLA Bruins. Before transferring to Pepperdine University, Chris posted a .259 BA with an impressive .799 OPS in limited playing time with the Bruins. Due to NCAA transfer regulations, Chris will be forced to sit out the 2010 season before taking the field with the Waves next year.

“It will be tough not to be able to play this season with my new team,” said Amezquita on sitting out this season. “But I am committed to work even harder in what will be “my offseason.” I have worked really hard in our strength program waking up at 4:30 three times a week and [spending] countless hours on the field improving my game to get an upper hand on the 2010-11 season.”

As a junior at Servite High School, Chris earned AFLAC and Sporting News All-American honors in addition to breaking Ryan Garko’s school season record for doubles. Before an injury-plagued senior campaign, Amezquita earned pre-season All-American honors from Louisville Slugger and Perfect Game. Baseball America named him the 37^th best prospect in the nation for the 2008 senior class. Chris has also played for the Brewers, Dodgers, and Angels Elite teams, and competed for the Seattle Mariners scout team from 2006-08.

“Amezquita is a great defender who can play a variety of positions,” said Pepperdine head coach Steve Rodriguez. “He can handle the bat very well, he can use all fields with power and we are excited to have him in our lineup next year. He is a great kid with a solid attitude.”

The Woodchucks 2010 home opener is on Thursday, June 3^rd 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.

Bucks Re-Sign Cooper for 2010

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:17:26 +0000

Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks have announced that pitcher Zach Cooper will return to play for the Bucks in 2010. Currently, Cooper is a sophomore at Central Michigan University and is the eighth player to sign with the Bucks for the summer.

Last season for Waterloo, Cooper appeared in 26 games with a 2-2 record and a 5.14 ERA. Cooper placed third for the team-lead in strikeouts with 39 while walking just 15 in 28 innings and held opposing batters to a .220 average. The right-hander led the Bucks in saves with five.

Waterloo Manager Jason Nell is eager to see Cooper in the bullpen for the Bucks this summer.

“Zach will be called upon in the later part of the game in critical situations to get guys out - period,” said Nell. “We will put him in tough spots, but given his past experience, I think he will be up for the challenge. The ability to run the ball up there a bit, and have excellent control of his secondary pitches, will make him very valuable late in the game. Has the stuff where it is difficult as a hitter to square the ball up.”

During his freshman year for the Chippewas, the 5′11″, 190-pound hurler worked primarily in relief, with a 4.55 ERA. Cooper held his opponents scoreless in nine of 16 appearances.

Originally from Hartland, Michigan, Cooper was named 2008 Louisville Slugger All-American, as well as 2008 All-State selection while pitching for Hartland High School. He also was a three-time All Conference and All District honoree.

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.

Two Mavericks Return to MoonDogs

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:17:27 +0000

(Mankato, MN)– The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club is excited to announce the signing of two players for the 2010 season. Outfielder Danny Miller and pitcher Ryan Demmin, currently playing for Minnesota State, Mankato (Mankato, MN), have committed to a summer of baseball with the MoonDogs.

Miller, a 6’1’’ 180lb. junior, led the MoonDogs last season in RBI’s with 29 and walks with 53. A regular in the MoonDogs line-up, Miller played in 63 games, and had 209 at-bats, both good for second on the team.

For this upcoming 2010 season, Miller has been selected to be a team captain for the Mavericks squad.

Last season with MSU, Miller had high production, leading the team with 10 homeruns. The All-NSIC First Team player had 43 RBI’s, a .351 batting average, and 61 hits. Miller, a native of Eden Prairie, MN, has been named to the NSIC players to watch list for the 2010 season. In the 2009 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship game Miller provided the run producing, game-winning single which propelled the Mavericks to the NCAA Division II tournament.

Coach Mike Orchard said, “Danny can be very versatile for us since he plays the outfield and first base and look forward to having the returning all-star.”

Last season, Demmin was named the starting pitcher to the Northwoods League Postseason All-star team, with a 1.36 ERA, good for second best in the league. Demmin, a 6’1’’ 210lb. senior, will be playing his second season with the MoonDogs. This Oshkosh, WI, native led the MoonDogs last season in innings pitched with 79.2, strike-outs with 72, and tied for the team lead in wins with 5.

This will be Demmin’s first season with the Mavericks, as he transfers from UW-Oshkosh. Last season at Oshkosh, Demmin posted a 4-4 record, while leading the team with 55 strike-outs.

“He is a leader, top of the rotation guy for us and had an incredible season. It will be a challenge to be as good as he was last year, because he did such a great job,” complimented Coach Orchard.

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.

Iowa’s Keppler Returns to Bucks

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:30:31 +0000

Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks have announced that outfielder Phil Keppler will return to play for the Bucks in 2010. Currently, Keppler is a sophomore at the University of Iowa.

Last season for Waterloo, Keppler played in 57 games with a batting average of .265 and 50 hits. Keppler tied for the team-lead in home runs with four and finished with 19 RBI and a slugging percentage of .381.

During his freshman year at Iowa, the 6′4″, 205-pound outfielder played in 28 games, with a .338 average and a .529 slugging percentage. Keppler redshirted for the Hawkeyes in 2008.

Originally from Manchester, Iowa, Keppler was first-team All Conference for three years and a two time first-team All District and All State selection. He also was a three time Golden Glove Award winner and was team captain his senior year at West Delaware High School.

Broncos Stroud Commits to Battle Creek

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:28:22 +0000

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., - The Battle Creek Bombers are pleased to announce that pitcher Brian Stroud has been added to their 2010 team roster. Stroud, a junior at Western Michigan University, has had a successful career as a Bronco. During his first season with the team, he was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American and Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. He also was awarded First Team All-MAC and MAC Pitcher of the Week back on May 12, 2008. He is one of seven pitchers in WMU history to have six or more wins with a perfect record (6-0). During MAC play in 2008, Stroud’s performance stood out. He had an ERA of 3.95, which ranked the best of any freshman and fourth best in the conference. Stroud started 11 games, pitching at least five consecutive innings in eight of the 11 starts, and throwing a total of 62.2 innings. He held opposing hitters to a .193 batting average, allowing 43 hits of which only 15 were for extra bases. In 2009, Stroud struggled to an ERA of 6.75 with a 3-9 record. He threw 76 innings with 66 strikeouts and 34 walks.

“We are very happy to add Brian to our roster for the coming summer. He is a fast rising junior and drawing the attention of several Major League clubs based on his command, competitiveness and projectability,” said Stan Eldridge, Bombers field manager. “This spring he looks to be one of the top pitchers in the Mid-American Conference and we are confident that fans coming out to see him pitch for the Bombers will walk away impressed.” In his final three seasons at Providence Catholic High School in Joliet, Ill., he was an All-Conference selection in baseball and named All-State as a senior. Stroud was also a three-year letter winner in basketball and football while at Providence Catholic. His success in sports was mirrored in the classroom as he earned academic honors as well. Stroud, 21, is majoring in business at Western Michigan.

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 to info@battlecreekbombers.com.

Stingers Sign Two Oregon State Infielders

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:17:17 +0000

(Willmar, MN) - The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League announced today the signing of two infielders from Oregon State University. Joining the Stingers will be sophomore shortstop Carter Bell and junior first baseman Jared Norris. The Beavers won back to back College World Series Championships in 2006 and 2007 and are currently ranked 10th in the country by Collegiate Baseball and 25th by Baseball America. Carter, a former 22nd round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants, will anchor the Stingers infield this season at Bill Taunton Stadium. He is originally from British Columbia, Canada and was a member of the 2008 Team Canada National Club. He also was awarded the Top SS Award Winner at America’s Qualifier in Mexico, where he hit .411 with 8 extra base hits. “Fans will love seeing this kid play, he has great range and we’re pleased to have signed Carter from one of the nation’s best programs,” Stingers Field Manager Matt Hollod said. “We might not see these guys right away because they always have a chance at the College World Series, but they will be worth the wait.” Norris was originally born in Rochester, MN but grew up in Urbandale, IA where as a senior he hit .493 with 13 home runs and earned All-State honors three times and was named First-Team twice in his career. He began this college career with Yavapai College in Arizona where he hit .300 and had led the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference with 23 doubles. Following his freshman year he transferred to Oregon State where last season he hit .331 in 50 games. Last year Norris was named Pac-10 honorable mention. Both Hollod and the front office will continue to put together the roster as the home-opener approaches on Thursday, June 3rd. The Stingers will host the St. Cloud River Bats and will open the 2010 season with a five-game home stand. Season tickets for the 2010 season are just $99 as an introductory rate. Regular prices for season tickets are $149 for reserved seat backs and $169 for box seat season tickets. For more information please visit www.WillmarStingers.com or call 320-222-2010.

Loggers Sign Two More

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:13:34 +0000

LA CROSSE, WI – The La Crosse Loggers 2010 roster grew by two more on Tuesday as the team announced the signings of Matt Moynihan (San Diego) and Kurt Heyer (Arizona). Both players are getting their first taste of college baseball as practices opened February 1.

Moynihan will be roaming centerfield for the University of San Diego this spring as he chose to play for coach Rich Hill and the Torreros instead of exploring his options with the Atlanta Braves of which he was drafted by in the 37^th round in 2009. The 6’2” outfielder was selected as the No. 52 ranked high school prospect by Baseball America.

The speedy lead-off hitter, formerly of Cathedral Catholic High School, hit for a .430 average his senior season and stole 80 bases in his final three seasons. Moynihan earned back-to-back First Team All-State Honors along with being ranked second all-time in CIF San Diego Section history with 61 hits in a season, trailing only current Oakland A’s third baseman Eric Chavez. Moynihan has been selected to multiple showcase events including Perfect Games National Showcase in Minneapolis as well as being selected to play in the Area Code Games for the Milwaukee Brewers.

San Diego coach Rich Hill really likes what Moynihan brings to the table. “Matt is the fastest player that we have recruited in my tenure at USD. We have been looking to get more athletic and Matt provides that for us. With his speed and athleticism, both centerfield and the top of the order are in good hands for years to come,” said Coach Hill.

Kurt Heyer will also be joining the Loggers this summer to add to the strong and ever-growing pitching staff the Loggers have assembled. Heyer will be playing for the Arizona Wildcats after completing his stellar career at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California where he finished his senior season with an 11-3 record and a dazzling 0.84 ERA. Heyer only allowed 12 earned runs in his 17 appearances earning himself offers from several highly ranked programs before ultimately deciding upon Arizona.Standing at 6’3”, the right-handers fast ball has been clocked between 89-92 mph. Heyer marks the eighth pitcher the Loggers have signed for the upcoming season which begins on June 2, 2010 against the visiting Eau Claire Express as the first pitch is set for 7:05 pm.

Touted Husker to Rejoin Woodchucks

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:13:38 +0000

Wausau, WI – University of Nebraska second baseman and Plano, Texas native Kale Kiser has signed on to play his second season of Wisconsin Woodchucks baseball. The switch hitting Kiser, 19, stands 5’10” tall at 180 lbs. Kale is regarded as a hard-nosed, high baseball IQ guy with an advanced offensive approach for his age. Playing for the Woodchucks last summer Kale posted a .252 BA and 6 RBI with a .659 OPS in an injury-shorted season. Said Woodchucks skipper George “Guido” Aspeitia, “Kale did a good job for us until he had to have surgery on his knee; he’s going to help us in the infield. [He] was really swinging the wood bat well when he left, and his departure left a hole in our offense, so having that bat and his experience in the lineup should help us a lot.” As a true freshman at the University of Nebraska, Kiser posted a .208 BA and 9 RBI with a .661 OPS in limited playing time. “Kale gained a lot of experience last year, and has put himself in position to earn a starting spot at second base this year,” Nebraska Head Coach Mike Anderson said. “He is much improved defensively and gives us someone who can switch hit with some power from the left side. We are excited to see what Kale can do for us this year.” Kiser boasts a prolific prep career at Plano West High where he finished his senior season with a .423 batting average while leading his team to a Class 5A Texas State Championship and a Max Preps #1 national team ranking. He would go on to be named an honorable mention All-American by Collegiate Baseball to go along with making the ’08 Texas All-State team. Kale had previously helped out his summer ball team, the Dallas Baseball Academy of Texas, to a 2006 Mickey Mantle World Series title.

Argo Returns To Waterloo for 2010

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:17:12 +0000

Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks have announced that outfielder Willie Argo will return to play for the Bucks in 2010. Currently, Argo is a sophomore at the University of Illinois studying Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Last season for the Bucks, Argo appeared in 64 games. The outfielder finished the season with a .214 average with 25 RBI, three home runs, and led the team in runs and stolen bases with 38 and 29, respectively.

During his freshman year at Illinois, Argo hit .355 with 21 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a .421 on-base percentage. The 6′1″, 210-pound right-handed hitter was drafted in the 44th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Originally from Davenport, Iowa, both the Des Moines Register and Quad City Times named Argo the 2008 Male Athlete of the year. A four-sport athlete who was named an Elite All State Outfielder in 2006 through 2008, Argo was named captain of 2008 All-State Team after leading Davenport Assumption High School to the Class 2A state title. Born on October 15, 1989, Willie is the son of Billy and Kathleen Argo.

Lally Hired as Bucks Pitching Coach

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:19:11 +0000

Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks announced James Lally will be joining the Bucks staff as the team’s Pitching Coach. Lally is currently serving in his first season as an Assistant Coach at Hofstra University. Lally spent the 2008-’09 academic years at Archbishop Molloy High School in Middle Village, New York as a teacher and also assisted the baseball and basketball team in his coaching abilities.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this summer with all of the great things I have heard about the Waterloo Bucks,” said Lally. “I am anxiously looking forward to the upcoming season and I am proud to join Jason Nell and his staff along with the entire Waterloo Bucks team for what should be another great season for the Bucks.”

Graduating from St. John’s University in 2007, Lally pitched three seasons for the Red Storm, appearing in 59 games from 2005-’07. Lally also was part of two NCAA tournament teams while attending St. John’s and was also a 3-time Big East Conference Academic All-Star.

Lally resides in Floral Park, New York and is currently working towards a master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies at Hofstra.