Posts Tagged ‘Battle Creek Bombers’
Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (July 30, 2012) — Forget everything you know about the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle for the Little Brown Jug; with the season winding down and the playoff picture not favoring the Battle Creek Bombers nor the Eau Claire Express, the two teams have found a new motivation to play for: The NWL Clash of the Ex-Titans.
In 2010, the Eau Claire Express were the toast of the Northwoods League as they posted a 52-24 record and defeated the Rochester Honkers in a three-game series to become the Northwoods League Champions for the first time in team history. Perfect Game Baseball named the Express the Summer League Team of the Year and Dale Varsho was named NWL Manager of the Year.
Similarly, the 2011 Battle Creek Bombers dominated the Northwoods League in route to a 47-26 overall record and became the Summer Collegiate World Series Champs. The Bombers finished the season ranked 9th nationally and completed the biggest turnaround in Northwood League History. Donnie Scott, the manager of the Bombers, won NWL Manager of the Year honors and the Bombers sent five players to the All-Star game.
With each team currently owning the same 20-36 overall record, Bombers General Manager Brian Colopy and Express General Manager Andy Neborak have negotiated a wager that includes the two former “Titans of the League”. The team’s GM that owns the worst record heading into the final game of the season on August 12 at C.O. Brown Stadium will have to wear the other teams Jersey and Hat and be the opposing team’s batboy for the game. Additionally, the team with the best record will win the Official Clash of the Titans Trophy. The Clash of the Titans competition began being tracked starting on July 30 and will finish August 11.
“I have complete confidence in our team and have no doubt that our guys will continue to fight over these next 2 weeks to put Mr. Neborak on a bus and over to the Creek for the final game of the season. We are preparing the official bat boy jersey for him as we speak.” said Bombers GM Brian Colopy.
“The talent we have on our team along with our encouraging play recently has me confident that our team will end the year on a strong note. I’m sure that Mr. Colopy will look great wearing Express orange on his own turf,” stated Express GM Andy Neborak.
The Battle Creek Bombers and Eau Claire Express are members of the prestigious Northwoods League that has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other summer collegiate baseball league in North America.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers, Eau Claire Express, Northwoods League
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
The Battle Creek Bombers unveiled the teams 2011 Northwoods League Championship rings today.
The rings, designed by Balfour, include the team’s logos, 47-26 record and slogan “Never Panic” as coined by Bombers field manager Donnie Scott.
The Bombers swept through the 2011 Northwoods League playoffs by defeating the Green Bay Bullfrogs and Mankato MoonDogs in two games apiece. It was the 5-year old franchise’s first NWL Title.
 
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
 Fresh off of a Summer Collegiate World Series Championship, the Battle Creek Bombers have promoted Cory Evans to Assistant General Manager. In his first year as the Director of Sales, Evans helped the Bombers to one of the largest turnarounds in Northwoods League history. Evans was instrumental in helping the Bombers branch out into the community of Battle Creek as the Bombers increased their attendance by 49% (largest NWL attendance increase since 2002). The Bombers also had a 23 game win increase which marked the largest turnaround in Northwoods League history.
“Cory was a key asset to many of the things we were able to accomplish in 2011. Our organization is very lucky to have Cory with us for the 2012 season.” said Bombers GM Brian Colopy.
Evans recently graduated from Southern Virginia University with a major of Physical Education and Recreational Administration. While at Southern Virginia University, Evans became a 4-time Academic All-American and was also a two year Captain of the Men’s Basketball team. Evans brings a very strong sports and sales background to the Bombers team. Evans has played baseball throughout his life and was also a very successful collegiate basketball player. Evans has worked for Pinnacle Security and Elite-ADT Security where he was an Advertising Director and an Assistant Sales Manager.
“It was so exciting to be a part of the first ever championship season for the Bombers” Evans said. “I look forward to helping the Bombers organization to build off of that success and I am grateful for all of the community support this last season.”
Evans currently resides in Battle Creek with his wife Lindsay and their 2 year old child Owen.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers
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Friday, May 28th, 2010
(Battle Creek, MI) Head Coach Stan Eldridge has added three position players and two pitchers to the Battle Creek Bombers’ 2010 roster.
Beau Didier, a native of Federal Way, Washington, will be playing for the Bombers after completing his freshman year at Louisiana State University. Didier, an infielder for the Tigers, is currently batting .222, with five RBI on eight hits. Before LSU, Didier graduated from Bellarmine Prep High, where he was a four-time All-League selection and ranked among the Top 200 Perfect Game prospects.
“Beau is a great addition to the Bombers family,” said Eldridge. “Beau is a strong left-handed hitting utility player who can play each of the infield positions and possibly an emergency catcher. Beau possesses not only great athletic ability, but also a motor that is always in overdrive towards success.”
After finishing his freshman season at Western Illinois University, Dan Dispensa will be wearing the Bombers jersey in the outfield for the 2010 season. Originally from Chicago, Dispensa is hitting .299, with 22 RBI and two home runs as a Leatherhead this year. During his senior year at St. Rita High School, Dispensa batted .408 with five homers and 24 RBI.
“Dan has tremendous work ethic that has allowed him to raise his game to a new level with unlimited potential for future success. He has impressed coaches around the country with his rare combination of speed, power and athleticism. We fully expect Dan to have a great summer that will set him up for a great spring in 2011,” Eldridge said.
Josh Lyon, a catcher from Indianapolis, has been added to the Bombers’ upcoming roster. A sophomore at Indiana University, Lyon is posting a .370 average with 38 RBI and 11 home runs so far this season. In 2009, Lyon played in 19 games while hitting .314 with six RBI and six doubles as a freshman Hoosier.
“Josh is coming off a great 2010 spring that has seen him emerge as one of the future stars of the Big Ten conference. We have been fortunate to have Josh join the Bombers for the summer. Josh will be used at first base and designated hitter and will also serve as another catcher in the rotation for us this season,” said Eldridge.
Following his sophomore season at Angelina College, Kendall Thamm will be on the mound for the Bombers this summer. Thamm is a six-foot left-handed pitcher from Baytown, Texas, and has signed a letter of intent with the University of Louisiana at Monroe for the fall of 2010.
“Kendall not only has the ability to overpower hitters,” said Eldridge, “but also to throw pitches that will move hitters’ eyes as he hits his locations. A durable arm that has a repeatable delivery will allow Kendall to be one of the top Northwoods League hurlers this summer.”
Michael Theodore, a right-handed pitcher from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, will also be suiting up in a Bombers uniform this summer. Before sitting out as a redshirt his freshman season at the University of Tennessee, Theodore attended Detroit Country Day high school where he was rated the number one pitching prospect in Michigan.
“Blessed with a strong arm and a fluid, repeatable delivery, Michael will cause trouble for hitters this summer. He possesses velocity and an uncanny ability to line up all three of his pitches. A student of the game, Michael will continue to work on improving his overall game as his season unfolds,” Eldridge said.
The Bombers begin their 2010 season on June 2nd before returning to C.O. Brown for their home opener versus the Waterloo Bucks on June 4th. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, visit the Bombers website at battlecreekbombers.com or call (269) 962-0735.
McCamly Plaza Hotel in downtown Battle Creek is a proud supporting sponsor of the Battle Creek Bombers.
Tags: Angelina College, Battle Creek Bombers, Beau Didier, Dan Dispensa, Indiana University, Josh Lyon, Kendall Thamm, Louisiana State University, Michael Theodore, Stan Eldridge, University of Tennessee, Western Illinois University
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Friday, May 21st, 2010
(BATTLE CREEK, MI) Infielders Ben Magsig and Ty Wallin and right-handed pitcher Jon Weaver have signed with the Battle Creek Bombers for the 2010 season.
Originally from Okemos, Michigan, Magsig will be joining the Bombers after his sophomore season at Eastern Michigan University. Currently, Magsig is hitting .331 with three home runs and 24 RBI. Before becoming an Eagle, Magsig won the Division II Junior College batting title at Lansing Community College after hitting .557, while tallying three home runs and 31 RBI.
“After leading the NJCAA in hitting during the 2009 spring season, Ben is having another big spring this year at Eastern Michigan,” said Bombers Head Coach Stan Eldridge. “Ben has the unique ability to hit to all corners of the field without losing power. Which is why he will be in the middle of the Bombers lineup often this summer.”
A true freshman at Lincoln College, Wallin has committed to the Bombers for the upcoming season. Wallin is posting a batting average of .346, with 32 RBI and seven home runs so far this season. Wallin is from Elkhart, Indiana and was a first-team All-Conference selection at Jimtown High School in 2009.
“We are excited to have Ty join us for the coming season. He will afford us the ability to use him at a variety of spots around the infield, which is invaluable during a long summer,” said Eldridge.
Weaver, a native of Franklin Park, Illinois, will be on the mound for the Bombers this summer. A sophomore at Heartland Community College, Weaver has earned a 4.56 ERA in 53.1 innings pitched and has signed a letter of intent with Central Michigan University for the fall of 2010.
“We are looking for a big summer from Jon as he joins the Bombers and prepares for his first season at Central Michigan,” Eldridge said. “Jon is going to bring another big arm to the starting rotation in a fashion similar to how he is currently dominating hitters.”
In other news, former Bombers outfielder, Chris Lewis, has earned the title of All-Time hits leader at Western Michigan University. Lewis currently has 258 hits in his four year career with the Broncos. While playing for the Bombers last summer, Lewis racked up a .344 batting average, 4 HR, 43 RBI, and 49 runs scored, all Bombers team records. He was both a mid-season and year-end Northwoods League All-Star while earning the prestigious “Big Stick” award given annually to the best hitters at each position. After graduating from Western, Lewis will look to further his career as a possible selection in this year’s MLB Amateur Draft.
The Bombers begin their 2010 season on June 2nd and then return home for their home opener versus the Waterloo Bucks on June 4th. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, visit the Bombers website at battlecreekbombers.com or call (269) 962-0735.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers, Ben Magsig, Chris Lewis, Eastern Michigan University, Heartland Community College, Jon Weaver, Lansing Community College, Lincoln College, Ty Wallin
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
(Battle Creek, MI) Associate Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Stan Eldridge, has committed five new players to the Battle Creek Bombers for this summer’s 2010 season.
Brandon Bayardi, an outfielder from Phoenix, Arizona, will be joining the Bombers after his freshman season at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Presently, Bayardi is hitting .360 with seven home runs and 50 RBI for the Runnin’ Rebels.
“Brandon is having an explosive spring at UNLV as a true freshman and we are excited to bring him to Battle Creek this summer. Area fans will want to come out early and often to see this blooming superstar,” said Eldridge.
Sean Deegan will become a Bomber as he joins the team in the outfield this summer. Deegan, a sophomore at Penn State University, currently has a batting average of .285, with 22 RBIs and three home runs. A skilled base runner, Deegan has stolen 24 bases this season alone.
“Sean is lightning quick on the bases and creates havoc for opponents,” said Eldridge. “A top of the order hitter, Sean will be expected to ignite the Bombers offense throughout much of the coming summer, and as a solid defender, he will take away a lot of opponent’s hits.”
Navarro Hall will be wearing a Bombers uniform this summer after completing this season as a redshirt sophomore at the University of Kentucky. An outfielder from Kennesaw, Georgia, Hall recorded a .400 batting average with two home runs in his freshman season at UK. Hall was a 49th round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft.
“Navarro is a former Player of the Year in Georgia and possesses great talent on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. We are looking for Navarro to provide a great spark to the Bombers offense this year,” said Eldridge.
Andrew Lawrence has committed to playing in Battle Creek this year as an outfielder with the Bombers. A redshirt sophomore at Boston College, Lawrence is currently posting a .271 batting average with 11 RBIs and two home runs. Redshirted his freshman year as an Eagle, Lawrence totaled eight home runs and 76 RBIs during his high school career at St. Christopher’s in Richmond, Virginia.
“Andrew is a solid defender in the outfield and a tough out at the plate, as he handles the bat well enough to use the entire field,” said Eldridge. “Andrew can play all of the outfield positions and in addition to a strong arm he covers a lot of ground.”
Josh Rosecrans, from Edmond, Oklahoma, has been added to the Bombers 2010 roster as an infielder and catcher. A sophomore at Grayson Community College, Rosecrans has collected 72 RBIs and 14 home runs while batting .469.
“A diamond in the rough best describes Josh. After a spring at Wichita State, Josh found a home at Grayson CC and he has been explosive at the plate and on the mound, ” Eldridge said.
The Bombers begin their 2010 season on June 2nd before returning home for their home opener versus the Waterloo Bucks on June 4th. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, visit the Bombers website at battlecreekbombers.com or call (269) 962-0735.
Tags: Andrew Lawrence, Battle Creek Bombers, Boston College, Brandon Bayardi, Grayson Community College, Josh Rosecrans, Navarro Hall, Penn State University, Sean Deegan, Stan Eldridge, University of Kentucky, University of Nevada Las Vegas
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Monday, April 12th, 2010
(Battle Creek, MI) The Battle Creek Bombers are pleased to announce that pitcher Jordan Snider has been added to their 2010 team roster.
Snider, a sophomore at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan has had an impressive start to his collegiate baseball career. In 2009, he had a 6-3 record while pitching a total of 57.1 innings. He held opposing hitters to a .269 batting average was awarded Northwood’s Freshman of the Year honors.
“Jordan is quickly moving up the charts of the top ranked pitchers throughout the region, as evidenced by his 2009 season,” says Stan Eldridge, Bombers field manager. “As the ace of his college staff, we know that Jordan will work in many important games before he arrives in Battle Creek and that will serve him well this summer.”
Snider is a native of Bay City, Michigan, where he attended John Glenn High School. While in high school, he was awarded 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, 2nd Team All-State, and Bay City Times Dream Team Pitcher. Snider was also presented Academic All-District, for Baseball and Basketball, as well as, Academic All-State for Football.
Snider is majoring in Entertainment, with a minor in Sports & Promotion Management at Northwood University.
The Battle Creek Bombers begin their fourth season of play on June 2, 2010. For schedule information, or to reserve your season tickets, visit our newly renovated website at battlecreekbombers.com.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers, Jordan Snider, Northwood University, Stan Eldridge
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010
(Battle Creek, MI) East versus West rivalries will not be a problem as Ryan Zrenda and Noble Enriquez unite as teammates on the Battle Creek Bombers this summer.
Ryan Zrenda, a junior, has had an impressive collegiate career as a third baseman at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is believed to be the first Brown player in history to hit a home run on the first pitch of his first collegiate at bat. Since his monumental debut, Zrenda played in 40 games in 2008, starting in all of them. In 2009, he finished off the season with a .301 batting average.
“Clearly, a talented position player,” says Stan Eldridge, Bombers field manager, “Ryan also is going to get some work on the mound as he possesses a strong arm that makes him a dual bonus to the club.”
Before attending Brown, Zrenda graduated from Old Lyme High School, in Old Lyme, Connecticut, where he was a four-year letter winner. He set new Old Lyme career records for hits (119), doubles (38), triples (8), home runs (7), RBIs (103), and fielding percentage (.983). He also led his team to a 20-0 record, the first perfect regular season in school history, and to two Shoreline Conference Championships.
Noble Enriquez will also be joining the Battle Creek Bombers from Monterey Peninsula College, in Monterey, California. He is currently a sophomore playing shortstop and second base. Last season, Enriquez boasted a .351 batting average with an on-base percentage of .500. He played in 18 games throughout the season and started in nine.
“We feel confident as will our pitching staff, that Noble will solidify and anchor our defense,” says Eldridge. “He will also add a speed element to our offense that will create problems for the opposing defense.”
Enriquez is originally from Salinas, California, where he graduated from Palma High School. During his senior year, Enriquez held a batting average of .333 and an on-base percentage of .571.
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.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers, Noble Enriquez, Ryan Zrenda, Stan Eldridge
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
(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.
Tags: Battle Creek Bombers, Brett Kauten, Shane Street, Spring Arbor University
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