Posts Tagged ‘Wisconsin Woodchucks’
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
(Wausau, WI) – The Wisconsin Woodchucks and local area businesses teamed up during the 2011 season to raise money for non-profit organizations. Through the use of unique promotions, the Woodchucks were able to raise money for multiple organizations in the Central Wisconsin area.
Together, the Woodchucks and Marshfield Clinic teamed up on the Hits for Charity program. For every double, triple, home run and grand slam hit, Marshfield Clinic donated $25, $50, $100 and $250 respectively to the Wausau Area Youth Baseball and Softball organization. This organization works with area youth to teach them the fundamentals of baseball and softball while at the same time instilling in them values and character that will help them in the future.
The Woodchucks and Marshfield Clinic also teamed up for “Go Pink Night” on July 29th. During the game, Woodchucks players wore special pink jerseys that were signed by the players and auctioned off after the game. There was also a silent auction during the game for fans to bid on. Proceeds from these auctions helped raise money for breast cancer awareness and screenings.
In addition to the pink jerseys, the Woodchucks also wore limited edition 1911 jerseys on July 12th and July 20th to celebrate 100 years of baseball at Athletic Park. Through their partnership with the Wisconsin Valley Credit Unions, the Woodchucks auctioned off the jerseys after the July 20th game, with all proceeds going to the Childrens Miracle Network.
The Woodchucks realize the importance of non-profit organizations and their work in the community. That is why they were proud to team up with Fred Mueller Automotive to bring to Athletic Park, the Fred Mueller Organization of the Night. At every Woodchucks home game, one local non-profit was provided with 50 tickets and food vouchers, free of charge, courtesy of Fred Mueller Automotive and recognized as the Organization of the Night. In addition, for every home run hit by a Woodchucks player, Fred Mueller and the Wisconsin Woodchucks donated $50 each to local area non-profits.
Tags: charity, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Thursday, May 27th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) Jay Buente, a decorated Wisconsin Woodchucks alumnus, is finally getting his shot in the big leagues after being called up by the Florida Marlins today.
Drafted in the 14th round of the 2006 MLB draft by Florida, Buente had an impressive career Minor League ERA of 3.14. Buente moved up the minor league ladder one level every season until being promoted to AAA New Orleans from AA ball midway through the 2009 season.
Following the 2009 season, Buente was a participant in the prospect rich Arizona Fall League and was added to the Marlins’ 40 man roster. The addition made Buente a participant in 2010 spring training, which very likely accelerated his ascent to the MLB.
The Purdue alum had an outstanding two year career with the Woodchucks in 2004 and 2005. As a sophomore with the ‘Chucks in 2004, Buente was a South Division All-Star on his way to a 5-3 record, a 3.07 ERA, and 77 strikeouts in only 85 innings pitched.
In his second season with the ‘Chucks in ’05, Buente would be named a Summer League All-American by Baseball America. Buente would go on to set a franchise record with 100 strikeouts, on top of a team low 1.43 ERA.
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.
Tags: Jay Buente, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Winona State Warriors’ starting catcher and shortstop, Jamie Soyk and Seth McMullen, have signed temporary contracts with the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The two were instrumental pieces to a 36-16 Winona team which made an NCAA Tournament appearance.
McMullen, a Wausau native, enjoyed a prolific career at Wausau West. Playing shortstop, Seth would receive second team All-WVC accolades as a sophomore, and would make the first team All-WVC as a junior and senior. McMullen will be the second Woodchuck representing the Wisconsin Valley Conference, joining 2010 WIAC Player of the Year Eric Fritz from UW- Stevens Point.
McMullen had a stellar freshman season playing shortstop for the Warriors. Starting 34 games, McMullen posted a .350 batting average with 7 home runs, 29 RBI, and a monster .617 slugging percentage.
Soyk, a native of Abbotsford, possesses a cannon arm, a deep understanding of the game, a phenomenal rapport with his pitchers, and a barricade of a glove. Soyk is also not a stranger to the Northwoods League, as he enjoyed a short stint with the Lacrosse Loggers last season.
While he is not an offensive threat, Soyk is the ultimate intangible catcher. Soyk boasts a .992 fielding percentage, has picked off 10 baserunners, while throwing out 12 of 18 would be basestealers. Soyk, a junior, possesses a 3.96 GPA and is a team leader in every facet of the Winona State program.
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.
Tags: Jamie Soyk, Seth McMullen, Winona State University, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks have signed Robert Alcala, a left-handed pitcher from San Diego State University. Alcala, 21, is finishing up a strong junior campaign with the Aztecs, after spending his freshman and sophomore years with Fresno City College.
As far as power pitchers go, Alcala is relatively small in stature at 5’10”, 175 lbs. However, his lack of size didn’t stop the Rancho Maderas native from becoming a Pacific All-American last season at Fresno City. In 95.1 innings pitched last season, Alcala struck out 100 batters and walked a mere 18 on his way to a 9-3 record.
“He’s not a real big pitcher stature wise, but he pitches like a big man. He’s a strong lefty, good curveball, great control, just a quality pitcher,” said Woodchucks field manager Guido Aspeitia. “He’s a competitor and he’s just a quality guy so it was a great get for us.”
Alcala was named an Under Armour All-American before embarking on his final high school season in 2007, where he would be named to the All-State California team. It can be a fair measure of talent to consider what schools recruited an athlete, which would speak volumes to Alcala’s abilities. Fighting beside the prestigious San Diego State were CS Fullerton, Oregon State, Oklahoma, Fresno State, Hawaii, and Cal Poly for the services of Alcala.
“Obviously my concern with him, well actually I don’t have a concern with him. I think he’s gonna be just fine,” said Aspeitia. “I think initially what I’m going to do is put the ball in his hands at the start of the game. He’s good enough to do that, he’s done it in the past.”
As a member of the ‘Chucks starting rotation, fans should get a good look at what this talented southpaw can accomplish.
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.
Tags: Robert Alcala, San Diego State University, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Monday, May 17th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) Mitchell Beacom, a 6’9” lefty reliever from UCLA, has signed with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for the 2010 summer. Beacom, a third-year sophomore, is providing quality innings out of the ‘pen for a UCLA team seemingly destined for extensive postseason play with a 37-11 record.
 Beacom’s stats this season are deceiving, as his 4.76 earned run average doesn’t tell the whole story. Through 17 innings pitched out of the pen, Beacom boasts an extraordinary 0.88 WHIP with a .185 opponent batting average- making his higher ERA a statistical oddity.
“We can’t wait to get him here and see him in a game situation. We’re (gonna) bring him out of the bullpen; that’s what he’s used to and comfortable with,” said Woodchucks manager Guido Aspeitia on the young southpaw. “He can pretty much throw every day, we’re not going to do that obviously, but he can bounce back pretty quick.”
A San Diego native, Beacom’s combination of size, deceptive velocity, and a quirky sidearm delivery gives most hitters, especially lefties, a challenging look. “He runs the ball up there pretty well, and it actually seems a lot faster just because of his height,” said Aspeitia. “We probably won’t see him until a little later, because they (UCLA) think they’re going to go pretty far [into the postseason].”
Beacom should be an imposing presence on, and off the mound for the ‘Chucks this summer. His experience and ability coming out of the bullpen, especially from the left side, should be an invaluable tool for an increasingly impressive 2010 ‘Chucks bullpen.
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.
Tags: Guido Aspeitia, Mitchell Beacom, University of California Los Angeles, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks have signed outfielders Scott Schauer of San Diego University, and Patrick Claussen of Washington State. The sparkplug duo should add some valuable talent to a deep ‘Chucks outfield ready to take the field in a few short weeks.
Schauer, a 5’9”, 180 lbs. junior, is playing in his first season as a Torero after spending two seasons and a redshirt year at Golden West College. At GWC last season, Schauer posted a .365 batting average, 32 runs batted in, and a .968 OPS. He played his high school ball at Servite High School in Anaheim, where he was teammates with 2010 ‘Chucks third baseman Chris Amezquita. Schauer’s father, Randy, also played ball in the Oakland Athletics’ organization.
In Schauer’s first season at San Diego, the Toreros are undefeated in conference play and are 30-16 overall. Primarily coming off the bench as a Greenhorn, Schauer has compiled some very respectable stats, posting a .333 batting average with a .444 slugging percentage. This summer, the ‘Chucks will not only expect Schauer to log some innings in the outfield, but also to help out on the mound in relief.
In Patrick Claussen’s second season as a Cougar, the 5’10” lefty is hitting a solid .286 with a terrific .414 on-base percentage through 31 games. A Washington state native, Claussen appears to have put himself in a good position to win a regular starting job next season, and a strong summer with the Woodchucks can only help his chances.
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.
Tags: Patrick Claussen, San Diego University, Scott Schauer, Washington State University, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball Club has announced a partnership with Midwest Communications to broadcast all 70 games on the radio this season. All Monday through Saturday games will be broadcasted on Fox Sports 1390 AM, while Sunday night games will be the “Game of the Week” on WSAU AM & FM.
The first Woodchucks radio broadcast on Fox Sports 1390 is set for Wednesday, June 2nd, when the ‘Chucks travel to Madison to play the in-state rival Mallards.
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.
Tags: Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Monday, May 3rd, 2010
(Wausau, WI) Joining fellow University of Nevada teammate Brock Stassi, the Wolf Pack’s right-handed pitcher Jayson McClaren has signed with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for the 2010 summer. McClaren, 20, is a 6’1” sophomore from Las Vegas, Nevada, and is majoring in community health sciences.
 In his second year at Nevada, McClaren has provided the ‘Pack with solid relief innings without cracking the win/loss column. Through his first two years at Nevada, McClaren has been used out of the bullpen, and has spot-started on weekends tallying 53.2 career innings pitched. “I’ve been [pitching] mostly out of the bullpen, and I’ve had a few spot starts here and there,” said McClaren on his role this season. “I usually come in and pitch in the later innings with the score being pretty close.”
Not even a month away from the ‘Chucks opening day, McClaren’s plans for this summer include getting in some quality innings, having a good season, and doing everything he can to return to Nevada stronger next year. “I’m more of a finesse guy, I have to locate my pitches and keep the ball down in order to have success,” said an exhausted McClaren upon returning from a four-game road series at Hawaii.
As mentioned, McClaren is teammates at Nevada with 2010 Woodchuck Brock Stassi, who is having an sensational year in the WAC. Through eight starts on the mound, Stassi has accrued 54.2 innings pitched, a 3.62 ERA, and 5 wins. As a DH (when he’s not on the mound), Stassi is batting a scorching .392 through 125 at bats – tallying 5 triples, 7 homeruns, 31 runs batted in, and 18 walks.
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.
Tags: Brock Stassi, Jayson McClaren, University of Nevada, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Monday, April 26th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks have announced the signings of Oklahoma State University’s Chance Deason and Don Lisi for the 2010 season. This spring the pitching duo is providing quality innings out of the bullpen for the Cowboys, who are 23-16 on the season.
 Deason, a 22-year-old southpaw, is enjoying his second season with the Cowboys after spending the first two years of his collegiate career down the road at Eastern Oklahoma State College. In his career at EOSC, Deason went 15-3 and was a strikeout machine, tallying 142 K in 149 innings pitched. Standing a modest 5’11” and 180 lbs., Deason was a prep star in his hometown at Piedmont High, where over his career he compiled a 0.75 ERA, while striking out over 500 batters. Deason’s prep career was impressive enough for him to be named conference MVP, garner All-State accolades, and warrant enough professional interest to be drafted in the 39th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
 Lisi, son of Texas Rangers alumnus Rick Lisi, is participating in his first season as a Cowboy after playing his first two years at Crowder College in Missouri. The 6’2” 186 lbs. Education major posted a 16-6 record at Crowder, while also displaying an impressive ability to strike out batters- ringing up 149 batters in 158 career innings. Lisi already has some impressive wood bat league experience, as he played for former big league manager Mike Hargrove with the Jayhawk League powerhouse Liberal Bee Jays. This year at Oklahoma State, Deason is having a very solid junior campaign, posting a 2.89 ERA while nearly striking out one batter per inning and holding batters to a .257 batting average. Lisi has seen limited action in his junior season, but has a respectable 3.38 ERA in his first year of Big 12 baseball.
In whatever role the two should play this summer, the dynamic strikeout duo of Lisi and Deason should play a crucial role in the Woodchucks’ pitching depth by bringing to Wausau a battle-tested and experienced arm from each side of the mound.
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.
Tags: Chance Deason, Don Lisi, Oklahoma State University, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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Monday, April 19th, 2010
(Wausau, WI) The Wisconsin Woodchucks have announced the signing of Louisiana State University infielder/catcher Grant Dozar for the 2010 summer. Dozar, 19, is a rising sophomore for the reigning NCAA champion Tigers who are 30-6 on the year and ranked #5 in the nation according to the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Poll.
Dozar (5’10”, 180 lb.) hails from Morgan City, Louisiana, where he was a three-time All-State and Academic All-State selection. At Morgan City High Dozar posted a .500 batting average and a 1.25 earned run average on the mound, after garnering pre-season All-American accolades.
Dozar brings to the ‘Chucks an experience most couldn’t dream of: winning a National Championship. “Oh it was unbelievable, it was out of my wildest dreams to actually go play in Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, and then actually win the whole thing,” said Dozar when asked about his College World Series experience. “Last year’s team, those guys were as good as it gets, and to be a part of something like that was really special.”
This year at Louisiana State, Dozar is showing off his remarkable versatility and his impressive bat. Through 20 appearances, Dozar has a .352 batting average with a .963 OPS, while also giving third base a try. Dozar has been groomed as the successor to Micah Gibbs at catcher since a position switch his freshman year at LSU. However, playing time is usually scarce behind the team’s best player, so in the meantime Dozar has tried his hand at 1B, 3B, and DH for LSU coach Paul Mainieri.
Dozar created headlines over this past weekend after hitting a walk-off home run in the 14th inning on Sunday. His clutch hitting led LSU to a series sweep of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Prior to his walk-off bomb in the 14th, Dozar sent the game into extra innings with an RBI single in the 9th inning.
Dozar’s athleticism, versatility, and prowess at the plate should prove to be a valuable tool for a Woodchucks team fixed on bringing home a Northwoods League title in 2010. Added Dozar: “I’m looking forward to playing in some nice weather… and getting out of this 90-degree heat that we have down here in Louisiana summers.”
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.
Tags: Grant Dozar, Louisiana State University, Wisconsin Woodchucks
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