Posts Tagged ‘Woodchucks’
Monday, March 8th, 2010
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
Tags: UC Santa Barbara, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Wausau, WI - Pittsburgh University infielder and Burlington, Iowa native Travis Whitmore is set to play his second season of summer ball with the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The 6’1” switch-hitter is renowned for his versatility both at the plate and in the field, which should make him a valuable weapon in manager Guido Aspeitia’s loaded arsenal.
“I’m excited to have Whitmore back,” said Aspeitia. “Travis came in to a tough situation last year and handled it well for us. It’s always hard when you come in late, but he swung the heck out of it for us and was a big part of that run we had late last year.”
Whitmore, a junior, is playing in his first season at Pitt after attending junior college at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa (also the alma mater of former ‘Chucks standout Justin Berg). Whitmore seems to be making the transition from junior college ball quite well, as he is batting a scorching .476 after starting the team’s first five contests.
If last summer and this spring are any indication, Woodchucks fans should be in for quite a show from the young economics major. After 29 games with the ‘Chucks last summer, Whitmore led the team in batting average and on-base percentage while swiping 12 bases.
“Travis possesses a great passion for the game and is willing to do whatever it takes to make himself a better player,” said Whitmore’s former coach at Indian Hills, Cam Walker. “He understands the time, effort and sacrifice it takes to become a better player and the best teammate he can be.”
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: Pittsburgh, Whitmore, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
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
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
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
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
Monday, February 8th, 2010
(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 37th 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 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: Amezquita, Pepperdine, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
Monday, February 1st, 2010
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.
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: Kiser, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
Monday, January 25th, 2010
Wausau, WI – Former Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) Panther and current UW-Stevens Point shortstop Eric Fritz has signed on for his second summer with the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The 5’11” righty has a reputation for being a team player with a top-notch work ethic and approach to the game. “I feel like I improved tremendously as a player and a leader over the summer playing with the type of competition that the Northwoods League provides,” Fritz said. “The direction Coach had the team going towards the end of the summer has me already looking forward to next summer.” In limited playing time with the ‘Chucks last summer, Fritz posted an impressive .281 BA with a .343 OBP. Fritz was originally a 10-day contract player who was signed on to the permanent roster when a spot opened up late in the season. “When we made that run at the end of the summer, he was solid at short for us, stabilized the infield, got hot at the plate, and always gave us his best effort,” said Woodchucks manager Guido Aspeitia. “I think Fritzy’s work ethic, tenacity and overall grittiness symbolize not only our mascot, but the city of Wausau, the surrounding communities, and the state of Wisconsin as a whole.” Local prep followers may remember Fritz’s exploits on the diamond (and gridiron) while playing for the SPASH Panthers, where he made the 2007 WBCA All-State third team. He currently plays his college ball for the UWSP Pointers where he “feel[s] like we have a strong team that could very well contend for a national championship this year – which is our ultimate goal. With the youthful team we had last year gaining experience during the spring and summer baseball seasons we have very high expectations as always.” In Fritz’s second season with the Pointers last spring, he started every game he played while posting a .297 BA with a .846 OPS, while going 17 for 17 on the basepaths. “We are grateful to the Woodchucks and their staff for allowing Eric the opportunity to compete for another summer in the Northwoods League. He gained valuable experience and skill advancement from his opportunity last season, and we look for him to be a significant contributor to our ballclub this spring,” said UWSP Head Coach Pat Bloom. “Eric was one of three Pointer players to play in Wausau last summer, and we look forward to the possibility of more Pointers earning the chance to wear the Woodchuck uniform in the future.”
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: Fritz, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in Player Signings | Comments Off
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
On a brisk Tuesday evening at Athletic Park in Wausau, the Woodchucks saw their 10 game winning streak come to an end against the Rochester Honkers by losing 6 to 2. Cole Tyrell for Rochester had 4 RBI including a solo HR in the 3rd Inning. The pictures below show Cole Tyrell after hitting his home run and the second picture is of a play at the plate where the Woodchuck was called out.
 
Tags: Chris, Cole, Frazier, Honkers, Rochester, Troy, Tyrell, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in 2008 Photos | Comments Off
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
The Wisconsin Woodchucks continued their winning streak on Sunday afternoon at Athletic Park with a 5 to 4 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The picture below shows Jeff Cowan from the Woodchucks laying down a suicide squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the game at 4. The next batter would be walked and the winning streak would continue.
Tags: Bullfrogs, Cowan, Green Bay, Jeff, Wisconsin, Woodchucks
Posted in 2008 Photos | Comments Off
|
