Summer Ball

War Memorial Stadium Receives 2011 Mayor’s Civic Improvement Award

2012-01-27T13:34:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
On December 16, 2011, at City Council Chambers in downtown Hampton, Va., members of the Peninsula Pilots staff and Peninsula Stadium Authority were on hand to receive the 2011 Mayor’s Civic Improvement Award given to War Memorial Stadium.

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Present and pictured include Pilots Caretaker Henry Morgan, Peninsula Stadium Authority President Lani Chisman-Davis, Vice-President Hank Morgan, and General Manager Jeffrey Scott were presented the award by Committee Chairman and Hampton Ombudsman, Hardy W. Cash, Sr. and City Councilman and Vice-Mayor, George E. Wallace.

In 1983, Mr. Cash was asked to prepare a program to publicly recognize individual businesses and non-residential localities that have made significant contributions to the visual appearance of the City. The annual Mayor’s Civic Improvement Awards are the result of that request. Mayor Molly Joseph Ward and members of City Council are firm believers in the positive impact that good civic appearance has on attracting new development to the City of Hampton. One of Council’s top goals is to recognize and encourage all efforts to the City’s image and its physical appearance.

“Being selected to win this award is a great honor for War Memorial Stadium”, says General Manager Jeffrey Scott. “The efforts and contributions of the City of Hampton, the Peninsula Stadium Authority, Mr. Morgan and the Pilots, and the Apprentice School have really paid off. We have presented ourselves a goal of making new capital improvements to the stadium each year and I think fans that remember what War Memorial Stadium looked like 5-7 years ago versus today, really see a big difference.”

The Peninsula Pilots are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 930 alumni drafted and 46 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cpleague).

BUCKS RE-SIGN GIANTS DRAFT PICK KYLE KRAMP

2012-01-27T10:07:00.000-06:00

From the Waterloo Bucks
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced right-handed pitcher Kyle Kramp will return to play for the Bucks in 2012. Kramp, a sophomore at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana is the fourth player to be named to Waterloo's roster for the team's 18th season.

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Last year, Kramp led Waterloo in saves with nine. That mark tied the righty for fourth in the NWL in saves and was good enough for second in the South Division. Kramp led the league in appearances with 30, the second most in a single-season in Bucks history. The Westfield, Indiana native finished third in the South Division's Relief Pitcher Point Standings with 35 points and closed out the year with a 3-4 record, a 4.82 ERA, and 40 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched.

In 2011 for Butler, Kramp saw action in 12 games, finishing with a 2-3 record and a 10.12 ERA. A 45th round draft pick in 2009 by the San Francisco Giants, Kramp struck out 24 batters in 32 innings pitched for the Bulldogs.

Born December 23, 1990, Kramp attended Westfield High School where he was named the 2009 Indiana Baseball Coaches Association Player of the Year. The 6'3", 200-pounder went 10-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 101 strikeouts as a senior. Kyle is the son of Dave and Lisa Kramp.

The Bucks will open the 2012 season at home versus the Rochester Honkers on May 30 at 6:35 pm. 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.

Top 10 Pitchers in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League

2012-01-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

Below is my list of the top 10 pitchers in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League from the 2011 summer season. Due to my work schedule the next month and the fact that the regular season is fast approaching, I've decided to just post my list of top players, and not included any info with the list.

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Gavin McCullough RHP Torrington Titans--Fairfield
Geoff Fisher RHP Nashua Silver Knights--UMASS Lowell
Tyler Erickson RHP Torrington--Castleton State
Eric Perrault LHP Nashua--Keene State
Ryan Morris RHP Martha's Vineyard Sharks--Presbyterian
Donald Hissa RHP Seacoast Mavericks--Notre Dame
Conner McMahon LHP Torrington--Merrimack
Dylan Maki RHP Nashua--Northeastern
J.D. Dickinson RHP Martha's Vineyard--Wheaton
Kevin Mayone RHP Seacoast--Assumption

Bombers Hire Higelin as Field Manager

2012-01-27T08:12:00.000-06:00

From the Northwoods League
The Battle Creek Bombers have hired Brandon Higelin as the team's Field Manager. Higelin was the Bombers Pitching Coach for the 2011 Championship season and was highly regarded around the league for the work he did with the pitching staff throughout the summer.

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"I first want to thank Brian Colopy for allowing me the opportunity to coach the Battle Creek Bombers. The Northwoods League is one of the best collegiate summer leagues in the country and it is an honor to be named the next Manager of the Bombers. We have already started putting a roster together filled with quality young men on and off the field, and with that talent and a great staff, I am excited for what this summer has in store. I am eager to get back to Battle Creek and start working on defending our Northwoods League Championship."

Higelin has spent time in numerous pitching positions throughout different levels of baseball. Recently Brandon has been giving private lessons to Division 1 collegiate players, and minor leaguers in California. Brandon also spent a number of years as a left-hand pitcher in the San Diego Padres farm system.

“We are very happy to have Brandon as our Field Manager for 2012. I have the utmost confidence in Brandon and his abilities to recruit talent, teach fundamentals, and inspire our team. Donnie was an amazing mentor for Brandon last season and I think that time will help Brandon this summer and in his promising career in baseball”, said Bombers GM Brian Colopy.

Brandon takes over for the 2011 Northwoods League Manager of the Year Donnie Scott.

Donnie said in a released statement, "Because of a recent job opportunity, I have made the difficult decision not to return this upcoming season. I want to thank NWL President Dick Radatz, GM Brian Colopy, pitching Coach Brandon Higelin, hitting Coach Thad Frame, the championship players, the front office staff, all of the host families and friendly fans for one of the most memorable experiences in my entire life. Brandon is a quality baseball man with a passion for the game and the desire to help young players. He will put in the time and effort to assure continued success for the Bombers. I will truly miss the Northwoods League and managing the Battle Creek Bombers."

Higelin spoke on his time with Donnie last summer, "I am so grateful to have been able to work alongside, and learn from such a great manager as Donnie Scott last summer. Not only did he teach me what it takes to be a great Field Manager, but what it takes to be a leader of young men. I look forward to continue to build upon the success that Donnie brought to Battle Creek, and teach our players what it takes to be a successful player at the minor league level."

Brandon attended California State University where he majored in both Business and History. While attending CSU, Higelin achieved the award of 2005 Pitcher of the Year. A 28th round selection by the Padres, Higelin was selected as a 2006 Midwest League All-star and later became the captain of the team’s pitching staff. He is currently finishing up is BA in psychology at Ashford University.

Higelin was the head baseball coach for the developmental baseball program, Poway Express. He was also the Pitching Coach for Poway Thunder in Poway, California during the summer of 2010. Higelin has rubbed off his talents onto many current and former students that have committed to Division 1 baseball programs.

TH Rex to feature new expanded season

2012-01-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

From WTHITV.com
Terre Haute, Ind.(WTHI) - On Monday the Terre Haute Rex announced the 2012 season will feature a expanded 60-game schedule. That's four more games than last season.

The schedule will consist of mostly two-game series against division opponents, in hopes of increasing some of the nearby rivalries, along with cutting down the grueling day-to-day travel routine in past years.

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Read the rest of this article here.

Four Questions With Brendan Collins

2012-01-26T07:44:00.000-06:00

Brendan Collins is a an outfielder from Saint Leo University. He spent this past summer playing for the Niagara Power of the NYCBL. He hit .353, with 33 runs and 15 rbi's this year. He hit 7 doubles, 2 triples and stole 18 bases for the Power. He also went 2 for 3, with 3 runs scored in the NYCBL All-Star Game.

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Brendan answered four questions for us.

Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Brendan Collins--Mo Vaughn of the Red Sox.

SB--What were some of the best things about playing for the Power this past summer?
BC--Team chemistry and the development of Christian athletes.

SB--What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?
BC--Be named freshman of the year for the SSC.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
BC--The Sandlot

Honkers Add Two Jayhawks

2012-01-26T07:40:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club made it official today on the addition of two more players, both from the University of Kansas. Outfielder Dakota Smith and infielder Justin Protacio are young freshman at Kansas, and the two Jayhawks will make their Northwoods League debut this summer.

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Smith is a 5’11” 180-pound freshman from Leavenworth, Kansas. He graduated from Lansing High School where he was a four-time All Sunflower League selection and was first team all-state selection his senior year. As a junior, Smith hit .500 with nine home runs, 35 RBI and 15 stolen bases. At the 2011 Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM, Smith was awarded the tourney’s Most Valuable Player honors as well as the Comcast Big Stick award. He was ranked as the No. 25 high school outfielder in 2011 by the Baseball Draft Report.

Protacio is a speedy 5’6” 160-pound freshman from Pearl City, HI. He played high school ball at the Mid Pacific Institute and was a three-time all-state selection and an All-Interscholastic League First Team selection three consecutive years. In 2008, Protacio helped lead the Mid-Pacific American Legion summer league team to a Hawaii State Championship and a Western Region runner-up finish.

Opening day for the 2012 Rochester Honkers is on May 30 when the Honkers travel to Waterloo, IA to take on the Waterloo Bucks. The home opener is Thursday, May 31st against the same Waterloo Bucks, game time is 7:05PM. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now on sale for the 2012 season. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

2012 Signing--Connor Barron

2012-01-25T18:24:00.000-06:00

One of the many benefits of watching a Cape Cod League game is that you get the chance to see quite a few top-notch MLB draft picks play. This summer, the Bourne Braves will welcome a 2011 3rd round MLB draftee in Connor Barron. He is 6-1/175 pounds and he hails from Mississippi. He spurned a lucrative signing bonus from the Marlins to attend Southern Mississippi. He is said to be a great defensive infielder and should be a star for the Braves this summer.

Three Otters Sign To Play Summer Ball In New League

2012-01-25T15:04:00.000-06:00

From CS Monterey Bay
SEASIDE, Calif. – Three members of the Cal State Monterey Bay baseball squad are heading to South Carolina this summer to compete in the new Myrtle Beach Collegiate Summer Baseball League. Tommy George and Jake Paolinetti will don Snapper uniforms while Devin Finnn will play for the Sea Dragons.

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“The MBCSBL is getting three very good players, who also happen to be very fine young men and student-athletes,” said head coach Walt White. “They will represent CSUMB baseball the right way in South Carolina and will continue to spread the word of what we are doing in this program."

The MBCSL consists of 10 teams of 215 players representing over 100 universities across the nation.

A product of San Jose City College, Paolinetti broke the single season school record for wins last season (7). George is a two-year starter in outfield for the Otters and led the 2011 team with 16 stolen bases. Finn will make his collegiate debut this spring fighting for a spot in the outfield.

"We were very impressed with the business plan that the MBCSBL presented to us,” White said. “We feel this will soon be one of the premier summer leagues in the country, and we are glad we can be part of its beginnings. It's located in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and they have a very player friendly setup. Our guys should have the time of their lives this summer."

The Otters open their 2012 campaign at home against the Westmont Warriors on Friday, Feb. 3.

Woodchucks Add Two From Wake Forest

2012-01-25T11:05:00.000-06:00

From the NWL
(Wausau, WI) – The Wisconsin Woodchucks announced the signing of Matt Martin and Austin Stadler, a talented pair of players from Wake Forest University.

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Martin, a freshman catcher, spent his junior and senior seasons playing for the IMG Baseball Academy in Bradenton, FL. He was drafted out of high school in the 44th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. As a senior he hit .429 in 89 plate appearances. As a junior, participated in the Florida Diamond Club Showcase and the Perfect Game National Showcase. As a senior, he was named Rawlings/Perfect Game Second Team All-American and FACA All-State. Played summer baseball for the Florida Bombers.

Stadler, a lefty pitcher, enters his fourth season with the Demon Deacons as a redshirt junior. He was ranked as the 4th best high school prospect in Virginia and was selected in the 40th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants. Hit and pitched in both his freshman and sophomore years but gave up hitting his junior year to focus on pitching. Struck out a team high 70 batters his sophomore year. Made 16 appearances his junior year, striking out 47 batters in just over 64 innings of work, including 10 strikeouts in one game against the University of Minnesota.

Top 15 Position Players in the Texas Collegiate League

2012-01-25T09:26:00.000-06:00

Below is my list of the top 15 position players in the Texas Collegiate League from the 2011 summer season. Due to my work schedule the next month and the fact that the regular season is fast approaching, I've decided to just post my list of top players, and not included any info with the list.

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Seth Granger OF East Texas--McNeese State
Taylor Dugas OF Acadiana--Alabama
Trey Porras IF Brazos Valley--New Mexico
Tyler Collins OF Coppell--Signed by Tigers
Matt Shortall OF Coppell--UTA
Chad Kruse IF Victoria--Sam Houston State
Freddy Villalobos IF Victoria--Stephen F. Austin
Hunter Dozier IF East Texas--Stephen F. Austin
Nick Smelser IF Coppell--Midland College
Tyler Migl OF Coppell--St. Mary's
Ryan Dalton Victoria--UTSA
Anthony Guglielmi OF Coppell--Harding
Trent Wagner OF Victoria--Texas A&M Kingsville
Tyler Girouard IF East Texas--Louisiana at Lafayette
Grayson Porter OF Victoria--Baylor

Mavericks Sign Mayone

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
NEWINGTON - The Seacoast Mavericks have received a signed contract from Assumption College’s Kevin Mayone to return to the team for the 2012 Futures Collegiate Baseball League season.

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As a senior, the contract is the first step of Mayone’s return. He has applied for a medical red shirt, a result of a herniated disk during his freshman season, which limited his action. Providing Mayone’s request is accepted by the NCAA, making him a junior athletically, his return is eagerly awaited by the team.

After a rocky first outing in the Mavericks soggy season opener where he allowed two earned runs in one inning, Mayone hit stride, quickly establishing himself as the team’s most reliable relief man, if not one of the best in the league, only allowing two runs in his next twelve appearances.

“Kevin was a big part of the reason many games remained close,” Seacoast GM Joel LaVallee said. “He has a closer’s mentality, keeps guys on their toes and gets them to chase pitches at will.”

Despite an offer from another FCBL team, Mayone elected to return to Seacoast for another season.

“I am returning because I truly enjoyed my time there and got to play with some great players and coaches. Not to mention, I get to play for a great owner like Coach Hoyt who is one of the big reasons why I wanted to return to the Mavs,” Mayone said.

Mayone’s season, if not life, nearly took a turn for the worse on July 11th, a night he was not scheduled to pitch. After his off-day workout where the temperature reached 91 degrees, Mayone became severely dehydrated. Unable to keep water down, he headed for a car in the Bert George Field parking lot to cool down. He never made it, passing out.

“It was a very scary situation because I went from feeling completely fine heading to the ballpark to suddenly not being able to move once I arrived,” Mayone said.

Mayone was sent to Frisbee Memorial Hospital for intravenous fluids to rehydrate and ordered to rest for seven to ten days. He returned to his family home in Saugerties, New York where he was informed of the severity of the situation. Test results indicated his kidneys were on the verge of shutting down.

“The first couple days after I left the hospital, it was a struggle for me to walk around my house. It was a terrible situation, but I learned a lot more about how to rest and take care of your body,” he said.

After an eleven day absence from the team and medical clearance in hand, Mayone met up with the Mavericks on the road in Torrington, Connecticut, sipping on Pedialyte per doctor’s orders. Although he did not make an appearance that night, Mayone was called upon the following evening and worked two innings of relief in a 3-1 loss to Nashua, allowing one hit while striking out three.

Two days later, perhaps still under the weather, Mayone took his first loss of the season, allowing a season high three runs in an 8-5 loss to Martha’s Vineyard. For only the second time in the season, he did not strike out a batter.

“Kevin clearly was not himself that game.” LaVallee said. “Typically, he brings a certain level of determination to the mound, kicking dirt away from the rubber with ferocity. That night, it was missing. There is no doubt he had not fully recovered.”

Despite the setback that raised his ERA from a season low 1.93 to 3.20, Mayone returned to the mound working two more games to finish the season, an inning each, both perfect outings, not allowing a hit or walk.

Mayone completed the season with a 2-1 record and 2.91 ERA, second on the Mavericks to Donnie Hissa’s 2.82 ERA amongst the regulars. He was one of two pitchers (Hissa) on the season ending roster to have more strikeouts (26) than innings pitched (21.2).

Fully recuperated and with the Mavericks’ 10-33 season in the rearview mirror, Mayone is looking for improvement this summer.

“I feel we got the team to win it all this year with the returning of Donnie (Hissa), Den (Torres), and me pitching and all of the great players they locked up this year. I expect us to win (the championship) and want to be a big contributor in doing so.”

Bells Sign Two High School Standouts

2012-01-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

From the Bellingham Bells
The Bells have added two more players to the roster for 2012 in the form of high school seniors who have commitments to play in the Pac 12 during the 2013 school year. Will Ballowe and Jonny Locher will be coming to Bellingham this summer.

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Will Ballowe, a native of Danville, CA and currently a senior at San Ramon Valley High School, is set to pitch for the University of Washington next fall. As a junior in high school in 2011, Ballowe struck out 75 batters in 62 innings with a 1.80 ERA. He will be the fourth player on the Bells from the UW. "Everything we have heard about Will, makes us believe he is ready to pitch in this league. At 6'4" 225 lbs., Will is a BIG lefthanded pitcher. He has a good fastball, curveball, and change-up. It will be fun to watch Will develop through the summer," says pitching coach Jim Clem.

Jonny Locher is from Burien, WA where he is attending Highline High School and has committed to play at Stanford in 2013. The 6'0" outfielder batted .630 during his junior season including 20 stolen bases while striking out just once. Locher has been a stand out for quite some time, playing on the USA 14U National team in 2008. Clem looks forward to working with Locher this summer saying, "Jonny is an accomplished switch-hitter who runs well and is a good very defender in the outfield. We expect Jonny to be a very exciting player for Bells fans to watch as he has outstanding skills both offensively and defensively."

PGCBL Announces 2012 Schedule

2012-01-24T19:58:00.000-06:00

From the PGCBL
The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League announced their 2012 championship season schedule this afternoon. The newly expanded nine-team league has each team playing 48 games. This season, the league adopted an unbalanced, one division format, with the top four teams making the playoffs. The PGCBL champion will be crowned after winning two rounds of playoffs. Each playoff series will be a best-of-three showdown.

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"With the addition of the Oneonta Outlaws to the league we did not want to pass up the chance to create numerous rivalry games. We pitted Oneonta against Cooperstown and Little Falls against Amsterdam and Glens Falls against Albany as many times as possible. Fans can easily cheer for their team on the road this year because they play close to home. The players enjoy the shorter bus rides and it helps keep them fresh throughout the summer."

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League is affiliated with Perfect Game USA, the largest independent scouting service in the country. Last year, 1,323 players that participated in the PGCBL or in a Perfect Game event were selected in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. The 1,323 draft picks accounted for 85% of the total 2011 MLB draft selections including 52 of the 60 first round and compensatory first round picks (87%).

For more information about the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, visit www.pgcbl.org.

2012 Signing--Cam Young

2012-01-24T15:45:00.000-06:00

The Sanford Mainers of the NECBL have inked Cam Young for this upcoming summer season. Cam is a 6-0/185 sophomore infielder from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. He hit .284/.411/.377 in 141 at-bats this past Spring. He scored 19 runs, drove in 22 and hit 2 home runs as well this past season. He was named to the All-NWC Honorable Mention Team and he spent the summer playing for the Nevada Bighorns.

Wilson Tobs to Host 2012 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game

2012-01-24T14:33:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
The Coastal Plain League announced today that the 2012 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Wilson Tobs on July 23, 2012 at Historic Fleming Stadium in Wilson, North Carolina.
The All-Star Game festivities will begin on Sunday, July 22, when the Tobs will host the All-Star Fan Fest, which will have several unique attractions, including the Home Run Derby. Fans will have the chance to meet both CPL All-Star teams during that time, and then look on as some of the best hitters in the league battle it out in the annual Home Run Derby.

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“We are very happy to name the Wilson Tobs and the City of Wilson as hosts for our 2012 All-Star Game,” said CPL President and Commissioner Pete Bock. “Greg Suire and his staff do a wonderful job we look forward to all that the Tobs have in store for our All-Stars and fans. We feel that the whole event will be a great success!”

On Monday, July 23, the All-Stars will be treated to a special luncheon before a busy afternoon and evening that includes Major League Scout Day activities and then the playing of the 2012 CPL All-Star Game.

This will be the third time the league’s All-Star Game has made its way to Wilson. The Tobs played host in 2000, where the Southern All-Stars defeated the Northern All-Stars, 3-1; and again in 2005, where the National squad handed the American All-Stars a 5-3 defeat. Even more impressive is that a combined six Major Leaguers showed off their skills at those respective All-Star Games. Russ Adams (Toronto) and Don Kelly (Detroit) were All-Stars in 2000; while John Raynor (Miami), Michael Kohn (LA Angels), Michael McKenry (Pittsburgh) and Andy Dirks (Detroit) were all All-Stars in 2005.

For more information regarding the 2012 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game in Wilson, N.C., please contact the Tobs at (252) 291-8627. More information will be posted on the league website, http://www.coastalplain.com as the event draws closer.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 930 alumni drafted and 46 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cpleague).

BUCKS RE-SIGN ILLINI INFIELDER

2012-01-24T10:22:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
Waterloo, IA - The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced infielder Thomas Lindauer will return to play for the Bucks in 2012. Lindauer, a sophomore at the University of Illinois, is the sixth player to be named to Waterloo's roster for the team's 18th season.

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Last season for the Bucks, Lindauer played in 53 games, finishing with a .215 average. The 6'2", 170-pounder drove in 24 runs, scored 34 runs, and stole nine bases. Lindauer saw the majority of his playing time at shortstop for Waterloo.

Last season for Illinois, Lindauer was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman team at shortstop, playing in 27 games and finishing with a .178 average, three doubles, and four RBI. The Moline, Illinois native earned Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week honors on March 21 after a successful Spring Trip where he went 3-for-7 with two RBI and three runs.

Born December 2, 1991, Adams attended Moline High School where he was ranked number 15 in the state by Prep Baseball Report after his senior season. Named the Quad City Times Athlete of the Year in 2010, Lindauer was a member of Team Illinois for the Illinois vs. Iowa all-star game. Thomas is the son of Derek Lindauer and Andria McDermott.

The Bucks will open the 2012 season at home versus the Rochester Honkers on May 30 at 6:35 pm. 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.

Fisher headed to Madison for summer ball

2012-01-24T08:38:00.000-06:00

From ldnews.com
No one knows what the future holds for Derek Fisher, but the prized baseball player now knows where he'll be spending the summer.
The Cedar Crest grad who is in his freshman year at the University of Virginia has agreed to play his summer ball for the Madison Mallards in Wisconsin. The Mallards compete in the 16-team Northwoods League, which is the nation's largest summer collegiate league and is comprised of teams made up of college players wanting to stay sharp during the offseason.

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The 6-foot-3, 205-pound outfielder was drafted in the sixth round by the Texas Rangers last summer but opted to attend the University of Virginia instead of heading into the minor leagues. Fisher will be Madison's highest-drafted player out of high school to ever play for the Mallards, whose most famous alumni is Ryan Spilborghs of the Colorado Rockies.

"Derek can be a legitimate five-tool player in the majors," said Mallards manager Greg Labbe in a news release. "If he plays like we know he can, he will be an impact player in our lineup, even as a freshman. Any time you get the opportunity to sign a guy like Derek Fisher, you jump on that chance."

The Mallards' regular season runs from May 30 to Aug. 12.

Tony Fuller returning to manage Hornell NYCBL Dodgers in 2012

2012-01-23T23:22:00.000-06:00

From the Evening Tribune
Hornell, N.Y. —
A familiar face will be managing the Hornell Dodgers this summer.

Tony Fuller will return to Hornell for a second season at the helm of the New York Collegiate Baseball League franchise, Dodgers General Manager Paul Welker recently announced.

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Fuller led the 2011 edition of the Dodgers to a 22-22 mark as the team fell just short of making the NYCBL playoffs.

Seven members of Fuller’s 2011 squad were named All-NYCBL at the end of the year. The Dodgers were fourth in the NYCBL in hitting (.284 batting average) and eighth in pitching (4.26 ERA). Hornell led the league with 118 stolen bases. Welker is excited about having his skipper back.

“Fuller is an up-and-coming coach,” Welker said in a team release. “He really enjoyed the city of Hornell, the people, and the experience as a whole. I know he didn’t like not making the playoffs last year and he is ready to make another run and lead the Dodgers to bigger things.”

Read the rest of this article here.

Eric McCombie of Georgia Southwestern University Accepts Summer Coaching Position in the Beach League

2012-01-23T18:50:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
The Beach League is proud to announce that Coach Eric McCombie from Georgia Southwestern University has accepted a position as the Head Coach of the Myrtle Beach Riptides for the summer of 2012.

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McCombie was named assistant coach for the Georgia Southwestern baseball program in June of 2011. McCombie spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater of La Roche College in Pittsburgh. There he was the Redhawks' hitting and outfield coach. La Roche's 2011 season was particularly successful as McCombie helped Head Coach Chase Rowe lead the Redhawks to a 27-15 record, which saw four players earn all-conference honors and saw Rowe earn AMCC Coach of the Year honors.

A two-year captain during his playing career at La Roche College (2003-2008), McCombie was a standout centerfielder. He batted .361 with 3 homeruns and 20 RBIs as a senior, which helped the Redhawks finish third in the country in hitting.

Eric McCombie is a native of Homer City, Pennsylvania. He graduated from La Roche College with a Bachelor of Science degree in management with a minor in marketing. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Coaching Education from Ohio University.

Former Woodchuck Jirschele Returns as Coach

2012-01-23T16:03:00.000-06:00

From the NWL
(Wausau, Wisconsin) – A week after announcing their field manager for 2012, the Wisconsin Woodchucks have made another addition to the 2012 coaching staff. Jeremy Jirschele will join the Woodchucks this upcoming season as the teams hitting and infield coach.

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Jirschele returns to the Woodchucks 8 years after playing for the team in the summer of 2004. In 2005, he was drafted in the 30th round into the Kansas City Royals system, where he played until 2008. Jirschele played his college ball at UW-Oshkosh, where he tallied impressive stats, batting .431 his junior year and .438 as a senior. He also holds the WIAC record for career doubles with 53, and is second for career hits with 253. In 2005, he also recorded a fielding percentage of .981. He was one of 16 players to be named to the D3 All Decade Team for the 2000s and was one of only two Wisconsin players to make the list.

“Were very excited to have Jeremy on our staff,” said team owner Clark Eckhoff. “He’s a high character guy with great baseball knowledge.” During his summer with the Woodchucks, Jirschele earned MVP honors and was selected as Rawlings's Silver Glove Award winner as a second baseman. Added Eckhoff, “It’s exciting to have a former Woodchuck come back and want to be a part of this organization.”

Jeremy was recently named to the UW-Stevens Point coaching staff. He currently lives in Wausau with his wife, Jennie, and three children, Keagen (5), Taelyn (3) and Paetyn (1). Baseball runs in the Jirschele family, as his father, Mike, is currently managing the Kansas City Royals Triple A affiliate team, the Omaha Storm Chasers. Mike has previously been selected as the Top Managerial Prospect and Most Likely to Manage in the Major Leagues. This past year Mike was inducted into the Central Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame.

Four Questions With Mike McQuillan

2012-01-23T13:03:00.000-06:00

Mike McQuillan is a senior infielder from the University of Iowa. He spent this past summer playing for the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. He hit .286 in 206 at-bats for the Mallards. He scored 36 runs, drove in 27 and hit 3 home runs as well this summer.

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He recently answered four questions for us.

Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Mike McQuillan--My favorite player growing up had to be between Robin Ventura and Tino Martinez.

SB--What were some of the best things about playing for the Mallards this summer?
MM--The atmosphere was unreal. We played in front of 5-7000 fans a night and it was very special.

SB--What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?
MM--Win a Big 10 Championship, Advance towards Omaha and have the opportunity to continue my playing career.

SB--What is your favorite baseball movie?
MM--The Sandlot

Gatemen Sign IU's Schwarber

2012-01-23T11:54:00.000-06:00

The Wareham Gatemen have signed University of Indiana OF/C Kyle Schwarber for the summer 2012 season. Kyle is 6-0/230 pounds and hails from Middletown, Ohio. He was both a baseball and football star at Middletown High School. Scouts say he, "has a big strong build and is an above average defender."

MODGLIN TO PITCH FOR BLAZERS

2012-01-23T11:16:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
Harding University junior right-handed pitcher Ryan Modglin will be a part of the 2012 Adirondack Trail Blazers roster. Modglin, a 6'2" 235 pounder out of Scott City, Missouri appeared in 12 games last season while starting eight. He was 4-1 throwing 52 innings, striking out 54, gave up only 31 hits with a 3.61 ERA. Hitters only hit .177 against him. He was also a 2008 39th round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals. Ryan will be one of our go to guys on the staff.

Francis Marion Duo to Join SwampDogs

2012-01-23T09:57:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
The SwampDogs are proud to welcome Francis Marion University’s Jeffrey Stoner and Gary Ashcraft (photos courtesy of Francis Marion sports information) to the 2012 squad. Both right-handed pitchers will spend their first summer in the Coastal Plain League with Fayetteville.

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Stoner boasted a perfect 9-0 record in 2011, alongside a brilliant 2.40 ERA. The sophomore workhorse made 11 starts in 15 appearances for the FMU Patriots, and was second on the team with 78.2 innings pitched. The 6-4, 230-pound Martinez, Ga., native went to Lakeside High School and is majoring in business at FMU.

Ashcraft, a junior, joined the Patriots this year as a transfer from Southern Union State Community College. The 6-2, 215-pound native of Owens Cross Roads, Ala., went to Huntsville High School. Last season, he went 9-1 in 14 games at SUSCC. Ashcraft struck out 61 batters in just 68 innings, posting a 3.18 ERA, while leading the Bison to a Division 1 Junior College World Series appearance.

“We are truly excited about having Jeff and Gary as part of our club in 2012,” said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. “They are both fearless competitors who want the ball in big games. We expect them to play a major role on our pitching staff this summer.”

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 12th season in the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players a chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had more than 930 alums drafted and 45 alums make their major league debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via twitter (at cpleague).