Summer Ball

College Teams Converge on Asheboro’s McCrary Park February 10-12

2012-02-10T09:16:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
If the recent unseasonably warm weather has conjured up thoughts of the coming spring and baseball season, then Asheboro, NC should be your destination this coming weekend.

The 2012 baseball season at Asheboro’s McCrary Park – home of the Coastal Plain League’s Asheboro Copperheads – will begin this coming Friday, Feb. 10, and continue throughout the weekend with Pfeiffer University serving as the host team for a three-day round-robin event. Also participating in the event co-hosted by the Copperheads are NCAA Division II schools Barton College of Wilson, Tusculum College of Greenville, Tenn., and Shepherd University.of Shepherdstown, W. Va.

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Shepherd and Pfeiffer will open play on Friday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m., followed by a Barton-Tusculum matchup at 6. At noon on Saturday, Tusculum will play Pfeiffer, followed immediately by Shepherd vs. Barton. In Sunday’s action, Shepherd and Tusculum will play at noon and the event will conclude with Barton taking on host Pfeiffer. General admission tickets will be $5 per day.

Three of the four teams – Pfeiffer, Barton and Tusculum, have already opened their seasons with games the first week in February, while Shepherd will be playing their season-opener against Pfeiffer on Friday afternoon.

After next weekend’s games at McCrary Park, local fans won’t have to wait long before seeing more college action. Winston-Salem State and Brevard will meet in a 4 p.m. game at McCrary on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The Rams made an impressive return to collegiate baseball in 2011 by winning 30 games and advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs after a 37-year absence from the sport.

Later in the month of February, Barton’s Bulldogs will return to town to play the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. on Wedndesday, Feb. 29. Both games are scheduled for seven innings.

General admission will be $5 for both the WSSU-Brevard game and for the Barton-LR doubleheader.

The Asheboro Copperheads are a 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. 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 the league on Facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague). For additional information on the Copperheads, please visit the team’s website at http://www.teamcopperhead.com.

Will County CrackerJacks Will Play Home Games in Romeoville

2012-02-10T08:52:00.000-06:00

From the Romeoville Patch
The Will County CrackerJacks collegiate baseball team will kick off its second season right here in Romeoville after landing a deal to make Lewis University’s Brennan Field its home base.

General Manager Jamie Toole said the team has entered into a rental agreement to play its 23 home games at Lewis, beginning on Friday, June 15.

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“We actually wanted to play [at Lewis] last season,” Toole said. But because the team got off to a late start for its inaugural season, the field was already booked for the summer.

"As a resource to the region, Lewis University is proud to open our facilities to various organizations. Our latest addition is the rental of Brennan Baseball Field to the Will County CrackerJacks for the summer of 2012," Lewis Media Relations Director Kathrynne Skonicki said via email.

Read the rest of this article here.

Sweets Continue to Build 2012 Roster

2012-02-10T08:35:00.000-06:00

From the Walla Walla Sweets
WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Sweets have signed two more players to West Coast League contracts for the 2012 season. Luke West, a University of Utah sophomore, and J.J. Robinson, a high school senior, are headed to Walla Walla to play baseball for the summer.

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Luke West, a 6-foot 5-inch, 210-pound, right-handed pitcher is a native of Sandy, Utah. He graduated from Juan Diego High School in 2010 after helping lead his team to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010. As a senior he had a record of 7-2 with an ERA of 2.00, and hit .411 with 17 RBI, five doubles and four home runs. West was named first-team all-state during his senior season. During his freshman season at Utah, West went 1-0 with a 2.51 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.

“Luke should be very prepared coming into the summer, after two quality seasons at Utah,” said Sweets manager J.C. Biagi. “He’s been slated to come out of the bullpen this spring, but has the arm and off-speed stuff to eventually become a weekend starter in the Pac-12. It will be fun to see where he fits in with our pitching staff as he makes strides this spring and summer.”

J.J. Robinson, is a 6-foot 3-inch, 195-pound, player from Colfax, Washington. As a junior last season at Colfax High School he hit .600, with 12 doubles and five home runs. Last season as a pitcher, Robinson went 5-0 with a 1.14 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 30 2/3 innings pitched. He was named the Bi-County League MVP last season, is a three-time all-conference selection, and is ranked number 39 on the Washington top prospects list by Baseball Northwest. Robinson has committed to play college baseball for Washington State University. He will play for the Sweets after graduating from high school, and before attending WSU in the fall.

“J.J. is a very talented kid with good size and he has the ability to play multiple positions,” added Biagi. “Working around older guys this summer will be a good step for him in his development before making his way to WSU. He’ll do most of his work behind the plate, but I would imagine we’ll see him in a number of different roles throughout the season.”

The Walla Walla Sweets will open the 2012 WCL baseball season at home on June 1, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 P.M. Opening Night, presented by Northwestern Mutual, will have the Sweets facing the Corvallis Knights in a rematch of the 2011 WCL Championship series.

Pump Jacks Preparing For Fifth Anniversary Season

2012-02-09T18:07:00.001-06:00

From the East Texas Pump Jacks
It’s only 52 degrees outside, but fans across East Texas will warm up when they read these words: the East Texas Pump Jacks will open the 2012 season in 113 days.

The Pump Jacks announced today the team will return to historic Driller Park for its fifth anniversary season this summer. After a record-breaking campaign in 2011, the organization has high hopes for the anniversary season.

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“We’re so excited about this summer,” said Pump Jacks general manager Mike Lieberman. “This organization has been able to achieve a great deal in the last four years, and we owe so much of that to our fans. So we’re going to celebrate this anniversary all season, and hopefully cap it off with the one thing that has eluded us in the past: a championship.”

Head coach Ben Taylor, who will return for his fourth year at the helm, was equally enthusiastic.

“Pump Jacks baseball and Kilgore, Texas, are becoming synonymous,” said Taylor. “I'm so excited to bring this year’s club to Driller Park and hear our amazing fans support us!”

Last summer, Taylor guided the Jacks to Texas Collegiate League records with 40 wins and .a 678 winning percentage. The Pump Jacks captured both the first and second half division titles on their way to a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

East Texas also climbed as high #8 in Perfect Game’s national rankings of the top summer collegiate teams. More than 250 teams are considered for the poll, making it the most comprehensive such ranking in the country. After falling to the Brazos Valley Bombers in the playoffs, the Jacks finished the summer at #22 in the nation.

Taylor gave several hints about this summer’s roster. For the first time in team history, the Pump Jacks will feature players from the highly-regarded Southeastern Conference. The SEC has produced the last three College World Series Champions: LSU in 2009, followed by back-to-back titles by South Carolina in 2010 and 2011. The Jacks are also expected to continue drawing players from perennial contenders Texas, Texas A&M and Arizona State. East Texas will attract players from as many as eight different conferences, including the Big 12, Southland, Sun Belt, Big 10, Pac 12, and Conference USA.

The 2012 season will again be 60 games, with 30 contests at historic Driller Park and 30 on the road. The complete TCL schedule should be announced in the next several weeks.

Even though the Pump Jacks win totals have climbed every year, season ticket prices will remain the same this summer. Lower Box seats, the best seats in the house with in-your-seat wait service, can be had for just $199 each. Upper Box seats are still $150 for the entire season. Grandstand tickets, which offer your choice of seats in the general admission area behind the box seats, are only $105 for adults and $85 for children and seniors.

As a special bonus for this anniversary season, fans who pay for their season tickets in full by March 15 will receive a limited edition commemorative season ticket holder T-shirt. The shirt will feature a unique design that will not be available in the merchandise stand or to any other Pump Jacks fans. Only season ticket holders who get their tickets by March 15 can get it, so don’t delay!

All season ticket holders still become members of the Pump Jacks Premier Club, providing perks not available to other fans. The most popular benefit is the “Never A Wasted Ticket” policy, which allows Premier Club members to exchange any unused season tickets for Grandstand tickets to another game, ensuring that ticket holders get the most out of their season tickets. The Jacks will be adding more benefits to celebrate the team’s fifth anniversary as the season approaches.

To make purchasing season tickets even easier, fans have the option of the EZ Pay plan. With EZ Pay, fans make an initial payment of just 25% of their order when they purchase their season tickets. The Pump Jacks will then charge 25% in each of the next three months, paying off the entire cost of the season tickets. Fans don’t have to deal with invoices and mailing in payments, either, since the Jacks will simply charge their card each month. To take advantage of the EZ Pay plan, fans can check the EZ Pay box on the season ticket order form, or request the EZ Pay plan when speaking with a Pump Jacks representative.

Purchasing season tickets is easy. Simply call the Pump Jacks at (903) 218-GO ET, or e-mail the Jacks at tickets@pumpjacksbaseball.com. Season tickets can also be conveniently purchased online through the Pump Jacks store at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com. More information is available here, along with a downloadable season ticket order form.

The TCL will be announcing the 2012 season schedule in a few weeks. In the meantime, the Pump Jacks will begin announcing players who will the fifth anniversary season roster. To follow all the news and developments as the Jacks prepare for the 2012 season, visit the Pump Jacks official web site at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com.

Loggers Sign a Pair of Aztecs from San Diego State

2012-02-09T16:44:00.000-06:00

From the NWL
LA CROSSE, WI – The La Crosse Loggers Baseball Club bolstered their 2012 roster with the signings of a pair of players from San Diego State University as team officials announced that sophomore hurler T.J. Kendzora and two-way freshman Stephen Pallares will dawn the Logger green this summer.

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Kendzora [pictured left] is no stranger to summer collegiate baseball as he earned All-Star honors in the Prospect League last summer while pitching for the Quincy Gems (Illinois). In 11 starts, the right-hander went 8-0 with a 2.58 ERA and was named the team’s pitcher of the year. Kendzora also saw considerable action as a freshman for the Aztecs in the spring of 2011 both as a starter and out of the bullpen, going 3-2 with a 5.60 ERA over 35.1 innings pitched. The Trabuco Canyon, Calif. native is in line to be a part of San Diego State’s starting rotation in this upcoming 2012 season which will kick off on Feb. 17 for the Aztecs.

Pallares [right] is one of SDSU’s top freshmen recruits who has the ability to play both in the infield and contribute on the mound. The 6-2, 165 pound right-hander hitter and thrower excelled during his prep career at Santiago High School in Corona, Calif. where he earned third-team all-state and second team all-CIF honors as well as firstteam all-Riverside County and all-Big Eight League recognition. Pallares was also a member of the Seattle Mariners scout team.

2012 Signing--Erik Armstrong

2012-02-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

The Strasbrug Express of the Valley Baseball League will welcome sophomore first baseman Erik Armstrong to their club this summer. Erik is 6-3 and hails from Jupiter, Florida and he currently attends USC-Beaufort. He is the son of former major league pitcher Jack Armstrong.

To date, Erik is sporting a 9-game hitting streak and has a .391 batting average in 23 at-bats. He has scored 4 runs, driven in 7 and has hit 6 doubles for the Sand Sharks

Vranka To Continue Patrolling Pullman Outfield

2012-02-09T14:19:00.000-06:00

From the Butler BlueSox
If theres one thing you cant defend, its speed. And Stephen Vranka has it.

Vranka will return in 2012 for his second tour with the BlueSox and he looks to build on what he did last summer. His 11 stolen bases rank sixth all-time for the BlueSox, who are entering their fourth season in Butler.

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Vranka got off to a rough start for Butler in 2011, but after the first two weeks he hit .300 for the rest of the season. He finished the season with 17 hits in his last 16 games.

"I believe that Steve is going to be a key guy for us for more reasons than one and I'm glad he is coming back to Butler this summer," said manager Anthony Rebyanski.

"He's a very versatile player, possesses a lot of speed and has many tools that are going to help our club every single day. I am anxious to see what he can do at Pitt this spring after having a year of experience under his belt."

Vranka scored 19 runs and knocked in 16 more on the summer, pounding out 39 hits including four doubles and a home run.

Defensively, Vranka committed only one error during entire the summer for the BlueSox while playing all three outfield positions.

The Pitt Panthers are ranked just outside the top 25 teams in the nation after a few losses at key positions, including former BlueSoxs players Zach Duggan and Kevan Smith. The Panthers season begins in just over two weeks in Florida on February 17.

Community: Knights pitcher fighting cancer

2012-02-09T14:13:00.000-06:00

From the Gazette Times
Veteran Corvallis Knights pitcher Max Beatty will miss this college baseball season while undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, teampresident Dan Segel announced.

He was diagnosed with cancer this past December and immediately underwent surgery. He is likely to begin a six- to eight-week course of chemotherapy in the near future.

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A junior at Pacific Lutheran in Puyallup, Wash., Beatty was a second-team All-West Coast League selection and a West Division all-star in 2011, when he was 6-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 12 regular-season and playoff appearances.

Beatty, a Vancouver, Wash., native, will not pitch this spring. He hopes to redshirt and not lose a year of eligibility, and still pitch this summer.

“We will do anything and everything we can to support Max and to hasten his recovery,” Segel said. “He has been an integral part of our team the past two summers. Our thoughts, and those of our fans, are with him and his family at this time.”

Cards of support can be sent to Max Beatty, 811 SE 75th Court, Vancouver, WA 98664.

Futures League adds North Shore Navigators

2012-02-09T13:25:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
Chelmsford, MA- On Tuesday, Futures Collegiate Baseball League Commissioner, Chris Hall, announced the North Shore Navigators will be added as the league’s newest franchise.

The Navigators, based out of Lynn, Ma, will be owned and operated by the Salvi owned Salvi Sports New England LLC. The Salvi’s hope to bring the same family-friendly and affordable entertainment to the North Shore that has made their other professional minor league teams, Gary SouthShore RailCats (American Association) and Schaumburg Boomers (Frontier League) so successful. While they thrive for success on the field, their community outreach and positive impact left are unparallel. Also on Tuesday the Lynn Stadium Commission unanimously and enthusiastically approved the transfer of the Frasier Field lease and shortly after the city approved, the sale of the team closed.

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“What Tim Haley (the previous Navigators owner) has done for the North Shore community has been great,” said Pat. “Salvi Sports New England LLC will not only continue this, but take it to a whole new level and the fans will like what they see.”

Pat has named Minor League industry veteran Bill Terlecky as the team’s General Manager. Terlecky’s 33 years of experience includes stints with AAA, AA and Independent Baseball organizations. Bill had previously worked with Pat when in 2008 he became the owner of the RailCats.

“Frasier Field (home of the Navigators) as well as the North Shore community has a vast history of baseball excellence,” said Chris Hall, commissioner of the FCBL. “As a league we are excited to have such devoted owners as the Salvi’s heading up the franchise and we feel the North Shore Navigators will be an excellent addition to the Futures League.”

The Navigators join an impressive FCBL owner/operator group that includes Chris Carminucci and the Carminucci Sports Group, who operate the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks, Torrington Titans and the Brockton Rox, the Goldklang Group, who own and operate the Pittsfield Collegiate Baseball team as well as the Charleston Riverdogs, Hudson Valley Renegades, Fort Myers Miracle and the St. Paul Saints, Drew Weber, who owns and operates the Red Sox short-season class A affiliate Lowell Spinners (Boston Red Sox) as well as the Nashua Silver Knights, Dave Hoyt who owns the Seacoast Mavericks in addition to USA Training Centers in Newington, NH, John Morrison who owns and operates the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs in addition to his local business Fosta-Tek.

The FCBL provides student-athletes from New England and New England Colleges the opportunity to compete and play with the elite players from across the country and to promote them to MLB organizations. Each roster must have at least half of its players from New England or from a New England University/College. In addition, the Futures Collegiate Baseball League will provide a family friendly, affordable, and fun experience for the communities that we play in, in a minor league style setting. You can visit the league’s website at www.thefuturesleague.com.

Hander and McCullough Return, Owls Add Another from UNC

2012-02-09T08:10:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
The Forest City Owls announced today that pitchers Ryan Hander (pictured right) and Mason McCullough will return to play for the Owls in 2012. The Owls also announced the signing of pitcher Luis Paula from the University of North Carolina.

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Currently a junior at Nebraska, Hander will return to the Owls pitching staff this summer. In 2011 with the Owls, Hander finished with a 2-3 record in eight appearances. In 2011 he pitched 48.0 innings and struck out 39 batters. Hander was rated the No. 2 high school prospect in South Dakota by Baseball America in 2009, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 39th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Ryan turned down the big leagues for a spot in the Cornhuskers bullpen.

“We are very fortunate to have Ryan back for a second season,” said head coach Phil Disher. “He will add a lot of depth and experience to our pitching staff and I look for him to be a major contributor. He came very highly recommended to me from both his coaches and former Owl, Konstantine Diamaduros. I am really looking forward to having Ryan on the team this summer.”

The 6-4, 240-pound freshman, McCullough, will return for the Owls in 2012 also. He was late signing in 2011 but will see plenty of action in 2012. The local Crest High standout was ranked No. 6 in North Carolina by Perfect Game and he was ranked the No. 31 right-hander in the nation by Perfect Game.

“Mason is returning for his second season with the Owls,” said Disher. “He is a Freshman at Chapel Hill and looks to be a back end/closer type for the Tar Heels this year. Being a power arm, he will be a huge asset on the back end of our bullpen as well. We are very fortunate to get such a talented guy.”

Meanwhile, Paula, the 6-3 righty from Chapel Hill will begin his first season with the Owls. He is ranked No. 21 in North Carolina by Impact Baseball and rated a top 1,000 prospect by Perfect Game. Paula was named to the 3A-All-State Team as a Junior and helped lead Northeast Guilford to the Mid-Piedmont 3A Championship.

“Luis is another freshman who will be on the Tar Heels pitching staff,” remarked Disher. “This season he looks to fill a mid-week starter role or be a middle relief guy for them on the weekends. We plan on using him as a starter since he has such a knack for throwing strikes, and has the endurance to pitch late into a game and get the ball in the hands of our bullpen.”

Owls Opening Night is set for May 29th vs. the Asheboro Copperheads. A limited number of season tickets are still available for the 2012 season. Season Tickets begin at less than $5 a game. For more information about any of the Owls ticket plans, please call the Owls front office at (828)245-0000 to speak to a friendly ticket sales representative. Or please visit us at http://www.forestcitybaseball.com.

The Forest City Owls 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).

Steamers, Future and Former, Garner 2012 Preseason Recognition

2012-02-08T19:58:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
The 2011 Edenton Steamers were one of the most successful teams in modern Coastal Plain League history. An impressive 49-14 combined overall record and being the Perfect Game CrossChecker top-ranked summer collegiate team in the nation for five straight weeks were truly amazing. Great overall team success often leads to individual recognition. 14 past and future Edenton Steamers were decorated recently with preseason conference accolades by College Sports Madness.

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The former Steamers honored were:

2010 LHP Charlie McCready from Charleston Southern University was named to the Big South Conference 1st team. While with the Steamers, McCready fashioned a 2.33 ERA over 19.1 innings with 18 strikeouts against 5 walks.

2010 OF Brian Billigen, Cornell University, Ivy League 2nd team; one of the toolsiest players in club history; a former Gieseke Gold Award winner; rated a 2010 CPL top-ten prospect by both Baseball America and Perfect Game CrossChecker after earning midseason all-star honors and finishing with a .325/.417/.515 slash line, 19-20 in stolen bases, 80 errorless chances, mostly in RF, and a club-record 5 triples.

2010-2011 OF/IF Brian Blasik, University of Dayton, Atlantic Ten Conference Field Player of the Year; one of the finest Steamer players ever and a member of both CPL runner-up teams, as well as a 2011 all-star; played 2B, SS, 3B, LF, and RF during his Edenton career and will return to SS this spring for the Flyers; over two summers at Hicks Field, produced .295-.384-.408 averages in 387 AB, 26 doubles (including a team record 15 in 2010), 47 walks against 41 strikeouts, and a perfect 36 of 36 in steals.

2011 RHP Brooks Fiala, Miami University-Ohio, Mid American Conference 2nd team; another 2011 all-star; was the ace of the Steamers rotation before succumbing to a shoulder ailment down the stretch; numbers finished at 8 starts, 45.1 IP, 2.58 ERA, .97 WHIP, and 41 K to 6 BB.

2011 RHP Esteban Guzmán, San Jose State University, Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year; a late arrival last summer after contemplating signing with the Washington Nationals as a 17th-rounder; went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 3 appearances, throwing Edenton’s only complete game in his lone start; spanning 15.1 innings, fanned 15 while only permitting 10 base runners.

2011 3B Mitch Wells, Central Connecticut State University, Northeast Conference Field Player of the Year; before departing early last season was a strong defender at the hot corner while controlling the strike zone (14 BB to 16 SO) and posting a .330 on-base average.

The following 2012 Edenton Steamers signees have also been named to their respective conferences’ preseason teams:

Spencer Branigan, University of Pennsylvania first baseman, Ivy League 1st team

Ray Ortega, Manhattan College catcher, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 1st team

Jonathan Davis, University of Central Arkansas outfielder, Southland Conference 1st team

Hank LaRue, Middle Tennessee State University third baseman, Sun Belt Conference 1st team

Nate Hill, Troy University left-handed relief pitcher, Sun Belt Conference 2nd team

Koby Kraemer, Indiana State University infielder, Missouri Valley Conference 2nd team

Blaise Fernández, George Mason University infielder, Colonial Athletic Association 2nd team

D.J. Johnson, Mercer University utility, Atlantic Sun Conference 2nd team

More details will be released about these players, and all other 2012 Steamer signees, in forthcoming player press releases.

Baseball America also published its 2012 small college baseball preview and named Joe Wendle the #7 professional prospect in all of NCAA Division II. The West Chester University second baseman is the reigning Gieseke Gold Award winner, a midseason all-star, and the only 2011 Steamer to be recognized as a top prospect by both Baseball America and Perfect Game CrossChecker at the conclusion of last summer. These accolades came on the strength of a summer that saw him break the CPL record for hits (81) along with Steamer single-season marks in hitting streak (21 games), batting average (tied .377), total bases (109), and assists by a second baseman (158).

Just prior to press time on this release, Baseball America uploaded its NCAA Division I North Region preview. 2012 Steamers signee Kevin McCarthy (Marist College, RHP) is recognized as the #2 professional prospect in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. McCarthy, a sophomore, is not even draft-eligible until 2013.

Steamer fans can look forward to another round of preseason recognition for its players when Baseball America and Perfect Game CrossChecker publish their complete 2012 projections.

The Edenton Steamers are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. 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).

Sweets Unveil 2012 All-Star Game Details, Logo

2012-02-08T14:17:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
The Walla Walla Sweets, host of the 2012 West Coast League All-Star Game, have released the official logo and details for the event. NAPA Auto Parts will be the presenting sponsor of the July 24 game at Borleske Stadium.

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This summer the Sweets will welcome players, coaches, and Major League Baseball scouts to Walla Walla for a special two-day event. On Monday, July 23, the Sweets will host the All-Star Block Party presented by Downtown Walla Walla Foundation on Main Street in front of the Sweets Shoppe, between Spokane and Colville Streets. This event will be free and is open to all members of the Walla Walla community, and will include live music, family-friendly activities, local food and drink options, the opportunity to meet and mingle with WCL All-Stars and Sweets players, and of course, Washington’s favorite mascot, Sweet Lou.

“We wanted to make this event about the entire community and really showcase what America’s Friendliest Town has to offer,” said Sweets’ general manager Zachary Fraser. “The All-Star game and the activities surrounding it will be one of the events in Walla Walla that fans won’t want to miss in 2012, and we are thankful to area business leaders for their support in this wonderful activity.”

The Home Run Derby, presented by Columbia Rural Electric Association, will start at 5:30 P.M. on July 24, with the first pitch of the 2012 WCL All-Star Game, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, scheduled for 7:15 P.M. The All-Star game will feature the top professional prospects from around the league. Players are selected by a combination of fan voting, team coaches, and Major League Scouting Bureau. A fireworks show and award presentations will follow the game. The WCL East team, led by six members of the 2011 Sweets, won last year’s contest 4-2, with Sweets catcher Elliot Stewart (Cal Poly) driving in the winning runs with a 2-run double. The Corvallis (OR) Knights were the 2011 host.

Individuals who purchase a full-season ticket package will receive one ticket to each of the Sweets 34 home games, including the All-Star game. Single game tickets for the event will go on sale May 1.

About the Walla Walla Sweets
The Walla Walla Sweets are the defending 2011 WCL East Division Champions. The Walla Walla Sweets is a professionally operated baseball club in the West Coast League. It is led by a group of civic-minded individuals with strong ties to the Walla Walla region and to the game of baseball. The Walla Walla Sweets will strive to provide their fans, sponsors, business partners, and investors with the very best in competitive baseball and entertainment, including atmosphere, comfort, food & beverage, safety, competition, fun and value. For more information, please visit www.wallawallasweets.com.

Northwoods League Adds Bomberg to Front Office

2012-02-08T10:14:00.000-06:00

From the NWL
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League announced today that Matt Bomberg has been hired as the newest member of the NWL’s front office staff. He and former Director of Operations Curt Carstensen are now Vice Presidents of the Northwoods League working alongside League President Dick Radatz, Jr.

Bomberg is Vice President, Business Development and Carstensen is Vice President, Operations.

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Bomberg joins the Northwoods League front office after spending the past two seasons as General Manager of the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League. Prior to his time in Green Bay he spent eight seasons working for two teams in the Goldklang Group. As the Senior Director of Ticket Sales with the Fort Myers Miracle, the single A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, he led the team's ticket sales initiatives focusing on groups, mini plans and season tickets. Matt also was instrumental in the operations of Minnesota Twins Spring Training during his time in Florida. Prior to Fort Myers, he was involved with the Saint Paul Saints for six seasons. Matt began as an intern with the Saints and ended as the Director of Ticket Sales. During his time in St. Paul he led a group sales department that posted record ticket and picnic sales each season. Before working with the Saints, Matt spent five years working for Dorna USA, a rotational signage company, where he was involved with the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Wild. Previous to Dorna, Matt also worked three years for Inside Edge, a baseball scouting company based in Bloomington, MN. Matt, his wife Kristyn and their three children, Noah, Liana and Jonah reside in Green Bay, WI.

Carstensen has been involved with the Northwoods League for 11 years including the last five years as Director of Operations for the NWL. Prior to moving to the NWL Front Office, Curt spent five seasons with the Alexandria Beetles as the team's play-by-play announcer and Director of Media Relations, beginning in 2002. In 2000, Curt worked as the official scorer for the Brainerd Mighty Gulls when his older brother Chuck served as the Assistant General Manager. In addition to five summers with Alexandria, Curt has broadcasted games for University of Minnesota Women's Hockey and Baseball, a wide variety of sports at his alma mater St. Cloud State University, as well as for several high schools in central Minnesota. He's originally from Browerville, MN and resides in Rochester, MN.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The League has 16 teams in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Ontario.

Bombers Sign Three Arkansas Freshmen

2012-02-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

From the Northwoods League
(Battle Creek, MI) The Battle Creek Bombers announced that they have signed a freshmen trio from the University of Arkansas.

Conor Costello: 6’3”-188, R/R, OF/ RHP, University of Arkansas (FR.), Edmond, OK

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John Clay Reeves: 6’0”-200, R/R, C, University of Arkansas (FR.), Monroe, LA

Brian Heldman: 6’3”-170, R/R, RHP, University of Arkansas (FR.), Round Rock, TX

Conor Costello [bottom] is ranked the 3rd top prospect from Oklahoma in the class of 2011, according to Max Preps. Out of high school the Cincinnati Reds drafted Costello in the 16th round. As a pitcher, Conor has been clocked at 91 mph, and has been clocked at 85 mph throwing across the infield.

John Clay Reeves [top] is one of the top catching prospects in the south. Reigning from Monroe, LA, John is ranked the 10th top prospect in the state. He has been clocked with an impressive 1.94 pop time from behind the plate, and was also named to the 2011 Southeast All-Region First Team.

The final signing for the Bombers is RHP Brian Heldman [middle]. Heldman brings a unique submarine style to the mound which consistently throws off hitters’ timing. As a senior at Stony Point High School in Texas, Brian boasted a 1.18 ERA in 13 appearances. In his 29.2 innings of work, he gave up only five earned runs on 15 hits, allowing an opponent batting average of only .133.

This past season Battle Creek saw Arkansas RHP Nolan Sanburn have a very successful summer and is currently ranked the 11th top collegiate prospects in the country.

Ducks Migrating East for the Summer

2012-02-07T19:41:00.000-06:00

From the NWL
(Rochester, MN) — A small flock of Oregon Ducks will be migrating east this summer to play for the Rochester Honkers. University of Oregon junior Ryan Hambright, sophomore Kyle Garlick, and freshman Scott Heineman will bring their talents to the Northwoods League this coming May. The Honkers have enjoyed the presence of Ducks players ever since the 2008-09 season, when the program ended a 26-year absence from intercollegiate competition.

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Hambright [pictured left], a 6’2”, 195-pound utility player/RHP from Corona, California is returning for his third consecutive year with the Honkers. Last summer, Hambright played most of the season with an arm injury before having surgery at the end of the summer. For the Honkers in 2011, Hambright played in 46 games with a .266 batting average with 2 home runs and 19 RBIs. At Oregon in 2011, he hit .189, largely due to the hurt elbow he suffered for the entire year. Hambright enjoyed a healthy and productive season in 2010 for the Honkers. For the season, he hit .364 with 4 homers and 28 RBIs in only 32 games played. His .364 batting average was the highest on the team. Hambright also pitched in relief in 5 games, posting a 1-1 record with 7 strikeouts in 7.2 innings of work.

Kyle Garlick [center] is a 6’1”, 190-pound outfielder from Chino Hills, California. In his freshman year in 2011 at Oregon, Garlick was forced to miss the first 15 games of the season due to a broken hand injury. When he returned to the field, Garlick played in 32 games (started in 24) and hit .250 with 2 homeruns and 21 RBIs. In just his second collegiate career at-bat, Garlick hit a three-run home run to help beat San Diego on March 19th. A solid defender, Garlic did not commit one error in the outfield in all of 2011.

Scott Heineman [right] is a 5’9”, 185-pound infielder/RHP from Pacific Palisades, California. Heineman will be playing in his first collegiate baseball season this spring. As a senior at Crespi High School in 2011, Heineman hit .358, with 4 home runs and 19 RBIs. As a pitcher the same year, Heineman finished with a 2-1 record and 2.33 ERA in 27 total innings.

2012 Signing---Erik Lunde

2012-02-07T18:02:00.000-06:00

The DeLand Suns of the Florida Collegiate Summer League have singed Erik Lunde for the 2012 summer season. Lunde is a 5-9/180 pound infielder from Lander University. Erik hails from Pompano Beach, FL and he attended Cardinal Gibbons High School. He is off to a great season this spring as he has gone 7 for 14, with 3 doubles and 5 runs scored.

Two Former BlueSox Named Top Division II Prospects

2012-02-07T14:17:00.000-06:00

From the Butler BlueSox
Ben Rawding and Shayne Houck, two former members of the Butler BlueSox were named Top 20 NCAA Division II Prospects by Perfect Game, the worlds largest amateur baseball scouting service, earlier this week.

Left-handed pitcher Rawding was named the 15th overall prospect and the top prospect at Mercyhurst College, which Perfect Game ranked as the ninth best Division II team in the nation entering 2012.

In 2011 Rawding led Mercyhurst in innings, appearances, and complete games on his way to a 71 record with a 2.19 ERA. He held opponents to a .194 batting average and struck out 72 batters in 78 innings.

Last week Rawding was named a Preseason All-American in the Atlantic Region along with four of his teammates. Last season he was a Second Team All-PSAC West selection when Mercyhurst won the PSAC championship, was runner-up in the NCAA Atlantic Regional, and set a new school-record by winning 42 games.

After his sophomore season Rawding went 22 with a 6.64 ERA in eight starts for the BlueSox in 2010.

Houck, who led the 2011 BlueSox in batting average, runs, hits, and RBIs, was ranked the 20th Division II Prospect.

A third basemen in Butler, Houck is an outfielder at Kutztown University where he led the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in runs, home runs, total bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage last season.

Houck was named to the American Baseball Coaches' Association / Rawlings All-Atlantic Region first team for the past two seasons. Last season he was named PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year, to the All-PSAC first team, the Daktronics' Atlantic Region first team, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association Atlantic Region first team.

Top Speed Signs Two More Big Bats from University of Akron

2012-02-07T13:46:00.000-06:00

From Press Release
Two more players have signed contracts to play for Top Speed for the summer of 2012. 1B Samuel Trecaso and OF Kurt Gamby, will both be heading out to the Bay Area for the summer to play for one of the top programs in the West Coast. A Junior at the University of Akron, Samuel Trecaso, who is a native of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio will be looking to fill the 2 or 3 hole in Top Speed’s line up this summer. ” I am looking forward to having Trecaso in our line up this summer, he is a big pick up for us and I see him hitting in the top of order on a daily basis,” says Coach Switala.

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Also, from the University of Akron joining Top Speed is, Sophomore Kurt Gamby. Gamby (Uniontown, OH) will come to Top Speed and play one of our corner outfield spots. ”Gamby has some very good power and will be a big part of our line up this summer,” says Head Coach Switala. ”Both of these players are very good Division I players and they will add even more pure natural hitting ability to our already tremendous line up.” ”This is by far our best hitting team on paper that we have ever had since the program started, we have at least 12-13 players that all hit in the middle of their line ups at their current schools, so this is going to be a fun summer to watch”.

University of Akron, an NCAA Division I school opens the 2012 season on Feb 17th against Elon University. Trecaso and Gamby will meet two of their future teammates, Elon’s Quinn Bower and Grant McCoury.

Four Questions With Robbie Buller

2012-02-07T08:56:00.000-06:00

Robbie Buller is currently a senior inf/utility player from Houston Baptist. He hails from Sugar Land and he was named to the All Great-West Conference First Team in 2011. He spent this past summer playing for the Alaska Goldpanners. He hit a remarkable .429 in 126 at-bats this summer. Robbie scored 22 runs, drove in 46 and hit 6 home runs as well.

Several weeks ago, he answered four questions for us.

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Summer Ball--Who was your favorite baseball player when you were younger?
Robbie Buller---Eric Gagne---best closer season ever and the Dodgers are my favorite team.

SB---What were some of the best things about playing for the Goldpanners this summer?
RB---The scenery in Alaska was amazing and something I had never seen before. We also had a good group of guys with a lot of talent which made the summer a lot of fun.

SB---What are your personal goals for this upcoming season?
RB---My number one goal is to contribute to the team and win a conference championship. I am also working hard to get drafted at the end of the season.

SB---What is your favorite baseball movie?
RB---Bull Durham----it's a classic!

2011 All-NWL Selection Billy Moon To Return to ‘Frogs

2012-02-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

From the Green Bay Bullfrogs
The Green Bay Bullfrogs are excited to announce the 1st roster signing of the 2012 season with the return of Billy Moon. Moon, a junior at Gonzaga, was regarded as one of the top players in the Northwoods League in 2012 and is expected to hit 3rd for the Zags in 2012. Prior to having his summer cut short by a shoulder injury, Moon proved to be one of the most consistent hitters in the Northwoods league in 2011, batting .325 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 29 RBI in 41 games.

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The consummate all-around players, Moon also stole 11 bases and did not commit an error while logging time at 3 outfield positions. Also a threat on the mound, the junior left-hander posted a 1-1 record with 14 strikeouts and a 3.14 ERA for the 2011 Bullfrogs. Named to the mid-season All-Star team, Moon was named the “Best Athlete” at the game by Baseball America. The accolades continued to pile up following the season as Moon was named to the 30 man Post-season Northwoods All-Star Team. Additionally, Moon was listed as the 44th best prospect in the Northwoods League in 2011 by Perfect Game.

Moon’s success followed a spring season in which he batted .337 with a team-leading 41 RBI’s for the Gonzaga. The Bulldogs finished 2011 with a 32-19 record and finished 2nd in the extremely competitive West Coast Conference.

“It is rare to have a player of Billy Moon’s caliber return for a 2nd season,” Bullfrogs Field Manager Jordan Bischel said. “The great thing about Billy is that is a better person and role model than he is a player. We are very fortunate to have Billy in Green Bay for another summer and he will be a great leader both on and off the field.”

The Bullfrogs open up their 6th season in FrogVille, Wisconsin on May 30 at 6:35 pm against the expansion Lakeshore Chinooks. Please call 920-497-7225 log on to www.greenbaybullfrogs.com for more information.

AppleSox Introduce Barden as Team’s New Radio Voice

2012-02-07T07:49:00.000-06:00

From the AppleSox
The Wenatchee AppleSox are pleased to announce the addition of Jonathan Barden as the newest member of the team’s front office. In addition to serving as the AppleSox radio broadcaster, Barden will work year round for the team as communications director and sponsor sales.

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“We received over 75 applications from throughout the country. The talent level was impressive. But Jonathan’s enthusiasm and energy made him stand out in the crowd. We’re very happy to have Jonathan join our organization”, said AppleSox owner/general manager Jim Corcoran.

The native of Murfreesboro, Tenn. will graduate from Mississippi State University in May with a B.A. in Communication. His broadcasting background includes serving as a guest announcer for ESPNU and co-hosting “The Sports Zone” television show at Mississippi State University. He has also worked as the public address announcer for the MSU baseball and softball teams

"I'm ecstatic to be a part of the AppleSox organization and can't wait to move to Wenatchee in May,” said Barden. “I look forward to working with a great group of people and having a strong presence in the community. I promise I will do the best I can to deliver quality broadcasts."
Fans can hear Barden broadcast every AppleSox game on the team’s radio home 560 KPQ or online at www.kpq.com. The AppleSox open the 2012 season at home June 1st against the Bellingham Bells.

Grizzlies Sign Three from Western Carolina

2012-02-06T19:45:00.000-06:00

From the CPL
The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the signing of three Western Carolina University players including returnee Tyler White and newcomers Tyler Powell and Cody Jones.

White, a 5’11”, 220 pound Junior will be returning to the Grizzlies once again in 2012 after having an impressive season last summer. He finished second in overall batting average .291 and led the team with 60 hits and while bringing in 35 runs.

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Powell, a 6’5”, 220 pound Freshmen will begin his first season at Western Carolina after attending Myers Park High School in Charlotte. While at Myers Park he won 45 games on the mound during his three seasons and was selected for the All-South Charlotte Team. Powell was drafted in the 46th round in 2011 by the Texas Rangers.

Jones, a 6’0”, 200 pound sophomore outfielder had a good start to his college career last season with the Catamounts. He finished his freshmen year with a .273 batting average and recorded 55 hits for the season. He recorded three multiple hit games and two multi-RBI outings.

“We are excited to have Tyler back for a second year. He is a great kid to be around and was a big part of our run at the Petit Cup last year. We look for Tyler to be a big contributor again this summer,” said Head Coach Kyle Surprenant.

“Powell is a big, strong kid that has a great career in front of him and we are excited to have him for the summer. He will be a key part of our pitching staff and our success.”

“Cody is another Western Carolina kid who we feel will have a great summer for us. He adds a solid left handed bat to our line-up and will be strong defensively in our outfield. We look forward to having Cody in Gastonia.”

Grizzlies Opening Night is set for May 29th vs. the Columbia Blowfish. A limited number of season tickets and “All You Can Eat Season Tickets” are available for the 2012 season. Season Tickets begin at less than $5 a game and All You Can Eat Season Tickets start at less than $9 per game. For more information about any of the Grizzlies ticket plans you can call the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622 or visit http://www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

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).

2012 Signing---Chase Corn

2012-02-06T16:41:00.000-06:00

The Rockbridge Rapids of the Valley Baseball League will welcome Chase Corn of the Erskine College Flying Fleet this summer. Chase is a big (6-3/190 pounds) outfielder/pitcher from Travelers Rest, SC. He is a sophomore and he attended Blue Ridge High School. So far this season, he has appeared in one game and has gone 0 for 4.

Radwan Returns

2012-02-06T14:17:00.000-06:00

From the Butler BlueSox
For a team of 26 ballplayers who dont know each other, it can be tough to get into the swing of things after just a few days of practice. But every year, that's what the teams of the Prospect League have to do or risk falling out of the playoff race before it begins.

Last summer the BlueSox came together quick offensively. In their third game at rival-Slippery Rock, second baseman Jason Radwan led the charge at the plate. With three hits and a walk, the infielder from Angola, N.Y. drove in a run and scored two more as the BlueSox rocketed to a 10-run evening and their second victory in as many nights.

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Radwan kept up his strong hitting over the summer, ranking fifth on the team in on-base percentage--a number that was an understatement according to manager Anthony Rebyanski.

"I have never seen a player hit the ball as hard as Jason did all summer long and not get the results they wanted," Rebyanski said. "A lot of players will get frustrated when they can't buy a hit and start pressing. Jason didn't do that. He's a battler and I'm anxious to watch him produce both at the plate and in the field this summer."

Radwan, who is in his junior year at St. Bonaventure, will be returning to Butler in 2012. He was a 2011 Prospect League All-Star, finishing the season with a .222 average, four doubles, one triple, 22 runs scored, and 20 RBIs.

At St. Bonaventure in 2011, Radwan was a Second-Team All-Conference selection while leading the Boonies with five round trippers and 84 total bases. He finished the 2011 season with a 14-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the A-10. His .324 average was also best amongst A-10 second basemen. In his career, he holds a .317 average with six homeruns, 22 doubles, a .411 on-base percentage, and 56 RBIs.

"It's great to have a player of Jason's stature returning to Butler," said Rebyanski. "I look forward to working with him once again and I know the rest of our team will benefit from his presence as well."

Top 30 Pitchers in the NECBL

2012-02-06T10:09:00.000-06:00

Below is my list of the Top30 Pitchers in the New England 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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Jacob Lee RHP Newport Gulls---Arkansas State
Taylor Williams RHP Keene Swamp Bats---Washington State
Miles Landry RHP North Shore Navigators---Baylor
Kyle Gehrs LHP Keene---Iowa Western JC
Brandon Sinnery RHP Newport---Michigan
Hunter Rivers RHP North Shore---Jacksonville State
Jeff Thompson RHP Keene---Louisville
Ben Mount RHP Holyoke Blue Sox---USC
Jimmy Reed LHP Danbury Westerners---Maryland
Kyle Grana RHP Vermont Mountaineers---Bellarmine
Craig Schlitter RHP Mystic Schooners---Bryant
Alex Norris LHP Mystic---Florida Gulf Coast
Erik Lambe RHP New Bedford Bay Sox---LeMoyne
Chris Costantino RHP Laconia Muskrats---Walters State CC
Michael Dimock RHP Newport---Wake Forest
Tommy Lawrence RHP Sanford Mainers---Winthrop
Stephen Janas RHP New Bedford---Kennesaw State
Fred Shepard LHP Vermont---Amherst
Mark Bordonaro RHP Mystic---Fairfield
Eddie Campbell LHP Newport---Virginia Tech
Jon Prosinski RHP Newport---Seton Hall
Tyler Mizenko RHP Sanford---Winthrop
Brett Yarusi RHP Holyoke---Wesleyan
Gray Carden RHP North Adams SteepleCats--Georgia Southwestern
Jacob Booden RHP Vermont---Bradley
Troy Scribner RHP Vermont---Sacred Heart
Zach LeBarron LHP Laconia---Southern New Hampshire
Kevin Link RHP Danbury---Princeton
William Prince RHP Laconia---UNC Wilmington
Matt Alverez RHP North Shore---Boston College