University of Michigan first baseman Nate Recknagel (Glens Falls '06) has been selected to the 2008 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America team. The team is chosen by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.
Recknagel batted .352 as a junior with 12 home runs and 60 runs batted in. He was named second- team All-Big Ten for the second-straight year. In addition, Recknagel was the Most Valuable Player at the NCAA Nashville, Tenn. regional and he received the Bill Freehan Award from the Michigan coaching staff. The award is given to the team's top offensive player as selected by the coaches. Recknagel helped the Wolverines win the Big Ten regular season championship and the NCAA Nashville, Tenn. regional crown. Michigan fell to eventual national champion Oregon State in the Super Regionals.
The Lake Orion, Mich., native was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American at Oakland University in 2005. He transferred to Michigan for the 2006 season.
Recknagel was listed in Rivals.com's 2007 Baseball Power Rankings for first basemen and he's noted by CSTV.com's Doug Kroll as a first basemen to watch during the 2008 season.
During the summer of 2006, Recknagel played for John Mayotte's Glens Falls Golden Eagles. He batted .274 with three home runs and a team-high 26 runs batted in. Recknagel finished among the Golden Eagles top three in every major offensive category including batting average, home runs, RBI, hits (34), slugging percentage (.411) and on-base percentage (.394).
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"P.J. Perfect" Returning To Brockport For 2008
The Brockport Riverbats have announced on their web site that P.J. Saporito (New Jersey Tech) will return to the team for the 2008 season.
Last summer, Saporito pitched what is believed to be the first perfect game in the history of the New York Collegiate Baseball League as he blanked the Elmira Pioneers, 8-0, on July 26 at the Clark V. Whitted Baseball Complex.
Saporito finished the season 3-2 with a 1.80 earned run average and 35 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. He made 10 appearances (six starts) and held opponents to a .211 batting average. Saporito was named second-team All-NYCBL at the conclusion of the season.
The New Milford, N.J., native is a junior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Last spring, he was 6-5 with a 5.95 ERA for the Highlanders. He struck out a team-high 62 batters in 75.1 innings pitched.
For an account of Saporito's perfect game, click here.
Last summer, Saporito pitched what is believed to be the first perfect game in the history of the New York Collegiate Baseball League as he blanked the Elmira Pioneers, 8-0, on July 26 at the Clark V. Whitted Baseball Complex.
Saporito finished the season 3-2 with a 1.80 earned run average and 35 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. He made 10 appearances (six starts) and held opponents to a .211 batting average. Saporito was named second-team All-NYCBL at the conclusion of the season.
The New Milford, N.J., native is a junior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Last spring, he was 6-5 with a 5.95 ERA for the Highlanders. He struck out a team-high 62 batters in 75.1 innings pitched.
For an account of Saporito's perfect game, click here.
Ramseyer To Manage Athletics
Athletes In Action Baseball has announced that Rob Ramseyer has been hired to manage the Bolivar Athletics for the 2008 New York Collegiate Baseball League season. Ramseyer, an assistant coach at Mid-America Nazarene University, takes over for the departed Jeff Hanson.
Ramseyer is in his first full year as an assistant coach at the Olathe, Kan., school. He is a graduate of Mid-America Nazarene and played two seasons of baseball for the Pioneers. During his MNU career, Ramseyer was a two-time all-conference selection as well as the 2005 Mid-America Nazarene Newcomer of the Year and 2006 Mid-America Nazarene Strength and Conditioning Male Athlete of the Year. In addition, Ramseyer was a 2006 NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete and he was named to the NAIA Region V all-academic team.
As a senior, Ramseyer helped the Pioneers to a school-record 30 victories and a third-place finish in the NCCAA national tournament.
Jeff Hanson managed the Bolivar Athletics to a 10-32 record last season. The A's finished eighth in the eight-team Western Division. Harrison Helms (Radford/Niagara) was the only Athletics player named to the NYCBL postseason all-star team.
Ramseyer is in his first full year as an assistant coach at the Olathe, Kan., school. He is a graduate of Mid-America Nazarene and played two seasons of baseball for the Pioneers. During his MNU career, Ramseyer was a two-time all-conference selection as well as the 2005 Mid-America Nazarene Newcomer of the Year and 2006 Mid-America Nazarene Strength and Conditioning Male Athlete of the Year. In addition, Ramseyer was a 2006 NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete and he was named to the NAIA Region V all-academic team.
As a senior, Ramseyer helped the Pioneers to a school-record 30 victories and a third-place finish in the NCCAA national tournament.
Jeff Hanson managed the Bolivar Athletics to a 10-32 record last season. The A's finished eighth in the eight-team Western Division. Harrison Helms (Radford/Niagara) was the only Athletics player named to the NYCBL postseason all-star team.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
And Bolivar Makes Eight
The Bolivar Athletics have posted a preliminary roster for the 2008 season on their web site. The Athletics are sponsored by the Athletes In Action.
Bolivar A's 2008 Roster
The 2008 season will be the Athletics sixth season in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The Alfred Athletics joined the league in 2003 and played home games at Alfred State through 2005. The team moved to Bolivar for the 2006 season after a nasty thunderstorm that caused damage at Alfred State during July of 2005.
The Bolivar Athletics play at Bolivar-Richburg Central School.
Eight of 14 NYCBL teams have posted partial or complete rosters for the 2008 season. Those teams include Bolivar, Allegany County, Amsterdam, Bennington, Brockport, Little Falls, Saratoga and Watertown.
Bolivar A's 2008 Roster
The 2008 season will be the Athletics sixth season in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The Alfred Athletics joined the league in 2003 and played home games at Alfred State through 2005. The team moved to Bolivar for the 2006 season after a nasty thunderstorm that caused damage at Alfred State during July of 2005.
The Bolivar Athletics play at Bolivar-Richburg Central School.
Eight of 14 NYCBL teams have posted partial or complete rosters for the 2008 season. Those teams include Bolivar, Allegany County, Amsterdam, Bennington, Brockport, Little Falls, Saratoga and Watertown.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Watertown Wizards To Play U.S. Military All-Stars
The Watertown Wizards of the New York Collegiate Baseball League will play an exhibition game against the U.S. Military All-Stars on Saturday, June 21, at Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds in Watertown, N.Y.
The game will be part of a weekend-long celebration by the Watertown Wizards to honor the 100th anniversary of Fort Drum. The Watertown Entertainment Group and the Watertown Wizards have many special events planned for the weekend including a softball tournament featuring local media outlets.
For more information, please go to the Watertown Wizards web site here.
This summer, the U.S. Military All-Stars will be playing in their 19th annual "Red, White and Blue Tour of America." The team is comprised of Active Duty, Reserves and Veterans who participate while they are off-duty and cover their own expenses. The players are selected among thousands of personnel worldwide and represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces and have deployed in direct support in the Global War on Terrorism.
Last summer, 127 teams or organizations in 23 states hosted an event or appearance with the U.S. Military All-Stars.
For more information on the U.S. Military All-Stars, please visit their web site at http://www.usmilitaryallstars.us/
The game will be part of a weekend-long celebration by the Watertown Wizards to honor the 100th anniversary of Fort Drum. The Watertown Entertainment Group and the Watertown Wizards have many special events planned for the weekend including a softball tournament featuring local media outlets.
For more information, please go to the Watertown Wizards web site here.
This summer, the U.S. Military All-Stars will be playing in their 19th annual "Red, White and Blue Tour of America." The team is comprised of Active Duty, Reserves and Veterans who participate while they are off-duty and cover their own expenses. The players are selected among thousands of personnel worldwide and represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces and have deployed in direct support in the Global War on Terrorism.
Last summer, 127 teams or organizations in 23 states hosted an event or appearance with the U.S. Military All-Stars.
For more information on the U.S. Military All-Stars, please visit their web site at http://www.usmilitaryallstars.us/
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dodgers Select Tenhouse As New Manager
The Hornell Dodgers have announced that Jake Tenhouse has been hired as the team's field manager for the 2008 New York Collegiate Baseball League season. Tenhouse, an assistant coach at St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley, replaces Jason Burke, who took the Dodgers to the NYCBL playoffs last season.
Tenhouse serves as Florissant Valley's recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor, catching coach and first base coach. In addition, Tenhouse guides the team's fundraising efforts and he helps out with scheduling, travel arrangements and youth camps. Before Florissant Valley, Tenhouse was an assistant coach at Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Mo. He worked at Lindenwood under current Florissant Valley head coach Brian Behrens who coached the 2002 Wellsville Nitros.
The new Dodgers skipper played collegiately at Quincy (Ill.) College and earned three letters. Tenhouse's teammates included former Dodgers Josh Kinney, Darren Perdun, Matt Rodeffer and Mike Benacka.
In a press release, Dodgers general manager Paul Welker said "Jake is a very energetic young coach. He will bring enthusiasm to the players, board of directors and the Hornell community. I have great confidence that Jake will put together a fun team to watch that will make us a contender to return to the playoffs and contend for our fifth league championship."
Under Jason Burke, the Blue and White returned to the NYCBL playoffs after a one-year absence. The Dodgers finished 23-19 and tied for fourth place in the Western Division with the Brockport Riverbats. Hornell defeated Brockport in a play-in game to get the final slot in the Western Division playoffs.
Tenhouse serves as Florissant Valley's recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor, catching coach and first base coach. In addition, Tenhouse guides the team's fundraising efforts and he helps out with scheduling, travel arrangements and youth camps. Before Florissant Valley, Tenhouse was an assistant coach at Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Mo. He worked at Lindenwood under current Florissant Valley head coach Brian Behrens who coached the 2002 Wellsville Nitros.
The new Dodgers skipper played collegiately at Quincy (Ill.) College and earned three letters. Tenhouse's teammates included former Dodgers Josh Kinney, Darren Perdun, Matt Rodeffer and Mike Benacka.
In a press release, Dodgers general manager Paul Welker said "Jake is a very energetic young coach. He will bring enthusiasm to the players, board of directors and the Hornell community. I have great confidence that Jake will put together a fun team to watch that will make us a contender to return to the playoffs and contend for our fifth league championship."
Under Jason Burke, the Blue and White returned to the NYCBL playoffs after a one-year absence. The Dodgers finished 23-19 and tied for fourth place in the Western Division with the Brockport Riverbats. Hornell defeated Brockport in a play-in game to get the final slot in the Western Division playoffs.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Former Raptors Skipper Named Assistant Coach Of Year
Army associate head coach Fritz Hamburg has been named the Baseball America/American Baseball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.
Under Hamburg's guidance, Army has ranked among the national leaders in team earned run average in each of the last four seasons. The Black Knights ranked seventh nationally in ERA (3.28) during the 2006 season and eighth nationally (3.08) in 2005.
Army hurler Nick Hill was named Patriot League Pitcher of the Year three times (2004, 2005, 2007) and he was a two-time All-America selection. In addition, Black Knights closer Milan Dinga was a second-team All-American in 2006. Both Army pitchers were taken in the 2007 Major League Baseball entry draft. Hill in the seventh round by the Mariners and Dinga in the 10th round by the Angels.
Hamburg mentored catcher Schuyler Williamson to Patriot League Player of the Year honors in 2004. Williamson was drafted by the Tigers in 2005.
As a player, Hamburg was a member of Ithaca College's 1988 Division III national championship team. He would earn All-American accolades as the Bombers starting catcher. He spent one season in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system before turning to coaching in 1992. Army head coach Joe Sottolano was a college teammate of Hamburg's at Ithaca. Sottolano was the Most Outstanding Player in the 1988 Division III World Series.
Hamburg was the first manager in the history of the Newark (later Wayne County) Raptors in 1998. He guided the Raptors to the 1999 Northeast Collegiate Baseball League championship.
Read more about Coach Hamburg in Baseball America and on GoArmySports.com
Under Hamburg's guidance, Army has ranked among the national leaders in team earned run average in each of the last four seasons. The Black Knights ranked seventh nationally in ERA (3.28) during the 2006 season and eighth nationally (3.08) in 2005.
Army hurler Nick Hill was named Patriot League Pitcher of the Year three times (2004, 2005, 2007) and he was a two-time All-America selection. In addition, Black Knights closer Milan Dinga was a second-team All-American in 2006. Both Army pitchers were taken in the 2007 Major League Baseball entry draft. Hill in the seventh round by the Mariners and Dinga in the 10th round by the Angels.
Hamburg mentored catcher Schuyler Williamson to Patriot League Player of the Year honors in 2004. Williamson was drafted by the Tigers in 2005.
As a player, Hamburg was a member of Ithaca College's 1988 Division III national championship team. He would earn All-American accolades as the Bombers starting catcher. He spent one season in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system before turning to coaching in 1992. Army head coach Joe Sottolano was a college teammate of Hamburg's at Ithaca. Sottolano was the Most Outstanding Player in the 1988 Division III World Series.
Hamburg was the first manager in the history of the Newark (later Wayne County) Raptors in 1998. He guided the Raptors to the 1999 Northeast Collegiate Baseball League championship.
Read more about Coach Hamburg in Baseball America and on GoArmySports.com
Beaulac (Amsterdam '06/'07) To Be Honored By Syracuse Chiefs
The Syracuse Chiefs (Triple-A, International League) will honor LeMoyne College hurler Eric Beaulac (Amsterdam '06/'07) as the "2008 Syracuse Chiefs Preseason College Player of the Year" at the team's annual Hot Stove Dinner on January 11. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool, N.Y.
Perfect Game Scouting and Baseball America both named Beaulac as the number one prospect in the New York Collegiate Baseball League for the 2007 season. Beaulac was the starting pitcher for the Eastern Division All-Stars at NYCBL All-Star Game and he tossed one scoreless inning. Last summer, Beaulac was 2-1 with a 5.00 earned run average in seven appearances for the Mohawks. He struck out 30 batters in 27 innings pitched.
As a sophomore, Beaulac worked his way into LeMoyne's conference rotation. He was 8-1 with a 2.94 earned run average in 15 starts for the Dolphins in 2007. The Troy, N.Y., native struck out 81 batters in 82.2 innings pitched and he was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference all-star team.
Former Dolphin and NYCBL alum Scott Cassidy (Geneva '97) will also be appearing at the Chiefs Hot Stove Dinner.
For ticket information, please call the Syracuse Chiefs at 315-474-7833.
Perfect Game Scouting and Baseball America both named Beaulac as the number one prospect in the New York Collegiate Baseball League for the 2007 season. Beaulac was the starting pitcher for the Eastern Division All-Stars at NYCBL All-Star Game and he tossed one scoreless inning. Last summer, Beaulac was 2-1 with a 5.00 earned run average in seven appearances for the Mohawks. He struck out 30 batters in 27 innings pitched.
As a sophomore, Beaulac worked his way into LeMoyne's conference rotation. He was 8-1 with a 2.94 earned run average in 15 starts for the Dolphins in 2007. The Troy, N.Y., native struck out 81 batters in 82.2 innings pitched and he was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference all-star team.
Former Dolphin and NYCBL alum Scott Cassidy (Geneva '97) will also be appearing at the Chiefs Hot Stove Dinner.
For ticket information, please call the Syracuse Chiefs at 315-474-7833.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Quatraro (Schenectady '93) To Manage Catfish In 2008
The Tampa Bay Rays have named Matt Quatraro (Schenectady '93) as the field manager of the Columbus Catfish (South Atlantic League, Class-A) for the 2008 season.
Quatraro, a former Rays draft pick, spent the past two seasons as the manager of the Hudson Valley Renegades, Tampa's affiliate in the short-season New York-Penn League. In two seasons with the Renegades, Quatraro compiled a 65-85 record.
The Rays (then Devil Rays) selected Quatraro in the eighth round (244th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. He had batted .413 for his career at Old Dominion University and was the school's 1996 Male Athlete of the Year. Quatraro spent seven years in the Rays farm system, twice reaching Double-A Orlando. He batted .286 for his minor league career with 202 RBI in 415 career games.
The Selkirk, N.Y., native then became the first former Devil Rays draft pick to join the organization as a coach. He worked in 2003 as a roving catcher instructor and then was promoted to assistant coach with the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2004. He earned the managerial role with the 'Gades in 2006.
Quatraro was a member of the 1993 Schenectady Mohawks and he played under now current team president Brian Spagnola.
Quatraro, a former Rays draft pick, spent the past two seasons as the manager of the Hudson Valley Renegades, Tampa's affiliate in the short-season New York-Penn League. In two seasons with the Renegades, Quatraro compiled a 65-85 record.
The Rays (then Devil Rays) selected Quatraro in the eighth round (244th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft. He had batted .413 for his career at Old Dominion University and was the school's 1996 Male Athlete of the Year. Quatraro spent seven years in the Rays farm system, twice reaching Double-A Orlando. He batted .286 for his minor league career with 202 RBI in 415 career games.
The Selkirk, N.Y., native then became the first former Devil Rays draft pick to join the organization as a coach. He worked in 2003 as a roving catcher instructor and then was promoted to assistant coach with the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2004. He earned the managerial role with the 'Gades in 2006.
Quatraro was a member of the 1993 Schenectady Mohawks and he played under now current team president Brian Spagnola.
Brewers Ink Cassidy (Geneva '97) To Minor League Pact
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed pitcher Scott Cassidy (Geneva '97) to a minor league contract for the 2008 season. The contract includes an invitation to Spring Training.
Cassidy spent the 2007 season with the Portland Beavers of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Portland is the top affiliate of the San Diego Padres. In 40 games with the Beavers, Cassidy was 4-4 with 10 saves, 27 games finished and a 6.53 earned run average. Cassidy's year-long stint in Portland came after his most successful Major League season. In 2006, Cassidy was 6-4 with a 2.53 ERA in 42 games for the Padres. During an early stretch of the 2006 season, the Syracuse, N.Y., native was untouchable from the San Diego bullpen.
The former LeMoyne College standout has spent time with three different Major League organizations including Toronto, Boston and San Diego. Cassidy signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an undrafted free agent in 1998. In the spring, he had been named Metro Atlantic North Conference Player of the Year. Cassidy made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 2002 and he would compile 58 relief appearances and went 1-4 with a 5.73 earned run average.
The next several years, Cassidy hopped between Triple-A clubs in Syracuse and Pawtucket (a 2004 trade to the Red Sox) and then to San Diego, via a 2005 trade with between the Red Sox and Padres. Milwaukee with be his fourth different organization in seven seasons.
Cassidy pitched for the Geneva Knights of the Northeast Collegiate Baseball League during the 1997 season.
Cassidy spent the 2007 season with the Portland Beavers of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Portland is the top affiliate of the San Diego Padres. In 40 games with the Beavers, Cassidy was 4-4 with 10 saves, 27 games finished and a 6.53 earned run average. Cassidy's year-long stint in Portland came after his most successful Major League season. In 2006, Cassidy was 6-4 with a 2.53 ERA in 42 games for the Padres. During an early stretch of the 2006 season, the Syracuse, N.Y., native was untouchable from the San Diego bullpen.
The former LeMoyne College standout has spent time with three different Major League organizations including Toronto, Boston and San Diego. Cassidy signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an undrafted free agent in 1998. In the spring, he had been named Metro Atlantic North Conference Player of the Year. Cassidy made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 2002 and he would compile 58 relief appearances and went 1-4 with a 5.73 earned run average.
The next several years, Cassidy hopped between Triple-A clubs in Syracuse and Pawtucket (a 2004 trade to the Red Sox) and then to San Diego, via a 2005 trade with between the Red Sox and Padres. Milwaukee with be his fourth different organization in seven seasons.
Cassidy pitched for the Geneva Knights of the Northeast Collegiate Baseball League during the 1997 season.
Pascucci (Schenectady '97) Signs With Phillies
Baseball America reports that Valentino Pasccuci (Schenectady '97) has signed a contract for the 2008 season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pascucci spent all of the 2007 campaign with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Florida's Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. In 132 games, Pascucci batted .284 with 98 runs batted in and a team-high 34 home runs. Pascucci's 34 clouts ranked him among the top home run hitters in all of the minors. He was named the Pacific Coast League's Most Valuable Player at the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game. The Marlins inked Pascucci to play for the Isotopes after he was released during Spring Training by the Chicago Cubs.
Pascucci was drafted by the Montreal Expos (15th round/450th overall) in 1999 out of Oklahoma University. He spent five seasons in the Expos farm system and then made his Major League debut with "Les Expos" in 2004. Pascucci hit .177 with two home runs and six RBI during 32 games for Montreal. He was a teammate of former Mohawk Brendan Harris ('99). After being released by the newly-christened Nationals, Pascucci headed for Japan, where he spent two seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines and manager Bobby Valentine. The 2005 Marines won the Pacific League championship and went on to sweep the Hanshin Tigers (Central League) in the Japan Series.
The Bellflower, Calif., native was a member of the 1997 Schenectady Mohawks under head coach Tom Fleenor. The '97 Mohawks finished 23-19.
Pascucci spent all of the 2007 campaign with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Florida's Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. In 132 games, Pascucci batted .284 with 98 runs batted in and a team-high 34 home runs. Pascucci's 34 clouts ranked him among the top home run hitters in all of the minors. He was named the Pacific Coast League's Most Valuable Player at the 2007 Triple-A All-Star Game. The Marlins inked Pascucci to play for the Isotopes after he was released during Spring Training by the Chicago Cubs.
Pascucci was drafted by the Montreal Expos (15th round/450th overall) in 1999 out of Oklahoma University. He spent five seasons in the Expos farm system and then made his Major League debut with "Les Expos" in 2004. Pascucci hit .177 with two home runs and six RBI during 32 games for Montreal. He was a teammate of former Mohawk Brendan Harris ('99). After being released by the newly-christened Nationals, Pascucci headed for Japan, where he spent two seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines and manager Bobby Valentine. The 2005 Marines won the Pacific League championship and went on to sweep the Hanshin Tigers (Central League) in the Japan Series.
The Bellflower, Calif., native was a member of the 1997 Schenectady Mohawks under head coach Tom Fleenor. The '97 Mohawks finished 23-19.
Linton (LF '06) Tabbed Preseason All-America
Ollie Linton (Little Falls '06) has been selected to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) 2008 preseason All-America team.
Linton, a junior at UC-Irvine, was named to the All-America second team as an outfielder. He was one of 61 players on the All-America squad.
Earlier this month, the Winnetka, Calif., native was placed on the watch list for the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award, given annually to the top player in Division I.
Linton, who batted .342 a season ago, is the Anteaters top returning hitter. Last year, he helped UC-Irvine to 47 victories and the school's first appearance in the College World Series. He was a Big West second-team all-star.
The Anteaters starting centerfielder played for the Little Falls Diamond Miners during the summer of 2006. He hit a team-high .336 with 42 hits and 24 runs batted in. Linton's Diamond Miners finished second in the Eastern Division and advanced to the semifinals of the league playoffs before falling to the Saratoga Phillies in two-straight games.
Linton, a junior at UC-Irvine, was named to the All-America second team as an outfielder. He was one of 61 players on the All-America squad.
Earlier this month, the Winnetka, Calif., native was placed on the watch list for the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award, given annually to the top player in Division I.
Linton, who batted .342 a season ago, is the Anteaters top returning hitter. Last year, he helped UC-Irvine to 47 victories and the school's first appearance in the College World Series. He was a Big West second-team all-star.
The Anteaters starting centerfielder played for the Little Falls Diamond Miners during the summer of 2006. He hit a team-high .336 with 42 hits and 24 runs batted in. Linton's Diamond Miners finished second in the Eastern Division and advanced to the semifinals of the league playoffs before falling to the Saratoga Phillies in two-straight games.
Bennington Bombers Post Partial Roster
The Bennington Bombers have posted a partial player roster for the 2008 season on their web site. The link can be found below. In addition, it appears that the Bombers have also tabbed the following players for the upcoming season:
Barry Butera (Boston College), Casey Potter (Indianapolis), Chad Salem (Manhattan), Dylan Stone (Bryant) and Michael Sudol (Boston College).
Bombers 2008 Roster
Seven of 14 NYCBL teams have published partial or complete rosters for the 2008 season. Those teams include Bennington, Amsterdam, Allegany County, Little Falls, Saratoga, Watertown and Brockport.
Barry Butera (Boston College), Casey Potter (Indianapolis), Chad Salem (Manhattan), Dylan Stone (Bryant) and Michael Sudol (Boston College).
Bombers 2008 Roster
Seven of 14 NYCBL teams have published partial or complete rosters for the 2008 season. Those teams include Bennington, Amsterdam, Allegany County, Little Falls, Saratoga, Watertown and Brockport.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Eight Former NYCBL Players Named To Wallace Award Watch List
Chris Dove (Saratoga '06), Elon
John Allman (Amsterdam '04), Kansas
Tim Alberts (Geneva '06), Niagara
Joe McIntyre (Webster '07), North Carolina A&T
Jake Owens (Glens Falls '07), Northwestern
Mark Kelly (Glens Falls '07), Southern Illinois
Sean Barksdale (Allegany County '07), Temple
Ollie Linton (Little Falls '06), UC-Irvine
Chris Dove was a key component in Saratoga's 2006 run to the NYCBL championship. Dove was one of three outfielders selected first-team All-NYCBL in 2006. He excelled in 2007, his first season at Elon University. Dove stole a team-high 31 bases on 40 attempts and batted .333 (third on team) with two home runs and 30 RBI. He also collected an Elon-best eight triples.
John Allman helped the Amsterdam Mohawks win the 2004 NYCBL championship. Allman was one of two Mohawks tabbed first-team All-NYCBL in 2004 (Gian Testa was the other). Last spring, he hit .333 with 16 doubles and 44 runs batted in. Allman earned his second all-conference recognition, being selected All-Big 12 honorable mention. The St. Louis, Mo., native was All-Big 12 second team in 2006.
Tim Alberts played for the Geneva Red Wings during the 2006 season. He spent the summer as the Red Wings starting centerfielder and collected 37 hits in 39 games and formed a great 1-2 offensive punch with NYCBL Player of the Year Nick Stewart. Alberts led Niagara in every major offensive category in 2007 including batting average (.379), home runs (8), RBI (42), hits (66), doubles (2), slugging percentage (.603) and on-base percentage (.444).
Joe McIntyre compiled one of the best offensive seasons in NYCBL history during the summer of 2007. The All-NYCBL first-team selection batted a league-high .409 with 65 hits, two home runs and 36 runs batted in. He also led the league in hits, doubles and total bases (89). In the spring, McIntyre paced the Aggies of North Carolina A&T with 65 runs batted in and finished second on the team with a .342 batting average. He has earned two-straight selections to the All-MEAC team and previously was the 2006 MEAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Jake Owens was a member of the 2007 Glens Falls Golden Eagles. Owens was the lead-off hitter for a team that finished the regular season 34-6. He tallied 36 hits in 38 games, a .374 on-base percentage and a team-high 25 walks. At Northwestern, Owens has started 142-straight games at second base. Owens led the Wildcats in batting average (.385), hits (85), runs scored (48) and stolen bases (18). His 85 hits set a new single-season school record. Owens was named second-team All-Big Ten.
Mark Kelly's summer in Glens Falls was cut short due to injury. Kelly played just 11 games for the Golden Eagles, but scored seven runs, smashed one home run and had three RBI. The Glens Falls backstop had an excellent spring, earning first-team All-MVC accolades. Kelly hit a team-high .379 for the Salukis with 63 runs batted in. He played and started in all of Southern Illinois' 56 games. He was named one of the top 15 catchers in the nation entering the 2008 season according to rivals.com.
Sean Barksdale helped the Allegany County Nitros to a torrid 21-3 start this past summer. Barksdale hit .260 with 16 runs batted in, 15 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 24 games. The Glenolden, Pa., native was a first-team All-Atlantic 10 selection in the spring and the Philadelphia Big 5 co-Player of the Year at Temple University. Barksdale drove in 59 runs for the Owls, the most RBI in a single season at Temple since 1985. He added seven home runs, 14 stolen bases and a .359 batting average.
Ollie Linton followed up a successful summer of 2006 with the Little Falls Diamond Miners by leading the Anteaters of UC-Irvine into the College World Series. Linton was a World Series hero with a game-winning RBI single against Arizona State as UC-Irvine became the first team to win back-to-back, extra-inning games in CWS history. Linton finished second on the team with a .342 batting average and he recorded 52 hits and 21 RBI. The Winnetka, Calif., native was a second team NYCBL all-star in 2006.
The Brooks Wallace Award is presented annually by the College Baseball Foundation to the National Player of the Year in NCAA Division I baseball. The winner is selected by a nationwide panel of voters. The 2008 "Watch List" includes 224 baseball student-athletes from around the country.
John Allman (Amsterdam '04), Kansas
Tim Alberts (Geneva '06), Niagara
Joe McIntyre (Webster '07), North Carolina A&T
Jake Owens (Glens Falls '07), Northwestern
Mark Kelly (Glens Falls '07), Southern Illinois
Sean Barksdale (Allegany County '07), Temple
Ollie Linton (Little Falls '06), UC-Irvine
Chris Dove was a key component in Saratoga's 2006 run to the NYCBL championship. Dove was one of three outfielders selected first-team All-NYCBL in 2006. He excelled in 2007, his first season at Elon University. Dove stole a team-high 31 bases on 40 attempts and batted .333 (third on team) with two home runs and 30 RBI. He also collected an Elon-best eight triples.
John Allman helped the Amsterdam Mohawks win the 2004 NYCBL championship. Allman was one of two Mohawks tabbed first-team All-NYCBL in 2004 (Gian Testa was the other). Last spring, he hit .333 with 16 doubles and 44 runs batted in. Allman earned his second all-conference recognition, being selected All-Big 12 honorable mention. The St. Louis, Mo., native was All-Big 12 second team in 2006.
Tim Alberts played for the Geneva Red Wings during the 2006 season. He spent the summer as the Red Wings starting centerfielder and collected 37 hits in 39 games and formed a great 1-2 offensive punch with NYCBL Player of the Year Nick Stewart. Alberts led Niagara in every major offensive category in 2007 including batting average (.379), home runs (8), RBI (42), hits (66), doubles (2), slugging percentage (.603) and on-base percentage (.444).
Joe McIntyre compiled one of the best offensive seasons in NYCBL history during the summer of 2007. The All-NYCBL first-team selection batted a league-high .409 with 65 hits, two home runs and 36 runs batted in. He also led the league in hits, doubles and total bases (89). In the spring, McIntyre paced the Aggies of North Carolina A&T with 65 runs batted in and finished second on the team with a .342 batting average. He has earned two-straight selections to the All-MEAC team and previously was the 2006 MEAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Jake Owens was a member of the 2007 Glens Falls Golden Eagles. Owens was the lead-off hitter for a team that finished the regular season 34-6. He tallied 36 hits in 38 games, a .374 on-base percentage and a team-high 25 walks. At Northwestern, Owens has started 142-straight games at second base. Owens led the Wildcats in batting average (.385), hits (85), runs scored (48) and stolen bases (18). His 85 hits set a new single-season school record. Owens was named second-team All-Big Ten.
Mark Kelly's summer in Glens Falls was cut short due to injury. Kelly played just 11 games for the Golden Eagles, but scored seven runs, smashed one home run and had three RBI. The Glens Falls backstop had an excellent spring, earning first-team All-MVC accolades. Kelly hit a team-high .379 for the Salukis with 63 runs batted in. He played and started in all of Southern Illinois' 56 games. He was named one of the top 15 catchers in the nation entering the 2008 season according to rivals.com.
Sean Barksdale helped the Allegany County Nitros to a torrid 21-3 start this past summer. Barksdale hit .260 with 16 runs batted in, 15 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 24 games. The Glenolden, Pa., native was a first-team All-Atlantic 10 selection in the spring and the Philadelphia Big 5 co-Player of the Year at Temple University. Barksdale drove in 59 runs for the Owls, the most RBI in a single season at Temple since 1985. He added seven home runs, 14 stolen bases and a .359 batting average.
Ollie Linton followed up a successful summer of 2006 with the Little Falls Diamond Miners by leading the Anteaters of UC-Irvine into the College World Series. Linton was a World Series hero with a game-winning RBI single against Arizona State as UC-Irvine became the first team to win back-to-back, extra-inning games in CWS history. Linton finished second on the team with a .342 batting average and he recorded 52 hits and 21 RBI. The Winnetka, Calif., native was a second team NYCBL all-star in 2006.
The Brooks Wallace Award is presented annually by the College Baseball Foundation to the National Player of the Year in NCAA Division I baseball. The winner is selected by a nationwide panel of voters. The 2008 "Watch List" includes 224 baseball student-athletes from around the country.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Lyon (Watertown '05) Named Tri-Captain At Northeastern
Mike Lyon (Watertown '05) has been selected as one of three captains of the Northeastern University baseball team for the 2008 season. Lyon, a senior, will be joined by classmates Kris Dabrowiecki and Josh Porter as the team's tri-captains.
Lyon compiled an impressive 2007 season for the Huskies with career highs in batting average (.321), hits (61), home runs (10) and runs batted in (33). Lyon led the team in doubles (13) and extra-base hits (26). The Plainville, Mass., native was the Huskies starting shortstop and he was the only player to start all of Northeastern's 46 games.
The Northeastern slugger spent the summer of 2005 with the Watertown Wizards. Lyon helped lead the Purple and Yellow to the Eastern Division playoff championship and he was named first-team All-NYCBL. Lyon set Wizards franchise single-season records for home runs (8), runs batted in (38), hits (56) and runs scored (28). He was also voted the Wizards Offensive Player of the Year by his teammates.
Lyon compiled an impressive 2007 season for the Huskies with career highs in batting average (.321), hits (61), home runs (10) and runs batted in (33). Lyon led the team in doubles (13) and extra-base hits (26). The Plainville, Mass., native was the Huskies starting shortstop and he was the only player to start all of Northeastern's 46 games.
The Northeastern slugger spent the summer of 2005 with the Watertown Wizards. Lyon helped lead the Purple and Yellow to the Eastern Division playoff championship and he was named first-team All-NYCBL. Lyon set Wizards franchise single-season records for home runs (8), runs batted in (38), hits (56) and runs scored (28). He was also voted the Wizards Offensive Player of the Year by his teammates.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Former Hornell Dodger Signed By Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Terry Tiffee (Hornell '98) to a minor league contract for the 2008 season. Tiffee's contract includes an invitation to Spring Training.
After seven seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization, Tiffee signed a contract last winter with the Baltimore Orioles. He spent this past year with Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate, Norfolk, in the International League. In 124 games, Tiffee batted .272 with 10 home runs and 55 runs batted in. He added 25 runs scored and 26 doubles.
Tiffee was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 26th round (779th overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins during the 2004 season and spent the next three seasons shuffling back and forth between Minnesota and Triple-A Rochester.
The North Little Rock, Ark., native was a member of the 1998 Hornell Dodgers. Another member of the '98 Dodgers, Josh Kinney, won a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006.
After seven seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization, Tiffee signed a contract last winter with the Baltimore Orioles. He spent this past year with Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate, Norfolk, in the International League. In 124 games, Tiffee batted .272 with 10 home runs and 55 runs batted in. He added 25 runs scored and 26 doubles.
Tiffee was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 26th round (779th overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. He made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins during the 2004 season and spent the next three seasons shuffling back and forth between Minnesota and Triple-A Rochester.
The North Little Rock, Ark., native was a member of the 1998 Hornell Dodgers. Another member of the '98 Dodgers, Josh Kinney, won a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006.
NYCBL Quartet Headed To Maine
Several former New York Collegiate Baseball League players are listed on the roster of the 2008 Sanford Mainers. The team, located in Sanford, Maine, is a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The list includes:
Cory Hunt (Saratoga '07), Virginia
Brian Harris (Saratoga '07), Vanderbilt
Matthew Nandin (Geneva '06), LeMoyne
Jason Bowman (Geneva '07), West Chester
Sanford has been a hot spot for former New York Collegiate Baseball League managers as well. Former Cortland Apples skipper Scott Brown and Ithaca Lakers manager Joe Brown have helmed the Mainers during the team's brief history. Scott Brown, the pitching coach at St. John's University, enjoyed two successful years with the Cortland Apples (2000, 2001) and led the team to the 2000 Eastern Division Championship Series. Scott coached three seasons in Sanford and was the 2004 NECBL Coach of the Year.
Joe Brown, the head baseball coach at Cortland State, guided the Ithaca Lakers from 1992 through 1999 and won three Northeast Collegiate Baseball League championships. Brown's Lakers also made three other appearances in the league finals and finished third in the league playoffs thrice. At Cortland State, Brown has won 289 games in eight seasons. He coached the Sanford Mainers during the 2006 season.
Cory Hunt (Saratoga '07), Virginia
Brian Harris (Saratoga '07), Vanderbilt
Matthew Nandin (Geneva '06), LeMoyne
Jason Bowman (Geneva '07), West Chester
Sanford has been a hot spot for former New York Collegiate Baseball League managers as well. Former Cortland Apples skipper Scott Brown and Ithaca Lakers manager Joe Brown have helmed the Mainers during the team's brief history. Scott Brown, the pitching coach at St. John's University, enjoyed two successful years with the Cortland Apples (2000, 2001) and led the team to the 2000 Eastern Division Championship Series. Scott coached three seasons in Sanford and was the 2004 NECBL Coach of the Year.
Joe Brown, the head baseball coach at Cortland State, guided the Ithaca Lakers from 1992 through 1999 and won three Northeast Collegiate Baseball League championships. Brown's Lakers also made three other appearances in the league finals and finished third in the league playoffs thrice. At Cortland State, Brown has won 289 games in eight seasons. He coached the Sanford Mainers during the 2006 season.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Harris (Schenectady '99) On Move Again
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have traded Brendan Harris (Schenectady '99), Delmon Young and Jason Pridie to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Matt Garza, Eduardo Morlan and Jason Barlett.
Since debuting with the Chicago Cubs in 2004, Harris has played for five different Major League teams: Chicago (2004), Montreal (2004), Washington (2005, 2006), Cincinnati (2006), Tampa Bay (2007). The Twins, should Harris make the Major League roster, will be his sixth.
Harris is no stranger to the transaction wire. In 2004, Harris was involved in a multi-player deal between Chicago (NL) and Montreal that included Alex Gonzalez, Matt Murton and Nomar Garciaparra. Two years later, Harris was part of an eight-player trade that saw him go from Washington to Cincinnati.
The 2007 season was Harris' best in the Major Leagues. The Queensbury, N.Y., native hit .286 with 12 home runs and 59 RBI . Harris played in a career-high 137 games for the Devil Rays and spent most of the season as the team's starting shortstop.
The new Twins infielder played for the Schenectady Mohawks during the 1999 Northeast Collegiate Baseball League season. The team, under now current Marist skipper Denis Healy, finished 28-12. After finishing a successful career at the College of William & Mary, Harris was taken in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs.
Since debuting with the Chicago Cubs in 2004, Harris has played for five different Major League teams: Chicago (2004), Montreal (2004), Washington (2005, 2006), Cincinnati (2006), Tampa Bay (2007). The Twins, should Harris make the Major League roster, will be his sixth.
Harris is no stranger to the transaction wire. In 2004, Harris was involved in a multi-player deal between Chicago (NL) and Montreal that included Alex Gonzalez, Matt Murton and Nomar Garciaparra. Two years later, Harris was part of an eight-player trade that saw him go from Washington to Cincinnati.
The 2007 season was Harris' best in the Major Leagues. The Queensbury, N.Y., native hit .286 with 12 home runs and 59 RBI . Harris played in a career-high 137 games for the Devil Rays and spent most of the season as the team's starting shortstop.
The new Twins infielder played for the Schenectady Mohawks during the 1999 Northeast Collegiate Baseball League season. The team, under now current Marist skipper Denis Healy, finished 28-12. After finishing a successful career at the College of William & Mary, Harris was taken in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Wizards Tab Nicoletti As Field Manager
The Watertown Wizards of the New York Collegiate Baseball League have hired Phil Nicoletti to serve as the team's field manager for the 2008 season. Nicoletti, an assistant coach at UMASS-Boston, replaces Todd Kirkey, who resigned as field manager after being promoted to general manager following the 2007 season.
Aside from coaching at UMASS-Boston, Nicoletti is an associate scout for the Cleveland Indians. His previous coaching experience includes stints with International Performance Baseball, the Boston Area Scout Team and Armstrong Ringsted High School in Armstrong, Iowa. Nicoletti is also the founder of "Nicoletti Pitching" and the "Prospect Watch Showcase" in Minnesota, Iowa and Massachusetts.
Last summer, the Lynn, Mass., native served as an assistant coach with the TPX Top 96 College Coaches Clinic.
Nicoletti is the fourth manager in Wizards history, joining Daniel Ninemire, Paul Alteri and Todd Kirkey as the only skippers in the team's eight-year history.
Kirkey moved to the front office as the franchise's all-time wins leader and he helmed the Wizards to three-straight playoff appearances and a 2005 Eastern Division playoff championship.
The Wizards have also announced that Ryan Horning will work as the team's associate head coach. Horning, an assistant coach at St. John Fisher College, was the Wizards pitching coach last season and he mentored Luis Castillo (Jefferson CC) to a first-team All-NYCBL selection.
Aside from coaching at UMASS-Boston, Nicoletti is an associate scout for the Cleveland Indians. His previous coaching experience includes stints with International Performance Baseball, the Boston Area Scout Team and Armstrong Ringsted High School in Armstrong, Iowa. Nicoletti is also the founder of "Nicoletti Pitching" and the "Prospect Watch Showcase" in Minnesota, Iowa and Massachusetts.
Last summer, the Lynn, Mass., native served as an assistant coach with the TPX Top 96 College Coaches Clinic.
Nicoletti is the fourth manager in Wizards history, joining Daniel Ninemire, Paul Alteri and Todd Kirkey as the only skippers in the team's eight-year history.
Kirkey moved to the front office as the franchise's all-time wins leader and he helmed the Wizards to three-straight playoff appearances and a 2005 Eastern Division playoff championship.
The Wizards have also announced that Ryan Horning will work as the team's associate head coach. Horning, an assistant coach at St. John Fisher College, was the Wizards pitching coach last season and he mentored Luis Castillo (Jefferson CC) to a first-team All-NYCBL selection.
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