St. John's University sophomore Joe Witkowski (Little Falls '07) has been named the BIG EAST Player of the Week for the week ending February 25, 2008.
Witkowski hit .500 (4-for-8) in three games for the Red Storm with one home run, three runs batted in and two runs scored. Playing in his collegiate debut, Witkowski slammed a home run and put together a 2-for-4 performance in St. John's' 8-4 victory over Gardner Webb at Winthrop's Johnny Gill Memorial Tournament. Witkowski went 2-for-4 with one RBI the following day as St. John's defeated Winthrop, 4-3. He finished the weekend with a .875 slugging percentage and .500 on-base percentage.
The Middleton, Conn., native was a second team New York Collegiate Baseball League postseason all-star last summer for the Little Falls Miners. Witkowski hit a team-high .364 for the Miners and posted a team-best 40 hits. He helped the Miners to their second-straight appearance in the NYCBL playoffs.
In addition, St. John's senior assistant captain George Brown (Watertown '05) was named to the league's weekly honor roll. Brown earned a victory in the Red Storm's first game of the year against Gardner-Webb. He allowed one run on three hits through six innings and struck out two. The senior posted a 1.50 earned run average for the week and held opponents to a .150 batting average. Brown pitched for the 2005 Watertown Wizards.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NYCBL 2008: Jesse Bosnik (St. Bonaventure)
St. Bonaventure freshman infielder Jesse Bosnik has signed with the Brockport Riverbats for the 2008 New York Collegiate Baseball League season.
Prior to attending St. Bonaventure, Bosnik was a two-sport star at Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Mary's, Pa., earning four letters each in baseball and basketball. Bosnik scored a school-record 2,083 points on the basketball hardwood and he was a two-time, first-team all-state selection by the Associated Press. Bosnik led his 2005-06 Elk County Catholic boys basketball team to a 33-0 record and a Pennsylvania state championship. He was the 2006 Tri-County Sunday Player of the Year in boys basketball and baseball.
As a junior at ECC, Bosnik set school records in home runs (10), batting average (.592) and on-base percentage (.700). He helped his team to the District IX championship.
Already this spring, the freshman shortstop has made an impact for St. Bonaventure. Through the Bonnies first nine games, Bosnik is batting .289 with six runs batted in and a team-high 11 runs scored. He has played and started every game for St. Bonaventure. Bosnik made his collegiate debut in St. Bonaventure's season opener as the lead-off hitter and starting shortstop. He went 1-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored in an 8-7 SBU win over Long Island. The Saint Mary's, Pa., native had his best game of the season in a 15-14, 11-inning victory over Boston College on March 1. Bosnik singled home a run in the 11th and later scored the game-winning run to cap off a 3-for-6 performance with three RBI and three runs scored.
Prior to attending St. Bonaventure, Bosnik was a two-sport star at Elk County Catholic High School in Saint Mary's, Pa., earning four letters each in baseball and basketball. Bosnik scored a school-record 2,083 points on the basketball hardwood and he was a two-time, first-team all-state selection by the Associated Press. Bosnik led his 2005-06 Elk County Catholic boys basketball team to a 33-0 record and a Pennsylvania state championship. He was the 2006 Tri-County Sunday Player of the Year in boys basketball and baseball.
As a junior at ECC, Bosnik set school records in home runs (10), batting average (.592) and on-base percentage (.700). He helped his team to the District IX championship.
Already this spring, the freshman shortstop has made an impact for St. Bonaventure. Through the Bonnies first nine games, Bosnik is batting .289 with six runs batted in and a team-high 11 runs scored. He has played and started every game for St. Bonaventure. Bosnik made his collegiate debut in St. Bonaventure's season opener as the lead-off hitter and starting shortstop. He went 1-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored in an 8-7 SBU win over Long Island. The Saint Mary's, Pa., native had his best game of the season in a 15-14, 11-inning victory over Boston College on March 1. Bosnik singled home a run in the 11th and later scored the game-winning run to cap off a 3-for-6 performance with three RBI and three runs scored.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Two Former Miners Named To All-Gotham Preseason Team
Wagner senior Joe Testa (Little Falls '06) and Rutgers junior Tom Edwards (Little Falls '07) have been named to the 2008 All-Gotham Baseball preseason team. The team was selected by Gotham Baseball Magazine. For more information, click here.
Testa was one of six starting pitchers named to the team. He was recently selected to the 2008 Northeast Conference preseason all-conference team. In addition, he was chosen by Northeast Conference coaches as the "Pitcher You Don't Want To Face" in a poll conducted by CollegeBaseballInsider.com. He is among Wagner's top 10 in all-time victories (12), complete games (10) and innings pitched (209.0). Testa is also nine strikeouts away from becoming Wagner's all-time strikeout king. Last spring, he went 4-6 with a 3.01 earned run average. He struck out 82 batters in a team-high 80.2 innings pitched and he added five complete games and one shutout. In conference play, Testa posted a 1.61 ERA and 54 strikeouts. As a sophomore, Testa won seven decisions and struck out a single-season, school-record 98 batters.
The Brick, N.J., native was a member of the 2006 Little Falls Diamond Miners. He was tabbed first-team All-New York Collegiate Baseball League and he pitched in the NYCBL All-Star Game for the Eastern Division all-stars. He led the league with 69 strikeouts and posted a 5-1 record and 2.74 earned run average. Opposing hitters managed a .176 batting average against Testa. Last summer, Testa pitched for the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate Baseball League and led the league with 69 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.
Edwards helped lead the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to a BIG EAST tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament last spring. He was named to the 2008 BIG EAST preseason all-conference team after being a third-team selection in 2007. Last spring, Edwards hit .340 with seven home runs, 48 runs batted in, 81 hits and seven stolen bases. He is the Scarlet Knights leading returning hitter.
The West Caldwell, N.J., native was chosen first-team All-NYCBL last summer for the Miners. Edwards batted .299 with a team-high three home runs and 29 RBI. He also led the Miners in walks (30), runs (24), doubles (12), slugging percentage (.496) and on-base percentage (.442). Not only was Edwards named to the NYCBL postseason all-star team, he was listed as the second-best pro prospect in the league by Baseball America and Perfect Game Scouting.
Testa was one of six starting pitchers named to the team. He was recently selected to the 2008 Northeast Conference preseason all-conference team. In addition, he was chosen by Northeast Conference coaches as the "Pitcher You Don't Want To Face" in a poll conducted by CollegeBaseballInsider.com. He is among Wagner's top 10 in all-time victories (12), complete games (10) and innings pitched (209.0). Testa is also nine strikeouts away from becoming Wagner's all-time strikeout king. Last spring, he went 4-6 with a 3.01 earned run average. He struck out 82 batters in a team-high 80.2 innings pitched and he added five complete games and one shutout. In conference play, Testa posted a 1.61 ERA and 54 strikeouts. As a sophomore, Testa won seven decisions and struck out a single-season, school-record 98 batters.
The Brick, N.J., native was a member of the 2006 Little Falls Diamond Miners. He was tabbed first-team All-New York Collegiate Baseball League and he pitched in the NYCBL All-Star Game for the Eastern Division all-stars. He led the league with 69 strikeouts and posted a 5-1 record and 2.74 earned run average. Opposing hitters managed a .176 batting average against Testa. Last summer, Testa pitched for the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate Baseball League and led the league with 69 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.
Edwards helped lead the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to a BIG EAST tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament last spring. He was named to the 2008 BIG EAST preseason all-conference team after being a third-team selection in 2007. Last spring, Edwards hit .340 with seven home runs, 48 runs batted in, 81 hits and seven stolen bases. He is the Scarlet Knights leading returning hitter.
The West Caldwell, N.J., native was chosen first-team All-NYCBL last summer for the Miners. Edwards batted .299 with a team-high three home runs and 29 RBI. He also led the Miners in walks (30), runs (24), doubles (12), slugging percentage (.496) and on-base percentage (.442). Not only was Edwards named to the NYCBL postseason all-star team, he was listed as the second-best pro prospect in the league by Baseball America and Perfect Game Scouting.
Roberts (LF '07) and Clauson (Amsterdam '07) Headed For Alaska
Southern Illinois University sophomore Aaron Roberts (Little Falls '07) and Stanford University sophomore Andrew Clausen (Amsterdam '07) have both signed to play in the Alaska Baseball League for the 2008 season. Roberts is slated to play for the Anchorage Bucs. Clauson is listed on the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks roster.
Roberts was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American last spring at Southern Illinois. He was the lone freshman on the Missouri Valley Conference postseason all-star team and he was on the Ping! Baseball All-Freshman team. Roberts, as a true freshman, started 55 games and hit .349 for the Salukis with a team-high 52 runs scored. He stole a team-high 13 bases, tallied 21 multi-hit games, and drove in 17 runs. Roberts was named to the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference preseason all-conference team.
The Chatham, Ill., native played for the Little Falls Miners last summer. He played just 25 games due to injury, but batted .266 with 17 runs scored, eight runs batted in and six stolen bases on seven attempts. Roberts was the Miners lead-off hitter and starting center fielder for much of the 2007 season.
Clauson pitched for the Stanford Cardinal as a true freshman last spring. He compiled a 2-0 record and a 5.93 earned run average. As a relief pitcher, Clauson made 15 appearances and struck out 11 batters. He earned victories over Kansas and San Jose State. Clauson made his Cardinal debut against Cal State Fullerton and struck out two in one scoreless inning.
The Yakima, Wash., native pitched for the Amsterdam Mohawks last summer. Clauson led all Mohawks starters in earned run average and tied for a team high with three victories. He finished 3-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 37.1 innings pitched. Clauson was third on the Mohawks with 40 strikeouts and he finished second in opponents batting average (.209).
The ABL's Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks annually play in the Midnight Sun Game. This season's Midnight Sun Game will be the 103rd edition.
Several former New York Collegiate Baseball League players have competed in the Alaska Baseball League over the past few years. Former NYCBL'ers to play in the ABL include Michael Perconte (Hornell '05), Josh Cox (Hornell '05), Chris Stansbury (Saratoga '05), George Brown (Watertown '05) and Jared McGuire (Amsterdam '04).
Roberts was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American last spring at Southern Illinois. He was the lone freshman on the Missouri Valley Conference postseason all-star team and he was on the Ping! Baseball All-Freshman team. Roberts, as a true freshman, started 55 games and hit .349 for the Salukis with a team-high 52 runs scored. He stole a team-high 13 bases, tallied 21 multi-hit games, and drove in 17 runs. Roberts was named to the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference preseason all-conference team.
The Chatham, Ill., native played for the Little Falls Miners last summer. He played just 25 games due to injury, but batted .266 with 17 runs scored, eight runs batted in and six stolen bases on seven attempts. Roberts was the Miners lead-off hitter and starting center fielder for much of the 2007 season.
Clauson pitched for the Stanford Cardinal as a true freshman last spring. He compiled a 2-0 record and a 5.93 earned run average. As a relief pitcher, Clauson made 15 appearances and struck out 11 batters. He earned victories over Kansas and San Jose State. Clauson made his Cardinal debut against Cal State Fullerton and struck out two in one scoreless inning.
The Yakima, Wash., native pitched for the Amsterdam Mohawks last summer. Clauson led all Mohawks starters in earned run average and tied for a team high with three victories. He finished 3-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 37.1 innings pitched. Clauson was third on the Mohawks with 40 strikeouts and he finished second in opponents batting average (.209).
The ABL's Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks annually play in the Midnight Sun Game. This season's Midnight Sun Game will be the 103rd edition.
Several former New York Collegiate Baseball League players have competed in the Alaska Baseball League over the past few years. Former NYCBL'ers to play in the ABL include Michael Perconte (Hornell '05), Josh Cox (Hornell '05), Chris Stansbury (Saratoga '05), George Brown (Watertown '05) and Jared McGuire (Amsterdam '04).
Monday, February 25, 2008
NYCBL Alumni Spotlight: David Cook (Rome '01)
Welcome back to the New York Collegiate Baseball League Alumni Spotlight. Every other week until the beginning of the 2008 NYCBL season on June 6th, one former NYCBL (or NCBL) player or coach will be featured. Last June, 27 former New York Collegiate Baseball League players were selected in the Major League Baseball entry draft. Countless other former players and coaches have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels.
Today, the spotlight shines on former New York Collegiate Baseball League player David Cook. Cook helped the Rome Indians win the 2001 NYCBL championship. He was one of six members of the 2001 Indians to sign a contract with a Major League team. Currently, Cook is a member of the Chicago White Sox farm system. He split last season between Chicago's minor league affiliates in the Single-A Carolina League and the Double-A Southern League.
Prior to joining the White Sox organization, Cook played collegiately at Miami University of Ohio. After spending the summer of 2001 in Rome, Cook blossomed his junior year for the Red Hawks. He started all of Miami's (Ohio) 59 games and led the team with 247 at-bats and 272 plate appearances. As a senior, Cook led Miami (Ohio) in runs scored (70), hits (87), doubles (17), at-bats (252) and total bases (151). He finished second on the team with 21 stolen bases. He collected a team-high 29 multi-hit games and was second with 16 multi-RBI games.
Cook was one of five Red Hawks selected to the All-Mid-America Conference second team and he earned All-MAC Tournament honors as well. He slammed a grand slam in the ninth inning of the MAC title game against Eastern Michigan.
The Chicago White Sox selected Cook in the ninth round (262nd overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. The Columbus, Ohio, native played for the Great Falls White Sox and the Kannapolis Intimidators during the 2003 season. He batted .273 in six games for the Pioneer League Sox and then competed in 40 games for the Class-A Intimidators. In 2004, Cook again split time between the Pioneer League and the South Atlantic League. He hit .214 for Kannapolis in 60 games but then tallied a .301 batting average in 34 games for the White Sox to go along with eight home runs and 22 runs batted in.
The former Rome Indian spent the entire 2005 season with the Intimidators. He hit .283 with a career-high 24 home runs and 65 runs batted in to go along with a .552 slugging percentage. Cook moved to the Carolina League's Winston-Salem Warthogs in 2006. He played in a career-high 130 games, smashed 16 home runs and drove in 58. Cook split time between Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham last season. He hit .279 with 16 home runs and 50 RBI for the Warthogs in 93 games and then socked eight home runs and batted .293 for the Birmingham Barons in 29 contests.
Cook is the second former Indian to move on through the White Sox system and advance to Double-A Birmingham. Cory Haggerty (Rome '01) spent four years in the 'Sox farm system from 2003 through 2006. He advanced as high as Double-A Birmingham in 2005.
Today, the spotlight shines on former New York Collegiate Baseball League player David Cook. Cook helped the Rome Indians win the 2001 NYCBL championship. He was one of six members of the 2001 Indians to sign a contract with a Major League team. Currently, Cook is a member of the Chicago White Sox farm system. He split last season between Chicago's minor league affiliates in the Single-A Carolina League and the Double-A Southern League.
Prior to joining the White Sox organization, Cook played collegiately at Miami University of Ohio. After spending the summer of 2001 in Rome, Cook blossomed his junior year for the Red Hawks. He started all of Miami's (Ohio) 59 games and led the team with 247 at-bats and 272 plate appearances. As a senior, Cook led Miami (Ohio) in runs scored (70), hits (87), doubles (17), at-bats (252) and total bases (151). He finished second on the team with 21 stolen bases. He collected a team-high 29 multi-hit games and was second with 16 multi-RBI games.
Cook was one of five Red Hawks selected to the All-Mid-America Conference second team and he earned All-MAC Tournament honors as well. He slammed a grand slam in the ninth inning of the MAC title game against Eastern Michigan.
The Chicago White Sox selected Cook in the ninth round (262nd overall) of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. The Columbus, Ohio, native played for the Great Falls White Sox and the Kannapolis Intimidators during the 2003 season. He batted .273 in six games for the Pioneer League Sox and then competed in 40 games for the Class-A Intimidators. In 2004, Cook again split time between the Pioneer League and the South Atlantic League. He hit .214 for Kannapolis in 60 games but then tallied a .301 batting average in 34 games for the White Sox to go along with eight home runs and 22 runs batted in.
The former Rome Indian spent the entire 2005 season with the Intimidators. He hit .283 with a career-high 24 home runs and 65 runs batted in to go along with a .552 slugging percentage. Cook moved to the Carolina League's Winston-Salem Warthogs in 2006. He played in a career-high 130 games, smashed 16 home runs and drove in 58. Cook split time between Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham last season. He hit .279 with 16 home runs and 50 RBI for the Warthogs in 93 games and then socked eight home runs and batted .293 for the Birmingham Barons in 29 contests.
Cook is the second former Indian to move on through the White Sox system and advance to Double-A Birmingham. Cory Haggerty (Rome '01) spent four years in the 'Sox farm system from 2003 through 2006. He advanced as high as Double-A Birmingham in 2005.
Locke (Hornell '05) Locked Up By Phillies
The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced that pitcher Jared Locke (Hornell '05) has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies for the 2008 season. Locke was acquired by Traverse City Beach Bums last summer after being released by the Texas Rangers.
Locke made 21 appearances for the Beach Bums and finished 1-1 with a 3.42 earned run average and two saves. He struck out 25 batters in 23.2 innings pitched and held opposing Frontier League hitters to a .205 batting average. From July 16 through August 19, Locke held opposing teams scoreless with a shutout streak that lasted 17.2 innings.
The Inman, S.C., native signed with the Texas Rangers as an undrafted free agent following his senior season at Newberry (S.C.) College. He spent his first professional season with the Rangers affiliate in the Arizona League. Locke was 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA and one save for the AZL Rangers in 15 appearances. He added 45 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched. Locke pitched last season for the Clinton LumberKings but was released after seven appearances.
The 6-foot, 6-inch, left-handed pitcher was a member of the 2005 New York Collegiate Baseball League champion Hornell Dodgers. He started Game 3 of the NYCBL Championship Series against the Watertown Wizards; a game that Hornell won, 7-3. Locke finished the season 2-0 with a 4.25 earned run average. He tied for third on the team with 39 strikeouts.
Locke made 21 appearances for the Beach Bums and finished 1-1 with a 3.42 earned run average and two saves. He struck out 25 batters in 23.2 innings pitched and held opposing Frontier League hitters to a .205 batting average. From July 16 through August 19, Locke held opposing teams scoreless with a shutout streak that lasted 17.2 innings.
The Inman, S.C., native signed with the Texas Rangers as an undrafted free agent following his senior season at Newberry (S.C.) College. He spent his first professional season with the Rangers affiliate in the Arizona League. Locke was 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA and one save for the AZL Rangers in 15 appearances. He added 45 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched. Locke pitched last season for the Clinton LumberKings but was released after seven appearances.
The 6-foot, 6-inch, left-handed pitcher was a member of the 2005 New York Collegiate Baseball League champion Hornell Dodgers. He started Game 3 of the NYCBL Championship Series against the Watertown Wizards; a game that Hornell won, 7-3. Locke finished the season 2-0 with a 4.25 earned run average. He tied for third on the team with 39 strikeouts.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
2005 NYCBL Pitcher of Year Signs With Joliet Jackhammers
Michael Schellinger (Watertown '05) has signed a free-agent contract with the Joliet Jackhammers of the independent Northern League. Schellinger joins the Jackhammers after a three-year stint in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system.
Schellinger pitched for the Midwest League's Swing of the Quad Cities last season. He went 6-4 with a 3.62 earned run average, one save and 64 strikeouts. Schellinger began the season as a starter but was transferred to the bullpen and ended the year with 33 appearances. He was named the Midwest League's co-Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 16-July 22. Schellinger pitched six and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief in two victories and struck out 11. From July 3 through July 22, he made five appearances and posted a 0.71 ERA.
The Fayetteville, N.Y., native signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an undrafted free-agent after the 2005 New York Collegiate Baseball League season. He made four appearances for the New Jersey Cardinals of the New York-Penn League after signing. Schellinger compiled one save and a 5.23 earned run average to go along with 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. He sat out all of the 2006 season after shoulder surgery.
Schellinger was the New York Collegiate Baseball League's Pitcher of the Year for the 2005 season. He helped lead the Watertown Wizards to their first Eastern Division playoff championship and an appearance in the NYCBL Championship Series. Between the regular season and the playoffs, Schellinger struck out a franchise-record 100 batters. His best performance came in the opening round of the 2005 Eastern Division playoffs. Schellinger struck out 17 Amsterdam batters in a 1-0 Watertown victory.
Prior to signing a professional contract, Schellinger pitched collegiately at Division-III Oneonta (N.Y.) State.
Schellinger pitched for the Midwest League's Swing of the Quad Cities last season. He went 6-4 with a 3.62 earned run average, one save and 64 strikeouts. Schellinger began the season as a starter but was transferred to the bullpen and ended the year with 33 appearances. He was named the Midwest League's co-Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 16-July 22. Schellinger pitched six and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief in two victories and struck out 11. From July 3 through July 22, he made five appearances and posted a 0.71 ERA.
The Fayetteville, N.Y., native signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an undrafted free-agent after the 2005 New York Collegiate Baseball League season. He made four appearances for the New Jersey Cardinals of the New York-Penn League after signing. Schellinger compiled one save and a 5.23 earned run average to go along with 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. He sat out all of the 2006 season after shoulder surgery.
Schellinger was the New York Collegiate Baseball League's Pitcher of the Year for the 2005 season. He helped lead the Watertown Wizards to their first Eastern Division playoff championship and an appearance in the NYCBL Championship Series. Between the regular season and the playoffs, Schellinger struck out a franchise-record 100 batters. His best performance came in the opening round of the 2005 Eastern Division playoffs. Schellinger struck out 17 Amsterdam batters in a 1-0 Watertown victory.
Prior to signing a professional contract, Schellinger pitched collegiately at Division-III Oneonta (N.Y.) State.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Glens Falls Releases 2008 Roster
The Glens Falls Golden Eagles of the New York Collegiate Baseball League have posted a player roster for the 2008 season. You can view the roster by clicking here.
The team will be led by fifth-year manager John Mayotte. He has been the only head coach in franchise history and he won his 100th NYCBL game as a manager last season. He skippered the Golden Eagles to a 34-6 regular season, an Eastern Division championship and an appearance in the NYCBL Championship Series. Five members of last year's team were members of the NYCBL postseason all-star team.
Three players return from the 2007 Golden Eagles: Scott Denault, Luis Feliz and Adam Veres. Denault, a junior at San Diego, was 5-0 with a 3.24 earned run average and one save last summer. He struck out 47 batters in 41 2/3 innings pitched and limited opponents to a .205 batting average. Feliz played just 19 games for Glens Falls last summer due to injury. He batted .276 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Veres made six mound appearances for the Golden Eagles. He earned two saves and was 0-1 with a 4.40 earned run average. Veres struck out 17 batters in 14 1/3 innings pitched.
Will Hassett is another returning face to the team. Hassett, a junior at Siena, pitched for the Golden Eagles during the 2006 season. He tied for a team high with eight starts and he finished 3-4 with a 4.78 earned run average. Hassett played in the 2006 NYCBL All-Star Game for the Eastern Division all-stars.
Through four years in the NYCBL, Glens Falls has won two Eastern Division regular season titles (2004, 2007) and won 30 or more games twice (2004, 2007). At least 16 former Golden Eagles are expected to play professional baseball this summer. Last June, seven former Golden Eagles were selected in the Major League Baseball entry draft. In addition, Ryan Basham (Glens Falls '04) was named as the Frontier League's 2007 Rookie of the Year.
The team will be led by fifth-year manager John Mayotte. He has been the only head coach in franchise history and he won his 100th NYCBL game as a manager last season. He skippered the Golden Eagles to a 34-6 regular season, an Eastern Division championship and an appearance in the NYCBL Championship Series. Five members of last year's team were members of the NYCBL postseason all-star team.
Three players return from the 2007 Golden Eagles: Scott Denault, Luis Feliz and Adam Veres. Denault, a junior at San Diego, was 5-0 with a 3.24 earned run average and one save last summer. He struck out 47 batters in 41 2/3 innings pitched and limited opponents to a .205 batting average. Feliz played just 19 games for Glens Falls last summer due to injury. He batted .276 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Veres made six mound appearances for the Golden Eagles. He earned two saves and was 0-1 with a 4.40 earned run average. Veres struck out 17 batters in 14 1/3 innings pitched.
Will Hassett is another returning face to the team. Hassett, a junior at Siena, pitched for the Golden Eagles during the 2006 season. He tied for a team high with eight starts and he finished 3-4 with a 4.78 earned run average. Hassett played in the 2006 NYCBL All-Star Game for the Eastern Division all-stars.
Through four years in the NYCBL, Glens Falls has won two Eastern Division regular season titles (2004, 2007) and won 30 or more games twice (2004, 2007). At least 16 former Golden Eagles are expected to play professional baseball this summer. Last June, seven former Golden Eagles were selected in the Major League Baseball entry draft. In addition, Ryan Basham (Glens Falls '04) was named as the Frontier League's 2007 Rookie of the Year.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Baseball America Selects Shaffer (Glens Falls '07) And Mejia (Glens Falls '06) As Division II Preseason All-Americans
Baseball America has named Northern Kentucky junior Jake Shaffer (Glens Falls '07) and University of Tampa senior Junior Mejia (Glens Falls '06) to its Division II preseason All-America team. The two former Glens Falls Golden Eagles were selected as part of a group to include 14 players nationally.
Last season, Shaffer was selected second-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference. He led Northern Kentucky in batting average (.347), slugging percentage (.467), runs scored (3o), doubles (12), triples (3) and total bases (93). He added two home runs, 21 runs batted in and 19 stolen bases. Shaffer was just one of two players to start all 52 of NKU's games last season. He transferred to Northern Kentucky from Division-I Winthrop University.
The Athol, Mass., native helped the Glens Falls Golden Eagles to a 34-6 regular season record and the New York Collegiate Baseball League's Eastern Division championship last summer. Shaffer was a first team NYCBL all-star. He batted .333 with one home run and 21 runs batted in. Shaffer also contributed 48 hits, 21 runs scored, nine doubles, 20 walks and nine stolen bases. He was listed among the NYCBL's top prospects by Baseball America and Perfect Game Scouting. In addition, Shaffer was the Bob Bellizzi Big Stick Award winner at the NYCBL All-Star Game.
Mejia earned multiple honors last spring in his first season at the University of Tampa. He helped the Spartans to the NCAA Division II championship and was named second-team All-Sunshine State Conference, second-team all-region and to the NCAA Division II championship all-tournament team. Mejia batted .405 with 47 runs batted in and 24 stolen bases. He played in 62 of Tampa's 63 games and started 61. Mejia had 81 hits, 59 runs scored, nine doubles and four triples. Mejia finished second on the team in batting average and fourth in RBI. Prior to Tampa, Mejia attended Pasco Hernando Community College.
The Ventnor, N.J., native played for the Glens Falls Golden Eagles in 2006. He recorded seven hits, scored seven runs and stole six bases in nine games for Glens Falls.
Currently, Mejia is batting .241 with seven hits and eight runs scored for the University of Tampa. The Spartans are 10-2 and were ranked first nationally heading into the weekend of Feb. 22 through Feb. 24.
Last season, Shaffer was selected second-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference. He led Northern Kentucky in batting average (.347), slugging percentage (.467), runs scored (3o), doubles (12), triples (3) and total bases (93). He added two home runs, 21 runs batted in and 19 stolen bases. Shaffer was just one of two players to start all 52 of NKU's games last season. He transferred to Northern Kentucky from Division-I Winthrop University.
The Athol, Mass., native helped the Glens Falls Golden Eagles to a 34-6 regular season record and the New York Collegiate Baseball League's Eastern Division championship last summer. Shaffer was a first team NYCBL all-star. He batted .333 with one home run and 21 runs batted in. Shaffer also contributed 48 hits, 21 runs scored, nine doubles, 20 walks and nine stolen bases. He was listed among the NYCBL's top prospects by Baseball America and Perfect Game Scouting. In addition, Shaffer was the Bob Bellizzi Big Stick Award winner at the NYCBL All-Star Game.
Mejia earned multiple honors last spring in his first season at the University of Tampa. He helped the Spartans to the NCAA Division II championship and was named second-team All-Sunshine State Conference, second-team all-region and to the NCAA Division II championship all-tournament team. Mejia batted .405 with 47 runs batted in and 24 stolen bases. He played in 62 of Tampa's 63 games and started 61. Mejia had 81 hits, 59 runs scored, nine doubles and four triples. Mejia finished second on the team in batting average and fourth in RBI. Prior to Tampa, Mejia attended Pasco Hernando Community College.
The Ventnor, N.J., native played for the Glens Falls Golden Eagles in 2006. He recorded seven hits, scored seven runs and stole six bases in nine games for Glens Falls.
Currently, Mejia is batting .241 with seven hits and eight runs scored for the University of Tampa. The Spartans are 10-2 and were ranked first nationally heading into the weekend of Feb. 22 through Feb. 24.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Lombard (Little Falls '06) Named To Stopper Of Year Watch List
Santa Clara University senior Jeff Lombard (Little Falls '06) has been named to the "Watch List" for the 2008 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award. The prize is presented to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. Lombard was one of two Santa Clara pitchers named to the list.
Last season, Lombard led the Broncos with 30 relief appearances and 10 saves. He was 3-5 with a 4.06 earned run average in 37 2/3 innings pitched. Lombard struck out 34 and held opponents to a .257 batting average. He was among the conference leaders with 30 appearances (second) and 10 saves (third). As a sophomore, Lombard tied with Daniel DeMarco (Watertown '06) for a team and conference high 29 appearances.
The Woodlinville, Wash., native was a starting pitcher for the Little Falls Diamond Miners in 2006. He went 3-2 with a 4.58 earned run average in 11 appearances and seven starts. Lombard struck out 27 in 37 1/3 innings pitched.
When Lombard pitched for the Diamond Miners, it was his first trip to the eastern United States. A day after arriving from California, Lombard made his first appearance for the Diamond Miners against the Bolivar Athletics on June 17. He pitched six hitless innings, walked two and struck out six in a 10-0 Diamond Miners win.
Last season, Lombard led the Broncos with 30 relief appearances and 10 saves. He was 3-5 with a 4.06 earned run average in 37 2/3 innings pitched. Lombard struck out 34 and held opponents to a .257 batting average. He was among the conference leaders with 30 appearances (second) and 10 saves (third). As a sophomore, Lombard tied with Daniel DeMarco (Watertown '06) for a team and conference high 29 appearances.
The Woodlinville, Wash., native was a starting pitcher for the Little Falls Diamond Miners in 2006. He went 3-2 with a 4.58 earned run average in 11 appearances and seven starts. Lombard struck out 27 in 37 1/3 innings pitched.
When Lombard pitched for the Diamond Miners, it was his first trip to the eastern United States. A day after arriving from California, Lombard made his first appearance for the Diamond Miners against the Bolivar Athletics on June 17. He pitched six hitless innings, walked two and struck out six in a 10-0 Diamond Miners win.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Red Wings Add Graber (Schenectady '90) To Staff
The Geneva Red Wings of the New York Collegiate Baseball League have announced that Kevin Graber (Schenectady '90) has been hired as the team's associate head coach for the 2008 season. Graber, an assistant baseball coach at Amherst (Mass.) College, will work under longtime Red Wings manager Dave Herbst.
Graber played in the Northeast Collegiate Baseball League for four seasons and he was a member of the 1988 NCBL champion Schenectady Mohawks. Graber was a member of the Mohawks in 1988, 1989 and 1990 and he finished out his NCBL career with the Cohocton Red Wings in 1991. He had the benefit of playing under both Bob Bellizzi (Schenectady) and Tom Kenney (Geneva).
For last month's NYCBL Alumni Spotlight on Kevin Graber, click here. Last season, the Red Wings went 26-16 and made the Western Division Championship Series.
Graber played in the Northeast Collegiate Baseball League for four seasons and he was a member of the 1988 NCBL champion Schenectady Mohawks. Graber was a member of the Mohawks in 1988, 1989 and 1990 and he finished out his NCBL career with the Cohocton Red Wings in 1991. He had the benefit of playing under both Bob Bellizzi (Schenectady) and Tom Kenney (Geneva).
For last month's NYCBL Alumni Spotlight on Kevin Graber, click here. Last season, the Red Wings went 26-16 and made the Western Division Championship Series.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
NYCBL Alumni Spotlight: Steve Checksfield (Schenectady '98/Hornell '00)
Welcome back to the New York Collegiate Baseball League Alumni Spotlight. Every other week until the beginning of the 2008 NYCBL season on June 6th, one former NYCBL (or NCBL) player or coach will be featured. Last June, 27 former New York Collegiate Baseball League players were selected in the Major League Baseball entry draft. Countless other former players and coaches have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels.
Today, the spotlight shines on former NCBL player and current NYCBL coach Steve Checksfield. Checksfield worked for the Saratoga Phillies as an assistant coach last summer. Incidentally, his fellow assistant coach in Saratoga, Andy Cuthbertson, is also a league alum, having played for the Watertown Wizards. Checksfield played for the Schenectady Mohawks in 1998 and the Hornell Dodgers in 2000. Hornell won the 2000 NCBL championship.
Checksfield was a two-sport star at the University at Albany, playing football and baseball for the Great Danes. As a junior, Checksfield was named first-team All-Northeast Conference (NEC) as a tight end and he led the conference in tight-end scoring (four TD's) and yards-per-reception (21.4). The former Kingston High School star excelled more on the baseball diamond. Checksfield finished his career as the school's all-time leader in games played, at-bats, home runs, runs scored and runs batted in. Entering the 2007 season, Checksfield was still Albany's career leader in home runs (40), runs scored (173) and runs batted in (168).
The Hurley, N.Y., native was selected by the Houston Astros in the 26th round (776th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball entry draft. He was the first University at Albany player to be drafted by a Major League team since 1974.
Checksfield spent three seasons in the Astros farm system, with the highlight being in 2002 while playing for the Michigan Battle Cats of the Single-A Midwest League. He played in the Midwest League All-Star Game and he was the game's Most Valuable Player. Checksfield went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and two extra-base hits. He achieved career highs in both home runs (16) and runs batted in (87) with Michigan. After playing in 122 games for the Battle Cats, he spent the following season splitting time between Class-A Lexington of the South Atlantic League and High-A Salem of the Carolina League. Checksfield clubbed a combined 14 home runs and drove in 58 in 111 games.
After being released by the Astros, Steve moved to the independent Can-Am League in 2004 where he signed with the Elmira Pioneers (as a teammate of current Elmira manager Matt Burch). The former NCBL player swatted 11 home runs in 81 games but would finish the 2004 season with the New Jersey Jackals, also of the Can-Am League. Checksfield hit a career-high .291 for the Jackals in 2005 and led the team with 10 home runs in 90 games. He remains among the team's leaders in single-season home runs.
Last summer, Checksfield returned to the NYCBL (it was the NCBL when he played) as an assistant coach with the Saratoga Phillies. The Phillies, under the guise of manager Garret Baron and with assistant coaches Steve Checksfield and Andy Cuthbertson, finished 25-14 and made the Eastern Division Championship Series. Saratoga extended Glens Falls to a three-game series, but the Golden Eagles moved on to the NYCBL Championship Series against Elmira.
Today, the spotlight shines on former NCBL player and current NYCBL coach Steve Checksfield. Checksfield worked for the Saratoga Phillies as an assistant coach last summer. Incidentally, his fellow assistant coach in Saratoga, Andy Cuthbertson, is also a league alum, having played for the Watertown Wizards. Checksfield played for the Schenectady Mohawks in 1998 and the Hornell Dodgers in 2000. Hornell won the 2000 NCBL championship.
Checksfield was a two-sport star at the University at Albany, playing football and baseball for the Great Danes. As a junior, Checksfield was named first-team All-Northeast Conference (NEC) as a tight end and he led the conference in tight-end scoring (four TD's) and yards-per-reception (21.4). The former Kingston High School star excelled more on the baseball diamond. Checksfield finished his career as the school's all-time leader in games played, at-bats, home runs, runs scored and runs batted in. Entering the 2007 season, Checksfield was still Albany's career leader in home runs (40), runs scored (173) and runs batted in (168).
The Hurley, N.Y., native was selected by the Houston Astros in the 26th round (776th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball entry draft. He was the first University at Albany player to be drafted by a Major League team since 1974.
Checksfield spent three seasons in the Astros farm system, with the highlight being in 2002 while playing for the Michigan Battle Cats of the Single-A Midwest League. He played in the Midwest League All-Star Game and he was the game's Most Valuable Player. Checksfield went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and two extra-base hits. He achieved career highs in both home runs (16) and runs batted in (87) with Michigan. After playing in 122 games for the Battle Cats, he spent the following season splitting time between Class-A Lexington of the South Atlantic League and High-A Salem of the Carolina League. Checksfield clubbed a combined 14 home runs and drove in 58 in 111 games.
After being released by the Astros, Steve moved to the independent Can-Am League in 2004 where he signed with the Elmira Pioneers (as a teammate of current Elmira manager Matt Burch). The former NCBL player swatted 11 home runs in 81 games but would finish the 2004 season with the New Jersey Jackals, also of the Can-Am League. Checksfield hit a career-high .291 for the Jackals in 2005 and led the team with 10 home runs in 90 games. He remains among the team's leaders in single-season home runs.
Last summer, Checksfield returned to the NYCBL (it was the NCBL when he played) as an assistant coach with the Saratoga Phillies. The Phillies, under the guise of manager Garret Baron and with assistant coaches Steve Checksfield and Andy Cuthbertson, finished 25-14 and made the Eastern Division Championship Series. Saratoga extended Glens Falls to a three-game series, but the Golden Eagles moved on to the NYCBL Championship Series against Elmira.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Hitchcock (Geneva '05) Signs With Otters
Brendan Hitchcock (Geneva '05) has signed a free-agent contract with the Evansville Otters of the independent Frontier League for the 2008 season. Last summer, 14 former New York Collegiate Baseball League players suited up for Frontier League teams.
Hitchcock made his professional debut last summer with the Amarillo Dillas of the independent United Baseball League. Though he played just 40 games, Hitchcock batted .329 with 15 runs batted in and 20 runs scored. Hitchcock signed with the Dillas after an outstanding four-year career at Binghamton University.
The Laceyville, Pa., native was a four-time conference all-star for the Bearcats and he was named the 2007 America East Player of the Year. Three of Hitchcock's four all-star selections were to the America East first team. As a senior, Hitchcock batted .366 with five home runs and 39 RBI in 47 games and helped Binghamton win a school-record 28 games. He finished his four-year Binghamton career as the school's leader in batting average (.360), hits (246), RBI (150), doubles (48) and walks (95).
Following his senior season, Hitchcock was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America team. He majored in accounting.
Hitchcock was a first team NYCBL all-star for the Geneva Red Wings in 2005. He batted a team-high .360 with 50 hits, 24 runs scored and 16 runs batted in. He played first base for the Red Wings alongside second baseman and Binghamton teammate Matt Simek. Simek was a second team NYCBL all-star and played for the Worcester Tornadoes of the Can-Am League last summer.
Hitchcock made his professional debut last summer with the Amarillo Dillas of the independent United Baseball League. Though he played just 40 games, Hitchcock batted .329 with 15 runs batted in and 20 runs scored. Hitchcock signed with the Dillas after an outstanding four-year career at Binghamton University.
The Laceyville, Pa., native was a four-time conference all-star for the Bearcats and he was named the 2007 America East Player of the Year. Three of Hitchcock's four all-star selections were to the America East first team. As a senior, Hitchcock batted .366 with five home runs and 39 RBI in 47 games and helped Binghamton win a school-record 28 games. He finished his four-year Binghamton career as the school's leader in batting average (.360), hits (246), RBI (150), doubles (48) and walks (95).
Following his senior season, Hitchcock was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America team. He majored in accounting.
Hitchcock was a first team NYCBL all-star for the Geneva Red Wings in 2005. He batted a team-high .360 with 50 hits, 24 runs scored and 16 runs batted in. He played first base for the Red Wings alongside second baseman and Binghamton teammate Matt Simek. Simek was a second team NYCBL all-star and played for the Worcester Tornadoes of the Can-Am League last summer.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
NYCBL Threesome Selected To MAAC Preseason Squad
Three former New York Collegiate Baseball League players have been selected to the 2008 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) preseason all-conference team.
Siena senior Rick Seltzer (Glens Falls '07), Canisius junior Kevin Mahoney (Glens Falls '07) and Niagara senior Tim Alberts (Geneva '06) were chosen to the MAAC preseason team by the league's coaches.
Seltzer was one of two Siena players selected to the preseason all-conference team. Last spring, Seltzer batted .256 with a team-high seven home runs and 30 runs batted in. The 6-foot, 6-inch first baseman led the Saints with 25 walks and he finished second with a .404 on-base percentage. Defensively, he made a team-high 298 putouts. He has started 136 games in three seasons at Siena and clubbed 15 home runs. The Saints senior will be a team co-captain this spring.
The Allentown, Pa., native was a member of the 2007 Eastern Division champion Glens Falls Golden Eagles. He batted .242 with two home runs and 28 runs batted in during the regular season as the Golden Eagles went a league-best 34-6. Seltzer added a team-high four triples and 26 walks. In the field, the Siena product collected 291 putouts and a .990 fielding percentage to go along with a fourth-best 16 assists.
Mahoney was a second-team All-MAAC selection last season. As a sophomore, he led the Golden Griffs with six home runs, four triples, 13 doubles and 42 runs scored. Mahoney batted .289 with 34 runs batted in and a .482 slugging percentage. He totaled 14 multi-hit and 10 multi-RBI games for Canisius. The durable Mahoney played in 54 of the Griffs 55 games and started 53 of them. In his freshman season, Mahoney paced the Griffs offense with seven home runs and a .463 slugging percentage. He drove in 39 runs and started all 54 games.
The Miller Place, N.Y., native was a first team NYCBL all-star in 2007. Mahoney led the entire New York Collegiate Baseball League with seven home runs and 44 runs batted in. He hit .309 and recorded 47 hits, 11 doubles, three triples and a .559 slugging percentage. The Golden Eagles third baseman was one of two players to start all of Glens Falls' 40 games. Mahoney continued his offensive prowess in the NYCBL playoffs. He batted a team-high .364 with one home run and six runs batted in.
Alberts was the main catalyst in Niagara's offensive attack last season and he led the Purple Eagles in eight different offensive categories including batting average (.379), home runs (8), runs batted in (42), hits (66), doubles (11), slugging percentage (.603) and on-base percentage (.444). Alberts set a school and conference record with a 35-game hitting streak that spanned two seasons from 2006 through 2007. During the streak, Alberts batted .451 with 60 hits and 18 multiple-hit games. As a sophomore, Alberts paced the Purple Eagles with a .379 batting average and he helped the team to the MAAC postseason tournament. Alberts was named to the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award "Watch List" in December.
The Baldwinsville, N.Y., native was a member of the 2006 Geneva Red Wings. He was Geneva's starting centerfielder and played alongside NYCBL Player of the Year Nick Stewart. Alberts batted .259 with one home run and 22 runs batted in for the 2006 Red Wings. He finished second on the team in batting average, RBI, hits (37) and stolen bases (8).
Siena senior Rick Seltzer (Glens Falls '07), Canisius junior Kevin Mahoney (Glens Falls '07) and Niagara senior Tim Alberts (Geneva '06) were chosen to the MAAC preseason team by the league's coaches.
Seltzer was one of two Siena players selected to the preseason all-conference team. Last spring, Seltzer batted .256 with a team-high seven home runs and 30 runs batted in. The 6-foot, 6-inch first baseman led the Saints with 25 walks and he finished second with a .404 on-base percentage. Defensively, he made a team-high 298 putouts. He has started 136 games in three seasons at Siena and clubbed 15 home runs. The Saints senior will be a team co-captain this spring.
The Allentown, Pa., native was a member of the 2007 Eastern Division champion Glens Falls Golden Eagles. He batted .242 with two home runs and 28 runs batted in during the regular season as the Golden Eagles went a league-best 34-6. Seltzer added a team-high four triples and 26 walks. In the field, the Siena product collected 291 putouts and a .990 fielding percentage to go along with a fourth-best 16 assists.
Mahoney was a second-team All-MAAC selection last season. As a sophomore, he led the Golden Griffs with six home runs, four triples, 13 doubles and 42 runs scored. Mahoney batted .289 with 34 runs batted in and a .482 slugging percentage. He totaled 14 multi-hit and 10 multi-RBI games for Canisius. The durable Mahoney played in 54 of the Griffs 55 games and started 53 of them. In his freshman season, Mahoney paced the Griffs offense with seven home runs and a .463 slugging percentage. He drove in 39 runs and started all 54 games.
The Miller Place, N.Y., native was a first team NYCBL all-star in 2007. Mahoney led the entire New York Collegiate Baseball League with seven home runs and 44 runs batted in. He hit .309 and recorded 47 hits, 11 doubles, three triples and a .559 slugging percentage. The Golden Eagles third baseman was one of two players to start all of Glens Falls' 40 games. Mahoney continued his offensive prowess in the NYCBL playoffs. He batted a team-high .364 with one home run and six runs batted in.
Alberts was the main catalyst in Niagara's offensive attack last season and he led the Purple Eagles in eight different offensive categories including batting average (.379), home runs (8), runs batted in (42), hits (66), doubles (11), slugging percentage (.603) and on-base percentage (.444). Alberts set a school and conference record with a 35-game hitting streak that spanned two seasons from 2006 through 2007. During the streak, Alberts batted .451 with 60 hits and 18 multiple-hit games. As a sophomore, Alberts paced the Purple Eagles with a .379 batting average and he helped the team to the MAAC postseason tournament. Alberts was named to the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award "Watch List" in December.
The Baldwinsville, N.Y., native was a member of the 2006 Geneva Red Wings. He was Geneva's starting centerfielder and played alongside NYCBL Player of the Year Nick Stewart. Alberts batted .259 with one home run and 22 runs batted in for the 2006 Red Wings. He finished second on the team in batting average, RBI, hits (37) and stolen bases (8).
Monday, February 4, 2008
NYCBL Interviews, Matt Burch
Welcome to NYCBL Interviews. This is the first of a new bi-weekly feature on the New York Collegiate Baseball League Blog. It'll feature interviews with current league personnel, current and former players and managers.Today, Elmira Pioneers manager Matt Burch is featured. Burch skippered the second-year Pioneers to the league title last summer. He is a former first round pick of the Kansas City Royals and pitched collegiately at Virginia Commonwealth University.
1. How did you originally get involved with the Pioneers franchise?
I signed on with Tom Sullivan's Elmira Pioneers of the independent Northeast League in 2004 as a pitcher and I assumed the duties of pitching coach as well.
2. The 2006 NYCBL team, put together on short notice, finished second in the Western Division and made the playoffs. What are some of your favorite memories from that season?
Some of my favorite memories...in Hornell the day we clinched a playoff spot, I turned to assistant coach Brian Hill and said to him, “We did it, but I am not sure how?!” Also that summer Jack Cawley from Pace stole home in a game at
3. The run through the playoffs this past season was quiet astounding at 6-0, especially the Championship Series sweep of Glens Falls. When you look back, what was the key in those two weeks?
The key for the Championship run was nothing fancy. We just kept our pace of what he had done all summer. We put in a full day’s work each afternoon and went out and executed baseball in the evenings.
4. Your local coverage in the Star Gazette and on the local television stations is some of the best in the league. It really seems that the community has embraced the team. How important is that in getting more fans out to Dunn Field?
The community has embraced this team. I tell our players that this atmosphere will really help them while pursuing the next level. They learn to deal with the scrutiny from local fans and media.
5. Word association...Shane Wolf, Wade Gaynor, Andre Licinsky, John Mayotte, Tom Sullivan
Shane Wolf: Strong character...Wade Gaynor-Ballplayer...Andre Licinsky-Pound for pound the best player in the league...John Mayotte-Patriarch...Tom Sullivan-the man who makes it happen
6. Originally you're from Elmira, how nice is it to coach right in your own backyard?
It is great to coach here in
7. While you were playing collegiately at Virginia Commonwealth University, where did you go for your summer league baseball?
I played in the
8. Coming out of Thomas Edison High School in Elmira Heights, you were drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1995 but didn't sign and went to VCU. How much did the collegiate baseball experience help you as a player and person?
The collegiate experience was an unbelievable one. I was able to mature both as a man and as a ballplayer. I was fortunate enough to play in a program that helped to develop me into a first round draft pick (1998 draft, Kansas City 1st round/30th overall). I was also afforded the opportunity to live and play with Brandon Inge who, until the Miguel Cabrera trade, was the Detroit Tigers third baseman.
9. When you finally went pro, you were taken in the first round by the Royals in 1998. Can you describe your draft experience?
The 1998 draft was surreal; however, the climax of guiding a team to a championship was personally more fulfilling than the individual achievement.
10. You played six years in the Royals system before joining the Elmira Pioneers in 2004. What're some of your memories from your stint in the Royals farm system?
I was a Royal for 6 seasons and it was great. The travel and memories are everlasting. I played with a lot of friends who went on to the Big Leagues and I was fortunate before surgery to have actually spent some time in a Big League Uniform.
11. When you were with the Pioneers in 2004, you worked as a player-coach. Being a coach of younger players now, how does your personal playing experience at the Division-I level and professional playing and coaching experience help?
My baseball experiences give me credibility. I can relate to situations all throughout baseball. I have seen most situations and have a response to most. My players respond to the professional atmosphere that we maintain and they appreciate being treated as men.
Miners Hire Kutztown's Kuklick As Assistant Coach
The Little Falls Miners of the New York Collegiate Baseball League have hired Clay Kuklick as an assistant coach for the 2008 season. Kuklick is in his first season as an assistant baseball coach at Kutztown (Pa.) University.
Kuklick was a four-year starting catcher for Kutztown from 2002 through 2005. As a senior, he was the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament and he was named second-team All-PSAC East. Kuklick graduated among Kutztown's all-time leaders in games played, at-bats, runs, hits and times hit by a pitch.
The North Wales, Pa., native played three professional seasons in the independent Can-Am League. Kuklick played for the Elmira Pioneers in 2005 and then spent the next two seasons with the New Jersey Jackals. In 2006, Kuklick hit a career-high .306 with nine doubles and 27 RBI in 57 games for New Jersey.
Kuklick becomes part of a Miners coaching staff that includes second-year skipper Justin Gordon and assistant coach Travis Cougill. In a team press release, Gordon said, "Coach Cougill and Coach Kuklick are two of the hardest working young coaches in college baseball, and we're lucky to have them. The coaches, players and I are excited about the upcoming season in Little Falls."
Kuklick was a four-year starting catcher for Kutztown from 2002 through 2005. As a senior, he was the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament and he was named second-team All-PSAC East. Kuklick graduated among Kutztown's all-time leaders in games played, at-bats, runs, hits and times hit by a pitch.
The North Wales, Pa., native played three professional seasons in the independent Can-Am League. Kuklick played for the Elmira Pioneers in 2005 and then spent the next two seasons with the New Jersey Jackals. In 2006, Kuklick hit a career-high .306 with nine doubles and 27 RBI in 57 games for New Jersey.
Kuklick becomes part of a Miners coaching staff that includes second-year skipper Justin Gordon and assistant coach Travis Cougill. In a team press release, Gordon said, "Coach Cougill and Coach Kuklick are two of the hardest working young coaches in college baseball, and we're lucky to have them. The coaches, players and I are excited about the upcoming season in Little Falls."
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Play Ball!
Austin, Texas - Steve Smith (Allegany County '05) struck out eight and Rudy Jovanovski (Bennington '08) smashed a two-run home run as 12th-ranked Ouachita Baptist defeated #28 St. Edwards, 8-4, on Saturday afternoon in the opening game of a doubleheader at St. Edwards' Lucian-Hamilton Field. The Tigers won the second game, 11-4, to sweep the season-opening twin bill.
Smith pitched into the seventh inning and allowed four runs on five hits. He held St. Edwards off the scoreboard for the first four innings, allowing Ouachita Baptist to build up a 6-0 lead. Jovanovksi, in his first game as a Tiger, was 1-for-2 with two sacrifice flies and four runs batted in. Jovanovski opened the scoring for OBU in the third inning with a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Blake Lockwood from third. He increased the Tigers lead from 3-0 to 5-0 in the fifth inning with a two-run blast to left-center field. Jovanovski drove home Lockwood on his second sacrifice fly in the sixth inning for the Tigers eighth and final run.
Last year, Ouachita Baptist won a school regular season record 48 games and the Tigers took home their first Gulf South Conference West Division regular season title. Senior Jeremy Haworth (Allegany County '06) was a Division II All-American and he was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year.
Currently, four members of the Tigers have New York Collegiate Baseball League connections. Smith was a NYCBL postseason all-star in 2006 and a finalist for the NYCBL Pitcher of the Year award. OBU senior Zach Wilbanks pitched for the Allegany County Nitros last summer and helped the team make the Western Division playoffs. Juniors Rudy Jovanovski and Sean O'Rourke are both slated to play for the Bennington Bombers this summer. Both players transfered to Ouachita Baptist from Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College.
Smith pitched into the seventh inning and allowed four runs on five hits. He held St. Edwards off the scoreboard for the first four innings, allowing Ouachita Baptist to build up a 6-0 lead. Jovanovksi, in his first game as a Tiger, was 1-for-2 with two sacrifice flies and four runs batted in. Jovanovski opened the scoring for OBU in the third inning with a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Blake Lockwood from third. He increased the Tigers lead from 3-0 to 5-0 in the fifth inning with a two-run blast to left-center field. Jovanovski drove home Lockwood on his second sacrifice fly in the sixth inning for the Tigers eighth and final run.
Last year, Ouachita Baptist won a school regular season record 48 games and the Tigers took home their first Gulf South Conference West Division regular season title. Senior Jeremy Haworth (Allegany County '06) was a Division II All-American and he was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year.
Currently, four members of the Tigers have New York Collegiate Baseball League connections. Smith was a NYCBL postseason all-star in 2006 and a finalist for the NYCBL Pitcher of the Year award. OBU senior Zach Wilbanks pitched for the Allegany County Nitros last summer and helped the team make the Western Division playoffs. Juniors Rudy Jovanovski and Sean O'Rourke are both slated to play for the Bennington Bombers this summer. Both players transfered to Ouachita Baptist from Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College.
Hornell Joins The Roster Party
The Hornell Dodgers have posted a preliminary roster for the 2008 season on their web site. You can view the roster here.
The Blue and White have two players on their roster with New York Collegiate Baseball League experience. LeMoyne sophomore Dan Tunison made two starts for the Dodgers last summer. He was 1-0 with a 1.69 earned run average. Tunison pitched 10 2/3 innings, allowed two earned runs and struck out nine. Last spring, the Bath, N.Y., native earned four victories in five starts for LeMoyne and finished second on the team with a 2.72 earned run average. Delaware State junior Jose Sanchez was the starting shortstop for Hornell's Western Division rival, Allegany County, last summer. Sanchez hit .243 with a team-high 25 runs scored and 12 doubles. He started in the NYCBL All-Star Game for the Western Division all-stars and was one of four Nitros on the Western Division's roster.
Josh Swenson and Jeff Fetzner join manager Jake Tenhouse's staff as assistant coaches. Swenson is in his second season as an assistant baseball coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. As a senior at William Woods in 2005, he led the team in wins (4), starts (10), innings pitched (66) and complete games (5). He was also selected as a member of the American Midwest Conference's all-academic team. In addition to his coaching duties, Swenson is the Head of Outdoor Facilities at William Woods. He led the renovation of the infield surface at William Woods and also helped install a new soccer playing surface.
Fetzner is a New York Collegiate Baseball League veteran. He played two seasons for the Genesee Valley Riverbats (2004, 2005) and he was a Riverbats assistant coach under Jason Bunting in 2006 when the team won the Central Division title. Fetzner played collegiately at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y. He was twice named to the Empire 8 all-conference team. As a senior, Fetzner helped the Cardinals make their first-ever NCAA Division III playoff appearance.
The 2008 season marks the Hornell Dodgers 15th season as a member of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Among active NYCBL teams, only the Amsterdam Mohawks have been in the league longer. Hornell has won four league championships (1995, 2000, 2002, 2005) and four Western Division championships (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). The Dodgers made the NYCBL Championship Series four-straight years from 2002 through 2005, facing the Amsterdam Mohawks thrice (2002, 2003, 2004) and the Watertown Wizards once (2005). Notable Dodger alums include current Major Leaguers Tim Hudson ('94), Rajai Davis ('00), Brett Carroll ('02), Dallas Braden ('03) and Josh Kinney ('98). Kinney was a member of the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
The Blue and White have two players on their roster with New York Collegiate Baseball League experience. LeMoyne sophomore Dan Tunison made two starts for the Dodgers last summer. He was 1-0 with a 1.69 earned run average. Tunison pitched 10 2/3 innings, allowed two earned runs and struck out nine. Last spring, the Bath, N.Y., native earned four victories in five starts for LeMoyne and finished second on the team with a 2.72 earned run average. Delaware State junior Jose Sanchez was the starting shortstop for Hornell's Western Division rival, Allegany County, last summer. Sanchez hit .243 with a team-high 25 runs scored and 12 doubles. He started in the NYCBL All-Star Game for the Western Division all-stars and was one of four Nitros on the Western Division's roster.
Josh Swenson and Jeff Fetzner join manager Jake Tenhouse's staff as assistant coaches. Swenson is in his second season as an assistant baseball coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. As a senior at William Woods in 2005, he led the team in wins (4), starts (10), innings pitched (66) and complete games (5). He was also selected as a member of the American Midwest Conference's all-academic team. In addition to his coaching duties, Swenson is the Head of Outdoor Facilities at William Woods. He led the renovation of the infield surface at William Woods and also helped install a new soccer playing surface.
Fetzner is a New York Collegiate Baseball League veteran. He played two seasons for the Genesee Valley Riverbats (2004, 2005) and he was a Riverbats assistant coach under Jason Bunting in 2006 when the team won the Central Division title. Fetzner played collegiately at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y. He was twice named to the Empire 8 all-conference team. As a senior, Fetzner helped the Cardinals make their first-ever NCAA Division III playoff appearance.
The 2008 season marks the Hornell Dodgers 15th season as a member of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Among active NYCBL teams, only the Amsterdam Mohawks have been in the league longer. Hornell has won four league championships (1995, 2000, 2002, 2005) and four Western Division championships (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005). The Dodgers made the NYCBL Championship Series four-straight years from 2002 through 2005, facing the Amsterdam Mohawks thrice (2002, 2003, 2004) and the Watertown Wizards once (2005). Notable Dodger alums include current Major Leaguers Tim Hudson ('94), Rajai Davis ('00), Brett Carroll ('02), Dallas Braden ('03) and Josh Kinney ('98). Kinney was a member of the 2006 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Sauerbeck (Ithaca '92) Signs Minor League Pact With Reds
Scott Sauerbeck (Ithaca '92) has signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2008 season. The contract includes an invitation to Major League spring training.
Sauerbeck spent the 2007 season pitching at the Triple-A level for the Round Rock Express of the Pacific Coast League and the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League. Under contract to Houston, Sauerbeck started the season with Round Rock and made 18 appearances. He was 1-0 with a 3.93 earned run average and 22 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings pitched for the Astros Triple-A affiliate. Sauerbeck signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays after being released by the Astros. He made 23 appearances for the Syracuse Chiefs and was 1-1 with a 4.18 earned run average and 27 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings pitched.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native pitched in the Major Leagues for the better part of six years from 1999 through 2006, he missed the entire 2004 season. He made his Major League debut in 1999 and would go on to make 65 appearances for the Pirates that season with a 2.00 ERA. Sauerbeck remained with the Pirates through 2003 until a trade sent him to the Boston Red Sox. After the season, he signed with the Cleveland Indians but would not take the field for the Tribe until 2005. Sauerbeck split the 2006 season between Cleveland and Oakland.
While attending Miami University of Ohio, Sauerbeck pitched for the 1992 Ithaca Lakers under manager Joe Brown. Two summers later, he was selected by the New York Mets in the 23rd round (624th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball entry draft.
Sauerbeck spent the 2007 season pitching at the Triple-A level for the Round Rock Express of the Pacific Coast League and the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League. Under contract to Houston, Sauerbeck started the season with Round Rock and made 18 appearances. He was 1-0 with a 3.93 earned run average and 22 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings pitched for the Astros Triple-A affiliate. Sauerbeck signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays after being released by the Astros. He made 23 appearances for the Syracuse Chiefs and was 1-1 with a 4.18 earned run average and 27 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings pitched.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native pitched in the Major Leagues for the better part of six years from 1999 through 2006, he missed the entire 2004 season. He made his Major League debut in 1999 and would go on to make 65 appearances for the Pirates that season with a 2.00 ERA. Sauerbeck remained with the Pirates through 2003 until a trade sent him to the Boston Red Sox. After the season, he signed with the Cleveland Indians but would not take the field for the Tribe until 2005. Sauerbeck split the 2006 season between Cleveland and Oakland.
While attending Miami University of Ohio, Sauerbeck pitched for the 1992 Ithaca Lakers under manager Joe Brown. Two summers later, he was selected by the New York Mets in the 23rd round (624th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball entry draft.
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