So-Cal Bombers Sign Mike Belcher

The So-Cal Bombers of the Southern California Collegiate League have signed Mike Belcher from the University of La Verne. Belcher is a sophomore if/of from Walnut, CA. He went 19/49 (.388), with 1 homer and 18 runs batted in.

Recent E. Alabama Player Signings

The East Alabama Big Train of the Great South League have recently signed three more players for their 08 roster. Kevin Deese (West Alabama), Kevin Elwell (Jacksonville State), and Bennie Holcey (Mississippi Valley State) will be playing for the Big Train this summer.

Channelcats Sign Dayton Freshman

The Monroe Channelcats of the Tar Heel Summer League have signed Zach Lammers from the University of Dayton. Zach is a freshman infielder from Brookville, OH. He went 2 for 5 this season, but looks to crack the starting lineup next year.

Moose Jaw Adds Four To Roster

From the Moose Jaw Miller Express Press Release
The Moose Jaw Miller Express continues to fill out there 2008 roster with the signing of four players from Colby Community College. Catcher Eric Sim, shortstop Jaret Chatwood, pitchers Russell West and Terry Steiner.

``Russell and Terry Steiner are two solid additions to our pitching staff," Olafson said. ``When I asked Russell to come up he was excited. We want guys who want to be here and want to win and that describes him. Terry is young and red shirted at Trinidad last year but is transferring to Colby. The coaches there talk very highly of him and Russell, they`re Gamers”.

“Eric and Jaret round out what we feel will be a very good defensive team,” Miller General Manager Cory Olafson. “Dustin Hughes found a great job with the Oakland A`s Triple A affiliate and won`t be able to return, and with Eric we`ve found a catcher that can be a general out on the field just like Dustin. With Jaret we get a great mix of offense, defence, and speed from our shortstop,” Olafson added.

Sim, Chatwood, West, and Steiner are all expected in the Millers line-up when they open the 2008 season May 31st in Regina.

Wood and Caseres Lead the Dukes To Victory

Justin Wood's outstanding pitching, and a homer by Steven Caseres helped to lift the James Madison Dukes to a victory over George Mason in the CAA Tournament.

Wood picked up his 4th win of the season, by throwing 7 solid innings yesterday. He gave up 6 hits, 3 runs, and struck out 6 batters as well. Justin will be playing for the Harrisonburg Turks of the Valley Baseball League.

Steven Caseres went 2 for 4, with a homer (his 21st), run and 3 rbi's. As I've mentioned numerous times, Steven is one of the best players in college baseball now, and he will play his summer ball for the Staunton Braves this year.

Read the full James Madison press release here>>>

Gems Sign Prospect To Watch For

The Quincy Gems of the CICL have signed a player that is a definite prospect to watch for. Thomas McCormick is a junior outfielder from Missouri S&T (AKA Missouri-Rolla). Thomas had an outstanding year. He batted .331, with an OPS of .936. He hit 4 homers, scored 30 times, and his 45 rbi's lead the team. He was also recently named to the All-GLVC First Team.

This is from the Missouri S&T Press Release

McCormick, who broke the Missouri S&T single-season record for runs batted in with 46, was named to the All-GLVC first team as an outfielder while Javier-Cury, the Miners' leading hitter on the year and a force behind the plate, was selected as the third team catcher.

McCormick, a junior from Kingwood, Texas, hit .331 on the season with four home runs and 46 RBI. He had a stretch in April where he drove in at least one run in 10 consecutive games -- during which time he was named as the GLVC's "Player of the Week" -- and in 17 of 18 games. His offensive run coincided with the Miners' late season bid for spot in the GLVC Tournament that went all the way to the final weekend.

In addition, McCormick posted a team-best .531 slugging percentage -- he had 12 doubled and a team-high four triples -- and a .405 on-base percentage.

Liberty Downs UNC Asheville

From the Liberty Press Release
Liberty left-hander Ryan Page pitched seven scoreless innings to lead the No. 2 seed Flames past the No. 8 UNC Asheville Bulldogs, 10-1, Thursday in Game 4 of the 2008 Big South Baseball Championship at Dan Daniel Memorial Park.

With the win, Liberty advances to another elimination game, tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. against a yet to be determined opponent at Dan Daniel Park. The Flames move to 32-25-1 on the season. UNC Asheville’s season ends with a 24-35 mark. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Summer Ball Notes
**Cody Brown (Liberty) went 1 for 4, with a double and 2 runs scored. Cody will be playing for the AIA Alaska team this summer.

OU Comes From Behind To Down Mizzou

From the University of Oklahoma Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Sooners won their third straight game over a top ten team on Thursday and topped No. 9 Missouri, 4-3, on Jamie Johnson's walk-off, two-run double to center field in the bottom of the ninth in front of 6,087 fans at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Summer Ball Notes
**Jamie Johnson's rope to center won the game for the OU. Johnson finished the game by going 2 for 5, with 3 rbi's. Jamie will be playing for the Bourne Braves this summer.
**Aljay Davis is a former Denton Outlaw, that by all accounts should be drafted in the first 20 rounds this summer. The speedster went 1 for 4 yesterday.
**Ryan Duke didn't factor in a decision, but kept the Tigers at bay yesterday. Ryan pitched 4.2 innings of 2 run, 5 hit baseball. He will be playing for the Palm Springs Power when the OU season is over.

River Bats Announce Keynote Speaker For Welcome Home Luncheon

From the St. Cloud River Bats Press Release
The St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League announced its opening night guest and keynote speaker for this year's Home Opener and Welcome Home Luncheon. The organization has arranged to have former Minnesota Twins catcher Tim Laudner on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Home Opener on Friday, May 30 and former Twins manager Tom Kelly will be the keynote speaker during the June 6 Welcome Home Luncheon at the Holiday Inn, St.Cloud.

Laudner was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1979 and later helped the Twins secure their first World Series Championship in 1987. Laudner was the battery mate of Bert Blyleven, Frank Viola, Joe Niekro and Les Straker during the Twins World Series run when they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals four games to three. In addition to throwing out the River Bats ceremonial first pitch, Laudner will also participate in the championship ring ceremony before the game.

Kelly was the 11th manager in Twins history and enjoyed the longest tenure as a Twins Manager. Under his tenure, the Twins won two World Series Titles in 1987 and 1991. As the keynote speaker, Kelly will add to a list of former Minnesota Twins legends that have helped kick off the Bats season. Harmon Killebrew, Jack Morris, Mudcat Grant and the late Herb Carneal were all keynote speakers at the luncheon since the Bats first season in 1997.

The River Bats begin the 2008 season in Brainerd versus the Blue Thunder on Thursday, May 29. The River Bats Home Opener is Friday, May 30 versus the Blue Thunder at Joe Faber Field. For more information on this story please call 320-240-9798.

Byrd Signs With Wilson

From the Coastal Plain League's Press Release
WILSON, N.C. - Ryan Byrd, a junior left-handed pitcher out of Louisiana State University, has signed on to be part of the Wilson Tobs' staff for the 2008 season. He follows collegiate teammates Paul Bertuccini and Chris McGhee to Wilson. The Denham Springs, La., native is no stranger to summer collegiate baseball. In 2005, he was named the Central Illinois Collegiate League Pitcher of the Year after recording a 5-1 mark and a 1.91 ERA for the Danville Dans. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Owens Signs With Belleview

Gary Owens (USC-Aiken) has signed on to play for the Belleview Bulldogs of the FCSL. Owens is a junior of/p from Greenville, SC. As a pitcher, Gary is 2-0, with a 0.58 era in 13.1 innings of work. He has given up 7 hits, fanned17 and has a whip of 0.84. As an outfielder, he batted .335, with 12 homers and 56 rbi's. He has stolen 7 bases and has an ops of .935.

Athens Pirates Sign Carroll

The Athens Pirates of the Great South League have signed George Carroll from the New York Institute of Technology. George is a sophomore catcher from Bayside, NY. He is currently batting .238, with 1 homer and 11 runs batted in.

Future Mountaineer Named To All-Horizon League First Team

Gerald Ogrinc (Wright State) has been named to the All-Horizon League First Team. Gerald batted .310, with 2 homers and 27 rbi's this season. He will be playing for the Vermont Mountaineers this summer. Read the Wright State press release here>>>

Nurre Named To ALL-MAC Second Team

Tommy Nurre (Miami of Ohio) has been named to the All-MAC Second Team list. Nurre will be playing for the Cincinnatti Steam of the Great Lakes League this summer.

Read the Miami Of Ohio Press Release here>>>

Rome Signs Herkimer County CC Star

From the Rome Thunderbolts Press Release
May 19, 2008 - -- Herkimer County Community College player Ben Brady has signed with the Rome Thunderbolts. He's a fantastic infielder who will play both infield and outfield for us this summer. He's also a division 1 prospect as many schools are keeping their eye on him. Ben is a welcome addition to the T-Bolt family.

Bend Signs Corbin College Pitcher

The Bend Elks of the WCCBL have signed Jason Braun from Corbin College. Braun is a junior pitcher from Dallas, OR. He went 2-5, with a 5.84 era in 49.1 innings of work this season.

Rochester Signs Goodwin From Delta State

From the Rochester Honkers Press Release
(Rochester, MN) The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Devin Goodwin, a 5’11”, 185 pound junior infielder from Delta State University (MS).

Goodwin finished the 2008 regular season hitting .311 with 13 home runs and a team-leading 58 RBIs. He led the Statesmen to the 2008 Gulf South Conference (GSC) tournament championship, and was named to the All-GSC Tournament team. He was also selected to the All-GSC first team.

Goodwin has been productive since his freshman year at Delta State. He started 36 games his first season, and hit .307 over 114 at bats. As a sophomore, he hit .350 with 11 stolen bases, and earned All-GSC first-team honors. He has also been the backup quarterback on the Statesmen football team.

The Rochester Honkers 15th season begins on May 29th, 2008 when the Mankato MoonDogs come to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now on sale. Call the Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

Missouri State Tops Creighton

From the Missouri State Press Release
The Missouri State baseball team scored eight unanswered runs in the fourth and fifth innings to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 9-3 lead and moved on to a 9-5 win over Creighton in its State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament opener Thursday at Eck Stadium in Wichita, Kan. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Summer Ball Notes
**Vincente Cafaro (Creighton) went 2 for 3, with a run scored. Cafaro will be playing for the Springfield Sliders this summer.
**Curt Courtwright (MS) went 1 for 3, with a run and rbi. He will be playing for Glens Falls of the NYCBL this summer.
**Braydon Drake (MS) went 1 for 5, with a double. Drake will be playing for the Kelowna Falcons this summer.

JMU Knocks Off Old Dominion

From the James Madison University Press Release on May 21st
WILMINGTON, N.C., May 21, 2008 – Freshman Turner Phelps (Roanoke, Va./Lord Botetourt) tossed a complete game and redshirt sophomore Steven Caseres (New City, N.Y./St. Joseph Regional) drove in five runs as James Madison University opened the 2008 Colonial Athletic Association championship with a 6-1 victory over Old Dominion University on Wednesday afternoon at Brooks Field. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Summer Ball Notes
**Caseres went 2 for 3, with a run and 5 rbi's. He also hit his 20th homer of the season yesterday. Steven will be playing for the Staunton Braves of the Valley League this summer. For all of you Valley League fans out there, I highly encourage you to check out All Things Valley League. In my humble opinion, it's just about the best summer league related site out there.

Southern California Collegiate League

The Southern California Collegiate League will start playing on the 27th of this month. Baseball is on it's way.

Future Watertown Star Is America East Conference Rookie Of The Year

Peter Bregartner (Binghamton) was choosen as the Rookie of the Year in the America East Conference. Peter will be playing for the Watertown Wizards this summer.

Excerpt from the Binghamton Press Release

Bregartner led a quartet of BU freshmen that stepped into starting roles and quickly contributed. He hit .386 in league play, leads BU in hits (63) and has started all 52 games. He led the America East in sacrifices (13) and ranked eighth in hits. Earlier in the season, he strung together a 14-game hit streak, tied for longest in BU's Division I era.

Two Otters Sign With Folsom

Folsom just added two new players for this summer season. I already know what you are thinking. The prison team didn't add new players, but the Folsom Pioneers of the Sierra Baseball League did. Two players for Cal State Monterey Bay will be playing for Folsom.

Shea Davis is a junior infielder from Yuba City, CA. He batted .309, with 22 rbi's this season.

Jeff Murray is a junior outfielder from Newcastle, CA. He went 8 for 26 this season, and knocked in 3 runs.

Florida Collegiate Summer League

The sizzling action in the Florida Collegiate Summer League will commence on June 4th of this year, when Leesburg travels to take on Sanford.

Catawba Places Three on Daktronics All-South Region Squad

The Catawba Indians had a fine season this year. Three players were recently named to the Daktronics All-South Region Team. Jerey Sands, David Thomas, and Blake Ketner were all honored. Sands and Thomas were selected to the first team, while Ketner was placed on the second team.

All three have ties to the Coastal Plain League. Sands will be playing for the Wilson Tobs this summer, while Ketner will be a member of the Thomasville HiToms team. Thomas (who signed an autograph for my son and I a while back), played for the HiToms last summer.

Read the press release here>>>

Kansas State Downs Oklahoma State

From the Kansas State Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Brad Hutt tied the career record for wins, while Daniel Edwards collected his record-tying 11th save this season as Kansas State upset No. 6 Oklahoma State, 3-2, in the first game of the 2008 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament before 5,937 fans at Bricktown Ballpark.

With the victory, the seventh-seeded Wildcats improved to 28-27 on the season and have now defeated ranked opponents nine times this season. The win also moved K-State to 8-18 in conference-tournament games, including a 4-4 record in Big 12 Tournament games. The Cowboys, who are the No. 2 seed in the championship, dropped to 40-16 overall. Read the rest of the release here>>>

Summer Ball Notes

**Dane Yelovich (KSU) went 1 for 3, with an rbi. He will be playing for the Moses Lake Pirates this summer.
**Rafael Thomas (OSU) went 1 for 1, with a run scored. Rafael will be playing for the Bourne Braves this summer.

Navigators Sign Vojtkofsky

Eric Vojtkofsky (Spring Arbor) is ready for summer ball, but the Spring Arbor Cougars have the task of winning the NAIA title first. Spring Arbor is set to take on Jamestown College this Friday. Bob Broughton over at The College Baseball Blog has written an excellent preview of the NAIA World Series here.

Eric recently signed with the North Shore Navigators of the NECBL. Eric is a junior catcher from Detroit. During the regular season, he batted .320, with 3 homers and 43 rbi's. He also had 16 doubles for the Cougars.

Express Finalize Roster

From the Northwoods League Press Release
(EAU CLAIRE, WI) The Eau Claire Express announced the signing of five more players to their 2008 roster. The Express signed catcher Kyle Holloway and pitchers J.D. Reichenbach, Bobby Kennedy, Ryan Hines, and DJ Mauldin. These signings complete the Express roster at 30 players.

Holloway is a 5'11" sophomore at Lynn University. He is hitting .308 with nine home runs, five doubles, and 35 runs batted in. He has 33 runs on 52 hits and 11 walks.

Reichenbach is a 6'2", 175 pound sophomore at Elon University. This year with the Phoenix, Reichenbach is 1-1 with a 3.37 earned run average. In 34.2 innings of work he has given up 13 earned runs on 36 hits and 28 walks. Opponents are hitting .265 and have struck out 24 times. Reichenbach has also helped lead his team to a conference title.

Kennedy is a 6'4", 205 pound sophomore at Indian River Community College. Kennedy is 4-3 with a 3.94 ERA. In 48 innings of work he has given up 21 earned runs on 44 hits. Opponents have struck out 50 times. Kennedy was also drafted in the 30th round by the Phillies in 2005.

Ryan Hines is a 6'4", 225 pound junior at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Hines is 4-3 with a 6.26 ERA. He has given up 29 earned runs on 50 hits and 16 walks in 41.2 innings. Opponents are hitting .298 and have struck 39 times.

Mauldin is a 6'0", 185 pound sophomore at Cal Poly University. He is 4-5 with a 4.22 ERA. In 53.1 innings he has given up 25 earned runs on 55 hits and 24 walks. Opponents have hit .266 and have struck out 47 times. Mauldin also joins teammate Ryan Lee on the roster.

Coastal Plain League

The 14 team Coastal Plain League will begin play on May 28th. Less than a week away.....I can't wait.

Green Bay Adds Three To Roster

From the Northwoods League Press Release

(GREEN BAY, WI) The Green Bay Bullfrogs announced the additions of Drew Hedman, Josh Prince and Dwight Tanaka to their roster for the upcoming 2008 season.

Hedman is a left-handed junior infielder at Pomona-Pitzer College in California. The only member of the team to start every game, Hedman led the team in batting average at .380, home runs with 18 and RBI with 60. His slugging percentage was an incredible .813. “His numbers this spring are simply phenomenal,” said Bullfrogs Owner and President Jeff Royle. “He has the tools to be the heart and soul of our offense this summer.”

Prince is sophomore starting infielder at Tulane University. He is currently second on the team with 17 steals. He spent the 2007 season at the University of Texas where he played in 35 games as a true freshman. He earned Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honors after hitting .371 with seven doubles and 16 RBI while fielding at a .963 clip with 30 putouts and 48 assists to go with just three errors in Big XII play.

Tanaka is a true freshman at the University of California. A highly touted recruit for the Cal Bears, Tanaka spent the 2007 summer with the San Jose Pal Blaze where he batted .473 with seven home runs.

Lynchburg College Updates

Rising Senior Joe Devlin and rising Junior Jeff Taylor were among four Lynchburg College Hornets named to D-III All-South Region teams on Tuesday. Devlin was named First Team at pitcher after posting a 9-0 record this season, while sporting a 1.04 earned run average and a .232 batting average against. Taylor was named Second Team at third base, posting a .392 batting average, stealing 25 bags and driving in 42 runs. Devlin will be playing for the Herndon Braves of the Cal Ripken League this summer while Taylor will be playing for the Carolina Chaos of the SCBL.