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Notables
Driggers leaves McMurry
Lee Driggers won 350 games at McMurry but will follow his son to Wheaton (Ill.).
"I've probably got 12 to 15 years left in my career," Driggers told the Abilene Reporter-News. "You do your normal evaluation of what you want to be doing in two years, three years down the road. I just felt like I was ready for a challenge if one presented itself."
Ladd said: "Coach Driggers is an exceptional match for Wheaton College athletics. He is a builder of programs and facilities -- two areas that match Wheaton's needs." Ladd adds, "He fits well with the exceptional coaching team that exists at Wheaton in that he has strong technical skills in coaching with a heart for ministry."
Driggers comes to Wheaton after 13 seasons at McMurry. Driggers has also served as head coach at Tarleton State and Hardin-Simmons and managed the Pittsburgh Pirates AA affiliate team to three winnings seasons in the New York-Penn League from 1990-92.
McMurry announced the promotion of John Byington from associate head coach to repace Driggers.
A Florida native, Driggers was drafted as a pitcher by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968, playing in the Pioneer and Florida State League. In 1972 he earned a bachelor's in physical education from Central Florida and attained a master's in education from McNeese State in 1976. Lee and his wife Sharon have three children; daughters Kristi and Jodi and son Austin. Austin will be a freshman for the Thunder football team this fall.
In 15 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Driggers has compiled a record of 412-270-2. In 13 seasons at McMurry, Driggers' teams have won 62 percent of their games with a record of 350-218-2. He became the McMurry head coach in 1996, helping create a program from scratch as baseball had been discontinued at McMurry from 1949-95.
In his time at the school, he has guided the program to four American Southwest Conference Championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances. Among those under Driggers' guidance is two-time All-American Derek David, the 2008 D3baseball.com Player of the Year.
Permalink | Aug 12, 2008
Edwin Thompson becomes the 20th head baseball coach at Bates College.
Two more coaches have joined the ranks on D-III head coaches this summer and one has the interim tag removed. Edwin Thompson and Jason Hawkins will coach at opposite ends of the country and Justin Dedman will remain at Denison. Thompson and Hawkins joins Lawrence's Jason Anderson as head coaches hired this summer.
Thompson has been named head baseball coach at Bates, replacing Craig Vandersea who resigned last June. A Maine native, Thompson most recently served as associate head baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at the Maine–Farmington. "I'm thankful for the chance to coach at Bates and in my hometown area of Maine, and I'm very excited about the trajectory of this program," said Thompson. "We'll be a team that you'll want to come out and see play. We're going to do all the little things to win baseball games, and we're going to play with passion."
Hawkins, a second-generation coach with 14 years of experience on both the collegiate and high school levels, has been named head baseball coach at Occidental. "I am very excited to be named head coach at Occidental," said Hawkins, currently assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Redlands and pitching coach for the Corvallis Knights of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League. "Becoming Occidental's new head baseball coach is a tremendous honor. I am humbled by the welcome my wife and I have already received. I look forward to building on the rich traditions on the field; working with a talented group of driven young men and starting a life in the Eagle Rock area with my wife and two boys."
Denison named Dedman the head baseball coach after spending the 2007-08 academic year as the interim head coach. A 2005 Denison graduate, Dedman guided the Big Red to a 27-18 record while capturing the program's fourth North Coast Athletic Conference west division crown last season. The 27 victories were the third most in school history and the squad advanced to the NCAC Championship Series where they came within one game of advancing to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. "I am overwhelmed with pride and excitement to be the head baseball coach at such an amazing university," said Dedman. "I look forward to pursuing and fulfilling the lofty goals that I have for the players in our program. It will be great fun to lead and teach our hungry student athletes about life and baseball."
The head coaching position at Wheaton (Ill.) remains unfilled.
Thompson has been named head baseball coach at Bates, replacing Craig Vandersea who resigned last June. A Maine native, Thompson most recently served as associate head baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at the Maine–Farmington. "I'm thankful for the chance to coach at Bates and in my hometown area of Maine, and I'm very excited about the trajectory of this program," said Thompson. "We'll be a team that you'll want to come out and see play. We're going to do all the little things to win baseball games, and we're going to play with passion."
Denison named Dedman the head baseball coach after spending the 2007-08 academic year as the interim head coach. A 2005 Denison graduate, Dedman guided the Big Red to a 27-18 record while capturing the program's fourth North Coast Athletic Conference west division crown last season. The 27 victories were the third most in school history and the squad advanced to the NCAC Championship Series where they came within one game of advancing to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. "I am overwhelmed with pride and excitement to be the head baseball coach at such an amazing university," said Dedman. "I look forward to pursuing and fulfilling the lofty goals that I have for the players in our program. It will be great fun to lead and teach our hungry student athletes about life and baseball."
The head coaching position at Wheaton (Ill.) remains unfilled.
Permalink | Jul 28, 2008
Maryville gets OK for D-II
Maryville (Mo.) has received permission from the NCAA to reclassify from Division III to Division II, effective Sept. 1, 2008.
The timeline to reclassify to NCAA Division II is a three-year process. After successful completion of the two-year exploratory period, Maryville must be invited to enter the provisional year and Maryville's readiness to become an active member will continue to be evaluated. At the conclusion of three-year process, Maryville would be invited to active Division II membership.
The NCAA has tried to encourage schools to reclassify from Division III to Division II in order to ease the crowding in Division III. In recent years, Chestnut Hill, Lake Erie and Lincoln have done so.
"This is an exciting move for our institution," said Nina Caldwell, vice president for student life and dean of students. "NCAA Division II places a strong emphasis on academics and developing the whole person which mirrors our philosophy at Maryville. Moving to Division II will greatly enhance the overall collegiate experience for both our student-athletes and non‐student athletes on many levels."
Maryville has been a member of NCAA Division III since 1978, and 2008‐09 will be its final year of affiliation with the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Extensive research was compiled through the athletics department and the athletics task force. Athletic director Tony Duckworth formally presented the data to an advisory council in December 2007 and to the Board of Trustees in January 2008. Throughout the spring, meetings were held with various groups on campus and in March, Maryville submitted application to the NCAA for reclassification to NCAA Division II.
The timeline to reclassify to NCAA Division II is a three-year process. After successful completion of the two-year exploratory period, Maryville must be invited to enter the provisional year and Maryville's readiness to become an active member will continue to be evaluated. At the conclusion of three-year process, Maryville would be invited to active Division II membership.
The NCAA has tried to encourage schools to reclassify from Division III to Division II in order to ease the crowding in Division III. In recent years, Chestnut Hill, Lake Erie and Lincoln have done so.
"This is an exciting move for our institution," said Nina Caldwell, vice president for student life and dean of students. "NCAA Division II places a strong emphasis on academics and developing the whole person which mirrors our philosophy at Maryville. Moving to Division II will greatly enhance the overall collegiate experience for both our student-athletes and non‐student athletes on many levels."
Maryville has been a member of NCAA Division III since 1978, and 2008‐09 will be its final year of affiliation with the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Extensive research was compiled through the athletics department and the athletics task force. Athletic director Tony Duckworth formally presented the data to an advisory council in December 2007 and to the Board of Trustees in January 2008. Throughout the spring, meetings were held with various groups on campus and in March, Maryville submitted application to the NCAA for reclassification to NCAA Division II.
Permalink | Jul 24, 2008
Polcari pitches no-no in summer league
Salisbury's JD Polcari, pitching for the Nationals in the Clark-Griffith League, tossed a no-hitter against the McLean Raiders and came within two batters of a perfect game.
Polcari led the Nationals to a 6-1 victory over the Raiders in a seven inning contest. The lone run allowed by Polcari was unearned, after a Polcari throwing error allowed Raiders left fielder Davis Hewitt to reach third. Hewitt then came around to score on an RBI groundout.
"I was just trying to pitch like any other game," said Polcari. "I was trying to throw six solid innings, and keep my team in the game. But after two or three innings, [the innings] just started to roll along, and by the 5th or 6th inning, I knew I was going to complete the no-hitter or maybe a perfect game."
Hewitt's walk in the 6th inning broke up the perfect game, after Polcari had retired the first 15 batters. Polcari then made a throwing error on a potential double play ball, which allowed Hewitt to score. If Polcari hadn't made the error, he would have faced the minimum number of batters. Polcari came back out in the 7th and retired the side in order with three groundouts.
Polcari used pinpoint command of his fastball and curveball to keep the Raiders offense baffled the entire game.
"He hit his spots over and over again," said Nationals manager Billy Emerson. "He got ahead in counts with all of his pitchers, and kept a good-hitting team off-balance."
Emerson, who coached Polcari in high school, has now coached Polcari for two years on the Nationals. He said that Polcari is, "the type of guy who can dominate when he's on. I've seen these types of outings from him before. After he went through the order one time, I knew he hit a good shot at a perfect game."
Emerson said that Polcari's performance was probably the best that he has seen in his 5 years in the league.
"I've seen guys with more velocity, but I have not seen a pitcher do exactly what he wanted to every hitter, except the one he walked, for 7 innings at this level," said Emerson.
Polcari led the Nationals to a 6-1 victory over the Raiders in a seven inning contest. The lone run allowed by Polcari was unearned, after a Polcari throwing error allowed Raiders left fielder Davis Hewitt to reach third. Hewitt then came around to score on an RBI groundout.
"I was just trying to pitch like any other game," said Polcari. "I was trying to throw six solid innings, and keep my team in the game. But after two or three innings, [the innings] just started to roll along, and by the 5th or 6th inning, I knew I was going to complete the no-hitter or maybe a perfect game."
Hewitt's walk in the 6th inning broke up the perfect game, after Polcari had retired the first 15 batters. Polcari then made a throwing error on a potential double play ball, which allowed Hewitt to score. If Polcari hadn't made the error, he would have faced the minimum number of batters. Polcari came back out in the 7th and retired the side in order with three groundouts.
Polcari used pinpoint command of his fastball and curveball to keep the Raiders offense baffled the entire game.
"He hit his spots over and over again," said Nationals manager Billy Emerson. "He got ahead in counts with all of his pitchers, and kept a good-hitting team off-balance."
Emerson, who coached Polcari in high school, has now coached Polcari for two years on the Nationals. He said that Polcari is, "the type of guy who can dominate when he's on. I've seen these types of outings from him before. After he went through the order one time, I knew he hit a good shot at a perfect game."
Emerson said that Polcari's performance was probably the best that he has seen in his 5 years in the league.
"I've seen guys with more velocity, but I have not seen a pitcher do exactly what he wanted to every hitter, except the one he walked, for 7 innings at this level," said Emerson.
Permalink | Jul 19, 2008
In 2008 Bobby Elder led Wheaton (Ill.) to a school record 23 victories.
Bates, Lawrence and Wheaton (Ill.) will have new head coaches going into the 2009 season. Lawrence has already filled the position with Jason Anderson and Bates and Wheaton are in the process of searching for replacements.
The Lawrence Vikings have their third head coach in three years. In 2008 Mike Barthelmess replaced Korey Krueger and in 2009 Jason Anderson will be at the reins of the Vikings' program. Anderson comes to Lawrence from Grinnell, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 2001. He will also serve as an assistant football coach.
"I am very excited to be a part of the great athletic department at Lawrence University," Anderson said. "I care deeply about the ongoing success of both the baseball and football programs but look forward to the challenge of leading Vikings baseball to national recognition. I truly appreciate the opportunity that Lawrence University has given me to be the next head baseball and assistant football coach."
Lawrence returns 18 letterwinners from its 2008 baseball team, which finished with an 11-18 record and took third place in the North Division under interim head coach Mike Barthelmess.
Craig Vandersea has resigned as head baseball coach of Bates. Vandersea has been at the helm of the Bobcats since the 2000 season, and compiled a 92-175 record over nine years.
"For more than a decade, Craig has provided stalwart leadership to the Bates baseball program while also contributing quality support and guidance as an assistant football coach," said Bates Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. "He has been a model colleague as well as a valued friend to many in the athletic department, and his service is greatly appreciated."
Bobby Elder announced his resignation as head baseball coach at Wheaton College last week. Elder served at the helm of the Thunder program for seven years. His 92 career wins at Wheaton is the second-highest total in school history. During his tenure he turned around a program that had never earned a bid to the four-team CCIW Baseball Tournament, as he guided the Thunder to its first-ever CCIW Tournament berth in 2008. For his effort he was selected as the 2008 "CCIW Coach of the Year" by league's coaches.
Wheaton athletic director Tony Ladd mentions, "We appreciate the significant contribution that Bobby Elder has made to the Wheaton College baseball program." Ladd adds, "Due to Bobby's hard work he has built a program that positively reflects Wheaton College and what the institution stands for. We wish Bobby and his family the best in their new endeavor."
The Lawrence Vikings have their third head coach in three years. In 2008 Mike Barthelmess replaced Korey Krueger and in 2009 Jason Anderson will be at the reins of the Vikings' program. Anderson comes to Lawrence from Grinnell, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 2001. He will also serve as an assistant football coach.
"I am very excited to be a part of the great athletic department at Lawrence University," Anderson said. "I care deeply about the ongoing success of both the baseball and football programs but look forward to the challenge of leading Vikings baseball to national recognition. I truly appreciate the opportunity that Lawrence University has given me to be the next head baseball and assistant football coach."
Lawrence returns 18 letterwinners from its 2008 baseball team, which finished with an 11-18 record and took third place in the North Division under interim head coach Mike Barthelmess.
Craig Vandersea has resigned as head baseball coach of Bates. Vandersea has been at the helm of the Bobcats since the 2000 season, and compiled a 92-175 record over nine years.
"For more than a decade, Craig has provided stalwart leadership to the Bates baseball program while also contributing quality support and guidance as an assistant football coach," said Bates Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. "He has been a model colleague as well as a valued friend to many in the athletic department, and his service is greatly appreciated."
Bobby Elder announced his resignation as head baseball coach at Wheaton College last week. Elder served at the helm of the Thunder program for seven years. His 92 career wins at Wheaton is the second-highest total in school history. During his tenure he turned around a program that had never earned a bid to the four-team CCIW Baseball Tournament, as he guided the Thunder to its first-ever CCIW Tournament berth in 2008. For his effort he was selected as the 2008 "CCIW Coach of the Year" by league's coaches.
Wheaton athletic director Tony Ladd mentions, "We appreciate the significant contribution that Bobby Elder has made to the Wheaton College baseball program." Ladd adds, "Due to Bobby's hard work he has built a program that positively reflects Wheaton College and what the institution stands for. We wish Bobby and his family the best in their new endeavor."
Permalink | Jul 02, 2008
Anthony Recker was one of two Oakland A's minor leaguers to play in All Star games yesterday.
Four former D-III players played in the first set of Minor League Baseball All Star games in June. Representing teams in four different leagues were Joe Augustine, Archie Gilbert, Chris Hiesey, and Anthony Recker.
Burlington's Joe Augustine (Kean) made the Midwest League (A) All Star game as a reliever with the Bees. Augustine pitched an effective inning, stranding two runners with one strikeout for the West squad. The West squad won the game 5-4 in 10 innings on the strength of Timothy Smith's 10th inning home run.
Chris Heisey (Messiah) made the East squad in the Florida State League (A) as a left fielder. A mid game replacement, Heisey ended his night 0-2. Heisey represented the Sarasota Red Sox on the East squad. The West squad prevailed 9-3 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
In a match up of two single A leagues, left fielder Archie Gilbert (Cal State East Bay) represented the Oakland A's Stockton Ports in the California League against the Carolina League. Gilbert went 1-4 with a stolen base in a game the Carolina League won 3-1.
Anthony Recker (Alvernia) was on the winning side in the Texas League (AA) All Star contest. Recker finished the day 1-4 and driving in the team's second run as the South team defeated the North team 7-3. Recker is a catcher for the Midland RockHounds.
How they did:
Joe Augustine
East All-Stars Bottom 7th:
Pitcher Change: Joe Augustine replaces Loek Van Mil.
Michael Mee singles on a line drive to center fielder Ben Revere.
Felix Carrasco called out on strikes.
Denis Phipps pops out to first baseman Efren Navarro in foul territory.
Kenley Jansen walks. Michael Mee to 2nd.
John Tolisano pops out to shortstop Juan Diaz.
Archie Gilbert
CAL All-Stars Top 1st: Gilbert reaches on throwing error by shortstop Brandon Hicks. Archie Gilbert to 2nd; With Pablo Sandoval batting, Gilbert steals (1) 3rd base.
CAL All-Stars Top 4th: Gilbert grounds out, third baseman Jim Negrych to first baseman Brandon Allen.
CAL All-Stars Top 5th: Gilbert singles to RF Brandon Tripp. Pedro Ciriaco scores. Peter Bourjos to 3rd.
CAL All-Stars Top 8th: Gilbert flies out to right fielder Brandon Tripp.
Chris Heisey
East All-Stars Bottom 5th: Substitution: Heisey replaces James Cooper, batting 8th, playing left field.
West All-Stars Top 7th: Heisey grounds out to first baseman Logan Morrison.
West All-Stars Top 9th: Heisey pops out to shortstop Donovan Solano in foul territory.
Anthony Recker
South All-Stars Top 3rd: Recker grounds out, third baseman Allen Craig to first baseman Kila Kaaihue.
South All-Stars Top 5th: Recker singles on a ground ball to CF Dexter Fowler. Tommy Everidge scores.
South All-Stars Top 7th: Recker flies out to center fielder Ovandy Suero.
South All-Stars Top 9th: Recker strikes out swinging.
South All-Stars Top 10th: Recker reaches on fielding error by CF Ovandy Suero. Everidge scores. Recker to 2nd.
Burlington's Joe Augustine (Kean) made the Midwest League (A) All Star game as a reliever with the Bees. Augustine pitched an effective inning, stranding two runners with one strikeout for the West squad. The West squad won the game 5-4 in 10 innings on the strength of Timothy Smith's 10th inning home run.
Chris Heisey (Messiah) made the East squad in the Florida State League (A) as a left fielder. A mid game replacement, Heisey ended his night 0-2. Heisey represented the Sarasota Red Sox on the East squad. The West squad prevailed 9-3 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
In a match up of two single A leagues, left fielder Archie Gilbert (Cal State East Bay) represented the Oakland A's Stockton Ports in the California League against the Carolina League. Gilbert went 1-4 with a stolen base in a game the Carolina League won 3-1.
Anthony Recker (Alvernia) was on the winning side in the Texas League (AA) All Star contest. Recker finished the day 1-4 and driving in the team's second run as the South team defeated the North team 7-3. Recker is a catcher for the Midland RockHounds.
How they did:
Joe Augustine
East All-Stars Bottom 7th:
Pitcher Change: Joe Augustine replaces Loek Van Mil.
Michael Mee singles on a line drive to center fielder Ben Revere.
Felix Carrasco called out on strikes.
Denis Phipps pops out to first baseman Efren Navarro in foul territory.
Kenley Jansen walks. Michael Mee to 2nd.
John Tolisano pops out to shortstop Juan Diaz.
Archie Gilbert
CAL All-Stars Top 1st: Gilbert reaches on throwing error by shortstop Brandon Hicks. Archie Gilbert to 2nd; With Pablo Sandoval batting, Gilbert steals (1) 3rd base.
CAL All-Stars Top 4th: Gilbert grounds out, third baseman Jim Negrych to first baseman Brandon Allen.
CAL All-Stars Top 5th: Gilbert singles to RF Brandon Tripp. Pedro Ciriaco scores. Peter Bourjos to 3rd.
CAL All-Stars Top 8th: Gilbert flies out to right fielder Brandon Tripp.
Chris Heisey
East All-Stars Bottom 5th: Substitution: Heisey replaces James Cooper, batting 8th, playing left field.
West All-Stars Top 7th: Heisey grounds out to first baseman Logan Morrison.
West All-Stars Top 9th: Heisey pops out to shortstop Donovan Solano in foul territory.
Anthony Recker
South All-Stars Top 3rd: Recker grounds out, third baseman Allen Craig to first baseman Kila Kaaihue.
South All-Stars Top 5th: Recker singles on a ground ball to CF Dexter Fowler. Tommy Everidge scores.
South All-Stars Top 7th: Recker flies out to center fielder Ovandy Suero.
South All-Stars Top 9th: Recker strikes out swinging.
South All-Stars Top 10th: Recker reaches on fielding error by CF Ovandy Suero. Everidge scores. Recker to 2nd.
Permalink | Jun 26, 2008
Shane Wolf part of no-hit combo
The Tri-City ValleyCats in the minor league baseball's New York Penn league completed the first no-hitter in franchise history against the Oneonta Tigers in a 10-0 ValleyCats victory. Starter Shane Wolf, and relievers David Miller and Ashton Mowdy held the Tigers hitless while striking out seven.
ValleyCats starter Shane Wolf, from Ithaca College, went three innings with three strikeouts. David Miller pitched four innings, notching the win. Ashton Mowdy capped off the no-hitter, pitching the final two hitless innings. Mowdy walked the based loaded in the bottom of the ninth, but settled down forcing designated hitter Wade Lamont to ground out to first sealing the no-hitter.
"It was an outstanding effort tonight by three of our guys," said ValleyCats manager Pete Rancont. "Shane Wolf goes out there and pitches three great innings in his first professional start, but you never think about a no-hitter. After Miller's fourth inning the team started thinking about it a little. Mowdy was great in his first outing against Lowell so we liked our chances. He got a little nervous walking a few men in the ninth inning, but pitching coach Don Alexander went out there and calmed him down and he got the job done."
ValleyCats starter Shane Wolf, from Ithaca College, went three innings with three strikeouts. David Miller pitched four innings, notching the win. Ashton Mowdy capped off the no-hitter, pitching the final two hitless innings. Mowdy walked the based loaded in the bottom of the ninth, but settled down forcing designated hitter Wade Lamont to ground out to first sealing the no-hitter.
"It was an outstanding effort tonight by three of our guys," said ValleyCats manager Pete Rancont. "Shane Wolf goes out there and pitches three great innings in his first professional start, but you never think about a no-hitter. After Miller's fourth inning the team started thinking about it a little. Mowdy was great in his first outing against Lowell so we liked our chances. He got a little nervous walking a few men in the ninth inning, but pitching coach Don Alexander went out there and calmed him down and he got the job done."
Permalink | Jun 25, 2008
Regan earns win in NEIBA All-Star Game
Regan allowed one hit and struck out three in his two innings.
Photo by Ashlee Carmody for D3sports.com
Franklin Pierce senior RF Kevin Renaud hit a three-run home run into the Monster seats in the fifth inning that provided the difference in the College Division's victory.
Southern Connecticut junior CF Karl Derbacher led off the game with an opposite-field home run into the Monster seats for a 1-0 College Division lead. They expanded the margin to 3-0 with two runs in the second on an RBI single by Southern Connecticut senior DH Anthony Fiorillo and a run-scoring ground out by senior catcher Nick Lefeber from Middlebury.
Renaud's home run gave the College team a 6-0 lead in the fifth. It scored Fiorillo, who singled, and Derbacher, who reached by an error. The three runs were unearned. The University Division team mounted a comeback with three runs in the sixth. Sophomore Brian Baudinet from UMass singled, Dartmouth sophomore RF Nick Santomauro walked, Brown junior CF Steve Daniels singled home Baudinet and Dartmouth junior Michael Pagliarula hit a two-run single. The University Division team brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh with runners on second and third with one out, but did not score.
Renaud was the Player of the Game, while Vermont's Joe Serafin was the Pitcher of the Game with two innings pitched, no hits allowed and three strikeouts. Fiorillo was the lone batter to record multiple hits, finishing 2-for-2.
Prior to the game, the NEIBA presented its annual awards. Trinity (Conn.) was recognized as the in Division III team of the year with Bill Decker being named D-III Coach of the Year. The recently established Kevin Burr Assistant Coach Award was presented to longtime Tufts assistant Bob Clarke.
The NEIBA College All-Star Game, played by a team of Division I All-Stars against a squad made up of Division II and III All-Stars is in its 33rd year. The University Division leads the series with a 21-11-1 record, but the College Division team won last year's game with a 2-0 shutout.
Division III players who participated are:
Player, Year, School, Pos.
Neal Allar, Sr., Amherst, C
Chandler Barnard, Sr., Trinity, UT
Matt Delaney, Sr., Babson, 2B
Luke Enman, Sr., St. Joseph's (ME), SS
Matt Gardiner, Sr., Western Connecticut, C
Tim Kiely, Sr., Trinity, P
Nick Martinho, Sr., Suffolk, DH
Jamie Morin, Sr., Keene St., P
Nate Nelson, Sr., Worcester St., 1B
Steve Ragonese, Sr., Tufts, UT
Mike Regan, Sr., Trinity, P
Joe Rousseau, Sr., Keene St., 3B
Steve Smith, Sr., Bridgewater St., OF
Steve Tahmoush, Sr., Babson, OF
David Vincent, Sr., Curry, OF
Permalink | Jun 20, 2008
Bates coach resigns after 14-21 season
Craig Vandersea has resigned as head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Bates, effective Aug. 31, the college announced Thursday. Vandersea will become assistant athletic director, head football coach and assistant baseball coach at St. Paul's School in Concord, N.H.
"For more than a decade, Craig has provided stalwart leadership to the Bates baseball program while also contributing quality support and guidance as an assistant football coach," said Bates Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. "He has been a model colleague as well as a valued friend to many in the athletic department, and his service is greatly appreciated. We wish Craig and his family all the best as he pursues his new opportunity."
Vandersea joined the Bates athletic department as assistant football and baseball coach in 1998. He became the baseball team's 19th head coach for the 2000 season, and compiled a 92-175 record over nine years. The Bobcats went 14-21 in 2008, their highest victory total since 1993. Vandersea served in a variety of capacities on the Bates football coaching staff, most recently as the running backs coach.
"I want to thank Bates for giving an opportunity to a young coach 10 years ago. I've enjoyed working with the baseball and football programs and I've made a lot of friends at Bates," said Vandersea. "It's been my extremely good fortune to coach many great student-athletes here, and I wish the baseball and football programs the best."
A national search for Vandersea's replacement will begin immediately.
"For more than a decade, Craig has provided stalwart leadership to the Bates baseball program while also contributing quality support and guidance as an assistant football coach," said Bates Director of Athletics Kevin McHugh. "He has been a model colleague as well as a valued friend to many in the athletic department, and his service is greatly appreciated. We wish Craig and his family all the best as he pursues his new opportunity."
Vandersea joined the Bates athletic department as assistant football and baseball coach in 1998. He became the baseball team's 19th head coach for the 2000 season, and compiled a 92-175 record over nine years. The Bobcats went 14-21 in 2008, their highest victory total since 1993. Vandersea served in a variety of capacities on the Bates football coaching staff, most recently as the running backs coach.
"I want to thank Bates for giving an opportunity to a young coach 10 years ago. I've enjoyed working with the baseball and football programs and I've made a lot of friends at Bates," said Vandersea. "It's been my extremely good fortune to coach many great student-athletes here, and I wish the baseball and football programs the best."
A national search for Vandersea's replacement will begin immediately.
Permalink | Jun 17, 2008
Mike Eifel was the first-ever student-athlete at Dominican to be selected in the MLB draft
It took until the second day of the 2008 MLB first-year player draft for the names of D-III players to be announced, but the names came. Twenty players who played baseball in the 2008 season in the NCAA's Division III were selected in the MLB draft, comparable to the 19 players selected last season.
Ryan Kulik, Rowan was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round, No. 245 overall, while Chapman's Kurt Yacko went to the Colorado Rockies minutes later, at No. 257. Both pitchers were highly touted prospects and finished the season on the D3baseball.com All-American team.
It would be nine rounds later for the third selection as the Cincinnati Reds selected third baseman Frank Pfister of Emory with the 506th selection. Following the Pfister selection were Dominican right-hander Mike Eifel (by San Francisco, 627th overall) and St. Norbert shortstop Adam Frost (Detroit, 643) in the 21st round.
The draft reached the halfway mark with six selection. The last selection in the first half was Keystone's third baseman, Nelson Gomez, selected by Arizona in the 24th round, 738th overall.
The 26th round selection of LHP Shane Wolf, Ithaca by Houston started the second half of the MLB draft. Wolf was followed by Los Angeles Angel's selection (27th round), RHP Tim Kiely, Trinity (Conn.) and Cincinnati's selection (34th), LHP Bryan Gardner, Ithaca. The tenth selection was also the first outfielder as Mike Vass, Chapman was selected by the Milwaukee Brewewrs in the 35th round.
Ten pitchers were drafted and nine position players. Despite the availability of two high profile catchers in Doug Coe, UW-Stevens Point and Mike Zaccardo, Cortland State, no catchers from a D-III school were drafted.
The complete draft list:
Players that were not drafted are free to sign free agent contracts and as soon as the MLB draft was over, undrafted players like D3baseball.com's pitcher of the year Kenny Moreland started the free agent signing season.
There were two players drafted who transfered from a D-III to an other school. UC Santa Barbara's Chuck Huggins, who transferred from Trinity (Texas) after his sophomore year, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round. Tim Matthews, who played one year for Texas-Tyler, was drafted out of Baylor by Colorado in the 27th round.
In 2007 19 D-III players were drafted starting with Zimmermann in the second round and ending with Rob Sanzillo, Johns Hopkins in round 46.
Ryan Kulik, Rowan was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round, No. 245 overall, while Chapman's Kurt Yacko went to the Colorado Rockies minutes later, at No. 257. Both pitchers were highly touted prospects and finished the season on the D3baseball.com All-American team.
It would be nine rounds later for the third selection as the Cincinnati Reds selected third baseman Frank Pfister of Emory with the 506th selection. Following the Pfister selection were Dominican right-hander Mike Eifel (by San Francisco, 627th overall) and St. Norbert shortstop Adam Frost (Detroit, 643) in the 21st round.
The draft reached the halfway mark with six selection. The last selection in the first half was Keystone's third baseman, Nelson Gomez, selected by Arizona in the 24th round, 738th overall.
The 26th round selection of LHP Shane Wolf, Ithaca by Houston started the second half of the MLB draft. Wolf was followed by Los Angeles Angel's selection (27th round), RHP Tim Kiely, Trinity (Conn.) and Cincinnati's selection (34th), LHP Bryan Gardner, Ithaca. The tenth selection was also the first outfielder as Mike Vass, Chapman was selected by the Milwaukee Brewewrs in the 35th round.
Ten pitchers were drafted and nine position players. Despite the availability of two high profile catchers in Doug Coe, UW-Stevens Point and Mike Zaccardo, Cortland State, no catchers from a D-III school were drafted.
The complete draft list:
| Overall | Player, School | Position | Team (round) |
| 245 | Ryan Kulik, Rowan | LHP | St Louis (8) |
| 257 | Kurt Yacko, Chapman | RHP | Colorado (8) |
| 506 | Frank Pfister, Emory | 3B | Cincinnati (17) |
| 627 | Mike Eifel, Dominican | LHP | San Francisco (21) |
| 643 | Adam Frost, St, Norbert | SS | Detroit (21) |
| 738 | Nelson Gomez, Keystone | 3B | Arizona (24) |
| 782 | Shane Wolf, Ithaca | LHP | Houston (26) |
| 829 | Tim Kiely, Trinity (Conn.) | RHP | Los Angeles AL (27) |
| 1019 | Bryan Gardner, Ithaca | LHP | Cincinnati (34) |
| 1058 | Mike Vass, Chapman | OF | Milwaukee (35) |
| 1088 | Evan Bronson, Trinity (Texas) | LHP | Milwaukee (36) |
| 1132 | Thomas DeBenedetto, Trinity (Conn.) | SS | Boston (37) |
| 1136 | Thomas Phelps, Whittier | RHP | Baltimore (38) |
| 1141 | Ronnie Labrie, Lynchburg | 3B | Washington (38) |
| 1209 | Nate Nelson, Worcester State | 1B | Toronto (40) |
| 1368 | Dean Laganosky, Haverford | OF | Cleveland (45) |
| 1392 | Dan Kauffman, Juniata | 1B | Arizona (46) |
| 1421 | Ryan Flannery, FDU-Florham | RHP | New York AL (47) |
| 1435 | Brett Holland, Texas-Tyler | RHP | Oakland (48) |
| 1452 | Zachary Foster, Pitt-Bradford | RHP | Pittsburgh (49) |
Players that were not drafted are free to sign free agent contracts and as soon as the MLB draft was over, undrafted players like D3baseball.com's pitcher of the year Kenny Moreland started the free agent signing season.
There were two players drafted who transfered from a D-III to an other school. UC Santa Barbara's Chuck Huggins, who transferred from Trinity (Texas) after his sophomore year, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round. Tim Matthews, who played one year for Texas-Tyler, was drafted out of Baylor by Colorado in the 27th round.
In 2007 19 D-III players were drafted starting with Zimmermann in the second round and ending with Rob Sanzillo, Johns Hopkins in round 46.
Permalink | Jun 06, 2008