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2010 Schedule & Results |
| DATE |
OPPONENT |
SITE |
TIME / SCORE |
RADIO |
| Sun, March 7 |
St. Xavier University |
Sanford, Fla. |
T 7-7 (10) |
|
| |
St. Francis University (IN) |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
L 4-15 (8) |
 |
| Mon, March 8 |
Marian University |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
W 7-2 (7) |
|
| |
Olivet College |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
L 3-13 (7) |
|
| Tues, March 9 |
St. Francis University (IN) |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
T 11-11 (10) |
|
| |
Marian University |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
L 0-3 (7) |
|
| Sat, March 13 |
Ashford University |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
W 6-5 |
|
| |
St. Francis University (IN) |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
W 5-4 |
|
| |
Huntington |
Ormond Beach, Fla. |
L 1-7 |
|
| Wed, March 17 |
Grand Rapids Community College |
Kimble Stadium |
W 9-7 |
|
| Fri, March 19 |
@ Trine (DH) |
Angola, Ind. |
W 5-2, W 9-7 |
|
| Sat, March 20 |
@ Indiana Wesleyan (DH) |
Marion, Ind. |
W 1-0, W 3-1 |
|
| Tues, March 23 |
@ Grand Rapids Community College |
Grand Rapids, Mich. |
L 3-4 |
|
| Wed, March 24 |
Grand Rapids Community College |
Kimble Stadium |
W 19-4 |
|
| Thurs, March 25 |
@ Muskegon Community College |
Muskegon, Mich. |
L 2-11 |
|
| Sat, March 27 |
@ St. Francis University (IN) (DH) |
Fort Wayne, Ind. |
W 9-4, L 5-9 |
|
| Tues, March 30 |
@ Bethel College (DH) |
Mishawaka, Ind. |
W 9-0, L 3-10 |
|
| Wed, March 31 |
Alma College |
Kimble Stadium |
W 18-5, W 7-2 (7, JV) |
|
| Mon, April 5 |
@ Concordia (DH) * |
Ann Arbor, Mich. |
W 8-7, W 5-4 |
|
| Sat., April 10 |
@Indiana Tech (DH)* |
Fort Wayne, Ind. |
L 3-13 (5), L 0-10 (6) |
|
| Sun., April 11 |
vs. Indiana Tech (DH) * |
Kimble Stadium |
W 6-3, L 1-6 |
|
| Tues., April 13 |
@ Hope College (DH) |
Holland, Mich. |
L 5-3, W 4-1 |
|
| Wed., April 14 |
vs. Concordia (DH) |
Kimble Stadium |
W 6-5, L 14-7 |
|
| Sat., April 17 |
@ Siena Heights (DH)* |
Adrian, Mich. |
L 1-3, W 3-0 |
|
| Sun., April 18 |
vs. Siena Heights (DH)* |
Kimble Stadium |
W 10-5, W 1-0 |
|
| Tues., April 20 |
vs. Huntington (DH) |
Kimble Stadium |
L1-11, L 4-7 |
|
| Wed., April 21 |
vs. Purdue North Central (DH) |
Kimble Stadium |
W 8-3, W 6-4 |
|
| Sat., April 24 |
@ Madonna University (DH)* |
Livonia, Mich. |
W 7-0, L 0-4 |
|
| Mon., April 26 |
vs. Madonna University (DH)* |
Kimble Stadium |
L 0-11 (5), L 0-6 |
|
| Tues., April 27 |
vs. Spring Arbor (1, 9 inning) |
Battle Creek, Mich. |
W 3-2 (11) |
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| Wed., April 28 |
@ Northwood University (DH) |
Midland, Mich. |
L 3-7, W 6-4 |
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| Fri., April 30 |
@ Davenport University (DH)* |
Grand Rapids, Mich. |
L 1-11 (5), L 2-12 (5) |
|
| Sat., May 1 |
vs. Davenport University (DH)* |
Kimble Stadium |
L 6-7 (9), W 3-1 |
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| Tues., May 4 |
vs. Calvin College (DH) |
Fifth Third Park |
W 6-4, L 0-10 (5) |
|
| Wed., May 5 |
@ Olivet |
Olivet, Mich. |
W 11-9 |
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| Mon., May 10 |
WHAC Tournament
vs. Indiana Tech |
Livonia, Mich. |
L 9-10 (9) |
|
| Mon., May 10 |
WHAC Tournament
vs. Concordia |
Livonia, Mich. |
W 12-2 (8) |
|
| Wed., May 12 |
WHAC Tournament
vs. Madonna/Indiana Tech |
Livonia, Mich. |
L 1-11 |
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*Denotes WHAC game
All game times EST
Schedule subject to change |
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Roster |
| No. |
Photos |
Name |
Pos |
CL |
B/T |
Hometown/High School (College) |
| 1 |
 |
Drew Huard |
INF |
3 |
R/R |
Grand Ledge, Mich./Grand Ledge |
| 4 |
 |
Cory Garneau |
LHP |
3 |
L/L |
Portage, Mich./ Portage Northern |
| 5 |
 |
Scott Witkop |
C/INF |
1 |
R/R |
Interlochen, Mich./ Traverse City West |
| 8 |
 |
Kyler Kolb |
INF |
1 |
R/R |
Oxford, Mich./ Dakota |
| 9 |
 |
Brent Steele |
INF/OF |
1 |
R/R |
Caedonia, Mich./Caledonia |
| 11 |
 |
Jason Faasse |
INF |
4 |
R/R |
Wyoming, Mich./Lee |
| 12 |
 |
Michael Penny |
LHP/OF |
1 |
L/L |
Kentwood, Mich./ Catholic Central |
| 14 |
 |
Kennen Less |
OF/C |
3 |
L/R |
Rockford, Mich./Rockford |
| 15 |
 |
Brent Butgereit |
OF |
2 |
L/R |
Middleville, Mich./Thornapple Kellogg |
| 17 |
 |
Steven Crawford |
INF/C |
1 |
R/R |
Middleville, Mich./Thornapple Kellogg |
| 18 |
 |
Joe Kligman |
OF |
2 |
L/L |
Traverse City, Mich./Traverse City West |
| 19 |
 |
Chris Allred |
RHP/INF |
2 |
R/R |
Burton, Mich./Bendle |
| 20 |
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Ryan Grigonis |
INF |
2 |
R/R |
Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood |
| 21 |
 |
Vince Misiewicz |
RHP |
1 |
R/R |
Anchor Bay, Mich./ Anchor Bay |
| 22 |
 |
Jake Roe |
C |
2 |
R/R |
Jenison, Mich./ Jenison |
| 26 |
 |
Tyler Cole |
RHP |
2 |
R/R |
Ada, Mich./Forest Hills Eastern |
| 30 |
 |
Nick Papes |
INF |
3* |
R/R |
Scottville, Mich./Mason County Central |
| 33 |
 |
Austin King |
INF |
1 |
R/R |
Grand Rapids, Mich./ Forest Hills Eastern |
| 34 |
 |
Todd Lindemulder |
RHP |
1 |
R/R |
Wyoming, Mich./ Wyoming Park |
| 37 |
 |
Michael Craven |
C |
2* |
R/R |
Grand Rapids, Mich./GR Catholic Central |
| 38 |
 |
Chad Bowhuis |
LHP |
2* |
R/L |
Jenison, Mich./Jenison |
| 39 |
 |
Josh Drake |
RHP |
1 |
R/R |
Lowell, Mich./ Lowell |
| 40 |
 |
Mark Nagy |
RHP |
3 |
R/R |
Sand Lake, Mich./Tri County |
| 42 |
 |
Jake VanderKolk |
C/OF |
2* |
R/R |
Jenison, Mich./Jenison |
| 43 |
 |
Sam Connell |
RHP/INF |
1* |
R/R |
Grand Rapids, Mich./ West Catholic |
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Coaches |
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DOUG GREENSLATE Head Coach -- Doug Greenslate begins his 9th year as the head coach of the Saints with an overall record of 237 wins and 179 losses. Aquinas finished 27-22 overall in Greenslate's 8th campaign finishing 2nd in the WHAC conference, one game back of league champion Madonna University. He guided the Saints to their first NAIA regional and Heartland Super Regional championships in 2005 earning the College's first appearance in the NAIAWorld Series. Greenslate prepped at Anchor bay High School in New Baltimore, Michigan, earning first team All-State honors in baseball. He played one year each at Mott Community College and Macomb Community College before transferring to Aquinas College in the fall of 1980. He has been a Saint ever since. Greenslate had a stellar pitching career both in college and in the semi-pro ranks. He was a member of the 1982 NAIA State championship team and a two time NBC national champion team member of the Grand Rapids Sullivans. Greenslate gained experience as a head coach managing several summer teams to City League titles. His summer teams advanced annually to the AABC Stan Musial Tournament in Battle Creek. He also assisted legendary NAIA Hall of Fame coach Terry Bocian for 16 prosperous years at Aquinas before taking over the helm eight years ago. Under the direction of Greenslate, Aquinas pitching staffs have annually been ranked as some of the top staffs in NAIA baseball. Doug holds both bachelors and masters degrees from Aquinas College. He and his wife, Ann, are proud parents of two sons, Jack and Joe. Doug is also the Director of Physical Services with the Physical Plant department of the College. |
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TERRY BOCIAN Baseball Coach Emeritus -- Coach Bocian was the head baseball coach at Aquinas College for 30 years. During his time he led the Saints to 1079 wins and became the first collegiate coach in Michigan history to record 1000 victories. During his tenure Aquinas had 30 consecutive winning seasons, made 30 consecutive post-season appearances, and had 27 consecutive seasons with 30 or more wins. Aquinas won 7 NAIA State Championships and finished as runner-ups on 10 other occasions. The Saints also won the WHAC championship 6 times in 9 years. During his tenure 34 players were awarded All- American honors and another 17 players were given Academic All- American honors. Coach Bo was named Michigan NAIA coach of the year 10 times and Region coach of the year 4 times. He has also served as Aquinas Athletic Director since 1978, expanding the athletic program from 8 sports to its current level of 20 sports. He was named NAIA region AD of the year on 3 occasions and has served as region chairman for 8 years. |
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| Coach Bo was inducted in the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Hall of Fame in 1989, the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also given the GR March of Dimes Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. He also was named Grand Rapids Catholic Central Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2002. |
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MARK RASMUSSEN Assistant Coach -- Mark brings 16 years of coaching varsity baseball to the Aquinas program. He spent one year as an assistant coach at Ottawa Hills, and six years as the head varsity coach. During his time at Ottawa Hills, the Indians won three league titles, two district championships and one regional championship. He has spent the last nine years coaching at Grand Rapids Catholic Central where he compiled a record of 220-75. The cougars won six league titles and three district titles. In 2003, the cougars were runner-up in the state championship, finishing with a record of 35-5. During his tenure, his teams had 8 straight 20-win seasons. Rasmussen is a 1981 Greenville High School graduate earning his Bachelors degree from Central Michigan in 1986. He continued his education at Grand Valley State University where he achieved his Masters. |
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ED HERRERA Assistant Coach -- Ed is in his second year as hitting coach with the Aquinas Saints. Ed owns his own baseball hitting club and is the director of player personnel and development for the Grand Rapids Flames. Ed has sent over 40 players on to play college baseball from his summer teams in the last six years including eight players that are currently on the Saints roster. Ed considers it a privilege to be part of such a great baseball tradition and treasures the opportunity to learn from Coach Greenslate and Coach Bocian. Ed is married to Shelly and together they have four grown children, and one beautiful granddaughter Haidyn Elise. |
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Season Outlook |
| The Aquinas Saints enter the 2010 season eager to prove that last year's second half turnaround has only fueled expectations for this year's team to be successful. The Saints are optimistic about challenging for the WHAC championship based on twenty-two returning players, led by eleven seniors. |
| |
| The Saints return all starting position players except for at catcher and one outfield spot. Team defense and depth will be improved and the offense is expected to be the strength of this year's team because of veteran experience and versatility. The key to success for this ball club will be its pitching staff. How quickly the inexperienced pitchers contribute effectively, and which pitchers step up in the bullpen are the key questions facing this staff. The pitching staff should have ample support from the field and at the plate. Look for the Saints to be a threat in the WHAC race if they stay healthy and pitch effectively. |
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OUTFIELD
The outfield is loaded with experience and talent. Jon Morse, the Saints only returning all conference player, is back in center field. Jon led the Saints offensive attack last year with a team high .391 batting average. Entering his junior year, Kennen Less has posted some impressive offensive numbers his first two seasons. Less led the team in RBI's last year, and provides the lineup with some punch from the left side. He'll mainly play in right field due to his strong throwing arm. Senior Will Eberle provides another left handed bat and strong defensive play in the outfield. Will has a strong arm and can play in left and right field. He'll occasionally play first and DH, but the key for Eberle will be consistent offensive production. Joe Welton will play quality innings in the outfield when he's not pitching. Welton will impact the Saints lineup with his left handed stick and play mostly in left field. Sophomore Brent Butgereit will continue to gain experience while adding foot speed and another left handed swinger to the Saints roster. Heralded freshman Michael Penny (Grand Rapids Catholic Central) has a similar role. Mike has outstanding foot speed and baseball instincts, he'll impact the Saints mostly on the base paths, and possibly from the mound this year. Freshman Joe Kligman will provide left handed hitting depth and freshman Brent Steele (Caledonia) could contribute with his potent bat as well. |
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CATCHING
The Saints have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of all league catcher Corey Gross. Returning with the most experience is sophomore Jake Roe. Jake played in twenty-five games last year and hit .422 in 45 at bats. He'll catch most of the league games due to Bryan Carey; the team's other top catcher, being one of the team's top pitchers. Carey is the team's most skilled catcher. He has the team's strongest arm and hits from the left side. Bryan will be a starting pitcher in conference games and catch in non conference games. Adding depth to the position is Jason Faasse. Faasse is a transfer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a graduate from Wyoming Lee High School. Freshman Scott Witkop (Traverse City West) will also see playing time and has a promising future with his strong work ethic and approach to the game. Michael Craven, a red shirt freshman, looks to be fully recovered from elbow surgery, and will add a potent bat to the Saints roster. |
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PITCHING
The pitching staff has worked hard since last fall under the guidance of new assistant coach Mark Rasmussen. This year's staff is somewhat inexperienced and young, but has the talent necessary to accomplish team goals. Four seniors who combined for a 12 – 9 record a year ago will lead this group. Mike Kaiser heads the staff after posting an impressive 6-1 record in his first year as a full time pitcher. He'll be joined by left-hander Joe Welton as the next most experienced starter. Joe went 3-3 last year, and improved with each start. Bryan Carey will move into the starting rotation this year. Bryan had ten appearances last year, but only one start. He'll surprise league opponents as a quality starter with a power arm. Jim Peters will be a spot starter and play an important role out of the bullpen. His experience, determination, and competitive nature, like that of his classmates, are reasons for confidence and optimism. |
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| Junior pitchers Evan Singleton, Mark Nagy, Cory Garneau, and Jamie Sheppard all look for expanded roles and an increase in innings pitched this year. Singleton has the most experience and will be primarily used out of the bullpen. Singleton possesses the ingredients of a reliever, and looks to harness the consistency of a closer. Cory Garneau will be the main left handed pitcher used out of the bullpen. Cory gained valuable experience and confidence towards the end of last season, and looks to provide consistent dependability this year. Mark Nagy looks ready to be a valuable contributor after a strong off season. Mark is the team's most improved pitcher and is anxious to show it. Jamie Sheppard will add depth from the right side and contribute from the bullpen. |
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| Sophomore pitchers Tyler Cole, Chris Allred, and Chad Bowhuis contributed on a limited basis last year, but each should have expanded roles this year. Cole has made strong progress towards becoming a league starter. His arm angle and breaking pitch are reasons why he'll pitch some important innings for the Saints. Chris Allred shows signs that indicate he's ready to contribute more this year, and Chad Bowhuis gives the staff an intimidating presence, if this hard throwing lefty develops consistency. |
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| Four freshman pitchers join this year's staff with promising careers ahead of them. Josh Drake hit and pitched Lowell High School to one of its most successful seasons in school history. He's joined by right-handers Todd Lindemulder (Wyoming Park) and Vince Misiewicz (New Baltimore, Anchor Bay). Lindemulder and Misiewicz both have excellent breaking pitches and could contribute out of the bullpen immediately. Michael Penny provides another option from the left side, and could be used out of the bullpen as well. |
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INFIELD
The infield returns intact. There's experience, depth, versatility, and talent to go along with high expectations for this group. The key for success is health, as the teams top two middle infielder's battle shoulder rehabilitation and recovery. Last year's starting shortstop, Drew Huard, hopes to pick up where he left off. Huard was leading the team in hitting when he suffered a season ending injury prior to the conference season. Drew will start at second base because of the promising freshman year Ryan Grigonis produced at shortstop. Grigonis started thirty-nine games and batted .299. However, in 19 league games he hit .404 while displaying wide range and a strong arm defensively. Until Huard and Grigonis are completely recovered, Jon Good will see action at shortstop, and Nick Papes will compete at second base. Jon Good played mostly third base last year, but was a high school shortstop. Jon has excellent bat speed and tied for the team lead in home runs last year. Nick Papes batted .419 in eighteen games last year and will battle for consistent playing time. Nick brings leadership and an aggressive bat to the team. The corner infield positions will be strong for the Saints in the performance of Andrew Bard and Adam Farrell. Farrell is the team's best hitter, batting .372 last year while leading the team in numerous offensive categories. Adam will play third base, first base, and designated hitter, but rest assured he'll be in the starting lineup. Andrew Bard hit .312 in thirty-eight games last year, giving the Saints a solid middle of the lineup hitter and a guy who can pick it at first base. Four freshman infielders will add depth. Austin King (Forest Hills Eastern) plays third base and shortstop. Steve Crawford (Middleville) swings a strong bat and plays third base. Kyler Kolb (Macomb Dakota) displays soft hands and a strong arm as a backup middle infielder. Freshman Brent Steele (Caledonia) plays first base, third base, and left field. Each one of these freshman players have bright futures ahead of them. |
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SCHEDULE
Aquinas opens play in Florida on their annual spring break trip. The Saints play twelve games in six days against some familiar NAIA opponents (St. Xavier, Olivet Nazarene, St Francis IN, Marian, Mt. Vernon, Grand View, and Ashford). The Northern campaign begins with a weekend trip to Indiana to play Trine University and Indiana Wesleyan. The Saints have non conference games against Bethel and Alma before opening league play the first weekend in April. |
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| The Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference play opens with Concordia. As in previous years, conference play consists of weekend series, home and away, with each conference opponent. This year all league doubleheaders will be two seven inning games. The top four teams will compete in a conference tournament at the end of the year, hosted by the first place team. The winner of the double elimination conference tournament will represent the WHAC in one of nine national regional tournament sites, with the winner advancing to the NAIA World Series. |
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| Other dates include games against MIAA rivals Olivet, hope, and Calvin College (at Fifth Third Park, May 4). In addition to Bethel out of the MCC, the Saints play Huntington and Spring Arbor. The Spring Arbor game will be played in Battle Creek, and will be the first annual Hank Burbridge Memorial Game, after being rained out last year. The Saints look forward to renewing their rivalries with Northwood University (GLIAC) and Purdue North Central (Chicagoland Conference), and play home and away against Rochester College. |
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Dennis Molnar Award |
| Aquinas initiated the Dennis Molnar Award after the star first-baseman was killed in a car accident in Grand Rapids in November 1973. Molnar, a native of Toledo, Ohio, and graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School, player both baseball and basketball during his two years at Aquinas and was an outstanding hitter. Dennis led the team in home runs in 1973; some of his hitting records still stand. Molnar was also a fine student, a hardworking individual, and one of the most popular students on the Aquinas campus. The Molnar Award is awarded annually to the team's most valuable players after a vote by the team. |
| 1974 |
Greg Antor |
1975 |
Tim Matchinsky |
| 1976 |
Tim Matchinsky |
1976 |
Steve Lewis |
| 1977 |
Tim Matchinsky |
1977 |
Bob Jones |
| 1977 |
Dennis King |
1978 |
Kevin Chaney |
| 1978 |
Dennis King |
1979 |
Rick Heuvelman |
| 1979 |
Mark Hendrickson |
1980 |
Dave Gumpert |
| 1980 |
Mark Hendrickson |
1981 |
Don Kinney |
| 1981 |
Mark Hendrickson |
1982 |
Don Kinney |
| 1982 |
Matt Niewiadomski |
1983 |
Kevin Vizard |
| 1984 |
Mike Heffron |
1984 |
Tom Enslen |
| 1985 |
Kim VonKronenberger |
1985 |
Orlando Villareal |
| 1986 |
Kevin Kendrick |
1986 |
Clint Scollard |
| 1987 |
Augie Tiseo |
1987 |
Tim Komorous |
| 1988 |
Jim Johnson |
1988 |
Andy Postema |
| 1989 |
Dan Zang |
1989 |
Jim Johnson |
| 1990 |
Paul Bastien |
1990 |
Rod Rojas |
| 1990 |
Matt Jones |
1991 |
Tim Sullivan |
| 1991 |
Jeff Readwin |
1992 |
Jay Martin |
| 1992 |
Joe Stacey |
1993 |
Tom Vos |
| 1993 |
Kurt Huizenga |
1994 |
Kurt Huizenga |
| 1994 |
Randy Shagena |
1995 |
Nick Ursul |
| 1995 |
Troy Wilcox |
1996 |
Chris Waligora |
| 1996 |
Chad Addicott |
1997 |
Chad Addicott |
| 1998 |
Jason Bialochowski |
1998 |
Brian O'Toole |
| 1998 |
Shawn Veenstra |
1999 |
Travis Harden |
| 1999 |
Shawn Veenstra |
1999 |
Doug Austin |
| 2000 |
Shawn Veenstra |
2000 |
Brock Place |
| 2000 |
John Pike |
2001 |
Sean Ford |
| 2001 |
Doug Austin |
2001 |
Chris Laska |
| 2002 |
Jason Ladd |
2002 |
Greg Skiba |
| 2002 |
Brandon Bailey |
2003 |
Kyle Kracht |
| 2003 |
John MacLeod |
2004 |
Matt Bocian |
| 2004 |
Tim Muma |
2005 |
Kyle Finch |
| 2005 |
Matt Soergel |
2006 |
Tim Muma |
| 2006 |
Matt Soergel |
2006 |
Matt Spitzley |
| 2007 |
Matt Soergel |
2007 |
Lee Moser |
| 2008 |
Bud Giddings |
2008 |
Drew Oosterhouse |
| 2009 |
Corey Gross |
2009 |
Jon Morse |
| 2009 |
Marc Sobota |
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Pro Signings |
| The following players have signed professional contracts and played professional and / or coached in professional baseball. Below they are listed with the team that they originally signed with: |
| Player |
Year |
Team |
| Lee Moser |
2008 |
Sioux Falls Canaries |
| Aaron Reid |
2002 |
Gary Southshore Railcats |
| Sean Ford |
2001 |
Johnstown |
| Travis Harden |
2000 |
New York Mets/Evansville |
| Sonny Thompson |
1998 |
Boston Red Sox |
| Troy Wilcox |
1995 |
Cincinnati Reds |
| Dave Joppie |
1995 |
Oakland A's (Manager/Coach) |
| Kurt Huizenga |
1994 |
Houston Astros |
| Randy Shagena |
1994 |
Florida Marlins |
| Tom Postema |
1987 |
Detroit Tigers |
| Paul Assenmacher |
1983 |
Atlanta Braves |
| Dave Gumpert |
1981 |
Detroit Tigers |
| Tom Rentschler |
1981 |
Texas Rangers |
| Greg Antor |
1974 |
Boston Red Sox |
| Mike Vernier |
1972 |
Atlanta Braves |
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