AppleSox Reign Supreme In Opener

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Courtesy: AppleSox Communications

The fate of the AppleSox season-opener rested on the shoulders of freshman right-hander Reign Letkeman and the Red Deer, Alberta native was ready to rise to the occasion.

Letkeman threw seven shutout innings on Wednesday and spurred the Wenatchee AppleSox (1-0, 0-0) to their first victory of 2014 against the San Francisco Seals (2-4).

When all was said and done, the AppleSox walked away from Paul Thomas Sr. Field with a 5-0 win.

The AppleSox offense was aided by some defensive mishaps amongst the Seals’ fielders. In the second inning, Nick Brooks reached base after being hit by a pitch. Later in the inning, Mike Livingston smoked a double into left field to bring home Brooks. Taylor Johnson, the catcher singled to right in the next at bat to bring home Livingston.

Letkeman held the Seals hitless through the first two innings and Eli Alcantar singled to lead off the third. He was later erased when Cooper Elliott doubled him up at first after tracking down a slicing pop fly in right field.

The score held until the sixth, when Trenton Brooks reached base via the walk with one out. He was advanced on a fielder’s choice groundout and scored on an error at first in the next at bat. Cooper Elliott followed up by doubling off the right field fence, placing runners at second and third. Both runners came around to score on a fielding error in left field during the next at bat.

Kaleb Price took over in relief for the AppleSox in the eighth inning and dealt two scoreless innings of his own to end the game.

San Francisco’s starter, Mikey Ramirez threw 5.2 innings of three hit baseball, but was still tabbed with the loss.

The AppleSox and Seals will wrap up their short two-game series tomorrow night at 7:05 pm. It is Knight Night at the ballpark and fans are encouraged to come represent Wenatchee Valley College.

 

                                                    R  H  E  LOB

SF           0 0 0   0 0 0   0 0 0   0  8  3  6

WEN       0 2 0   0 0 3   0 0 X   5  5  0  6

WP – Reign Letkeman

LP – Mikey Ramirez

S - none

Prep Standouts Complete AppleSox Roster

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A trio of schools will be sending four highly touted high school recruits to round out the AppleSox 2014 roster. Right-handed pitcher Tyler Frost (Gonzaga), left-handed pitcher Calvin LeBrun (Gonzaga), right-handed pitcher Jonathan Teaney (University of San Diego), and infielder Joe Gillette (Oregon State) will join the AppleSox right out of high school this summer

Frost will come to Wenatchee straight from Greenway High School in Peoria, AZ. Last year the righty broke his high school’s record for lowest ERA in a season (0.93) and was named First Team All-State. His outstanding year garnered him national recognition as well, earning Third Team High School All-American honors by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association.

The southpaw LeBrun is also from Arizona. The Phoenix product who attends Sunnyslope High School is the younger brother of current Gonzaga player Cory LeBrun. He was a member of the USA 17U National Development Program and was named the Phoenix Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-State in 2012.

“Both guys are good enough that they can step in next year and get substantial innings for Gonzaga. They are very talented and we are looking forward to having them on the mound for us this summer,” said AppleSox  head coach Ed Knaggs.

Teaney, from Palmdale, CA, will join the University of San Diego next fall. Last season he compiled an 11-3 record at Quartz Hill High School and struck out 80 batters in 55.2 innings. Perfect Game USA has him listed as the No. 187 overall national prospect in the class of 2014.

“The coaches at the University of San Diego are very high on him,” said Knaggs. “He has had an outstanding high school career and has been especially good this spring.” 

Gillette will be the second Oregon State signee playing for the AppleSox this summer, joining future college teammate Drew Rasmussen in Wenatchee. Last season the California native from Scotts Valley was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Player of the Year after hitting .400 with 25 RBIs.  

“He has a very athletic build and good speed to go with it,” said Knaggs. “He plays the left side of the infield and more than likely will be a third baseman for us this summer.” 

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

AppleSox Tap Northwest Schools for Talent

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A combination of new and old partner schools from the region will provide the Wenatchee AppleSox with eight players this summer. The AppleSox will include catcher Michael McCann from Seattle University, right-handed pitcher/infielder Ty Jackson from Lewis-Clark State College, right-handed pitchers Tom Zarosinski and Ian Buckles from George Fox University, left-handed pitcher Clark McKitrick from Western Oregon University, right-handed pitcher Hunter Wells and left-handed pitcher Jacob Cogar from Lower Columbia College, and right-handed pitcher Colton Loomis from Community Colleges of Spokane.

McCann is in his first season at Seattle U after a successful prep career at Columbia River High School in Vancouver. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 40th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, but opted to go to college. He has played in all but four games for the Redhawks as a freshman, hitting .196 with 14 RBIs.

“He has had a lot of playing time as only a freshman. He is coming in as a catcher, but he is a very versatile guy that gives us options beyond having him behind the plate,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “

Jackson is the current NAIA West Pitcher of the Week after a phenomenal weekend. The Kennewick native threw six scoreless innings and got the win Saturday against Northwest Nazarene and followed up that performance Sunday by hitting the game-winning home in Lewis-Clark State’s 2-1 win over the College of Idaho. The Kennewick native started his college career at Washington State with his twin brother Bryce, who played for the AppleSox in 2012. The sophomore is 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA on the mound and is batting .278 at the plate this spring.  

“He almost played for us two seasons ago when his brother was on the team,” said Knaggs. “We are excited to have him now. He is a two-way player who can be a corner infielder in addition to pitching.” 

Zarosinski, a veteran righty, is from Lake Oswego, OR. He began his college career at Oregon State before transferring to George Fox, where he is in his third season with the Bruins. The junior briefly pitched for the Corvallis Knights in 2011 and also again in 2013. This season he is 6-3 with a 2.12 ERA for George Fox.

Buckles also comes to Wenatchee after having pitched in the West Coast League last summer. The junior earned the second most wins for the Klamath Falls Gems last year, notching a 5-2 record with a 3.25 ERA. This season the Kent product who attended Kentridge High School is 6-1 with a 2.65 ERA at George Fox.   

“Both of them have experience in our league which I really like,” said Knaggs. “They have been putting together really good years and right now they project to be guys that we will probably use in our starting rotation.” 

McKitrick is the only Idaho native on Wenatchee’s roster this year, hailing from Idaho Falls. The junior southpaw began his college career at Linn-Benton Community College before transferring to Western Oregon. This season he is 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA for the Wolves.

“Western Oregon is a great Division II program and it will be our first time getting a player from them,” said Knaggs. “He will be a valuable lefty out of the bullpen.”

Wells leads Lower Columbia College in wins this season, compiling a 5-1 record with a 2.23 ERA in 8 starts. The freshman out of Spokane had an impressive prep career at West Valley High School. He is signed to transfer to Gonzaga next season.

Cogar, a teammate of Wells at LCC, is also a freshman for the Red Devils. The lefty was a standout at Monroe High School, where he earned All-Wesco first team honors last season. He is 4-1 for LCC with a 1.82 ERA this season. Former AppleSox player D.J. Lidyard tutors both as the pitching coach for the Red Devils.

“These two will follow in a long line over very good arms that we have had over the years from Lower Columbia,” said Knaggs. “They are talented freshman and both have a high ceiling for the future.”

Out of Cashmere, Loomis will get to play in front of familiar faces this summer. As a senior at Cashmere High School he was named the 1A/B State Player of the Year by the Washington Baseball Coaches Association after going 10-0 with a 0.67 ERA and helping the Bulldogs to a state championship. The sophomore plays for AppleSox pitching coach A.J. Proszek at the Community Colleges of Spokane, where he is 2-3 with a 6.07 ERA this spring.

“He was scheduled to play for last year but got injured right before the summer, so we are happy to have him this season,” said Knaggs. “He throws from a lower arm slot that creates a lot of movement on his pitches. He has excellent control and will primarily be used in relief for us.” 

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Four More Added from SoCal Schools

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The AppleSox will again feature plenty of talent from California this summer with two players from California State University, Northridge and Pomona Pitzer joining the team. Wenatchee will feature right-handed pitcher Brandon Warner and infielder Michael Livingston from Cal State Northridge, along with infielders Simon Rosenbaum and Tanner Nishioka from Pomona Pitzer.

“Pomona Pitzer has been a great partner program for many years and this will be our first season getting guys from Northridge,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “We are very familiar with the new coaching staff at Northridge and are excited to start a relationship with the school.”

Warner, from Laguna Hills, CA, has pitched in over 50 games in his college career. This year for the Matadors the junior has compiled a 1-1 record with a 3.52 ERA. He has appeared in relief this spring, pitching in 17 games out of the bullpen.

Livingston, out of Palmdale, CA, is a left-handed hitter at the plate. The junior can play all over the infield, but primarily at second and third base. This season he is hitting .202 in 32 games for Northridge.

“Having a pair of juniors who have experience at the Division I level like these two players is a nice luxury,” said Knaggs. “We tend to have pretty young teams overall, so adding a pair of guys with lots seasoning only helps.” 

Rosenbaum is hitting an eye-popping .488 for the Sagehens this year. He has compiled 44 RBIs in 123 at bats this season. The sophomore from Los Altos, CA, was named a Division III National Player of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association earlier this season. Last year he was the D3baseball.com West Region Rookie of the Year.

“His numbers are off the charts this season,” said Knaggs. “He is a first baseman and might even pitch a bit for us this summer.”

Nishioka leads Pomona Pitzer in games played and is third on the team with a .401 batting average, as only a freshman. The Hawaii native from Honolulu is also the punter for the football team at Pomona Pitzer.

“He is a dynamic player and has some pop in his bat,” said Knaggs. “He has impressive speed and has the versatility to play almost anywhere in the field. Both of these guys from Pomona Pitzer are very exciting players.”

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Michael Livingston, Brandon Warner, Simon Rosenbaum, and Tanner Nishioka are courtesy of the Cal State Northridge and Pomona Pitzer Sports Information Departments.

UCLA Providing Three Recruits

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The defending NCAA Champions will be sending three of their highly touted high school recruits to Wenatchee this summer. Joining the AppleSox from UCLA will be infielder Nick Valaika, right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning, and right-handed pitcher Nathan Hadley.

“Watching their run in the College World Series last year was really neat, especially to see a number of former AppleSox players contribute in a big way to their championship,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “We have received many very talented players from them over the years and this season is no different.”

Valaika is the younger brother of former AppleSox player and UCLA standout Pat Valaika. The Valencia, CA, native is the last of four brothers who have played shortstop at Hart High School. Each of his older brothers has gone on to play professional baseball. He is ranked No. 234 on Perfect Game USA’s list of Top 500 High School prospects for 2014

“It is always fun to have players with family ties with guys who have previously been here,” said Knaggs. “Much like the rest of his family he is a good all around player, but is incredibly impressive defensively with his glove.” 

Canning, a Coto de Caza, CA, product was one of 40 players selected to attend the USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials last summer. The righty out of Santa Margarita Catholic High School was named a 2013 third-team Perfect Game Underclass All-American and is ranked No. 202 on Perfect Game USA’s list of Top 500 High School prospects for 2014.

A fellow California native, Hadley is from Encino and attends Loyola High School. Last season as a junior he compiled a 5-3 record with three saves and a 2.62 ERA. He is ranked No. 312 on Perfect Game USA’s list of Top 500 High School prospects for 2014

“Both of these guys are pretty similar, which is a good thing because they are talented guys with very bright futures ahead of them,” said Knaggs. “UCLA is known for their pitching and they recruit and develop some high quality arms. We will do everything we can to get these guys prepared so they can make an immediate impact as freshmen next year for the Bruins.”

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Krohn Added to AppleSox Coaching Staff

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Northwest Nazarene University assistant baseball coach Jason Krohn is joining the Wenatchee AppleSox this summer to complete Ed Knaggs’ coaching staff. Krohn will serve as an assistant coach, joining Knaggs, who is entering his fourteenth season as the team’s head coach. Pitching coach A.J. Proszek will also return for his second season with the team.

“He comes highly recommend and was suggested by multiple people when we started to look at filling the position,” said Knaggs. “He will work with the position players, hitters, and coach first base. I’m sure our fans, especially the ones in Section A, will like him.”

Krohn is in his first season coaching at NNU. Prior to coaching at NNU, he previously served as an assistant at Lower Columbia College. As a player he began his college career at LCC, before playing at both the University of Portland and Coastal Carolina University. He went on to play professionally for the Kalamazoo Kings of the Frontier League.    

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photograph of Jason Krohn is courtesy of the Northwest Nazarene University Sports Information Department.

MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Returning on May 1st

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The Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit, and Run competition is returning to Wenatchee this spring. The free event will be held at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on May 1st beginning at 5 p.m. The event is sponsored locally by the Wenatchee AppleSox, Kimmel Athletic Supply, ESPN Radio 900 KKRT, and Biosports. Kids who sign up and participate in the event will get a free t-shirt.

Pitch, Hit & Run™ is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball®. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball/softball skills.

Boys and girls are divided into four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the 2014 MLB™ All-Star Game®.

The individual Pitching, Hitting and Running Champions, along with the All-Around Champion in each age and gender group at the Local Competition will be awarded and advance to the Sectional Level of Competition.

All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. The registration form can be found by clicking here. Please turn the completed registration form back into the AppleSox office. For more information on the event call (509) 665-6900.

Event Details

When: May 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: Paul Thomas Sr. Field

Registration: Complete the form here and turn it into the AppleSox office

Cost: Free

Three Beavers Sign with the AppleSox

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Oregon State University will again provide Wenatchee with players in 2014, with three Beavers set to wear an AppleSox uniform this season. Two current players, catcher Nate Esposito and right-handed pitcher John Pomeroy, along with high school recruit Drew Rasmussen will join the AppleSox.

“Oregon State has been an outstanding partner school over the years,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “Their accomplishments as a program speak for themselves and we always look forward to having the high-quality players that they send our way.”

Esposito will come to Wenatchee with West Coast League experience. The Granite Bay, CA, native played for the Corvallis Knights during the 2012 season. The junior was drafted out of high school by the Oakland A’s in the 46th round of the 2011 MLB Draft, but did not sign.

“Having a junior behind the plate is a big plus,” said Knaggs. “An experienced catcher to work with our pitching staff is something I like to have every year and Nate will fill that role for us.”

Pomeroy is in his first season with the Beavers. The freshman out of Mossyrock once threw a 16-strikeout no-hitter during a high school playoff game. A highly touted recruit, he was ranked as the No. 143 high school player by Perfect Game USA and just outside of the top 100 by Baseball America. He has appeared in one game out of the bullpen for OSU this year.

“He had an awfully good high school career and has a lot of upside. He hasn’t logged a ton of innings this spring, but we look forward to getting him on the mound for us this summer,” said Knaggs.

Rasmussen will join the AppleSox right out of high school. The Colbert product is one of the top pitchers in the Greater Spokane League this year. The hard-throwing righty compiled a 7-0 record in league play last year for Mt. Spokane High School.

“I have only heard great things about him from high school coaches I know in Spokane,” said Knaggs. “He is a promising kid and as with all guys we receive straight from high school we are excited to prepare him to begin his college career.”    

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Nate Esposito and John Pomeroy are courtesy of the Oregon State University Sports Information Department.

 

 

Wolf Pack Trio to Play in Wenatchee

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For the first time in team history the Wenatchee AppleSox will feature players from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2014. Three members of the Wolf Pack, right-handed pitcher Evan McMahan, infielder Jeff Nellis, and outfielder/left-handed pitcher Trenton Brooks will call Paul Thomas Sr. Field home this summer.

“We have a good relationship with the school’s new coaching staff and are looking forward to starting this connection with Nevada,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.

McMahan was the first recruit signed by the Wolf Pack’s head coach Jay Johnson, who is in his first season in Reno. The Las Vegas native was named to the Las Vegas Review-Journal first team all-state squad and All-Southern Nevada first team in high school. The freshman is 2-0 in seven appearances this spring.

“He is a guy who has good command and can throw any of his pitches for strikes,” said Knaggs

Nellis is a freshman for the Wolf Pack out of San Marcos, CA. As a senior at Mission Hills High School he hit .370 and collected 17 stolen bases. He has appeared in ten games with three starts and is batting .143.

“He can play three different spots in the infield, which is a nice bonus to have that kind of flexibility with a player,” said Knaggs

Brooks has started 15 of the Wolf Pack’s 26 games in the field this spring as only a freshman. The two-way player is hitting .266 at the plate. He has also started four games on the mound for Nevada, compiling a 0-1 record and a 5.40 ERA. He had a successful prep career at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, CA, where he was named to the ESPN California All-State Underclassman first team as a junior.

“Mostly we anticipate that he will be an outfielder for us this summer. The way he has performed both in the field and on the mound as only a freshman makes me excited to see what he can do for us,” said Knaggs.    

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Evan McMahan, Jeff Nellis, and Trenton Brooks are courtesy of the University of Nevada, Reno Sports Information Department.

AppleSox Sign Cashmere Native from WSU

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A pair of Cougars from Washington State University, including an outfielder from Cashmere, will join the AppleSox this season. Outfielder Cooper Elliott and right-handed pitcher Chris McDowell have been added to Wenatchee’s roster.

“Having a quality connection like we do with WSU has been a big benefit over the years,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “We not only get good players, but we also typically get the added bonus of having guys who have ties to our region.”

Elliott won two state championships with Cashmere High School, where he was second-team all-state and hit .453 his senior season. The left-handed hitter is in his redshirt freshman year with WSU. He has appeared in six games for the Cougars this spring.  

“It is always very exciting to be able to add a player from our backyard,” said Knaggs. “I’ve known about him for a while and we are looking forward to seeing his athleticism on display in the outfield.”

McDowell is returning to the AppleSox after pitching for the team last summer, where he made 12 appearances with a 4.29 ERA. The sophomore out of Mount Vernon has pitched in four games out of the bullpen this season for WSU.

“He is a great kid and it is neat to have him back for another season,” said Knaggs. “He is a player with a ton of potential and we are glad he can continue to develop with us in the summer.”    

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Chris McDowell and Cooper Elliott are courtesy of the Washington State University Sports Information Department.

Zags Providing Four Players to Wenatchee

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Three position players and one pitcher from Gonzaga will make the trip from Spokane to Wenatchee to play for the AppleSox this summer. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Bailey, infielder Nick Brooks, infielder Caleb Wood, and outfielder Sam Brown will join the AppleSox in 2014. Gonzaga has sent more players to play for the AppleSox than any other school in the team’s 15-year history.

“We are incredibly thankful for all the great players we have had from Gonzaga over the years and this season will be no different,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.

Bailey, a Broomfield, CO, native has emerged as a member of Gonzaga’s starting rotation in his first season with the Bulldogs. In 2012 he was named the Colorado 4A Player of the Year after helping lead Broomfield High School to the Colorado 4A State Championship. In four starts this spring he has a 4.33 ERA and a 0-3 record.

“It’s remarkable how big of an impact he has had as just a freshman. I had a chance to see him throw in the fall and was very impressed. He has a deadly slider,” said Knaggs.

Brooks, a first baseman, is in his first year with the Bulldogs. The Auburn product from Auburn Mountainview High School is hitting .273 in nine games this spring.

“He is a big kid that has a classic first baseman build. He is strong hitter and has been able to get opportunities as only a freshman,” said Knaggs.    

Woods is a sophomore for Gonzaga out of Surprise, AZ. He was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and an All-WCC honorable mention after hitting .291 as only a freshman. This season he has started every game for the Bulldogs and has scored a team-high nine runs with a .204 batting average.

“It’s huge to have a proven player like Caleb,” said Knaggs. “His accomplishments speak for themselves and we are excited someone of his caliber on our team.”

Brown is in his first season with Gonzaga after redshirting at the University of Arizona last year. The left-handed hitting outfielder from Jackson High School in Mill Creek has appeared in all 14 of Gonzaga’s games and is hitting .220.

“He is definitely further ahead of a normal freshman after redshirting last season,” said Knaggs. “He can play all three outfield positions, hit any spot in the lineup, and is excellent defensively.”

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Brandon Bailey, Nick Brooks, Caleb Wood, and Sam Brown are courtesy of the Gonzaga Sports Information Department.

AppleSox Add Four from UC Irvine

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Three freshmen and an incoming high school recruit will join the Wenatchee AppleSox from UC Irvine this summer. Outfielders Evan Cassolato and Adam Alcantara, infielder John Brontsema, and right-handed pitcher Shaun Vetrovec are set to join the AppleSox.

The Anteaters have consistently provided players to the AppleSox since Mike Gillespie was hired as the school’s head coach before the 2008 season. Gillespie recently won his 1,000th game as a Division I head coach.  

“UC Irvine is an outstanding program and we are fortunate to get such high-quality players from them every summer,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.  

Cassolato, from Encinitas, CA, is in his first season seeing action at UC Irvine after redshirting last year. The left-handed hitting outfielder helped Cathedral Catholic High School win California Interscholastic Federation championships in 2011 and 2012. In addition to his success on the field, he was named to the San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic Team in 2011 and 2012.

Alcantara is a freshman for the Anteaters out of Alta Loma, CA. He was an All-CIF second-team choice as a senior at Bishop Amat High School, where he also was named to the All-Serra League first-team his senior season after hitting .367 and driving in 21 runs.

“Both guys are quality outfielders that can run and defend very well,” said Knaggs. “They are the kind of players that can hit at the top of the lineup.”  

Brontsema, out of Santa Barbara, CA, is the son of former UC Santa Barbara coach Bob Brontsema. The freshman infielder hit .391 and was an all-city selection last year as a senior at Santa Barbara High School.

“He comes from the long line of UC Irvine infielders that we have had in Wenatchee,” said Knaggs. “Each infielder we have ever had from the Anteaters are fundamentally sound and know how to play the game right.”

Vetrovec is a senior at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA. The UC Irvine-commit is set to join the Anteaters in the fall after playing for the AppleSox. He earned first-team All-Sunset League accolades his junior year after going 5-4 with a 2.20 ERA.

“He is not only a top-flight recruit, but also a very bright kid,” said Knaggs. “He has a great future in front of him we look forward to having him pitch in Wenatchee this season.”

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Alumni Night Schedule for July 12th

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It’s hard to believe we’ve been celebrating summer with AppleSox baseball for 15 years. The AppleSox are planning a special night to honor and bring back as many of those players and coaches who have been a part of the experience. Saturday, July 12th is the special night. In a pre-game ceremony those AppleSox “alumni” in attendance will be recognized on the field.

Getting in touch with over 300+ players is quite a challenge. Coach Knaggs is asking for help in reaching out to former Sox. If you are a former player, host family, or fan who is in contact (phone, email, facebook, etc) with anyone who has put on the AppleSox uniform could you please make them aware of the date and contact Coach Knaggs with their email or number?

As part of the anniversary the AppleSox have assemble an All-Time team of players!   Coach Knaggs, with the help of statistician Bruce Bennett and former coaches, has put together a team of players who were the best at their position (including five starting pitchers, a relief pitcher, closer, utility, and Designated Hitter). This group of players will be announced at the beginning of the 2014 season.

We look forward to the start of another summer of AppleSox baseball. Please contact Coach Knaggs with any questions or player contact information you may have. See you out at the ballpark!

For more information or to share alumni contact info, please contact the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900 or email knaggs.e@hotmail.com

AppleSox Release 15th Anniversary Logo

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The Wenatchee AppleSox will wear commemorative jerseys in 2014 which will include a new 15th anniversary logo. The jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the season with the proceeds being donated to charity. Fans will be able to purchase limited edition 15th anniversary t-shirts and sweatshirts at games this year.

"It’s incredible how quickly time flies. It seems like yesterday that we were preparing for the first game in team history,” said AppleSox owner/general manager Jim Corcoran. “Here we are fifteen years later and we thought creating this logo and including it as part of our on-field look this season would be a fun way to celebrate the anniversary.”                       

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Season Highlights Lubking Strikes out 10

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Trevor Lubking (Pacific Lutheran University) came into the game on July 3rd with the expansion HarbourCats in search of his first win of the season. Lubking was coming off of a gut wrenching loss in Medford, in a game that saw Lubking come within 2 outs of a no-hitter. In that loss Lubking only surrendered 1 hit, but it was a walk-off home run as the Rogues won 2-1.

Even on a night laden with a landslide of runs and fireworks show, Trevor Lubking was simply a cut above the rest. The southpaw hurled 6 shutout innings giving up just 5 hits. Perhaps those gusts of wind that helped propel several AppleSox balls deep in to the sky were created by the HarbourCats impression of a single bladed ceiling fan. Lubking pounded the strike zone all night by throwing 78 of his 108 pitches for strikes. All of those swings and misses accounted for 10 strikeouts.