AppleSox Fan Fest June 1 - Win Season Tickets!

The Wenatchee AppleSox will be hosting its annual Fan Fest, Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College. There will be a contest giving away two season tickets (a $430 value!). 

WENATCHEE - The 2016 baseball season is rapidly approaching, and fans have the chance to get their first taste of AppleSox Baseball, Wednesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. during Fan Fest at Paul Thomas Sr. Field on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College.

This year at the Fan Fest event, fans in attendance have the opportunity to win a pair of AppleSox season tickets; a $430 value.

Available seats and 2016 season ticket packages will also be clearly marked, and fans are welcome to "test drive" and purchase season ticket packages at the stadium box office. 

Additionally, the event marks the first chance to see the AppleSox new players and coaching staff practicing in preparation for their 2016 season-opener, Friday June 3. 

Those who already have purchased season tickets for the 2016 season can pick up their packets during the two-hour event, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The AppleSox mascot, Coyote, will also be hanging out with the fans throughout the night. The team's regular season concession provider, The Alley Cafe, will be on hand offering a wide variety of food and beverage options, and attendees will also have the opportunity to take home new gear from the team Souvenir Shop; including apparel from Russell, Port Authority, Sport-Tek, and Pacific Headwear. 

Training for the 2016 Chelan PUD Future Power Hitter Bat Kids will also take place at the park for a portion of the evening. Fans who want to sign up their favorite youngster for the opportunity to be a Bat Kid this summer can find out more information here: http://www.applesox.com/bat-kids/ 

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m., Wednesday June 1. More information about the AppleSox and Fan Fest even can be found online at www.applesox.com. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

BROTHER OF APPLESOX GREAT AMONG LATEST SIGNINGS

Alex Gonzales, the brother of former Sox pitcher Marco Gonzales, is among the latest to join the 2016 AppleSox. Other signings include the return of last year's shortstop Evan Douglas, right-handed pitcher Ross Clevenger, right-handed pitcher Jimmy Dobrash, and left-handed pitcher Nick Hoefling. 

WENATCHEE – Two position players along with a trio of pitchers will head to Wenatchee this summer to play for the AppleSox. Utility player Alex Gonzales, infielder Evan Douglas, right-handed pitcher Ross Clevenger, right-handed pitcher Jimmy Dobrash, and left-handed pitcher Nick Hoefling have signed to play with the AppleSox. 

“Our roster is ready to go for the season and we look forward to all of these guys contributing,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “This is a really good mix of experience and youth, which not only describes these five players but the whole team as well. I am excited about the talent that we have coming to Wenatchee this summer and can’t wait for the season to get started.”

Gonzales, from Fort Collins, Colo., is finishing his senior year at Rocky Mountain High School. The versatile utility player is committed to play at Colorado Mesa University. He is following in the footsteps of his older brother Marco Gonzales, who also played for the AppleSox right out of high school in 2010. He went on to have a decorated career at Gonzaga and was the taken by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 19th overall pick of the 2013 MLB Draft. After spending time in the major leagues the last two years, he is out this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.  The baseball family also includes Alex and Marco’s father Frank Gonzales, who is the manager of the Grand Junction Rockies, the rookie league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Douglas is returning to the AppleSox after appearing in 43 games for the team last season. The Spokane native hit seven home runs last summer, which was a team-high for the AppleSox and tied for the fourth most in the West Coast League. This spring he is hitting .329 for the Community Colleges of Spokane, where AppleSox skipper AJ Proszek serves as the school’s pitching coach. The sophomore will continue his college career by transferring to Lewis-Clark State College next season. 

Clevenger, a product of Eagle, Idaho, is wrapping up his junior campaign at Northwest Nazarene University. He is a starting pitcher for the Crusaders and is currently 5-2 with a 4.87 ERA. He has contributed to one of the best seasons in program history at NNU this year. Last weekend the Crusaders clinched their first ever Great Northwest Athletic Conference baseball championship. 

Dobrash is in his freshman season at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. On the mound this spring he has compiled a 6-4 record with a 4.87 ERA. The hurler out Denver, Colo., has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen, appearing in a total of 15 games. 

Hoefling is completing his senior year of high school at Valley Christian High School in Morgan Hill, Calif. The prep hurler will join the AppleSox before starting his college career at Seattle University in the fall.    

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

AppleSox Return Two Local Products

Former AppleSox pitchers Tyler Burch and Kyle Blankenship, both Wenatchee natives are set to return to the valley in 2016.

WENATCHEE – A pair of homegrown hurlers will rejoin the Wenatchee AppleSox this season and be a part of the team’s pitching staff. The two local players who will spend their summer with the AppleSox are Wenatchee High School graduate and current Central Washington University right-handed pitcher Kyle Blankenship and Eastmont High School graduate and current Lewis-Clark State College right-handed pitcher Tyler Burch. 

“It is always an extra bonus to add players who are from the area, especially guys who already have experience with us” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “We are looking forward to having both contribute and provide valuable innings on the mound.”

Blankenship is in his junior season at CWU after playing two years at Wenatchee Valley College. It will be his third season with the AppleSox, after spending last summer with the team and serving as a temporary player in 2014. Last year he pitched in 12 games for the AppleSox, which was tied for the third most appearances on the team.     

Burch has seen action right away during his freshman campaign for the Warriors. He has appeared in five games and has made one start for LCSC this spring. He started three games for the AppleSox last year and came away with a win in each outing, finishing with a 3-0 record and a 5.30 ERA. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

AppleSox Add Five Prep-Standout Gonzaga Commits

Five 2016-17 Gonzaga Bulldog commits are set to start their college careers in Wenatchee this summer. 

WENATCHEE – Three pitchers along with two position players who are finishing their senior year of high school will play for the AppleSox this summer after wrapping up their highly decorated prep careers. Right-handed pitcher Casey Legumina, left-handed pitcher Mac Lardner, right-handed pitcher Taylor Borchers, catcher Haydan Hastings, and infielder Parker Price will be joining the AppleSox. All five are Gonzaga commits who will be teammates in Wenatchee this summer with current Gonzaga players Eli Thornquist, Justin Blatner, Jordan Rathbone, and Steve Machtolf. 

“All of these high school seniors are loaded with talent. These five players will not only have the chance to make an impact for us this summer, but will be in a great position to contribute as soon as they start their college careers,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. 

Legumina hails from Chandler, Ariz., where he attends Basha High School. He was named a 2016 Perfect Game USA All-American honorable mention honoree. Last year as a junior he set a school record for most strikeouts in a season with 74. 

Lardner, from Templeton, Calif., has accumulated a number of local and national accolades during his career at Templeton High School. The southpaw was named a Max Preps First Team All-American and a Preseason Under Armour All-American. He has twice earned First Team All-State honors. 

Borchers will be making the longest trek from home to play for the AppleSox this summer. The future Bulldog will be coming to the Pacific Northwest from Appleton North High School in Appleton, Wisc. Last season he earned Perfect Game USA All-American honorable mention honors. 

Hastings is finishing his senior season at Francis Parker High School in Vista, Calif. The catcher is especially strong defensively, having thrown out 14 of 20 runners on stolen base attempts last season. He has previously been named as a Perfect Game USA All-American honorable mention honoree.
 
Price was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Idaho last season after leading Timberline High School in Boise to a state championship. Over his high school career he has won a pair of state titles and last year he earned All-State honors at shortstop from USA Today. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

APPLESOX SIGN INCOMING NEVADA PLAYERS

The three future Nevada players coming to Wenatchee are left-handed pitcher Matt Young, right-handed pitcher Luke Mattson, and outfielder Otis Statum.

WENATCHEE – A trio of University of Nevada, Reno commits will join the Wenatchee AppleSox this summer. The three future Nevada players coming to Wenatchee are left-handed pitcher Matt Young, right-handed pitcher Luke Mattson, and outfielder Otis Statum. 

“It is a nice mix to receive a player with college experience along with two very talented prep players,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “We have received players from Nevada for a number of years and we are excited to have this group of guys coming to Wenatchee this season.”

Young is currently in his sophomore year at Western Nevada College. He will return to his hometown of Reno next season, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining to play for the Wolf Pack. This spring he is 6-4 with a 3.96 ERA for Western Nevada College.

Mattson is in his senior year at prep powerhouse Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif. The righty compiled a 6-3 record with a 2.74 ERA last season as a junior. 

Statum, from Oakland, Calif., is wrapping up his senior campaign at Bishop O’Dowd High School. The corner outfielder was named by Perfect Game as a top 100 prospect out of California and a top 500 prospect nationally. The three-sport athlete has lettered in baseball, football, and track and field. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

APPLESOX ADD FOUR CURRENT ZAGS

Current Gonzaga Bulldogs Left-handed pitcher Eli Thornquist, left-handed pitcher Justin Blatner, catcher/outfielder Jordan Rathbone, and infielder Steve Machtolf will don AppleSox uniforms this season.

WENATCHEE – Three freshmen and a junior from Gonzaga University will spend their summer in Wenatchee playing for the AppleSox. Left-handed pitcher Eli Thornquist, left-handed pitcher Justin Blatner, catcher/outfielder Jordan Rathbone, and infielder Steve Machtolf will don an AppleSox uniform this season. 

“I know over the years Gonzaga has sent more players to the AppleSox than any other college,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “Having played at Gonzaga myself, keeping the strong connection with the school is extra special to me.”

Thornquist, a product of Arvada, Colo., is in his first season with Gonzaga after transferring from Lamar Community College. He spent his freshman campaign at the University of Sioux Falls before moving on to play at Lamar CC as a sophomore. This spring he has made five appearances with one start, compiling a 0-1 record with a 3.00 ERA. 

The three freshmen, Blatner, Rahbone, and Machtolf, are all Spokane natives who played together at Gonzaga Prep High School. 

Blatner redshirted last season in his first year with the Bulldogs. The lefty earned the win last Tuesday against Washington State University in his first college start after tossing five scoreless innings. He is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA this spring. At Gonzaga Prep High School he was named the Greater Spokane League MVP in 2013 and was the top-ranked prospect in Washington by Baseball Northwest. 

Rathbone has not appeared in a game this season with Gonzaga. Last spring at Gonzaga Prep High School he had a .471 batting average with 22 extra base hits. In high school he earned Perfect Game All-America Honorable Mention accolades and First Team All-Greater Spokane League honors. 

Machtolf has yet to play in a game for Gonzaga this season. In high school he earned First Team All-State honors as a senior. The redshirt freshman plays for his father Mark Machtolf at Gonzaga, who is the head coach of the Bulldogs. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

AppleSox Ink Two Future Wildcats

Infielder Shane Martinez and outfielder Matt Frazier will spend their summer in Wenatchee before starting with the Arizona Wildcats in the fall. 

WENATCHEE – Two prep standouts from California that are committed to play at the University of Arizona will join the Wenatchee AppleSox this season. Infielder Shane Martinez and outfielder Matt Frazier will spend their summer in Wenatchee before starting with the Wildcats in the fall. 

“It is exciting to be receiving players from the University of Arizona,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “The AppleSox have had a relationship with Jay Johnson, who is in his first season as the head coach of the Wildcats, for a number of years. We are thrilled that we are able to continue that connection.”

Martinez is from Riverside, Calif., where he is in his senior season at JW North High School. He was named a 2015 Perfect Game First Team Preseason High School Underclassman All-American. Last summer he played in USA Baseball’s Tournament of the Stars and is currently the No. 128 ranked prep player in the country by Perfect Game. 

Frazier, out of Clovis North High School in Fresno, Calif., will join Martinez with the AppleSox, before the duo heads to Arizona. He was selected in 2015 as a Perfect Game High School Underclassmen All-American Honorable Mention honoree. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

AppleSox Sign UC Irvine Duo

Two current UC Irvine Anteaters are set to wear an AppleSox uniform this summer. Pictured above are the AppleSox newest additions, left-handed pitcher Dylan Riddle and catcher Matt Reitano.

WENATCHEE – Two UC Irvine Anteaters will join the Wenatchee AppleSox for the 2016 season. The current Anteaters that will wear an AppleSox uniform this summer are left-handed pitcher Dylan Riddle and catcher Matt Reitano.  

“Both guys are fired up to be coming to Wenatchee and we are really excited to get them,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “Each season we are able to receive not only excellent players from UC Irvine, but quality individuals as well.”

Riddle, a native of San Clemente, Calif., has been active out of the bullpen for the Anteaters in his freshman season. The southpaw has appeared in six games and has a 4.91 ERA. Last season he helped San Clemente High School win their league championship and played for the National High School Invitational championship team.
 
From San Diego, Calif., Reitano is also receiving playing time for UC Irvine during his freshman campaign. He has made six starts and has appeared in ten games this season. Last year he was named the team MVP at Mira Mesa High School where he had a .420 on-base percentage. He won the 2015 U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award and is majoring in biological sciences. 

The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3 with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Three Future Bruins Join AppleSox

The AppleSox strong tradition of introducing college-bound Bruins to continue in 2016, the team announced, Friday.

WENATCHEE – Three UCLA recruits who will join the Bruins in the fall will first play for the Wenatchee AppleSox this summer. The future Bruins joining the AppleSox will be catcher Michael Toglia, infielder Ryan Kreidler, and outfielder Jeremy Ydens.
 
“We are extremely fortunate to have a great relationship with UCLA,” said AppleSox head coach AJ Proszek. “We have had so many talented players come to Wenatchee from UCLA over the years and are thrilled for that to be the case again this season.”
 
Toglia is a Washington native who is in his senior year at Gig Harbor High School. He was ranked No. 7 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top High School Prospects in the state of Washington list and ranked No. 481 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top 500 High School Prospects list.
 
Kreidler, from Davis, Calif., was named a 2015 Perfect Game USA first team Underclass All-American. He was ranked No. 23 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top High School Prospects in the state of California list and ranked No. 163 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top 500 High School Prospects list.
 
A product of Campbell, Calif., Ydens was named the 2015 San Jose Mercury News All-Area Player of the Year and 2015 CalHiSports State Junior of the Year. He was also ranked No. 33 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top High School Prospects in the state of California list and ranked No. 255 on the 2016 Perfect Game USA Top 500 High School Prospects list.
 
“All three are very high-level recruits and will follow in the footsteps of many other UCLA players who have come to Wenatchee over the years,” said Proszek. “They are able to get valuable experience playing in our league, which will prepare them well to make an impact as soon as they begin their college careers.”
 
The 2016 season will begin at home on June 3rd with a three-game series against the Yakima Valley Pippins. The team’s 17th season will include 33 home games at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.
 
Single game tickets start at just $7 for adults and $6 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.
 
About the Wenatchee AppleSox:
The Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club is part of the West Coast League, one of the premier wood-bat summer collegiate leagues in the country. The AppleSox provide affordable family entertainment for baseball fans throughout North Central Washington, and an excellent environment for college players from around the country to develop their skills.
 
The AppleSox were founded in 2000. The team has won the WCL Championship five out of the last nine seasons (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2012). Nine AppleSox alumni have reached the major leagues. Three currently play at the MLB level: Jason Hammel (Chicago Cubs), Blaine Hardy (Detroit Tigers), and Tommy Milone (Minnesota Twins). For more information, visit www.applesox.com.  

AppleSox Announce 2016 Schedule

The AppleSox 17th season features 33 home games, 27 home WCL matchups and two new opponents. Fans can also look forward to a Father's Day Matchup, Fireworks Night, and Independence Day game.

WENATCHEE – On June 3, 2016, the Wenatchee AppleSox open their 17th season, and a 33-game home schedule at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. The schedule features 27 West Coast League matchups, and 6 non-league games, the team announced Friday.

The schedule also includes a Father’s Day matchup June 19, the team’s annual Fireworks Night presented by Edward Jones July 3, and an Independence Day game the following night.

The realigned WCL schedule kicks off immediately, with Wenatchee entertaining geographical rival Yakima Valley, June 3. First pitch will fly at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6 p.m., and the Friday-night matchup opens the first of six weekend series on Wenatchee’s schedule this summer.

Two organizations make their first appearances on the AppleSox schedule in 2016, including the WCL’s newest franchise, the Gresham GreyWolves. In non-league action, Wenatchee will face the Alaska Goldpanners. This is the first time the Goldpanners, from Fairbanks, have come to Wenatchee. The team was launched in 1960 and later started the Alaska Baseball League. They are perennial contenders at the NBC tournament in Wichita.

Wenatchee will also welcome the San Francisco Seals to the Apple Capital, to complete the six-game non-league slate. It will mark the third-consecutive season the teams have met in Wenatchee.

June 3-5, Wenatchee plays its only home games with the Yakima Valley Pippins, after a league realignment moved the Pippins to a six-team South Division. Wenatchee will play in the North, with four other division members, including Walla Walla, Kelowna, Bellingham, and Victoria. Bend, Corvallis, Cowlitz, Gresham, and Kitsap round out the South. League members will compete for first and second half titles in both divisions. The winners of the first and second halves of the season will face each other in the WCL Divisional postseason series, before setting up a North-South Championship series.

The two winningest franchises in WCL history meet June 10-12 in Wenatchee, when Corvallis comes to town. The first two games of the series are slated for 7:05 p.m. first pitches, and Sunday’s game will open at 6:05 p.m.

All non-Sunday home games start at 7:05 p.m. in 2016, and all seven Sunday home games will begin at 6:05 p.m.

Wenatchee’s first multi-series homestand begins Tuesday June 14 and continues through the Father’s Day game, June 19. Walla Walla and San Francisco will be the AppleSox foes for the week.

The AppleSox next six home games will be against Canadian outfits. Victoria comes to town Monday June 27 through Wednesday June 29. To cap a streak of nine WCL home games, Kelowna will visit for Fourth of July weekend, with the series opening Sunday July 3 on Fireworks Night, and continuing through Tuesday.

Wenatchee plays its second six-game homestand against WCL South opponents Gresham and Bend, July 9-14. It will be the Sox second meeting against the two teams for Oregon, following the teams southerly six-game road trip in late June.

After the All Star Game July 19 at Cowlitz, in Longview, Wenatchee hosts the Kitsap BlueJackets for three games. Then, after a six-game roadstand, the AppleSox end a string of 12-straight games, when they welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Washington.

The final regular season home series of 2016 will coincide with the WCL’s regular season end, when Wenatchee plays host to Bellingham, one of the league’s powerhouse organizations over the past two years.

Should the AppleSox reach their 14th postseason, Divisional Playoff games will be held August 9-11 at the participating teams’ stadiums. The WCL Championship series will take place August 13-16. The team with the best record will likely host the final two games of the series (third game, if necessary), August 15-16.

For Tickets:
Fans can enjoy three different seating options for AppleSox season tickets: Premium Reserved Seating, General Admission Bleacher Seating and General Admission Family Bleacher Seating. There's a seating choice for every taste and all are bargain-priced! Benefits include:

-       Same great seats for all events, including playoffs and promotional nights.

-       Generous discounts off the regular ticket prices.

-       Transferable. Thank valuable clients or reward star employees with your tickets.

-       An invitation to the annual AppleSox Hot Stove Party.

Premium Reserved Seats: $215 - The best seats in the house, with the best close-up location to the field. Premium seats in the "Nan & Red Ogan Seating Section" have seat backs and arms.

General Admission Bleacher Seats: $115 - All bleacher seats have great views of the field. A family seating section is alcohol-free. General admission tickets are also good for the Pepsi Patio Deck and the lawn chair areas.

Contact the AppleSox at 509-665-6900 or visit www.applesox.com/tickets for more information.

Youth Camps to Expand in 2016

AppleSox campers work at the Pitching/Catching camp, which will run June 27-29, 2016. A Hitting/Fielding camp will be held for FOUR days, July 11-14, 2016.

WENATCHEE - Popular youth camps will expand in 2016, AppleSox Owner, Jim Corcoran, and Head Coach AJ Proszek, announced Monday.

This year, aspiring baseball players will work with AJ Proszek and his 2016 team to acquire skills in hitting, fielding, pitching, and catching. 

Camps are EXPANDED this year. The Hitting/Fielding camp will span FOUR days, July 11-14, 2016, while the team's Pitching/Catching camp is utilizing a three-day schedule (June 27-29).

Both camps prepare youth baseball players with the skills they need to grow their games, and are a fun way to connect with AppleSox players and coaches. 

Camps are scheduled for 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., and feature break out sessions with the AppleSox college student-athletes. 

The Hitting/Fielding camp costs $119 and the Pitching/Catching camp is $99. Both make great holiday gifts, and each camper gets a gift bag full of cool stuff including an AppleSox t-shirt and a free ticket to the next home game.

Fans can register their favorite youth baseball players for the camp opportunities through the AppleSox website (www.applesox.com), by clicking on "Community" at the top menu bar, followed by "Youth Camps." 

Fans are also encouraged to visit www.applesoxcamps.com for more information. 

ABOUT APPLESOX CAMPS
Wenatchee AppleSox instructional clinics are for kids who want to enhance their baseball skills. Participants will learn techniques to improve hitting, fielding, pitching and catching from AppleSox players and coaches. These camps are EXPANDED with increased instruction time for each camp over previous camps, with the Pitching / Catching Camp running three days and the Hitting / Fielding Camp running four days this year.  The AppleSox camps are led by Head Coach AJ Proszek, and he is assisted by his coaching staff and players.

APPLESOX TO FACE NEW WCL OPPONENT IN 2016

FROM WCL COMMUNICATIONS

Starting summer 2016, Gresham, Oregon will be home to the newest West Coast League baseball team. Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis, along with West Coast League President Dennis Koho, made the announcement Thursday at Mt. Hood Community College’s Oslund Field.

“We are proud to welcome the West Coast League to Gresham. This league will bring a fun and affordable family-friendly activity to our community and I am excited to see kids and families at the games cheering on Gresham’s team,” said Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis.

“Mt. Hood Community College is honored to be the host site for what should prove to be a wonderful addition to the Gresham community,” said Mt. Hood CC President Dr. Debra Derr.

“The West Coast League is very excited to be partnering with Gresham and Mt. Hood Community College.  Both represent high standards of growth and excellence as does the West Coast League.  Every community in which we play gets their chance at winning a championship, and I am confident that the new Gresham club with bring a strong brand to town in 2016,” said West Coast League President Dennis Koho.

The owners of the yet-to-be named Gresham team are Jerry and Lisa Walker who are also the owners of the highly successful Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, a Class A affiliate of the 2010, 2012, 2014 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants; and the Klamath Falls Gems. 

“Lisa and I join the entire WCL, City of Gresham, Mt. Hood Community College and area fans in celebrating this next chapter in community-based, family-friendly, championship-caliber baseball,” Jerry Walker said.

“Gresham is known to support baseball. We’ve had a number of major league players come from our area and it is natural the community would rally around this new team. What a great opportunity for business involvement as well,” said Lynn Snodgrass, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce CEO.

The team’s nickname and mascot will be determined through a community-wide “name the team contest.” Fans can immediately begin submitting their entries by email togreshamwclbaseball@gmail.com.

Featuring a population of nearly 110,000 and located in Multnomah County, Gresham is a suburb of Portland, Oregon and is the fourth largest city in Oregon.

Gresham’s WCL team will play its home games at Mt. Hood CC’s Oslund Field, which features ivy on its outfield field fence like Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The new Gresham team will replace the Klamath Falls Gems in the WCL’s 2016 schedule. The WCL’s 11-team schedule will be released soon. The Klamath Falls Gems will continue play at historic Kiger Stadium, but not as a West Coast League team.

About the Wenatchee AppleSox:

The Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club is part of the West Coast League, one of the premier wood-bat summer collegiate leagues in the country. The AppleSox provide affordable family entertainment for baseball fans throughout North Central Washington, and an excellent environment for college players from around the country to develop their skills.

The AppleSox were founded in 2000 and appeared in the West Coast League Championship Series in 2012. The team has won the WCL Championship five out of the last nine seasons (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2012). Nine AppleSox alumni have reached the major leagues. Three currently play at the MLB level: Jason Hammel (Chicago Cubs), Blaine Hardy (Detroit Tigers), and Tommy Milone (Minnesota Twins). For more information, visit www.applesox.com.

AppleSox, WCL Baseball Featured in Kitsap Sun

Check out two articles in the Kitsap Sun, featuring the AppleSox and WCL Baseball atmosphere! We miss it already, but can't wait for next season! 

LEAGUE OF DREAMS: WEST COAST LEAGUE HELPS BASEBALL PLAYERS TAKE NEXT STEP

IN WEST COAST LEAGUE, FOUR TEAMS ARE THE CORNERSTONES

For information on season tickets, and becoming a host family for the 2016 season, fans can call 509-665-6900 or email info@applesox.com - 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE APPLESOX HOST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
 

APPLESOX EARN WEST COAST LEAGUE HONORS

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox placed one 2015 player on the West Coast League First Team and two on the WCL Second Team, while four others were noted as honorable mention, President Dennis Koho announced, Thursday.

Keston Hiura (UC Irvine), named to the 2015 Perfect Game Summer Collegiate All-America First Team last week, adds to his summer accolades with a WCL First Team selection.

Hiura sported a team-best .356 batting average and also led the team in runs (39), hits (68), doubles (21), triples (6), RBI (42), HBP (9), sacrifice flies (5), and stolen bases (13). He set single-season team records for doubles (21), triples (6), extra-base hits (33), and total bases (119). Also, Hiura finished the season by reaching base in 41 consecutive games. In total, he reached base in all but one of his 49 games played.

Mitchell Holland (UC Irvine), joined his Anteater teammate, earning a second team bid. Hunter Wells (Gonzaga) was also named to the second team.

Holland was the Sox second-best hitter in 2015. He finished with a .312 average, three home runs, 29 RBI, 12 walks, and three stolen bases. He was Wenatchee’s Home Run Derby representative at the 2015 WCL All Star Game.

Wells tied a team record, posting a seven-win season, placing him atop Wenatchee’s record books with Owen Jones (2011). He was the only All Star selected from the AppleSox pitching staff, and posted a low ERA, for starting pitchers, at 2.76. He also was the team’s strikeout leader with 56.

Evan Douglas (Spokane Falls CC), Zach Haggett (Spokane Falls CC), Dustin Hamilton (Central Washington), and Sean Sparling (UC Irvine) were all noted as Honorable Mention All-WCL.

Douglas led the Sox in home runs (7), Haggett was second on the team in wins (6) and starter’s ERA (3.72), Hamilton led Wenatchee in saves (5), and Sean Sparling posted the lowest ERA of any AppleSox pitcher (1.60).

Wenatchee’s seven representatives are the first coached to All-League honors by AJ Proszek. Bend led the league in first-team selections (4), and the Kelowna Falcons captured at least a share of each individual WCL award. Falcons' shortstop Hunter Villanueva of Fresno Pacific earned MVP honors, Kelowna right-hander Brady Miller of Western Oregon was named WCL Pitcher of the Year, and Falcon skipper Billy Clontz was the league's pick for Coach of the Year. Kelowna GM Mark Nonis shared Executive of the Year recognition with first-year Bend Elks general manager Casey Powell.

Comeback Bid Falls Just Short In Season Finale

The 2015 AppleSox finished 24-30 in WCL play, and were 27-31 overall.

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Wenatchee AppleSox (27-31, 24-30) finished the season in a close 4-3 contest with the Yakima Valley Pippins (32-25, 29-25) at County Stadium in Yakima. 

The AppleSox fell behind early, with the Pippins making good on a bases-loaded walk in the first inning. Yakima Valley also added two runs in the third inning, following an error and two singles. 

Wenatchee scored a run in the fourth after a single for Mitchell Holland. A wild pitch and a passed ball set up Holland to score on a second wild pitch in the inning. 

The Pippins added their fourth run on back-to-back errors and a sacrifice bunt for an RBI. 

Wenatchee came back for a second run in the sixth inning on an RBI single for Joey Jansen, and nearly mounted a complete comeback in the ninth inning on a double by Evan Douglas and an RBI single for Keston Hiura. 

The AppleSox will be back in action June of 2016, when the 2016 season opens at Paul Thomas Sr. Field! 

APPLESOX END 2015 SEASON, SUNDAY

GAME NOTES
BASEBALL BLURBS

2015 SEASON ENDS ON ROAD IN YAKIMA
The Wenatchee AppleSox (27-30, 24-29), third place in the WCL East, will look to finish the 2015 season with a series win over the Yakima Valley Pippins (31-25, 28-25)...Wenatchee has won its last three WCL East divisional series...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (27-30) (.474), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox scored first in the second inning off of Pippins starter Darrion Simons...Drew Helmstadter drove in Jordan Rathbone with an RBI single. Rathbone was aboard earlier in the inning on a double...Yakima Valley answered with an RBI double from Dayton Provost, scoring Jake Manson, who was aboard on a double earlier in the inning...Zach Haggett (6-3), worked seven innings for the AppleSox, Saturday, and gave up only the one Pippin run on five hits. He threw 90 pitches over his seven innings and threw 60 for strikes...Keston Hiura gave Haggett a lead to work with in the top of the seventh. Hiura hit an RBI triple to the wall in right field to score Evan Douglas who walked earlier in the seventh off of Pippins reliever Zach Wolf (0-1)...Hiura also walked in the first inning to extend his streak of reaching base to 40-consecutive games...Kyle Vanderkin also tripled for the AppleSox in the eighth inning...in the bottom half, AJ Proszek was ejected arguing a changed call between second and third base, when a Pippins runner was originally called out on a rundown, later to be ruled safe on a missed tag...Sean Sparling rebounded to strikeout two batters with two runners in scoring position, before retiring the side in the ninth inning for the AppleSox 2-1 victory. 

CAN’T KEEP HIM OFF BASE
Keston Hiura extended his consecutive reached base safely streak to 40 games, with a walk in the first inning last night...he has reached base consecutively in more games than any other player in the WCL this season...the previous high was set by Tyler Davis of Bend (31)...there are no players with an active streak in the WCL higher than 18 games, other than Hiura...his streak began June 24 at home against the Yakima Valley Pippins, in a 10-8 AppleSox loss. 

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 867 games, the AppleSox own a 540-327 (.623) record...the AppleSox are 400-227 (.638) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 349-209 (.626) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 431-284 (.603) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 325-169 (.657) all-time home record, and is 225-177 (.561) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-29 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX WIN, END PIPPINS PLAYOFF HOPES

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Wenatchee AppleSox (27-30, 24-29) ended the Yakima Valley Pippins (31-25, 28-25) hopes for a 2015 playoff berth Saturday with a 2-1 victory in a pitcher's duel at County Stadium in Yakima. 

The AppleSox scored first in the second inning off of Pippins starter Darrion Simons. Drew Helmstadter drove in Jordan Rathbone with an RBI single. Rathbone was aboard earlier in the inning on a double. 

Yakima Valley answered with an RBI double from Dayton Provost, scoring Jake Manson, who was aboard on a double earlier in the inning. 

Zach Haggett (6-3), worked seven innings for the AppleSox, Saturday, and gave up only the one Pippin run on five hits. He threw 90 pitches over his seven innings and threw 60 for strikes. 

Keston Hiura gave Haggett a lead to work with in the top of the seventh. Hiura hit an RBI triple to the wall in right field to score Evan Douglas who walked earlier in the seventh off of Pippins reliever Zach Wolf (0-1). Hiura also walked in the first inning to extend his streak of reaching base to 40-consecutive games. 

Kyle Vanderkin also tripled for the AppleSox in the eighth inning. 

In the bottom half, AJ Proszek was ejected arguing a changed call between second and third base, when a Pippins runner was originally called out on a rundown, later to be ruled safe on a missed tag. 

Sean Sparling rebounded to strikeout two batters with two runners in scoring position, before retiring the side in the ninth inning for the AppleSox 2-1 victory. 

WP- Zach Haggett (6-3)
LP- Zach Wolf (0-1)
S- Sean Sparling (3)

APPLESOX CONTINUE SERIES AT YAKIMA, SATURDAY

GAME NOTES
BASEBALL BLURBS

2015 SEASON ENDS ON ROAD IN YAKIMA
The Wenatchee AppleSox (26-30, 23-29), third place in the WCL East, will look to play spoiler to the Yakima Valley Pippins (31-24, 28-24), who need to win out and receive some help in the final weekend of league play to make it into the WCL postseason...Yakima Valley swept the first meeting between the two teams at Paul Thomas Sr. Field, and the AppleSox took two of the next three, before losing last night...the Pippins earned the season series win last night...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (26-30) (.464), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
Yakima Valley scored seven runs over the first two innings off of Gage Burland (2-4), who ended up making his shortest start of the season at two innings...the AppleSox were no-hit by Yakima Valley starter Mitch Yada (4-3), who was facing his former AppleSox team (2013) for the third time this season...Yada gave up a run in the third after two errors allowed Kyle Vanderkin to third and he was driven in on a groundout...Keston Hiura got the AppleSox first hit in the fourth inning. With the hit, Hiura has reached base in 39-consecutive games, a high in the WCL...Kyle Blankenship pitched a strong six innings of relief, giving up just two runs to the Pippins...the outing will be the last for Blankenship in 2015, a good way to end his campaign...the AppleSox added a run in the ninth inning with doubles for Mitchell Holland and Jordan Rathbone (RBI)...Rathbone was the only AppleSox player with multiple hits Friday...the complete game win for Yada, marked the first complete game thrown by a Pippins pitcher in 2015, and was the first of his collegiate summer league career. 

CAN’T KEEP HIM OFF BASE
Keston Hiura extended his consecutive reached base safely streak to 39 games, with a single in the fourth inning last night...he has reached base consecutively in more games than any other player in the WCL this season...the previous high was set by Tyler Davis of Bend (31)...there are no players with an active streak in the WCL higher than 18 games, other than Hiura...his streak began June 24 at home against the Yakima Valley Pippins, in a 10-8 AppleSox loss. 

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 866 games, the AppleSox own a 539-327 (.623) record...the AppleSox are 399-227 (.638) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 348-209 (.626) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 430-284 (.603) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 324-169 (.657) all-time home record, and is 225-177 (.561) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-29 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX FALL IN OPENER AT YAKIMA VALLEY

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Wenatchee AppleSox (26-30, 23-29) fell 9-2 to the Yakima Valley Pippins (31-24, 28-24) at County Stadium to open the final series of the 2015 season, Friday night. 

Yakima Valley scored seven runs over the first two innings off of Gage Burland (2-4), who ended up making his shortest start of the season at two innings. 

The AppleSox were no-hit by Yakima Valley starter Mitch Yada (4-3), who was facing his former AppleSox team (2013) for the third time this season. Yada gave up a run in the third after two errors allowed Kyle Vanderkin to third and he was driven in on a groundout. 

Keston Hiura got the AppleSox first hit in the fourth inning. With the hit, Hiura has reached base in 39-consecutive games, a high in the WCL. 

Kyle Blankenship pitched a strong six innings of relief, giving up just two runs to the Pippins. The outing will be the last for Blankenship in 2015, a good way to end his campaign. 

The AppleSox added a run in the ninth inning with doubles for Mitchell Holland and Jordan Rathbone (RBI). Rathbone was the only AppleSox player with multiple hits Friday. 

The complete game win for Yada, marked the first complete game thrown by a Pippins pitcher in 2015, and was the first of his collegiate summer league career. 

The AppleSox and Pippins continue the series tonight in game two at 7:05 p.m. 

WP- Mitch Yada (4-3)
LP- Gage Burland (2-4)

APPLESOX BEGIN FINAL 2015 SERIES AT YAKIMA

The AppleSox and the Yakima Valley Pippins open their final series of 2015, Friday night at County Stadium in Yakima.

GAME NOTES
BASEBALL BLURBS

2015 SEASON ENDS ON ROAD IN YAKIMA
The Wenatchee AppleSox (26-29, 23-28), third place in the WCL East, will look to play spoiler to the Yakima Valley Pippins (30-24, 27-24), who need to win out and receive some help in the final weekend of league play to make it into the WCL postseason...Yakima Valley swept the first meeting between the two teams at Paul Thomas Sr. Field, and the AppleSox took two of the next three...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (26-29) (.473), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox were lifted offensively by Keston Hiura, who hit a two-run home run in the first inning to left field...it was Hiura’s sixth home run of the season, third of the homestand, and second of the series. ..a season-high crowd of 1,859 was on hand to witness the blast, which extended Keston Hiura’s reached base streak to 38 games...Walla Walla provided a bulk of the offense, Thursday, earning seven runs off of starter Micael Taylor...an RBI single for Willie MacIver in the first inning gave Walla Walla its first run. They added a second in the fourth inning on a groundout from Dyllin Mucha. A seven-run sixth inning capped the contest offensively, and the game swung in momentum after a catcher’s interference call put runners at first and second with one out...Walla Walla’s Nick Halamandaris went on to hit a grand slam to right field, which gave Walla Walla its seven-run lead.

CAN’T KEEP HIM OFF BASE
Keston Hiura extended his consecutive reached base safely streak to 38 games, with a two-run home run in the first inning...he has reached base consecutively in more games than any other player in the WCL this season...the previous high was set by Tyler Davis of Bend (31)...there are no players with an active streak in the WCL higher than 18 games, other than Hiura...his streak began June 24 at home against the Yakima Valley Pippins, in a 10-8 AppleSox loss. 

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 865 games, the AppleSox own a 539-326 (.623) record...the AppleSox are 399-226 (.638) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 348-208 (.626) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 430-283 (.603) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 324-169 (.657) all-time home record, and is 225-176 (.561) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-29 all-time in extra-inning games.