Butler BlueSox Presented by Northwood Realty Services
. By The Skin of Their Teeth... Maybe by Patrick Reddick July 23, 2010
Four games in three days isn’t enough for the BlueSox and Sliders. They
went into extra innings again on Friday night after playing a double header that lasted 20 innings total on Thursday. . And it’s not over yet. . The
start of game was delayed just under an hour due to threatening rain. It was once again delayed in the middle of the tenth
inning due to lightning. The BlueSox are winning 5-4, but its conclusion was postponed until the BlueSox return to Slippery
Rock on July 31. . Slippery Rock’s Sean Mahley stole five bases in the
game, two of which brought him to third base in the ninth inning of a 4-4 game. He broke for home plate when Jeremy Banks
grounded to shortstop Adam Jury. Jury threw home and Mahley collided with catcher Ryan Geibel, who dropped the ball, and seemingly
allowing the winning run to score. After argument from Butler manager Jason Wuerfel and a discussion among the umpires the
run was disallowed. . The NCAA rules, under which the Prospect League is played,
include a “Collision Rule” (Rule 8, section 7) which discourages contact initiated by base runners. . In the top of the tenth inning, Adam Jury homered for the first time this season to
give the BlueSox a 5-4 lead. . Butler didn’t waste any time getting
started with a double from Zach Duggan to lead off the game. He scored on a single to right field by John Sulzicki. Sulzicki
leads the BlueSox in RBIs. . Slippery Rock took a 2-1 lead, scoring in each
of the first two innings. . The BlueSox regained the lead in the fourth inning
when Adam Jury led off with a double and scored on a Max Vogel single. Back-to-back errors allowed Vogel and Ryan Geibel to
score; bringing the score to 4-2. . Ben Ballantine went five innings for Butler,
he struck out six and walked just two Sliders. . Slippery Rock tied the ballgame
at 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Corey Young came out of the bullpen to throw two scoreless innings for Butler. . Zach Duggan went 4-for-5 including a double and scored a run. . Butler and Slippery Rock will play again at Pullman Park on Saturday night. One lucky fan will
win a used car, game time is 6:35pm. .
Box Score, so far
. BlueSox and Sliders Play 20 Innings,
.
Split Double Header
. by Patrick Reddick and Jerin Steele July 22, 2010
In his 20th inning in center field on a day the temperature remained above
80 degrees, Zach Duggan turned and raced toward the fence to the right of the 424-foot marker in center field. The ball that
was launched by Slippery Rock’s catcher A.J. Miller eluded Duggan’s glove by just a few feet—Duggan crashed
into the fence, coming up with a bloody nose, and Miller rounded the bases for an inside-the-park home run. . The play seemed to personify the BlueSox season so far. . Miller’s run put the score of the second game of a double header at 6-4, which became the final of the 13 inning night-cap. . “It’s a moment you’ll take away from a summer where you had
a lot of tough games, but it shows a lot about what kind of a ball player Zach is to try and make a play like that,”
said Butler manager Jason Wuerfel. “For a guy to take the wall head-on like that… that’s a competitor,
that’s a ballplayer, and that’s all I ask of my guys every day. It makes me proud.” . Butler’s starter Cole Taylor held the Sliders in check, giving up six hits in six innings.
Unfortunately four hits came in the top of the fifth inning to help the Sliders tie up the game at 4-4. . Kurt Roeder came in to relieve Taylor with a strong performance of his own—throwing only
71 pitches over seven innings. Roeder was on the mound when Miller had his game winning RBI. . “It’s tough to lose so many close games,” said Wuerfel. “There haven’t been many times that
we’ve been shellacked early in the game. Our offense has been better overall this year than last.” . Duggan scored two runs on the night. He led off the first inning with a single and
Austin Wulf followed with a double. Duggan scored from third base on a wild pitch and Wulf followed when Kevan Smith singled
to left field. . The loss brought Butler’s overall record to 17-25.
Eighteen of those losses have been by two runs or less. . “We’ve
been in every game this year, it’s just for whatever reason,” said Wuerfel. “Baseball is a game of probability,
odds, statistics; if you shook up the dice and played the season one more time the exact same way, you never know, it could
happen the other way.” . Butler has fought a tough schedule lately with
games in six cities in the past week, and no days off for two weeks. They arrived in town from their latest trip at 6am. . “This is our second double header in a week,” said Wuerfel. “A
lot of these guys want to be professional ballplayers and this is what it’s like, playing banged up with a few hours
of sleep and you’ve got to go out and be a pro when the lights come on. The guys did a really good job today.” . Game One . The
BlueSox picked up the win in the first half of Thursday’s double header, 4-2. . Tim Geil gave up just two runs in six innings. He gave up nine hits, but didn’t walk any Sliders. . “My off-speed pitches were working, but not as well as normal,” said Geil. “So
they had more hits than usual, but I was able to get ground balls and a few double plays to get out of innings.” . Ryan Thompson picked up the save for Butler. . All four of Butler’s runs came in the second inning. Tyler Sciacca and John Sulzicki singled and walked, respectively,
to start the inning. Adam Jury singled to score Sciacca and Logan Uxa walked to load the bases. . Colby Roberts singled to left field to score another run, but the ball got past Slippery Rock’s outfielder and Jury
scored to make it 3-0. Duggan hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Uxa. . “Duggan was great in center field,” said Geil. “I just went out there and did what I had to do to get
it done. Sciacca and Wulf were there today and I trust Craycraft just as much as those guys. It helps out when you know they’re
back there to make those plays for you.” . The BlueSox and Sliders will
play again on Friday in Slippery Rock. The two teams will be back again for their fourth consecutive matchup on Saturday evening
at Pullman Park. .
Box Score
. BlueSox Drop Final Game of Road
Trip by Patrick Reddick July 21, 2010
The BlueSox will be glad to get back home on Thursday,
after dropping a game 9-5 to the Richmond River Rats on Wednesday. . Butler
put up four runs in the fourth inning when Logan Uxa walked the bases loaded with two outs after a single from Cameron Squires
and a double from John Sulzicki. Colby Roberts knocked in Squires and Adam Jury singled to score two more runs. Zach Duggan
singled to right field scoring Roberts from third base, but Jury was thrown out at the plate for the final out of the frame. . Richmond quickly responded by scoring four runs in the bottom of the inning
and three more in the next. The River Rats’ bullpen was strong, giving up a single run over three innings. . Jury finished with three RBIs and two hits, including a double. Duggan, Sulzicki, and
Kevan Smith also had two hits each. . Butler returns to Pullman Park for a
double header on Thursday against the Slippery Rock Sliders. The first game will start at 2:35pm, while the second will start
at the regular time of 6:35pm. Local rock legend Donnie Iris will make an appearance at the second game. Butler’s next
home game will be on Saturday when one luck fan will drive home in a used car. Tickets can be reserved by calling 724.263.9874. .
. Down, But Never Deterred by
Patrick Reddick July 18, 2010
For the second consecutive night a single pitch was the difference in the game
for the BlueSox, unfortunately the result was the same as both pitches were driven for home runs by the Gems. . Just like last night the BlueSox fell behind early, giving up three runs in the first inning.
And just like last night they didn’t quit. . In the top of the third
inning, Adam Jury drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Zach Duggan. Jury scored on Cameron
Squires’s single and Squires scored from first base when Max Vogel singled. . Butler tied the game in the next inning when Colby Roberts lead off with a single and worked his way around the bases to
score. . Quincy took a one run lead in the bottom of the fifth, but hits by
Kevan Smith, John Sulzicki, and Duggan gave Butler the lead back 5-4. Quincy right fielder Vinnie Fayard’s seventh inning
two run homer was the deciding factor in the game. Fayard is now third in the Prospect League with 30 RBIs. . Butler starter Ben Ballantine walked one Gem in six innings, giving up four runs. Corey Young
pitched a scorless inning of relief. . The BlueSox will be in Hannibal on
Monday evening. .
. BlueSox Drop Close One to Open Road Trip by Patrick Reddick July 17, 2010
The tying run stood 90 feet from home plate, but it wasn’t meant to be
as the BlueSox fell to the Quincy Gems 6-5 on Saturday night. . The BlueSox
traveled the thirteen hour bus ride overnight on Friday after a home victory. They gave up a run in the first inning, but
came back in the fourth. . A John Sulzicki walk and back-to-back singles from
Tyler Sciacca and Logan Uxa loaded the bases. With two outs, Max Vogel continued his hot streak by knocking in two runs with
a single. Colby Roberts singled in another run, but Vogel was thrown out at the plate to end the inning. . For the second consecutive night a BlueSox pitcher went seven innings. Tonight it was Cole Taylor
who gave up two runs, walking only one Gem and striking out four. . Jonathan
Craycraft walked to lead off the eighth inning, he worked his way around the bases to score on a passed ball and two wild
pitches, putting Butler up 4-2. . Quincy, however, struck for three runs in
the bottom of the inning. Kevin Lee gave up a lead off walk in the ninth, but Cameron Squires was stranded on third base as
the game ended. Lee picked up his seventh save of the season. . The BlueSox
will reconvene with Quincy on Sunday. .
John Sulzicki’s
parents surprised him by showing up at the game last night, but he made the trip worth their while, knocking in four runs
to lead the BlueSox to an 8-5 victory over the Lorain County Ironmen on Friday evening. . Butler (2-5) entered the game in an offensive drought and it looked like more of the same when they didn’t have a
hit through 5.2 innings. That all changed on three pitches. . Lorain’s
(2-5) Kris Hall struck out eight BlueSox, but also walked six batters in the first six innings, including Tyler Sciacca to
lead off the bottom of the sixth. After two quick outs, Max Vogel doubled Hall’s 123rd pitch of the night to right-center
to break up the no-hitter, shutout, and offensive struggles. . First baseman
Ben Ballantine drove the next pitch for another double, giving Butler the lead. Catcher Ryan Geibel lined the next pitch into
the outfield for a single and extended Butler’s lead to 3-1. . While
Hall’s performance was stellar, Butler’s Tim Geil was just as dominant. Geil kept the BlueSox in the game, giving
up a single run on four hits in seven innings. He struck out six Ironmen and walked none to earn the win. . Butler's offense kept rolling when Austin Wulf lead off the seventh inning with a walk; Jonathan
Craycraft and Sciacca followed with singles to load the bases. Sulzicki knocked in two runs and Vogel singled to add another
extending Butler’s lead to 6-1. . Craycraft and Sciacca reached base
again in the eighth and Sulzicki knocked them in with a double to left center field. . Sulzicki finished the game 2-for-4 with a walk and four RBIs. He now leads the team with 20 RBIs on the season. . Vogel went 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, and a run scored. Sciacca had a single,
double, walk, and scored three runs. . The BlueSox left immediately after
the game to make the thirteen hour bus ride to Quincy, Illinois. They will play seven games in six cities in the upcoming
week. .
. Just One of Those Days by Jerin
Steele and Patrick Reddick July 15, 2010
A day after losing two close ones in a hot double
header the BlueSox took less of a heart-wrenching route on Thursday, falling 13-0 to the Hannibal Cavemen. . Butler (1-5) starter Ben Rawding cruised through the first three innings, before yielding four
runs in the top of the fourth inning. . Hannibal (4-3) added another run in
the fifth inning and seven more in the sixth. . JJ Dubois pitched a scoreless
eighth inning for Butler. . The BlueSox were unable to solve Hannibal starter
Justin McGhee who threw a 99-pitch complete game four-hit shutout. The BlueSox reached base six times, only making it to second
base once. McGhee allowed no walks. . The BlueSox did get two hits from Logan
Uxa who singled on line drives in the 2nd and 8th innings. . Hannibal’s
DH Shelby Anderson went 4-for-6 including a double and a triple. He scored twice and notched three RBIs. . Butler looks to bounce back in front of a big hometown crowd tomorrow night at Pullman Park
against the Lorain County Ironmen (2-4). Game time is 6:35pm for Nextier Fireworks night. There are still field level and
general admission seats available for the game; you can reserve them ahead of time by calling 724.263.9874. .
BlueSox Keep 'Scratching Away' by Jerin Steele and Patrick Reddick July 14, 2010
The BlueSox dropped
a pair of one-run games in their double header on Wednesday to the Richmond River Rats. . “Our guys come in and play hard every day,” said coach Jason Wuerfel. “If we keep scratching away we can
climb back into this thing. Eventually if you work hard things should start to go your way.” . Butler (1-5) took the field just hours after arriving home from a trip to West Virginia, where they played the Miners (2-5)
in a game that lasted over three hours and concluded close to midnight on Tuesday. . Richmond (5-2) wasted no time getting into the action, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning of game one. Butler’s
bats were quick to respond, however, as they scored five runs in the bottom of the inning. . Three consecutive singles loaded the bases for the BlueSox, who picked up their first run when Logan Uxa walked. After a
strikeout and fly out put the rally in jeopardy, Colby Roberts grounded to shortstop Zach Bott whose errant throw to first
base allowed another run to score and keep the bases loaded. . Catcher Ryan
Geibel drove the next pitch into center field for a three-run single, bringing the score to 5-2. . “Ryan did an excellent job,” said Wuerfel. “He has sat out for a while and to come in and give a good
performance like that shows a lot about his character.” . Richmond worked
their way back to tie the game. Ryan Thompson entered the game with one out and the bases loaded in the fifth inning; he was
able to get out of the jam giving up only a single run. . Thompson threw 2.2
scoreless innings, allowing nobody to reach base, and striking out two batters. . Due to the double header the game was scheduled to be a seven inning affair, but the 5-5 score forced the game into the
eighth frame. . DH Max Vogel entered the game to pitch, giving up a double
to Garrett Stephens who worked his way around to score. . Butler threatened
in the bottom of the inning when Adam Jury singled and advanced to second base on a throwing error. Tyler Sciacca entered
the game as a pinch hitter with two outs. He singled to right field and Wuerfel waved Jury home from second base where he
was thrown out in a close play at the plate by Richmond’s Andrew Morrical to end the game. .
Game Two . Pitching took the spotlight in the second game as both pitchers tossed complete games. . Richmond’s Wes Rehmert gave up two hits and walked three to earn the win, while Butler’s Kurt Roeder suffered
the loss despite giving up just one run in his seven-inning outing. . “[Roeder]
had all three pitches working,” said Wuerfel. “When you have stuff like that you are going to be hard to hit.” . Cameron Squires went 2-for-2 with a walk, double, and a stolen base. . The game lasted under an hour and 22 minutes. . Butler will play at Pullman Park again on Thursday against the Hannibal Cavemen (3-3). Friday is fireworks night. Tickets
are still available for both games and can be reserved ahead of time by calling 724.263.9874. .
The BlueSox were in the game late on Tuesday night,
but West Virginia’s offense was too strong in the end. The Miners split the series with Butler, with an 11-5 win. . Ben Ballantine has a solid start for Butler (1-3), giving up two runs in six
innings of work and striking out four. . Trailing 2-0 in the seventh inning,
Logan Uxa lead off with a walk. He scored when Jonathan Craycraft tripled. Max Vogel walked, and Craycraft scored when Adam
Jury reached base on a fielder’s choice—due to an error on third baseman Victor Ramos, Vogel was able to advance
to third. After back-to-back outs, Kevan Smith singled in two runs giving Butler the lead. Smith went on to score when Tyler
Sciacca singled, bringing the score to 5-2. . The Miners (2-3) responded with
four runs in the bottom of the inning and five more in the next, however, to put the game out of reach. . Vogel went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. Kevan Smith was 1-for-3 with two RBIs, a
run scored, and a stolen base. . Butler will return home for a double header
on Wednesday against the Richmond RiverRats (3-2). Butler won the only meeting between the two teams this season, 10-9, on
July 2. The first game will start at 2:05pm and be followed by the second game at the normal starting time of 6:35pm. . The BlueSox will also be at home on Thursday and Friday evening. Friday is NexTier
fireworks night. Tickets are available by calling 724.263.9874. .
Vogel Goes Deep, BlueSox Pick
Up Win by Patrick Reddick July 12, 2010
Fueled by
a Max Vogel homer the BlueSox picked up their first win of the season’s second half on Monday night in West Virginia,
defeating the Miners 7-5. . West
Virginia (1-3) jumped out to a four run lead in the bottom of the first inning, but the BlueSox (1-2) quickly got a run back
in the next inning. . Butler took
the lead in the third when Zach Duggan and Austin Wulf lead off with back-to-back walks. After Kevan Smith flew out to center
field, John Sulzick loaded the bases with another walk. Tyler Sciacca singled in a run and Jonathan Craycraft singled in another.
Sulzicki scored when Colby Roberts was put out on a fielder’s choice. Sciacca moved to third base on the play and brought
the lead to 5-4 when he scored on a balk by Miners’ starter Jake Peeling. . Peeling went eight innings for West Virginia, giving up seven runs on eight
hits. Butler’s starter Cole Taylor went six innings and gave up five runs. . West Virginia tied the game in the fourth inning, but James Connelly and Ryan
Thompson came out of the bullpen to shut the door. The pair combined to throw three scoreless innings for Butler. Connelly
picked up the win—his first of the season—and Thompson earned his first save. . Craycraft was hit to lead off the eighth inning and Vogel hit a home run to
seal the game for Butler. Vogel finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Colby Roberts also picked up two hits,
including a double, and scored a run. . The win pulls Butler within a half game of Slippery Rock. The BlueSox will face the Miners again on Tuesday evening
before returning home for a double header on Wednesday. Wednesday’s action will begin at 2:05pm; the second game will
start at the usual time of 6:35pm. .
Comeback Comes Up Short by Patrick Reddick July 11, 2010
The BlueSox mounted a comeback,
but were unable to overcome Slippery Rock on Sunday afternoon. The Sliders got the 6-4 victory for their second win of the
second half. . Butler (0-2) had
a rest day on Friday and were rained out on Saturday when they were scheduled to play the Sliders (2-1) at Pullman Park. . The two met on a warm afternoon
in Slippery Rock for their second meeting of the season’s post-All Star Game action. . Derek Carr went 1-for-3 and scored two runs for the Sliders who built a 6-0
lead through seven innings. . BlueSox
starter Tim Geil gave up two earned runs in 5.2 innings, walking two and striking out six. JJ Dubois pitched a scoreless inning
in relief. . Three consecutive
singles by Jonathan Craycraft, Max Vogel, and Zach Duggan gave Butler life in the ninth inning. Kevan Smith knocked in two
runs with a double to center field. Smith scored on a Tyler Sciacca single. . Cory Baker picked up the win for the Sliders giving up two runs over eight innings.
He struck out eight. . Butler
will travel to West Virginia for games on Monday and Tuesday evening against the Miners. The BlueSox will return home for
a three-game stand on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. .
BlueSox Fall in Hot One by Patrick Reddick July 8, 2010
The temperature at game time topped 90 degrees in Slippery Rock on Friday. The Sliders took
an early lead, Butler tied the score at 5-5, but two late runs by Slippery Rock got them the win. . The game kicked off the second half of the season after a three day break for
the Prospect League All Star Game in Quincy, Illinios. . The BlueSox (0-1) got 14 hits over the course of the game; eight players in the lineup had at least one. Logan Uxa
went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Tyler Sciacca and Austin Wulf each had three hits and scored a run. . The Sliders (1-0) jumped out to a 3-0 lead
in the first two innings, but Butler came back with two runs in the fifth inning and three runs on five hits in the sixth. . Slippery Rock tied the game at
5-5 in the bottom of the sixth and added a run in the seventh and the eighth to take their final 7-5 lead. . Sean Mahley picked up the win for the Sliders with
three scoreless innings of relief work. . Butler will take on Slippery Rock at Pullman Park on Friday evening during Butler Hospital Night. Game time is 6:35pm
and tickets can be reserved ahead of time by calling 724.263.9874. .
Pushing the Reset Button by Patrick Reddick July 7, 2010
Early struggles and
injuries galore didn’t help the BlueSox achieve the start they had in mind for 2010, but there is good news: None of
it matters now. . With the addition
of four new teams in the Prospect League this season the divisions were re-aligned and the post-season procedures were re-written. . Like other college and minor professional
leagues the Prospect League Board of Directors voted to move to a first-half, second-half champion concept. The team with
the best record after the season’s first half will play the team with the best record of the season’s second half
for the League championship. . This
concept allows any teams that may have struggled out of the gate to remain in the hunt for the playoffs longer. . Butler finished the first half of the year
in fourth place in the Prospect League eastern division with a 13-14 record. Once they had filled the gaps in their bullpen,
however, the BlueSox’s performance improved. . “We’ve believed all season long that we’re a good team,” said coach Jason Wuerfel, “but
eventually you have to go out and do it, not just believe.” . The 20-8 Chillicothe Paints finished in the top spot in Butler’s division, and the top
spot of the league. . The BlueSox
beat Chillicothe twice and west-leading Richmond in the final week of the first half. . “These are the teams you have to beat if you want to win a championship
and I think it’s proved something to these guys that we can beat them,” said Wuerfel. “It’s just a
matter of going out and beating them in the second half.” . Last season the winners of the two divisions—Chillicothe and Quincy—played a best
of three game championship. Quincy won the first two games and were crowned champions. . Butler kicks off the second half of the season at Slippery Rock on Thursday
before returning to Butler on Friday at 6:35pm.
BlueSox Players Play to Tie in
All Star Game July 7, 2010
The Prospect League’s
All Star Game ended in a 3-3 tie on Tuesday night in Quincy, Illinois. . Three Butler BlueSox players Tyler Sciacca, Tim Geil, and John Sulzicki played in the game.
Kevan Smith was named to the team, but he decided to skip the game to rest a shoulder injury. . Sciacca and catcher Sulzicki both entered the game in the sixth inning. Sulzicki
caught for five different pitchers. Sciacca played second base, rather than his usual shortstop; he threw two runners out
at first base. . Sciacca grounded
out in his sole plate appearance. Sulzicki struck out twice. . Pitcher Tim Geil entered the game in the ninth inning. Steve Tkowski of Dubois grounded to
third base, but an error allowed him to get on. Alex Jones of the Quincy Gems grounded into a fielder’s choice. Quincy’s
Vinnie Fayard singled to put runners on the corners. Geil gave way to Slippery Rock’s Mark Allen Bounds who struck out
the game’s final two batters. .
BlueSox Fall in Close One to Close Out
First Half by Jerin Steele and Patrick Reddick July 4, 2010
The
Butler BlueSox fell in a back-and-forth affair 6-5 with the Lorain County Ironmen to conclude the first half of the 2010 season
on Sunday. . Butler got on the
board in the first inning with a walk and stolen base from Zach Duggan who scored on an Austin Wulf single. . Lorain got runners on, but Butler starter Kurt Roeder
was able to force a double play in each of the first three innings. . “Kurt did a good job with damage control,” said BlueSox coach Jason Wuerfel. “He
didn’t have his command but what makes a good pitcher is when you don’t have your best stuff and you continue
to fight.” . Roeder walked
six batters, but was able to hold Lorain to three runs on four hits in 4.1 innings pitched. . James Connelly gave up a single run in three innings in his second appearance
this season. . Down 4-1, Butler
loaded the bases in the sixth inning with three consecutive singles. A John Sulzicki single knocked in two runs and Tyler
Sciacca drew a walk to reload the bases. Jonathan Craycraft tied the game at 4-4 with another single. . “That’s a credit to our guys we were
down and could of packed it in. They kept fighting and got the score tied,” Wuerfel said. . The Ironmen bullpen got a workout, as they used five pitchers in the game. . “We hit the ball well today,
probably got unlucky a few times,” said Wuerfel. “They made some great diving catches in the outfield and at the
end there was a play that happens in baseball.” . Butler took the lead 5-4 in the eighth when Cameron Squires singled in Craycraft. . Lorain picked up the final two runs of the game in the ninth, with Nick Hamilton
and Austin Ingraham getting back-to-back RBI singles—both on 0-2 counts. . The Prospect League All Star break will give most players a few days rest. Tim
Geil and Tyler Sciacca will represent Butler in the All Star Game. John Sulzicki will also make the trip to fill in for Kevan
Smith, who is nursing a shoulder injury. . “Most the guys are going to go home for the few days off. I told them to rest some, but to be prepared to play
when we go to Slippery Rock Thursday night,” Wuerfel said. .
BlueSox Players Excited for All Star
Game by Jerin Steele July 5, 2010
Three Butler BlueSox players were selected to the all star game on Tuesday night in Quincy, IL. . Tim Giel, Tyler Sciacca and Kevan Smith were selected by the managers of the Prospect
League to take part in the festivities this week. . Giel has been a strong performer on the mound for the BlueSox this season compiling a 2-2 record with a 2.59 era
and is excited to be named to the team. . “It’s really cool to be an all star in this league. There are some very good players in this league and
to be named an all star is an honor,” Giel said. . Manager Jason Wuerfel has been impressed with Giel’s progress thus far through the season. . “Tim is good at getting first pitch strikes.
He’s very close to be a dominating pitcher. He is working on his breaking ball and change up and they are coming along.
So far he has been very dominant with his fastball which has led to his success so far,” Wuerfel said. . Although Giel, who is attending Columbia University,
is honored to play in this game, he is not satisfied and will look to build on being named an all star. . “This will give me some good confidence going
into the fall and next spring at school as well as for the rest of the season here,” Giel said. . The modest Giel credits his teammates as well, for
making the team. . “Without
some good defense behind me I wouldn’t be going to this game,” Giel said. . One of the players making good defensive plays behind Giel when he is pitching
is Sciacca. . The Blue sox shortstop
is happy to be in the game as well. . “It’s
a good feeling to be honored by the coaches in the league and to be considered an all star by them means a great deal,”
Sciacca said. . Sciacca’s
fielding percentage is at .947 and Wuerfel has liked what he’s seen out of him in the field. . “Tyler can really pick it at shortstop and has been making some great
plays out there,” Wuerfel said. . But what has really surprised Wuerfel is Sciacca’s ability with the bat. . “What has really made him an all star is his hitting ability. You cannot
really get a fastball by him. He has solidified himself as a number five hitter. I am really glad he was recognized for that
because he is billed as a defensive player, but he can really hit too,” Wuerfel said. . Sciacca is batting .311 on the season which is second on the team to the third
all star on the Kevan Smith. . Smith
will not be making the trip to Quincy. . “I talked to a Jason and Leo about it and I’ve been a little banged up the last couple of weeks and they
told me to take the time off, because I will be catching most of the time for the rest of the season. I want to rest a little
and comeback 100 percent for the second half,” Smith said. . He will be replaced by the Blue Sox other C/1B John Sulzicki from the University of Connecticut.
. Even though Smith will not
be going he was excited to be named to the team. . “It’s a great honor. This was one of the goals before the season. It’s a great thing to put on
your resume. This is something I needed this summer. I want to show scouts I can swing the bat and hit for power, and continue
to prove I can be a top prospect for next season’s draft,” Smith said. . Wuerfel has been impressed with how Smith has swung the bat this season. . “Kevan can really hit. He has more power than I expected and has
been able to hit the gaps in the outfield,” Wuerfel said. . Wuerfel has also been very happy with how Smith has done behind the plate. . “What makes him even more of an all star has
been his defensive ability as a catcher. He blocks the plate well. He has shutdown the running game for other teams too. It
seems like every time he gets a throw off he throws the runner out,” Wuerfel said. . Although the Blue Sox players are happy to be named to the all star game they
feel there are still some more goals to accomplish this season. . “If we stick what we are doing. We have been playing some good baseball lately and if
we continue to play that way we will win games,” Sciacca said. . “We are a team that can beat anyone in this league and I think we have a great shot at
coming out on top (in the second half) and try to compete for a championship,” Smith said. . The Blue Sox will return from the all star break Thursday with a home and home
series with Slippery Rock starting on the road and will return home Friday, July 9 to Pullman Park. It will be Butler
Hospital night and game time will be 6:35 pm.
Big Crowd Blasts BlueSox to Victory by Patrick Reddick and Jerin Steele July 3, 2010
The
largest crowd at Pullman Park so far this season watched as the BlueSox topped league-leading Chillicothe Paints for the second
time in three days, 7-4 on Saturday night. . After a quick, six-batter first inning the action picked up. With one in, one out, and the bases loaded, Butler (13-13)
starter Reed Tomlinson struck out two Paints (19-8) to get out of the jam. John Sulzicki tripled to lead off the bottom of
the inning and scored on Logan Uxa’s double to tie the game. . Left fielder Cameron Squires stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in the
fourth inning. He doubled to left field to give Butler a 4-1 lead. . “Their pitcher was throwing fastballs to me the entire game,” said Squires, “so
I figured I would be sitting on a fastball. He threw me a strike and I took it the other way and it turned out to be a pretty
big hit.” . Adam Jury came
up with a two out single in the next inning to drive in two more runs for Butler. He went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and scored
a run. . Ben Rawding made his
first relief appearance of the season, due to the extended break he will have between starts with the approaching All Star
Game. He took over for Tomlinson who allowed only two runs in 4.1 innings. . “You have a totally different mindset as a starter, you want to be able
to relax for seven innings if you can,” said Rawding. “Coming out of the bullpen you want to be able to throw
hard on every single pitch, I haven’t done that since my junior year in high school, but it was fun.” . Rawding gave up a single hit in 2.2 innings
to earn the win. . “With
all these people here’s it’s pretty easy to get pumped up,” said Rawding. . Over 960 people attended the game, including Batman and Robin. A postgame fireworks
show got everyone in the mood for the Independence Day on Sunday. . “It’s great to have the entire crowd behind you,” said Squires. “The
last few games have been on the road, so we were looking forward to coming back home.” . “I love coming back here to Pullman, this is one of the best situations
in the league,” said Wuerfel. “From top to bottom this is a great place to play and it’s a big load off
of the guy’s minds coming in from the grounds crew, to the ownership, the fans, the host families, everyone here treats
us really well. The fans are into it the whole game, and if we’re playing in front of 300 or 1300 it’s loud and
it’s exciting for these guys and it’s fun.” . Butler will conclude the first half of the season on Sunday with a 2:05pm game at Pullman Park
against the Lorain Ironmen. Field level tickets are just $4 and veterans get in free, courtesy of the BlueSox. .
BlueSox Get Another Win in More
Bonus Baseball by Patrick Reddick July 2, 2010
With
two big innings and a little small ball the BlueSox got their second extra-inning victory in as many nights, defeating the
Richmond RiverRats 10-9 in 10 innings on Friday. . Butler (12-13) starter Ben Ballantine gave up two earned runs in five innings in his best start since opening night. . Richmond (13-12) lead 3-0 when
the BlueSox scored five runs in the fourth inning. Zach Duggan leadoff with a walk and scored when Johnathan Craycraft doubled
to center field. Kevan Smith doubled to right to score Craycraft and John Sulzicki’s single put runners at the corners.
Smith scored and Logan Uxa reached first base an error on second baseman Zach Bott. Max Vogel drove in two more runs with
a single. . Nine BlueSox batted
in the fourth inning and eight more were sent to the plate in the fifth inning. Duggan leadoff again, this time with a double.
Craycraft singled to put runners at the corners for Smith who knocked in Duggan with a single. Sulzicki doubled in two runs
and later scored on Adam Jury’s groundout. . Four BlueSox had two hits on the night and five contributed doubles. Smith, Sulzicki, Jury, and Vogel each had two
RBIs. . The RiverRats chipped
away at Butler’s lead, eventually tying the game at 9-9 with a four run ninth inning. . Shortstop Tyler Sciacca lead off the tenth inning with a single, advanced to
second base on a passed ball, and moved to third base on Uxa’s sacrifice bunt to the third baseman. . Jury had the game winning RBI, doubling to center
field to score Sciacca. . Butler’s
10 runs was the second-most they’ve scored this year. They scored 11 runs in two games this season; their last came
on June 11. . This was the first
meeting between the teams this season as the June 9 game in Butler was rained out. That game will be made up as part of a
double header at Pullman Park on July 14. . The BlueSox were 2-0 on their brief road trip and will return home Saturday to take on the Chillicothe Paints, who
they defeated on Thursday. A large crowd is expected on Saturday night for NexTier fireworks night. Sunday will feature a
matinee between the BlueSox and Lorain Ironmen, beginning at 2:05pm. To reserve tickets for either game call 724.263.9874. . All teams will get a well-deserved
three day rest for the All Star Game on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. .
Sulzicki's Extra Inning Homer
Wins it for Butler by Patrick Reddick July 1, 2010
The
BlueSox were looking to rebound on the road Thursday when they traveled to league-leading Chillicothe. They responded in a
big way as John Sulzicki’s 11th inning home run gave them a 5-4 victory. . Butler (11-13) reliever Cameron Armsrud threw three scoreless innings in his
longest outing of the season to pick up the win. Butler’s starting pitcher, Cole Taylor, gave up three runs in 5.1 innings
pitched, striking out four batters. . Austin
Wulf and Kevan Smith had back-to-back singles in the first inning. Both runners scored and clean-up man Sulzicki advanced
to third base on an error on Paints’ pitcher Andrew Richardson. Adam Jury knocked in Sulzicki when he grounded out to
third base. . Chillicothe (18-7)
climbed back into the game with runs in each of the first two innings. The 3-2 scored remained unchanged until the Paints
scored again in back-to-back innings in the sixth and seventh to give them a 4-3 lead. . Kurt Roeder entered the game with one out in the sixth inning with runners on
the corners. He promptly got Brandon White to ground into an inning-ending double play. Roeder pitched 1.2 innings, throwing
nine of his ten pitches for strikes. Corey Young pitched a scoreless eighth inning; he struck out one. . Jury led off the eighth inning with a walk, he worked
his way around the bases and scored on a Cameron Squires single to tie the game. . Squires went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. . Richardson gave up one earned run in seven innings, Kyle Lindquist threw four
innings and suffered the loss for the Paints. . Butler will travel to Richmond to take on the RiverRats on Friday. They will be back in action at Pullman Park on
Saturday evening against the Paints. Sunday’s game in Butler will start at 2:05pm, field level tickets are $4 and veterans
will be treated to the game free of charge by the BlueSox. For tickets call 724.263.9874. .
Slayed by the Dragons by Patrick Reddick June
30, 2010
The game on Wednesday night didn’t end up as picturesque as the weather
with the BlueSox falling 11-4 to the Dupage Dragons at Pullman Park. . Butler
(10-13) fell behind on two unearned first inning runs; with runners on first and second, Dupage (7-12) shortstop Jake Miller
grounded to third baseman Adam Jury. Jury stepped on third base, but his throw to first base in an attempt to get the double
play got past first baseman Kevan Smith. The ball rolled into the voluminous foul territory at Pullman Park, allowing Jack
DeAno to score from second base and Miller to advance to third. Smith’s throw back into the infield missed its target
and Miller ran home to put Dupage up 2-0. . Butler got right back in the game
with a leadoff double by Zach Duggan and walk by Austin Wulf. Smith singled in both runners to tie the game. . The score was unchanged as Brian de la Torriente and Tim Geil—both who will represent
their teams in the upcoming Prospect League All Star game—settled down. . de la Torriente threw five innings, striking out three to pick up the win. Kyle McMillen pitched the balance of the game
for Dupage to pick up his first save of the season. . Geil struck out five
and allowed no earned runs through five innings, but two singles and two walks in the sixth tied the game and loaded the bases,
forcing Geil from the game. James Connelly, who arrived in Butler yesterday, was thrown into the action as Geil’s replacement. . Connelly struck out the first batter he saw for the second out of the inning,
but Trey Martin singled on an 0-2 pitch to score two runs. With runners on the corners, Martin got caught in a rundown and
was put out, but not before Seth Batty scored from third base to give the Dragons a three run lead. . Smith went 3-for-4 with a walk; he had two RBIs and scored a run. Logan Uxa had two RBIs, both on sacrifice flies. . In addition to Geil, Smith and shortstop Tyler Sciacca will represent the BlueSox in
the All Star game on July 6 at Quincy, Illinois. . The game was followed by
young fans, unmindful to the score, having fun running the bases and getting autographs from their favorite BlueSox players. . The BlueSox will travel to Chillicothe on Thursday and Richmond on Friday.
They will be back in action at Pullman Park on Saturday for NexTier Fireworks Night and Sunday’s Fourth of July celebration.
Tickets are still available by calling 724.263.9874. .
Hitting Them Early and Often by Jerin Steele and Patrick Reddick June 29, 2010
Butler
set the tone early on Tuesday with a strong opening inning. Dupage battled back, but the BlueSox held them off to win 7-4. . Ben Rawding struck out the side
in the top of the first inning on 13 pitches. His strong pitching boosted the confidence of the BlueSox (10-12) lineup. “That
really got us pumped up to get going,” said shortstop Tyler Sciacca. . Zach Duggan leadoff with a bunt base hit down the third base line. . “Any time you get that bunt base
hit it’s a big momentum shifter,” said coach Jason Wuerfel. “It’s like a slam dunk in basketball,
it really deflates the other team and to lead off a game that way really hammers their confidence.” . Duggan stole second base on the next pitch and scored
when Colby Roberts doubled. Kevan Smith and Tyler Sciacca drew walks; the fourth ball to Sciacca went wild allowing Roberts,
who had stolen third base earlier in the at bat, to score. . Logan Uxa drew another walk to load the bases. Jonathan Craycraft singled in two runs to give
the BlueSox a 4-0 lead. Butler sent all nine batters to the plate in the opening frame. . “Our offense jump-started the game and got the fans into it,” said
pitching coach Glenn Sharrar. “That’s the way you need to start every game, we came out on a mission.” . Craycraft added his third RBI of
the game on a sacrifice fly to center field in the third inning. Craycraft has nine RBIs on the season. “I’ve
been seeing the ball better and have been more patient at the plate,” he said. . Dupage (6-12) fought back, scoring four runs in the fourth inning to pull within
a run. “They showed some real grit getting back in the game tonight,” said Wuerfel. . A string of hits in the fifth inning extended Butler’s lead and the bullpen
closed the door on the Dragons. . In
the seventh inning, Ryan Thompson took a line drive off his foot, but the ball bounced to third baseman Adam Wulf who was
able to get the out a first. An error on Sciacca got Steve Dalporto to first base, but Sciacca made a good scoop to start
a double play and get out of the inning on the next batter. . “If I miss a ball I want the next one hit to me,” said Sciacca. “It feels
better when you get a ball hit to you after making a play like that so you can redeem yourself.” . “It’s a huge credit to Sciacca how great
a player he is that he makes the error on the easy one and then the next play is the hard, hot-shot, short-hop right towards
him and he stays on it and made the play,” said Wuerfel. “A less-experienced, less-talented player would panic
on that ball to him.” . Corey
Young and Ryan Thompson threw two innings of relief each. Cameron Armsud pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to pick up his second
save of the year. The three relievers combined to give up a single hit and strike out four. . “Our bullpen stepped up, you need a good bullpen to win games and if they
pitch like that all the time you win a lot of games,” said Sharrar. “They couldn’t have done any better.” . Armsud, who was signed only recently,
is settling into the closer role which struggled earlier in the season for Butler. . “He has that experience at school, so that’s his role,” said
Sharrar. Wuerfel said that with Armsrud in the closer role it allows other relievers to find other roles more suited for them. . “Cameron has done a great
job as our closer so far,” said Sciacca. “He gets that first out and goes from there." . Butler and Dupage will play again on Wednesday evening
at Pullman Park. Kids 12 and under are invited to get autographs from the players and run the bases after the game. There
are also still tickets available for Saturday’s fireworks night and Sunday’s Fourth of July afternoon game. Field
level tickets are only $4 and veterans will be treated to the game free of charge courtesy of the BlueSox. Tickets can be
purchase ahead of time by calling 724.263.9874. .
Bringing Out the Lumber by Jerin Steele and Patrick Reddick June 27, 2010
The
pitching took center stage on Saturday night at Pullman Park, but Sunday was just the opposite when Butler and Chillicothe
combined for 15 runs on 29 hits. When the dust cleared, the Paints were on top 9-6. . In his eighth appearance this season, Kurt Roeder made his first start for Butler
(9-12). He allowed three runs on eight hits, striking out three. Roeder exited the game in the fifth inning having thrown
75 pitches; Butler lead 4-3 at the time. . “We have had some injuries to our staff and Kurt has starting experience so we went with him,” said coach
Jason Wuerfel. “He did a good job, but he started leaving pitches up so I pulled him out because I did not want to wear
him out.” . With the game
tied 1-1 in the third inning, Chillicothe’s (17-5) David Turnbull tripled in two runs. . Butler countered in the bottom of the inning with back-to-back singles by John
Sulzicki and Tyler Sciacca. The two runners scored when Jonathan Craycraft doubled to left field. . “The guys did a good job of getting on and I hit the ball to left and
got lucky that it got through,” said Craycraft. . Logan Uxa singled in Craycraft to give Butler the lead. The BlueSox extended the lead to 5-3 in the next inning when
Sciacca singled in Kevan Smith. . “We
have guys who are making good at-bats. We swung the bats well tonight. Usually five runs will get you a win in a league like
this,” Wuerfel said. . The
Paints’ offense scored six runs on ten hits over the next three innings. First baseman Ian Nielsen was 4-for-5 with
two RBI and two runs scored. Right fielder Jeff Holm went 3-for-5 with two runs and one RBI. . “They are a very good hitting team one through nine. That’s something
you don’t see very often in a summer wooden bat league,” said Wuerfel. “You can’t afford to make mistakes
and fall behind in counts against them.” . Chillicothe’s league-best record puts them at the top of the Prospect League central division. Butler stands
in third place, 7.5 games back. Due to the playoff format, in which the team with the best first-half record plays the top
second-half team, the records will reset after next week’s all-star game. . The BlueSox were errorless in the game—an area which struggled early in
the season. Shortstop Sciacca and second baseman Craycraft lead the team in assists. . “We are building good chemistry out there and getting comfortable playing
together more each game,” Craycraft said. . The BlueSox will rest on Monday before playing back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday against the DuPage Dragons
(6-10) at Pullman Park. Tickets are still available for both contests by calling 724.263.9874. .
It was a good night for
pitching at Pullman Park on Saturday night. The BlueSox and West Virginia Miners both saw excellent performances, but Butler
triumphed in the end 1-0. . West
Virginia (11-10) starting pitcher Chris Marlowe struck out 16 batters over his complete game 130-pitch outing. He gave up
a single run on four scattered hits. . He also suffered the loss. . Butler
(9-11) countered with Reed Tomlinson who went seven plus scoreless innings, striking out two and walking two Miners. . The BlueSox scored the sole run in the
third inning when center fielder Zach Duggan walked and moved to third base on Colby Roberts’s double to left field.
First baseman Kevan Smith grounded to second base and Duggan scored on the play. . West Virginia loaded the bases in the first inning and got two runners on with
one out in the second, but Tomlinson was able to escape unscathed. . Ryan Thompson took over with runners on first and second base with no outs in eighth inning.
Thompson got designated hitter Victor Gomez to fly out before Zach Tanner lined into a double play to end the inning. . Cameron Armstrud pitched a perfect ninth
inning to pick up his first save for Butler. . There were only nine hits among the two teams; the game lasted just under two hours. . The BlueSox play another game at Pullman Park on Sunday evening. Classic cars
will be on display at the ballpark as part of Butler’s yearly Cruise-A-Palooza celebration. Tickets can be purchased
ahead of time by calling 724.263.9874. .
The BlueSox Biggest Opponent: Injuries . by Patrick Reddick and Jerin Steele June 26, 2010
The injury bug has been let loose upon the BlueSox pitching
staff. . Arm troubles over the brief season continue to pile up in the young
season with three new players have been brought aboard in the past week. . “It’s
real tough,” said pitching coach Glenn Sharrar. “After one game you have a lot of people telling you that they’re
pretty much done for the year.” . Reed Tomlinson from LaRoche College
made his first appearance of the season on Monday night, giving up three earned runs and striking out four in five innings.
Tomlinson was 2-2 in 40 innings pitched for LaRoche this season; he is entering his junior year. . Cameron Amstrud of also joined the staff. He went 5-1 for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee this season. Amstrud
got the win in his sole appearance this year. . JJ Dubois out of Bethel College
was also added to the roster and has made one appearance. . “It’s
early in the season when you’re still not even sure what you have and then you have to start rebuilding,” said
Sharrar. . Matt Broder and Ken Bechaud were released by the team last week. . Broder made one appearance for Butler this season. He gave up one earned run
in 5.1 innings this season in a loss at Lorain on June 5. . Bechaud gave up
three runs in four innings in his sole start of the season against Lorain on June 10. Bechaud walked one and struck out two,
he got a no-decision, but Butler went on to win the game. . Derek Peluso remained
in Butler during last week’s road trip, hoping to work through his injury, but he was released by the team early this
week. Peluso was 1-1 in six innings on the mound. Last summer he struck out 24 batters in 25.1 innings for the BlueSox, with
a 3.20 ERA. . Butler lost two of their highest rated pitchers in JR Leonardi
of the University of Pittsburgh and Josh Ziemba of Florida Tech just days before the season when their college coaches requested
that they rest over the summer. . While there are plenty of injuries to go
around, there have also been bright spots on the mound for the BlueSox. . Max
Vogel, who has spent most of his time in the outfield, has made three relief appearances this season. . “I pitched a little bit in college. Jason and Glenn did not know about it,” said
Vogel . “Since we were short on arms I told them and came in, pitched a couple of innings and was able to get guys out.” . Vogel has faced fourteen batters, two have reached base—doing so on a
hit and an error. He has three strikeouts. . “[Vogel’s] pitching
is a pleasant surprise. He can really throw the daylights out of the ball,” said head coach Jason Wuerfel. . Tim Geil has led the rotation this season; in four starts he is 2-1 with a 1.73 ERA.
Geil’s loss was a tough one—he gave up two runs on just three hits over eight innings; Butler lost the game 2-1.
Geil has fourteen strikeouts. . “We have a good staff,” said Giel.
“[Ben] Rawding goes out there and does well, Cole Taylor is in the rotation now and he was dealing last Saturday before
we got rained out. Ben Ballantine just goes out and throws strikes. I’ve been getting good defense behind me that has
helped me out too.” . Corey Young out of LaFayette College has led the bullpen. He has allowed three earned runs in 11.1 innings pitched. Young
has struck out five and walked five batters in six appearances. . “It’s
not every day that you lose five pitchers, but every team deals with it,” said Sharrar. “That’s just baseball,
you have to find a way to weather the storm.” .
You can see interviews with pitching coachGlenn SharrarandMax Vogelin
the BlueSox Q&A video series on our YouTube Channel.
A Tough Day at the Mine by Patrick Reddick June 25, 2010
Two multi-run innings
for West Virginia topped one for Butler as the BlueSox fell 7-4 to the Miners at Linda K Epling Stadium on Friday night. . The Miners (11-9) jumped out to
an early lead with a walk, three singles, and a wild pitch giving them a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. . Butler (8-11) took advantage of an error
on third baseman Victor Ramos and back-to-back singles by Colby Roberts and Zach Duggan drove in three unearned runs which
pulled the score to 4-3. . Butler’s
starter Ben Ballantine settled down after the first inning, pitching 1-2-3 innings in the second, third, fourth, and fifth.
He got out of a jam in the sixth retiring two batters in a row with one out and runners on the corners. . The game was Ballantine’s fourth start of
the year; he had a season-high nine strikeouts in six innings. With the loss, his record falls to 1-2. . The dam burst in the seventh inning when Corey Young—who
entered the game yet to concede an earned run this season—gave up three to give West Virginia a 7-3 lead. . Butler’s Ryan Thompson pitched a
scoreless eighth inning. Roberts scored in the ninth on Austin Wulf’s sacrifice fly. . First baseman John Sulzicki went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Roberts went 1-for-3
with a walk, scored two runs, and drove in two RBIs. . West Virginia’s starter Andrew Smith allowed three runs on six hits in seven innings pitched. He got the win
and is now 2-0. . The game was
just the second loss for the BlueSox by more than two runs. . The BlueSox and Miners travel to Butler for a game at Pullman Park on Saturday evening. Froggy
Radio will be broadcasting live from the ballpark from 4:30pm until game time at 6:35pm. A country and blues concert by the
Christian Trich Band will follow the game. . The BlueSox take on the division-leading Chillicothe Paints on Sunday during Jiffy Lube Cruise-a-Palooza Night. Classic
cars will be on display at the ballpark. Tickets are still available for both games, you can reserve them ahead of time by
calling 724.263.9874. .
Vogel Hits and Pitches Well, but
BlueSox Fall by Single Run by Patrick Reddick June 24, 2010
The Butler BlueSox dropped another close one in West Virginia on Thursday night, 3-2. . Cole Taylor had a strong
outing in his first start in five appearances this season. Taylor went six innings, giving up a single run on three hits.
He walked four and struck out three on 99 pitches. . West Virginia (10-9) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when second baseman Travis Isaak singled
in center fielder Joe Koch, who had walked earlier in the inning. . The BlueSox’s (8-10) offense responded in the next half inning; John
Sulzicki got on base with a fielder’s choice, when he grounded back to the pitcher who threw out catcher Kevan Smith
who led off with a double. Tyler Sciacca singled on the first pitch he saw and both runners advanced a base on a passed ball. . Designated hitter
Max Vogel knocked in Sulzicki and Sciacca to put Butler up 2-1. . West Virginia’s Jake Peeling went seven innings, giving up two runs on
nine hits to earn his second win of the season. . Taylor was relieved by JJ Debois whose first pitch in the Prospect League was hit over the fence
by Miner’s catcher Chris Kay. . Debois walked the next batter, but got an out when Koch laid down a sacrifice bunt. . Vogel moved from DH to the mound and pitched the balance of
the game for Butler. He gave up one hit. Vogel had no walks or strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched. He went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI
at the plate. . Right
fielder Logan Uxa leadoff the ninth inning with a walk and moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout, but was
unable to score when Colby Roberts flew out to conclude the game. . Uxa went 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. . The teams will reconvene tomorrow for another game at Linda
K. Epling Stadium. They will travel to Butler for a third game on Saturday night. A concert from the Christian Trich Band
will follow Saturday’s game; Froggy Radio will be broadcasting live from Pullman Park. Tickets are still available by
calling 724.263.9874. .
. by Patrick Reddick and Jerin Steele June 23, 2010
A one hour, 32
minute rain delay and the smallest crowd of the season didn’t deter the Butler BlueSox from putting forth what was arguably
their most dominate performance of the season on Wednesday night, when they topped the Springfield Sliders 5-1 at Pullman
Park. . Butler’s starter Tim Geil earned the win, throwing 5.2 innings
and giving up a single run on two hits. . “I went in there with the
mentality to throw strikes,” said Giel. “That’s what I did and got some good defense behind me. We did what
we needed to do to get off to a good start.” . Geil is 2-1 with a 1.73
ERA in four starts this season. He walked four, but struck out a season-high eight batters. . “All three of my pitches were working well,” Giel said. “The past couple of games I only had two working,
so I was pitching more for contact and got good defense behind me, but tonight was definitely a good night for strikeouts.” . Geil handed off to Danny Fawcett who pitched 3.1 innings in his longest outing
of the year to earn the save. Fawcett gave up two hits and struck out three Sliders (10-5). . Butler got on the board in the third inning when left fielder Colby Roberts lead off with a single. Roberts stole second
base and moved to third when Austin Wulf grounded out to the pitcher. Jonathan Craycraft grounded to shortstop Nick Judkins;
Roberts immediately broke for home and scored. Judkins’s throw to first base was high, allowing Craycraft to reach on
the error. . Craycraft was caught stealing, but Kevan Smith kept the inning
alive with a walk. Smith stole second base—one of four BlueSox steals on the night—and scored on catcher John
Sulzicki’s ensuing single to put Butler up 2-0. . With Butler up 3-1
with two outs in the sixth inning, the BlueSox got back-to-back singles from Logan Uxa and Zach Duggan. Roberts doubled to
right field, scoring Uxa. . Roberts followed a solid performance last night
by going 2-for-3 with a run scored, an RBI, and a stolen base. . The game
was delayed for over an hour and a half due to rain. Springfield does not return to Butler this season, which would have made
rescheduling the game difficult. . Springfield, who leads in the Prospect
League western division, will make the short trip to Slippery Rock for back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday. . Butler will play two games at the West Virginia Miners, before returning to Butler
for games on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Tickets are still available by calling 724.263.9874. .
BlueSox Win a Gem in
Walkoff Fashion by Jerin Steele and Patrick Reddick June 22, 2010
The BlueSox blew another late inning lead on Tuesday night, but they were able to come back and win an exciting game
over the Quincy Gems 7-6 at Pullman Park. . The BlueSox (7-9) and the Gems (7-8) were tied 1-1 after the first inning and Butler took their first lead of the
night in the fourth inning when Logan Uxa singled in Adam Jury. . Both starting pitchers, Quincy’s Matt Curtis and Butler’s Rawding pitched 4.1 innings.
Rawding gave up four runs, walking one and striking out one. Curtis gave up three runs, walking three and striking out three.
Both starters gave up nine hits—Quincy finished with 15 and Butler with 14. . Ryan Thompson entered the game for Rawding with two runners on in the fifth
inning. Both of the runners scored on back-to-back singles from Andrew Host and John Lorenz to give Quincy a 4-2 lead. . Thompson went on to throw 2.2 shutout
innings, striking out three batters including the leadoff batter in the sixth inning—earning everyone at Pullman Park
a free Big Mac. . Cameron Squires
sacrifice bunted over Uxa and Max Vogel in the bottom of the sixth. Both runners scored when Colby Roberts singled to right
field. . “As a leadoff guy
you do not get many opportunities to get RBIs,” said Roberts. “I hit a ball that was probably a routine play for
the second baseman, but he was playing so far in he had to dive for the ball. It got through and we got a couple of runs out
of it.” . Roberts went 2-for-4
with a walk. He scored two runs in addition to the two RBIs. . “Colby is starting to settle in to his role,” said head coach Jason Wuerfel. “He’s
starting to shine and he will continue to get better as the summer goes on.” . Butler added another run in the frame and lead 6-4. . Kurt Roeder pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning for Butler. Recently added to the
team, Cameron Armstrud entered the game in the ninth for Butler with a two run lead. . Armstrud struck out Quincy’s Zack Kometani to lead off the inning, but
an error and three consecutive singles was enough to tie the game 6-6. Vinnie Fayard scored the tying run; he went 4-for-5
with two RBIs and two scored runs for the Gems. . The BlueSox are still in search of a closer this season, having struggled to close out games in the latter innings
multiple times. . “Arguably
the most important role in the bullpen is to have someone who can come in and make it an eight inning game,” said pitching
coach Glenn Sharrar on Monday. “Who or when, we’re still not sure.” . Butler’s leader in average and runs scored, Kevan Smith, stepped up to
the plate to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning. He drove an 0-2 pitch deep into the right-center field gap for a double. . “With Kevan leading off with
a double and with the hitters coming up behind him it gave me all the confidence that we were going to win the game,”
Wuerfel said. . Butler’s
ensuing batters, John Sulzicki and Tyler Sciacca are tied for the most RBIs on the team with ten each. Quincy intentionally
walked Sulzicki and Sciacca laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over. . Quincy intentionally walked Jury to load the bases for Vogel. After fouling
off the first pitch, Vogel drove the next to deep right field; Smith tagged up and scored on the sacrifice fly to win it for
the BlueSox. . “I just tried to get something
in the air to get the winning run in,” said Vogel, who went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored a run in addition to knocking
in the game-winning RBI. . "I told [Vogel] he can hit fifteen home runs next year in college," said Wuerfel. "Tonight
he showed himself a little bit of that. He hit the ball all over the field. I couldn’t be happier for him because he
works hard and tonight it paid off.” . “We have been on a little bit of a skid lately, but we’ve been playing
the same every day. It feels good to get a win tonight and we will look to build on it," Vogel said. . Butler
will finish up their current three-game home stand at Pullman Park against the Springfield Sliders on Wednesday night. After
a two game trip to Beckley, West Virginia, Butler will return home on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Tickets are
still available by calling 724.263.9874. .
. by Patrick Reddick and Jerin Steele June 21, 2010
After a day of
rest on Father’s Day, the Butler BlueSox were back at it again on Monday but they were unable to overcome two errors,
falling to the Quincy Gems 5-4. . Signed just days ago, Reed Tomlinson took
the mound for Butler (6-9). Quincy (7-7) jumped on Tomlinson early, loading the bases in the top of the first with no outs.
Tomlinson was able to work through it, giving up only two runs. . “It’s
tough when you join a new team, have new surroundings, new teammates, new ballpark, and pitching in front of a big crowd.
You can understand him being nervous with those factors,” said BlueSox coach Jason Wuerfel. . Butler quickly mounted a comeback when John Sulzicki tripled in Kevan Smith in the first inning and Logan Uxa tripled in
Kody Campbell in the second inning. Uxa scored on a Zach Duggan groundout to give Butler the 3-2 lead after two innings. . Tomlinson settled down, throwing a four-pitch second inning. He gave up five
runs—three earned—through five-plus innings pitched. He walked three and struck out four Gems. . “Moving forward he’s going to be good for us. He will be able to fill some innings,”
Wuerfel said. . Corey Young and Max Vogel combined to throw four scoreless
innings for the BlueSox out of the bullpen. . Quincy’s Steven Moranda
earned his first win of the season, pitching 7.1 innings and giving up four runs. Kevin Lee pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to
pick up the save. . Seven BlueSox batters had a hit. Sulzicki had two RBIs,
each one scoring Smith. . Butler will face Quincy again tomorrow night at
Pullman Park, during Linde Salute to Scouting Night. The Springfield Sliders come to town on Wednesday. Tickets are still
available for both games by calling 724.263.9874. .
What A Week! The injury bug has bitten the BlueSox, but the season is far from over by
Patrick Reddick June 21, 2010
The BlueSox are looking
to regroup and turn things around in their upcoming home stand. . Butler had the day off on Sunday after a five-game road trip—their longest of the season—that
took them to the westernmost locations in the Prospect League. . Butler was without Kevan Smith, who leads the team with a .382 batting average, and Zach Duggan
who has provided the team with a solid center fielder. Duggan has yet to commit an error on a team which has struggled defensively
and ranks second on the team in stolen bases. . The pitching staff has been plagued with injuries, with Brian Warheit and Derek Peluso resting and working through
some arm issues in the past week. Right-handed starter Ken Bechaud was released by the BlueSox after he felt pain in his arm
before Tuesday’s game at Slippery Rock. Matt Broder was released by the team the next day, also due to injury. . Butler has brought in some help to account
for the losses. Reed Tomlinson, who is entering his junior year at LaRoche College, was signed on Thursday. Tomlinson threw
40 innings this past season for LaRoche, finishing with a 2-2 record. . Butler picked up Cameron Amstrud, of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, the following
day. Amstrud is 6’ 3” and earned a 5-1 record last season. . "It is always tough to lose good players like Matt and Ken, but [coach Jason Wuerfel]
and I have been fortunate in finding good replacements," said BlueSox GM Leo Trich. . The team could add another pitcher as soon as Monday. . Week In Review . Butler’s road trip started out well on Tuesday at Slippery Rock when eight
BlueSox had a hit to defeat the Sliders 7-1. En route to Illinois Butler was defeated by the Lorain Ironmen in Ohio on Wednesday,
5-3. Tim Geil threw eight innings on Thursday, giving up only two runs, but Butler was held to three hits and fell 2-1 to
the Dupage Dragons. Dupage had another great night of pitching on Saturday to hold off the BlueSox for their third consecutive
loss. . Butler was leading the
Dekalb County Liners 6-1 in the third inning on Friday, but rain forced the game’s suspension. Butler, who defeated
Dekalb County on June 12 at Pullman Park, is not scheduled play the western division team again. It is yet to be determined
if the game will be concluded. . Butler
has been lead over the past week by Jonathan Craycraft who batted .357 on the road trip with four singles and a double. Max
Vogel and Tyler Sciacca each contributed 3 RBIs on the trip. . Derek Peluso allowed a single run in four innings pitched, including an emergency start when
scheduled starter Bechaud was unable to throw against Slippery Rock. Ben Rawding struck out five batters in six innings of
work, allowing four hits. . Looking Ahead . The BlueSox stand in third place in the Prospect League Eastern Division at 6-8. They are tied
with the Slippery Rock Sliders and trail the West Virginia Miners for second place by a half game. The Lorain County Ironmen
have lost four consecutive and have fallen to last place at 6-10, while the Chillicothe Paints stand atop the division at
14-2. . The BlueSox will face
the Quincy Gems in back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday at Pullman Park. Wednesday is Diehl Automotive Night. All games
start at 6:35pm, tickets are still available by calling 724.263.9874.
. BlueSox Drop Close
One
.
in Road Trip Finale
. by Patrick Reddick June 19, 2010
Nobody can blame the Butler BlueSox for not keeping games close, even in their
losses. Including Saturday’s 5-3 defeat in Dupage, seven of Butler’s eight losses have been by two runs or less. . The BlueSox (6-8) cut the Dragons’ 2-0 lead in half in the third inning
when Colby Roberts scored from third on an Austin Wulf groundout. Dupage (4-6) responded in the bottom half of the inning
by scoring two more runs to lead 4-1. . With one out in the top of the eighth
inning Butler’s left fielder Cameron Squires singled. Squires proceeded to steal second and third base, then score on
a wild pitch during Wulf's at bat. Wulf walked and scored on Jonathan Craycraft’s double to pull the BlueSox within
a run. . Dupage’s Ryan Camp was able to get the final two outs in the
inning and pitch a scoreless ninth to earn to earn the save. Ryan Wynveen picked up the win, pitching seven innings and giving
up one run on four hits. He struck out seven BlueSox. . Butler’s starter
Ben Ballantine suffered his first loss of the season, giving up four runs in five innings pitched. He walked four and struck
out three batters. Kurt Roeder and Danny Fawcett each pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen, striking out one Dragon
apiece. . Craycraft and Tyler Sciacca each went 2-for-4 and doubled for the
BlueSox. . The BlueSox went 1-3 on their longest road trip of the season.
Friday’s game in Dekalb was suspended in the third inning due to rain, with Butler leading 6-1. . Butler will have the day off on Sunday while they travel back from Illinois. They will face
the Quincy Gems on Monday at Pullman Park. Tickets are still available by calling 724.263.9874. .
In an attempt to fill in some holes, caused by arm injuries, Butler has signed yet another pitcher. Cameron Amstrud in a RHP
from the University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee. He and recently acquired Redd Tomlinson have replaced out-going pitchers Matt
Broder and Ken Bechaud.
.
"It is always tough to lose good players like Matt and Ken, but Jason
and I have been fortunate in finding good replacements", stated BlueSox GM Leo Trich. "Cameron is coming from
a good college program and we have heard great things about him. And with at least two other pitchers on our staff nursing
sore arms, we will be bringing in at least one additional pitcher as early as Monday", Trich said.
.
Reed Tomlinson Joins Staff
.
Reed Tomlinson from
LaRoche College (PA) will be helping the 2010 BlueSox pitching staff. Tomlinson is a graduate of Chartiers Valley High
School near Pittsburgh PA. He is a 6'1 190 RHP and is going into his Junior year. This past spring he was 2-2 and pitched
in 40 innings at LaRoche.
Reed Tomlinson
BlueSox Unable to Capitalize
on Giel's Strong Outing June 17, 2010 by Patrick Reddick
Starting pitchers Tim Giel and Brian de la Torriente both had strong outings on Thursday night in Dupage, but the
Dragons came out on top of the BlueSox 2-1. . Butler’s Giel gave up a single run on two hits through the first seven innings. He struggled in the eighth,
however, giving up a single and walking three consecutive batters to give Dupage the 2-1 lead. . de la Torriente held Butler to one run on three hits in 6.2 innings pitched,
walking five and striking out four. John Boyle entered the game in the seventh with runners on and got Kody Campbell
to fly out to left. . Ryan Camp
pitched a perfect ninth inning, with one strikeout, to pick up the save for the Dragons. . Dupage’s first run came the bottom of the third when Seth Batty led off
with a double and was later knocked in with a Jack DeAno single. . Adam Jury led off in the seventh inning with a walk, Max Vogel doubled to move Jury to third.
de la Torriente got Colby Roberts and Logan Uxa to groundout. Cameron Squires advanced to first on an error on the shortstop,
scoring Jury to tie the game at 1-1. . Butler will travel to Dekalb County on Friday and back to Dupage on Saturday night. . The BlueSox signed right-handed pitcher Reed Tomlinson of LaRoche College on
Thursday after Ken Bechaud and Matt Broder were released due to arm injuries. .
Arm
Injuries Will Force Roster Changes At Least Two Pitchers Will be on the Disabled List June 16, 2010
. The BlueSox suffered
the loss of a starting pitcher, when RHP Ken Bechaud had to be released after Tuesday’s game in Slippery Rock. . Bechaud noticed some pain in his throwing arm
earlier in the week, but was not able to throw at all on Tuesday. “Ken is a great kid and great competitor, but he needs
to get that arm taken care of and that’s what is most important,” said GM Leo Trich. . Two other pitchers, Brian Warheit and Derek Peluso did not travel with the team to
Lorain and the 4-day trip to the Chicago area. Instead, they have stayed behind to rest and get some rehab for arm issues.
The BlueSox are expected to announce at least one new pitcher on Thursday, June 17.
.
Short-handed BlueSox
.
Fall to Ironmen
. June 16, 2010 by Patrick Reddick
.
The Butler BlueSox were unable to end up on top of a back-and-forth game Wednesday
night in Lorain, falling 5-3 to the Ironmen. . The Ironmen (6-6)
took the lead in the bottom of the first inning when leadoff batter Evan Melendez was hit by a pitch, stole second base and
was knocked in by a Stephen Hagen single. The BlueSox (6-6) tied the game up in the next half inning after John Sulzicki lead
off with a triple and scored when Max Vogel grounded into a double play. . The
BlueSox broke the 1-1 tie in the fourth inning when Sulzicki and Adam Jury drew back-to-back two-outs walk. Vogel and Jonathan
Craycraft followed with back-to-back singles to pull the BlueSox ahead 3-1. . The Ironmen responded the next half inning by loading the bases with no outs. Butler starter Ben Rawding struck out Lorain
centerfielder Will Hodges, James DiBiasio got a run in, but was thrown out at first base by Butler catcher Ryan Geibel for
the second out. Rawding struck out Melendez for the third out, keeping the BlueSox on top 3-2. . The Ironmen roughed up reliever Kurt Roeder in the seventh inning, scoring three runs on two hits and two walks to take
a 5-3 lead. Roeder rebounded in the next inning, walking the leadoff batter—who was caught stealing—and getting
DiBiasio and Melendez to groundout and fly out respectively. . Rawding pitched
six innings for Butler, giving up two runs on four hits. He struck out five and walked two to get a no-decision. . Craycraft went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sulzicki was 1-for-3, with a walk and two runs
scored. . Butler’s defensive struggles continued as they committed three
errors. . Lorain starter
Kris Hall struck out six batters in as many innings. He gave up four hits and walked three. Relievers River McWilliams and
Phil Brua combined to pitch three scoreless innings, giving up just one walk and hit combined. McWilliams was credited with
the win while Brua earned the save. . Butler and Lorain are now tied for second
place in the Prospect League Central Division. . Butler will be in Illinois
the next three days to play two games in Dupage and one in Dekalb. The team is shorthanded with Kevan Smith and Zach Duggan
missing the road trip and pitchers Brian Warheit and Derek Peluso resting and working through some arm issues. Ken Bechaud
was released by the team after he was unable to start Tuesday’s game due to arm soreness. The BlueSox are expected to
add another pitcher to the roster on Thursday.
. There was only one error committed on Saturday night at Pullman Park, but the Butler BlueSox were able to capitalize on
it and score four unearned runs in the first inning to win 5-2 over the Dekalb County Liners. . With runners on first and second base in the first inning, Butler’s John
Sulzicki grounded a pitch to DeKalb second baseman Joe Long. Long’s throw to shortstop Kenton Parmley who was covering
at second base was low, however, and the bases were loaded with one out. . Tyler Sciacca walked in the game’s first run and Max Vogel hit a sacrifice fly to left
field for the second run. Though off to a slow start at the plate, Zach Duggan drove in two more runs with a triple and Logan
Uxa drove in Duggan for a 5-0 lead with a single. . “I felt better today at the plate today and got a little more confidence. It feels good,” said Duggan. . In his second outing of the season
BlueSox starter Tim Geil threw six innings, giving up one run on two hits. He struck out five, throwing 51 strikes out of
76 total pitches. . “Tim
pitched really well tonight; he threw a lot of strikes,” said pitching coach Glenn Sharrar. “He kept his pitch
count down. He had every pitch working.” . Cole Taylor took over for Geil in the seventh inning and pitched the remainder of the game to earn the save. Taylor
got out of a situation in the 8th inning with one out and runners on second and third base. . “I was falling behind to hitters early in the inning, but I threw a 3-2
changeup and he missed it [for the 2nd out]. Then I threw the next hitter a curveball and was able to get him out to end the
inning,” Taylor said. . Taylor
gave up one run and struck out three batters in his three innings of work. . The win brought Butler’s record to 4-4, which ties them with the West
Virginia Miners for second place in the Prospect League’s Eastern Division. . “We are starting to gel as team and getting into a good groove,”
Duggan said. . The BlueSox will
take on their division rivals, the Slippery Rock Sliders on back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday night before a week-long
road trip. Tickets are still available for both games by calling 724.263.9874. .
Two Out Lightning Wins it
for the BlueSox June 11, 2010
After a one run victory on Thursday night, the Butler BlueSox decided put the game out of reach early on Friday, defeating
the Lorain Ironmen 11-3. . Butler
didn’t waste any time, getting on the scoreboard in the first inning and adding a second run in the top of the second.
The Ironmen tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the inning when Nick Hamilton drove in a pair of runs with a double. . The BlueSox quickly regained the
lead in the top of the third and then took over the game with a six-run top of the fourth. After the first two batters were
retired, Austin Wulf drew a walk then advanced to second base when Colby Roberts singled. Wulf and Roberts scored on a Kevan
Smith double. Zach Duggan was hit by a pitch and Tyler Sciacca loaded the bases with a single. John Sulzicki drove in two
runs with a single and Adam Jury followed, driving in two more runs with a double. The tenth batter of the inning, Logan Uxa,
popped out to close the frame. . Butler’s
starting pitcher, Ben Rawding (shown in photo) tossed five innings, giving up two runs and striking out five in his first
appearance since opening night’s 11-10 extra inning victory over Lorain. The bullpen continued the strong performance
on the mound, with four pitchers each tossing an inning, striking out a combined five batters and giving up just one run. . The BlueSox victory allowed them
to jump to one game under .500 and from last place to third in their division. The BlueSox return home for a three-game stand
on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tickets are still available for all three games including Saturday’s Fireworks Night
by calling 724.263.9874. .
. Kevan Smith hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh and Kurt Roeder provided
five scoreless innings in relief to seal the BlueSox 4-3 victory. . Smith led off the seventh with a towering drive to left that cleared the fence. Although he
didn’t think he got all of it at first. . “I was looking for the fastball. I felt like I missed it at first. But I heard the crowd cheering and that’s
when I knew it got of the park,” Smith said. . That homerun proved to be the difference on the scoreboard, but what kept the BlueSox in the game was a strong relief
performance by Kurt Roeder. . Roeder
allowed just one hit and one walk on 55 pitches in his relief appearance and was credited with the win. . “I was able to throw first pitch strikes and
that allowed me to keep hitters off balance,” Roeder said. . Most importantly Roeder was able to secure the win in the ninth inning, something the BlueSox
have had trouble with, blowing three ninth inning leads this season. . “We have been so close and to finish a game is great and hopefully we will continue to
build on this,” Roeder said. . Smith
who caught Roeder was impressed with his performance. . “Anytime you can hit the corners like he was against players with wooden bats you will be tough to hit,”
Smith said. . Kenny Bechaud got
the start for the Blue Sox and after allowing 3 runs in the first inning settled down and pitched 3 scoreless innings to keep
his team in the game. . River
McWilliams got the loss for Lorain (3-5), going 3.2 innings with one earned run, the home run by Smith. . Two new players were in the lineup for Thursday’s
game, with Colby Roberts and John Sulzicki joining the BlueSox after their college teams finished up post-season play. Sulziki
went 0-for-2 in his first game with a wooden bat in his hands, but showed patience at the plate and reached base twice on
a walk and being hit with a pitch. Roberts went 1-for-4, driving in a run for the BlueSox. . The BlueSox will travel to Lorain on Friday evening,
but will return for a three-game home stand on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tickets are still available for all three games,
including Saturday’s NexTier Bank Firework’s Night. .
Former BlueSox Player Youchak Has Outstanding Spring June 10, 2010
. Last summer in 2009
Brian Youchak played for the Butler Bluesox (Prospect League) in a collegiate summer league. Brian has a great summer
and finished second in the league batting about .350. He ended up being selected as a First Team All-star Selection
as an Outfielder. . This year Brian had a great year at John Hopkins University. His team also had a great year with
a record of 44-7. JHU had been ranked number one in the country most of the year. Statistics for Brian this year have
been awesome, with a .492 average, 16 home runs, 16 doubles, .547 OB%, and 76 runs. You can check out his complete
stats here. . Last Thursday at the D3 Baseball World Series Banquet here in Appleton, WI, Brian was selected
First Team All-American by the ABCA -- this time at second base. He was also selected First Team by D3Baseball.Com. A
two-time career All-American selection is fantastic. Better yet, Brian was named D3 National Player of the Year by the ABCA, the best player in the country from a selection 360 plus D3 Schools.
The Pick Is In! June
9, 2010
. Butler
BlueSox shortstop throughout the 2009 season, Jacke Healey was selected by the Houston Astros in the 27th round of the 2010
MLB draft. . Healey, who attended
Youngstown State University, played 49 games for the BlueSox last summer. . Healey batted .232 with 41 hits in 177 at-bats with the BlueSox. He scored 26 runs and drove in 26 RBI. He hit for nine
doubles, two triples, and homered three times. He stole eight bases in nine attempts. . The Tunkhannock, PA native was the 813th overall selection.
BlueSox Rally Falls Short in the 9th June 7, 2010
The Butler BlueSox scored three runs in the 9th inning to start the comeback, but a Logan
Uxa fly out with the bases loaded ended their rally as they fell to the Chillicothe Paints 6-5 on Monday night at Pullman
Park. . The Paints, who improved to 5-0 on the season, got a
strong start from Blake Mascarello who went six inning, giving up two runs (one earned) to pick up his first win of the season. . Butler native Brian Warheit picked up the loss in his first start of
the season giving up five runs (four earned) over six innings. . The
Blue Sox (1-4) were lead by Tyler Sciacca who went 2-for-5 with two runs batted in. . Butler has the day off tomorrow and will return to action Wednesday night against the Richmond River Rats at Pullman
Park. .
While a few players are still playing
in NCAA conference tournaments, most of the 2010 Butler BlueSox arrived at their summer home on Tuesday.
The BlueSox
began their short pre-season practice schedule Tuesday afternoon, just two days before the start of the season. After a brief
meeting with BlueSox GM Leo Trich, players received their jerseys and joined coaches Jason Wuerfel and Glenn Scharr for an
afternoon practice.
The
players spent their first night with their host families on Tuesday evening.
The team will return to Pullman Park for more practice on Wednesday morning
and will play a three inning inter-squad scrimmage in the evening for parents and season ticket holders.
Thursday, June 3 kicks off the 2010 season
of 56 games in just nine weeks.
Tickets are still available for Thursday’s Opening Night and Friday’s Fireworks Night, but are
selling quickly for both dates. Tickets can be purchased by calling 724.263.9874 or at NexTier Bank locations in Lyndora,
Downtown Butler, and Moraine Pointe Plaza.
Rawding
Ready to Lead BlueSox on Opening Day June 3, 2010
.
As a new season begins on Thursday, a western Pennsylvania native will be taking the
mound for the Blue Sox. . Ben Rawding, 19, of Beaver Falls was given the nod by head coach Jason Wuerfel. . “I found out a week ago. Coach sent me an email and said
I would be the opening day starter,” Rawding said. . Werfeul is confident that Rawding will be ready to go. “He is a local guy, pitching
in an area he is familiar with. He pitched a lot of innings at Mercyhurst,” Werfeul said. . Rawding has a mix of pitches to use that can get hitters guessing. . “I have good
tailing fastball, a change up and my splitter is an out pitch,” Rawding said. . “It will not take me much to get fired up. I’m a pretty
competitive person. There will be a little pressure but I will be ready,” Rawding said.
. Pitt's Kevan Smith and one other PITT Panther Named To Big East All-Tournament Team May
31, 2010
PITTSBURGH - PITT designated hitter Kevan Smith and a roster player with the BlueSox, along with
Pitt catcher Cory Brownsten and have been named to the Big East Baseball
All-Tournament team, announced Sunday in Clearwater, Fla.
.
Smith (Cranberry, Pa./Seneca Valley) had possibly the best showing offensively throughout the
tournament, batting an impressive .750 (9-for-12) with three runs and two RBI, including two doubles.
.
Brownsten (Lockport, N.Y./Monroe CC) batted .417 in the tournament, including an outstanding performance behind the
plate. The senior was 5-for-12 with two runs scored and three RBI.
.
The Panthers were not selected as
an "at large" team on Monday afternoon.
.
..
.
What do
NCAA Tournaments have that the BlueSox need? May
30, 2010
Up
to nine players could be late coming to Butler
Saturday, May 29 reveals more answers as to what BlueSox players might be late getting to Butler for the start of the Prospect
League 2010 summer season.At the beginning of the day, as many as eight or nine BlueSox roster members
could be unavailable to the BlueSox for one week or more, in that their respective college teams were advancing in post season
NCAA tournaments.
But by the end
of the day, that number is now much lower.Two players from Michigan, one from Murray State, and one from
Arkansas State will now be coming to Butler on Tuesday as planned – with their teams being eliminated from conference
championships.Tomorrow will tell the rest of the story, when UCONN plays for the Big East Conference title
and an automatic bid in the NCAA Regional’s.BlueSox players from UNCONN, Thompson and Sulzicki would be impacted.
Tennessee Tech, and future BlueSox player Austin
Wulf, have to be creative in that they will have to beat Jacksonville State twice on May 30 – or they are also eliminated.
The only other question mark has to do with PITT
and if they will be awarded an “at large” bid, based on their national ranking. That would cause Duggan, Smith,
and Taylor to have a late start with the BlueSox.
All these questions should be answered by Monday night.
The
BlueSox Are Coming TODAY! June 1, 2010
The 2010 BlueSox players will be arriving in Butler on Tuesday, June 1.
They will have just one
and a half days to get to know each other, do a little practicing and then they are off and running.
Fifty Six games in just nine weeks. All the action starts on Thursday, June 3.
Tickets remain but are going fast.
Don't forget,
starting today you can also purchase BlueSox game day tickets at the following NexTier Bank locations:
Lyndora Branch, Downtown Butler, and Moraine Pointe Plaza.
BlueSox
Fans; Get Ready!
Extra fun and excitement in 2010
Even though the BlueSox fans seemed to have a good time last year at Pullman Park during the
many event nights, this summer we have a few more concepts that will help make coming to a BlueSox baseball game a true fun
experience.
In addition to some of our fan favorites from ’09, including firework nights and mini concerts –
in 2010 area fans will have a chance to win a car during one of our games – not a new car, but a used car!Some lucky fan will receive the correct key and will drive home in a FREE automoible.
And
for you pet lovers, how about letting you get into a game for free – as long as you bring your dog to the game
with you!
Plans are underway
to give away a used car on July 24 and in celebration of the “dog days of summer", on August 2nd, fans
will be encourage to bring their dog with them– leashed of course – and “man’s best friend” will enjoy some BlueSox action as well.
We have added an extra night of fireworks (5
total), we will once again have a country & blues mini concert and we will bring back the very popular “run-the
bases night” for youngsters 12 and under – on three different night!
So get your tickets ordered now – and get ready
for exciting baseball and exciting events to go with it!
A Victim Of Their Own Success
With
a total of five players from Pitt and UConn in the Big East Tournament and three infielders in the Ohio Valley Conference
Tourney, the Butler BlueSox will be well represented in college post-season play. Jonathan Craycraft’s Murray State,
Kody Campbell’s Southeast Missouri University, and Austin Wulf’s Tennessee Tech University are currently ranked
as the top three teams in the Conference.
.
Their success adds to the “roster
strain” of the BlueSox in the early going of the 2010 season. Many of these players will not be in
Butler in time for the June3 Prospect
League starting date
.
"I guess you could look at it and say we are a victim
of our own success,” said GM Leo Trich."We are certainly glad to have this caliber of players on our 2010 team and we are happy that they and their colleges
are doing well. It will make for a tougher coaching job for Jason (Wuerfel) and Glenn (Sharrar),” continued Trich. “Our
reduced size roster size for the first week or two will mean that fewer options exist for our coaches when it comes to putting
lineup together each day."
.
"I am confident that Jason and Glenn will make it
work and will play with guys they have in town at the start of the season. There is a lot of talent on the BlueSox and I am sure the fans will be pleased with
what we show them on the field," he said.
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Salute
To Scouting Night – JUNE 22;
Make Plans Now To Join Us
Thank to our friends at LINDE company, we will be having a special night to honor
all those in scouting.Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be invited to attend the June 22 BlueSox game at
Pullman Park as the guests of Linde and the BlueSox.That means all scouts, who attend the game in uniform
will be allowed in for FREE!
All
other family members will also enjoy a discounted Field Level Seats – normally $6 – for ONLY $5 each.Scouts will also take part in the pre-game “on-field” ceremony.
Even if your entite troop doesn’t take part, individual scouts are
encouraged to attend and join in all the fun!
Roster
Changes: Player Injuries Come Into Play
After a calm
spring college baseball season, the BlueSox are facing a few changes to their 2010 roster. Two pitchers, one from Pitt and
one from Florida Tech are no longer available.
JR Leonardi of Pittsburgh and Josh Ziemba of Florida
will be “shut down for the summer,” so they can rest their arms upon the instructions of their respective
college trainers.
The BlueSox had anticipated this possibility
and are working at filling those positions. Cole Taylor, another pitcher at Pitt, has been signed and a RHP from Wisconsin
will also be signed in the next day or two.
.
2010
Host Families Set:
Once Again the Butler Community Comes Through!
Host families for all 13 out of the area BlueSox players have been taken
care of for the summer, thanks to the help and generosity of 10 local families. This year, players will be coming in from
as far away as California and Alberta Canada.
As was the case last season when our of state ball-players received the best of western PA hospitality – complements
of our area Host families, this year we are taking care of even more players.
“I have been very impressed by the number of families who have stepped up to the plate and have
been willing to open their homes to our BlueSox out –of- towners”, stated Leo Trich, Owner/GM of the BlueSox.
“Families literally take these guests into their homes and take really good care of them all summer
long”, said Trich. “And although their only true responsibility is to provide a good, safe place for them to sleep,
many host families do much more – including over-feeding these kids”, he joked.
Some of this year’s families are returning from taking part
in the ’09 season and some are new comer to the project.“The coaching staff and I pride ourselves
on going after top quality baseball players – but more so than just on the field of play”, Trich continued. “We
want to make very certain that the young people involved with the BlueSox are the type of individuals who will represent the
Butler community well, both on the road, at Pullman Park and in our homes. Last year proved that we were successful in doing
just that”, he said.
Players
will be arriving in Butler on June 1, with the season officially getting underway on Thursday June 3 – when the BlueSox
host Lorain OH at Pullman.
.
.
Local
fans suggest off site ticket outlets:
NexTier
& BlueSox Say: Let’s Do It!
Last summer, the BlueSox initiated
a survey seeking comments and suggestion from area fans on their experience at Pullman Park during the BlueSox inaugural 2009
season.
“We wanted to gather information
from our customers and make improvements where we could, so that the 2010 season would be even better", commented Owner
GM Leo Trich. "We wanted the good and the bad – and our fans come through for us", he said. "One
suggestion was making access to game-day tickets in advance of buying them at the ballpark the night of the game. We
listened and with the help of one of our sponsorship partners, NextTier Bank, we will make it a happen", Trich said
Staring the June 1 and continuing through-out the season, BlueSox
fans will be able to purchase tickets at three different NexTier branch offices in the Butler area.
(photo L-R; Dan Swartz, VP NexTier , Holly Burtner-Moore NexTier Marketing Leader and
BlueSox GM Leo Trich)
NexTier officials were very supportive of the suggestion made to have
off-site locations to purchase BlueSox tickets. "To see the enthusiasm of BlueSox
baseball fans continue to build in the second year is gratifying,” said Dan Swartz, VP of Marketing for NexTier. “We’re pleased to help the
BlueSox support the communities that we both serve in common – and to provide their organization and fans with an outlet
for advance ticketing”, stated Swartz.
“Our
association with our partners at NexTier has been an outstanding one”, stated Leo Trich. “This show
of support and the willingness of NexTer to help us better serve the BlueSox fans and the Butler community, is merely the
latest of a great co-operative relationship –and why we are glad to call NexTier the official bank of the BlueSox”,
Trich concluded.
NexTier Branch offices to take part,
starting June 1 are: Downtown Butler (E. Diamond St); Moraine Pointe Plaza; and Lyndora
Additional
details regarding how fans can take advantage of this service will be given here and at the TexTier Branches involved
within the next few weeks.
Northwood Realty & BlueSox
Teammates Again In 2010
.
The Butler BlueSox will once again have the support of Northwood Realty as their "presented by" sponsor. Last
year, Northwood and their family of partners, joined the BlueSox team and quickly became a very visible, very important
part of Butler's summer college program.
.
"In
order to keep overall ticket prices low it is critical that we secure sponsors and advertisers", commented BlueSox GM
Leo Trich. "Northwood stepped up to the plate and really helped us during that all important inaugural season last year
and we are very pleased to have them back with us in 2010", Trich said.
.
Gary Straub (shown in photo - left- with BlueSox GM Leo Trich) of Northwood had this to say about the partnership. “We
have enjoyed our association with the BlueSox. Their arrival on the scene here has brought renewed vigor to the community",
Straub said. "As we begin our second year as the BlueSox primary sponsor we look for that community support to,
not just continue, but to grow. In 2009, Northwood was proud to be a part of the BlueSox's first season and we look forward
to a very long and satisfying relationship for years to come", he continued.
.
Although
Straub was instrumental in having Northwood consider participating with the BlueSox, he represents one of many local
and regional real estate professionals who made this sponsorship happen.“The BlueSox have brought a high level of enthusiasm
to our community", commented Straub. "A wholesome, family environment that has been a huge value for Butler. We
at Northwood are extremely pleased to be involved with the BlueSox as a primary sponsor and look forward to many years
of Great, Butler Baseball”, concluded Straub.
Positive Reputation & Expansion
PROSPECT LEAGUE ON UPWARD SWING
The BlueSox are part of a summer college league that is on the move. Not only by expanding 4 teams over last season - going
from 11 to 15 teams - put as a positive impact for summer collegiate baseball.
The Prospect League
spring meeting ended Wednesday on a number of positive notes. Last season was a success and the 2010 season is
projected to be bigger and better. "We had a great meeting in Indianapolis", commented BlueSox owner/GM Leo
Trich. "As you look around the table, you are dealing with quality baseball people with an impressive amount of
experience. New communities have joined since 2009 and more will be coming," predicted Trich. .
"The [Prospect] League prides itself in providing a competitive baseball environment for the players
and great entertainment for fans of all types and all ages. The Butler BlueSox are happy to be part of this organization and
I know the Prospect League will continue to grow and develop an outstanding reputation in the years ahead," Trich concluded.
********************************
Prospect
League Championship Concept Changes for 2010
At the league meetings in Indianapolis IN, the board of directors voted to have “first half”
champs (based on the first 28 games) – and then Second half champs at the end of the season. There will then be a playoff
series at the end of the season based on both standings.
This system was created because of the size of the league and the
three division concept. Other College leagues and even some of the professional minor leagues use such a system. Those who
support this effort indicate that it will keep more teams in the “hunt” for a chance a playoff berth.Fans too should like it, in that teams can recover from what might be a slow start at the beginning of the season –
and can start fresh with a new chance at doing better in the “second half” of the season.
More
information on the specific will be announced soon.
.
Former
BlueSox Players:
Coach Wuerfel
Reunited with YSU Players
.
Recently BlueSox head coach Jason Wuerfel met up with three former BlueSox players when Youngstown Sate University
played against Butler University. The game took place near Indianapolis, IN, where Wuerfel resides.
.
"It was great having these three
guys with the BlueSox last summer and they are continuing to do well in their college careers," said Wuerfel. Each
of them contributed to our success, both on and off the field in '09 and were part of a team that was well received in Butler,
PA," he said.
.
Shown (L-R) in the photo below are Jacke Healey, Coach Wuerfel (what's with the Detroit jacket!), Eric
Hymel and Anthony Munoz.
.
The Youngstown Boys - With Coach Wuerfel
Basketball Star at Mercyhurst;
Former
BlueSox Intern Amy Achesinski
.
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LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Mercyhurst junior forward Amy Achesinski has been named to the All-PSAC West Women’s Basketball
Second Team for the second year in a row, as announced Tuesday, March 9 by league officials.
.
This is Achesinski’s
third all-conference honor in as many seasons, as she was a second team honoree in the GLIAC South and GLIAC Freshman of the
Year in 2007-08.Amy led her college
team in points scored with 321 and in rebounds with 220.
.
“All
of us connected with last year’s BlueSox season are proud of Amy’s accomplishments at Mercyhurst,” said
GM Leo Trich. “She was a pleasure to have with us last summer and it is great to see her doing so well at college”,
he said.
Butler area residents who are old enough to remember, witnessed one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. He played at Pullman
when a New York Yankee's minor
league team was in Butler, PA in the late 1940’s.Whitey Ford, the hall
of fame lefty, made quite an impact on this area – both on the field and off the field.
“It seems like anytime conversation takes place about Pullman ’s long history, most local fans immediately
recall that White Ford played here and that they, or their father or their grand-father saw
him play,” said current Butler BlueSox GM Leo Trich.“His name is still magic in Butler, and
well it should be,” he said.
Recently the famous number 16 of the Yankees was visiting a restaurant
near his home in Pompano Beach, FL when he saw another customer with a Butler BlueSox T-shirt on.The owners
of the establishment over-heard his conversation with the this person and Ford offered his many good thoughts and memories
of playing in Butler.The owners, Coby Viola and Robert LaTour then contacted the BlueSox and requested
a BlueSox shirt to give to their famous patron.
"I was happy to make sure that Whitey
Ford received a BlueSox shirt and sent one to Casey’s Bar and Grill so that it could be presented to him,” Trich
said. “We are currently attempting to do have an interview with Whitey by phone and will be glad to pass that on to
our fans just as soon as it takes place,” he concluded.
Here
are some stats on the pitching ace:
1947 while playing
for the Butler Yankees
(in what was then the Class C Middle Atlantic League)
Ford: 13 W – 4 LERA 3.84157 innings pitched
Major League Baseball Career:
18
seasons – all with the New York Yankees236 Total wins and 106 losses
Combined ERA2. 75and had 1,956 strikeouts to his credit.
Was
Elected to Baseball’s hall of Fame in 1974
.
At Casey's Restaurant in Florida
(L-R) LaTour, Viola and Whitey Ford
PITT
Panthers Win Big In South Carolina
BlueSox Players Show Offensive Power
(L-R) catcher/DH Kevan Smith, OF Zach Duggan and RHP J.R. Leonardi
March
5- Three members of the Pitt Panthers baseball team – and soon to be BlueSox players this summer –
had a great day in the sun on Friday. Zach Duggun, Kevan Smith and JR Leonardi were in Myrtle Beach and
took part in the first game of a five team pre-season tournament held at Coastal Carolina University.
In their first game, PITT
defeated Albany University 18-4. BlueSox players Kevan Smith and Zach Duggan displayed an impressive offensive
punch; combining for 7 RBI’s.Smith, who was the DH hit two home-runs and drove in three, while outfielder
Duggan had two doubles and 4 RBI’s on the day.Team-mate JR Leonardi did not pitch against Albany
but is schedule to make an appearance over the weekend.
BlueSox GM Leo Trich was in Myrtle Beach and had a first hand look at the trio.
“ It was great seeing Kevan, Zach and JR at Coastal Carolina and in the sun-shine," Trich said.“It was also great seeing them enjoy success at the plate. Coach Wuerfel and I are very pleased to
have representation from the PITT program and we believe these three young men could play a major part of our success
on the fiedd this summer," commented Trich.
The Panthers scored early and often. They scored 4 runs in the first three innings, added 8 during the middle three
and finished up with 6 more in the final three.
NOTE: In the second game of the day for PITT, the Panthers defeated Ball State 8-5. Soon to be
BlueSox pitcher JR Leonardi earned the save. The 6'2 RHP pitched in the final three innings allowing only one run on 2 hits,
while striking out 6.
BlueSox Name Cunningham Assistant
GM
.
The Butler BlueSox have announced that Butler, PA resident Matt Cunningham has been named assistant general manager. Cunningham
has been helping the BlueSox franchise since early last year, when the BCCC/ Robert Morris graduate helped
the Butler team during the start up effort in the 2009 inaugural season. He continued to help the BlueSox staff throughout
the summer season with game-day activities at Pullman Park.
“Matt
proved to be a valuable asset to me last season and I know he will be a big help in making the 2010 season even better- especially
now that he will be taking on new duties,” commented owner/GM Leo Trich.“He knows the greater
Butler community and with his experience, Matt will be able to help us in a number of areas. I am glad he has agreed to this
part-time position,” said Trich.
Bio: Cunningham graduated
from Knoch High School in 2003, Butler County Community College in 2005 (Associates degree in Communications), and Robert
Morris University in 2007 (B.A. in Communications). While attending RMU, Matt completed a Promotions internship
with ABC Radio (ESPN Radio/Radio Disney). He also completed an internship with the Pittsburgh Pirates In-Game Entertainment
in 2006. During the internship with the Pirates Matt assisted in the organization of events for the 2006
MLB All-Star Game.
Cunningham currently works part-time with the Pirates In-Game
Entertainment on game days. He does so as an In-Game Host Producer and also handles the communication from
the scoreboard control room to the ballpark host for all on field pre-game events and between inning activities
displayed on the video board.
Cunningham at times, operates various scoreboard control room equipment including LED displays, video
replay, and game tape logging. He has had the game day staff position with the Pirates since 2007, and will continue
to do while working part-time for the BlueSox.
Mercyhurst
College's Ben Rawding Named a "Player to Watch" by ABCA
Tucson, Ariz. – Three Mercyhurst baseball players have earned mention on the pre-season All-America watch list, prepared
by the American Baseball Coaches Association’s NCAA Division II All-America Baseball Committee. Junior pitcher Nick Gillung is a pre-season All-American; senior 2B/P Adam Gray is on the “Players to Watch” list, while freshman pitcher Ben Rawding is on the “Newcomers to Watch” list for players in the Atlantic Region.
Rawding, a freshman pitcher from Beaver Falls, Pa., graduated from Blackhawk High School in 2009. He was the 2009
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Pitcher of the Year, and set the school record for the lowest
ERA at 0.43, going 9-0.
Rawding was also named 1st team
AAA All-State. A two-year starter, Rawding led his team to the WPIAL Quarterfinals in 2009. In 2009, his Blackhawk American
Legion team won the county championship after finishing as runners-up in 2008. He was named to the “Roaring 20’s,”
as one of the bests 20 prospects in Beaver County, following his junior and senior years.
Additionally, Mercyhurst has been ranked No. 35 in the preseason 2010 NCAA Div. II Baseball Top 40. The Lakers join
West Chester (9th), Kutztown (25th), and Slippery Rock (38th) as Top 40 teams from the PSAC.
The Lakers, led by
11th-year head coach Joe Spano, will begin their season Feb. 12 at Mars Hill before playing Feb. 13 and 14 at Brevard (N.C.) before making a spring trip
to play in the Palm Beach Challenge. Mercyhurst begins its defense of the 2009 PSAC West regular season title Mar. 12 vs.
Gannon.
.
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BlueSox Fans Brave Single Digit Weather and Welcome 2010 Players
.
Eleven BlueSox
Players Attend the Meet & Greet at Clearview Mall
.
Snow
and cold weather - 8 degree cold weather - did not stop players and fans from coming together for a fun, baseball activity
Tuesday Dec. 29. Nearly 100 fans stopped by to say hello and meet some of the '10 squad. "This was pretty
impressive stated GM Leo Trich. To have so many fans come out to meet some of the Western PA area players
on our roster on such a cold day is a good example of the type support we are enjoying in Butler", he said.
.
Trich was also complimentary of the players who took time from a holiday break
from college to attend this event - some five months ahead of the 2010 season opener. "We have a great group of young
men and I very much appreciate that they took time away from their families and other holiday events to join is tonight, Trich
said.
.
The Clearview Mall sponsored the event and will be partnering with the BlueSox
during the 2010 season.
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On hand to help greet the players included Butler
Mayor Maggie Stock, Pullman Park Stadium Director Dess Schnur and the ground crew duo of "Bill and Bob".
Among the many fans who joined in the fun was 94 year old Hughie Lewis of Butler.
.
Coach Glenn Sharrar was also in attendance and made this observation. "We are fortunate
to have so many great athletes from the Pittsburgh region. Their talent will will prove to make the 2010 team even stronger
than last year and it will bring additional local fan interest to the BlueSox all season long," stated Sharrar. Players attending were: Austin Wulf (Tenn. Tech), Brian Warheit (Seton Hill), Derek Peluso (Point Park) ,
JR Leonardi (PITT), Zach Duggan (PITT), DJ Cannon (Seton Hill), Ben Rawding (Mercyhurst), Max Vogel (Winthrop), Ben Carson
(George Mason U.), Corey Young (Lafayette) and Tim Giel (Columbia)
.
.
Success
Means Expansion
The Prospect League Adds Three New Teams
After a successful inaugural season, the Prospect Collegiate League will now have
14 teams in 2010.The league will once again be comprised of two division; the West Division will have
8 teams and the East Division 6 teams – including the Butler BlueSox.
The three new teams will be: Terre Taute, IN, Beckly, WV, and Dekalb County IL.
The league, founded in 2008, under its new name – Prospect
League – has a deep tradition and history. The Prospect League was formed when the former Central IL
Collegiate League and a group of investors associated with the Frontier Professional League merged their two concepts and
played their first season last summer.
“I
think this shows that our league is putting a good product on the field. Both for the players and the fans,” stated
BlueSox owner/GM Leo Trich. “The fact that other communities are entering our ranks is a very positive sign for the
long-term future of the BlueSox and that should be considered good news for the Butler community,” Trich said.
2010
BlueSox Coaching Staff Is Ready To Go!
Jason Wuerfel and Glenn Shararr Will Be Returning.
.
The BlueSox ’09 team enjoyed great success on and off the field last summer
and the team owner and General Manager knows who was responsible. “There is no doubt in my mind that our coaching staff
has to receive the credit for the BlueSox winning season and perhaps in more importantly, the quality type of player
we put on the field each night,” commented Leo Trich.
The BlueSox
front office announced today that Jason Wuerfel, of Indianapolis, has agreed to come back to Butler in ’10. So
too is his assistant coach Glenn Sharrar.
“It goes without saying
that our players were talented athletes and were a good group of young men who came together well,” Trich continued.
"But without the leadership, day in and day out, by our Head Coach Jason Wuerfel and his assistant coach, we would
not have accomplished so much in our very first year,” he said.
The
Butler BlueSox were very competitive and in the hunt all season long. They were still looking at a chance at first place in
the East Division until the final two days of the schedule.
.
Here is what Head Coach Wuerfel had to say. “I'm very excited to be coming back to Butler. I had one of the best baseball experiences of my life managing the
BlueSox in 2009 and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to come back in 2010,” stated Jason Wuerfel. “I was impressed
how knowledgeable the fans are in Butler about the game
of baseball and humbled by their passion and support” coach Wuerfel said.
.
“I was
satisfied that we were able to put a winning team on the field in our first season, but I am returning with the feeling of
some unfinished business as it is my goal to bring a Prospect League Championship to Butler next summer,” Wuerfel said.“Since we had a late start recruiting players last year, I was eager to get started putting the team together
for 2010, and I feel like we have upped the ante considerably,” he suggested. “We have some very good players
in 2009, but for 2010 I have pieced together a roster full of potential future Major Leaguers that the surrounding community
will be both excited and proud to see represent Butler,”
Wuerfel concluded.
BlueSox GM reflected
about last season and the role his coaches played. “Anytime you put together a new franchise, in a new community, you
never know how things are going to go,” said the BlueSox GM Trich. “And trust me, we had a share of challenges
to work through during the learning process of our inaugural season. But one problem I never had to worry about was player
personnel matters,” stated the GM. “Coach Wuerfel had a sound, fair strategy from day one and
his players responded extremely well – both at home and when we were on the road. Jason and Glenn had a comfortable
working relationship and that in turn established a great relationship between the coaches and players,” he continued.
“I could not have been more proud with how our
players conducted themselves all season long. How they played the game and how they connected with the Butler area fans.
Jason and Glenn did a lot to make that happen,” Trich said.
"I am very pleased and feel very lucky to have them both back with is in 2010,” he concluded.
Over the last two months Coach Wuerfel has been busy behind the scenes recruiting players.He
along with the BlueSox GM and assistant coach Sharrar, have put together what they feel is a very nice ball club for the '10
summer season. They feel it is made up of top level players who will do well on the field and in representing the
Butler community.
.
2009 Coaches & All-Stars share a lighter moment
(L-R) Coach Wuerfel, Tom Kahl, Brian Youchak, Brian Billigen & Coach Sharrar
.
Two Months Earlier Than Last Season
The 2010 BlueSox Roster Virtually Complete
.
What a difference a year makes.Last
season, the BlueSox were a new franchise in the Prospect League.They could not begin recruiting until
after they had been voted into the league officially and that did not take place until late November 2008.
.
Being an unknown program, without a track record, many college coaches were reluctant
to send their top players to Butler.With a lot of hard work and contacts made of many years in baseball,
the BlueSox GM Leo Trich and his head coach Jason Wuerfel were able to make some calls and put together a young, very respectable
ball club for their inaugural season.
.
This time around, with a successful season under their belt and proven community
support from the ButlerPA
area, player recommendations have been coming in from all over.“We have
been pleasantly surprised by the number of calls and e-mails we have received, stated Leo Trich.With the
help of Head Coach Jason Wuerfel and assistant coach Glenn Sharrar, we have been able to go over the requests, make our
decisions and as on the first week of November, we have the roster all but filled,” Trich said.
.
“Last summer's players have talked to their college coaches and to other players and that has
been a real positive for us and the 2010 season,” the GM continued.“And even though we only
have two BlueSox returning from last year’s squad, Coach Wuerfel and I aver very happy with the players we now have
under contract,” Trich continued.
.
Most players are assigned by their college coaching
staffs and they like to move players around to experience other leagues, which explains why so many former BlueSox players
will not be back next summer. Some too, are now seniors and will graduate next spring, making them ineligible for the Prospect
League.
.
“We will have good representation from the Western PA/ eastern Ohio area with us again
next season. It is still our belief that using outstanding local talent just makes good sense. In addition, we will also have
players from as far away as California – and even one player from Canada,” Trich said.“As we did
last year, we want to make certain that the young men we bring to the Butler community are not only great athletes, but are great kids as well.Both qualities are important to putting a first class program together – on the fiield and off,” concluded
Trich.
"We are certainly glad to have this caliber of players on our 2010 team and we are happy that they and their colleges
are doing well. It will make for a tougher coaching job for Jason (Wuerfel) and Glenn (Sharrar),” continued Trich. “Our
reduced size roster size for the first week or two will mean that fewer options exist for our coaches when it comes to putting
lineup together each day."
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Mercyhurst junior forward Amy Achesinski has been named to the All-PSAC West Women’s Basketball
Second Team for the second year in a row, as announced Tuesday, March 9 by league officials. 
The Butler BlueSox have announced that Butler, PA resident Matt Cunningham has been named assistant general manager. Cunningham
has been helping the BlueSox franchise since early last year, when the BCCC/ Robert Morris graduate helped
the Butler team during the start up effort in the 2009 inaugural season. He continued to help the BlueSox staff throughout
the summer season with game-day activities at Pullman Park. 
voted into the league officially and that did not take place until late November 2008. 
In an attempt to fill in some holes, caused by arm injuries, Butler has signed yet another pitcher. Cameron Amstrud in a RHP
from the University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee. He and recently acquired Redd Tomlinson have replaced out-going pitchers Matt
Broder and Ken Bechaud. 
After a one run victory on Thursday night, the Butler BlueSox decided put the game out of reach early on Friday, defeating
the Lorain Ironmen 11-3.
BlueSox Return to Winning Ways
PITTSBURGH - PITT designated hitter Kevan Smith and a roster player with the BlueSox, along with
Pitt catcher Cory Brownsten and have been named to the Big East Baseball
All-Tournament team, announced Sunday in Clearwater, Fla. 
bid in the NCAA Regional’s.
The 2010 BlueSox players will be arriving in Butler on Tuesday, June 1. 
In addition to some of our fan favorites from ’09, including firework nights and mini concerts –
in 2010 area fans will have a chance to win a car during one of our games – not a new car, but a used car!
– leashed of course – and “man’s best friend” will enjoy some BlueSox action as well.
The Butler BlueSox will once again have the support of Northwood Realty as their "presented by" sponsor. Last
year, Northwood and their family of partners, joined the BlueSox team and quickly became a very visible, very important
part of Butler's summer college program.
Butler area residents who are old enough to remember, witnessed one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. He played at Pullman
when a 
Tucson, Ariz. – Three Mercyhurst baseball players have earned mention on the pre-season All-America watch list, prepared
by the American Baseball Coaches Association’s NCAA Division II All-America Baseball Committee. Junior pitcher 
