Gems Add Three to 2012 Roster
October 5, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
KLAMATH FALLS, OR - The Klamath Falls Gems today announced the commitment of three players to the 2012 roster, bringing the total number of commitments to 31 players. Coming to Klamath Falls are first baseman/outfielder Ben Packard of Northern Colorado, and two players from perennial powerhouse Cal State Fullerton - catcher Jared Deacon and infielder Greg Velazauez.
Packard, a 6'4", 210 junior from Niwot, Colorado, led the Bears in hitting with a .374 average, four home runs and 43 runs batted in during the 46-game Northern Colorado season. He also played a flawless first base, making no errors on the year. Packard was named to the Capital One Academic All-America Team, one of 33 collegiate baseball players so named.
Deacon, a 5'11", 190 pound sophomore from Elk Grove, CA, was Fullerton's starting catcher as a freshman in 2011 and projects to start again in 2012. He hit .298 in 51 games (42 starts) for Fullerton last season, and hit .302 in 27 games for Saskatoon of the Western Major Baseball League, Canada's premier collegiate league.
Velazquez, a 6'1", 175 pound infielder from Fullerton, CA, appeared in 25 games, starting 17, as a true freshman for Cal State Fullerton in 2011. He hit .344 with one home run, 12 RBI and five stolen bases. He played for Gems Coach Josh Hogan at Cowlitz during the 2011 West Coast League season.
"We've been waiting on some major Division I players to commit, and these three were high on our list," General Manager Chuck Heeman said. "Anytime you can bring in two starting players from a prestigious program like Fullerton, and bring in a player who's accomplished what Ben Packard has, it's a great testament to the program we're building here in Klamath Falls."
The Gems anticipate the addition of one to two more position players and 3-4 pitchers before finalizing the roster going into the fall.
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West Coast League Stories from October 5, 2011
- Knights Sign Two Returnees, New Player - Corvallis Knights
- Gems Add Three to 2012 Roster - Klamath Falls Gems
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