Gems Announce Signing of Three Players from Grand Canyon University
Published on March 26, 2013 under West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
Klamath Falls, Oregon: Tuesday, March 26, 2013: The Klamath Falls Gems are excited to announce the signing of three players from Grand Canyon University for the upcoming 2013 season. The Gems have signed right-handed pitcher Hunter Herdt, left-handed pitcher Brandon Bonilla, and infielder Paul Panaccione.
Hunter Herdt, 6'0" 160 lb., is a Junior right-handed pitcher from Grand Canyon University. Herdt attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College before transferring to GCU. In ten games he had 42 strikeouts to only 5 walks on the season at Chandler-Gilbert CC. "Hunter is a strike thrower that gets outs on the mound. We look forward to having him give us some quality innings on the mound this summer," said Gems Head Coach Mitch Karraker.
Brandon Bonilla is a 6'4" 205 lb. Sophomore left-handed pitcher from Grand Canyon University. He was drafted in the 37th round by the Colorado Rockies out of high school. Bonilla played his freshman season at Arizona State, where he appeared in 10 games with 13 strikeouts and only allowing four extra base hits all season, before transferring to GCU for this season. Bonilla is the son of ex MLB All Star Bobby Bonilla and is the Godson of Barry Bonds. "Bonilla is a big presence on the mound with experience pitching in the PAC-12 conference, he will be a great addition to the pitching staff of the Gems this summer," said Gems head coach Mitch Karraker.
Paul Panaccione, 5'10" 180 lb. is a Freshman infielder from Grand Canyon University. Originally from Peoria, AZ, Panaccione was an All League selection in high school as well as playing for the USSSA 18U Winter Nationals Championship team. He also played football in high school where he was an Arizona All State selection. "Paul is a great athlete that could play anywhere in the infield, but will primarily be a middle infielder with some time at 3rd base for us this summer," said Gems head coach Mitch Karraker.
"Anytime you can get a couple of left-handed pitchers, one of which has big league bloodlines you have to get excited, and to add another quality infielder is always a plus," said General Manager Grant Wilson. "I am very excited we have started a relationship with Grand Canyon University and hope to get quality players from them for years to come," added Wilson.
2013 Klamath Falls Gems Ticket Packages are available by calling 541-883-4367. The first 2013 home game will be against the Medford Rogues on Saturday, June 1.
The Klamath Falls Gems are members of the West Coast League, the Diamond Standard among summer college baseball. The eleven-team, professional style wood-bat league features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 20 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues last season. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com .
West Coast League Stories from March 26, 2013
- Hawaii Providing Wenatchee Three Players - Wenatchee AppleSox
- Gems Announce Signing of Three Players from Grand Canyon University - Klamath Falls Gems
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