Black Bears Add Two University of Missouri Pitchers to Strengthen Pitching Staff
May 17, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Cowlitz Black Bears News Release
Longview-Kelso, Washington, Tuesday, May 17, 2011: Two highly-touted Missouri freshman pitchers have signed to pitch for the Cowlitz Black Bears, as the team inches closer to finalizing the 2011 roster.
Ian Ekery, a 6' 0" 200 pound El Paso, Texas native, was a two way star at Franklin High School. In 2009 he was 6-2 as a pitcher and hit .419. In 2010 he was 7-2 with a 2.60 ERA and 47 K's in 51 innings. Ian was selected to the Texas 5A All State team. "As a lefthander, Ian adds good depth to our pitching staff. He could be a starter or long relief guy. We're excited to find out which this summer," said Black Bears coach Bryson LeBlanc.
The Black Bears have also signed Missouri right-hander Ryan Yuengel. Yuengel, a 6'3" 200 pound Festus, Missouri native had a stellar 2010 season at Festus High School going a perfect 7-0 with a 1.38 ERA. "University of Missouri coaches tell us Ryan is a strike throwing machine, which is music to our ears." said Black Bears General Manager Grant Wilson.
"University of Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson is noted for developing great young pitchers"' added Wilson. "University of Missouri has done a tremendous job of consistently turning out top of the draft pitchers and we are excited to see what these players will do. You never know, one of them could be a first rounder in a couple of years."
2011 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available by calling (360) 703-3195 or please visit us on-line at www.cowlitzblackbears.com
The Black Bears are members of the West Coast League, a nine-team, professional style wood-bat summer college league. The WCL, the Diamond Standard of summer college leagues, features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 14 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com.
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