Black Bears Sign Trio from Prestigious LSU
May 5, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Cowlitz Black Bears News Release
Longview-Kelso, Thursday, May 5, 2011: The Cowlitz Black Bears of the West Coast League are proud to announce the signing of three players from the highly-ranked Louisiana State University Tigers.
Right-handed pitcher Kevin Berry heads the group of Tigers. Berry has appeared on the mound in 23 games for the Tigers this spring, working 24 innings with a 2-1 mark, 2 saves, and a 3.00 ERA. He also plays the infield. Berry is from Metairie, LA, and transferred from University of New Orleans this year. "Kevin is a versatile player who had success in the Cape Cod League in 2010," said Black Bears' general manager Grant Wilson. "He has shown he can compete against the highest levels of competition."
Joining Berry will be Kirk Cunningham and Beau Didier. Cunningham was a highly touted Junior College player who was named to the 2010 NJCAA Academic All-American Team. "Having known Kirk since he was 5, I am excited to coach him and know he will be a great contributor to the team," said Black Bears' head coach Bryson LeBlanc. In 2004 Kirk played a big role on the World Champion 15-year old Babe Ruth Team hosted by LCC.
Beau Didier, a utility infielder from Tacoma, WA, gives the Black Bears more depth in the infield. "Beau is a versatile performer who can play all infield positions and catch, he has a polished left-handed swing with great power potential," said LSU head coach Paul Mainieri. Didier's grandfather Mel Didier is a renowned MLB Scouting Director currently working for the Texas Rangers. Beau's dad Bob Didier was a big league catcher for the Braves, Tigers, and Red Sox.
"We're really pleased to add these great players from one of the most prestigious baseball programs in the country," added Wilson. "This is the start of what we hope to be a long lasting relationship with LSU and head coach Paul Mainieri".
2011 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available now by calling (360) 703-3195 or please visit us on-line at www.cowlitzblackbears.com
The Black Bears are members of the professional style nine-team West Coast League, The Diamond Standard among summer college wood-bat leagues. The WCL features pro prospects from major conferences across the country, with more than 120 WCL alums playing affiliated professional baseball and 12 ex-WCL stars in the Major Leagues. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com.
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from May 5, 2011
- Black Bears Sign Trio from Prestigious LSU - Cowlitz Black Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
