Bombers Bring in Two from PSU
March 13, 2015 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Battle Creek Battle Jacks News Release
Future Bomber Christian Helsel
(Battle Creek Battle Jacks)
Battle Creek, Mich. - The Battle Creek Bombers have announced the signing of James Coates and Christian Helsel, two everyday players from Pennsylvania State University.
OF James Coates (5'8", 185, Junior, Bats: L/Throws: L)
During the 2013 season, Coates started 49 and played in all 50 of Penn St.'s games en route to a unanimous selection to the All Big-Ten Freshman team. He led the Nittany Lions in runs (27), on-base percentage (.392), steals (10), and tied for the team lead with a .295 batting average. He also ranked inside the top-five in hits (51), RBIs (17), and walks (25). Coates recorded 15 multi-hit games and ended his freshman campaign on a seven-game hit streak. Last season, Coates started each of the 38 games he played for the Nittany Lions. He led the team in walks with 25 and ranked second among regular starters in batting average (.277) and on-base percentage (.393). He also earned Academic All-Big Ten Honors.
"James is a spark plug at Penn St. and I expect him to play a similar role for the Bombers this season," Field Manager Robert Robinson said of the Penn St. outfielder. "His speed is top-notch and he is a great clubhouse leader. His qualities on and off the field will be huge for us in Battle Creek this season."
INF Christian Helsel (6'0", 195, Redshirt Sophomore, Bats: R/Throws: R)
Helsel began his career at the University of Mississippi before transferring to Penn St. prior to this season. With the Rebels in 2013, Helsel played in 39 games and started 23, primarily at second base. He recorded 15 hits, including three doubles, while receiving playing time in the SEC Tournament and NCAA regional. 2015 will be his first season in a Penn St. uniform where he is expected to start at third base.
This will be Helsel's second summer in the Northwoods League. As a member of the St. Cloud Rox in 2013, he played in nine games accumulating four hits, driving in two runs, and scoring two more before an injury prematurely ended his summer.
"Christian's skill set makes him an important addition to our team," Robinson said. "At the plate, he has the ability to hit for average and power. Defensively, his versatility is a huge asset because he can play every position in the infield. He has the quick reactions to play third base and the smooth glove to be a great defender up the middle. Off the field, he has an unbelievable work ethic that will bring energy to our clubhouse."
Catch the Penn St. duo and the rest of the Bombers this summer at C.O. Brown Stadium. Battle Creek opens their season on May 26th when they host the defending Northwoods League Champion Lakeshore Chinooks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets, Mini-Plan information, and Group Outings are now available by calling the front office at (269)-962-0735 or by emailing info@battlecreekbombers.com.
Images from this story
 Future Bomber James Coates |
 Future Bomber Christian Helsel |
Northwoods League Stories from March 13, 2015
- Rafters Welcome University of Virginia Teammates - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Huskies Sign Three Arms - Duluth Huskies
- Pair of Arms Added to MoonDogs - Mankato MoonDogs
- Bombers Bring in Two from PSU - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
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.
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