Celsi All About Winning; Enters Third Year Under Skip Handelsman
July 4, 2015 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Green Bay Rockers News Release
Brian Celsi of the Green Bay Bullfrogs
(Green Bay Rockers)
Green Bay, Wis.- Brian Celsi (California) is in his second season with the Bullfrogs and his third under the tutelage of Skip Handelsman. The corner outfielder who helped lead his Golden Bears to the final game of the NCAA College Station Regional looks to guide the Bullfrogs to a championship run in 2015.
Golden Year For Bears; Celsi Captures National Headlines
Celsi put together a fine season with California-Berkeley, a team projected to finish in the bottom of the Pac-12, that ended up placing third and nearly walking away from College Station with a berth into the Super Regionals.
After beating Coastal Carolina in game one in College Station, Celsi's Bears next played Texas A&M who brought in a perfect 25-0 record into play against non-conference opponents. In a 1-1 tie, a ball was hit deep to Celsi in left field. He leapt while making contact with the wall and robbed a sure home run, in a game Cal won in the 14th inning.
"I just remember the coach put me on the [warning] track and saying this guy has a swing that can possibly do something," said Celsi of his home-run preventing grab. "First pitch, getting it, going back, jumping up, hitting the wall and looking at my glove seeing the ball, and catching it to be able to save the game was pretty cool."
Celsi was also named the National Player of the Week by NCAA.com and Collegiate Baseball on March 9th for a numbers swelling performance against Chicago State. In a three-game set he went 8-for-11 with a double, two home runs, and nine RBI.
Back For More; Learning How To Win Most Important
There was no doubt that Brian Celsi was going to come back to Green Bay, his fourth summer season overall. He's the veteran now in his third season as a Bullfrog, dating back to 2012.
He played with future professionals on the 2012 Frogs such as Justin Seager, Taylor Johnson, D.J. Slaton, and Christian Cecilio. And in the Coastal Plains League, was a member of the Fayetteville SwampDogs under Skip Handelsman in 2013.
Celsi followed Skip to Green Bay in 2014, and has bought in to his philosophy centered around a competitive edge every night the team takes the diamond.
"I love playing for Skip, it's all about winning for him. As much as I need to develop, we also need to learn how to win," said Celsi. "He's always got my back, and I always have his, so why not come back for my last summer?"
When asked if Handelsman had previously managed under such an overtly aggressive offensive scheme since he played for him in 2013, Celsi's reply indicated that has always been a hallmark. And it seems that's the way he and the other players like it.
"Beat the game and try to simplify it," said Celsi about what he's learned playing for Handelsman. "Always green lighting on the bases, always bunting, always just putting pressure on in the game because it's going to go our way."
Celsi's Presence Fortifies Bullfrogs For Second Half Run
Outside of getting a great player, Celsi's arrival to Green Bay also puts another commandeering personality in the clubhouse. A jovial and outgoing person, when it's time to play Celsi is one of the best base-runners, defenders, and hitters that can be inserted anywhere in the order.
A league with so many young players, Celsi's approach to being one of the older guys reflects the positive atmosphere that has been a strong suit of the team the entire summer.
"If someone wants to pick my ear I'm more than happy to help them out," said Celsi. "I'm not going to hover over anyone, but if they have questions for me I'm always willing to answer."
Celsi also feels the 2015 version of the Green Bay Bullfrogs may be one of the better teams he has played for, with another ode to the solid rapport between all the players.
"These guys are really cool," said Celsi of his new teammates. "It's a really tight knit group and they hustle, don't mouth off, and I'm having a blast."
Single game tickets are on sale now. Visit www.greenbaybullfrogs.com to purchase tickets. The Bullfrogs' business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Images from this story
 Brian Celsi of the Green Bay Bullfrogs |
Northwoods League Stories from July 4, 2015
- Red, White and Boom Night Double Header Produces Another Split - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Loggers Out-Slug Kingfish in Series Finale - Kenosha Kingfish
- Runaway train: Stingers stay red hot with defeat of Express - Willmar Stingers
- Rox Dominate from Start; Remain Perfect in Second Half - St. Cloud Rox
- Waterloo Falls in Extras, Splits with Battle Creek - Waterloo Bucks
- Bullfrogs Fail to Move Past Walks, Defensive Miscues En Route to Loss - Green Bay Rockers
- La Crosse wins over Kenosha - La Crosse Loggers
- Rafters Big Bats Break Slump against Bullfrogs - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Anchors can't overcome on Independence Day - Alexandria Blue Anchors
- Huskies Beat Alexandria - Duluth Huskies
- Celsi All About Winning; Enters Third Year Under Skip Handelsman - Green Bay Rockers
- Rafters to Battle Bullfrogs on Independence Day - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Five-Game Road Trip Begins for Bullfrogs - Green Bay Rockers
- Mallards Go for Three Straight Wins Behind Bower - Madison Mallards
- Kingfish Survive Late Logger Surge in La Crosse - Kenosha Kingfish
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.
