Creighton Freshman Look to Grow in Butler
March 11, 2013 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Butler BlueSox News Release
Butler, PA - March 11, 2013 - While freshman get fewer opportunities to take the field during the college season, they are often thrown right into the thick of things in the Prospect League. Two young players from Creighton University, Matt Warren and Ryan Fitzgerald, will look to take advantage of the opportunity for the BlueSox.
A native of Omaha, Nebraska--where Creighton University is located--Matt Warren is used to winning.
As a high school senior last year, he went 9-0 with a 0.66 ERA as a senior, he went the distance in seven of his ten starts. Offensively, Warren hit .387 in 80 at-bats, including 12 extra-base hits. "Primarily we look to use Matt on the mound and we feel he will be a major cog in our bullpen or starting rotation," said BlueSox' manager Anthony Rebyanski. "His credentials as a pitcher are outstanding and has had the opportunity this spring to log some innings for Creighton and get his feet wet at the collegiate level against very good competition."
His strong pitching helped Skutt Catholic High to top three state finishes in each of the last three years.
He holds multiple school records, including ERA (0.66), career strikeouts (345), and innings pitched (63.1).
Ranked by Prep Baseball Report as a top-five shortstop in Illinois, Ryan Fitzgerald will look to clog up the middle-infield on Pullman Park's quick turf.
"A highly recommended freshman from the Creighton coaching staff, Fitzgerald will play a key role for us defensively as we look for him to solidify one of our middle infield spots," said Rebyanski. "Also a left- handed bat in the lineup, we look to use him in a few different roles offensively. His speed will play right into our offensive philosophy."
An Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Area/All-State Selection, he hit .456/.569/.748 during his senior season, including 17 extra base hits and three home runs.
A two-time Chicago Catholic League All-Conference First Team selection, Fitzgerald was also a National Honors Society member and received the President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence in 2012.
"In talking with both Matt and Ryan, it's easy to tell that they just want to play baseball and are excited to be coming to Butler," said Rebyanski. "All we ask our players each year is to have fun, play hard and to leave it all on the field every day to the best of their ability. It seems these two will do just that."
Two more 2013 BlueSox will be announced next week.
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Prospect League Stories from March 11, 2013
- Creighton Freshman Look to Grow in Butler - Butler BlueSox
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