FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers Sign Local Talent

Published on February 12, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


Avon, OH - The Lake Erie Crushers are pleased to announce the signing of three local players to the team's spring training roster. Catcher Nick Maragas of Massillon, LHP Brad Davidson of Novelty and infielder Arden McWilliams of Shaker Heights will all compete for Opening Day roster spots this spring.

Nick Maragas joins the Crushers after a successful collegiate career. In his senior season at the University of Louisiana - Monroe, he hit .317 and led the team with a .990 fielding percentage. A high school standout at Massillon Jackson High School, the 2004 graduate earned two All-League awards and All-State recognition as a senior. Field Manager John Massarelli expects Maragas to compete for the starting catcher job.

Brad Davidson is another young player hoping to make his professional debut in the Crushers' pinstripes. He played his freshman and sophomore seasons for Indiana University before transferring to Florida Southern College for his final two years. As a junior, he led his team in saves (5) and did not allow a single home run in 46 innings of work. He moved to the starting rotation for his senior season, earning a 5-4 record with two complete games. In 73 innings of work, he gave up 66 hits, 29 earned runs, and 60 strikeouts while allowing only 31 walks. Davidson will fight for a spot on the pitching staff this spring.

Arden McWilliams, Davidson's teammate at Florida Southern, comes to camp this spring to battle for a position at first or third. In his senior season at Florida Southern, he started 50 games, splitting time between third and short. He hit .338, with 66 hits, 45 RBI and led the team in runs (51) and triples (3). A 2004 graduate of Shaker Heights High School, McWilliams earned Team MVP and All-State honors his senior baseball season. He was also All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention in football.

"It is always nice when we can add local talent to the roster. All three of these players put up big numbers in college and will challenge some of the more experience players for positions on the roster this spring," said Massarelli.

The Lake Erie Crushers are the newest expansion team in the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league with 12 teams throughout the Midwest. The team will open its Inaugural Season on June 2, 2009 in a new 5,000 capacity ballpark located at the intersection of I-90 and Route 611 in Avon. Season tickets and Mini-plans are on sale now!

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Frontier League Stories from February 12, 2009


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