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Diamond Jim is Back in Town

May 13, 2005 - Frontier League (FL)
Mid-Missouri Mavericks News Release


Jim Gentile, nicknamed "Diamond Jim" by Roy Campanella, heads the Mavericks coaching staff for the 2005 season. Gentile was hired as manager of the Mavericks during the middle part of last season and helped build a strong nucleus for the 2005 season. Prior to joining the Mavericks last season, Gentile coached the Fort Worth Cats of the Central League during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. Gentile was selected last fall by fans of the Baltimore Orioles as one of the 50 greatest Baltimore Orioles of all- time. He was honored at a ceremony celebrating the Baltimore Orioles 50th Anniversary last September at Camden Yards.

The 2005 Mavericks coaching staff also includes two "stars." Thomas "Wakes" Waelchli is entering his first season with the Mavericks organization this year and will serve as the Bench Coach. Prior to joining the Mavericks, Waelchli was a pitching coach with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the Northern League. "Wakes" Waelchli has spent the last 25 years coaching and instructing at various organizations. Waelchli resides in St. Clair Shores, Michigan during the off-season. He and his wife, Wendy, have three children - J.T. (22), Natatlie (19) and Erica (13).

Pedro Baez is beginning his first season as pitching coach with the Mavericks organization this year. Prior to joining the Mavericks, Baez was the pitching coach and head coach for the junior varsity team at Darton College in Albany, Georgia. Baez's coaching career also includes pitching coach positions with the Carolina Warriors, the Montgomery Wings, and the Albany Alligators. Baez resides in Detroit, Michigan during the off-season and has three children, Pedro, Jr. (15), Dustin (14) and Celestina (5).

Both "Wakes" and Baez appeared in the Billy Crystal movie, 61, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the home run chase by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle during the 1961 season. Anyone know who finished third in 1961 in the MVP voting behind Maris and Mantle? The Mavericks own "Diamond" Jim Gentile.

Spring Training and the Draft

The Boys are Back in Town! Nineteen Maverick hopefuls will arrive in Columbia by the 10th for their physicals. Pitchers and catchers will begin their spring training on May 11th. The remaining fifteen hopefuls will arrive on May 12th and will begin their spring training on the 13th.

The Frontier League will hold its annual tryout camp and draft at Falconi Field in Washington, Pennsylvania on Monday, May 9th and Tuesday, May 10th where all twelve Frontier League teams will be represented. Registration begins on Monday at 8:00 a.m. Following the Tuesday workouts, the League will conduct its draft. The Mavericks have the first pick in the 2005 Draft.

Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Shirt Off Your Back Scratcher Night

Sunday, June 5, 2005 at 6:05 p.m. vs. Gateway Grizzlies Don't miss your chance to win a special jersey the Mavericks players and coaches will be wearing this evening courtesy of Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance! In order to win one of the 27 jerseys, fans must purchase scratch-off tickets at the ballpark for $1 each. All proceeds will benefit a very worthy cause - Kids' Chance.

Jersey winners will be invited down on the field after the game to meet the Mavericks player or coach that is wearing the jersey they won! The jerseys will also be autographed by the respective player or coach, and each jersey winner will have their picture taken with them. So, come out to the ballpark on Sunday, June 5th to help support Kids' Chance and have a chance to win a special Mavericks jersey!

Last chance to get Mini-Plans and Merchandise on Sale!

Only 23 days remain until Opening Day for your Mid- Missouri Mavericks. Don't miss out on your chance to see 13 Mavs' games for only $75 with the Chesapeake Bagel Baker's Dozen mini-season ticket plan. Get box seating for the Season Opener, four "Freebie Friday" games, three "Spectacular Saturday" games and the final home game of 2005 (among others)!

Also, as the new merchandise for the 2005 season comes into the office, we need to make room by selling last season's apparel. Right now all apparel - including t-shirts, denim shirts and batting jerseys - is 50% off (until further notice). Get some great deals - before they're gone!



Frontier League Stories from May 13, 2005


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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