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Message from SteepleCats Manager to the Fans

June 9, 2011 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
North Adams SteepleCats News Release


With our 2011 opener tonight at Joe Wolfe Field, I want to make this promise to SteepleCats fans ‚¬" our team will play the game the right way. We will always run hard on the bases, hustle from start to finish, and never take anything for granted, no matter the score or the situation in any game.

We've had a great couple of days together since the players arrived in North Adams on June 5. While we have adjusted to our new summer home, our players have had the pleasure to visit area schools, enjoy a New England style BarBQ with all the volunteers and host families, raft the Deerfield River, and practice at one of the finest fields in the NECBL, our very own Joe Wolfe Field. From day one, my message has been to look ahead and always prepare for what's coming, never to worry about what's happened in the past. We are a team and a family. If we play to the best of our capabilities in all facets of the game, we will be successful.

I'll put our lineup against anyone else's in the NECBL. We have a solid core of veteran players that is looking to prove itself to scouts as the summer months roll on. We'll play to our strengths and put pressure on the defense. If the situation presents itself for us to steal a base, we will make that attempt and know that we have very good team speed.

Jacob Daniel (Eastern Kentucky) will be a force in the middle of our lineup after his third consecutive year of hammering pitchers in the Ohio Valley Conference. Drew Gadaire (Davidson) has great power from the right side of the plate and has never hit lower than .289 during his career. One guy who might fly under the radar is sophomore Justin Leeson (Georgetown) who had a productive spring after starting in all 53 of the Hoyas games. Although I haven't met him yet, I've heard that the fans will be happy to welcome back the return of 2010 SteepleCat Chantz Mack (Miami). Finally, Steven Zavala (Rutgers) will be a huge part of our offense with his lefty bat and his ability to get on base and read opposing pitchers.

Our infield has several solid pieces we can move around at various points during the season. On the left side, Cameron Griffin (Columbus State) has some pop and will be one of the most talented defensive third baseman in the league. Marc Magliaro (Rowan) will roaming shortstop after a career year in which he was named 1st Team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference. Nico Hernandez (St. Thomas University) comes to us from Miami and will see time in the middle of the diamond as well. Hernandez has experience playing summer ball after a nice stint in the KIT League last year as a high school senior. Alpharetta, Georgia native Corbin Blakey (Georgetown) arrives with teammate Justin Leeson and will look to provide solid defenese at second base. Behind the plate, Steven Zavala's brother Mike (Rutgers) and Brett Frantini (Northern Illinois) will look to shut-down opposing running games by throwing out attempted base stealers. After losing our first baseman before the season began, we were able to sign two first basemans to join us this summer, left-handed hitting Kyle Boudreau (U. of California at Riverside) and right-handed hitting Sam Russell (Central Michigan) and look for them to drive in runs in the middle of the batting order.

Opening night starter will be Trent Franzago (Georgia Southwestern). Trent is coming off of a phenomenal season where he was dominant and consistent throughout his college season. He'll be joined on the mound with a plethora of talented young pitchers. There will be a lot of competition for roles with the pitching staff, but look to Trent Franzago (Georgia Southwestern), Cameron Copping (Buffalo), Frank Morris (Seton Hall) and freshman Brian Gilbert (Seton Hall) to take the mound early in June.

I'm extremely excited to be working closely with our bullpen, which I truly feel will be one of the SteepleCats' strongest assets this season. Gray Carden (Georgia Southwestern) has a closer's mentality and was one of the Peach Belt Conference's best pitchers this season. Taylor Hart ( Georgia College and State University ) is a 2008 Atlanta Braves' draft choice who's still working his way back from arm surgery and looking for a prominent role on our team. Andrew Loynaz ( South Florida ) gained valuable experience during his junior year while pitching to hitters in the well-stocked Big East Conference. And let's not forget our talented left-handers coming out of the pen. Hopkington, Massachusetts native Bryant Guilmette was marvelous at UMASS-Lowell as the River Hawks advanced to their 18th NCAA Tournament. And Cody Kopilchak ( Wright State ) has made over 30 appearances through his first two collegiate seasons and can also be used as a spot-starter. Tim Theising (Keene State) and fellow conference pitcher CJ Tsomakus (Rhode Island College) arrive following an impressive spring season where they led their college pitching staffs and will provide versatility for Pitching Coach Michael Vicaro.

It's been a goal of mine to be a Manager in the NECBL for several years and am fortunate to have the opportunity to be with the SteepleCats. Now that I'm finally here, I can't tell you how proud I am of being a part of this community and organization as we set our sights on our first NECBL championship. The 2011 journey is just beginning, and I can only hope that you are with us the rest of the way.

On behalf of the entire organization, the players, and my coaching staff, thank you for your support. We'll see you at Joe Wolfe Field tonight!

Sincerely,

Clayton Kuklick

SteepleCats Field Manager

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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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