Otters Sign Slugger Konicek

Published on January 4, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
Oakland County Cruisers News Release


Evansville, IN - Outfielder Tony Konicek, a two-time first-team NCAA Division III All-American from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minn., has signed a 2008 contract with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League.

A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Konicek was the two-time most valuable player of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and a three-time All-MIAC selection.

Konicek led all Division III players with a .895 slugging percentage as a senior in 2007; in 36 games he hit .452 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs. He began the season as the Gusties' centerfielder before switching to third base.

In addition to earning the Max Molock MIAC Most Valuable Player Award for the second year in a row, Konicek was honored as the 2007 Midwest Region Position Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and named to the NCAA All-American First Team as a third baseman.

"I look forward to working with Tony; his numbers are just a small portion of what he adds to our team," said Otters manager Jason Verdugo, who faced Konicek as coach of Hamline University. "Tony adds a very strong winning attitude and competitive fire. In six years I have coached in the MIAC, I have allowed 5 intentional walks...4 to him, in the same game....that's how much respect I have for Tony and his ability."

As a junior in 2006, Tony was named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-American First Team after hitting .484 with 8 homeruns, 49 RBI's, 28 runs scored and a .989 fielding average.

Konicek finished as the Gusties' career leader in batting average (.440), hits (228), triples (12), RBIs (178) and runs scored (tied with 135). His 31 home runs, 53 doubles and 518 at bats rank second all-time among Gustavus Adolphus batters.

The Mayo High School graduate also holds the Gusties' single season record for at bats (171), hits (74) and RBIs (55). He is the first multiple-time All-American in Gusavus Adolphus baseball history.

The Otters 2008 season will open May 21st, 2008 as the reigning 2007 Frontier League Champion Windy City ThunderBolts come to town for Fifth Third Bank Opening Night. The Otters will host 51 home games during 2008.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Frontier League Stories from January 4, 2008


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.

OurSports Central