Pippins Add Local Flavor to Roster
December 16, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Yakima Valley Pippins are pleased to announce the signing of two local talents to the 2015 roster. Jens Jensen of Lewis and Clark State College (LCSC) and Jace Van De Brake of Gonzaga University will join the team this summer. Both Jensen and Van De Brake played high school baseball in the Yakima Valley, with Jensen attending A.C. Davis High School while Van De Brake played at West Valley High School.
"In our inaugural season, a major local influence in our success was the output of Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC) baseball players who were either on the current roster or alumni after transferring to play at 4-year schools," said Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy. "In 2015, we are excited to bring in two familiar local talents who are making their name at other schools but will be returning home to help us compete for a WCL championship here at the Orchard."
Jensen, a 6'2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, played for the American Legion AAA Yakima Beetles and is currently studying and playing baseball for LCSC in Lewiston, Idaho. He previously attended Skagit Valley College (SVC) in Mount Vernon, Wash.
Jensen was a two way player for the Cardinals during in 2013 and 2014 seasons, pitching and playing the corners of the infield. He pitched 67.1 innings with a career 3.29 ERA, 53 strikeouts and three complete games. At the plate, he was a career .200 hitter in 55 at-bats.
"Jensen is a RHP that we are very happy to add to our pitching staff," said McKimmy. "He's been 88-90 mph this fall at LCSC, and I anticipate he will throw significant innings in the spring for the Warriors. Often rarely talked about with pitchers, Jens holds runners extremely well and can really field his position. He has the ability to start or relieve for us at any time, but I really like that he will add experience and leadership to our team from day one."
Van De Brake, who will begin his collegiate career at Gonzaga this spring, made a name for himself on the diamond and the basketball court while prepping at West Valley High School. As a junior, he was part of the 2013 Central Washington Athletic Conference (CWAC) Basketball Championship. He was also named the 2013 CWAC Baseball Most Valuable Player (MVP). His senior season was cut short due to a broken wrist he sustained in batting practice.
After graduating from West Valley, he finished his American Legion Baseball career with the Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak. He led the Selah-based organization to an AAA American Legion State Championship as well as a regional tournament appearance. He will be the second member of his family to play for a major baseball team in Yakima. His dad, Kevin, played for the Yakima Bears in 1990.
"Van De Brake is a very talented baseball player," McKimmy said. "I have had the luxury of following him for some time. As a left-handed hitter who handles the bat extremely well, Jace can impact the game either in the short game or with increasing power. He can also play any spot on the infield, runs the bases extremely well, and has won on every team he's played on. I believe his best days in baseball are still yet to come and glad he will be a Pippin."
The 2014 East Division Champions are busy preparing for next season and want you to be involved. The 2015 season begins on June 5th, and season tickets are currently on sale as well as our full retail line at our offices at the State Fair Park. You can also purchase Pippins Gear online at www.pippinsbaseball.com . Call us at 509-575-HITS (4487) or email us at info@pippinsbaseball.com for more information regarding tickets, retail, or host families.
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West Coast League Stories from December 16, 2014
- Pippins Add Local Flavor to Roster - Yakima Valley Pippins
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