Pippins Add Two from UC Riverside
January 20, 2015 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Yakima Valley Pippins have added two incoming freshmen at UC Riverside, signing Ryan Lillie and AJ Sawyer to the 2015 roster. UC Riverside is the same school that 2014 Pippin and West Coast League MVP Vince Fernandez came from.
Lillie, a catcher, joins UCR from Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, CA. He was named an all-league player in both his sophomore and junior years. In his three years on the VMHS varsity squad, Lillie hit .319 with one home run and 53 RBI.
"Ryan is a young but very talented catcher who we anticipate will really change a game with his defense," said Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy. "At a priority position behind the plate, his ability to catch and throw will be fun to watch. His leadership qualities were something that really separated him on our priority list."
Sawyer comes out of VMHS' rival school, Temecula Valley High School. An outfielder, Sawyer hit .322 with 2 home runs and 21 RBI last season with the Bears. He earned all-league honors and the team MVP award in his time at TVHS.
"We are very pleased to bring in another UCR outfielder in 2015, especially one with as many physical tools as AJ has," said McKimmy. "His arm from the outfield is well above average, which compliments a power tool that is rare for somebody who gets on base as much as he does. He has the ability to hit anywhere in the middle of the order as soon as he arrives."
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 January 20, 2015
- Pippins Add Two from UC Riverside - Yakima Valley Pippins
- Sweets Finalize 2015 Coaching Staff - Walla Walla Sweets
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