Pippins Ink Two Bruins for 2015
April 16, 2015 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Pippins have added two UCLA Bruins to the 2015 roster, announcing the signing of right-handed pitcher Jake Bird and outfielder Dayton Provost.
"I'm very excited to continue our relationship with the UCLA Bruins," said Pippins' Manager Marcus McKimmy. "Their reputation for developing great players and winning national championships goes without saying. Adding two of their finest young players to our roster will pay immediate dividends in 2015."
Bird is in his first year on the UCLA roster. The native of West Ranch, California has made three appearances so far this year, holding a 3.38 ERA through his first 2 2/3 innings. At West Ranch High School, he was named third team all-state last year, while also garnering team pitcher of the year honors.
"Jake is a right-handed pitcher who will have a good chance to be in our starting rotation from day one," said McKimmy. "His fastball is 88-90 mph with heavy sink out of his hand. His arm is really loose as well, and at 6'3", there is still some room to get stronger. I know Coach [Bob] Wells will be thrilled to work with the ability that Jake brings to the table."
Provost is an outfielder in his final year at Hart High School and will join the Bruins next year. He comes from a long line of great UCLA baseball players out of Hart High, including Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer. Last year, he participated in the Perfect Game USA National Showcase, where he was named a top prospect by Rawlings. Perfect Game USA also named him a national high school underclass all-American honorable mention.
"Dayton is a top high school outfielder in southern California," said McKimmy. "He hits left, throws right, and can really cover a ton of territory in the grass. I plan on him being a big part of one of the best defensive outfields in the WCL. As a plus runner and the projection to hit for power at the Division-I level, I'm excited he will be wearing a Pippin uniform this summer."
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 new downtown Yakima offices, located at 12 S. 2nd Street. 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.
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from April 16, 2015
- Pippins Ink Two Bruins for 2015 - Yakima Valley Pippins
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.
