Pippins Sign Three Bulldogs
March 18, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash.-The Yakima Valley Pippins are glad to welcome three Gonzaga Bulldogs to the Pippin family. Troy Labrie, Nelson Benjamin, and Jack Morello will continue as teammates this summer for the Pippins as they compete for a WCL Championship. All three Zags will look to be contributors this summer.
"Our relationship with Gonzaga is very strong," Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy said. "Building a bridge to all the in-state schools is a priority for our organization, keeping talent inside the state will be beneficial for both us and the entire WCL."
Labrie is the fourth Washingtonian on the Pippins roster this year. The 6'2" 190 lb. right-handed catcher is a graduate of Tahoma High School in Covington, Wash. The first team All-South Puget Sound League (SPSL) catcher led the Bears to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Baseball Quarterfinals as a junior. In his senior season Labrie led the state of Washington with a .517 batting average while maintaining a .633 on-base percentage. He was a captain and played in Washington State's Senior All-Star Game.
"Labrie is a kid we recruited in high school because of his ability behind the plate," McKimmy said. "He is a very skilled defender with a well-above average arm. He will make an immediate impact in controlling the running game as well as handling our pitching staff. We are very pleased Troy is a Pippin." Benjamin is the only Pippin from Arizona. His hometown, Surprise, is home for both the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers during spring training. At Valley Vista High School he was standout outfielder in baseball and guard in basketball, lettering in both. As a senior he hit .486 with six home runs and 31 RBI. He also earned 5A All-State second team honors the outfielder made 26 appearances as a true freshman recording 12 putouts.
"Nelson comes to us as the most experienced Zag of the group, McKimmy said. "He is a natural centerfielder who we will count on to be an impact player with his speed in the outfield and on the base paths. His ability to play the short game will fit very well with our team dynamic." Morello is a native of Sherman Oaks, Calif. As a senior the right-handed pitcher led the Knights to a Califorinia Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I Southern Section Tournament appearance. He was also a key bat for Notre Dame his senior season batting .319 with 22 hits and 16 RBIs. From the hill he posted a 7-3 record with 50 strikeouts during his senior campaign. He was rated as the 86th best pitcher in California and the 159th best nationally by Perfect Game and pitched in the Perfect Game National Showcase in Minneapolis, Minn.
"Jack is intriguing to us because we feel he has a very high ceiling coming into the summer," McKimmy said. "He sits 86-88 mph, can throw 3 pitches for strikes, and has a tremendous changeup." The Yakima Valley Pippins will begin their quest for a WCL Championship at Yakima County Stadium on June 6th, 2014 at 7:05 P.M. against East Division rival Wenatchee. Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 season, including full-season and partial-season packages, as well as select team merchandise. Those interested in being part of something great from the start are asked to contact Noel Zanchelli at 206.271.7820 or by email at noel@pippinsbaseball.com.
You can reach the Pippins offices at 509-575-HITS (4487). The team store, stadium improvements and other fan-friendly amenity projects will begin in early spring 2014.
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West Coast League Stories from March 18, 2014
- Corvallis Knights Release 2014 Promotional Schedule - Corvallis Knights
- New Building at Kiger Stadium Is Under Construction - Klamath Falls Gems
- Pippins Sign Three Bulldogs - Yakima Valley Pippins
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