Pippins Sign Two Western Athletic Conference Student-Athletes
February 25, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash- The Yakima Valley Pippins are proud to announce the signing of two players from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Ryan Yamane, an infielder from Northern Colorado and Austin Hansen, a right-handed pitcher of Seattle University will be adversaries first before they become teammates on the Pippins. The Bears and Red Hawks will face off in a WAC series in April.
"Both guys play in a tough conference (WAC) where you have to bring it to the park every day," Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy said. "Yamane and Hansen will no doubt see each other during the season as adversaries, I look forward to what they will bring as teammates for the Pippins."
Yamane who is from Honolulu, Hawaii is a junior at the University of Northern Colorado and a graduate of the Punahou School. He has been in the lineup everyday so far this year for the Bears, batting leadoff and playing shortstop. Yamane was named second team All-Great West Conference in 2013 and earned player of week honors for the week of May 17th, 2013. The 5'9", 172 lb. infielder was part of a dynasty at Punahou helping win seven straight Division I state titles. Yamane has started 111 games for the Bears hitting a career .310 while drawing 84 walks in his career. He played for the Bellingham Bells last summer.
"Yamane already has invaluable WCL experience from 2013 playing in Bellingham," McKimmy said, "He will play a large role in our middle-infield, he knows what to expect, and will be counted on to lead us from day one. "
Hansen grew up in the backyard of Seattle University, graduating from Kamiak High School in Mukilteo. Hansen earned second team All-WESCO and was a team captain in 2013. In his senior season against Jackson High School, he struck out 11 batters in a five-inning victory. This season with the Red Hawks he has made one appearance going 4 2/3 innings allowing only 4 hits. He will major in Biology at Seattle University.
"Hansen will compete for a starting pitcher spot immediately for us," McKimmy said. "As a freshman this spring he is paying instant dividends for Seattle U." 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 February 25, 2014
- Pippins Sign Two Western Athletic Conference Student-Athletes - Yakima Valley Pippins
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