Pitcher Bernstein, Infielder Smith Returning to Pippins for 2016 Season
February 6, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - Andrew Bernstein and Freddie Smith, a pitcher and infielder who played for the Yakima Valley Pippins in 2015, will return to the team again this summer.
"Comfortability and confidence are important in any sport, but especially baseball," manager Marcus McKimmy said. "Andrew and Freddie really finished last summer on a high note, and I expect these guys to be fine leaders and to really hit the ground running this summer."
Bernstein, a sophomore right-hander from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, started eight games for the Pippins in 2015, finishing with a 2-5 record. He struck out 25 and walked 19 in 44 2/3 innings, with a 3.82 ERA.
"Andrew was a rotation guy for us last summer, and very easily could be again in 2016," McKimmy said. "He has a great work ethic and is a gritty competitor who fits our clubhouse dynamic nicely.
"I'm hearing that he is over 90 mph with his fastball currently, and with the addition of a really sharp slider he added late last summer, he should be very dangerous during his second year in Yakima."
Smith, a junior switch-hitter from Cal State Northridge, batted .276 (27 for 98) in 24 league games last summer. He had eight RBIs and nine stolen bases.
"Freddie joined us about halfway through 2015 because of team injuries and started every game the rest of the year," McKimmy said. "He's a very good utility infielder, making starts at second, third and shortstop in addition to being a switch-hitter. The coaching staff loves his energy and the speed he plays the game at. I'm thankful our fans get to see him for a full summer."
The Pippins open the 2016 season at Wenatchee on June 3. Yakima Valley's home opener is slated for Monday, June 6, at 7:05 p.m. against 2015 West Coast League champion Bend, Ore. Season tickets and ticket mini plans are available for purchase at Hunky Shaw's Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima. Ticket packages also can be purchased by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com.
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West Coast League Stories from February 6, 2016
- Pitcher Bernstein, Infielder Smith Returning to Pippins for 2016 Season - Yakima Valley Pippins
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