Rogues Sign First 2015 Players
September 2, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Medford Rogues News Release
MEDFORD, OR - The Medford Rogues today announced the first round of player commitments for the 2015 season. The initial group of signings include three returning players, three new signees and two 2014 signees who sat the season out due to injury. Returning for 2015 are 1B/DH Nathan Etheridge (Western Oregon University), 1B Chris DeVito (New Mexico) and RHP Jeff Hardy (West Virginia University). The three new signees are all from Morehead State (KY); catcher Jimmy Wright, and LHPs Jared Holloman and Cable Wright. Returning from injury are 2013 Rogues RHP Jamie Flynn (Ashland High and Lane JC) and 2014 signee shortstop Jared Holley (New Mexico).
"We're obviously well into the recruiting season and we're very flattered that we have 10-15 Rogues ready to return for next season," Rogues GM Chuck Heeman said. "We'll announce them as their paperwork comes in. We're also thrilled to get Jared Holley and Jamie Flynn back and healthy, and we're looking forward to seeing the Morehead State guys after the players the Eagles sent us in 2014 were so productive."
Information on the first group of 2015 Medford Rogues:
Returning players:
Nathan Etheridge, 1B/DH, Western Oregon, Jr.
6'5", 220, Grants Pass, OR, bats and throws right
After a breakout year at Western Oregon, Etheridge was named the 2014 Rogues MVP. Etheridge led the team in at bats (181), hits (62, a team record), RBI (32) and tied for the team lead in doubles (11) while hitting .343. He was also a contestant in the 2014 WCL All-Star Game Home Run Derby.
Chris DeVito, 1B/OF, New Mexico, So.
6'1", 205, Northridge, CA, bats and throws left
DeVito also had a good year with the 2014 Rogues, going 20/76 (.263) with one home run and seven RBI in limited playing time.
Jeff Hardy, RHP, West Virginia U., Jr.
6'4", 190, Cupertino, CA, bats and throws right
After signing with West Virginia during the 2014 season Hardy amassed a 3-2, 4.69 record for the Rogues. He appeared in eight games, starting seven, and had 27 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings on the season. Hardy returns for his third year with the Rogues.
New signees:
Jimmy Wright, C, Morehead State, So.
6'0", 210, Richmond, KY, bats left, throws right
Wright started 21 games in 33 appearances for the 2014 Eagles, hitting .229 in 83 at bats, with three home runs (third on the team) and 17 RBI. He projects to be Morehead State's starting catcher for the 2015 season.
Cable Wright, LHP, Morehead State, So.
5'11", 245, Owingsville, KY, bats and throws left
Wright appeared in 26 games for the 2014 Eagles and pitched 18 2/3 innings. He gave up runs in only nine of those appearances while striking out 15 and walking eight. He is not related to Jimmy Wright.
Jared Holloman, LHP, Morehead State, Jr.
6'3", 215, Morton, IL, bats and throws left
A junior transfer to Morehead State, Holloman starred at Illinois Central College in 2014. He compiled a 3-3 record, pitching 30 innings and striking out 29 while putting up a 1.50 ERA with two complete games.
Returning from injury:
Jared Holley, SS, New Mexico, Jr.
5'6", 155, Northridge, CA, bats and throws right
An original Rogue signee for the 2014 season, Holley hit .314 in 41 games for the Lobos, with 19 RBI and three stolen bases. A late season hamstring injury forced Holley to sit out the 2014 summer ball season. Holley and 2014-15 Rogue Chris DeVito were high school teammates at Chatsworth (CA) High.
Jamie Flynn, RHP, Lane JC, Fr.
6'0", 210, Ashland, OR, bats and throws right
Flynn played with the Rogues in 2013 after graduating from Ashland High. He appeared in 11 games, starting seven, and compiling a 0-1, 5.40 ERA. A hip injury forced Flynn to redshirt his freshman year at Western Nevada and he has since transferred to Lane JC.
The Rogues will announce their 2015 season schedule as soon as it is available. Season tickets are available now by visiting the Rogues' Harry & David Field offices or calling 541-973-2883, or by visiting www.medfordrogues.com online.
The West Coast League is a 12-team collegiate wood-bat baseball league composed of the best college players, coaches, facilities and operators in the industry. Ranging from Medford, Oregon north to Kelowna, B.C., and the league has operated as the WCL since 2005. In June, 56 WCL players were selected in the Major League draft. For more information on the WCL, go to www.wccbl.com.
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