WCL Walla Walla Sweets

Sweets "Buy Local" to Bolster 2017 Roster

Published on December 7, 2016 under West Coast League (WCL)
Walla Walla Sweets News Release


Walla Walla, Wa - The WCL is baseball's version of "buy local". The Sweets have led by example over the past decade, signing 18 players since 2010 who have played for either Walla Walla CC or Whitman College baseball. That trend continues for the 2017 season with the recent signing of a pair of players who ply their trade for Whitman College, with whom the Sweets share historic Borleske Stadium. Infielder and team captain Joseph Zimmer and RHP/OF Patrick Stanton will both make Borleske their home stadium for the entire year, signing to play for the Sweets in 2017.

"Coach Brian Kitamura has been building a program that will be very competitive in the Northwest Conference this next season, and for many to come - these players are good examples of the caliber of player that is now on campus," said Sweets president Zachary Fraser. "Zimmer is one of the best all-around players in the NWC - he reminds me of Kramer Lindell, who was an All-Star for us in 2013 when coming from Linfield. Patrick is a strike-thrower who has added velocity and improved control - we anticipate he will be a solid contributor to the staff in a lot of different roles...

"Both are expected to be significant contributors this coming season."

Zimmer, a native of Billings, Montana, led the NWC in batting average, hitting a blistering .426 on his way to a first-team All-NWC recognition in 2016. His OPS was an off-the-charts 1.200, which was good for #2 in the league, and he finished in the top 10 in many other meaningful offensive categories (hits, 2B, HR, and BB). He can play five positions, and with his ability to get on base leading the way, he is projecting to fill a super-utility role for the Sweets in 2017.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to play for the Sweets this summer," said Zimmer. "Playing in the West Coast League is a great opportunity for me to compete against some talent players.

"It is an honor to be able to continue to play in Walla Walla and represent Whitman - it is a great chance to show what our program has to offer."

" Joe produced, arguably, the best offensive season in Whitman history last spring and is one of the best leaders we've ever had on campus," said Whitman head coach Brian Kitamura. "Patrick was an integral piece of our lineup in conference play last spring and was exceptional on the mound this summer. Both have a work ethic second to none.

"We are very excited to have them playing for the Sweets and for them to continue to represent Walla Walla throughout the summer."

Stanton, a native of Seattle, Washington, presents an imposing figure as a two-way player for the Blues. His 6' 4" frame has allowed him to develop as both a right-handed pitcher and reliever, and he continues to fill out, adding strength to his length. During the 2016 season for Whitman, he hit .370. This past summer, he pitched in the Northwest Collegiate Baseball League for the Pilchuck Pioneers, where he led the team in strikeouts and posted a 2.35 ERA. While his versatility will provide flexibility for manager Frank Mutz, especially early on, with the ability to play Stanton in the outfield in specific situations, it is anticipated that he will be utilized primarily as a pitcher during WCL play.

"I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to play against some of the best collegiate talent in the Northwest, and that I get to be able to do that in the Walla Walla community," said Stanton.

From Sweets manager Frank Mutz: "I'm looking forward to having two Whitman players join the Sweets this summer. I believe it is important to the community to have local talent on the roster. When we reached out to Coach Kitamura he highly recommended both Joseph and Patrick, and both will be counted on to help us win a WCL title.

"When you're building a roster to compete at such a high level, it's important you have a solid line-up from the beginning of the summer and both players will add needed depth to our club."

Local Sweets fans are able to get a sneak peek of these two players this spring, as the newly-christened Blues will start their 2017 campaign at Historic Borleske Stadium February 25, 2017 against conference rival Whitworth.

The details of the players signed:

Joseph Zimmer (Twitter: @joseph_zimmer_ ) - 5'11" | 185 LBS | R/R | INF

Patrick Stanton (Online Bio: http://bit.ly/2gaaq19 ) - 6'4" | 180 LBS | R/R | RHP

### WALLA WALLA SWEETS ###

About the Walla Walla Sweets:

Walla Walla Sweets is a professionally operated baseball club in the West Coast League. It is led by a group of civic-minded individuals with strong ties to the Walla Walla region and to the game of baseball. The Walla Walla Sweets will strive to provide their fans, sponsors, business partners, and investors with the very best in competitive baseball and entertainment, including atmosphere, comfort, food & beverage, safety, competition, fun and value. For more information, please visit www.wallawallasweets.com .

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West Coast League Stories from December 7, 2016


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