Two from Nationally Ranked UC Irvine Sign with Black Bears
May 26, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Cowlitz Black Bears News Release
Longview-Kelso, Friday, May 27, 2011: Two nationally ranked UC Irvine players have agreed to spend their summer with the Cowlitz Black Bears. The Black Bears have also signed three additional players from the state of California.
Left-handed pitcher Andy Lines and infielder Trent Zaks from the Anteaters of UC Irvine lead the pack of five California players. Shortstop Mitchell Walding who has committed to play for the University of Oregon, Concordia University right-hander Andrew Brooks, and outfielder Dax Turner from Sacramento State will all be wearing Cowlitz Black Bears uniforms when the season begins on June 3rd at Story Field.
"Lines has been getting in some innings for Coach Gillespie at UC Irvine and he's a lefty so he's invaluable to the team," said Black Bears' Coach Bryson LeBlanc. "Trent Zaks is still very young and working hard at UC Irvine and we are hoping some steady playing time this summer will give him the confidence he needs," added LeBlanc.
Mitchell Walding is following in the footsteps of Stefan Sabol and will play in the WCL prior to having a college at bat. Walding is a 6'4 shortstop from St. Mary's of Stockton HS and has committed to play for Coach George Horton at the University of Oregon. "From what I've been told by scouts, Walding is a potential five-tool player." said Black Bears GM Grant Wilson. "He's a left-handed hitter who has a chance to be a special player."
Cowlitz Black Bears Opening Night is Friday June 3 at 6:35 pm. Get there early for your Three Rivers Mall Magnet Schedule and stay for the post game Fireworks Extravaganza thanks to Links 4 Corners General Store. 2011 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available by calling (360) 703-3195 or please visit us on-line at www.cowlitzblackbears.com
The Black Bears are members of the West Coast League, a nine-team, professional style wood-bat summer college league. The WCL features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 14 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com.
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West Coast League Stories from May 26, 2011
- Two from Nationally Ranked UC Irvine Sign with Black Bears - Cowlitz Black Bears
- Knights Sign OSU Pitcher Adam Duke - Corvallis Knights
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