Two Local Stars Sign with Pump Jacks

Published on May 14, 2013 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Nico Moran from Spring Hill and Matthew Dickey from Kilgore, both award-winning players who are no strangers to Driller Park, will return to East Texas this summer to help the Jacks defend their title.

Thus far, the East Texas Pump Jacks have scoured the country to find the best talent available to defend their TCL title. On Tuesday, the Pump Jacks found two players from right here in their backyard.

The Jacks announced today the team has signed Longview nativeNico MoranandMatthew Dickeyfrom Kilgore. Moran, a junior from Tarleton State, was a part of last season's championship Pump Jacks squad. Dickey is in the midst of his freshman campaign at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA).

Moran helped lead Tarleton State to a 34-16-1 record, a top-20 national ranking, and the Lone Star Conference regular season title. The Texans saw their season come to an untimely end in the conference tournament, but not through any failing by Moran, who batted .333 (4-for-12) in the postseason.

In his first year at Tarleton State, Moran was a presence at the top of the order, starting all 51 games. He finished second on the team with a.360 batting average, while racking up six doubles, 16 stolen bases, and 21 RBI to earn all-conference honors.

Of course, many fans will remember Moran as a late-season addition in the Pump Jacks march to the championship. He appeared in five games and batted .214 with three RBI and two stolen bases.

Moran transferred to Tarleton State from Tyler Junior College, where he helped lead the Apaches to a district title and a berth in the NJCAA Div. III World Series. The speedy Moran set a TJC single-season record by stealing 40 bases last spring, good for sixth in the nation and 24 more than any of his teammates. He added a .311 batting average and ten doubles.

He started his collegiate career at Ranger Junior College, where he helped lead the offense with a .293 average, two doubles, three triples, and 14 RBI.

The Longview native attended Spring Hill High School, where he was a member of the 2009 district championship team. Moran was a two-time all-district selection, and an honorable mention all-state selection as well. He was also named district Newcomer of the Year for district in 2008.

While Moran awaits the beginning of the Pump Jacks season, Dickey still has at least a few weeks before he can put his freshman campaign in the books. SFA has three games remaining in the regular season, and the Lumberjacks are tied for third in the Southland Conference.

Dickey has appeared in 43 games, 20 of them starts, and he is batting .215 with a team-leading two triples and a double. He is third on the Lumberjacks with five stolen bases, behind team leader and former Pump Jack Hunter Dozier. Perhaps most telling about Dickey's potential is the confidence the SFA coaching staff has shown in him. He leads true freshmen on the team in nearly every offensive category, and as the only freshman to man the outfield, he leads the team with a perfect fielding percentage.

Locals will surely remember Dickey's achievements and accolades at Kilgore High School. His prep career included honors like district Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and district Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore. Dickey was an honorable mention on the all-state team as both a junior and senior, and he racked up all-East Texas honors his final two seasons with the Bulldogs.

His senior year at Kilgore, Dickey batting .394 with eight doubles, three triples and a home run. He also drove in 17 runs and stole 15 bases. He batted an eye-popping .460 during his junior season, when he drove in 35 runs, scored 37, and added 13 stolen bases. He registered a .414 average in his sophomore campaign.

The local duo adds depth to a roster that already includes three players from No. 3 Oregon State: pitcherCarlos Rodriguez, catcherNate Esposito, and designated hitterBeau Day. The growing roster also includes pitchersK.J. EdsonandHouston Hibberdfrom the University of San Francisco,Kenny Oakley(UNLV),Robert Parucha(UC Davis),Nick Rossetta(Long Beach State), andEvan Schreiber(Northwestern). Position players on the club include UNLV third basemanJoey Armstrongand Northwestern infielderZach Jones. The Pump Jacks open the defense of their title onThursday, May 30, on the road against the Texas Marshals. They open their 2013 home schedule onTuesday, June 4, against the Acadiana Cane Cutters, then conclude their opening homestand with a championship rematch against the Victoria Generals.

Host Families:The Pump Jacks are seeking host families for the 2013 season. Hosting a player is a great experience that forges a lifelong bond with a young man, a relationship that transcends the game of baseball. Host families also receive free season tickets - including the All-Star Game - for every member of their household. If you're interested in finding out more about the host family program, please contact the Pump Jacks at (903) 218-GO ET or info@pumpjacksbaseball.com.

Season tickets for the Jacks are on sale now:Season ticket prices remain the same this year - that's right, no price increase even with a championship and the All-Star Game! Lower Box seats, which include in-your-seat wait service, are just $199 each, and Upper Box seats are $150. Grandstand season tickets are $105 for adults and $85 for children and seniors. Season tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the Jacks' office in downtown Kilgore.

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