Two Rapids Selected to PGCBL All-Star Team
July 9, 2019 - Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL)
Watertown Rapids News Release
Watertown, NY - On Monday the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) announced the East and West All-Star teams who will compete on July 16th in Saugerties, NY, hosted by the Saugerties Stallions. Two Rapids will compete as members of the West Division team.
As the league headed into the second half of the two-month season, coaches nominated and voted on players for the All-Star game next week. The PGCBL announced yesterday, Rapids' outfielder Derek Kasperzyk (Quinnipiac) and pitcher Kenny Sysyn (Marymount) were named All-Stars.
Kasperzyk is batting .308 on the season, good for second on the Rapids. He also is second on the team in stolen bases at 11, only getting caught once. Known for his speed, Kasperzyk does have one home run this summer. Rapids' field manager Mike Wood, who has now coached Kasperzyk two summers in a row said, "he constantly puts pressure on the defense when he puts the ball in play on the ground. He's a threat every time he gets on base and has an ultra green light to run."
As could be expected of Kasperzyk, he's most looking forward to showing off his speed in the All-Star game. Kasperzyk is appreciative of the selection and looks forward to representing both Watertown and Quinnipiac University and had this to say, "It means the world to me that I am able to represent Watertown. The town has welcomed us and supported us all season. I'm also so proud to represent Quinnipiac. The baseball program has given me so much and I can't wait to continue to build the Quinnipiac name throughout the baseball world."
Kenny Sysyn will represent Watertown on the mound in Saugerties. For Rapids' pitchers with at least 16 innings pitched, Sysyn leads the team with a 1.68 ERA. Sysyn also leads the team in batting average against at .161 and in WHIP at .94. Sysyn sports a 2-0 record on the season and is second on the team in strikeouts with 21. Coach Wood knows what to expect when he calls Sysyn's name, "he's as reliable as they come out of the bullpen."
Sysyn is also honored to be recognized by the coaches around the league for his success thus far. "I'm looking forward to throwing against great competition in the game and meeting a few of the guys from other teams around the league, as well as supporting my teammates at the day's events. It's a great feeling to be representing not only Watertown, but also Marymount because it shows that we have good talent here in Watertown, but also shows what kind of players we have a part of our program at Marymount.
In addition to Kasperzyk and Sysyn being selected to the All-Star roster, Vincent DeRubeis (Bridgeport) has been selected to participate in the Home Run Derby. DeRubeis leads the Rapids in doubles with seven and has powered two home runs on the season. Coach Wood is confident DeRubeis will have a strong showing at the derby saying, "he constantly squares the ball up and when he's feeling it, he has the ability to hit balls out of the park consistently." DeRubeis is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase his power, "I'm very excited to be a part of the Home Run Derby to meet and compete with some of the best hitters around the league."
Due to the Jefferson County Fair and the All-Star break, the Rapids return home on July 18th at 6:15pm for Thirsty Thursday & Ladies Night. Follow the Rapids on Facebook for great promotions with only SEVEN regular season games remaining.
Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 9, 2019
- Dutchmen Drop 11-Inning Contest to DiamondDawgs - Albany Dutchmen
- Two Rapids Selected to PGCBL All-Star Team - Watertown Rapids
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