Westerners Add Three Pitchers, Including Two MLB Draftees
May 28, 2013 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Danbury Westerners News Release
Danbury, CT - The Danbury Westerners, the longest tenured team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, are proud to announce the signing of Michigan University's Matt Ogden, Oneonta StateCollege's Steve Ascher, and Grand Canyon University's Brandon Bonilla.
Matt Ogden (Aurora, CO) is a sophomore pitcher for the Michigan University Wolverines. Matt appeared in 21 games with one start this past season. Matt pitched 55.1 innings, while posting an 8-1 record with a 2.28 ERA, as well as picking up two saves. Matt struck out 42 batters, while walking 22. In his freshman season, Matt led the team with 3 saves and 20 appearances while recording 3-4 record and 4.02 ERA. Matt played his high school ball at Smoky Hill High School where he was named to the All-State First Team and the Colorado Pitcher of the Year in his senior season. Matt was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 24th round of the 2011 First-Year Players Draft. Matt is the son of Christopher and Victoria Ogden and is a general studies major.
Steve Ascher (Mattituck, NY) is a sophomore pitcher for the Oneonta State Red Dragons. This past season, Steve appeared in ten games, eight of them being starts, and recorded a 3.02 ERA and a 4-4 record. Over the course of 50.2 innings pitched, Steve struck out 43 compared to only 17 walks. Out of the 52 hits that Steve allowed, only four of them went for extra bases. Steve started seven games his freshman season, posting a 3.27 ERA and a 2-2 record. Steve is majoring in biology.
Brandon Bonilla (Sarasota, FL) is a sophomore pitcher for the Grand Canyon University Lopes. Brandon has pitched 22.2 innings this season in 23 relief appearances. He has a 2-0 record with a 3.57 ERA and has struck out 26 batters.Brandon played at Arizona State University, where he pitched 12.1 innings over 10 games. Baseball is in Brandon's family; his father, Bobby Bonilla played in the Majors for 16 seasons with for eight different teams, including the 1997 World Series Champion Florida Marlins. Brandon's godfather is the MLB's all-time home run leader, Barry Bonds. Brandon was drafted in the 2011 First Year Players Draft by the Colorado Rockies in the 37th round.
In other Westerners news, Ryan Kinsella, first baseman for Elon University, was named the 2013 SOCON Player of the Year. Ryan is batting .329, with 20 home runs and 75 RBI and helped lead the Phoenix to the NCAA Regionals.
In addition, Joe Runco, an infielder for Fordham University, was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie team. Joe started all 55 games for the Rams, leading the team with a .303 batting average, as well as driving in 21 runs.
The Danbury Westerners 9th annual Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, July 17th at Richter Park, Danbury CT. Former professional athletes tentatively scheduled to appear include New York Yankee World Series Champion Tommy John and New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Jeff Feagles. For information on registration, please contact Mike Malone at 203-788-3408. Sponsorships are also available.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from May 28, 2013
- Westerners Add Three Pitchers, Including Two MLB Draftees - Danbury Westerners
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