The Summit City Sluggers tryouts for the 2011 Season will be held on August 22nd from 12-4 (Registration Begins at 11) at Fort Wayne Concordia High School. Utilizing both the Concordia High School baseball and softball fields, the tryouts for the 12U-14U teams / 15U-18U teams will be held concurrently. During this time, both parents and players will receive more information about the Sluggers program including coaching introductions, participation fees, fundraising opportunities, scheduling format, and preseason / regular season practice schedules.

You can now preregister for 2011 tryouts by hovering over the "Want to Play" tab at the top right of this page. Once you hover, a "Sign Up" tab will appear. Simply fill out the required information (Data will be collected online), bring your birth certificate to tryouts, and you are all set!

The 18U Sluggers finished the 2010 campaign with a strong showing at the CABA World Series, held in Youngstown, OH. After struggling early, and getting into the championship round on the virtue of run differential, the Sluggers quickly righted the ship and won their first two games in the double elimination format. After a loss in a game that would have sent them into the championship game with an unblemished record (Have to win 1 game for the CABA crown), the Sluggers fought their way through the loser's bracket before losing 4-0 in the championship game to the Dayton Dodgers. On the basis of a strong performance at the series, Slugger Jake Renkenberger was named the Offensive MVP of the tournament in addition to being named to the All Tourney Team.

For more information go to: Click Here


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The 15U Sluggers recently wrapped up the 2010 campaign with a 3rd place finish at the CABA World Series, hosted by Northern Illinois University. The Sluggers finished the week 11-2 with both losses coming to the top two place teams (NorCal Baseball and East Cobb.) For more information, please visit the 15U Main Page.

18U
Record: 37-13
Irish Elite and Hoosier Classic Tournament Champions
Runner-Up 18U CABA World Series (Youngstown, OH)

16U
Record: 30-14-1
Miami (OH) Pastimes Tournament Champions

15U
Record: 28-13-1
3rd Place CABA World Series (Northern Illinois University)

14U
Record: 36-12
BPA I-75 Classic and Covington (OH) Tournament Champions

13U
Record: 32-11
2nd Place ETS Sports Turf War – BPA Tournament

OVERALL 2010 SLUGGERS RECORD - 163-63-2 (Winning Pct .685)

Bryce Shafer became the second Slugger alum (Kevin Kiermaier) to sign a professional contract this summer. For more information, please go to: Click Here

Former Summit City Slugger Scott Woodward recently suffered a set back prior to participating in the Cape Cod League All Star Game, held annually at Fenway Park, in Boston. On the merit of a strong first half campaign (.308 BA, .476 OBP, and 20 SB), Woodward was selected to the Cape Cod League All Star Game, the oldest and most prestigious collegiate summer league. Prior to leading off the game, however, Woodward suffered a broken foot while in competition. For more information please go to: Click Here

 

Go to the following link: Click Here

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PASSWORD: sluggers

Special Thanks to Kathy Simindinger for making these photos available!

There are even more pics available! Go to them: Click Here

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PASSWORD: sluggers 2010

Special Thanks to Janice Bedford-Smith for making these pics available!

Go to the following link: Click Here

Special Thanks to Mick Russell for making these photos available!

With the 2010 college season now in the books, several Slugger alum posted outstanding seasons. To track the progress of each individual alum now playing college baseball, see the following links;

Payton Bieker - Purdue - Follow Player

Daniel Bollenbacher - Wabash Valley JC - Follow Player

Caleb Ehmke - Southern Indiana - Follow Player

Drake Everson - Parkland (IL) JC - Follow Player

Justin Frane - Valparaiso - Follow Player

Bill Geeslin - Wabash Valley - Follow Player

Rhett Goodmiller - Taylor - Follow Player

Ryne Otis - Taylor - Follow Player

Ian Sanders - Franklin - Follow Player

Bryce Shafer - Valparaiso - Follow Player

Dom Spadafora - Wabash Valley JC - Follow Player

Kreigh Williams - Rose Hulman - Follow Player

Scott Woodward - Coastal Carolina - Follow Player

4/02/2010 4:05 PM ET By Jim Henry

TUCSON, Ariz. -- At this time next year, Jarrod Parker is hopeful he will pack his bags and end spring training in the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting rotation. Parker's abilities and skills are that good.

On Friday morning, however, Parker had packed his bags for a three-day trip home to Indiana.

One of Major League Baseball's top prospects, the right-handed Parker has followed a strict routine here at the Diamondbacks' minor league complex following Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow in October.

Upbeat and personable, Parker, 21, feels good about his recovery and future.

"Right now, I am throwing three days a week, trying to get stretched out and trying to build up my endurance," Parker told FanHouse.

"I am numbered on throws, but you have to keep telling yourself to be patient. It's kind of tough when it's feeling good to back off. My elbow feels pretty good right now."
Parker, of course, can be better than good when on the mound. He remains the organization's top prospect despite the injury.

Scouts raved about his physical abilities and drew comparisons between Parker and Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt when the Diamondbacks drafted Parker out of Norwell High School in Ossian, Ind.

The organization's first-round selection (ninth overall) in the 2007 amateur draft, Parker is 17-11 with a 3.31 ERA in 44 starts over two seasons.

Blessed with a 96-miles-per-hour fastball and impressive mental tenacity despite his young age, Parker also has mixed in a slider, curve and change into his arsenal. He's the complete package.

At the moment, however, Parker has concentrated on playing catch from 105 feet. Nice and easy, nothing fancy. He expects to soon increase the distance to 135 feet and will begin throwing from the mound in May.

Parker's range of motion has returned and he continues to build shoulder and elbow strength.

Not surprisingly, he also said being away from the game has opened his eyes to the little things he took for granted, from shagging fly balls in the outfield during batting practice to spending time in the clubhouse with teammates.

The driven Parker would love to be able to return late this season, though it's not expected. The more realistic timeline has Parker earmarked for the Instructional League this fall, followed by 2011 spring training.

"Everyone has said the rehab time is from eight to 12 months, but it depends on who you talk to and how your rehab goes," Parker said. "I am shooting for it [this season], but I don't know what the organization's plans are. I have to be realistic, too. I am just going to continue to work hard."

After starting 2009 at high-A Visalia, Parker was promoted in April to Arizona's Class AA affiliate, the Mobile Bay Bears. During a start on July 30, Parker injured his right elbow. He did not pitch again that season.

Parker underwent surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 28. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.

Parker has spent most of the past five months at the Diamondbacks' complex rehabbing with team trainers. With great stuff and a fluid delivery, there's plenty of time for Parker, at just 21 years old, to come back and dominate.

As the calendar moves closer to Opening Day for the Diamondbacks, Parker continues to work toward his return, too.

"I am looking forward to going home for a couple of days to relax and see everyone," Parker said, followed by a chuckle.

"Then it's back to reality."

Congrats to former Slugger Kevin Kiermaier who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after being selected in the 31st Round of the 2010 Major League Draft. Kiermaier, who has already reported to the club will soon find where he will be assigned on his path through Minor League Baseball.

49th-round pick expected to go in the 20s
BY PAUL OREN

 

Photo by John Smierciak | The Times Valparaiso starting pitcher Bryce Shafer was one of two Crusaders, joining Bo McClendon, selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.

VALPARAISO | Bryce Shafer wasn't sitting in a green room for the entire world to see, but the Valparaiso junior still had to endure two painful days of wondering when his name was going to be called in this week's Major League Baseball Draft.

Shafer, who heard projections that he'd be taken in the top half of the draft, slipped all the way to the 49th round of the 50-round draft when he was selected by the Cubs with the 1,480th pick of the draft.
The draft played out over three days with the first round taking place last Monday, rounds 2-30 on Tuesday and the last 20 rounds on Wednesday.

"I woke up on Tuesday really excited and I didn't really sleep much," Shafer said. "I figured I'd go between 10 and 20. The rounds went by and I never got a phone call. By the time it got to be the 23rd round or so, I just stopped watching."

To make matters worse, Shafer had to drive just less than 1,000 miles on Wednesday to Massachusetts, where he is playing in the Cape Cod League this summer.

"It was a long, miserable drive," Shafer said. "I had 16 hours to think about everything. I didn't even know I got drafted until everyone else knew."

Now begins the decision process for Shafer. The reigning Horizon League Pitcher of the Year has another season of eligibility remaining at Valparaiso. The Cubs already have stated that they are waiting to see what Shafer does in the Cape Cod League before offering a contract.

"It's just time for me to prove people wrong again," Shafer said. "It's never been easy for me but I know I can compete with these guys and prove that, not just to the Cubs, but to all the other teams that passed me."
Shafer has set a goal of making the all-star team while he is playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the Cape. If he can accomplish that, he figures he'll get a good offer from the Cubs.

"At this point I'm definitely leaning towards coming back (to Valparaiso)," Shafer said. "This just gives me more motivation. It's still an honor to get drafted, no matter where you go."

PRO BASEBALL
The Bryce Shafer file
Valparaiso, Jr., P
2010 Horizon League Pitcher of the Year
Went 7-4 this season with 4.10 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings
Playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod League this summer

May 25, 2010
Complete Release in PDF Format
INDIANAPOLIS – The Horizon League officially announces the 2010 Baseball All-League and individual awards. Youngstown State's Tom Clayton is named Player of the Year while Valparaiso's Bryce Shafer picks up Pitcher of the Year accolades. Milwaukee's Cameron Amsrud is tabbed as Relief Pitcher of the Year while teammate Chad Pierce garners Co-Newcomer of the Year honors along with UIC's Matt Serna. Finally, Wright State's Rob Cooper is named the 2010 Horizon League Coach of the Year.
Clayton becomes the first player in YSU history to be named Horizon League Player of the Year. The senior paces the conference in slugging percentage (.713), ranks second in hitting percentage (.414) and fourth in on-base percentage (.469). The Poland, Ohio, native, recorded 10 homeruns and 44 RBI for the Penguins this season.

Shaffer earns the Crusader's first Horizon League Pitcher of the Year honor since Valpo began league play in 2007-08. The right-hander tallied a league-high 97.1 innings of work this season, striking out 112 batters (37 looking), 26 more than the next closest competitor. Over his 15 starts, Shaffer racked up an ERA of 4.25 and an opposing batting average of .265, third-best among conference pitchers.

Since the award's inception in 2007, Amsrud picks up Milwaukee's first Relief Pitcher of the Year accolade in school history, breaking a three-year UIC winning streak. The Schofield, Wis., native, ranks first in the Horizon League in total saves with seven on the year, finishing 15 games. The sophomore was named conference Pitcher of the Week twice this season.

Newcomer of the Year is shared for only the second time in league history (2001). Serna takes home the Flames' eighth Newcomer of the Year award as the Lincoln College transfer ranks fourth in the league in hitting percentage (.389) and fifth in on-base percentage (.468). Pierce collects Milwaukee's sixth laurel all-time as the junior pitcher owns an ERA of 4.02 and an opposing batting average of .256, second among league competitors.

Cooper guided Wright State to its second Horizon League regular-season title and first since 1997. The Raiders posted its best conference record in school history of 17-6 (.739). He becomes just the second WSU general to earn Coach of the Years honors.

The All-Horizon League First-Team consists of Milwaukee's Paul Hoenecke and Tim Patzman, UIC's Serna, Valparaiso's Shafer, Wright State's Quentin Cate, Garrett Gray, Casey Henn, Jake Hibberd, Casey McGrew and Gerald Ogrinc and Youngstown State's Clayton and Jacke Healy.

The Horizon League Baseball Championship begins on Wednesday, May 26, at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Ind., hosted by Valparaiso. The double-elimination tournament features six league schools with all games being televised live on the Horizon League Network (www.HorizonLeagueNetwork.tv).

View below for a complete listing of the postseason honors.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tom Clayton (Youngstown State, Sr., OF)

PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Bryce Shafer (Valparaiso, Jr., RHP)

RELIEF PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Cameron Amsrud (Milwaukee, So., RHP)

CO-NEWCOMERS OF THE YEAR
Matt Serna (UIC, Jr., 2B)
Chad Pierce (Milwaukee, Jr., RHP)

COACH OF THE YEAR
Rob Cooper (Wright State)

FIRST TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
P -- Bryce Shafer (Valparaiso, Jr.)
P -- Casey Henn (Wright State, So.)
C -- Gerald Ogrinc (Wright State, Sr.)
1B -- Jake Hibberd (Wright State, So.)
2B -- Matt Serna (UIC, Jr.)
SS -- Jacke Healey (Youngstown State, Sr.)
3B -- Quentin Cate (Wright State, Sr.)
OF -- Tom Clayton (Youngstown State, Sr.)
OF -- Casey McGrew (Wright State, Sr.)
OF -- Tim Patzman (Milwaukee, Sr.)
DH -- Garrett Gray (Wright State, So.)
UT -- Paul Hoenecke (Milwaukee, So.)

With the June draft the talk of the baseball world, former Slugger Scott Woodward is focused on a higher goal – leading his team (Coastal Carolina) to a first ever berth in the College World Series held annually in Omaha, Nebraska.  On Monday, Woodward’s Coastal Carolina team defeated the College of Charleston in dramatic fashion (See Link - http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/060710aac.html) to advance to a Super Regional match up with the South Carolina Gamecocks.  For more on Coastal’s pursuit of the CWS, go to;

 

http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-basebl/coas-m-basebl-body.html

http://videos.thesunnews.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=14897316

http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/06/09/1521431/extra-day-off-a-godsend-for-chanticleers.html

From Big South Conference Website

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (www.BigSouthSports.com) - High Point junior outfielder Nate Roberts (Spring Grove, Ill.) and Coastal Carolina head coach Gary Gilmore have been voted Big South baseball Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively, by the League's head coaches, it was announced this afternoon at the 2010 Royal Purple Big South Baseball Championship. Coastal Carolina sophomore Anthony Meo (Cranston, R.I.) was unanimously voted the Big South's Pitcher of the Year, while VMI second baseman Cory Spangenberg (Clarks Summit, Pa.) earned Freshman of the Year honors. Coastal's Austin Fleet (Edmond, Okla.) was voted Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Big South's sports information directors.

Roberts finished the regular-season as the Big South's leading hitter with a .423 batting average, tied for the League-lead with 18 home runs, and was third with 66 runs batted in. He enters the Big South Tournament second in the nation with 84 runs scored - tying the Big South single-season record, as well as the national leader in on-base percentage (.578). His current on-base clip is pacing ahead of the Big South single-season record of .550. In 27 Conference games, Roberts batted .456 (47-103) with nine home runs, 36 RBI, 47 runs scored and a .590 on-base percentage. Roberts drew 50 walks this season, had 27 multi-hit games with three five-hit contests, and had eight outfield assists. Roberts received five first-place votes and 23 points, edging out Coastal Carolina catcher Jose Iglesias, who received four first-place votes and 21 total points.

Meo amassed a 12-1 record during the regular-season to lead the Big South in wins. He also was tops in the Conference with a 1.73 earned run average - currently the second-lowest single-season ERA in League history. Meo held his opponents to a .217 batting average in 2010 to rank second in the Big South. He also is fifth in strikeouts (80) and fourth in fewest hits allowed (66 in 83.0 innings pitched). Named a Semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, Meo has not allowed more than three earned runs in a start this season. In Conference games, Meo was a perfect 8-0 with a 1.27 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 49.2 innings of work. He has a 20-3 career record in his two years at Coastal and was a midseason addition to the College Baseball Foundation Pitcher of the Year Watch List.

Gilmore is now the first seven-time Coach of the Year recipient, and receives his fifth award in six years. Gilmore led his Chanticleers to their fourth consecutive regular-season title, the most in the Big South since Coastal Carolina won six-in-a-row from 1988-93. Gilmore's squad finished the Conference season with a perfect 25-0 mark, a record for Conference wins and just the second Big South team to go undefeated in League play. His club has been nationally-ranked all season, including the last five weeks in the top 5. Coastal Carolina is currently ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation by the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). As a team, Coastal Carolina ranks first in the Big South in slugging percentage (.540), home runs (88), walks (257), earned run average (3.11), opposing batting average (.237) and strikeouts (448). Gilmore recently earned his 600th career win at Coastal Carolina, led the team to a 47-7 overall record during the regular-season, and directed the Chanticleers to wins over nationally-ranked UC Irvine, North Carolina and San Diego during the year. Coastal Carolina is vying for its 11th Big South Tournament championship this week.

Spangenberg is VMI's first-ever Freshman of the Year recipient. He batted a team-high .376 during the regular-season to rank eighth in the Big South. He also was fifth in the Conference in hits (83), third in runs scored (61), tied for seventh in triples (3) and tied for fifth in home runs (11). He also knocked in 48 runs, stole 23 bases and posted a .421 on-base percentage. Spangenberg is the second Keydet ever with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season, he reached base safely in 25 of 27 League games, and his 18-game hitting streak earlier this season is tied for the longest in the Big South in 2010. Spangenberg, who set school record for hits, runs and total bases (136) this season, received nine of the 10 first-place votes for 28 total points, finishing ahead of Coastal Carolina's Ryan Connolly (13 points).

Fleet, the first Coastal Carolina player to be voted Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year since Brooks Marzka in 2000, was named a First-Team ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American on Tuesday - the Big South's second-ever First-Team honoree in baseball. Fleet is 5-1 with seven saves, 50 strikeouts and a 1.99 ERA in 49.2 innings pitched this season.

The Conference also announced the 2010 All-Conference and All-Academic teams Wednesday, which are listed below. The First and Second All-Conference teams are voted by the head coaches, while the All-Academic Team consists of one student-athlete from each institution and is nominated and selected by the League's sports information directors. Coastal Carolina placed a League-record eight players on the First-Team.

2010 BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
FIRST-TEAM
SP - Anthony Meo, Soph., RHP, Coastal Carolina
SP - Cody Wheeler, Jr., LHP, Coastal Carolina
SP - Shawn Teufel, R-Sr., LHP, Liberty
RP - Matt Rein, Jr., LHP, Coastal Carolina
C - Jose Iglesias, Sr., Coastal Carolina
1B - Jordan Ballard, Sr., VMI
2B - Tommy La Stella, R-Soph., Coastal Carolina
3B - Scott Woodward, Jr., Coastal Carolina
SS - Taylor Motter, Soph., Coastal Carolina
DH - Matt Hillsinger, Soph., Radford
OF - Nate Roberts, Jr., High Point
OF - Rico Noel, Jr., Coastal Carolina
OF - Matt Gantner, Sr., High Point

COACH OF THE YEAR
Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina

Former Summit City Slugger Scott Woodward recently suffered a set back prior to participating in the Cape Cod League All Star Game, held annually at Fenway Park, in Boston. On the merit of a strong first half campaign (.308 BA, .476 OBP, and 20 SB), Woodward was selected to the Cape Cod League All Star Game, the oldest and most prestigious collegiate summer league. Prior to leading off the game, however, Woodward suffered a broken foot while in competition.

For more information please go to: Click Here

Kevin Kiermaier recently wrapped up a story book career at Parkland (IL) College by being named JUCO All American.  Kiermaier, who helped lead the Cobras to a NJCAA Division II National Championship in 2009, led the 2010 Parkland squad to a 50-13 record and 2nd consecutive World Series berth.  Putting his accolades in perspective, Parkland coach Matt Kennedy recently called Kiermaier the best hitter in school history.  For more info, go to;

 

http://www.parkland.edu/athletics/baseball

Caleb Ehmke, senior right fielder, holds the national championship trophy. Ehmke caught the ball for the final out of the national championship game.

 

 

Caleb Fenimore	IPFW	Site
Jordan Hoeing	IPFW	Site
John Killham	Kishwaukee (IL)	Site
Cody O'Neal	IPFW	Site
Zac Pfafman	Pasco Hernando (FL)	Site
Jake Renkenberger	Lincoln Trail (IL)	Site
Ryan Salsbury	Indiana Tech	Site

Coastal Carolina University third baseman Scott Woodward, who has a severe to profound hearing loss, smiles as he holds Nicholas Webb, 5, of Ocean Bay Elementary School, and is surrounded by other deaf students from Horry County Schools at Coastal Carolina University.

Twenty-four hearing impaired children from 7 different Horry County Schools came to Coastal Carolina University to meet Woodward and watch the baseball game against Winthrop Monday afternoon. "It means a lot to me to have the kids come out and see me play today and be an example and show them not everything is impossible," said Woodward.

Take a look at the link below for the sluggers fan page on facebook (you will need facebook to view).