Minnesota Club Baseball

05/12/2015 - Season Recap

Finals are in full swing so we all know that the season is over. The Gophs finished 10-11 and 6-6 in conference. The team had a lot of ups and downs. Some of the ups on the season are sweeping newcomer UW-Superior, beating the #4 team in the country 1-0 behind a great pitching performance by veteran Marshall Dalziel. They also had a great first year class at the plate and on the mound (.280, 78 Runs, 66IP, 3-6, 79K, 4.09 ERA).

 

The team will lose 12 players (6 Seniors, 1 Transfer, 5 Other Obligations). The 6 seniors include Austin Nordby - .300 (15-50), 5 Runs, 8 RBIs, 36IP, 1-1, 55Ks, 4.50ERA, 125.2 Total Innings Played, .964 Fielding Percentage. Aaron Grossman - .294 (15-51), 11 Runs, 5 RBIs, 1 HR, 116.2 Total Innings Played, .906 Fielding Percentage. Evan Dozier - .233 (7-30), 9 Runs, 8 RBI, 4 SB, 15IP, 1-5, 16Ks, 10.80 ERA, 82 Total Innings Played, 1.000 Fielding Percentage. Sam Nelson - .212 (7-33), 5 Runs, 5 RBI, 40.2 Total Innings Played, 9.38 Fielding Percentage. Brady Dornfeld – .333 (1-3), 1 Run, 1 RBI, 7 Total Innings Played, 1.000 Fielding Percentage. Kerry Ledin - .429 (3-7), 1 Run, 1 RBI, 2.2IP, 2Ks, 16.88 ERA, 12.2 Total Innings Played, .900 Fielding Percentage.

 

The returners put up some impressive numbers that should help fuel the team to a Conference Championship. The returners combined numbers: .297 (152-511), 106 Runs, 82 RBIs and 36 Extra Base Hits, 31 Stolen Bases. The offense was led by Dominic Wippler, Austin Ridl, Grant Vernon, Aaron Schwecke, Brock Chenier. On the mound: 93 2/3 IP, 6-5, 114Ks, 5.00 ERA. On the mound the team was led mainly by Ben Smith and Marshall Dalziel: 4-1, 48IP, 77Ks, 3.75 ERA. Brock Chenier and Aaron Schwecke stepped up in the spring and have added two more viable options for game 3 in conference play.

 

The team voted on 5 awards for this season: MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, Hardest Working, Most Improved.

 

MVP – Dominic Wippler – “I'm really glad I got the opportunity to play on this team. I had a great time and can't wait to play again next fall.” Dom is a man of few words. Wippler finished the season: .361 (22-61), 21 Runs, 11 RBI, 3 SB, .487 On Base Percentage, 5IP, 3.60 ERA, 5Ks.

 

Rookie Of The Year – Grant Vernon – “I was glad to be able to make a difference on the team and have everyone believe so as well. Great season with a great group of guys. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next year.” Grant finished: .500 (12-24), 9 Runs, 4 RBIs, .536 On Base Percentage.

 

Cy Young – Ben Smith“I'd like to thank my teammates for voting me for this award, as well as all the work they put in to make it a great season. We competed against some really good teams this season and had a blast while doing it. Also, Schwecke was tossing like a Cy Young himself at the mega bowl, can't believe he didn't swing at least a few votes. Thank you goes out to Grandpa and Grandma, thanks for coming to all the home games and watching me pitch. If you guys weren't there I would never be allowed in the NCBA again. I am humbled to receive this award as a freshman and I am looking forward to the next 3 years with the team.” Ben finished: 28IP, 2-1, 46Ks, 3.54 ERA, .333 (9-27), 4 Runs, 6 RBIs, .471 On Base Percentage, .407 Slugging Percentage.

 

Hardest Working – Tim Belrose“To work hard means showing up early and leaving late. You have to put in the time and effort to get where you want to go. As The Sultan of Swat, The King of Crash, The Colossus of Clout, The Great Bambino said, "It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.” Tim Finished: .250 (9-36), 10 Runs, 3 RBIs, 8BB, 5HBP, .440 On Base Percentage.

 

Most Improved – Marshall Dalziel “I would first like to thank my EvoShield Shin Guard for protecting me all year. Without that I do not think this moment would be possible. Also Id like to thank myself for penciling myself in the lineup whenever I wanted to play. On a serious note, I am truly honored to receive this award voted on by the guys and hopefully I can keep it up on the mound and at the plate next year for my final year. This year I felt the most comfortable on the mound knowing the guys behind me will make plays and also more so at the plate. I realized I do not have to do too much and just let the game come to me and not rush it. Always remember: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott.” .353 (12-34), 8 Runs, 6 RBIs, .477 On Base Percentage, .529 Slugging Percentage, 20 IP, 4.05 ERA, 31Ks, 2-0.

 

The team will look on these guys to keep the tradition going and keep on improving as a team. We would like to say thank you to all the seniors who have been a huge part on the improvement of the team and good luck in the future. We would also like to thank all the fans that showed up to the games this year. Last but not least we would like to thank Twin Cities Orthopedics for their sponsorship. We cannot thank them enough for their donation to help cover dues for the year. We hope they understand how much that meant to us and hopefully we put on a great show for them. Keep up with us this summer to see updates on Gophs playing summer baseball.

 

~Staff~

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