Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts

Rob Oxford: There'll Be Another Season

Monday, April 6, 2020

Not Rob but a similar team
Photo by Mathieu Manchin on Unsplash
By Rob Oxford

Mariners opening day has come and gone and at this point in the season the team should still be in first place. Lol! True Seattle fans should understand the reference.

Little League practices should be underway. We should be hearing the crack of the bat and smelling glove leather. 

We should also be laughing hysterically as the horsehide rolls through our T-ballers legs and they turn to give chase.

Instead we are left wondering if there will be another season. I can assure you there will. Maybe not this year, but baseball will return. So will life as we’ve come to know it. That I firmly believe.

I’d like to share a story about baseball (softball actually) that I hope will bring a smile to your face. Something that may remind you of your days at the park or watching your own children play America's Favorite Pastime.

I'd never hit a homerun before in my life, at least not in a league sanctioned game. Oh sure, I'd poked a few out while playing for the radio station against listeners, but those weren't "real" athletes, they were fans and we were disc jockey's playing on a short field.

However, this day in particular would be different and it would mean everything.

I was invited to play for a softball team that had been comprised of the same players for years, a great bunch of guys! Sponsored by Goldie’s on 45th, these guys took softball seriously. They also took their post-game beer drinking at Goldie’s seriously as well.

I don’t recall the actual name of the division in which we were competing, but it was more than just a recreational type of situation. These guys always tried to win, and they didn’t like to lose.

On a summer day in July my father was in town from Phoenix and it'd been a while since we'd seen each other. We had developed a tight bond since my mother passed away and I was excited to see him. I knew he was coming to the game but didn't know what time and as usual he was casually late.

I was playing shortstop or 3rd base and finding it hard to concentrate. I kept looking over my shoulder for his van to pull up. Finally, it did and I could now give the game my undivided attention.

It is important to take a step back and tell you that my father didn't make a lot of my high school football or baseball games. Though he was retired, my Mom was an executive still working full time and putting in long days. My Dad felt it was his obligation to be at home when she arrived after work, dinner in the oven with a glass of wine on the table. I understand all that now but didn't at 16 and 17 years of age. So, him coming to this game was a thrill for me.

He settled into the stands and commenced to flirting with the wives of my teammates, his specialty. Every so often after throwing a runner our at first I would hear these familiar words emanating from the bleachers..."atta boy Bubba"! It was a little embarrassing I guess, being called "Bubba", but he was very proud of me and not afraid to let anyone know.

Finally, it was my turn to bat and the stage was set. It was literally like something from a Hollywood movie. There were 2 outs and we were down by a couple runs. Now you must understand that although I have always been 6’ and in the 200lb. (plus) range, I was the “little guy” on the team and I was a singles hitter, maybe a double every once in a while, but definitely not a slugger.

So, I'm in the on-deck circle about to make my way to the plate, the hitter in front of me just got on base and what do I hear from the stands? "Come on Bubba, hit a homerun". Ugh!, the ultimate kiss of death. Hit a homerun? I hadn't hit a homerun all year. However, something totally magical was about to take place.

I stepped into the batter’s box, dug myself in and waited for that first pitch. From there, things get a little fuzzy. I don't know if it was the second pitch, third, fourth, heck I barely remember hitting the ball....but I did. Man, did I hit that ball. I couldn't believe it. It cleared the center field fence. I was in total shock but trying to act like it was no big deal. But it was a big deal, a very big deal! I'd just knocked in the tying run.

Did I mention it cleared the "centerfield" fence?

I rounded first and was making my way to second when the infield umpire approached me and pointed back to first. I was confused. Didn't I just go yard? It was then that he quietly explained to me that prior to the game I had not been designated as a "homerun hitter". In this league, teams were only allowed two designated home run hitters and I was not one. A ball hit out by any other player would only count as a single. However, anyone on base would score. So, although I knocked in the tying run, was myself driven home by another teammate and we eventually won the game, my monster shot was not considered a homerun.

Being in his late 70’s, my Dad was a little perplexed. In fact, he was downright upset and starting to draw attention to himself. Something for which Oxfords are quite recognized. That’s when I decided it would be best if one of my teammates on the bench went into the stands to explain the rules to my father.

Undeterred, he insisted it was a load of horse manure. After all, he'd never heard of such a thing and if he’d never heard of such a thing…well then, it was flat out wrong.

After 20 years of marriage, having heard it numerous times, my wife can tell this story as well as I can. It's a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Right along with my youngest hitting his first base clearing round tripper (I still have the ball) and my eldest conducting an unassisted triple play. Proud Dad (and Mom) moments for sure.

Our children need healthy activities and for those who love the game, we need baseball. We also need memories. All of which will return, but until they do: Be Positive and Stay Negative.



Read more...

Puget Sound Senior Baseball League announces 2020 tryout dates

Friday, March 6, 2020

The non-profit Puget Sound Senior Baseball League (PSSBL), one of the largest amateur adult baseball leagues in the U.S., will have open tryouts for all baseball players, age 18 and over, during the course of four weekends in March. The PSSBL is comprised of 1,100 players forming 70 teams in 10 different divisions. 

The divisions are organized based on age and skill level, ranging from advanced to recreational. Formed in 1989, this year marks the PSSBL’s 32nd season of operation.

The 2020 tryouts will be held at Russell Road Park in Kent on Sunday, March 8th, Sunday, March 15th at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Saturday, March 21st at Russell Road Park, and Sunday, March 29th at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center. Tryouts are free to attend.

For more information including start times and online registration, tryout players and all interested parties are encouraged to view the PSSBL website or call 425-644-1901.

There are a number of ex-minor leaguers and college players in the PSSBL, but there’s also plenty of room in recreational divisions for players who haven’t picked up a baseball since Little League.

The PSSBL is well known for donating money, materials, and labor to youth and school baseball organizations around the Sound as well as other charities. This season we are assisting Pacwest Little League, Thomas Jefferson High School, Bellevue College, Seattle U. Baseball and the Wounded Warriors Project.



Read more...

Registration open for Shoreline Little League spring season

Friday, January 17, 2020


Registration is open for the 2020 Shoreline Little League Spring Season for baseball and softball. 

Interested in attending a free pre-season skills clinic? This clinic is available to registered players that are league age 9-12. All clinics will be held at the Spartan Recreation Center, 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline 98155.

At this clinic we will:
  • Get kids who might not have picked up a ball or a bat in several months warmed up for baseball and softball.
  • Give players a solid skill base for the assessment event in February & through the season.
  • Get players ENERGIZED about playing baseball and softball again.

Dates: January 18, January 25 and February 1

Time: 2:00 - 6:00pm - Players will be scheduled for specific 40 minute time slots and notified via email by the Friday prior for their specific clinic time.

Spots are limited, sign up today!

Shoreline Little League endeavors to mentor our community's youth in developing the qualities of sportspersonship, discipline, teamwork, confidence and physical well-being.





Read more...

Registration open for baseball and softball with Shoreline Little League

Wednesday, November 27, 2019


Registration is open for the 2020 Shoreline Little League Spring Season for baseball and softball. Sign up by December 31st to receive $10 off the registration price. 

Shoreline Little League endeavors to mentor our community's youth in developing the qualities of sportspersonship, discipline, teamwork, confidence and physical well-being. 

Learn more here.



Read more...

Royals player will play college ball at Centralia CC next year

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Gannon Dow
Shoreline Royals

Gannon Dow, a senior at Shorecrest High School and a member of the Shoreline Royals, has committed to play college baseball at Centralia CC next year. 

Dow has been in the Royals program since he was a freshman and is the first college-commit in the Royal’s program history. 

Prep Baseball Report described the right-handed pitcher with a “fastball up to 86mph with the ability to spin a sharp breaker….”

Outside of baseball, Dow also played football and basketball for the Scots and is an excellent student as well.

Congratulations to Gannon and his family for this milestone achievement for himself and for the Shoreline Royals program.

The Royals are “extremely proud of Gannon and all his hard work.

"We know this is just the first stepping-stone for his long baseball career.”

“We’re excited to help produce more college Royals in the near future.”

Read more...

Conversation with Timothy Lee – Co-Founder of the Shoreline Royals Baseball Program

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Coach Tim volunteered to help Shoreline Little League with a skills clinic.
Photo Courtesy of Shoreline Little League

Nicole Schultz, President, Shoreline Little League, sat down with Coach Timothy Lee to ask a few questions

 
Q: Can you give a brief background of who you are and why you started the Royals?

A: I graduated from Shorecrest in 2011 and the UW 2015 and was lucky enough to be an assistant coach at Shorewood School while I was finishing my senior year at the UW. I wanted to find a way to give back to Shoreline while an opportunity to coach a bunch of 12 year olds happened and it evolved from there. The east side of Shoreline never had a “select” baseball program so Brian Hamshaw (then President of North King County Little League) and myself merged our teams to create the Shoreline Royals.

Q: What’s the end-goal?

A: The Royals were built to fill a void in this area of Shoreline. To give an opportunity to play competitive travel baseball at an affordable price. We are able to keep our costs 2-3x lower than anyone else because we are entirely volunteer based – from our back-end admin to our coaches, myself and Brian included.

Q: Besides the pricing – how else are you different from anyone else?
A: I think because our coaches are volunteers, they are doing it for the right reasons. Other coaches do it because it is their job but with our coaches and myself in particular, our hearts are in this for the kids. We also have this family-feel to the program where every player in our program knows every coach and player. For example, we have all our catchers work with Mark Green, a former-professional baseball catcher for the Mariners so they all learn the same concepts and they do it together – whether they are 11 or 17 years old.

Q: How successful has it been?

A: The program has grown and we get more interest from families outside of Shoreline every year to play with us. I am really proud of our retention rate of players being over 90% in the entire program, meaning our kids who are Royals want to continue being Royals. They are having fun here and enjoy the high quality coaching that we provide. But we also win a few tournaments here and there too.

Q: How many teams do you anticipate on having next year?

A: Six teams; it is surreal to think we started this with just one team and we’ve grown this much and this quickly. Hopefully we can fill a 10u, 11u, 12u, 13u, 14u and 18u team next year.

Q: Are you connected with Shoreline Little League?

A: The Royals are not directly affiliated but the majority of our players play for both the little league and Royals. We’re absolutely supportive of them and we often partner with them on coaching clinics or skills clinics. We have the exact same mission of providing high quality baseball to kids in the area.

Q: Why is baseball so important to you?

A: When I was 12 years old, I told my mom I was done with baseball because I just was not having fun anymore. She convinced me to play one more year of little league and that was when Brian Hamshaw coached me for the first time. I fell back in love with the game and then played another four years at Shorecrest. I’m not sure if I’d be where I am today without the experiences and the people I have met through baseball.

Q: If someone is interested in the Royals – how do they join or get more information?

A: Our website has all of that information. We have tryout dates posted already and they can sign up online.



Read more...

Shoreline CC baseball player Zane Zurbrugg drafted by Milwaukee Brewers

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Shoreline CC baseball player drafted into the major leagues
Photo courtesy Shoreline Community College. 

 

Shoreline Dolphins outfielder Zane Zurbrugg was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 27th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.

Zurbrugg played two seasons for the Phins in 2018 and 2019.

In 2019, Zurbrugg earned First Team All-Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) North Outfield honors as well as First Team All-Region American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Northwest honors. He hit .385, which put him in 2nd in the entire NWAC in batting average. Zurbrugg also reached an on-base percentage of .488, which placed him 4th in NWAC, and a .533 slugging percentage, which put him in 10th in NWAC.

After suffering knee and hip injuries during his freshman year, 2019 was Zurbrugg’s first fully healthy season playing for the Dolphins, and he entered the season ready to prove his ability.

“He is a savvy player who sacrificed and worked hard for this opportunity with the MLB and the Brewers,” said Ben Reindel, Athletics Coordinator and Head Softball Coach. 
“He battled several injuries that put him on the bench, but kept a positive attitude throughout. When he got back to full health and had a chance to show what he can do, he made the most of it.”

A natural athlete, Zurbrugg throws 90+ miles per hour from the outfield and routinely makes infield ground outs into singles. He was recruited to Shoreline from Bremerton High School. He is the first Bremerton High graduate since 1992 to be drafted into MLB.



Read more...

Shorewood baseball player named to The Herald's All-Area team

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Bryce Lindberg, Jr.
Photo by Tracey Miller
Shorewood High School's Bryce Lindberg has been named to The Herald’s 2019 All-Area high school baseball team.

Bryce Lindberg, Jr., Shorewood

Lindberg batted .385 with one home run, one triple and 10 doubles.

He posted a .474 on-base percentage and a .615 slugging percentage while helping lead the Thunderbirds to a state tournament appearance.






Read more...

Rob Oxford: Challenge Accepted

Monday, May 13, 2019

Coach Tom assisting one
of his first-year players
Photo by Rob Oxford
By Rob Oxford

The last Saturday in April just happened to be one of those days I look forward to every Spring.

The Shoreline Little League Jamboree and another afternoon calling play by play for the Little League Challenger Division.

Because of scheduling conflicts, I’m not always able to participate, but when I do, being a part of Challenger Baseball is more rewarding than I can possibly express. It literally feeds my soul.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball, I lifted this quote directly from the League's official website: 

“The Little League Challenger Division was founded in 1989 and is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical or intellectual challenges.”

It would be easy to simply label these athletes as “handicapped,” but spend an afternoon observing them enjoying America's Favorite Pastime and you’ll see very quickly that they are extremely “handy-capable.”

Base hit – On the way to first Base
Photo by Rob Oxford
Some of these players have Autism, some have Down Syndrome, some wear braces and others are confined to wheelchairs, but each is supported by parents, family and friends who want only for them to experience life at its fullest.

This is my fourth or fifth year as the announcer for Challenger Baseball and I must thank Melissa Banker for first inviting me to be involved.

Melissa and I were both members of the Board of Directors for North King County, now Shoreline Little League and her son Bryan played for a team that Melissa coached.

I must fully admit that at first, I accepted her offer because I am an “announcer” by trade and we announcers love to hear our own voices, it’s a fact! 

But after experiencing my first game calling the “action” I was instantly hooked.

Watching these young men and women take center stage for an afternoon warms the heart.

There are normally four teams which compete and each game is two innings. There are no outs or runs recorded and the coaches pitch.

Bryan Banker and his "Challenger Buddy"
Spencer Haddanham-Gibler
Photo by Melissa Banker

But make no mistake, this is baseball.

Just ask Nick Hawley, who refers to himself as “The Son of Baseball” and “The Ladies Man.” 

Nick has Downs and last year had a different nickname, but the same enthusiasm coursing through his veins. 

He loves baseball and he loves to show off. 

From tapping the dirt from his cleats, to twirling the bat before he steps into the batter’s box, to “calling his shot” (pointing to the direction in which he is about to launch the cowhide), Nick is all about the game.

Then there is Evan who asked if he could help me sing the National Anthem prior to the game. 

If you don’t keep your eye on Evan, he’ll steal home… all the way from first base.

Over the years I’ve personally seen the difference competing in this sport has made in some of these athletes. The first year I saw Renae play Challenger baseball, she was a bit shy and reserved. Today she not only hit the ball hard after only a few pitches, but her mile-wide smile was a clear indication to anyone watching that she loves the game.

Challenger Buddy Chace Banker
Photo by Melissa Banker

Many if not most of these kids, and in some cases young adults, have been to a Mariner game. 

They’ve heard the crowd roar for the likes of Ichiro or King Felix and for that reason, they too enjoy hearing their name called. 

That’s where I come in. A few, like Christian, will turn to their adoring fans and yell, “Come on! Cheer for me” if after being called to the plate, the initial response from the crowd doesn’t meet his expectation. After all, this is his big moment.

For the players who have difficulty holding the bat or running the bases, Mom, Dad or oftentimes a brother or sister are there to assist. 

They are an integral part of the game and through their dedication and patience, these kids are afforded the opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing baseball.

We often get so caught up in our own problems and issues that we sometimes forget the difficulties others face. 

Watching one of these players, be they boy or girl, take swing after swing after swing and then finally make contact is phenomenal. 

Even more, it’s inspiring. They simply don't ever give up.

Each and every player on the diamond today deserves special recognition and I wish I could name them all, but instead I’ll provide you with some free advice:

Treasured baseballs autographed
by Challenger players
Photo by Rob Oxford

If you ever find yourself at the sandlot with Coach Tom’s son Brandon and you’re playing the outfield, I’d back up about 20 feet.

Finally, as a hobby I collect autographed baseballs and some of them are signed by Hall of Famers.

Today, I received four autographed baseballs that will now be considered among my most treasured.

Thank you to the coaches, parents and volunteers, who for me personally, make Challenger Baseball the best part of Little League.

And to the SLL Challenger Angels, Rays, Blue Jays and Pirates… let’s Play Ball!


Read more...

T-Birds pull an upset over undefeated Arlington in 3A district semifinal to play for district title Saturday

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Kenji Miller is safe at third base in a 4-26-19
victory over Lynnwood. Kenjii's pitching was
on display in the Arlington defeat 5-7-19
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


Shorewood baseball won against undefeated Arlington 3-1 in a 3A district semifinal on May 7, 2019, at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium.

The Arlington Times reported that,

"With the victory, the T-birds (15-7) secured their fourth state berth in six years and advanced to Saturday’s district title game against Everett."
"For only the fourth time this year, Arlington gave up more than 1 run. They outscored their opponents 163-18 on the season. But they couldn’t figure out lefty Kenji Miller, whose slow fastball and even slower curve ball and changeup kept them off-balance. He struck out seven, walked two and hit a batter, giving up just five hits in the seven innings."

The Arlington Times: Lefty fools Eagles as Arlington baseball knocked from unbeaten ranks




Read more...

Shorewood wins WesCo 3A playoff game with a walk off run

Sunday, May 5, 2019

2019 with new banner from 13 seniors on team and families
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


By Aimee Mainwaring


Playing under sunny skies and with the new banner hanging in left field saying ”Welcome to the Birdcage,” Shorewood Thunderbirds' baseball got the win in Saturday’s game against the Snohomish Panthers.

The banner was a gift from the 13 seniors and their families on this year's varsity team. It honors the nickname of their home baseball field at Meridian Park.

Senior Grady Hampton gets a lead off the bag
Photo by Lisa Hirohata

The matchup started off at a fast pace as the visitors scored one run in the top of the first inning. The home team quickly answered back to tie it up in the bottom of the first inning. Junior Sam Mainwaring reached first base on an error, then stole second and third base. Two outs later, senior Kevin Hirohata came to the plate and belted a triple to the gap in right center field. The hard hit ball tied the game back up at 1-1.

Senior Kevin Hirohata celebrates a hit with Coach Wyatt Tonkin
Photo by Lisa Hirohata


From there it became a pitching duel pitting the home team’s junior Bryce Lindberg against the visitor's Davis Buckner. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Lindberg scored on a single by senior Simon Shutts. Snohomish answered back in the top of the 5th with a run, and the score was even again, 2-2.

Finally, in the bottom of the 7th, senior Kaden Graves got on base on a fly ball that popped out of the right fielder’s glove. Senior Grady Hampton battled back from an 0-2 count to draw a two-out walk.

Players celebrate the victory
Photo by Lisa Hirohata
 

The visitors intentionally walked the next batter, Mainwaring, with two-on and two-out. With the bases loaded, and senior Cameron Highet at the plate, Graves scored the final run of the game on a passed ball for a 2-3 T-bird victory!

Shorewood will play Arlington in the WesCo 3A semi-finals at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 on Tuesday, May 7th at 3:30pm.




Read more...

With 13 seniors, Shorewood baseball scores wins off Lynnwood and Cedarcrest

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Faithful Shorewood fans

Photos by Lisa Hirohata

The Shorewood High School baseball team capped off a winning week with an 8-0 victory over Lynnwood High on Friday April 26th.

Senior David Snell has another great outing

Senior Cameron Highet gets a chance on the mound

Senior Kevin Hirohata mans first base

The Thunderbirds, who are 8 and 4 in WesCo South 3A and 12-6 overall, won all 4 games this past week, outscoring their opponents 31 to 7 and batting .356 as a team.

Senior Simon Shutts smacks the ball
 

Lynnwood 8-0

Lynnwood 6-2

Cedarcrest 10-4

Cedarcrest 7-1

Led by a powerful offense, solid pitching and a clean defense, Shorewood is positioned well for a run to the playoffs which start May 2nd.

Senior Kaden Graves pitches a gem

Shorewood’s 13 senior players will be honored prior to their last home game, at 4pm Monday, April 29th at Meridian Park ballfields.

Senior Andrew Counter tracks a fly ball
Senior shortstop Brandon Main throws for an out
Senior catcher Henry Carson gets ready for the pitch


Read more...

Shorewood softball vs Marysville-Pilchuck Monday

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Varsity Softball
Shorewood vs. Marysville-Pilchuck
Monday, April 8th at Meridian Park Field
Shorewood 5 - M-P 18



Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)  
MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK:  F. Downing, M. Becker (4) and S. Zachry, S. Fogg (4) (catchers)

SHOREWOOD: Rebecca Carson, Skylar Tillman (2), Caroline Gugger (4) and Haley Canada


Highlights
Marysville-Pilchuck:  C. Phelps 4-5 (hit for the cycle)
                                      L. Fischer 3-3 (2B)
                                      K. Edge 2-2 (2B)
                                      R. Perrine 2-3 (3B)

Shorewood:  Gracie Long 2-3 (2B)
                     Sophie Feise 1-2



Read more...

Shorewood T-Birds baseball team fight for victory

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Faithful Shorewood fans support the team


Text by Bruce Mainwaring
Photos by Lisa Hirohata

Shorewood never trailed rival Shorecrest in the Wednesday, April 3rd baseball game, but at times it felt closer than the 3-7 outcome for the home team T-birds, in a 6-1/2 inning game played under overcast skies and a steady wind blowing out to centerfield.


Senior Simon Shutt holds up on third





The difference in the score undoubtedly was Shorewood’s timely hitting and aggressive base running, especially from seniors Simon Shutts (3-for-3) and Kevin Hirohata (2-for-3).

Senior Kevin Hirohata heads toward third

The pair combined for 5 hits, including a triple, 4 runs, 3 stolen bases and 5 RBI’s. Coach Wyatt Tonkin’s varsity squad was highly successful in driving Shorewood base runners, like junior Sam Mainwaring and senior Brandon “B-train” Main, across the plate, which is something the T-birds failed to do in the series opener Tuesday night at Shorecrest. The Scots won that match up 0-1.

Senior shortstop Brandon Main throws to first to get the out


Shorewood quickly proved they could score runs, jumping to an early 3-0 lead in the second of a two-game series. Shorecrest didn’t blink and tied it up 3-3 in the 5th, knocking senior starting pitcher David Snell out in the process. The home team re-took the lead in the same inning, and never trailed again. The Scots threatened again in the 7th, getting a pair of walks to put two runners aboard.

After witnessing a trio of relievers, including senior Ian Brown (0 BB and 1 K), an error-free defense, featuring an uproarious, game ending double-play, the fans rewarded their boys’ victory with a spontaneous rendition of the “Shorewood Fight Song”.

Junior Bryce Lindberg pitches a complete game
T-Birds ended their week with an at-home win over Mountlake Terrace on Friday, April 5th. 

The 1-8 game, played in a lucky break in the wet weather, was a solid performance by junior Bryce Lindberg. 

He pitched a complete game, with 4 strikeouts and no walks. 

Good defense helped Lindberg's efforts by playing 7 error-free innings. 

Shorewood's next matchup is at Mountlake Terrace on Tuesday, April 9th, followed by an away game at Edmonds / Woodway on Wednesday, April 10th. 

The T-Birds are back at home at the Meridian Park "Birdcage" on Friday, April 12th versus Archbishop Murphy. 

All game times are 4pm.



Read more...

2014 Shorewood grad Jacob Bockelie earns Regional and National baseball honors

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Jacob Bockelie, right
Home Run celebration

2014 Shorewood High School Grad, Jacob Bockelie (class of 2014) was awarded more honors for his baseball play over the week of March 19-25.

Jacob was named the Northwest Conference position student Athlete of the Week for the past week. Jacob batted .450 (5-11) with 2 home runs, 2 doubles, 6 RBI's and an on base percentage of .630.

This is the fourth time Jacob has won this award (first this season) over the past three seasons. Jacob plays baseball for Pacific Lutheran University (a Division 3 level college in the NCAA) in the Northwest Conference.

Jacob Bockelie at bat


Jacob played baseball for Coach Wyatt Tonkin for 4 years at Shorewood.

Jacob received national honors for being selected to D3 Baseball team of the week earlier in the season during the week of Feb 11-17. Only 9 position players (Jacob is a Designated Hitter/1st base) and 6 pitchers are selected for this recognition from throughout all of Division 3 NCAA baseball. During the road trip to Georgia, Jacob finished (.385) with 3 home runs and 11 RBI's in 3 games.

According to D3Baseball.com "Bockelie blasted three home runs and a double and racked up 11 RBIs in three games in Georgia. He finished 5-for-13 (.385) with a 1.154 slugging percentage."



Read more...

Seattle Times: Shorewood grad Blake Snell signs 5 year contact with Rays for $50 million

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Blake Snell pitched for Shorewood
in 2011
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
26 year old Blake Snell, a baseball star at Shorewood, made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 and won the American League Cy Young Award in 2018.

He recently negotiated a new contract with the Rays that adds up to $50 million over five years.

The new contract includes a $3 million signing bonus payable within 30 days of the deal’s approval by Major League Baseball and a raise to $1 million for this season. 
He gets $7 million in 2020, $10.5 million in 2021, $12.5 million in 2022 and $16 million in 2023. 
His 2023 salary could escalate by up to $2 million based on Cy Young Award voting in the first four years: $1 million for each win, $500,000 for each second-place finish and $250,000 for each third-place finish.

Read the story HERE



Read more...

Shorewood baseball update

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Junior Kenji Miller excels on the mound
Photo by Tracey Miller.


Shorewood High School varsity baseball is off to a strong start to the 2019 season, with a 3-1 record.

The senior-laden team looks to improve upon their .500 season in 2018.

Senior Kaden Graves tags the Blanchet runner
Photo by Tracey Miller
So far, they have beaten non-conference foes Bishop Blanchet 7-5, Roosevelt 4-0, and Kamiak 11-2.

Their sole loss was to 4A Glacier Peak, 6-5, in an exciting back and forth duel. Shorewood pitchers have been turning in solid performances, the defense has been playing well, and the bats have been hot throughout the order.

Senior David Snell pitches against Blanchet
Photo by Tracey Miller
The Thunderbirds will host North Kitsap at Meridian Park Ballfield on Monday, March 25th at 4pm.

Their first away game is at Monroe High on Tuesday, March 26th. Conference play will begin with cross-town rivals Shorecrest with a rare night game at 6pm on Tuesday, April 2 at Shorecrest.

Games are free, open to the public, and spectators are welcome.

-Lisa Hirohata




Read more...

Shorecrest baseball news

Friday, March 22, 2019

After a few tough losses to start the season, the Shorecrest Varsity baseball team bounced back with two wins this week. On Tuesday night, March 19, 2019 under the lights at Shorecrest, the Scots won a pitcher’s duel over Kamiak, 2-1. 

Gannon Dow started on the mound and dominated the Knights over the first 6 innings, striking out 9, allowing just two hits, and walking one batter. With Davis Stallings and Miles Iverson providing the RBI’s to give the Scots the lead, Alex Culver came on to close out the game. After the lead-off batter in the top of the 7th reached 3rd base, Culver promptly struck out the side to preserve the victory.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 the Scots traveled to Mariner High School in Everett and cranked up the offense, winning 12-2 in convincing fashion. The pitching continued to be tough as sophomore Aris Goss went the first 4 innings, allowing just one run, and then junior Cas Sato finished the job by going the final 3 innings, giving up a single run.

The offense was led by Alex Culver and Miles Iverson, each with 3 RBI’s, Aris who connected for two hits, and Ben Lockwood who was all over the bases with a double, two walks, and aggressive base-running. The game ended with a great defensive effort as Lockwood caught a fly ball in right field for the 2nd out and then fired home to nab the runner trying to score for the final out.

Shorecrest played its last non-league game remaining on Friday at home against Monroe before starting their league schedule against Mountlake Terrace on the 27th.

--Head Coach Alan Bruns



Read more...

Puget Sound Senior Baseball League announces 2019 tryout dates

Saturday, March 2, 2019

The non-profit Puget Sound Senior Baseball League (PSSBL), one of the largest amateur adult baseball leagues in the U.S., will have open tryouts for all baseball players, age 19 and over, during the course of four weekends in March.

The PSSBL is comprised of 1,100 players forming 72 teams in 9 different divisions.

The divisions are organized based on age and skill level, ranging from competitive to recreational. Formed in 1989, this year marks the PSSBL’s 31st season of operation.

The 2019 tryouts will be held at
  • Interlake High School in Bellevue on Sunday, March 10th,
  • Sunday, March 17th at Russell Road Park in Kent,
  • Saturday, March 23rd at Bellevue College, and
  • Sunday, March 31st back at Interlake High School.
Tryouts are free to attend.

For more information including start times and online registration, tryout players and all interested parties are encouraged to view the PSSBL website or call 425-644-1901.

Three PSSBL-based teams won national championships last fall. The Puget Sound Reds took the 35 and Over title at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix. Both the 60 and Over and 70 and Over versions of the Washington Titans won their respective divisions at the Roy Hobbs World Series in Florida.

There are a number of ex-minor leaguers and college players in the PSSBL – even a former Seattle Mariner, but there’s also plenty of room in recreational divisions for players who haven’t picked up a baseball since Little League.

The PSSBL is well known for donating money, materials, and labor to youth and school baseball organizations around the Sound as well as other charities. This season we are assisting Thomas Jefferson High School, Bellevue College, Northwest Washington Baseball League, and the Wounded Warriors Project.



Read more...

Blake Snell accepts Cy Young award

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Blake Snell holding his Cy Young award
Shoreline native and Shorewood baseball star Blake Snell accepted the prestigious 2018 American League Cy Young award at the New York Baseball Writers’ Association annual awards banquet in New York City on January 27, 2019.

Blake, who plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida, thanked the writers and coaching staff in his remarks.

The BBWAA honored outstanding performances from the 2018 season. In addition to the Cy Young, they gave awards for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year.

Awards are based on ballots cast by two baseball writers in each league city.

The Cy Young is given to the best pitcher in the league for the year. Previous winners include Mariners' Felix Hernandez (2010) and Randy Johnson (1995).




Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP