Josh Koepsell: The Next Andy Dlugosz

When you see Freshman pitcher Josh Koepsell one thing comes to mind...Andy Dlugosz. Former ace of the Blue Devil pitching staff, Andy Dlugosz, was a standout performer during his career (2008-2011) and is currently the program's all time wins leader (17). Now you may be wondering, "Why does he come to mind when seeing Josh?" Well the resemblance between the two is uncanny.

"Some players on the team have come up to me and said they see a huge resemblance between Andy and I," said Josh. "I would honestly have to say that I see a slight resemblance but maybe not as much as other people see. "

Josh actually had the opportunity to meet Andy during the team's annual alumni game this past fall. "Andy was an extremely nice guy," said Josh. "I really hope that I can follow in his footsteps and have the same amount of success as he did during his time at Fredonia."

That success may not be too far off for Josh. Over the past few years Josh played for the Niagara Eagles Showcase travel team based out of Niagara County. During his time with the team, he played under Coach Mark Gabriele and Bob Kowalski, two former professional ball players. Thanks to them, Josh feels that they have made him into the ball player he is today and that he would never have reached the collegiate level without them.

Josh also gives a lot of credit to former Blue Devils assistant coach Matthew Bowman who helped guide Josh to Fredonia. "Coach Bowman was actually the first person I ever met from the Fredonia Baseball program," said Josh. "He was very helpful in putting me in contact with Coach Palisin and he just made things a lot easier for me when I had to make my decision of where I wanted to play college baseball."

Josh went under the radar as far as recruiting. "Josh's high school team was very young," said coach Palisin. "When I went to see him play, his team was down 5-0 nothing after five innings, but then I noticed, he had a no hitter going. I think better defense at a higher level will give Josh a lot more confidence this year. He really improved every day as the fall progresses."

Away from the field Josh enjoys hanging with his teammates, playing football and watching his beloved Johnny Manziel of the Cleveland Browns. "I am a BIG Johnny Manziel fan," said Josh. "I liked him ever since his first season with Texas A&M but, of course, I will always love my Buffalo Bills more. GO BILLS BABY!"

Josh is ready take on his first season as a Blue Devil. He looks to compete for some innings and take advantage of every opportunity he is given.

James Krolikowski

Just like teammate Alexio Medina, James Krolikowski has followed quite the similar path throughout his college baseball career. After putting together a successful career at Erie Community College (All-Region outfielder), James decided it was time to walk away from the game.

Despite being enrolled at Fredonia, Krolikowski did not play. "Last year I decided to take my junior season off to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," said James. "I wanted to make sure that switching my major from Physical Education to Sports Management and transferring to Fredonia was the best decision for myself."


James feels confident that he is ready to continue his career again. "It honestly feels great to be back," said James. "There was a big part of my life missing last year when I stepped away from baseball and it feels great to be part of a team again."


James also feels an excitement to return to the field with many of his former ECC teammates.

He gives much of his credit to returning to the game to former ECC and current Blue Devil teammate Kyle Sherman. James feels that because of Kyle, he found his place again with the Fredonia baseball program.

"Kyle definitely had an influence on me choosing Fredonia and wanting to play baseball again," said James. "I talked to him a lot this past summer and he really pushed me to come tryout this season." And as we all know, the rest is history.

Coaches comment: "Jimmy is a great addition to our team. The past few years we have gotten away from the running game, and his speed will be a nice addition. He's proven himself at the junior college level as an All Region player and will push for a starting spot this year. Off the field, he's got a great personality. If you can't get along with Jimmy, something's wrong with you."

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James not only gives Kyle all the love about choosing Fredonia. The past few summers, James had the privilege of playing with Fredonia alum and former team captain Mike Austin in AA Muny in Buffalo. Thanks to him, James felt his decision in Fredonia was the perfect choice.

"Mike is truly an awesome guy and he didn't hesitate once to answer any questions I had about the Fredonia baseball program ," said James. "He had nothing but awesome things to say about Coach Palisin and that I would not regret choosing to continue my career there. And it turns out he was spot on with that."


James looks forward to getting back on the field and improving himself as player everyday he has the chance. He is prepared to do whatever it takes to help his team win and reach the SUNYAC title this spring.

The ECC connection: Since 2013, the following eight Kats have played at Fredonia:
Ricky Mendiola
Matt Wilhelm
Joe DiLeo
Vinny Sherman
Kyle Sherman
Bobby Graczyk
Alexio Medina
Jim Krolikowski

Ben Atkinson

When it to comes to memories of high school baseball, one may think of all the great teammates they had the opportunity to play with throughout their career. Some of these guys they had the opportunity of playing with for two, three or maybe all four years of their high school career. Now, imagine playing with a completely different team each year that is filled with various players from various schools throughout your community. That is exactly what freshman pitcher Ben Atkinson experienced throughout his time in high school.

Due to lack of funding and competitiveness; Corcoran, Fowler and Henninger High School combined with Nottingham High School (Ben's High School), to give players at each school a chance to continue their baseball careers. It may not be viewed as the most favorable way to play high school baseball, but it never seemed to bother Ben.

Ben not only praises his teammates for the lasting memories he experienced during his baseball career but he also shows love for his coach as well. "Bob 'Southy' Southworth was by far one of the best coaches I have ever had in my life," said Ben. "He taught me so many things about the game of baseball and it was truly an honor to play under him."

I'm sure Coach Southworth feels the same about having Ben as a player. During Ben's senior year, his team left Coach Southworth with one incredible memory. His 700th career win. "We had a huge game to play against Liverpool High School early on in the season and it was my turn to pitch," said Ben. "I was a nervous heading in but once game day arrived I was ready to get that win for Coach." That's exactly what Ben went on to do. He went on to pitch five strong innings and gave up only one run. His team would go on to win 2-1.

Now that he has reach the collegiate level, Ben has set goals for himself this year. He plans to compete and be effective in any situation that comes his way this year. No matter who he faces this spring, Ben fully intends to help the Blue Devils find success this season.


Interesting Facts:
Favorite Player: Jacob DeGrom
Player he models his game after: Klayton Kershaw
Roommate: Rob Wiegand
Major: Biology
Played AAU hoops against Jim Boehiem's son

Alexio Medina: A New Beginning

Alexio Medina has not lived the ordinary life that every college baseball experiences. Before coming to Fredonia, Alexio studied at Erie Community College where he was a member of the baseball program like a few his Blue Devil teammates (Jim Krolikowski, Kyle Sherma). Instead of trying to continue his baseball career after ECC, Alexio took a different route. He decided to hang up his cleats and  try to pursue a career in contracting.

After a year-long break away from the field, Alexio realized this was no longer the life he wanted to live. "The career in contracting was just not panning out the way I had expected," said Alexio. "I decided it was time to make a change and head back to school."

He was ready to give college another look and get back into baseball. "Honestly sitting out a year of baseball was torture," said Alexio. "There aren't too many things in this world that I love more than playing this game and now that I am back, I couldn't be happier."

Alexio does not give himself all of the credit for deciding to continue his career. He gives some credit to his former ECC teammates for pushing him to return. "I missed these guys a lot more than I realized," said Alexio. "My time with those guys at ECC were some of the best years of my life and I cannot wait to create new ones with them and my new teammates here at Fredonia."

 Alexio had the opportunity of playing with Blue Devils senior captain Kyle Sherman, a former ECC teammate, this past summer in AAA Muny. It was during this time that Alexio began to develop an interest in Fredonia and feel that if given the chance to play, he could have a major impact on the team. "Everyday Kyle would push me to come tryout at Fredonia," said Alexio. "He believed that I could help out the team in many ways and hearing that really just made me want to come to Fredonia then."

Coach Palisin met up with Alexio at a summer-league game and was impressed with his size and speed. Sherman vouched for his character. "In the time Alexio has been here, he is one of the most concientious people I have met. He also gets the job done in the weight room and in the cage," said coach Palisin.

Beside having a strong love for baseball, Alexio enjoys working out as well. "The weight room is similar to the baseball field to me," said Alexio. "It's a great way to escape reality and blow off some steam." You can always spot Alexio hitting up the gym with teammate and roommate James Krolikowski, who Alexio had some kind words to say about. "James is honestly one of the nicest kids I have ever met and it is so easy to live with him because we share many of the same values."

Here are some expectations that Alexio has for himself this season:

Did you know?
Alexio's father was drafted by the Montreal Expos.
Alexio is one of a dozen players on the team that played for local legend Ronnie Lieb at some point.
Majoring in psychology.

No-Shave November

Each year, thousands of men and women are diagnosed with cancer. Leaving so many in a battle of pain, confusion and heartache. We constantly sit around ask ourselves what we can do to make things better.

This November I ask all of you to take the time to participate in what many call "No-Shave November." This is a campaign movement that asks for all to embrace the growth of hair in honor of those who are losing their hair due to cancer treatments.

Anyone can join in on this fight against cancer. That's right ladies, it is not just for men. One can raise money, grow out their hair, or even help spread the word of the movement. One simple act of awareness can help change the lives of thousands.

Now its time to stop sitting around wondering what you can do and join the movement. Toss those razors and trimmers in the trash and let the growth begin. As a whole, let's take one step closer to ending the fight against cancer.

This November a few of the Fredonia baseball players will participating in the movement. Some will be participating in honor of loved ones and friends, while others are growing to join the cause. Keep a look out on campus during the next few weeks. I'm sure you won't be able to miss them.

"What's Your Purpose?" From the Captain's Desk

Every player has their own motive as to why they play the game of baseball, whether it be for the love of the game, for their teammates or maybe even for themselves. My motive, however, roots from a whole different source.

Each time I touch a ball field I have one thing in mind: My family.

I come from a family filled with baseball fanatics. Mets, Red Sox, Reds, A's and die hard Yankee fans (except for me, I'm a Cubs fan....rough life). Now you are probably thinking, "You have a family full of baseball fans, so what?" Well beside playing the game for my family members who I see on a regular basis, I play for those who are no longer with me. The ones who left an unforgettable impact on my life.

My grandfather was a die-hard Yankees fan. There wasn't a day when he wasn't tuning in to see his beloved "Bronx Bombers" play but he never could stand to watch because he was so nervous they would lose if he watched. He would always tell me stories of Mickey Mantle and how someday, if I kept working, I could be just as great as him. Meanwhile my grandmother would be chanting from the other room, "Yankees stink! Go Sox!" It was a love-hate relationship in their house when it came to sports but it always through good spirits.

I would never forget those words my grandfather said to me, "If you keep working, you can be as great as them." I would keep these words with me throughout the rest of my career and I still keep them close to my heart. Through one little sentence, he made me want to go out and be the best that I could be. I wanted to make him and all my other family members proud.

It was during my junior of high school, however, when I was crushed with the devastating news that my grandfather had passed away. He would never get the chance to see me play college ball, which was my dream at the time because there was nothing more my grandparents would have loved to see.

It was right then and there that I decided that I no longer had a choice but the obligation to reach the collegiate level no matter what it took. For the next year and a half, I dedicated all of my time to improving my game and not a moment passed when I wasn't thinking about what he told me so many years ago..."If you keep working, you can be the best."

That day finally came. I was a senior in high school when I received a letter from the Fredonia baseball program informing me that they were interested in me. I felt a huge sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulder. I finally reached my goal.

For the last four years I have carried the weight of every person who I have lost throughout my life. I truly give credit to them for how I have turned out as a ball player and a person. They are the ones who always push me to reach for my full potential because I know if I take a moment off they will know. I believe they are always watching over me.

So ask yourself each day, "What's my purpose and why am I truly here?"

Luke Kuczewski: OP connection

Last year, while playing for Orchard Park High School, Luke Kuczewski was the Quaker's starting catcher on a team ranked No. 1 in Class AA most of the year. Seems like a pretty normal situation right? Well that's where you're wrong.

Throughout his whole life, Luke had actually been a pitcher. It was not until his senior year of high school when he decided that he would make the transition to catcher. The Quakers had a deep staff, including the WNY Pitcher of the Year, but the team needed a catcher. "I caught for my senior year because there was a space to be filled at catcher," said Luke. "I wanted to ensure myself a position while trying to help my team."

Coach Palisin had initially seen Luke at a Showcase during the summer where he performed well. Freshman-at-the time Patrick Sheehan, an OP grad, had also recommended Luke, as did coach Jeff Helmbrecht of the Buffalo Braves travel team. "He's got a pretty good stick, too," Helmbrecht mentioned.

Luke visited Fredonia in the fall, and indicated that he wanted to pitch for the Blue Devils. Upon getting his opportunity to pitch at the collegiate level, Luke said "I am definitely happy to be back at my normal position on the mound. I can't wait to show what I can do and to compete for some innings."

Luke turned in a strong fall, and will push for a spot in the rotation. He spun three scoreless against FLCC in this fall's playdate.

Luke is not the only player on the team to reverse his roles throughout his baseball career. Sheehan, his high school friend and teammate, was a pitcher at O.P. Patrick was brought in to pitch, but last year after a season-ending injury to senior catcher Anthony Schiro, and junior Dan Cecilia not being cleared for the 13-game Florida trip, Sheehan moved to catcher and was the Opening Day starter. Sheehan's brother had been an All SUNYAC catcher in 2013.

Luke also gives Pat a lot of credit for his interest in Fredonia. "When pitching to Pat there is a connection that makes me feel more comfortable when I am on the mound," said Luke. "So when it came to deciding where I wanted to go it didn't take much for me to consider here thanks to Pat." The duo also played MUNY ball together this past summer.

Beside having a love for baseball, Luke also has a love for his Buffalo Bills. "I wasn't always an avid Bills fan but over the past few years I have began to develop a love for our boys," said Luke. "I love how the city comes together because of the team and how much energy there is around town on game days." You can catch Luke wearing his Kyle Williams jersey around campus on game days.

Here's what Luke had to say about what he looks forward to for the upcoming season:

Did you Know?:
Both Luke and Patrick work the luxury boxes at the Bills home games.
Lives 1.3 miles from Ralf Wilson Stadium.
OP connection: Brian Sheehan --> brother Patrick Sheehan --> friend Luke Kuczewski --> who's next?
Roommate: Freshman pitcher Josh Koepsell

Lucas Schaefer: The Rival

Lucas Schaefer attended St. Mary's of Lancaster High School located just outside Buffalo, New York. It is a small catholic private school that plays out of the Monsignor Martin League throughout Western New York. This league consists of eight teams: Bishop Timon-St. Jude, St. Francis High School, Canisius High School, St. Joseph's High School, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Nichols High School, Christian Central Academy and of course St. Mary's High School.

Throughout Lucas' high school career, he faced a few  of his current Blue Devil teammates (Quinn Danahy, Trot Kelly and Michael Prentice). When asked about what it was like to play against them, Lucas was quoted saying:

Once Lucas finished his time at St. Mary's he decided to take his talents to Niagara County Community College, a two year program school, located in Sanborn, New York.

It was here where Lucas really learned how to improve his game as a pitcher. "I learned a lot more about the game of baseball during my time at NCCC," said Lucas. "I learned to focus on the little things that can make me a better pitcher and to control what only I can control." He feels the things he learned during his time at NCCC are things he can carry with him outside of baseball as well.

Lucas is also an advocate of playing with "swagger." Throughout the fall, it was noticed by a few of his teammates that he likes to rock the high sock look when pitching. When asked about why he chooses to do so he said, "I like the way it looks. I feel that I have had great success when wearing my socks up. Baseball players are always trying to be a little swaggy. Look good, play good."

Lucas is ready to step up and take on any role  this season for the Blue Devils. He is ready to get the season going and to get after it with his teammates. "SUNYAC's is the measuring stick right now for us," said Lucas. "I am really looking forward to a hardworking offseason with these guys, so we are ready to go as soon as the season hits."


Interesting Facts:
Favorite Movie: Drumline
Favorite Dining Hall on Campus:

Favorite MLB player:Yadier Molina
Favorite Music: Hip-Hop/Rap

Rob Wiegand

It has been three months now and Freshman First Baseman Rob Weigand has already learned what it takes to be successful in college. He knows it is much different than being at Bishop Ludden in Syracuse where he was First Team All CNY. "College is definitely a lot different than high school," said Rob. "You need to stay on top of your game in classes and be sure to always be organized."

Rob of course does not take full credit for developing this type of mindset on his own. He believes that playing under fellow Blue Devil Ciro Frontale's father has helped make him the player and person he is today.

Ciro, Sr. serves as the Athletic Director and Assistant Baseball Coach for Bishop Ludden. "There aren't too many people like Mr. Frontale," said Rob. "It was an awesome experience to play under him for two years and having the opportunity to be around him, as well as my other coaches really helped show me how to reach my goals."

Ciro, Sr.

Rob also had some kind words to say about Ciro, Jr.

From here there was no looking back according to Rob. A friendship had been born which would turnout to be great for the Blue Devil program. Thanks to Ciro and his father, Rob gained interest in the Fredonia Baseball program.

He saw the success that Ciro and the team were having and wanted in. "Following Ciro during his first two years at Fredonia definitely had a major impact on me," said Rob. "I saw the success that Ciro was having and it really made me want to achieve that success as well."

Rob looks to compete for a starting position this season. He played mostly right field at Ludden, but has worked out at first base this fall. He is ready to work and get after the SUNYAC title with his fellow teammates. "I am honestly just ready to start the season with all of the fellas and get to work," said Rob. "Any chance I get to be around baseball is a good day for me and being around this group of guys makes it even better."

Fast Facts:
Huge San Diego Chargers fan.
Huge-er Syracuse U. fan.
Likes Rap and Country music.
Derek Jeter is his MLB role model.
Rooms with fellow Syracuse native Ben Atkinson, apitcher for the Blue Devils.
Personal Quote of the Day:

Kevin Yirinec: Almost a State Champ

Kevin is the son of Brian and Robin Yirinec. He attended Fairport High School where he was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated with High Honors. Kevin played varsity baseball for two years and received numerous honors including First Team All-GreaterRochester his senior year. 

He also played volleyball and won a state championship his junior year. Outside of athletics, Kevin was also a member of the school band, in which he played the trombone.

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Fredonia Baseball Public Relations Manager Quinn Danahy -- and lifting partner -- sat down with Kevin and asked him a few questions so you could get to know him a little better:

 

Walk Up Song
Favorite Movie
Favorite Food


What would you say has been your favorite thing about college so far?
The newly gained freedom. It is nice to be able to set your own schedule and do things on your time.

What are you currently majoring in and what is like to be in the schools honor program?
Business Administration. Being in the Honors Program is really great because it helps push me academically and also provides me with a different friend group aside from the baseball guys.

Who would you say has had the biggest impact on you thus far?
The person who has had the biggest impact on me thus far is Quinn. He was the first upperclassmen to reach out to me and help me get accustomed to the expectations college baseball demands from you. He also helped me relax while I'm playing, which ultimately helped me feel more comfortable around the team.

What was it like to play under former Blue Devil Daniel Fetes?

What did he teach you about college ball?
The big thing that coach Fetes taught me that has helped me transition to college baseball easier is that you must keep a short memory. Don't let little things get into your head and take you out of even just one play. Only focus on what you can control and you will be able to perform at a competitive level.

Would you say he had any help in you earning First Team All Greater Rochester?
He spent countless hours helping me with my swing and pushing me to become better every day. He not only helped me prepare physically, but mentally as well. In many ways, I am a product of coach Fetes.

What was it like to play in the New York State Legion Championship game?
A once in a lifetime experience. It was really cool being able to compete against some of the best teams in the state and see what type of competition there is out there.

You met your current roomate DJ Schiersing at the Legion State Tournament in Utica. Tell us more.
The first time I ever met DJ was when he was walked in the final game of the New York State Legion Championship's round robin group stage. I was playing first base so we were able to have a brief conversation right then and there. I had known for some time that DJ was going to be my roommate, which made it even more exciting to be able to face him in the tournament.

What has been the most memorable baseball moment from your career?| 
Going 3-4 with 3 triples in a game at the state tournament. Coincidently it was the game in which I was facing DJ's team, which made it even sweeter because I think I made a decent first impression.

DJ Schiersing: State Champ No. 3

DJ graduated from West Seneca East High School located just outside Buffalo where he played baseball and basketball. He was named an ECIC Division Two All-Star three times in baseball, as well as the league's Defensive Player of the Year as a shortstop. He will move to the outfield with the Devils.

On the court DJ was a three year member of the varsity basketball team and started at small forward. DJ was also a member of the 2015 West Seneca Legion Post that captured the New York State Legion Championship. He joins current Blue Devils Michael Prentice and Trot Kelly (2013 State Champs) who also played for the West Seneca Legion Post.

Coach Palisin originally saw DJ playing for a local travel team, Full Circuit Power. The FCP team plays a game each summer at Ludwig Field, so coach Palisin and DJ originally met at the field on campus.

"DJ had a short, compact swing, something we look for. He had a good approach at the plate and his coach mentioned what a high-character individual he was. DJ was looking to major in Education, and we have one of the best programs in the state for that major."
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Senior captain Quinn Danahy sat down with DJ to ask him a few questions so you can get to know him a little better:

DJ's Walkup Song
Favorite Baseball Player
Favorite Movie

What would you say has been the biggest adjustment of college so far?
The biggest adjustment in college is going from a school where you know everyone to a school where you know only a fraction of the people.

What is your focus in education?

I am undecided but in the future I would like to get into Education. I would love to teach high school History one day.

What would you say was your greatest high school sports moment?
Being a part of the high school basketball team that set a school record in wins and having the first winning season in 20 years.

You put together a special event for your high school coach basketball when he was ill. What was that like? (Read article from Time Warner Cable here)
Last basketball season our assistant basketball coach was diagnosed with Leukemia. His son was our head coach so the team and I set up Leukemia Awareness Night. It was extremely special to me and to this day still feels great knowing I made a difference in someone’s life. At the event we made $2,500 and it was all donated to the American Cancer Society. The school is planning to make this an annual event and I hope to stay close with running the event.

Would you say this has helped shape you as a player and a person?

This has absolutely helped shape me into a player and person. It has made me realize some things in life are just greater than sports and it’s made me want to continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

What was it like to win the New York States Legion baseball championship?

The NYS Legion Baseball Championship was an unreal experience and winning the championship made it even cooler. It was cool meeting and beating my (current Fredonia) roommate Kevin Yirinec (Fairport Legion) at the tournament as well. He played for the opposing Legion Post we saw in the finals.

Does it give you pride knowing that you followed in the footsteps of fellow Blue Devils Mike Prentice and Liam Kelly?

It’s pretty cool that I got to follow those two. We take pride in playing for West Seneca Post 735 and its cool that all three of us got to win state championships for our hometown.

What was it like to be an inaugural member of the Full Circuit Travel team in Western New York? Was it fun to play under Coach Charlie?

Why did you choose Fredonia? 
I chose Fredonia because I liked the school and how close it is to my family. Fredonia gives my parents the opportunity to continue to watch me play, which means a lot to me.

Staff member Matt Wilhelm

Matt Wilhelm enters his first season with the Blue Devils and was brought in to shore up the pitching staff. Matt is very familiar with a number of players on the squad, being part of the "ECC Five" that played together for the Kats in the 2013 season. He also attended Amherst High School along with grad student Steve Sturm.

Matt sat out last season after racking up over 30 innings at ECC as a freshman, so he has sophomore eligibility status. He transferred to Fredonia last January and is majoring in Sports Management. Matt has also shown some pop and feels he can contribute at the plate, too (typical pitcher).

Matt Wilhelm, on right, with Derek Fie working at the Habitat for Humanity house in Silver Creek this fall.

Baseball Operations Manager Tim Fairhead sat down with Matt so you could get to know him a little better:

1) What toppings would you put on your perfect pizza?

     Buffalo Chicken with BBQ sauce.

2) If you were stranded on an island with two other teammates who would you pick and why?

     I would pick Mike Prentice because he's funny and Jake Harford because he's super tall.

3) What are you looking forward to most about your time at Fredonia?

     Playing baseball.

4) Other than baseball, what is your favorite sport to play?

     I would have to say hockey.

5) What professional athlete do you admire most?

     Derek Jeter.

6) Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

     Megan Fox.

7) What skill are you most excited to bring to the team this season?

     My slider, looking forward to getting a lot of K's with that pitch.

8) What brand of baseball gear is your favorite and why?

     Wilson, they make some sweet gloves.

9) Winter is coming fast, do you enjoy any winter sports or activities?

     I enjoy snowboarding a lot, You can catch me on the slopes at Kissing Bridge.
.

I play offense. The Mike Prentice story.

Mike Prentice returns to the Blue Devils after a solid freshman campaign. A catcher by trade, he earned a spot in the starting lineup mid-way through last season. He saw time in the outfield and DH, as well a few innings at first and catcher.

The affable sophomore comes from a line of outstanding St. Francis H.S. players to excel at Fredonia (Jim Kunkemoeller, '07 grad, SUNYAC batting champ at .467 in 2006; Matt Bauman, '08 grad, two seasons of pro ball and Sean Larson, '14, Fredonia State Athlete of the year). Mike had an American Legion State Championship under his belt prior to attending Fredonia.


Mike's has two brothers -- Erik who played baseball at Medaille and is living the good life in California, and another brother that recently graduated from Fredonia. Mike's dad, Marc, works with former Blue Devil Ace, Noah Huard, a 2006 grad, in Buffalo.

Mike Prentice, far right, with the "Thumbs Up" during a recent Kids' Night Out. Accompanied by Steve Sturm (up close) and Erik Krohl (seated)

Baseball Operations Manager Tim Fairhead caught up with Mike at a Kids' Night Out fundraiser in December. Let's see what was on Mike's mind...


1) We are at Kid's Night Out what is your favorite baseball fundraiser?
     Definitley Kid's Night out, its fun to hang with kids.

2)What was your first job?
     A town Recreation worker in West Seneca

3)What do you do to keep fit?
     I am an avid racquetball player

4)What's your favorite fast food chain, why?
     Chik-Fil-A because they have great food and they have an amazing milkshake.

5)What's your favorite Holiday?
     Veterans Day, God Bless America

6)If you were stranded on an island with two teammates who would pick, why?
     Carl Wolf because his haircut would keep me entertained, and Joe Korszun because he will keep the atmosphere light.

7) Favorite moment as a Blue Devil?
     Last season I had a game winning hit against SUNYAC rival Cortland.

8) If you could travel back in time where would go?
     July 4th, 1776, so I could sign my name on the Declaration of Independence.

9) What do you hope to bring to the team this season?
     My witty character and a strong bat in the lineup

10)Where was your favorite vacation?
     I went to California, I got to visit my brother out there.