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.
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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.