Team News

2010 Season Outlook

Behind the Plate

With freshman standout and 2nd Team All-Conference C Will Thorp leaving for NAIA powerhouse Lewis and Clark State, the Royals will have 3 freshman calling pitches behind the plate.

If Oscar Rodriguez can stay healthy, he will be one of the top catchers in the conference. He receives well and likes to be active when runners are on base.

Aaron Wagner is a workhorse. Comes to play every day and has made huge strides in the fall and off-season. He makes our teammates better.

Antonio Paolini was not recruited to come to Douglas as a catcher, but has shown he can fill in when needed and also play in the middle of the field. He has the ability to hit at the top of the line-up and needs to get on base to contribute.

On the Bump

After graduating Toronto Blue Jays draft pick and UBC transfer Brandon Kaye, two-time 2nd Team All-Conference Utility/RHP and Campbellsville University transfer Mike Caleb, the Royals staff have plenty of candidates to fill those huge gaps left behind.

Swiss born RHP Jeff Mottl has been our most improved pitcher over the past 6 months. He’s now topping out at 91mph and gains more confidence every time he walks onto the mound. Look for him to pitch in our most important games.

LHP Jon Winick returns as one of our 3 representatives at the NWAACC All-Star Game. Jon commands a good change-up and if he can spot his fastball, will be one of the top pitchers on our staff. He likes to work fast, which keeps our defence on their toes.

Clarendon College transfer RHP Jeff Schmidt adds depth to our starting rotation. He has a sharp curveball and mid 80’s fastball. When he’s on, he can be great.

RHP Mike Fuller is our most fearless pitcher we have. He goes out and throws his guts out and players like playing behind because he throws strikes and gets lots of action for our fielders.

In the Bullpen

Closer RHP Nathan Kirby made some interesting adjustments in his delivery this summer and has seen drastic results in his outings. After dropping down to side-arm, Nathan gives hitters a tough angle to pick up the ball and has been dominating at times.

LHP Brandon Ross was outstanding last year out of the bullpen. He can command his change-up, and keeps runners close with a good pick-off move. He will need to be that good again this year for us to have success.

Freshman RHP Taylor Kipnes is unorthodox in his delivery and gives hitters an uneasy look at his pitches. When focused, he can be dominating. He will get better the more experience he gains.

Also Swiss born Freshman RHP Beni Montag comes into the season raw and inexperienced. He will though, see innings because he improves through his attitude and his coach ability. He needs to be sharp every outing to help us.

2-way players LHP Derek Wallace, LHP Adam Masse and RHP Grant Malm will add depth to our staff. They are athletic, can throw strikes and will be a huge part of our team’s success.

In the Pits

Lead by NWAACC All-Star 2B Rylin Chin, the versatile infielder can change the outcome of a game through his bat, his glove and his outstanding speed. He will be looked upon to be one of our leaders on the field.

Frank Phillips transfer DH/1B Ryan Saunders has a big swing and can also change the outcome of a game. His swing have gotten a lot better since the fall and he has worked hard to get himself into the middle of our line-up.

1B/LHP Derek Wallace is inspiring. He brings his lunch pale everyday and plays like a “dirtbag.” He gives our infielder’s confidence knowing that he can catch everything and anything thrown his way. Look for Derek to be one of the leaders on the field as well.

SS Mitch Frey is our “sparkplug.” He’s improved his footwork and glove drastically since his freshman year. He works extremely hard and is our voice on the field. Look for Mitch to have a great year.

3B Parker Forch is our most improved position player. He gains more confidence everyday he plays. He is a quite leader through his actions and has worked extremely hard to get where is at.

Freshman UTL James Zamko is a heady ballplayer with a high IQ in baseball. Can play every position on the field, runs well, and has a good arm. He has worked at his swing and strength all off-season. He can put the pressure on the sophomores to be focused and hard-working because he waiting to get his chance.

Near the Warning Track

Speedy OF Brent Lawrence can play both CF and RF because of his speed and arm strength. He can impact a game with the power in his bat. If he’s motivated, he can be the best OF in the league.

NWAACC All-Star LF/RHP Grant Malm is our most gifted player on our team. He has a PRO frame and polished swing from the left side, plus he’s 87mph on the hill. Needs to stay aggressive and determined because when does, he can be the most dominating hitter we have.

OF Bruce Biro is the type of player that every team needs to have. He listens, works hard and when he is in control of himself, can contribute with his speed and ability to get on base. He’s a solid teammate through maturity and positivity.

OF Mackenzie Dalgleish can be our best defensive outfielder. If he can stay fearless, he gets such good read on fly-balls, he can help our team defence tremendously. He has made adjustments to his swing which can get power and contact more consistently.

Freshman OF Adam Masse pushes our teammates to be better through his attitude and work ethic. He has put on 20 pounds of muscle through the off-season and you can notice that in both his swing and his arm since the fall. He will be tough to keep out of the line-up.

Freshman OF Steven Steel is improving every day. He’s aggressive in the OF and is one of our top 3 fastest players we have. He will need to be one of our best base runners, as he can impact a game through his speed.

For the coaching staff, this has been one of the most enjoyable groups of players to work with. They all work together, like each other and play hard. When it’s all said and done, we believe this will be one of the most memorable teams the baseball program has ever had.

Where are they NOW???

Mike Caleb
Photo by Jerald Waliser

As the college baseball seasons begin begin across North America, three former Douglas College baseball players from the 2009 team are taking aim at establishing themselves in their new surroundings. Toronto Blue Jays draft pick (45th round) RHP Brandon Kaye is attending the University of British Columbia at the Point Grey Campus. The T-Birds, coached by Terry McKaig, will be looking for Brandon to be an impact pitcher for them this spring.

Two - time NWAACC 2nd Team ALL CONFERENCE SS/RHP Mike Caleb will be attending the Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Mike will continue his duties in the infield, as well as on the mound. Last year’s standout Freshman and 2nd Team ALL CONFERENCE C Will Thorp is attending NAIA powerhouse Lewis and Clark State. Coached by the legendary Ed Cheff, the sophomore looks to make his impression felt on the always competitive Warriors line-up.

Three Selected to NWAACC All-Star Game

This year's NWAACC All-star game between the North vs. the East takes place at Longview, WA Saturday, September 26th at David Storey Field. Douglas College had 3 players selected based on their year they had as freshman. Led by INF Rylin Chin (Strathmore, AB) LHP Jon Winick (Delta, BC) and RHP Grant Malm (Coquitlam, BC) they will play in front of dozens of NCAA, NAIA and MLB scouts and have an opportunity to showcase their talents amongst the best in the NWAACC.

DC Players drafted to the Big Leagues

Brandon Kaye
Photo by Jerald Waliser

Sophomore Brandon Kaye was selected in this year’s 2009 June Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, the same team his half-brother, Scott Richmond plays for. The 6’4, 210 RHP, has committed to play for Terry Mckaig at the University of British Columbia and is currently playing for the Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Major Collegiate League in Alberta. Brandon will be closely followed this summer, as the club has until August 15th to sign him.

Former Douglas College and NWACC All-Conference player Bobby Wagner (2006)was also selected in the Draft. The 6’3, 210 3B, who played under former Head Coach Gerig Merritt, was chosen in the 38th Round by the Chicago Cubs. Bobby played at Panola College in Texas last season. Congratulations on this exciting achievement to both of you!

NWAACC Announces All-Conference Selections

Stevi Prosser
Photo by Jerald Waliser

Two of the Douglas College Royals baseball team members received Second Team All – Conference awards based on their play in the 2009 season. Freshman C Will Thorp led the Royals in batting AVG. (.340), 2B (8), SB (12), HBP (12) and 2nd in RBI (19). Sophomore SS/RHP Mike Caleb was voted by NWAACC coaches for the second consecutive year as a utility player. Caleb hit .310 and was 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA this season before breaking his thumb in week 6.

Quite a studious bunch!!!

ast night, the men's baseball team took home the Douglas College Academic Team of the Year Award by passing 119-121 classes for a 97% success rate and a Team GPA of 2.65. Head Coach Josh Ridgway, "The standard has been set for the Douglas College Baseball team and that the value of education is first and foremost to our players."

• Other Recipients:
• Jesse Penner Award - In Memory of former Douglas College player who demonstrates leadership and team spirit: Bruce Biro (Bowser, BC), Tyler Dechka (Coquitlam, BC), Jeff Mottl (Zurich, SW), Jack Thompson (Coquitlam, BC), Rylin Chin (Strathmore, AB)
• Gord Ellis Memorial Award - For excellence in community service and commitment to Baseball: Will Thorp (Surrey, BC)
• Coaches of BC scholarship - Highest Team GPA: Bart Kitson (3.66) & Kyle Boyko (3.55) BC Little League Award- Player who played in a Little League Organization growing up and demonstrates leadership and strong work ethic: Chris Foreman (Coquitlam, BC)