Baseball Blogs
Dugout Chatter with Weyauwega-Fremont's Eric Keenan
by
Dennis Semrau,
3/16/2010
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Eric Keenan
School: Weyauwega-Fremont
Year: Junior
Favorite subject: Physics
Position: Second Base/Third Base
Other sports: football, basketball
I got my start in sports: playing tee-ball in kindergarten. I started playing basketball in kindergarten and football in fourth grade.
I wish I could play: volleyball.
Baseball highlights: Two-time letterwinner and two-year starter at second base and shortstop … will move to shortstop this spring … earned all-district honorable mention and Central Wisconsin Conference Eight first-team honors as an infielder as a sophomore.
2009 stats: hit .444 (32-of-72) with school-record 41 runs scored and 16 RBI, 12 doubles, 21 walks and six stolen bases and a .574 on-base percentage and .611 slugging percentage.
2009 team highlights: team was second in Central Wisconsin Conference Eight (11-3) … finished 20-4 overall, losing in Division 2 regional semifinals … will compete in Division 3 in 2010.
Other sports honors: Two-time letterwinner and two-year starter in football at cornerback as a sophomore and at running back and strong safety as a junior … letterwinner and starter at guard in basketball as a junior.
I like playing baseball because: it is a team sport and you need to come together to be successful.
Team bonding moments: We had a movie night where we saw Batman Forever together. We attended open gyms on Wednesday nights to hit around and play catch.
Most memorable moment: Lost a close game in American Legion playoffs to go to state last summer.
Favorite athlete: Carl Crawford
Favorite team: Cleveland Indians
Favorite Brewer: Former Brewer J.J. Hardy
Favorite movie: Pineapple Express
Favorite baseball movie: Sandlot
Favorite TV show: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite meal: pizza
Favorite fast food: Burger King
Favorite opponent: Stevens Point Pacelli
Favorite sport on TV: football
I wish we could play: Fox Valley Lutheran
Favorite web site: wissports.net
Favorite place to visit: California
I want to visit: South Carolina
Baseball Stadium to visit: New Yankee Stadium
One word to describe me: unique
I can’t live without: my cell phone
I wish I could meet: Honus Wagner
Dream date: Megan Fox
Role model: Mr. Chase, my football coach
My family includes: my parents, Brian and Carol Keenan, and my sister, Nichol.
I drive: a Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck
Dream car: a Lamborghini
I like Weyaywega-Fremont High School because: it is small enough so you can know everyone.
On my iPod: everything
I get my news: Internet; TV
Fantasy: I wish I could do everything with my left hand like I can with my right hand.
My perfect day: go to Six Flags and ride the big rollercoasters
Hobbies: hunting, fishing, playing Halo on my XBox 360
Post-high school plans: attend college to study medicine and play baseball
Career goal: medical field
Outlook on life: “When I stop talking, you start doing.”
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
Wishing it was warmer in Phoenix
by
Dennis Semrau,
3/12/2010
DENNIS SEMRAU
Wissports.net PHOENIX -- Following are a few random thoughts while spending a few days in Arizona watching some exhibition baseball and getting ready for the high school spring baseball season to begin.
For those prep baseball players who also play basketball, practice starts Monday, March 22, two days after the WIAA championship games for boys’ basketball.
First pitch in Phoenix: It was 58 degrees at Maryvale Baseball Park Thursday and a balmy 44 in Milwaukee at game time. At least there was some sun in the Valley of the Sun. With temps in the 50s most of the game – it felt like the 40s in the press box – it felt like Opening Days of long ago in Milwaukee County Stadium where more hot chocolate was sold than beer, if that was ever possible. Temps are supposed to reach 70 degrees on Friday. We’ll see.
Rappin’ with Gomez: New Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez said in a conversation Thursday morning that he has his own recording studio at home in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Gomez, who was acquired from Minnesota during the off-season for shortstop J.J. Hardy, loves to rap. But don’t expect him to be going big time any time soon.
“When I need a break or to relax I spend an hour in the studio and everything’s great,” said Gomez, who has impressed his teammates with his range in center field. “It’s just for me and my family. Something I enjoy and have fun with.”
Preview of things to come: Alcides Escobar lined a one-out single to left field and Ryan Braun smashed an 0-1 pitch over the left-field fence for 2-0 Brewers lead in the bottom of first inning of Thursday’s 7-3 loss to Oakland in a split-squad game played at Maryvale Baseball Park. Left-fielder Travis Buck took one look and didn't move. Braun nearly went deep to right field in his next at-bat with a warning track drive.
On the prowl: New Brewers lefty Randy Wolf made his second start of spring training for the Crew Thursday. He allowed one hit and struck out one in first inning and struck out the side in the second, following a lead-off walk. He also allowed a lead-off walk but pitched his way out of trouble.
Did you know: Randy Wolf’s brother, Jim, is a Major League baseball umpire. Jim Wolf, who is seven years older than Randy, worked the bases at Thursday’s Brewers game.
“I looked up and saw the umpires walking out and said, ‘hey, that looks like my brother. It is,’ ” Randy Wolf said with a smile. “He’s never worked a game during the season I’ve pitched in but he’s been behind the plate in an exhibition game.”
Tip of the day: Brewers left-hander Chris Narveson pitched three innings in Milwaukee’s 3-1 loss to Cincinnati in a split-squad game Thursday. Narveson, whose dad was born in Dodgeville and mom is a Wauwatosa native, said it is important to just play the game.
“Go out and play as many games as you can,” said Narveson, who is vying for a spot in the Brewers starting rotation. “There are so many distractions out there. Just to get out on the field and play, whether it’s pitching or hitting or being in the field. You can’t get better unless you play. Enjoy it for what it is. It’s a game and it’s fun.”
--WSN--
Dugout Chatter with Fox Valley Lutheran's Eric Zuberbier
by
Dennis Semrau,
3/12/2010
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Eric Zuberbier
School: Fox Valley Lutheran
Year: Senior
Favorite subject: Biology
Position: Shortstop/Pitcher
Other sports: football; basketball
I got my start in sports: watching my older sisters and brothers play ... began playing baseball when I was three years old, basketball when I was four and football when I was five.
Baseball highlights: two-time letterwinner… started at pitcher and at shortstop as a junior … earned Eastern Valley Conference honorable mention honors as a junior … played American Legion baseball for the Appleton DoubleDays the past two summers … played fall baseball past two seasons.
2009 stats: pitching – finished with 6-0 record with three saves and five complete games in 51 innings pitched … posted a 2.03 earned run average with 69 strikeouts and 24 walks.
2009 team highlights: Was 21-3 overall and sectional champions in Division 2 … won Eastern Valley Conference title with 16-2 record.
Other sports honors: played quarterback on freshman team and wide receiver as a sophomore in football … played guard and forward on freshman team and as a sophomore … lettered in football and basketball as a sophomore.
This and that: volunteer work includes youth basketball camps during the summer and helping neighbors with yard work in the spring, summer and fall.
I like playing baseball because: of the competition and it’s a sport you can play every day and enjoy it and go out and have some fun.
Team bonding moments: going to Fuddruckers for burgers after games
Favorite athlete: Chipper Jones.
Favorite team: Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite Brewer: Ryan Braun
Favorite movie: For the Love of the Game
Favorite TV show: Burn Notice
Favorite meal: Fettuccine Alfredo
Favorite fast food: Jimmy John’s
Favorite opponent: Appleton Xavier
Favorite web site: Facebook
Favorite places to visit: Arizona; Colorado
I want to visit: Texas
Baseball Stadium to visit: new Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park
One word to describe me: fun
I can’t live without: my cell phone
I want to meet: Dick Vitale
Dream date: Kelly, Kelly of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
Role model: my brother, Dan, and my grandpa, Gale
My family also includes: my parents, Phil and Sharon, my sisters, Sarah and Jennifer and my brother, Bob.
Nickname: Zubes; Big Z
I drive: a Ford Taurus
Dream car: a Chevy Silverado Truck
I like Fox Valley Lutheran High School because: it’s friendly and it’s welcoming.
On my iPod: Lil’ Wayne
I get my news: Internet; TV
My perfect day: attend a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at Miller Park at noon and a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field at night.
Hobbies: playing video games; hanging out at the pool during the summer
Post-high school plans: attend college to study sports and exercise science or construction and possibly play baseball.
Career goal: own an indoor baseball facility
Did you know? My last name in German means “tub of beer.”
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
Dugout Chatter with Barneveld's Josh Slaney
by
Dennis Semrau,
3/7/2010
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Josh Slaney
School: Barneveld
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.866
Favorite subject: mathematics
Position: Catcher
Other sports: football, basketball
I got my start in sports: wrestling in the first grade. I started playing baseball in fifth grade but I was practicing with my dad in the backyard before that. I started playing football and basketball in fourth grade.
Baseball highlights: three-time letterwinner and three-year starter at catcher … earned two-time All-Six Rivers East Conference first-team honors … earned all-district honorable mention honors as a utility player and Academic all-state and all-district honors as a junior … drove in game-winning runs in both 2009 sectional games with triples … Barneveld won the Six Rivers East Conference title his sophomore year and a regional title his sophomore season.
2009 stats: batted . 410 (34-for-83) with 28 runs scored, nine doubles, four triples and two home runs and 40 RBI … also had one hit-by-pitch, five sacrifices, 10 walks and a .449 on-base percentage and .687 slugging percentage.
Career stats: hitting .413 with 13 doubles, five triples, two home runs, 25 stolen bases and 55 RBI with a .463 on-base percentage ... Barneveld has a 53-15 record during his prep varsity career.
2009 team highlights: Eagles was second in Six Rivers East Conference with a 9-3 record to finish 22-4 overall … won regional and sectional titles and lost in WIAA Division 4 state semifinals.
Other sports honors: three-time letterwinner in football … co-captain as a senior … earned Northern Badger Conference second-team honors as a wide receiver with 38 catches for 515 yards and five touchdowns and honorable mention honors at defensive back with 48 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions as a senior … two-time letterwinner in basketball as a guard … earned All-Six Rivers East Conference honorable mention honors as a junior.
This and that: Class president as a junior and senior … National Honor Society … ranks fourth in senior class … Prom King … volunteer work includes coaching Tri-county seventh grade boys basketball team.
I like playing baseball because: I like my teammates and coaches and it’s a nice team sport. I like the camaraderie with everybody.
Team bonding moments: We went to Pizza Hut after some of our games and played at the La Crosse Loggers Stadium against Kickapoo.
Favorite athlete: Brett Favre
Favorite teams: Badgers, Packers, Brewers
Favorite Brewer: Prince Fielder
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite baseball movie: The Rookie
Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights
Favorite fast food: Subway; Taco Bell
Favorite opponent: Pecatonica
Favorite web site: wissports.net
Favorite place to visit: Virginia Beach
I want to visit: The Bahamas
Baseball Stadium to visit: Busch Stadium in St. Louis
One word to describe me: hard-working
I can’t live without: my friends and family
I want to meet: Brett Favre
Dream date: Carrie Underwood
Role model: my dad, Patrick Slaney
My family also includes: my step mom, Nancy Sutter, mom, Liz Field, brother, Jacob, sisters, Anne and Rachel, and step sisters, Katie and Erin Sutter.
Nickname: Slane Train
I drive: a 2002 Ford F-150 truck
Dream ride: a Mustang or Harley
I like Barneveld High School because: it is a small-community environment and everybody knows everybody which works out really well.
On my iPod: lots of country, some rock, Nickelback, Montgomery Gentry
I get my news: TV
Fantasy: I wish I could play water polo.
My perfect day: go to the Super Bowl or Final four with my friends
Hobbies: playing cards with my friends, swimming at Birch Lake, hunting
Post-high school plans: attend college to major in Agricultural Engineering and possibly play baseball.
Colleges already accept to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Iowa State and University of Wisconsin-Madison
Career goal: design equipment
Outlook on life: “Hard work can beat talent if talent isn’t willing to work hard.”
Did you know? I was in our school’s drama play.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
Dugout Chatter with De Pere's Mikole Pierce
by
Dennis Semrau,
3/3/2010
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Mikole Pierce
School: De Pere
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.85
Favorite subject: History
Position: shortstop
Other sports: basketball
I got my start in sports: hitting Whiffle balls in the front yard with my dad when I was four or five years old … started playing basketball in first grade.
Baseball highlights: will move to shortstop his senior year … team’s clean-up hitter and starting center fielder as a junior when he earned Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association all-state honorable mention honors … also earned WBCA all-district and Fox River Classic Conference first-team honors … as a sophomore, he earned WBCA all-district honorable mention and all-conference first team honors at second base … started in right field as a freshman, earned Southern Lakes Conference second-team honors playing for Union Grove … earned team’s Most Valuable Player on Offense award as a sophomore and junior.
2009 stats: batted .441 with 13 doubles, three home runs, 28 walks, 27 runs scored and 24 RBI and recorded a .606 on-base percentage.
2009 team highlights: won Fox River Classic Conference and regional titles, finishing with a 20-2 conference record and 23-4 overall record … lost to Kimberly 1-0 in sectional semifinals.
Other sports: played basketball on the Junior Varsity team as a freshman and sophomore.
I wish I could still play: basketball
This and that: born in Green Bay, moved to Dillsburg, Penn. and then to Union Grove before moving to De Pere before sophomore year … drives to Racine every Sunday to work with personal hitting coach Jack Schiestle at the Haben/Jensen Hitting Center … played American Legion baseball for two years … member of DREAM team (Drug Resistance Equals Achieving More) … member of High Honor Roll throughout high school … volunteer work includes coaching youth baseball.
I like playing baseball because: of the one-on-one factor, it’s you against the pitcher. In some sports, you can’t fail but in baseball you looking to succeed a minimal amount of time and move to the next level.
Team bonding moments: We had a stretching circle in the outfield every day where we’re joking around. The most memorable time is those moments.
Favorite athlete: Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria.
Favorite team: Cincinnati Reds
Favorite Brewer: Ryan Braun
Favorite former Brewer: Racine native Vinny Rottino
Favorite movie: Hardball
Favorite TV show: King of the Hill
Favorite meal: tacos
Favorite fast food: Sonic
Favorite opponent: Bay Port
Favorite web sites: Facebook; wissports.net
Favorite place to visit: San Diego
I want to visit: Yankee Stadium
One word to describe me: dynamic
I can’t live without: my Troy baseball hat
I want to meet: Cal Ripken Jr.
Dream date: Jennifer Aniston
Role models: Jack Schiestle, Vinny Rottino and my parents, Donn and Mary Pierce
My family also includes: my older brothers, Jon and Jake.
Nickname: Mickey
I drive: a 2000 Toyota Avalon
Dream car: an Escalade
I like De Pere High School because: its size because it’s small enough you can know everybody you want to but big enough that you don’t need to know everybody.
On my iPod: Lil Wayne
I get my news: Green Bay Press Gazette
Fantasy: taking batting practice some day with Evan Longoria
My perfect day: take in a college World Series game in Omaha
Most memorable moment in sports: my first baseball game for De Pere I led off and hit the first pitch over the center field fence for a home run.
Hobbies: fishing, watching movies
Post-high school plans: attend NCAA Division I Troy (Ala.) University on a baseball scholarship to study education or sports management.
Career goal: coach and athletic director
Outlook on life: “You have to put in more than you take out.”
Did you know? My name Mikole is a combination of my great-grandfathers’ names, Mike and Ole.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.