The St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League announced today that twelve River Bats from last year's roster will return for another season in St. Cloud.

River Bats 2008 Most Valuable Bat Derek McCallum (Minnesota), third basemen Brian Hernandez (UC-Irvine), outfielder Matt Fanelli (Washington State), and right hand pitcher Kurtis Frymier (Michigan State) will all return for their third summer in St. Cloud. McCallum led the Bats in batting average (.328) home runs (6) and runs batted in (42) while finishing third in the Northwoods League batting title last season. Frymier, transferred to Michigan State after spending two years at Daytona Beach Community College, set the River Bats single season record last summer with 31 appearances.

Also returning for the Bats this summer will be infielders Dan Betteridge (Rutgers), Kevin Johnson (Cincinnati) and Zac Richard (Xavier). Richard played in just 14 games for the Bats last summer before his season ended due to a broken wrist. Richard was hitting .367 and had a least one hit in every game played before the injury. The Bats will also welcome back outfielder Brian Humphries (Pepperdine) and catcher Adam Weisenburger (Miami of Ohio).

On the mound the River Bats will return right hander pitcher Connor Lambert (Washington State), left hand pitcher John Atteo (North Florida), and left hand pitcher David Deminsky (St. Cloud State).

"Having a dozen quality guys return from last year's team is huge positive for our ballclub," said Field Manager Tony Arnerich. "Their leadership and experience will be a tremendous asset to the entire team when we start playing this summer."

The River Bats will look to get back into the Northwoods League Playoffs this summer after missing the post season for only the third time in their twelve year history. Field Manager Tony Arnerich and General Manager Joel Sutherland will continue to fill the roster in preparation for the 2009 season. For further information please contact the River Bats office at 320-240-9798.

Back to News Archive | Back to Homepage