Baseball Training Camp Day 1 Recap

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Summer vacation is officially over for the Brock Badgers baseball program. Today, returning players and new recruits took to the field for the start of a week long training camp at Community Park.

A general feeling of optimism was in the air, with many hopeful players impressing the coaching staff during morning work outs and then again during the afternoon inter-squad scrimmage.

Returnees Matt Kissel and Kyle Porter along with newcomer Daniel Forte were just a few players that had solid mornings, while in the afternoon scrimmage the staff of Noah Anderson, Tyler Harrison, Kyle Kelsey and Steve Hough combined to allow just three hits over an eight inning game. 
 
New recruit Kurtis Robinson's arm power was also on display in the afternoon scrimmage, with his fastball registering at an impressive 88 mph.  He went two innings, allowing two hits, one run and striking out three. 
 
Returning pitcher Noah Anderson also performed well, throwing a perfect two innings while striking out two batters in the process.  
 
Rookie prospect Shaun Valeriote had the best showing offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate while hitting a big three run home run.  
 
Veteran catcher Justin Tamane had a strong day as well going 2-for-3 with two runs, and a double that almost went out of the park.  
 
Other highlights include Matt Kissel (1-for-2 with an RBI double, two runs and a walk), Cowan (1-for-4 with a solo home run), Jordan Vecchiarelli (1-for-2, double, two runs and a walk), Tyler Harrison (two shut out innings pitched allowing only two hits), Kyle Kelsey (two innings with no hits or runs allowed and one strike out) and Steve Hough (two shutout innings and four strike outs). 
 
The Badgers coaching staff was joined for the day by alum Raul Borjas, who assisted with player evaluations. The Badgers also welcomed the arrival of their new bullpen coach Jamie Trull, who worked with pitching coach Stefan Strecker in the morning evaluating pitchers. On Sunday, Toronto Blue Jays Director of Amateur Scouting and former Badger Andrew Tinnish will take Borjas' spot as a guest evaluator, offering input on tough coaching decisions. 
 
The Badgers also welcome new trainers Kristen Thompson, who joined the team Saturday, and Joanna Marra and Mike Dier who are expected to join the team later in the week. The new trainers will serve under Head Trainer Jordan Lavigne, who is entering his second year with the team and taking over head trainer duties from Amanda Sawoszczuk who graduated this past fall.
 
Finally, it is important to note that a number of players will be absent for the first weekend of camp due to summer ball tournaments, but will join the Badgers' camp on Monday. 
 
The Badgers will be back at it again Sunday bright and early, followed by an exhibition game on Monday against Bulletproof U18 and then McMaster University on Tuesday.

Written By: Mike Hardill (Brock Baseball)