Player Biographies 2000

Heath Baker - Pitcher - 5-11 - 165 - Perry, OH - Perry High School

Should contribute greatly this season as a key member of the rotation. Fierce competitor that you want throwing for you in key situations. Has an explosive fastball, good change up, and effective curve. One of his strong suites is his willingness and ability to throw inside. Has potential to be a dominating force.

Past Accomplishments: Two-year All-Ohio pitcher, Two-time Lake County All-star, Conference MVP, Won three varsity letters in baseball.

Personal: Son of John and Janet Baker. Brother of Lindsay Cole, 22.

Played high school baseball for Mike Ryan at Perry High School.

Favorites: Most Admired Athlete is Roberto Clemente because he is an excellent role model both in sport and in life. Most Prized possession is his car. If he could change anything about the game of baseball it would be: to let pitchers hit all the time. Favorite TV Show: Baseball Tonight. Favorite Movie: For The Love of the Game. Favorite Type of Music: Rock and Country

Relaxes by: Watching TV and sleeping. Best Advice he has ever received: "Every time you are out there have confidence, no matter what happensand know I'm 100% behind you." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "No matter what happens in athletics put classes first. Make sure to give 100% at everything you do."

Mike Johnston - Pitcher - 6-3 - 195 - Racine, WI - Carbondale Community HS

Should be one of the left-handed mainstays in the starting rotation. Brings poise and valuable experience to the staff. Throws a fastball, slider, curve and change up. Red-shirted this past year at Ball State University.

Past Accomplishments: Earned all-conference honors his senior year in baseball and was second team all-conference in football. Also lettered three years in football as an outside linebacker and strong safety.

Personal: Is son of Richard and Karen Johnston. Has one sister, Erika (22) and one brother, Nate (20).

Played high school ball for Larry Jackson at Carbondale Community High and this past season for Rich Maloney at Ball State University. Nickname is "MJ".

Favorites: Most Prized Possession: His left arm. What would you change about the game of baseball?: Get rid of the metal bats and move the mound up three feet. Favorite Food: Chicken Wings. Favorite Musician or Band: Outkast and Rage Against the Machine

Prepares for a game by: By doing nothing special. Best advice ever received: "Don't be the man one day a week. Be the man seven days a week." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Don't play soccer!"

Jason Day - Pitcher - 6-2 - 215 - Cleveland, OH - St. Ignatius HS

Will begin season on a rehab program after having back surgery on April 7th to repair a disc injured the end of last summer. Should begin contirbuting around middle of season after losing entire high school season. Throws fasball, curve, and split fingered fastball.

Past Accomplishments: Lettered in baseball as a junior. Pitched extremely well for MSI as the season progressed in '99. Earned a start in Pride of America Nationals and a positive contribution.

Personal: Is son of Monica and Scott. Has one brother, Nick (15).

Played high school ball for Steve Cooke at St. Ignatius High. Nickname is "Jay Day". Uncle Kit Cartwright played football at Bowling Green State University.

Favorites: Most Admired Athlete: Ken Griffey, Jr. from the time he collected his baseball card in sixth grade. Most Prized Possession: Nolan Ryan baseball card valued at $1,200. What would you change about the game of baseball: Elevate the mound to 18" to make it more of a pitchers' show. Favorite TV Show: Drew Carey. Favorite Movie: American Pie. Favorite Type of Music: Rap, Rock, and Alternative. Relaxes by: Driving his car through the valley.

Best Advice ever received: "Be yourself." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Work hard and you will accomplish many goals. Strive to be the best you can be and have a good attiutde about yourself and life."

Brian Karpel - Pitcher - 6-1 - 175 - Lakewood, OH - Lakewood High School

Will be relied upon to established himself as one of the workhorses on this year's staff. Versatile performer that will start and relieve on a regular basis. Throws a fastball, curve, and on the best change-ups an MSI pitcher has ever had. Hurling style is very much like that of MSI All-American alum, Max Newill.

Past Accomplishments: Second Team all-Ohio Atheltic Conference pitcher this spring posting a 7-2 record with a 2.03 ERA. Combined to earn five varsity letters in baseball, basketball, and football at Lakewood High School. First team his senior year as a pitcher in baseball and a wide receiver in football. Also named to Greater Cleveland High School All-Star team.

Personal: Is son of Joseph and Florence. Has three siblings - Kelly (26), Stacy (24), and Joe (22).

Played high school baseball for Ken Ciolek at Lakewood High School. Nickname is "Big Fish". Uncle Greg Finnan played baseball at University of Dayton, cousin Greg Finnan wrestled at John Carroll University, and cousin Shawn Finnan played football at Marshall University.

Favorites: Most admired person: His father because he is a hard working man. Would most like to sit down at talk with: Mickey Mantle to find out how it felt to be a New York Yankee. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, playing video games, and listening to music. Favorite Food: Pasta. Favorite Book: Fallen Angels. Favorite Musician or Band: Bruce Springsteen. Prepares for a game by: Listening to music

Best Advice ever received: "Always try your best in whatever you do." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Have fun and always work hard."

Chris Lang - Pitcher - 6-2 - 200 - Twinsburg, OH - Walsh Jesuit High School

Begins his second year with MSI by securing a spot in the rotation after a fine spring. Struggled last summer with control which kept him from seeing more action on the hill. Throws fastball, curve and change up.

Past Accomplishments: Selected Walsh Jesuit's "Most Improved" and "Most Promising" Player during their 1999 Ohio High School State Championship Season. Collected three letters (2 baseball and 1 in basketball) during his two years at Walsh Jesuit after transfering from Trinity High.

Personal: Is son of Chris and Valerie. Has two younger brothers, Matt (16) and Craig (9).

Played high school baseball for Chris Kaczmar at Walsh Jesuit High. High school teammate of fellow MSIer Chad Frk.

Favorites: Most admired athlete is: Greg Maddux who gets the job done and doesn't really get the notoriety he deserves. Most Prized Possession: State Championship ring. What would you change about the game of baseball: Have all hitters in high school and above use wooden bats. Favorite TV Show: That '70s Show and Family Guy. Favorite Movie: Billy Madison. Favorite Type of Music: Country and Rap. Relaxes by: Eating and reading the newspaper.

Best Advice ever received: "Never give up." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "You can never work or study too much. The more you work the better athlete you become; the more you study the smarter you become."

Grant Relic - Pitcher - 6-2 - 180 - Brunswick, OH - Brunswick High School

Returns for his second campaign with MSI after having his first season curtailed due to minor tendonitis in his throwing elbow. Will function in a spot starting and bullpen capacity this season. Fully recovered based on outstanding high school baseball and football seasons.

Past Accomplishments: Was a four-year letter winner in football and two-time all-Pioneer Conference performer. Received three letters in basketball and three more in baseball and was named all conference and all-county his sophomore year.

Personal: Son of Candace and Grant and has one brother, Dan (20).

Played high school ball for Bill Frey at Brunswick High. Nickname is Smiley. High school teammateo fellow MSIers Josh Gaub and Greg Wisniewski. Father plaed baseball at College of Wooster.

Favorites: Most Admired person: His dad who has acomplished so much. Would Sit down and talk with: Jackie Robinson to hear what he experienced when he came into the big leagues. Hobbies: Sports, movies, music, and hanging out. Favorite Food: Chicken Fingers. Favorite Book: Jackie Robinson: Autobiography. Favorite Musician or Band: Creed. Prepares for a game by: Get something to eat and metally think of what he has to do to win.

Best Advice ever received: "You'll never know what you can become unless you try." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Sports can be a very enjoyable aspect of life. Don't let alcohol and tobacco or drugs ruin your life because then there will be no sports for you."

Josh Gaub - Catcher - 5-11 - 180 - Brunswick Hills, OH - Brunswick High School

Begins his second campaign tooling behind the dish for MSI. Is a hard-nosed competitor that leads by example and possesses a strong throwing arm and good blocking technique. Offensively, he is a strong hitter that displays a combination of power and speed and should find himself entrenched in the middle of the batting order.

Past Accomplishments: Earned seven letters during his tenure at Brunswick High. Four in baseball which saw him start all four years behind the dish. Also starred in football as a wide receiver and kick returner for three seasons. Selected baseball MVP his junior season (1999) and earned all-county honors that same year. Also garnieshed All-Academic award in football this past fall. Hit .308 in 140 plate appearances last summer with 18 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 46 games. Also scored 28 runs and stroked 7 doubles.

Personal: Son of Ed and Debbie. Has two siblings, Jeremy (20) and Lindsey (17).

Played high school ball for Bill Frey at Brunswick High. High School teammates of fellow MSIers Grant Relic and Greg Wisniewski.

Favorites: Most Admired Athlete: Dominic Hasek of the Buffalo Sabres. Most Prized Possession: Bracelet from ex-girlfriend. Favorite TV Show: Sportscenter. Favorite Movie: Wayne's World 2. Favorite Type of Music: R&B, Alternative. Relaxes by: Fishing

Best advice ever received: "Some goals are so great it's even glorius to fail. It's better to do 100 things 1% better than to do 1 thing 100% better." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Being involved in sports in high school and throughout your life will only help you in all aspects of life; responsibility, fun, competeition, friends, and teamwork. Most of all you may find something you truly love....the game."

Chad Frk - Infielder/Pitcher - 6-3 - 205 - Northfield Center, OH - Walsh Jesuit High

Becomes one of only a handful of third-year MSI players this June. Strength is his versatility as he can, and has, played every position on the field. Good power to all fields and still can play the short game with the bat very well. Has potential to be a stalwart in the middle of the line-up this season.

Past Accomplishments: Two-sport star at Walsh Jesuit High excelling in baseball and football (wide receiver and safety) for four years. Can also perform in the classroom and a member of the National Honor Society. Named 2nd team All-American and 1st Team All-Region on both Rawlings and National High School Baseball Coaches Assocaiton teams for this year. '99 MSI stats: hit .337 in 35 games and 121 plate appearances. Accumulated 7 doubles, 3 triples, and 23 RBI while scoring 32 runs. Batter .400 (18-45) with runners in scoring position.

Personal: Son of Robert and Jan. Has one brother, Bret (23) who attends Univ. of Cincinnati.

Played high school ball for Chris Kaczmar at Walsh Jesuit High. High School teammate of fellow MSIer Chris Lang.

Favorites: Most admired person: Walsh Asst. Coach Steve Grescovich since he is a model person. Would sit down and talk with: Robert Plant and find out what it is like to be a rock star. Hobbies: Music and Sleep. Favorite Food: Veal Parmisagna. Favorite Book: Night. Favorite Musician or Band: Led Zepplin. Prepares for a game by: Sleeping

Best advice ever received: "Someone is always watching you!" Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Do your homework and work hard in school."

Troy Yoder - Catcher/First Base - 6-4 - 210 - Middlefield, OH - Cardinal High School

Underclassman will see swing duty between first base and catching duty this season. Provides left-handed power with a good batting eye. Will also get his share of time as a designated hitter.

Past Accomplishments: Has earned five letters in his first three years at Cardinal High School in both baseball and basketball. Named 1st team Chagrin Valley Conference and News Herald as a sophomore and 2nd team Plain Dealer in Geauga/Portage Counties. Has won two academic letters adn is member of National Honor Society.

Persona l: Son of Mike Yoder and Sonya Anderson. Younger brother of Todd who wore MSI colors for the past three seasons. This season marks the sixth straight campaign that a Yoder will be playing on MSI. Cousin Josh ('95-6) and Todd ('97-9).

Played high school ball for Dave Bronson at Cardinal High.

Favorites: Most admired athlete: Jackie Robinson who overcame so much to excel in a game as a minority. Most prized possession: His bed. What would you change about the game of baseball?: Make the strike zome bigger. Favorite TV Show: Sportscenter. Favorite Movie: Ameican Pie. Favorite Type of Music: Hip-Hop, R&B; Relaxes by: Hanging out with friends

Best Advice ever received: "Just be yourself!" Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Never lose faith and always believe in yourself. Go out everyday and work hard since you never know when you'll be playing your last game."

Drew Saylor - Infielder - 5-11 - 175 - Wadsworth, OH - Wadsworth High School

Becomes only the seventh 16-year old to play on team in MSI's twenty-year history. Can play both shortstop and second base with equal success due to great hands and exceptional baseball instincts. Shows surprising pop in bat, but will also hit for average.

Past Accomplishments: Has started both years at Wadsworth High and named to first team all-Suburban Conference and all-Medina County both campaigns. Also named 1999 Western Reserve Citizen of the Year.

Personal: Son of Jeff and Barb. Siblings are Kristin (12) and Scott (10). Cousins Jamie and Nate both played for MSI and suited up for Baldwin-Wallace College and University of Akron respectively. Full name is Andrew Curtis Saylor and parents nicknamed him Drew at birth.

Played High School ball for Dick Goddard at Wadsworth High.

Favorites: Most admired person: His father who does anything for his family. Would sit down and talk with: His grandfather to find out what it was like to be in World War II and find out how it felt to almost make it to the big leagues. Hobbies: Basketball, football, and Explorer. Favorite Food: Anything that doesn't move. Favorite Book: Cal Ripken, Jr.: Only What I Know. Favorite Musician or Band: Fu Fighters. Prepares for a game by: Listening to music, focusing on the game, and mentally thinking of possible game situations.

Best advice ever received: "To go out and have fun." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Work hard. Set high standards and NEVER give up on them."

Jason Newcomb - Outfielder - 6-1 - 185 - Caro, MI - Caro High School

Will anchor the outfield corps by being able to play all three oufield positions well. Sports a strong and accurate arm further strengthening his defensive value. Offensively, he is able to hit to all fields and runs extremely well.

Past Accomplishments: Graduated from Caro High School while earning 10 varsity letters: Swimming (4), Football (3), and Baseball (3). Excels at freestyle in swimming being named 1st team all-conference and a state qualifier in 50-yd and 200-yd medley. Selected 1st team all-conference and honorable mention all-state as a defensive back in football. Garnered 1st team all-state honors as a junior.

Personal: Son of Brian and Theryse. Two Siblings: Carrie (21) and Jamie (19).

Played for Leon Graham at Caro High School.

Favorites: Most admired athlete: Chris Spielman since he left football at the top of his career to help his wife with her cancer treatment. Most prized possession: His favorite bat, "Merlin". What would you change about the game of baseball?: Return to wooden bats. Favorite TV Show: Who's Line Is It Anyway. Favorite Movie: Brave Heart. Favorite Type of Music: Rock 'n Roll. Relaxes by: Renting a movie and lying on the couch.

Best advice ever received: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "It doesn't take courage to do something your not afraid of. Real courage comes from doing something you are afraid of."

Greg Wisniewski - Outfielder - 6-0 - 176 - Brunswick, OH - Brunswick High School

Brings speed, excellent glove and a strong arm to bolster this year's outfield. Fierce competitor who battles until the last out. Excellent hitter who brings gap power and a threat disrupt any game each time he comes to the plate.

Past Accomplishments: Collected five letters (3-football and 2-baseball) during his Blue Devil career. Selected 2nd team all-conference wide reaceiver in football and all-county in baseball. Also named 2nd team all-region as a junior in baseball.

Personal: Son of Patty and Larry. Has one sister, Amanda (19), and one brother, Matt (14). Nicknamed Wiz. Father played both baseball and football at Marietta College. Played high school ball for Bill Frey at Brunswick High where he was prep teammates with fellow MSIers Grant Relic and Josh Gaub.

Favorites: Most admired person: His father who has made great achievements overcoing many setbacks and challenges. Would sit down and talk with: Joe DiMaggio to find out what went through his head during hit streak and whether or not he had superstitions. Hobbies: Fishing and hanging out with friends. Favorite Food: Pasta. Favorite Book: Of Mice and Men. Favorite Music: R&B and Rap. Prepares for a game by: Listening to music and remembering that I can't play this game forever.

Best advice ever received: "Do whatever makes you happy." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Be yourself. Make people accept who you are. You get what you put into sports."

Steve Conter - Infielder - 5-8 - 165 - Cleveland, OH - Lutheran West High School

Experienced infielder begins his second campaign bouncin round the diamond for MSI. Aggressive hitter who sprays to all fields and shows considerable power for his size. Tough competitior is able to play all three skill positions in the infield well.

Past Accomplishments: Made 1st-team all-conference and 1st team all-county his junior and senior years in high school. '99 MSI stats: hit .382 in 179 plate appearances with 2 homers and 39 RBI. In 53 games scored 42 runs, had 11 doubles, 9 sb, .481 average agst. LHP (13-27) and batted .383 (23-60) wiht runners in scoring position.

Personal: Son of Rock and Kathy. Nickname is Scuba Steve.

Played high school baseball for Doug Lamb at Lutheran West High.

Favorties: Most admired person: His dad. Would sit down and talk with: Paul Molitor to find out how to improve offensively. Hobbies: Collecting Starting Line-ups figures. Favortie Food: Pizza. Favorite Book: Eight Men Out. Relaxes by Hitting

Best advice ever received: "When things are going bad don't let them bring you down." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "To believe in yourself and your ability because without self-confidence you will fall apart."

Luke Howard - Pitcher/Infielder - 5-11 - 185 - Springboro, OH - Springboro High School

Dual function performer for MSI this season as he will contribute both on the mound as a rotation participant and defensively around the infield. Fierce competitor on the mound who throws all four pitches (fastball, curve, slider, and change) at any time. Has capability to be a leader throughout the summer.

Past Accomplishments: Named first team Mid-Miami League for the past two years. Springboro High Best Pitcher Award for two seasons and was also selected as the team MVP. Also the Best Male Athlete Award at Springboro this spring. Earned eight letters (3-baseball, 3-football, and 2 in basketball) during tenure in high school.

Personal: Son of Kelly and Jayte. One sibling- Katie Black.

Played high school baseball for Mark Pelfrey at Springboro High

Favorites: Most admired athlete: Pedro Martinez since he isn't a stereotype big league pitcher and is the best there is. Most prized possession: His family. Favorite Movie: Major League. Favorite type of Music: Country. Relaxes by: Lying down and watching a baseball game.

Best advice ever received: "The cream always rises to the top so wait your turn and take advantage of it." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Get involved in everything you can because sports will keep you out of trouble."

Dan Painter - Outfielder - 5-11 - 165 - Wadsworth, OH - Wadsworth High School

Great addition to the MSI outfield corps this season. Combines speed, quickness, and a fine arm to be able to play all three outfield spots. Had a fine high school season offensively with gap power and a great average.

Past Accomplishments: Celebrated fine '00 HS season by being selected first team All-County and All-District. Also chosen second team All-Suburban League. Member of the Grizzlies' football squad.

Personal: Son of Kay. Brother of Pam and Billy. Nickname is "P". Grandfather Ralph Painter played professional baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

Played high school ball for Bill Goddard at Wadsworth High.

Favorites: Most admired person: Jesus since he truely loves us and died for us. Would sit down and talk with: Joe DiMaggio and ask about the 56-game hitting streak. Hobbies: Baseball and Football. Favorite Food: Spaghetti. Favorite Book: Bible. Prepares for a game by: Visualizing playing his best game.

Best advice ever received: "If you believe you can achieve." Would tell children when speaking about sports and life: "Always try your hardest and never give up. Don't do drugs."