Tim Begley
Intriguing athlete who becomes the eighth 16-year old to wear an MSI uniform in the 19-yr. history of the franchise...gives the club depth behind the plate and in the outfield...has the talent and the drive to develop into a solid player during his Parma career...boasts good all-around tools and instincts in baseball...will post some impressive numbers as he adjusts to the game at the next level...has smooth-yet aggressive swing...a scrappy player with a strong work ethic.
PERSONAL- Brings a no-nonsense football mentality to the club as he also plays quarterback on Walsh Jesuit High's gridiron club...made varsity baseball team for Coach Chris Kaczmar and received "Most Promising Player" award last season as a freshman...father (Dan) played semi-pro hockey...most admired athlete is Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings) and admired person is Ernest Hemingway...most prized possession is elcectric bass...favorites inlude golf, skiing, "The Simpsons", the book "The Glory Field", movie "Happy Gilmore", and blues or jazz music...unusual superstition is to eat donuts the morning of a game.
Another young hurler who will join a
plethors of underclassmen toeing the slab for MSI this summer...a strong
competitor who throws a variety of pitches for strikes regularly...has an easy
delivery which yields high strike totals...a true competitor that wants the
ball in clutch situations...should make significant strides as his arm develops
and he fine-tunes his game. PERSONAL- Teammate of MSIer Aaron Hutson at North Stafford High School under coach Craig Lopez...used in many roles this spring and earned a 5-0 mark in approximately 20 innings of work...can also play first base and will see time there...batted .340 on varsity as a sophomore this spring.
Walker Gorham
Imposing player who will fill the role of first base and designated hitter this summer and provide an offensive boost...a very competitive player who hustles on every play and offers a big target at first base...packs plenty of upside and power on his 6-2, 210-pound frame...brings linebacker mentality to the game, after a stellar career on the football field...offered scholarships by New Mexico, Xavier, Tulane, TCU and Notre Dame, but accepted one offered by U.S. Military Academy at West Point...part of an athletic family that has seen his father play football at Univ. of Missouri and his brother, Hunter, star in tennis at Emory.
PERSONAL- Named All-State and All-Conference as a sophomore at Laney High School under Coach Trent Mongero...admires Bret Butler for his persistence of being successful after being cut in high school...would like to see the offensive team put a player in the outfield while they are hitting who can lay each outfielder out as he goes to catch a fly ball...hobbies include surfing and playing the guitar...favorites include steak, movie "Shawshank Redemption", the book "Rainbow Six" by Tom Clancy, Bruce Springsteen, and wakeboarding to relax...has travelled to Australia...most memorable baseball moment was hitting three home runs in a game.
Kyle Legget
Key addition who can give MSI flexibility to play any infield position well...a pure all-around athlete who is hard-nosed and a fierce competitor...has exellent hands and a strong throwing arm...big, strong line drive hitter who possesses lethal pop in his bat...first New Philadelphia native to play for Parma since former MSI standout Erik Young...a proven winner at many levels in a variety of sports...an effective stick who can bat anywhere in the order and be a catalyst to drive in runs regardless of the game situation.
PERSONAL- Has drawn interest from college football recruiters after being named first team linebacker for New Philadelphia High School in league, district and region as sophomore and junior...starting shortstop for Coach Rick Grimm and the Quakers...named all-eastern district in baseball in 2000 as sophomore...also received an academic letter in school for garnishing a 3.5 GPA or better...follows in the footsteps of of tremendous athletes: his father played football at Ohio State, uncle basketball at Boston U., and other uncle who roamed the gridiron for Otterbein...son of Rick and Dana...one sibling, Stephanie (15)...admires Jesus Christ the most and would spend time talking with God to find out how heaven really is...favorties include his most prized CD collection, stuffed peppers, the movie "Shawshank Redemption", heavy metal and Metallica...wishes everyone would use wodden bats since that is the way the game was originally played. ...unique supersitition is to keep a voodoo doll in the dugout during games
Steve Less
Promising righthanded pitcher who could fill several roles for MSI this season...showed flashes of impressive pitching after bouncing back from off-season surgery...potentially a valuable addition on the hill as a dominating pitcher due to being a hard thrower with a loose arm that could lead into greater and more consistent velocity...a strong competitor who knows how to pitch effectively in all situations...continuing to fine tune his arm and return it to the shape it was prior to surgery will be the key to his leading the mound corps this summer.
PERSONAL- Split time between the outfield and the mound this spring for Coach Todd Brubaker's Elyria Catholic High squad...played center on school basketball team and was named all-North Coast Conference...is only child of parents Rick and Karen...admires his grandfather for his work ethic and stand-up approach to others and life...would sit down and talk with Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams and talk baseball if he could spend time with anyone...favorites include the book is "Catcher in the Rye", the movie "Forest Gump", and relaxing by watching TV...most unusual superstition is putting his uniform on the same way every game...the best advice he was ever given was was when his parents told him to "work hard and follow his dreams"...farthest ever travelled was to Mexico...most memorable moment in baseball was hitting for the cycle.
One of the more surprising cases of the
spring and joins a staff of young hurlers for MSI...could prove to be a
valuable commodity on a staff since he has the versatility to start and relieve
effectively and is left-handed...known for a tough curveball and a consistent
ability to throw strikes with his change-up...will look to fine-tune his
mechanics and increase his arm strength this summer...one of four 16-year olds
on MSI this summer as part of the "Puppie Power" movement...vaulted
into the #2 starter on regional finalist, Walsh Jesuit High, this spring and
went 8-0. PERSONAL- High School teammate of Tim Begley on Walsh Jesuit High club...recorded save in 6-3 regional semi-final win over Canton Central Catholic...also tallied the win in District Championship contest over Holy Name, 8-1. Starred on high school hoops team as a guard...awarded first team all-conference under tutilege of Coach Chris Kaczmar at Walsh Jesuit High...most admired person is uncle Devon Miller who played baseball for the College of Wooster and has served as his role model...hobbies are fishing and golf...favorites include: steak, the book "For The Love of the Game", rap music, DMX, and the movie "He Got Game"...relaxes by playing wiffle ball in the backyard...has travelled to Aruba...lists former MSI standout Chad Frk as the best teammate he has ever played alongside.
Southpaw who has shown flashes of good
ability on the mound...has a good feel for pitching but needs to make some
adjustments to increase his consistentcy...known for a strong arm and good
command of a tough curveball and a challenging change-up...has good movement on
all of his pitches...first MSI career player to hail from Missouri...will
attend UMissouri-Rolla this fall on a baseball/academic scholarship and plans
on majoring in engineering. PERSONAL- Played this past spring for St. Louis University High and accumulated a 4.21 GPA during his tenure there...toiled last summer for the St. Louis Pro's and traveled throughout the midwest and Canada competing in tournaments...Played football his first two years in high school as a defensive end and then focused attention to pitchig and baseball...hobbies include plyrometrics, fishing, and hunting...spends some free time officiating basketball games and partaking in ceramics.
Dan Painter
Second-year player who was an offensive force last season hitting in various parts of the batting order...a classic "table-setter" who makes things happen with his speed...makes a big impact on the game -both offensively and defensively- as a dangerous bunter and distraction on the bases while his ability to track down balls in the outfield allows the MSI staff to pitch more aggressively...a clutch performer who has developed into a strong all-around hitter...a hard-nosed player who adds extra dimension due to his ability to pick up extra bases.
PERSONAL- Earned 1st team All-District, All-County, and 2nd team All-League in 2000 under Wadsworth Coach Bill Goddard...Played wide receiver and kick returner for Wadsworth High School this past fall after taking a fall off...Grandfather Ralph played minor league baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates...most admired athlete is Joe Dimaggio whom he would ask how it was to hit in 56 straight games...favorites include "SportsCenter", spaghetti, the Bible, and the movie "Field of Dreams"...farthest he has travelled was MSI's trip to San Diego last June.
Drew Saylor
Hard-nosed stalwart that is impossible to keep out of the line-up regardless of where in the infield you play him...has excellent hands and a strong throwing arm...only sixth 16-year old to put on an MSI uniform last year...came on strong with the bat and made a valuable impact at the plate...eager learner with a solid attitude...hits the ball hard and on a line with regularity...perfect fit in many positions in the batting order with bat skills and raw ability.
PERSONAL- Settled into Bill Goddard's Wadsworth High lineup as a freshman two years ago and has been impossible to replace and was named All-League and All-County for the past three seasons...most admires Cal Ripken, Jr. because of the way he plays the game...spent time away from MSI last summer playing in Europe and lists playing against the Czech Republic Olympic team as his most memorable baseball moment...favorites include eating anything that doesn't move, movie "Field of Dreams", the band "3 Doors Down", and watching TV...most unusual superstition is always having to take his bat to the plate in his left hand...lists former MSI star Chad Frk as the best player he has ever had as teammate or opponent.
Sean Van Guilder
Hard-nosed competitor who is primed for a breakthrough campaign this summer...Behind the plate, will excel after quickly picking up the position after playing the infield last season...Moved behind the plate due to physical tools and leadership skills...Already has developed into an outstanding backstop, thanks to his all-around agility, quick hands, and exceptional throwing arm...plays the game full-tilt regardless of the situation...a potent line-drive hitter who can hit to the opposite field with regularity...has compact, quick swing will enable him to hit both soft and hard throwers...boasts natural swing and strong work ethic.
PERSONAL- Led Lincoln High School (Tallahassee, FL) this spring and was named District Player of the Year as a junior...played shortstop his first two seasons in high school...received Varsity Coaches Award and Scholastic Excellence Award in 2000...admires Jackie Robinson the most influential athlete...hobbies are reading, movies, and working out...Favorites include "Who's Line is it Anyway?, Sirloin Steak, Matchbox 20, and Alternative/Rock music. Most unusual superstition is weaving a necklace on game days. Travelled to Venice, Venezuela where experienced his most memorable baseball moment. Best advice was to have the attitude of a wolf backed into a corner. Looks for trust and socialibility in his friends. Would tell young kids to, "Always concentrate, keep your grades up, and then form a good work ethic.
Israel Victor
Highly-touted pitcher/outfielder who will be looked upon to be a team leader this summer...a good athlete who will play pitvotal role both on the bump, in the field, and at the plate...known for quick bat and ability to drive the ball with authority...has performed consistantly in the clutch...a very competitive player who hustles on every play...covers ground well in the outfield and can play all three posts as well as first base...also a stellar student after posting two Distinguished Scholar Awards and a member of the National Honor Society.
PERSONAL- Has distinction of playing with brother Dan on this year's squad and is cousin of former MSI standout Nick Donatelli...spent first two years of baseball at Kent Roosevelt High School were he also played basketball... transferred to Tallmadge High his junior year and played two seasons for highly-successful coach Don Seeker...favorites include lifting weights, "SportsCenter", pasta, the Beatles, and "The Pride of the Yankees"...feels that lefties should be allowed to play shortstop...Most memorable moment was tossing a one-hitter with ten strikeouts in Connie Mack State Tourney and going 3-4 at the plate with grand slam, double, and triple with seven RBI.
Dan Victor
Tremendous addition to the infield corps who knows how to play the game on a consistent level and is very versatile...a solid contact hitter with a short swing...could develop into a solid fixture in the summer as he gains experience...could prove to be a valuable commodity on the mound as well and will see some innings as a hurler...good hands and a strong arm allows him to be used anywhere on the diamond...becomes only the seventh sixteen-year old in MSI history joining a very elite group.
PERSONAL- Joins brother Isreal on the 2001 Parma squad to form only the second brother combination on MSI at same time (Tom and Tony Stringer)...served on hardwood for Tallmadge High this winter as a guard...most admired athlete is former Cleveland Cavalier Mark Price...would elimnate the infield fly rule in baseball...favorites include "Baseball Tonight", pasta, rock music, "Ernest Goes to Camp", and the Bible...would advise a group of young players to, "Always try to be better than you are at the present. Never be satisifed!"...Most intimidating factor this summer are the plane rides.
David Waters
Highly-touted outfielder whose stock rose dramatically in the spring of 2001 as one of northeastern Ohio's top hitters...combines muscular frame with good bat control, strong wrists, a lightning-quick bat and surprising speed...slated to hit the middle of the order this summer...a dangerous switch hitter who is effective slugger who can hit with pop to all fields...covers ground well in the outfield...tremendous all-around athlete with eye-popping accomplishments as a prep who set high school batting average (.506) and RBI (40) totals this spring at Wadsworth High School under Coach Bill Goddard.
PERSONAL- played basketball as well at Wadsworth...member of the AAU Gold Medal squad in Florida...most admired athlete is Brian Giles (Pittsburgh Pirates)...most prized possession is his Manny Ramirez's rookie card...hobby is boxing...favorites include Chinese food, "SportsCenter", book "Without Remorse" by Tom Clancy, the movie "Bull Durham", and classic rock music...superstitions includes a lucky breakfast of eggs and sausage...lists teammate Drew Saylor as the best player he has ever had as a teammate.
Spirited catcher who should also see some
time at DH and first base...emotional leader of the MSI infield who never backs
down from a challenge...a fiery competitor, offensively and defensively...has
strong arm and solid blocking skills behind the dish...has power to all fields
at the plate yet has bat control to execute the short game...spent most of last
summer with a broken thumb suffered during the first week of the season at
Lorain...recovered after a long rehab to catch during the USSSA International
World Series in Winter Haven...batted .554 this spring with four homers and 38
RBI. PERSONAL- Signed scholarship to catch at the University of Akron in the fall...named first team all-conference for third straight season and Conference MVP for second consecutive year for Cardinal High School under Coach Dave Bronson...followed in the footsteps of brother Todd (21) who was also a former MSI standout and currently plays at Marietta College...most admired person is Mother Theresa who gave so much of herself and never asked for anything in return...most prized possession is his bed...favorirtes include hunting and fishing, chicken wings, the movie "The Green Mile", country music, and singer Tim McGraw...lists former MSI teammate Wilson James as best teammate...most memorable baseball moment was hitting four home runs in one game.