Coach Pelka on Begley: "Without a doubt one of our most versatile players. Saw an inordinate amount of time in the outfield for us in 2001, but also caught and played second base a bit. Tim went through many adjustments and transitions last summer and by the end of the year was an important part of our everyday line-up. Hit two-hole for us and is adept at drawing walks, bunting and executing the hit and run. He has gotten bigger and stronger in the off season which will improve his slugging percentage if he becomes more aggressive at the plate." Spent most of last season as the starting left fielder and was also one of the "puppies" (super sophs) that led the charge to over forty wins…former high school teammate of Matt McKinnon at Walsh Jesuit High in ’01 before moving to southeastern Pennsylvania this fall and now plays for Coach Michael Grasso at Bethlehem Catholic High…starred in football as a QB and DB at Walsh and played soccer this fall at Bethlehem Catholic…one of only two pure left-handed hitters on the club…hit .380 vs RHP last summer and led the team in walks (47) and sacrifice bunts (4)…son of Dan and Cindy…has one sister, Kaitlin (13).
Most Admired Athlete: Steve Yzerman
Most Prized Possession: Guitar
Hobbies: Playing guitar, skiing, and golfing
Favorite TV Show: The Simpsons
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Band: Pink Floyd
Farthest he’s traveled: Mexico
Best Player he’s ever faced: Greg Moviel
Best Teammate: Chad Frk
Most Memorable Moment from last season: Playing in Tony Gwynn Stadium at San Diego State
Year AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HBP HDP S-SF SB-A PO A E OBA SLG RISP
2001 .355 54 121 37 43 9 0 0 26 47 18 2 6 4-0 3-8 79 8 7 .547 .430 .358
Coach Pelka on Betourne: "Cam will bring a left-handers presence to our staff to join with Welch and McKinnon. Throws in the mid 80’s but is an unbelievable competitor once he toes the slab. Also possesses good control with his change-up and curve ball which allows him to pitch instead of throw. I really expect a lot out of Cameron this summer due to his exceptional talent and work ethic. Hard-nosed competitor who becomes the fourth Floridian on the MSI roster this summer (joining VanGuilder, Snipes and Hyde)…Southpaw posted a 6-4 mark with a 2.46 ERA at Clearwater High (for Coach Steve McKee) in 2001 and capped that by going a perfect 4-0 with a 0.00 ERA last summer in legion ball…opponents hit a paltry .194 against him in 2001 which helped him gain All-County honors…Intense personality will set the tone for entire game when he climbs the bump…Son of Kevin and Judy…has three siblings; Chris (31), Kara (18), and Katie (12)…All-County Honorable Mention in 2001.
Nickname: Pete
Most Admired Person: His brother (Chris) since he is successful in his career.
Most Prized Possession: Autographed Mickey Mantle baseball
Hobbies: Working out and shooting pool.
Favorite TV Show: Who’s Line Is It Anyway?
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Movie: For the Love of the Game
Favorite Band: Disturbed
Farthest he’s traveled: Belmont, New Hampshire
Most Memorable baseball moment: Going to state Final Four at Legends Field in Tampa
Coach Pelka on Billak: "Scott is someone who brings a lot of athleticism to the table. We are really excited about Scott being with us, as he has a great make-up. Scott was just a natural fit into our team because of his grit and talent to contribute in so many areas. One of his greatest assets is speed and his ability to get tremendous jumps on the ball which makes him an exceptional defensive player. He has a good swing and great bat speed potential. Continued improvement throughout the summer will allow him to develop into an excellent college hitter." Looks to build on an exceptional ’01 high school season in which the junior batted .527 with five HRs and 25 RBI while batting in the leadoff position for North Royalton High for Coach Don Filips…capitalized on his fine speed (6.4 in the 60) by being perfect on the bases (44 for 44)…Showed a unique combination of power and speed scoring 46 runs while accumulating an .841 slugging percentage in ’01…first team Pioneer Conference performer and also was named 1st team All-Ohio, and team MVP… Also selected to play in the Sunbelt Classic against all-state teams from Oklahoma, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California…2001 1st Team All Sun News player as well…played for the Lake Erie Snappers in 2001…Two-year letterman in football as a tailback and cornerback…son of Dave and Doreen…has two brothers (Steve, 20, and Kevin, 14).
Most Admired Person: His Father
Most Prized Possession: His 4-wheeler
Hobbies: Riding that prized possession
Favorite TV Show: Married With Children
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Farthest he’s traveled: Oklahoma
Coach Pelka on Campbell: "Chad is an outstanding prospect who possesses physical ability to be a dominant power pitcher. He has very good arm with a fastball that can already touch 90 mph and a lethal slider. With his size, athleticism, and additional strength he should throw even harder in the future. He also brings a defensive presence at various positions since he is adept at playing the outfield, the left side of the infield, and first base well. At the plate, he is strong and can smash the ball offensively." One of two New Mexico natives to play on Parma MSI this summer since he is a high school teammate of Matt Jackson at Carlsbad High under Coach Tom Forni…Won New Mexico State Championship in 2001…Versatile athlete who will see time at third base, the outfield, and on the mound this season…Not only plays those positions but does it well since was named All-District outfielder and pitcher last season…can display power at the plate as well…Should be fixture in the Parma rotation and brings a RH power pitcher to mix…was 4-1 with a 2.8 ERA at Carlsbad and 6-1 1.28 and in the summer on the mound and batted .387 and .500 respectively…Second youngest of five children…received a Gold medal in the USA Junior Olympics.
Nickname: Ears
Most Admired Athlete: Chipper Jones of Atlanta Braves
Hobbies: Hunting and Card Collecting
Favorite TV Show: Baseball Tonight
Favorite Book: Bible
Favorite Movie: 61*
Favorite Band: Disturbed
Farthest he’s traveled: Knightsville, Indiana
Most Memorable Moment in baseball: Pitching in Los Angeles in front of numerous coaches and pro scouts.
Coach Pelka on Copeland: "Ben is a type of scrappy player that every team in order to win. He has proven his ability to perform in the clutch at the every level. He has outstanding baseball skills and is an excellent outfielder who gets a great jump on the ball and will be a exciting offensive player as well since he has a wide array of skills. His greatest attribute will be his speed and ability to adapt a hitter with power and contact. He is the kind of guy you want to follow into competition. Along with Billak and VanGuilder gives us some real speed on the bases." Valuable asset to a team since his versatility and durability in the outfield permits him to play all three fielding positions…can be a textbook one-, two-, or three-hole hitter since he possesses tremendous bat control while hitting for average, power, and moving runners along…Stole 33 bases last summer…Signed early with the University of Pittsburgh…tremendous football player as well at Bradford High…was named a District 9 all-star fro coach Mike Manning…played in Big 30 all-star game and a WR-DB…hails from athletic family (Grandpa played basketball at St. Bonaventure, uncle the same at Lebanon Valley, and another uncle who swam at the College of Wooster)…son of Alan and Maggie…two siblings, Erin (14) and Tricia (12).
Most admired athlete: Doug Flutie
Most admired person: His mom
Most prized possession: "Izzy", his dog
Hobbies: Barbecue, roadtrips, and basketball
Favorite TV Show: Magnum PI
Favorite Food: Broiled Salmon
Favorite Book: The Client
Favorite Movie: 15 minutes
Favorite Type of Music: Rock
Favorite Band: Creed
Farthest he’s traveled: Aruba
Most memorable baseball moment: Playing at PNC Park in Pittsburgh
Coach Pelka on Jackson: "An intimidating figure that will play a pivotal role in our line-up in a couple of ways. Matt’s skill level as a catcher will give us the strongest corps of receivers in my twenty years with MSI. He will also be able to play first base when he is not catching which will enable us to get his powerful stick into the lineup consistently. This versatility emphasizes his athleticism for someone his size. He also possesses a tremendous arm which will help our pitching staff out immensely in preventing extra bases." Will see his bat in the middle of the batting order on a regular basis this summer…very patient at the plate despite being a prototype power hitter to all fields…hit an astounding .550 in 2001 with 12 HRs and 89 RBI…Has been named All-District Catcher and First Baseman in addition to All-Academic team at Carlsbad High under coach Tom Forni…high school teammate of MSIer Chad Campbell…played one year of football as a tight end and safety…son of Bill and Sally and brother of Caitlin (13).
Nickname: Rube
Most Admired Athlete: Major Leaguer Shane Andrews who also hails from Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Most Prized Possession: Catcher’s mitt
Hobbies: Hunting and camping
Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Book: The Hobbit
Favorite Movie: Braveheart
Favorite Band: Korn
Farthest he’s ever traveled: Sydney, Australia
Most memorable baseball moment: Hitting a grand slam vs. Cherry Creek (CO) to win a Regional game last summer
Coach Pelka on McKinnon: "Truly made a big impression on our
club as a sophomore last summer. Physically unassuming, but a fearless
competitor once he toes the rubber. Matt doesn’t throw very hard,
isn’t a dominating force, nor does he possess a gimmick pitch to
intimidate opponents. All he does is battle, frustrate, and, eventually, get
you to do exactly what he wants to do at the plate. He is a winner as long as
he stays within himself and his abilities. Will be a foundation in our rotation
this summer and a comic relief when things get difficult in the dugout."
Capitalized on a great start to his ’01 summer by jumping out to a 5-0
start which included impressive victories over the JL Collegians and Huntington
Hounds…Struggled through a couple of difficult weeks in the middle of the
season, but righted himself and finished impressively in San Diego with a win
of the Westchester Hawks…throws fastball, curve and change up…Made
All-Diamond Conference and 1st team All-Summit County in 2001 and was second
team All-Region for the Walsh Warriors of Coach Chris Kaczmar…friends with
Mike Vrabel of the NFL Champion New England Patriots who also hails from Walsh
Jesuit High School…son of Tim and Beth. Most Admired Athlete: Jamie Moyer
Most Prized Possession: His car
Hobbies: Watching Movies/playing wiffleball
Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter
Favorite Food: Crab Legs
Favorite Book: For the Love of the Game
Favorite Movie: Major League
Favorite type of Music: Rap
Farthest he’s traveled: Aruba
Best Teammate ever: Chad Frk
Most Memorable Baseball Moment: Walking off the field to a standing ovation in high school district final.
Year ERA W L AP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO BFP BAA WP HBP BK vsLH vs. RH
2001 4.67 6 3 13 10 5 0 0 57 80 71 38 26 29 257 .311 6 8 0 .244 .321
Coach Pelka on Saylor: "Drew is going to have his hands full to follow-up the tremendous campaign he put together last year for us. He dominated the opposing pitchers from opening day and was our true leader on the field. He possesses all the tools to take over a game in the field or at the plate with size, a strong arm, great glove, and a natural feel for the game. To surpass the standards he has set in his first two seasons with us will be a challenge, but something he can definitely handle." Fierce competitor who will play primarily shortstop, but can also show his flexibility by moving to second or third base when necessary…will hold numerous MSI hitting records when he completes his third season with the club in 2002…a complete hitter with power to all fields with super bat control…Signed early with University of Cincinnati…teammate of fellow MSIer Dave Waters at Wadsworth High School for Coach Bill Goddard…has posted two year totals of .378 (115-304), 109 RS, 21 doubles, 8 triples, 8 homers, 76 rbi, .489 OBA, and .338 with risp…All-Suburban Conference and All-Medina County for the past three years…Medina County Player of the Year in 2001…son of Jeff and Barb…has one sister, Kristin (14) and one brother, Scott (12)…Followed in the footsteps of two cousins (Nate and Jamie) to play for MSI.
Most Admired Athlete: Cal Ripken
Most Admired Person: His Dad
Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter
Favorite Book: The Natural
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite Musician: Tim McGraw
Most Unusual Superstition: Walk to plate with bat in left hand
Farthest he’s ever traveled: Czech Republic
Best Teammate Ever: Chad Frk
Year AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HBP HDP S-SF SB-A PO A E OBA SLG RISP
2000 .269 35 104 27 28 5 1 0 20 25 21 13 4 2-0 6-7 28 60 24 .464 .337 .273
2001 .435 59 200 82 87 16 7 8 56 25 27 4 8 0-1 11-12 76 129 31 .504 .700 .373
Totals .378 94 304 109 115 21 8 8 76 50 48 17 12 2-1 17-19 104 189 55 .489 .575 .338
Pelka on Thomson: "The big righthander gives us a pair of Aussie bookends (along with Welch) on the mound which eat up a lot of innings for us. Daniel gives us some international experience as well. He can run it up there at 90 mph and will come right after the hitters which suits me just fine. I really believe we can quiet his motion down to minimize the wasted movement. It is my understanding that the area that Dan needs to show consistency with is staying in the strike zone with all his pitches to keep hitters honest against his fastball." Helped the Australian National team to a Bronze Medal in Taiwan in 2001…First MSI Aussie in team history not to hail from New South Wales territory…can play a little a first base as well as pitch…utilized his size to also play rugby…played for coach Peter Gahan at Queensland Academy of Sport…matriculated at Brisbane State High…uncle played both Olympic and college baseball…son of Ian and Kylie…has two siblings, Jodie (17) and Mitchell (15).
Nickname: Thomme
Most admired athlete: Roger Clemens
Most prized possession: His wallet
Hobbies: Sports and going out
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Movie: Ace Ventura
Favorite Band: AC/DC
Farthest he’s traveled: South Africa
Best player he’s faced: Ex-major leaguer Dave Nillson
Most memorable baseball moment: Bronze medal at Asian Games
Coach Pelka on Victor: "Dan displayed tremendous growth from opening day to the day the season ended in San Diego. He became a stalwart in the middle of our infield due to his versatility to play both second and short with equal prowess. At the plate, Dan showed a combination of a good batting eye, surprising power, and the ability to take what the pitcher gives him. That is not something often seen in a young player. On the mound, he shows poise and the ability to get out of tight situations for us. He has an excellent curve ball which enticed many a double play in key situations. His continued maturity physically and in our system will serve to make him an important cog in our program for the next two seasons." Was used in many places defensively and on the mound as part of MSI’s Kiddie Corps of sophomores last season…Will spend most of this season patrolling the middle of the skin as an interchangeable part with Drew Saylor…Can be used on the mound as both a starter and a reliever equally effectively…also starred in basketball at Tallmadge High when he wasn’t on the diamond for Coach Don Seeker…tremendous student as well with a 3.5 gpa…will be integral part of the Victor family tradition with MSI following in the footsteps of his brother Israel (’01) and cousin Nick Donatelli…Also has a sister April (13)…son of Michael and Cathy.
Nickname: D
Most Admired Athlete: Cal Ripken Jr.
Most Prized Possession: His Bible
Favorite TV Show: Baseball Tonight
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Book: Daniel
Favorite Movie: Shrek
Favorite Band: The Beatles
Farthest he’s traveled: California
Best Player as a Teammate: His Brother, Israel
Year AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HBP HDP S-SF SB-A PO A E OBA SLG RISP
2001 .336 50 116 25 39 6 0 1 25 30 14 5 1 0-2 5-9 49 49 13 .397 .410 .365
Year ERA W L AP GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO BFP BAA WP HBP BK vsLH vs. RH
2001 5.56 3 0 12 4 2 0 2 34 45 39 27 20 18 147 .306 4 5 0 .393 .277
Coach Pelka on Waters: "Made a impact the second he put on an MSI uniform last year. Equally adept from both sides of the plate which gives us a force to neutralize pitching changes against us in the middle of the batting order. Great power from both sides and continues to develop in a strong hitter for average as well and can easily lead our club in many categories if the guys in front of him get on base. Defensively, Dave played every outfield post for us last year with most of his time being spent in right. He is an extremely intense competitor we he really learned to channel positively last season." A true power hitter that puts up impressive numbers in batting average and RBI as well…Swing is equally lethal from both sides of the plate and is strikingly similar…stroked a game-winning grand slam at Tri-C West last year in the final frame to top Lake Erie Admirals 10-9 and complete a 9-run recovery for MSI which saw Dave also homer an inning earlier from the other side of the plate….First time since 1985 an MSI switch hitter was able to homer from each side of the plate in the same game…high school teammate of Drew Saylor at Wadsworth High under Coach Bill Goddard…Signed early with Ashland University…1st team All-Medina Gazette, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Akron Beacon Journal in 2001…grandfather played pro ball for the Houston Colt 45s …son of John and Janice…youngest of three children (Rachel, 21 and Aimee, 19).
Most Admired Athlete: Michael Jordan
Most Prized Possession: Cal Ripken, Jr. Rookie Card
Hobbies: Boxing and Running
Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Book: Without Remorse
Favorite Movie: Aliens
Favorite Musician: Jimi Hendrix
Farthest ever traveled: San Diego., California
Year AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HBP HDP S-SF SB-A PO A E OBA SLG RISP
2001 .374 62 174 61 65 13 8 4 63 37 35 11 3 1-3 10-11 72 5 6 .509 .602 .417
Coach Pelka on Welch: "Will be a catalyst of our staff this season as he brings a great amount of experience and success to our pitching contingency. Dave has exceptional control with all his pitches (fastball, change, slider, and curve) which makes him very dangerous on the mound. He has averaged over a strikeout an inning and less than two walks per seven innings at every level the past three years. Not an overpowering pitcher, but the kind of attitude and talent we are comfortable running out there in a big game." Becomes the fourth Australian to play for MSI in the past five summers…Possesses a tremendous amount of international experience and was pivotal force in the Aussies outstanding showing in the 2001 Asian Games in Taipei…can swing the stick as well and might see some time at first base since he can stroke the ball with some power…has represented the Aussies five times in international competition and has also been awarded the Golden Arm Award as the best lefty at the high school level in the country…son of Michael and Narelle Welch…has two siblings, Phillip (20) and Andrew (14)…played for Sean Smith and Gary Everson at Westfields Sports High School…cousin, Summer Strickland played volleyball for Texas A&M.
Nickname: Welchy
Wants to ask…: Pete Rose "If it was worth it?"
Favorite TV Show: Everybody Loves Raymond
Favorite Food: Pasta and Steak
Favorite Book: MacBeth
Favorite Movie: Empire Records
Favorite Music: Rap
Best Teammate: Brad Thomas of Minnesota Twins
Farthest he has ever traveled: South Africa, Canada, and Taiwan
Most memorable baseball moment: Beating Cuba 4-3 in ten innings to win 2000 World Championships in Canada.