Announcement
The Johnstown Grays will return eight players from last year’s team that advanced to the league championship series. Despite a disappointing 13-20 regular the season, the Grays were able to pull together and sweep Galliker’s 3-0 in the league semifinals. However, the Grays were unable to defend their 2002 league title, losing to Delweld in the league championship series. Sixth-year manager Chris Pfeil commented, “We are real hungry to get back to the national tournament. Sometimes when you lose something it helps you realize how important it is.”
Scott Goss, 20, will be back for his third season with the Grays. Goss will play first base and bat in the clean-up spot. Goss was a First Team All-AAABA League selection in 2002.
Adam Miscik, 20, will handle second base for the Grays in 2004. Miscik is a four-year starter for the Grays and will be called on to provide veteran leadership.
Darren Horton, 19, will join the Grays and play shortstop. Horton was a 2003 First Team All State selection at Central High School. Horton will also be used out of the bullpen.
Matt Petrowsky and Ben Watkins, both 17, will be competing for playing time at third base. Both are versatile and will see time in both the infield and outfield. Watkins will add depth to the bullpen. Both played in the City Colt League last season.
Jordan Rehar, 19, will handle the designated hitter duties. Rehar will be used out of the bullpen and also be called on as a corner man in the infield. Rehar comes to the Grays from Stoystown American Legion.
Derek Mechling, 19, comes to the Grays from Homer Center American Legion to handle the catching duties. Mechling will help solidify the middle of the batting order and is a solid defensive catcher. Alex Shroyer, 19, will add depth behind the plate and in the outfield. Shroyer played for Stoystown American Legion last summer.
Arek Zambanini, 20, returns for his second year with the Grays. Zambanini will make the move from second base to left field in 2004. Last season, he hit .310 and was named First Team All-AAABA League as a utility player.
Jesse Leonard, 20, is back for his second year with the Grays. Leonard brings speed and a strong arm to the Grays’ outfield.
Doug McNulty, 19, joins the Grays from Homer Center American Legion. McNulty will play the outfield and first base for the Grays. He will be called upon to add an offensive punch and to help solidify the bullpen.
Ryan Gindlesperger, 20, is back for his second season with the Grays. Gindlesperger played well down the stretch last year and adds speed to the lineup.
Pfeil commented, “We feel one through nine we will have as strong as a lineup as anyone in the league. We have some guys that can drive the baseball. Our biggest concern will be a lack of speed.”
The Grays will go with a five man pitching rotation in 2004. All five starters are 20 year-olds and four of them are left-handed. Pfeil added, “We have 12 legitimate pitchers we can put on the mound. With the doubleheaders added to the schedule this year, we are going to have to rely on our pitching staff to step it up a notch.”
Mike Tatarko is back for his second season with the Grays. The 20 year-old left-hander will get the call on opening day. Tatarko is the only returning starter in the rotation.
Joe Shrift, 20, will return for his third season with the Grays. The left-handed Shrift has been a key reliever the last two years, but will move into the starting rotation this year.
Matt Ogrodnik, 20, comes to the Grays from Kiski Valley American Legion. Ogrodnik is a hard throwing left-hander, with a good mix of breaking pitches.
Tim Latham, 20, is the lone right-hander in the starting rotation. Latham played a key role at Potomac State College this spring, helping the Catamounts advance to the Junior College World Series.
Brenton Gilmore, 20, comes to the Grays from the Indiana County American Legion. Gilmore, another left-hander, has good movement and velocity on his pitches.
Ryan Altimore, 19, will be called on as a right-hander out of the bullpen. Altimore, entering his third season with the Grays, provides valuable experience in relief.
Alex Gett, 19, comes to the Grays from the Punxsutawney American Legion. Gett will help solidify the bullpen and will be used as a spot starter.
According to Pfeil, “There is a competitive balance in the league this year. We are going to have to play at a high intensity level every night. The toughest thing about this league is that you have to come to play every night or you get knocked off.”
Pfeil added, “We have high expectations coming into the season. The goal is to make it to the national tournament. The talent level is there, it’s just a matter of finding the chemistry and consistency.”
Pfeil will be assisted by Patrick Hollern, Paul Knupp, and Ray Stenger. Larry Pfeil is the Grays’ General Manager. Paul Knupp, Sr. serves as the Recruiting Coordinator. The Grays are sponsored by Denny Altimore.
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