Kettering Royals

As the snow comes and goes the Boys in Blue have been had at work in the cages preparing for the 2013 season. The Royals are returning 11 from their 2012 lineup to take another crack at the MVABL Championship. To fill some of the holes, and then some, the team management has pulled from a few different areas to help fully round out the roster. Their first new addition was their 2013 1st round draft pick Chas Roberds(Northmont). Roberds played baseball for Northmont and then had a brief stint the Urbana Blue Knights after his graduation. Roberds adds speed and versatility to the lineup as he'll roam the middle of the infield when he's not on the mound. Also new to the team this year is Bryan Murphy(Northmont) and Josh Shea(Wayne).  Murphy and Share are both currently playing baseball with Sinclair and will both join the team after their Spring season comes to an end. Murphy and Shea will help add some youthful depth to the Royals Pitching staff during the long hot summer. Murphy is a hard throwing righty and Shea is a crafty left-hander, they will make a good 1-2 punch on the mound. Also joining the team to join the Royals pitching staff is former Thomas More pitcher, and Goal Keeper, Matt Koopman. Matt will be joining his brother Brad on the team, making them the 2nd Brother Combo on the Royals roster joining Jake and Paul Wilson. Matt hasn't played in a few years, but is anxious to get back onto the mound and pick-up right where he left off in his 6-2 senior season with the Saints. Their final new additional is actually not a rookie, but former Royal and MVABL veteran Matt Finster. Matt last wore Blue with the Royals in 2010 for a little while before a job change ended his season. Finster was batting .421 before his season came to an abrupt end. He is very excited to get back onto the ball field and prove he's still a threat at the plate.

Helping guide and shape the new band of Royals rookies is a great group of Veterans. Some key players/highlights to watch out for in 2013 include Veteran pitcher Jason Holmberg who is looking to rebound from late season shoulder surgery that removed him from the mound to correct an ailment that has bothered him for the past few years. Pitching pain free for the first time in a long time Holmberg feels he is back to his college form. Shawn Rudegeair has been doing some serious Insanity and weight training this off season and has really "bulked up". Rudy is hoping to improve on his career best batting average .375, he had last season. Jake Wilson will be returning for his second season and looking to build on his great rookie season. Jake played in all 28 games and batted just under .400!! He finally found his groove late in the year and the Royals are hoping he picks up right where he left off. The Royals also hope Jake's brother Paul is able to return following his season with Sinclair. In only 18 plate appearances Paul batted .566, and showed blazing speed on the base paths. Also looking to pick-up where they left off is Kevin Reynolds. Reynolds heart and soul for the game help drive the team and he had his best year on the mound going 5-1 and leading the team in Innings Pitched (47) and a 2.11 ERA. At the plate Reynolds batted .410, and using his speed he led the royals in Stolen Bases(10) and Runs scored(31). Since moving into the leadoff role a few years ago he's proven to be a hard out each game. The other most difficult out on the team is the Royals Shortstop Brian Duffy. Duffy's season was shortened due to intense studying for the bar exam, but even though he was still able to post a batting average of .405 in 2012, 3rd on the team. And not to be forgotten is one of the best hitters in the league, Chris Jergens. Chris' presence in the field and at the plate are unmatched. With one throw or one swing he has the gift and ability to change the course of the game. Jergens led the offense again in 2012 batting a stunning .507 and led the team with Hits(37), RBIs(35), HR(4), and Slugging Percentage (.822).

These are just a few highlights to watch out for in 2013 as the Royals prepare for their Opening Day matchup against the Miami Valley Thunder on April 7th at Franklin High School.