Data Loading...
Thunder Road Game Program - August 2022
52 Downloads
127.24 MB
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Copy link
RECOMMEND FLIP-BOOKS
Welcome to Capital Health.
When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we. With a collaborative structure so our doctors can craft a treatment that’s uniquely right for you. With primary care physicians who never schedule an appointment that’s less than 20 minutes. With world-renowned surgeons that are changing cancer treatment. Because you’d go to the ends of the earth for the people you care about. And we do too.
Become a part of it today at CapitalHealth.org
WHAT’S INSIDE? 3-This Month at the Thunder 5-Promotional Schedule 6-Thunder Players who were drafted 10-Thunder Alumni in the MLB All-Star Game 13-Rookie’s trip to Buffalo & Niagara Falls 14-Rookie’ at Philadelphia FanFest 16-Stadium Facts 17-Stadium Diagram 19-Thunder in the Community 21-2021 MLB Debuts 25-Here’s Dash 27-Remembering Chase & Derby Center Scorecard and Food Guide 34-Thunder Front Office 40-90% Club 41-MLB Draft League Team Directory 43-Jeff Manto 45-Coaches & Trainer 47-Players 53-Casey Candaele joins the Blue Jays 54-Dash gets his first bat! 56-Kate Flannery/Nitro Circus
THUNDER IN MLB ALL-STAR GAME 10
CASEY CANDAELE 53
NITRO CIRCUS 56
PRESENTED BY
Editor/Editorial Layout & Design: Eric Lipsman Page Design: Ben Wolverton, Marisa Murphy Contributing Writers: Gregg Caserta, Eric Lipsman, Jeff Hurley Photography: Mike Sabo, Michael Dill, Eric Lipsman, Staton Rabin, Marisa Murphy, The New York Yankees, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Photography Director Emeritus-Dave Schofield. Cover Design: Ben Wolverton Printing: White Eagle Printing, Trenton, NJ
EDITORIAL The 2022 Trenton Thunder Game Program Volume Six, Number Three is published by the Marketing, Creative Services and Media Relations Departments of the Trenton Thunder Baseball Club, One Thunder Road, Trenton, New Jersey 08611. Copyright 2022 by Garden State Baseball, L.P. It is based on information available through July 28, 2022. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or reproduce any of the enclosed materials must be granted in writing by the Thunder. For advertising information, please contact the Thunder Marketing Department at (609)394-3300.
1 Thunder Road
New! August 1
$ 50 , 000! LOADED WITH 100 TOP PRIZES OF $ 12 MILLION OVER IN PRIZES!
drawings and exclusive prizes. * SECOND CHANCE
Must be 18 or older to buy a lottery ticket. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER®.
*For details, visit NJLottery.com/SecondChance. Odds vary based on game played; for details visit NJLottery.com/ScratchOffs. Due to Covid-19, new game launches and promotions are subject to change, suspension or cancellation without notice.
AUGUST at the Trenton Thunder
We’ve got something going on every game in August!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 • 7:00 PM It’s Augtoberfest at the Ballpark! The first 1,200 fans 21+ go home with a Kings Road Brewing Company “Baseball & Beer” T-Shirt! SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 • 6:30 PM Thunder are proud to host our annual Autism Awareness Night with Postgame Fireworks pres by BrainBuilders Autism Therapy Services SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 • 5:00 PM Happy Halfway to Halloween! The first 1,000 kids 5-13 get a Valley Spas & Pools Youth Bucket Hat! Meet Wildlife in front of the ballpark! FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 • 7:00 PM Celebrate all things 90’s with a fanny pack thanks to NJM! It goes to the first 2,000 fans 5+! It’s also a Case’s Pork Roll & Founders Friday! SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 • 6:30 PM Your Thunder are proud to host Addiction Awareness Night in partnership with City of Angels and NJ Division of the DEA. Capital Health presents our Postgame Fireworks! SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 • 5:00 PM It’s Sunday Night Football at the ballpark! Kids can run the bases after the game thanks to Penn Medicine-Princeton Health & CHOP! TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 • 7:00 PM El Trueno de Trenton take the field when we give out a Sugar Skull Pin to the first 1,000 fans! It’s also $1 Hot Dog & Kids Eat Free Tuesday! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 • 7:00 PM We’re giving away a Batman Bobblehead to the first 1,000 fans 13+ thanks to Hyundai! It’s another Tail Waggin’ Wednesday thanks to NutriSource Pet Foods.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 • 7:00 PM Celebrate all things Garden State on NJ Night! Stick around for Postgame Fireworks thanks to NJEA! It’s also NHL pres by NHL Network with 2-time Stanley Cup Champion Ross Colton Appearance!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 • 7:00 PM The Thunder welcome Amazing Tyler’s Balancing Act on Thunder Magic Night! It’s also SuperValue Tuesday! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 • 7:00 PM The first 1,000 fans go home with a Collapsible Travel Water Bowl pres by Horizon BCBSNJ on this Tail Waggin’ Wednesday pres by NutriSource Pet Foods. THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 • 7:00 PM Stop by the Thunder for College Night! It’s a Thirsty Thursday with Postgame Fireworks pres by Case’s Pork Roll! FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 • 7:00 PM Bring your dog out for our annual Bark at the Park night pres by Dogs & Cats Rule!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 • 6:30 PM Cowabunga dude! It’s a Thunder Beach Party with Postgame Fireworks presented by NJM Insurance Group!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 • 6:30 PM The Thunder love the best fans in baseball! It’s Fan Appreciation Day with Postgame Fireworks with live music provided by Dueling Pianos!
Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Centers
One Highly Trained, Compassionate Team, 3 Convenient Locations OVER 50 VETERINARIANS REPRESENTING MORE THAN 20 SPECIALTIES
Central NJ 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd. Robbinsville, NJ 08691 MERCER COUNTY
Southern NJ 2834 Route 73 North Maple Shade, NJ 08052 BURLINGTON COUNTY
Jersey Shore 507 Route 70
Brick, NJ 08723 OCEAN COUNTY (609) 259 - 8300 northstarvets.com northstarvets.com
Nine Thunder Players Selected in 2022 MLB Draft A total of nine Trenton Thunder players were selected in the recently completed 2022 MLB Draft. SS Nate Ochoa - by Washington Nationals (Round 6 - Pick 171) C Gustavo Sosa - by Philadelphia Phillies (Round 10 - Pick 302) C Andrew Cossetti - by Minnesota Twins (Round 11 - Pick 324) RHP KC Hunt - by Pittsburgh Pirates (Round 12 - Pick 350) SS Michael Curialle - by St. Louis Cardinals (Round 12 - Pick 367) RHP Roel Garcia III - by Tampa Bay Rays (Round 14 - Pick 434) SS E.J. Exposito - by Atlanta Braves (Round 16 - Pick 485) RHP Cole Patten - by Detroit Tigers (Round 17 - Pick 507) RHP Javier Ramos - by Colorado Rockies (Round 18 - Pick 536) The MLB Draft League had a total of 46 players that appeared in the league during the 2021 and 2022 seasons selected in the draft.
-State College - 10 picks -West Virginia - 9 picks -Frederick - 8 picks -Williamsport - 6 picks -Mahoning Valley - 4 picks 6 Thunder Road
Andrew Cossetti
Nate Ochoa
Gustavo Sosa
EJ Exposito
Thunder Road 7
Makes all others look like rookies.
The 2022 Hyundai TUCSON with All Wheel Drive
When you take the field with as much game-changing technology as the 2022 Hyundai TUCSON, you know it’ll be a home run. Test-drive the All Wheel Drive TUCSON today at your Hyundai dealer…and take home a winner.
BuyHyundai.com
Proud Partner of the Trenton Thunder
Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2022 Hyundai Motor America.
FIND A DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME
You’ll find some of the area’s finest primary care physicians, specialists and surgeons working together at Penn Medicine Princeton Medicine Physicians. Backed by the strength of Penn Medicine Princeton Health, this network can provide you with greater access and coordinated care throughout a range of specialties:
Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Cardiology Digestive Health Endocrinology Family Medicine Gastroenterology Geriatric Medicine
Gynecologic Oncology Hematology/Oncology Internal Medicine Metabolic Medicine Microvascular Plastic Surgery Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Obstetrics & Gynecology Pulmonology
Rheumatology Sleep Medicine Thoracic Surgery Urogynecology
To find a Princeton Medicine Physician, call 1.800.FINDADR (1.800.346.3237) or visit princetonmedicine.org . Many of these physicians offer in-person and virtual appointments. And for your convenience, you can book an appointment online.
FORMER THUNDER PLAYERS SHINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE MLB ALL-STAR GAME!
On July 19, five former members of the Thun- der appeared in the Major League All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Yankees Outfielder Aaron Judge (Thunder 2015) and Blue Jays Catcher Alejan- dro Kirk (Thunder 2021) were both elected to the
American League Starting line-up. Each of them went 0-2 at the plate. Another former Thunder play- er, the Marlins Garrett Cooper (Thunder 2017-MLB Rehab) entered the game as a pinch hitter and stayed in as a designated hitter. He also went 0-2.
10 Thunder Road
Two stars of the game were former Thunder pitchers Alek Manoah (2021) and Nestor Cortes (2016-18), both pitched great and entertained the National Television audi- ence with their conversations between the mound and the broadcast booth. Mano- ah came into the game in the second in- ning and was miked-up having a conver- sation with John Smoltz in the broadcast booth while he was on the mound throw- ing to Kirk, his regular Blue Jays catcher Alek struck out three National League bat-
ters, William Contreras, Joc Pederson and Ronald Acuña Jr. Cortes came in to start the 6th inning and his conversations with Yankees catcher Jose Trevino. Nestor told everyone at home what pitches he would be throwing. He struck out two batters and walked one.
The American League went on to win the game 3-2.
11 Thunder Road
OUR TOP DOGS! ARM & HAMMER ™ SALUTES
Pet owners—for a clean, fresh-smelling home, fetch yourselves ARM & HAMMER Pet Products. Visit us at armandhammer.com
Rookie ran on the field and it was seen on National television
ROOKIE’S ROAD TRIP TO BUFFALO!
On September 22, Rookie was invited to Buffalo, so he could retrieve bats for his Thunder teammates who were now playing as the Buffalo Bisons. During the first inning, while re- habbing Blue Jays infield- er Cavan Biggio was at bat
Rookie and Cavan Biggio
Rookie’s good buddy Hobie Harris
and Rookie left the dugout too early.
His antics on the field made National Television the next morning. He was featured on the Today Show, Good Morning
America, Morning Joe and ESPN SportsCenter. In ad- dition it was covered all over Social Media and received 1.5 Million impressions. The next day, Rookie visited Niagara Falls and posed for pictures with a lot of tourists.
Outside of the home clubhouse
Niagara Falls was a lot of fun
13 Thunder Road
Ming-Na Wen
Kate Flannery
Batdog Rookie poses with Gleyber Torres
ALL THE CELEBRITIES WANTED TO MEET ROOKIE AT FAN-EXPO PHILADELPHIA
On April 9, Rookie went to his first comic-con. He was invited to FAN-EXPO PHILADEL- PHIA at the Pennsylvania Con- vention Center. Rookie walked the red carpet and met Kate Flannery (The Office, she will be here on June 30)…Ming Na Wen (Agents of Shield and Mulan)…Ron Perl- man (Hellboy and Beauty & the Beast).
Ron Perlman
He also got to meet for- mer Thunder star and World Series MVP Da-
vid Eckstein, who was with his wife Ashley (Star Wars: The Clone Wars). He was also greeted by many cosplay fans who wanted to take his pic- ture.
David Eckstein
14 Thunder Road
BALLPARK FACTS
TEAM: Trenton Thunder LEAGUE: MLB Draft League
LUXURY SUITE LEVEL: 3rd Floor of Stadium, ranging from First Base Side to Third Base Side CAPITAL CITY CLUB & CONFERENCE CENTER: 3rd Floor above the Press Box FAN SERVICES INFORMATION BOOTH: In the subway car on the concourse behind Section 208 NJM INSURANCE PICNIC AREA: At the end of the Left Field Concourse WHEELCHAIR RAMP: Along the Left Field Line and behind the Picnic Area MAIN CONCOURSE: Above the second level of seating CROSSWALK: Between the first and second levels of seating FOOD COURTS: Fixed: On Main Concourse behind 1st and 3rd Base; Portable: Located throughout the Concourse CRAB DU JOUR/THUNDERRITA TACO STAND: On the left field concourse ONE UP ONE DOWN COFFEE CART: On the Right Field Concourse BULLPEN BAR: On the Left Field Concourse THE SELTZER BAR: Next to elevators THE WATERFRONT GRILLE FEATURING CHICKIE’S & PETE’S: On the Right Field Concourse TICKET OFFICE: In front of Ballpark between the Main Gates SINGLE GAME TICKET PRICES: Standard Ticket $12.00, Groups $8.00. Add $2.00 per ticket on game days RETIRED NUMBERS: #2 David Eckstein, #5 Nomar Garciaparra, #33 Tony Clark, #42 Jackie Robinson, #18 Tony Franklin (on June 17th) TRENTON BASEBALL HALL OF FAME: Steve Braun, George Case, Tony Clark, Mo Cunningham, Michael DeCello, Al Downing, David Eckstein, Tony Franklin, Nomar Garciaparra, Demarlo Hale, Ken Macha, James F. Maloney, Tom McCarthy, Sonny Pittaro, Sam Plumeri, Sr., Bob Ryan, Harold “Bus” Saidt, Dave Schofield, Trenton Shroths, Andy Freed.
MAJOR LEAGUE AFFILIATE: Toronto Blue Jays (2021), New York Yankees (2003- 2020), Boston Red Sox (1995-2002), Detroit Tigers (1994) MASCOTS: Boomer the Thunderbird, Cloudman, Slice, Rookie & Dash TEAM COLORS: Navy, Royal Blue, Silver, Gold OPERATED BY: Garden State Baseball, LP ADDRESS: One Thunder Road, Trenton, NJ 08611 TELEPHONE: (609) 394-3300 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.trentonthunder.com HOME FACILITY: Trenton Thunder Ballpark HOME FIELD: Samuel J. Plumeri, Sr. Field INAUGURAL SEASON: 1994 SEATING CAPACITY: 6,130 HOME DUGOUT: First Base Side OUTFIELD FENCE: Left Field - 330’, Center PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Behind the Press Box & Outside the First Base Season Ticket Holder Gate FIRST AID & SECURITY: Behind the Press Box STADIUM ENTRANCE: Main Gates on 1st and 3rd Base Side, Season Ticket Holders on 3rd Base and Riverside THUNDER COMPANY STORE: Between the Elevators and Luxury Suite Entrance on the Main Concourse ELEVATORS: Next to the Thunder Company Store Field - 407’, Right Field - 330’ PRESS BOX: Behind Home Plate
LUXURY SUITE ENTRANCE: Next to the Thunder Company Store
16 Thunder Road
BALLPARK MAP
RESERVED PARKING
407
330
330
PICNIC AREA
122
101
RIVERGATE ENTERANCE
121
102
ENTRANCE & EXIT RAMP
201
PICNIC AREA
120
103
202
119
104
118
105
216
203
117
106
215
204
PARKING
116
107
PRESENTED BY
115
214
108
205
114
109
113
110
213
206
112 111
SUITE 1
212
207
SUITE 2
15
211
210 209 208
SUITE 14
SUITE 3
SUITE 13
SUITE 4
PRESS BOX
SUITE 12
SUITE 5
SUITE 11
SUITE 6
PARKING
SUITE 10
SUITE 7
SUITE 9
SUITE 8
PICNIC TABLES
CAPITAL CITY CLUB and Conference Center
- 100 Level
Square
- 200 Level
PARKING
- Suite Level
CASS STREET / THUNDER ROAD
- picnic area
CHECK OUT THE SCORECARD IN THE CENTER FOR OUR FOOD GUIDE MAP!
FOR THE LATEST PROMOTIONS SCHEDULE FOR THE REST OF THE 2022 SEASON, VISIT:
17 Thunder Road
Are you at risk for heart disease? Get a cardiac calcium score to find out – Only $79 A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a simple, non-invasive way to measure calcium build-up in your coronary arteries. Risk Factors include: High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Smoking, Family History of heart disease or heart attack, obesity
This study is available at our Lawrenceville office.
609.585.8800 www.4rai.com RAI/CHAI Hamilton & RAI Lawrenceville
3T /1.5T MRI, Extremity MRI, Sports Imaging, Reduced Radiation CT and X-Ray, Calcium Score, Lung Cancer Screening, 3D Mammography, Breast MRI, Ultrasound, Thyroid Biopsy, DEXA
IN THE COMMUNITY With the inception of the Trenton Thunder in 1994 came a commitment from the organization to be a part of the community in which it was established. The Thunder have lived up to this commitment with the GRAND SLAM WE CARE FOUNDATION, a 501(c)3 charity, which at the conclusion of the 2021 season, had donated over $8 Million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations, through a variety of community programs.
THE THUNDER PARTNERED WITH MANY LOCAL NON-PROFITS TO HOLD IT’S FIRST ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT EVENT AT THE BALLPARK EVENT! BOOMER MADE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS THAT DAY!
THE TRENTON THUNDER FRONT OFFICE BECAME AN OFFICIAL DROP-OFF SITE FOR TOYS FOR TOTS IN 2021. TOYS FOR TOTS ALSO USED THE BACK PARKING LOT OF TRENTON THUNDER BALLPARK FOR ALL THEIR LOCAL DISTRIBUTIONS!
MEMBERS OF THE TRENTON THUNDER FRONT OFFICE SPENT SOME TIME VOLUNTEERING AT TRENTON AREA SOUP KITCHEN BEFORE THANKSGIVING!
DURING THE 2021 SEASON, THE TRENTON THUNDER HOSTED A BACKPACK DRIVE THAT BENEFITTED LOCAL AREA NON-PROFIT, THE BAG PROJECT. THANKS TO THE HELP OF KELLER WILLIAMS PREMIER ROBBINSVILLE, THE THUNDER COLLECTED OVER 30 BACKPACKS!
BOOMER GOT TO VISIT THUNDER FANS ON JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST. THE THUNDER ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE UNITED THROUGH READING CAMPAIGN WHICH UNITES MILITARY FAMILIES THROUGH READING!
WITH THE HELP OF HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, MCIA AND ISLES YOUTH INSTITUTE, THE TRENTON THUNDER SPENT A MORNING RENOVATING A LOCAL BASEBALL FIELD FOR THE TRENTON COMMUNITY TO ENJOY! 19 Thunder Road
DIG SAFELY WITH ANY PROJECT LARGE OR SMALL
PLANTING A TREE? INSTALLING A FENCE? BUILDING A BACKYARD PATIO?
Utility lines can be buried inches below the surface. PSE&G reminds you to call 811 before digging to ensure your safety and prevent damage to underground gas and electric lines. Prevention is key: • CALL 811 at least three days before digging for any project. Digging must begin within 10 days after the markout was requested. Markouts expire after 45 business days. • CHECK to see if your contractor has called 811. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked. • RESPECT the marks, and dig around them. Always carefully hand dig within two feet of marked lines.
For more information, visit pseg.com/safedigging
During the 2021 season, these former Thunder players made their Major League debuts.
PRESENTED BY
Expires 12/31/22
PARTNERS IN PEDIATRIC CARE
Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Thanks to a partnership between Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMC) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), physicians from CHOP are on-site 24/7 at PMC to care for our youngest patients. CHOP physicians provide: • Pediatric emergency care and consultation • Pediatric inpatient care • Newborn and neonatal care Naturally, CHOP physicians work closely with your child’s pediatrician, our emergency medicine physicians and you. We are proud to partner in providing outstanding pediatric care close to home. A CHOP pediatrician is in the Emergency Department every day from 2 pm – 10 pm and is easily accessible in the hospital at all other times. For more information about CHOP newborn and pediatric inpatient and emergency care at PMC, call 1.888.742.7496 .
EVERY TEAM DESERVES A BAT DOG. EVERY FAMILY DESERVES A GREAT DOG.
With Green Leaf, both are possible. We specialize our training for both you and your dog’s needs to ensure that both parties end up happier. The o fficial trainer of Trenton Thunder bat dog s , Rookie & Dash.
Boarding
Training
Grooming
Daycare
Swimming
GREENLEAFPETRESORT.COM
HERE COMES DASH!!!!!
The next Thunder Bat Dog is ready to take the field. Rookie’s 2 year old cousin has been training at the Greenleaf Pet Resort in Mill- stone Township, NJ. He is following in the paw steps of Derby and Rookie who also trained there.
Dash was born into a litter of 5 boys and 4 girls on December 22, 2019. His dad Chesney is a first cousin of Rookie’s mom Reba, and has won many dog show competitions. Dash loves to play with Rookie on and off the field. Last season he made many appearances at Thunder games, he posed for pictures with young fans on the concourse, or could be seen watching Rookie get bats from the top of the Thunder dugout. He is looking forward to hanging out with other pups on “Tail Waggin’ Wednesdays”
Dash and Rookie are both being presented by ARM & HAMMER Pet Care Prod- ucts. Their Health & Well- ness is taken care of by New- town Vet Hospital and they love to eat their NutriSource Pet Food and treats.
25 Thunder Road
IT ALL STARTED WITH CHASE & DERBY...
When Chase joined the Thunder in August of 2002, he started a family business that con- tinued with Derby, Rookie and now Dash.
Our four generations of Bat Dogs, have not only entertained millions of Thunder
fans here at home…but they have also
attracted fans from all over the world. They have been featured on Television, Newspapers, Mag- azines, and Websites for the past 20 years….the
highlight being the Emmy Nominated ESPN E-60 show, “The Family Business”.
The 2022 Season is our ninth without Chase
and our fifth without Derby. We miss them every day…their pictures are seen throughout the ball- park and they are always in our hearts.
27
Thunder Road
2022
GAMEDAY SCORECARD
HOW TO KEEP SCORE
Different fans have different methods of keeping a scorecard, and many use their own notations, but here’s a simple method. First, fill in the starting lineup. When the game begins, start in the column corresponding to the correct inning and go to the box next to the name of the batter who is at the plate. If the hitter grounds out to shortstop, for example, write in “6-3,” which shows that the shortstop threw him out at first base. The notation for a fly to left, for example, would be “F7.” If the batter gets a hit, mark in the hit according to which base he reached. The corners of the box represent the bases, with the lower-right corner being first. If he singles, pencil in a “–” in the lower- right. If he doubles, pencil in a “=” in the upper-right and so on. If he walks, pencil in “BB” in the lower- right. After the runner reaches each base, fill in the side of the diamond corresponding to the base reached. As the runner advances, continue to fill the lines around the diamond, and mark the appropriate symbol in the appropriate corner.
If a runner scores, put a circle at the bottom of the box, and inside put the symbol of the play and/or the player that knocked him in. For example, if the No. 5 hitter drives in two runs with a single, mark his single in the bottom-right of his box and mark a circle with the number “5” inside the boxes of the runners who score. At the end of each inning, total the hits and runs for that inning only. At the end of the game, you will be able to add the innings’ total to arrive at the game score. NEW PACE OF PLAY INITIATIVE Minor League Baseball introduced a new pace of play initiative for 2018 minor league games. Extra innings will begin with a runner on second base. The runner at second base will be the player in the batting order position previous to the leadoff batter of the inning (or a substitute for that player). For example, if the number five hitter in the batting order is due to lead off the 10th inning, the number four player in the batting order (or a pinch-runner for such player) shall begin the inning on second base.
INNING 1 singled, advanced to 2nd on next batter’s walk, took 3rd on fielder’s choice, scored on No. 4 batter’s double walked, later forced out, shortstop to 2nd base reached on fielder’s choice, advanced to 3rd on next batter’s double, scored on No. 5 batter’s single
INNING 2
PLAYERS
NO.
z.
1
2
3
2
Center Fielder
9 8 12 6
P6 F8
4
—
6-4
flied out to center field
Shortstop
BB
4
1st Baseman 25 3 Designated Hitter 40 DH 3rd Baseman 16 5 Right Fielder 55 9 Left Fielder 8 7 2nd Baseman 18 4 Catcher 35 2 TOTALS R H
popped out to shortstop
5
FC
—
5
struck out looking
SB
6
doubled, scored on No. 5 batter’s single
6-2
—
SB
singled, advanced to 2nd on next batter’s single, stole 3rd base, thrown out on grounder, shortstop to catcher
—
FC
singled, stole second base
P4
/
reached on 1st on fielder’s choice
—
doubled
popped out to 2nd base
3 4 0
1
NUMBERING PLAYERS
SYMBOLS FOR PLAYS
— — — — — —
SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE
F FLYOUT P POP OUT
8
L
LINE DRIVE
9
7
HOME RUN
SB STOLEN BASE SF SACRIFICE FLY DP DOUBLE PLAY HBP HIT BY PITCH FC FIELDER’S CHOICE
B SACRIFICE BUNT
6
4
E ERROR
5
3
U UNASSISTED
1
IBB INTENTIONAL WALK
BB WALK
BK BALK
WP WILD PITCH
PB PASSED BALL
2
K STRIKEOUT SWINGING
STRIKEOUT LOOKING
K
VISITORS SCORECARD
PLAYER
NO. POS. 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 91011ABR HRBI
R
TOTALS
H
PITCHERS
IP H R ERBBSO
TODAY’S GAME DATE
FINAL SCORE R H E
VISITORS
THUNDER SCORECARD
PLAYER
NO. POS. 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 91011ABR HRBI
R
TOTALS
H
THUNDER RADIO NETWORK Listen to every game live online at:
PITCHERS
IP H R ERBBSO
located on the concourse behind Section 212
THUNDER FOOD GUIDE
1
2
MAIN FOOD COURTS Traditional ballpark fare including regular and jumbo hot dogs from Dietz and
Watson, french fries, chicken tenders, fresh popped popcorn, and more! Funnel cakes, deep-fried; OREO ® cookies, Snickers ® , and uncrustables are available on the first base side. Chickie’s & Pete’s express in located on the 3rd base side as well. Coca-Cola ® soft drinks, bottled water, iced tea, hot chocolate, and coffee are also available.
Waterfront Grille featuring Chickie’s & Pete’s Chickie’s & Pete’s Famous Crab Fries and boneless buffalo wings. Plus the “Thunder Dog,” pork roll sandwiches, cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, Italian sausages, California burgers, bratwursts, and more! Line too long to wait for Crab Fries? Try our Chickie’s & Pete’s Express Stand at the end of the Thunder Road Food Court on the 3rd Base side.
RICHMAN’S ICE CREAM Soft-serve ice cream, ice cream floats, and a variety of Coca-Cola ® soft drinks.
BREW HAUS One of the best places to get an ice cold beer from your favorite domestic or local craft brewery. Wine also available. As always, please drink responsibly.
3
4
5
KILLARNEY’S ON THE DELAWARE Step up to the bar and order your favorite brew, while enjoying a beautiful view of the ballpark and the Delaware! Choose from a wide array of local and national beers.
7
Brand new for 2022! Stop by the Thunder’s newest food stand for our take on delicious tacos like traditional chicken & beef tacos & walking tacos!
6
Brand new for 2022, this Cajun-inspired eatery is known for fresh seafood boils and an array of signature house-blended sauces!
11 Joining the Thunder family this summer is One Up One Down Coffee! This family-owned coffee roastery and caffe located on Cass Street in Trenton will have a coffee cart on the 1st base side of the concourse selling hot and cold coffee drinks throughout the season!
2
3
11
4
10
7
6
1
5
8
9
10 Our new hand-crafted stand featuring deliciously-crafted brews!
2
3
1
CASE’S PORK ROLL PARADISE Trenton’s famous Pork Roll in more ways than you can even imagine! Enjoy the classic with just cheese, or add an egg to
9
8
E
HORIZON HEALTHY PLATE STAND Featuring heart-healthy entrées and desserts including salads, turkey burgers, Beyond ® Burgers & Sausage and gluten free dessert options
make it a breakfast sandwich. Or try one of our own creations: the Hog Steak, the Swine Sandwich, and our brand new Pork Roll Fries!
Beer, Wine, Frozen Alcoholic Drinks, Ice Cream, Mini Melts, Water Ices, Cotton Candy, Peanuts, Pretzels, and Lemonade are available at multiple locations on the main concourse.
www.normanshallmark.com
Proud Returning Sponsor 2022
BLUE TEAM
FRIDAY, MAY 31 2025
@REALLYGREATSITE Helping our most valued customers commemorate their special moments for more than 80 years. With almost 70 locations, we proudly serve communities throughout PA, NJ, DE & MD. 123 ANYWHERE ST., ANY CITY, ST 12345
NORMANSHALLMARKSHOPS Follow us on social media:
JOIN THE TEAM OVER SIX DECADES OF COUNTY AND CVC CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ I NDNJ.ORG
Your stolen car may be used to commit crimes.
1-877-55-FRAUD NJInsuranceFraud.org
THUNDER FRONT OFFICE
Board of Directors
Joseph J. Plumeri II
Joseph J. Finley
Joseph Caruso
Jeff Hurley President & General Manager
Jeff will be entering his 18th season with the Trenton Thunder and sixth as Chief Operating Office/General Manager. A native of Ham- ilton, NJ, Hurley played baseball at nearby Steinert High School and was a pitcher at DeSales University in Allentown, PA graduating with a degree in Accounting before joining the Thunder front office as an intern in 2004. He was hired as a Group Sales Representative following the 2004 season and has held the titles of Media Relations Assistant, Com- munity Relations and Baseball Operations Manager, Baseball Operations and Accounting Manager, Director of Finance and Baseball Operations and Chief Financial Officer over his years with the Thunder. In September 2015, Jeff was named General Manager/Chief Operating Office becoming the 5th in team history. Following the 2018 season Jeff was voted on by the Eastern League as Executive
of the Year. In addition to his role with the Thunder, Hurley has served as a member of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Young Professionals organization since 2013. In 2017 Hurley was recognized as the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Young Professional of the Year voted on by his peers. Hurley also sits on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Area YMCA, Miracle League of Mercer County, Princeton Mercer Chamber of Commerce, Central Jersey Rebels Baseball Organization, Mercer County Military Action Council and the Hamilton YMCA Advisory Council. Jeff is currently the Chair of the Princeton Mercer Convention and Visitors Bureau and is a member of the Robbinsville-Hamilton Rotary Club. Jeff is a resident of Hamilton, NJ where he lives with his wife Kacie, his two sons Carson and Cameron, and their dog Maddux - who was adopted through the NorthStar Vets Dog of the Day program.
Jon Bodnar Chief Revenue Officer
Jon joined the Trenton Thunder Front Office Staff in September of 2014 and currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer. Born and raised in South Jersey, he graduated from James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 2013 with a degree in Marketing. When not at the ballpark, Jon enjoys spending time at the beach down in Cape May, NJ and rooting on the Philadelphia sports teams! “go birds”
Eric Lipsman Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales & Sponsorship
The last remaining member of the original Thunder Front Office, Eric joined the team in December of 1993 and is be- ginning his 29th season here. Eric oversees all aspects of marketing for the Thunder including national, regional and local sponsorships, promotional night giveaways, and in-game promotions. A resident of Doylestown, PA, along with his wife Sherry and two very special Golden Retrievers named Rookie & Dash.
Lydia Rios
Vice President, Sponsorships
Lydia brings 28 years of sales experience in the Central Jersey marketplace to the Thunder Corporate Sales department. As VP of Sponsorship, she oversees corporate partnerships, services local accounts and provides leadership in the team’s sales department. Lydia resides in Hamilton with her three sons Tyler, Gehrig and Aaron.
34 Thunder Road
Jeff Bonacorda Director, Finance 2nd Season
Casey Borish Dir., Group Sales & Community Relations 7th Season
Gregg Caserta Director, Broadcast & Media Relations 2nd Season
Corey Anderson Executive Chef 16th Season
Evan Creedon Group Sales Account Representative 3rd Season
Joe Ganguzza Box Office Manager 1st Season
Caitlin Gall Director, Merchandise 8th Season
Ezra Gennello Promotions Assistant 5th Season
Kyle Gogo Director, Food & Beverage 2nd Season
Patrick Lawson Stadium Operations Assistant 1st Season
Josh Manion Concessions Manager 6th Season
Nick Luciano Ticket Operations Assistant 1st Season
Marisa Murphy Manager, Production & Creative Services 6th Season
Andrew Niemiec Group Sales Coordinator 1st Season
Bernadette Marco-Rock Director, Ticket Memberships 6th Season
Bryan Rock Dir., Baseball & Stadium Ops. 11th Season
Angie Schwenk Administrative Assistant 1st Season
Tyler “Lou” Vogel Director, Grounds 2nd Season
Ben Wolverton Director, Entertainment & Multimedia Creative 10th Season
Rookie Batdog 8th Season
Dash Batdog 2nd Season
Thunder Road
The All New redesigned 370Z…
Coming this Summer… Reserve Yours Now!
90% CLUB
To our long time season ticket holders, we thank you for your continued loyal support!
Stephen Aldrich Johanna Capasso William & Marion Crum Jim Devlin
William Gray John & Mary Ellen Marnien Edward & Barbara McDonald Dennis & Debra McElvaine James Parolski
Martha Devlin Jack Donnelly Michael Einhorn
Ron & Lorraine Rabel Frank & Debra Rizzo Fred Schulz Paul & Eleanor Siegel David & Chiz Walter Patricia Yaple
David Fenster Ralph Fiasco James Fouse Anthony Fratticcioli, Jr.
40 Thunder Road
MLB DRAFT LEAGUE TEAMS
Frederick Keys Inaugural Season: 1989
Mahoning Valley Scrappers Inaugural Season: 1999 Eastwood Field 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd, Niles, OH 44446 (330) 505-0000 General Manager & VP of HWS Baseball: Jordan Taylor
Nymeo Field At Harry Grove Stadium 21 Stadium Dr, Frederick, MD 21703 (301) 662-0013 General Manager: Andrew Klein
State College Spikes Inaugural Season: 1958 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 112 Medlar Field, University Park, PA 16802 (814) 272-1711 President & General Manager: Scott Walker
West Virginia Black Bears Inaugural Season: 2015 Monongalia County Ballpark 2040 Gyorko Drive, Granville, WV 26534 (304) 293-7910 General Manager: Leighann Sainato
Williamsport Crosscutters Inaugural Season: 1994 Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field 1700 W 4th St, Williamsport, PA 17701 (570) 326-3389 VP Operations, General Manager: Doug Estes 41 Thunder Road
Proudly Supports The Trenton Thunder
2051 Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA 19047
40 US-130, Burlington, NJ 08016
(215) 943-7000 DavisAcura.com
(609) 699-4180 DavisHonda.net
FREE OIL CHANGE
Must be presented during purchase. Valid on new/ used car purchased/leased (up to $500 – limit one per household. For Davis Honda and Davis Acura vehicle). Prior sales excluded. No cash value. Expires 12/31/2022. New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount See dealer for details. FREE FIRST PAYMENT
Must be presented at time of write-up. Valid for Honda and Acura vehicles only (up to 6 quarts). Limit one coupon per household. Prior sales excluded. No cash value. Expires 12/31/2022. New customers only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount See dealer for details.
THUNDER MANAGER
JEFF MANTO Manager • Born: 8/23/64 in Bristol, PA
9-year Major League veteran Jeff Manto returns for his second season after leading the Thunder to the inaugural Draft League Championship in 2021 with a 30-18-8 record. The Bristol, PA native was previously the Minor League hitting coordinator
for the Baltimore Orioles from 2014-2019. Before Baltimore, Manto spent six seasons with the Chicago White Sox. During his first four seasons, he was the Minor League hitting coordinator before being promoted to the big league club as the hitting coach for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In 2012, Manto helped guide Adam Dunn to the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year Award. Manto got his coaching career started with the Phillies in 2001 and was manager of the Lakewood BlueClaws in 2002. After spending 2003 to 2006 as the Minor League hitting coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Manto was promoted to Major League hitting coach for three seasons. During that time, he helped former Thunder star Freddy Sanchez win the 2006 National League batting title with a .344 average. Manto’s playing career began in 1985 after being drafted out of Temple University by the California Angels in the 14th round. He later made his Major League debut in 1990 with the Cleveland Indians. During his career, he also played for the Phillies, Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, Yankees, and Rockies. He shares two MLB records during his playing career with five home runs in three days and four home runs in four consecutive at bats.
PRESENTED BY
43 Thunder Road
home ● run noun:/ a hit that allows the batter to go around all the bases and score a run; an impressive success.
Staying at the Hyatt Regency Princeton is like making a home run. Let us hit your expectations out of the park!
Proud sponsor of the Trenton Thunder Baseball Team
HYATT REGENCY PRINCETON 102 Carnegie Center Princeton, NJ 08540 609-987-1234 | princeton.hyatt.com
THUNDER COACHES
SHAWN CHACÓN
Pitching Coach • Born: 12/23/77 in Anchorage, AK Shawn Chacon is no stranger to Trenton as he prepares for his first season as pitching coach after an 8-year Major League career that featured 269 appearances and a 2003 National League All-Star selection with the Colorado Rockies. He’s no stranger to the area after being traded to the New York Yankees from Colorado just before the 2005 trade deadline. In perhaps the most memorable stretch of his career, the righthander went 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA over the final two months of the regular season, helping the Yankees win the A.L. East. In the only postseason start of his career in the Division Series against the Anaheim Angels, Chacon took a no decision in Game 4 to keep the Yankees season alive, allowing just two runs over six-and-a-third innings. The following year, in 2006, Chacon made a five-inning rehab start for the Thunder on June 4 against the Reading Phillies before returning to the Yankees the following week. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 31, spending parts of two seasons there before his final Major League season with the Houston Astros in 2008.
DAVID MILLER
Hitting Coach • Born: 12/9/73 in Philadelphia, PA David Miller is the Thunder hitting coach for the 2022 season. The Philadelphia native is in his first season as the Head Coach at Penn State Abington after serving in the same role with La Salle University for the last four years. Miller engineered a complete turnaround with the Explorers program and was named the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in 2021 after setting a school record with 32 wins and tying a program record with 15 A-10 wins. Unfortunately, La Salle University included baseball on its list of seven varsity sports that were eliminated for sustainability reasons. As a player, Miller was the 23rd overall pick in the 1995 Draft by the Cleveland Indians after an All-American career at Clemson University. He spent two seasons in the Eastern League with the Akron Aeros in 1997 and 2000, and bridged that gap with 225 games over three seasons with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. After playing his final season with the Camden Riv- ersharks in the Atlantic League in 2003, Miller started his coaching career at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He has also been an assistant coach at Rutgers-Camden, Villanova, and William & Mary.
BRYAN DELGADO Coach • Born: 3/5/95 in New York, NY
Bryan Delgado rounds out Jeff Manto’s coaching staff and will assist in all facets of the day- to-day on-field operations with the Thunder. The former starting pitcher began his coaching career at his alma mater, Grambling State University (LA), where he was the Tigers voluntary assistant coach during the 2020 fall semester. Since then, he has served as the assistant/pitching coach for both the Lafayette Aviators (Prospect League) and the Scorpions Baseball Club 15U Team in Rhode Island. As a player, Delgado spent his last two seasons at Division I Grambling State, where he com- piled an 8-6 record with a 3.61 ERA over 19 games (16 starts). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in June of 2020 after completing his Associate’s Degree at ASA College (NY) from 2016-18. During his two-year playing career at Grambling State, Delgado was named to several Southwestern Athletic Conference All-Conference teams and was voted as the team’s Pitcher of the Year in 2019. He also made several prospect and watch lists for Perfect Game, D1 Baseball, and Baseball America.
45 Thunder Road
2021-2025 GRADUATES
TOP BASEBALL SHOWCASE in the Country - 65 colleges!
2022 SUMMER SHOWCASE
[email protected] • i95metrobaseball.com JULY 26-27, 2022 SKYLANDS STADIUM AUGUST 9-10, 2022 TRENTON THUNDER BALLPARK AUGUST 2-3, 2022 TRENTON THUNDER BALLPARK 65 COLLEGES/35 DIVISION 1
GET UP TO $50,000 NOW forge your career in the navy DISCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES & SECURE YOUR FUTURE
443.681.9880 800.322.4460 jobs _ [email protected]
• Health Insurance • Free Medical & Dental • Free Education • Housing Allowance
MEET THE THUNDER PLAYERS TYLER ARELLA HT: 6-1 | WT: 214 | B / T: R / L | BORN: 5/22/98 | SCHOOL: VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (PA) Veteran lefty on the Villanova pitching staff who succeeded in a variety of roles during his career…Power pitcher who averaged over 7 strikeouts per nine innings for the Wildcats…Logged 71 career appearances with 31 starts and allowed just 14 home runs over 215.2 innings during his college career...Was a 2nd Team All-Big East selection as a graduate student in 2021-22...Played for the Body Armor Titans during his junior and senior years of high school, who were ranked in the Top-50 nationwide by Perfect Game…Earned Perfect Game Northeast All-America Honorable Mention honors in 2016…Was ranked #13 overall and # 2 among left handed pitchers on Long Island by Blue Chip Prospects. LHP
CHRISTIAN CAPUANO HT: 6-4 | WT: 205 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 7/14/97 | SCHOOL: FDU-FLORHAM (NJ) Appeared in 17 games and made 15 starts for the Devils in 2022...In 85 innings, went 6-4 with a 2.33 earned run average and held opposing hitters to a .223 average against...Was one of 19 pitchers in Division III to post 100 or more strikeouts, ranking 13th nationwide while leading the MAC Freedom Conference...Started his career at Gettysburg College (PA)...Was a 2017 graduate of Vernon Township High School and a 2016 All-Herald First Team selection, as well as a 1st Team Northeast Jersey selection... Named to the NJSBCA Senior All Star Game...Named to the All-Tournament Team at the Perfect Game 17U Super25 National Championship in Fort Myers (FL) and the Rawlings Top Prospect Team. RHP
JOSE LEDESMA HT: 5-8 | WT: 185 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 9/23/99 | SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE RHP Spent one season at the University of Delaware in 2022, striking out 18 in 19.1 innings across 14 appearances... Pitched for two seasons at St. Thomas University (FL) and was 1-1 with a 2.81 earned run average over 18 games in 2021...In 32.0 innings, allowed just 23 hits and 10 earned runs while striking out 56 for a 1.00 WHIP... Started his college career at Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester in 2019, earning two wins and three saves in 13 appearances (32 SO in 24.0 innings pitched). NIKO LEONTARAKIS
HT: 6-4 | WT: 210 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 8/5/98 | SCHOOL: EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY Appeared in 19 games and started nine times as a senior at EKU in 2022, finishing the season T-5th in the ASUN Conference with 6 wins...Struck out 54 batters over 52.1 innings...Picked up his first win after pitching four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits in a start against Kentucky State on February 23…Struck out six and picked up the win after allowing one run on five hits in six innings against Dayton on March 2…Had a season-best eight strikeouts and earned the win at Jacksonville State on April 3… Earned the win against Jacksonville State on May 25 in the ASUN Tournament after pitching two innings of scoreless relief...Also pitched at Post University, Palm Beach State College, and Tallahassee Community College. RHP
ADRIEN REESE HT: 6-3 | WT: 190 | B / T: L / L | BORN: 5/7/99 | SCHOOL: MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY (KY) LHP Made 11 starts as a graduate student at Murray State University in 2022, throwing 5.0+ innings three times, including his first win against UT-Martin on April 16...Tossed a season-high 6.0 innings in a no decision against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on May 1...Pitched at Black Hawk College (IL) before transferring to Florida Atlantic University, where he was a one-time C-USA Pitcher of the Week...Received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from FAU. JOE JOE RODRIGUEZ
HT: 6-0 | WT: 200 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 10/12/99 | SCHOOL: ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY (NY) Has been one of the sturdiest and most consistent starters for the Thunder since Opening Day...Was the winning pitcher for Trenton’s first win of the season on June 3 in Frederick (3.0 hitless IP, BB, 2 SO)...Allowed 1 ER or less in 7 of his first 9 games, including 7 starts...Pitched at least 4.0 innings four times and set season-highs with six strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a no decision against Williamsport on June 9...Pitched for three seasons at St. John’s University (NY), where was he the recipient of the 2021 John DaSilva Memorial Award, presented by the athletic department to a deserving student-athlete who exhibits courage, persistence, and fortitude...Selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 20th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. RHP
47 Thunder Road
MEET THE THUNDER PLAYERS
RYAN SANDBERG HT: 6-2 | WT: 185 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 7/2/98 | SCHOOL: WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY (DE) Spearheaded the Wildcats rotation in 2022 by going 9-3 with a 3.35 earned run average in a team-leading 13 starts...Threw two complete games and averaged 12.69 SO/9 IP (110 SO in 78.0 innings)...Won his first seven decisions from February 25-April 20 and had five double-digit strikeout performances during that time...Made his final start in the second-to-last game of the season against #5 Southern Connecticut State on May 19 in the NCAA East Regional Tournament...Was a 1st Team All-Conference selection in 2021. RHP
WILLIAM SAXTON HT: 6-4 | WT: 235 | B / T: L / L | BORN: 5/19/98 | SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Went 5-4 with a 4.45 ERA in 24 games (9 starts) as a redshirt-senior in 2022, striking out 56 batters in 54.2 innings pitched... Worked a season-high 5.2 innings on March 25 against Samford, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits in a 4-3 no decision loss...Struck out a season-high six batters in two appearances on March 20 against UNC Greensboro and May 19 against Cincinnati...Won back-to-back games against Florida Atlantic University and the University of South Florida on March 29 and April 3...Pitched in 65 games over four seasons at Florida International University from 2018-21...Racked up 150 strikeouts over 140.0 innings during his college career. LHP HUNTER WALDIS
HT: 6-4 | WT: 215 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 11/19/98 | SCHOOL: SETON HALL UNIVERSITY (NJ) Wrapped up a 5-year career at Seton Hall University in 2022, where he appeared in 66 games since 2018...Tied for second on the team with 15 appearances in 2021, striking out 20 batters in 15.2 innings pitched...Recorded two saves in the Butler series on April 9 & 10...Closed the door at Villanova for his third save of the season on April 16...Had three strikeouts against Xavier in the Big East Tournament on May 28...Led Seton Hall and ranked second in the Big East with 26 relief appearances in 2019, tying for seventh in the conference with 10 games finished...Named Seton Hall’s Freshman Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2018... Won back-to-back conference championships during his last two seasons at Delbarton High School, winning a Morris County and Non-Public A State Championship as a senior. RHP
MEET THE THUNDER PLAYERS RAY WEBER HT: 6-1 | WT: 180 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 8/29/98 | SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY (NY) Capped off his final season at the University of Albany in 2022 by making a career-high 14 starts, leading the Great Danes staff with 75.0 innings pitched...Threw 6.0 or more innings in six starts...Named America East All-Conference Second Team in 2021 after going 7-2 with a 3.69 ERA in 13 starts in which he allowed 2 runs or less in seven appearances...Was also a 2nd Team All-Con- ference selection after winning seven games in 2019 despite missing most of the 2018 season with an injury...Was a 2-time Long Island Champion at West Islip High School (NY), where he was named 1st Team All-State. RHP DJ WILKINSON
HT: 6-5 | WT: 230 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 3/25/98 | SCHOOL: FLORIDA A & M UNIVERSITY Finished his first season at Florida A & M University by going 5-6 in 15 starts, racking up 83 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched... Won 4 out of 5 decisions from March 26-May 7...Struck out nine batters over 5.0 innings in his first win against Grambling State University on February 25...Later struck out a season-high 10 batters over 6.2 innings in a 5-2 win over Bethune-Cookman on April 9...Won consecutive starts against Mississippi Valley on April 30 and Alabama State on May 7...Pitched in 19 games at Troy University (AL) over two seasons from 2020-21...Initially played summer collegiate baseball with the Willmar Stingers (MN) in the Northwoods League in 2020. RHP
CONNOR VAN CLEAVE HT: 6-6 | WT: 250 | B / T: L / L | BORN: 3/18/99 | PITTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY Has been a two-way player during his entire college career since 2018, playing his final season at Pittsburgh State University in 2022...At the plate, batted .306 (22-for-72) with 6 homers and 17 runs batted in across 36 games...Also made 14 appearances on the mound, striking out 25 batters across 23.2 innings...Spent four seasons at the University of Kansas from 2018-202, posting a 2-3 record in 18 pitching appearances as a freshman in 2018…As a position player in 2019, hit .247 with two doubles, 3 HRs and 11 RBIs...Won Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior in 2017 at Holcomb High School after batting a state record .768 with 14 doubles, 6 triples, and 5 home runs…Also had an 8-1 record on the mound with a 0.29 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 48.7 innings pitched. LHP TROY BANKS HT: 5-8 | WT: 180 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 10/2/98 | SCHOOL: MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY (PA) Batted .280 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs in 48 starts, appearing in all 49 games for the Lakers...Hit 2 home runs in a 4-for-5 performance on March 11 against Salem... Started in all 42 games for the Lakers in 2021 and had a .317 batting average, which was fourth on the team...Homered eight times, including the first home run at the new Mercyhurst Field...Had a slugging percentage of .576 while having an on base percentage of .409...Had back-to-back 3-hit games in the final regular season game against Clarion and in the first round of the PSAC Tournament against Cal...Played baseball at Baton Rouge Community College and Niagara County Community College before Mercyhurst. IF KOLBY BLANCHARD HT: 5-11 | WT: 195 | B / T: R / R | BORN: 10/25/98 | SCHOOL: AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY (FL) Hit .323 in 53 starts with 10 home runs, 47 runs batted in, and 51 runs scored...Added 18 walks, 12 HBP, 11 doubles, and a triple for a final slash line of .398/.547/.945...Named Team MVP in 2021 after leading the Gyrenes in batting average (.366), OPS (.988), runs scored (38), hits (53), doubles (13), extra-base hits (17), total bases (75), walks (28), on-base percentage (.481), and stolen bases (22)...Started 43 games for Ave Maria and had 17 multi-hit games...Spent two seasons at Baton Rouge Community College (LA) in 2018 and 2019, appearing in 59 games. OF PAUL COUMOULOS HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | B / T: L / R | BORN: 11/16/98 | SCHOOL: ST. LEO UNIVERSITY (FL) Played in 36 games, with 34 starts for the nationally-ranked Lions in 2022...Batted .225 (27-for-120) with two homers, four doubles, 11 runs batted in, and three stolen bases...Had eight 2-hit games during the season as St. Leo reached #12 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top-25 Poll (May 15)...National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) 2nd Team All-South Region, D2CCA 2nd Team All-South Region, & 1st Team All-Sunshine State Conference as a redshirt-junior in 2021...Led the team and the SSC in batting average at .439 while ranking 10th in the NCAA…Led the team and SSC in on-base percentage at .500 while ranking 50th in the NCAA…Reached base safely in his last 13 games to end the season...Had a season-high three hits and three runs batted in a 13-7 loss to Nova Southeastern on April 30…Started the last 11 games of the season, hitting .526 (20-for-38) during that stretch. OF 49 Thunder Road