100 INNING MARATHON COMES DOWN TO THE WIRE

 

New Westminster, BC - The annual 100 Inning Marathon Fundraiser was held this past Saturday, October 3rd at Whalley Stadium. The event is designed to raise funds for this year's trip to Arizona in March. Players were asked to pledge supporters for each inning played and this year's game was an eventful one. For the few spectators that endured the entire game (the Masse Family especially) were subjected to some very good pitching and some outstanding defense. The KUKUMBAS faced off against the THE PADDLES, with the PADDELS taking an early and commanding lead. Once all the pitching was all gone, that's when the KUKUMBAS made their move. The KUKUMBAS exploited the pitching machine's hittable fastball and even took the lead into the 99th inning. However, with the KUKUMBAS leading 22-21, the PADDLES rallied to put up two runs with a walk-off single to win this year's grueling event.

Thanks to all the fans who were in attendance and to those contributing to Douglas College Baseball. We appreciate you support.

 

THREE SELECTED TO NWAACC ALLSTAR GAME

 New Westminster, BC - This year's NWAACC All-star game between the North vs. the East takes place at Longview, WA Saturday, September 26th at David Storey Field. Douglas College had 3 players selected based on their year they had as freshman. Led by INF Rylin Chin (Strathmore, AB) LHP Jon Winick (Delta, BC) and RHP Grant Malm (Coquitlam, BC) they will play in front of dozens of NCAA, NAIA and MLB scouts and have an opportunity to showcase their talents amongst the best in the NWAACC.

 

 

 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW???

 

 

  New Westminster, BC - As college classes begin across North America, three former Douglas College baseball players from the 2008 team are taking aim at establishing themselves in their new surroundings. Toronto Blue Jays draft pick (45th round) RHP Brandon Kaye is attending the University of British Columbia at the Point Grey Campus. The T-Birds, coached by Terry McKaig play in the NAIA and will be looking for Brandon to be an impact player for them this spring. Two - time NWAACC 2nd Team ALL CONFERENCE SS/RHP Mike Caleb will be attending the University of Idaho, in Caldwell, ID, and will be attending after Christmas. Mike has been assisting the Royals this past Fall and has maintained playing condition while practicing with the team. Last year’s standout Freshman and 2nd Team ALL CONFERENCE C Will Thorp is attending NAIA powerhouse Lewis and Clark State. Coached by legendary Ed Cheff, the sophomore looks to make his impression felt on the always competitive Warriors line-up. 

Good luck boys!

 

 

DOUGLAS COLLEGE BASEBALL DOES WELL IN JUNE DRAFT

June 11, 2009

New Westminster, BC - Sophomore Brandon Kaye was selected in this year’s 2009 June Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, the same team his half-brother, Scott Richmond plays for.  The 6’4, 210 RHP, has committed to play for Terry Mckaig at the University of British Columbia and is currently playing for the Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Major Collegiate League in Alberta. Brandon will be closely followed this summer, as the club has until August 15^th to sign him.

 

Former Douglas College and NWACC All-Conference player Bobby Wagner (2006)was also selected in the Draft. The 6’3, 210 3B, who played under former Head Coach Gerig Merritt, was chosen in the 38^th Round by the Chicago Cubs. Bobby played at Panola College in Texas last season.

Congratulations on this exciting achievement to both of you!

 

 

NWAACC RELEASES ALL CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

 

 

 

Vancouver, WA - Two of the Douglas College Royals baseball team members received Second Team All – Conference awards based on their play in the 2009 season. Freshman C Will Thorp led the Royals in batting AVG. (.340), 2B (8), SB (12), HBP (12) and 2^nd in RBI (19). Sophomore SS/RHP Mike Caleb was voted by NWAACC coaches for the second consecutive year as a utility player. Caleb hit .310 and was 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA this season before breaking his thumb in week 6. 

 

Congratulations to both Will and Mike for their solid efforts this season.

 

SEE ALL NWAACC ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASEBALL TEAM RECEIVES ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR

 

 

 

 

March, 26th, 2009

 

 

 

New Westminster, BC - Last night, the men's baseball team took home the Douglas College Academic Team of the Year Award by passing 119-121 classes for a 97% success rate and a Team GPA of 2.65.

 

 

 Head Coach Josh Ridgway, "The standard has been set for the Douglas College Baseball team and that the value of education is first and foremost to our players." 

 

 

 

 

Other Recipients:

 

 

 

 

Jesse Penner Award - In Memory of former Douglas College player who demonstrates leadership and team spirit: Bruce Biro (Bowser, BC), Tyler Dechka (Coquitlam, BC), Jeff Mottl (Zurich, SW), Jack Thompson (Coquitlam, BC), Rylin Chin (Strathmore, AB)

 

 

 

 

Gord Ellis Memorial Award - For excellence in community service and commitment to Baseball: Will Thorp (Surrey, BC)

 

 

 

 

Coaches of BC scholarship - Highest Team GPA: Bart Kitson (3.66) & Kyle Boyko (3.55)

 

 

 

 

BC Little League Award- Player who played in a Little League Organization growing up and demonstrates leadership and strong work ethic: Chris Foreman (Coquitlam, BC)

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all players and their efforts!

 

 

 

 

 

OUTLOOK 2009

 

March 1st, 2009

 

New Westminister, BC - The Douglas College Royals baseball team will be young, exciting and determined to reach the conference play-offs for the first time in the school’s history. Second year, Head Coach Josh Ridgway, was able to recruit some of the best talent in BC, as well, as bringing in many talented players from across the country and abroad.

 

 

 

 

Last season, the Royals finished 5^th (8-16, 15-28 overall) in the highly competitive North Region Conference and this year’s club looks to improve on what’s becoming the best junior college baseball program in the country.

 

 

 

 

ROYALS ON THE HILL

 

 

 

 

167 innings return from last year’s staff, allowing for many opportunities for this year’s young pitching staff. Lead by sophomore RHP Brandon Kaye (1-5, 3.33 ERA, 33 K’s), the 6’4, 215lbs pitcher is coming off a great summer season. Being the only freshman playing for Team Canada this summer at the World University Games in Prague, CZH, he faced world powers Team Japan and Team USA. That experience allowed him to gain confidence for this upcoming season.

 

 

Dual player and First Team NWAACC North All Conference player RHP/SS Mike Caleb (5-5, 3.00 ERA, 43K’s) will be the 1-2 punch the Royals will need to remain competitive in this conference. Caleb is a control pitcher with good off-speed pitches to keep batters uncomfortable. LHP Tyler Dechka (1-4, 4.43, 5 SV) looks to return as a starter in this year’s rotation. The sophomore was in the top 10 in the NWAACC in saves last season and will be given the opportunity to get more innings as a starter.

 

 

Freshman RHP Bart Kitson (Vancouver, BC), RHP Mike Fuller (Ladner, BC) and LHP Jon Winick (Delta, BC) will be looked upon to compete for the final spot in the rotation. All have good off-speed to log innings and be effective enough to win us ball games.LHP Brandon Ross (Langley, BC), RHP Nathan Kirby (Port Coquitlam, BC), RHP Brendon Peron (Kelowna, BC), RHP Grant Malm (Coquitlam, BC) and RHP Chad Oulette (North Delta, BC) will make up the heart of the bullpen, giving the Royals plenty of moves to make throughout the course of a game. RHP Jeff Mottl (Zürich, SWZ) and RHP Kane Keating (Delta, BC), both have good velocity and will be looked upon to close out games for us this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEHIND THE PLATE

 

 

 

 

The lack experience will be made up in athleticism. Freshman Will Thorp (Surrey, BC), through solid work ethic, is coming off big gains in the off-season and looks very capable of getting the job done. His versatility will also see him play in the outfield. Kevin Young (Montreal, QC) is sound defensively, has a good arm and will be looked upon to hit in the middle of the line-up. The 6’3, 200lb cathcer is a great target to throw to, allowing the Royals to have a solid duo at calling pitches. 

 

 

 

 

UP THE MIDDLE

 

 

 

 

The Royals will have one of the most exciting, athletic groups of infielders in recent years. The middle infield features sophomore SS Mike Caleb (.303 BA, 7 errors), who's leadership will play a big role in the field. He possesses great range and has the arm to make big plays and 2B Jack Thompson (.288 BA, .486 OBP), who’s savvy play as a freshman, earned him a spot at the top of the line-up to spark our offense.

 

 

 

 

Recruit Rylan Chin (Strathmore, AB) has strong fielding actions, a solid bat and quickness on the base paths that will serve as a huge addition to the team. Scrappy freshman, Chris Foreman does everything well. He plays big and plays the game the way it was meant to be played…HARD.

 

 

 

 

ON THE CORNERS

 

 

 

 

Derek Wallace (Oxbow, SASK) and Braxton Lawrence (Maple Ridge, BC) both show good bat speed, power and soft hands over at first base. Each will make it difficult to keep them out of the line-up.

 

 

Mitch Frey (Medicine Hat, AB) and Parker Forch (Richmond, BC) each have the ability to impact a game. Frey, with his enthusiasm and Forch with his quiet demeanor, both will contribute some way to our team’s success, giving the Royals much added depth and strength in the lineup.

 

 

 

 

NEAR THE WARNING TRACK

 

 

 

 

The Royals outfield is lead by sophomore Kyle Boyko (.224 BA, 2 HR), who’s experience and tenacity will ignite this year’s offense. Kyle will be looked upon to anchor the middle of the line-up and to drive in runs.

 

 

 

 

Cory Pasichnyk (Woodlands, MB), PBL Batting Champion Jon Mihic (Abbotsford, BC) and Matt Walker (Delta, BC), all have juice in their bats and they will need it to contribute in our offense. Freshman Brent Lawrence (Coquitlam, BC), Bruce Biro (Bowser, BC) will compete to patrol centerfield because of their great foot-speed and reads on fly-balls.  Both Mark Posten (Calgary, AB) and Mac Dalgleish each have strong and accurate arms that will force base runners to think twice about taking an extra base.

 

 

LOWER COLUMBIA TOPS HORIZON AIR PRESEASON POLLS

 

Vancouver, WA - The baseball and softball Horizon Air preseason polls have been announced.

2008 NWAACC runner-up Lower Columbia collected 62 points and four first place votes to top the baseball poll followed by Bellevue with 52 points and 2008 NWAACC Champion Edmonds, who picked up 44 points and a pair of top votes.

The preseason favorite in softball is Lower Columbia, who have won three consecutive league titles. The Devils collected 76 points and seven first place ballots. 2008 league runner-up Mt. Hood comes in at second with 66 points and a top pick followed by Walla Walla who garnered 37 points.

Baseball
1. Lower Columbia
2. Bellevue
3. Edmonds
4. Columbia Basin
View complete poll

FOUR PLAYERS SIGN WITH SUMMER TEAMS OF WMBL

 

 

Jan. 21, 2009

 

 

New Westminister, BC - The Douglas College Royals are excited to announce that 4 players have signed for this summer with teams of the Western Major Baseball League.  Brandon Kaye (Okotoks Dawgs), Mike Caleb (Medicine Hat Mavericks), Kyle Boyko and Will Thorpe (Yorkton Cardinals).The WMBL is Canada’s pre-eminent summer collegiate baseball league.

 

 

The WMBL boasts a long standing tradition of creating a showcase for top Canadian professional and college prospects, while at the same time offering American college players the opportunity to hone their skills in front of enthusiastic baseball fans in towns and cities throughout the Prairies.

The WMBL is a wood bat league in the tradition of such outstanding American collegiate circuits as the Cape Cod League, the New England Collegiate League, the Coastal Plains League, the Northwoods League and in the nearby Pacific Northwest, the Pacific International League and the newly formed, West Coast Collegiate League.

In more recent times, consider the following: Sean Wooten who before being a key part of the Anaheim Angels championship run in 2002 starred with the Swift Current Indians; Grant Richardson joined the Calgary Dawgs from Washington State University and earned WMBL 2003 “Rookie of the Year” honours before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and working his way through the Brewers’ minor league system; Phil Sobkow starred with the Yorkton Cardinals of the WMBL before being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers and joining their farm system; Ken Faulkner and Craig Hern played with the Lethbridge Bulls before being drafted and signing with the Seattle Mariners; Jim Henderson and John Hurd went from being two way players with the Calgary Dawgs to being drafted and signing with the Montreal Expos and Chicago White Sox, respectively. In 2004, Andrew Albers (now with the University of Kentucky) was a 10th round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers who went on to earn the 2004 WMBL “Rookie of the Year Award” award while on the mound for the Saskatoon Yellowjackets.

Also in 2004, Kyler Newby (Mesa, AZ CC) and Adam Burton (University of Arkansas at Monticello) were battery mates with the WMBL’s Calgary Dawgs when they were selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals. James Avery (Minnesota Twins draft pick and Niagara University, NCAA Division 1) Tyler Klippenstein (drafted and signed with the Oakland As), Matt Ircandia (draft pick of the San Francisco Giants, Washington State University and Niagara University) and Luis Roberts (New York Mets, LSU Shreveport and the PBA) are 4 other players drafted by MLB who have played in the WMBL.

 

Western Major Baseball League Website

 

 

 

DOUGLAS BASEBALL STRENGTH TRAINER HIRED BY

 TORONTO BLUE JAYS

 

 

January 16, 2009

 

 

New Westminster, BC - Strength and Conditioning Coach Jake Elder has been hired by Bryan King of the Toronto Blue Jays to train their minor league affiliate, the Auburn Double-Days of the NY/Penn League. The University of Minnesota graduate will begin his job at the Jays’ Spring Training Complex in Dunedin, FL and will be assigned to Auburn in late March. The players and coaching staff wish to congratulate Jake on this achievement.

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD SERIES FINAL

 

 

October 15, 2008

 

 

 

 

A late inning rally lifted the KUKUMBAS to a 3-2 win over the GREEN SOX in this year’s Douglas College World Series. KUKUMBAS rallied for 2 runs in the 8^th inning thanks to Nic Herbert’s sac fly scoring Corey Pasichnyk and a passed ball bringing Jordan Olar for the winning run. Herbert then shut down the GREEN SOX for the last 2 innings for the save. Brandon Ross and Mike Fuller (winning pitcher) limited the GREEN SOX to a pair of sac flies from Dagleish Mackenzie and Jack Thompson through the first 7 innings. The KUKUMBAS first run came after Brandon Willier drew a bases loaded walk in the first inning off of GREEN SOX starting pitcher Ben Sollows. Sollows, Jeff Mottl, and Brendon Perron were able to shut down the KUKUMBAS after that allowing the GREEN SOX to get back in the game and take a slim 2-1 lead until the lead off walk in the 8^th inning. Even a pitching change by the GREEN SOX, bringing in closer Mike Caleb wasn’t enough to stop the KUKUMBAS winning rally. KUKUMBAS manager, Jake Elder didn’t have much to say after his team’s upset win except “Medium Rare”.   

 

 

KUKUMBAS SQUEAK INTO WORLD SERIES FINALS

 

 

 

 

October 14, 2008

 

 

 

 

KUKUMBAS advance into Wednesday’s Douglas College World Series Final with a 1-1 tie with RDU. Led by stellar pitching performances by Brandon Kaye and Bart Kitson and a 4^th inning Home run by 3^rd baseman Brandon Willier, the KUKUMBAS hold on to the last spot of this year’s World Series Finals. Kaye and Kitson each pitched 4 strong innings with some help from their defense including a late inning baserunner thrown out by catcher Kevin Young. Not to be out done by their counterparts, RDU was equal to the task through out this extra inning stalemate. RDU took a 1^st inning lead when catcher Will Thorp hit a sacrifice fly to score leadoff hitter Rylan Chin. Shain Beaudreau and Tyler Dechka held the KUKUMBAS hitters at bay, each throwing 4 innings a piece. Late inning defensive plays kept RDU in the game and gave them a chance to break the tie. 3^rd baseman, John Macneil, took a hot shot off the chest  and finished the play to kill a rally and outfielder, Kane Keating, gunned down the go ahead run at the plate to end the 8^th inning. After the dust finally settled, RDU was eliminated and the KUKUMBAS live another day with their eyes squarely on the GREEN SOX in this year’s Final Game. Catch the excitement as the Steaks will be ordered in tomorrow’s Final, 3:30pm at Whalley Ball Park. Only one question remains --- GREEN SOX or KUKUMBAS??? Stay tuned!!!      

 

RAIN DELAYS ELIMINATION

 

October 13, 2008

 

RDU and the KUKUMBAS both stave off elimination for one more day from this year's Douglas College World Series thanks to Mother Nature. Rain has pushed back the final Robin Round game until Tuesday. Winners will now play the GREEN SOX in the World Series Finals on Wednesday.

 

GREEN SOX GO 4-0 IN ROUND ROBIN PLAY

 

October 12, 2008

New Westminster, BC - The Green Sox are IN and two teams will battle it out for the final spot in this year’s Douglas College World Series. A 7-0 victory over the KUKUMBAS, gave manager Craig Tessier and the Green Sox a perfect 4-0 record in Round Robin play. “We hit the ball, got quality starting pitching and we’re ready for the Final,” quoted coach Tessier after the dominating win.

 

 

With the KUKUMBAS losing, it now sets up a loser-goes-home game on Monday, October 13^th @ 11:00am with RDU. The REAL DEAL UNIT will send RHP Shain Beaudreau (Coal Harbor, Nova Scotia) to the mound and with a surprising move by manager Jake Elder , Kukumbas will send freshman RHP Bart Kitson (Vancouver, BC) to pitch them to the final.

 

 

KUKAMBAS LAST INNING HEROICS BEAT RDU 1-0 IN CLOSE GAME 3 MATCH-UP

 

 

 

October, 10, 2008

  

New Westminster, BC – In the bottom of the seventh, with two out and SS John Stevens (Surrey, BC) on second base, KUKUMBAS LF Jon Campion (Richmond, BC) hit a 0-2 fastball down the right-field line to score Stevens. The walk-off double gave the KUKUBAS a valuable win in round robin play. Starting pitcher RHP Brandon Kaye (Langley, BC) was dominating. He went 4 IP. 1 hit, 0 ER, 1 BB and 6 K’s. Losing pitcher RHP Nathan Kirby (Port Moody, BC) also was strong, going 5 IP. 0 runs on 2 hits and 3 K’s.

 

 

Both teams will play on Monday @ 11:00am to determine a spot in the championship final.

 

 

 

GREEEN SOX GO TO THE FINAL

 

October 10, 2008

  

New Westminster, BC – With an offensive out-poor and strong starting pitching, the Green Sox solidified their birth in the Douglas College World Series. A10-3 victory over the winless REAL DEAL UNIT, was started with a 3 run first inning by 1B Braxton Lawrence’s (Maple Ridge, BC) single, that drove in the games first run. Braxton wasn’t done; he drove in runs in the 5^th with a double and a triple in the 6^th, finishing the day a home run shy, of the cycle. Lawrence was 3-4, with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI’s. Winning pitcher RHP Mike Caleb (Surrey, BC) was strong, going 4 IP. giving up 1 run, on 3 hits and 4 K’s

 

 

RDU needs to win their next  game on Monday, however, if the KUKUMBAS can beat the Green Sox on Sunday, then thier fate is all but sealed.

 

GREEN SOX EDGE CUCUMBA 4-3 IN GAME 2

 

 

 

October, 9, 2008

New Westminster, BC - The Green Sox edge one step closer to clinching a berth in this year’s World Series. Sophomore 2B Jack Thompson (Coquitlam, BC) did just about everything you could ask to contribute to the teams win by playing second base, pitcher and catcher. “That’s how the bear’s feel!” noted Thompson, after gunning down the tying run of RF Corey Pashinyk (Woodlands, MB), in attempts to steal a base in the bottom of the 7^th. Jack also, picked up the win going 2 IP.  2 runs scored and 1 K. Offensively, CF Mark Posten (Calgary, AB) led the Green Sox going 1-2 with a 2B and 2 runs scored.

                Errors seemed to be the demise of CUCUMBA, as their pitchers only gave up 1 earned run and limited the Green Sox to 4 hits. Offensively, 3B Brandon Willier (Vancouver, BC) went 3-3 with a 2B, 2 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. Both teams will match up on Sunday, October 12^th at 10:00 am @ Whalley Stadium.

GREEN SOX TRIUMPH OVER RDU 5-2 IN GAME 1 OF DOUGLAS COLLEGE WORLD SERIES ROUND ROBIN PLAY

 

October 8, 2008

 

New Westminister, BC - LHP Ben Sollows (Moncton, NB) threw 5 IP. 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 BB and 5 K's, as the Green Sox edge a step closer to the Douglas College World Series Final on October 14th @ 3:00pm in Whalley. Offensively, 2B Jack Thompson was 1-3 with 2 RBI and LF Kyle Boyko's two-out single to right scored 2 runs to seal the deal in the 5th. Brendon Peron (Kelowna, BC) came in to get the save.

 

For RDU, errors came costly in the 3rd inning on two ground ball miss haps which led to the first 2 runs of the game for the Green Sox. In the bottom of the seventh, RDU C Will Thorp (Surrey, BC) broke a perfect game up with a two-out single that cashed in the teams only run. Both teams will square up again this Friday for a critical game 2 match-up.

 

 

DOUGLAS COLLEGE PLAYER MITCH FREY IN ORLANDO WITH CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM

 

From Baseball Canada website Tuesday, October 7, 2008 Juniors Downed in Rain Shortened Game   ORLANDO – It was a back and forth battle, unfortunately it only lasted five innings.  The Houston Astros held a 5-3 lead over the Junior National Team in Fall Instructional League camp action before the rain came down and the game was called after five innings. The Astros opened the scoring immediately in the first inning, scoring a pair of runs on four hits against Canadian starter Jordan Wong (Calgary, AB).  Wong would finish strong in his two innings of work, allowing the two first inning runs and four hits and a pair of walks. The Canadians came roaring back in the second inning, leading off with back-to-back single by Larry Balkwill (Chatham, ON) and Donovan Latour (Barrie, ON) and then Mitch Frey (Medicine Hat, AB) reaching on an error to load the bases.  With one out in the inning, Keaton Briscoe (North Vancouver, BC) laced a two-run double bringing in Balkwill and Latour to tie things up at two apiece.  Trevor Barton (London, ON) added a two-out infield single to drive in Frey and give Canada a 3-2 lead. Houston tied the game in the third when a single and a double off Yan Fortin (Laval, QC) drove in a run to knot it at 3-3.  The Astros retook the lead in the fourth inning when Colin Delome hit a two-run home run and give his team a 5-3 advantage. Fortin ended his day after two innings pitched, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four. Latour then came in to pitch and threw one inning and allowed two walks in the frame while striking out the side before the game was called. The Junior National Team will once again take to the field at the Fall Instructional League camp on Wednesday, October 8 at 1 pm when the Canadians take on the Atlanta Braves.

 

Follow Team Canada

 

THREE DOUGLAS COLLEGE ROYALS TO PLAY IN THE NWAACC ALL-STAR GAME

September 15, 2008

New Westminster, BC – NWAACC FIRST TEAM  NORTH REGION All-Star UTL Michael Caleb, RHP Brandon Kaye and 3B John MacNeil have been selected to play in the upcoming NWAACC All-Star Showcase to be held September 28^th in Longview, WA.

MLB Scouts and university recruiters from around the area, will be on hand to watch the best North Region sophmores against the all-stars from the South. 

 

 

FALL SCHEDULE

Friday, September 12th vs. Kwantlen College - 3:00pm 9 inn.

Friday, September 19th @ Kwantlen College - 3:00pm 9 inn.

Saturday, September 20th @ Greys Harbour CC - 12:00pm (DH)

Sunday, September 28th - NWAACC Sophomore Showcase  @ Longview, WA

Saturday, October 18th @ Everett CC - 12:00pm (DH)

**Home games and practices are at Whalley Stadium**

FORMER DOUGLAS COLLEGE PITCHER GETS FIRST BIG LEAGUE START

Jim Jamieson, The Province

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - You could say Scott Richmond's baseball career hit rock bottom, quite literally, when he spent his first three years after high school working on the North Vancouver docks. He was scraping rust and rock-like barnacles off the bottoms of boats in his job at Seaspan International's shipyards.

But Richmond, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, will see his unlikely dream of playing major league baseball come true Wednesday in Toronto when he'll get the start for the Blue Jays against Tampa Bay at the Rogers Centre. Richmond, 28, who was called up by Toronto on Sunday, will be the 14th Canadian to appear in a Jays uniform at the major-league level. Last season Scott Richmond was playing for the Edmonton Cracker-Cats in the independent Northern League, below single A. The North Vancouver pitcher now finds himself, at 28, on the verge of playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.

"I'm smiling from ear to ear," Richmond told the Toronto Sun. "It's nice, I don't have to fly and pitch the next day. I have a few days to think about it ... but I'm going to try not to think about it."

Richmond's saga gets even more far-fetched, as he'll be trading one dream for another. The call-up to the Blue Jays likely means he'll have to forgo his spot on Canada's Olympic baseball team. He was supposed to be at the Rogers Centre anyway, as the Olympic ball squad is going to be introduced before the game. Richmond just didn't think he'd be staying out on the field.

"We were going to go to the game in Toronto to get a picture of him with the Olympic team, but we never dreamed in a million years he would be pitching for the Blue Jays," said Richmond's mother, Linda, on Monday on her cellphone while she and Richmond's stepfather, Kelly Kaye, were in their car nearing Toronto.

"It's perfect, just perfect. He's always had to work so hard. It just makes us feel good for him. "Richmond, who grew up in North Van's Edgemont Village neighbourhood, was playing senior men's ball when his Vancouver Pharoahs coach Gehrig Merritt persuaded him to go back to school and play at the college level.

He played a year at Douglas College as a 21-year-old rookie, then took the humble path through Moosejaw (amateur league), Missouri Valley College, Bossier Parish College (Louisiana) and Oklahoma State. In 2005, when he went undrafted again, he went to Edmonton of the independent Northern League where he played three seasons before Jays scout Rob Ducey signed him as a free agent last November.

"He's like the Rocky of baseball," said Richmond's younger brother Stirling, a former Canadian national team rugby player. "He's been doing this for 10 years and he never gave up in the face of adversity. He's there now." After signing him, Toronto sent Richmond to Double A New Hampshire, where he was 5-8 with a 4.95 ERA. Promoted to Triple A Syracuse, he went 0-2 with a 2.53 ERA, holding opponents to a .210 (25-119) average while walking six and striking out 31 in 35 innings.

Kaye said Richmond's perseverance was always remarkable.

"When he worked at the docks, he used to call it the golden handcuffs because he got paid quite well at 20 years old," said Kaye. "But he realized that's not where he wanted to be. He never got down. He fought the battle the whole way. "Richmond has developed into a power pitcher with control. His fastball is in the 92-95 m.p.h. range. It's not hard to see why he got the Blue Jays' attention.

"The Blue Jays recognize he's got a very young arm," said Kaye. "He's turning 29 this year, but when you consider they don't play high school baseball up here and he never threw much till he was 21, he's really got the arm of a 25-year-old. "Richmond was a key part of the Olympic team's starting rotation, but if he's still with the Jays as of Friday's deadline he'll be replaced. "He was really looking forward to playing for his country," said Kaye. "He's disappointed he's not playing for Canada, but it's always been his dream of playing major league baseball."

 

KAYE NAMED TO WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES TEAM 

 June 20, 2008 New Westminster, BC - Douglas College RHP Brandon Kaye has been named to Team Canada and will compete at the World University Games in Prague, Czechoslovakia, July 17^th - 27^th. Kaye’s recent 2-0 victory over the Bellingham Bells and continuous development over his freshman year, prompted Head Coach Terry McKaig to name him to the squad. "It will give Brandon an opportunity to showcase his stuff against some of the best collegiate  players in the world and will add quality depth to our pitching staff." adds Mckaig.

 

 FOLLOW  TEAM CANADA

,  click the British/American flag in the left column to switch to English, that click "On-line" just above where the flags are.

 

 

 

ATTENTION ALL INCOMING FRESHMAN AND NEW RECRUITS

June 6, 2008

New Westminster, BC - There is an academic advising seminar for all incoming freshman and new recruits on Monday, June 23 @ 11:00am in Room 3903 at Douglas College, New West Campus. It is strongly recommended that you attend.

The seminar will be lead by Chris Davies, along with Athletic Director Lou Renae Legge and should take 1.5 hrs to complete. You may want to think of any questions you may have upon entering your first year in college.
 
This sessions is designed to inform and educate you on the basics when deciding on what courses you'll take, so that you'll be able transfer to university after two years with us.

If you have any questions please call Head Coach Josh Ridgway at (778) 549-7434 or email him at josh@douglascollegebaseball.com

 

 

EDMONDS CLAIMS 2008 NWAACC TITLE

May 26, 2008

Longview, Wash. - The Tritons needed to win twice today and they almost didn't succeed - until tournament MVP Dan Ninomiya, up against a two out, two strike count in the ninth inning with Edmonds down 3-2, launched a RBI single to score Ben Thielsen to send the game into extra innings.

Neither club could get anything substantial generated offensively as the Tritons' Chad Dennis and Devils' Tyler Lichty showcased a pitcher's duel through the next three innings.

The Devils made a pitching change in the 13th - and Edmonds capitalized on a score by Cam Softli off a RBI single by Nick Pizzuto that turned out to be the winning run to set up a rubber-match (championship) at 4:15pm.

In the Championship Game, Edmonds quickly soured the home-town crowd of 1600 by dropping three runs on the Devils in the first inning.

The Tritons' Ben Thielsen, Nick Pizzuto and Dan Ninomiya all scored to put the Devils in a huge hole early on, down 3-0.

Devils' fans had reason to get re-ignited in the second inning when Bo Lybeck and Shawn Peterson scored off RBI's by Tyler Davis and Jett Hart to bring Lower Columbia within one of the Tritons 3-2.

But Edmonds crushed the LCC faithful hearts when they answered with two more in the bottom of the second to push to lead to 5-2 - and added another in the fourth to make it 6-2.

The Devils ran out off gas after a two-run sixth inning that saw 2005 league MVP - then with Mt Hood CC - Brooks Lindsey and Luke Zirkle score off RBI's by Shawn Peterson and Tyler Davis.

The Edmonds' title in 2008 marks the seventh in the club's history, dating back to 1980, when the Tritons won their first NWAACC championship.

Lower Columbia, with nine titles, will finish second for the eleventh time since they won their first championship under Jack Riley in 1970.

 

MUIRHEAD AND CALEB SELECTED AS NWAACC FIRST TEAM NORTH REGION ALL STARS

 

May 15, 2008

 

New Westminster, BC - CF Brent Muirhead and UTL Michael Caleb were unanimously selected to the NWAACC North Region All Star Team for their outstanding play during the season. Muirhead, a sophomore who will be attending UBC on a scholarship next fall, led the Royals in offense, hitting .323 AVG. with 3 HR and 25 RBI, while scoring 24 times and stealing 15-17 bases to capture his second consecutive honor.

 

 

 

Michael Caleb,  had a great start to his college career, hit .302 AVG. while only committing 9 errors at SS/2B and went 5-5 with 1 SV and a 3.00 ERA as a pitcher. The freshman beat Bellevue, Skagit Valley and Shoreline in conference play which earned him the selection.

 

 

"Both players played great and they contributed immensely to the team finishing as strong as we did." notes Head Coach Josh Ridgway. "Both should feel really good about their year."

 

 

COMPLETE NWAACC ALLSTARS

 

 

MUIRHEAD AND PADRINAO SIGN WITH UBC

April 22nd, 2008

New Westminster, BC - CF Brent Muirhead and SS Jordan Padrinao have both signed their “Letter of Intent” to play baseball at the University of British Columbia for Head Coach Terry Mckaig next season. Both players earned North Region 2nd team All Conference last season as freshman and will continue to develop at the Point Grey campus. “We are very proud of these two guys”, says Head Coach Josh Ridgway, “They are a reflection of what our program is about; providing an opportunity at the next level.”

KR3 BECOMES OFFICIAL BAT FOR DOUGLAS COLLEGE BASEBALL

 

 

 

 

 

March 7th, 2008

New Westminster, BC - Douglas College Head Baseball Coach Josh Ridgway is pleased to announce that their team will be swinging KR3 bats for this season and the years to come. KR3 is an Ontario based company that has vast experience in grading and purchasing high quality wood, turning and finishing bats using ancient hardening processes, and in ultimately making products that out-perform at the highest professional level. KR3 was approved and received their major league license on Feb 2, 2001 and spent time in 2001 and 2002 sampling and working with major league players.

Douglas College would like to thank Ross Huehn and Erin Gibson for their support to our program and making quality bats for our athletes to use.

KR3 WEBSITE

 

DC ROYALS 2008 SEASON PREVIEW

February 28th, 2008

New Westminister, BC - The 2008 Douglas College Royals will be embarking down a road to reach the NWAACC playoffs for the first time in the school’s history and new Head Coach Josh Ridgway feels this year’s class can do it. With only 4 sophomores on the roster, experience is all that is needed to complete this young, athletic and savvy group from reaching that goal.

ON THE MOUND

Lead by returning sophomore Jeremy Galley(1-3, 3.25 ERA, 3 SV), the right-hander has the stuff to be our number 1 guy and will be looked upon to pitch in big games for us this season. Freshman RHP Brandon Kaye and LHP Tyler Dechka have been working hard this off-season and that has translated into big gains in their velocity. They will be given every opportunity to prove they can pitch at this level and have the ability to shut down good offenses. SECOND TEAM ALL REGION Jordan Padrinao, will split duties at SS and will be effective in that role. If he can stay strong, Jordan has dominating stuff and will no doubt be one of the top prospects in the North Conference. Freshman Michael Caleb, Alex Wishnicki, Matt Boatter, John Macneil, Jack Thompson and Pete Dekker will make up the core of the bullpen and double duty as position players.

BEHIND THE PLATE

JC Transfer Kevin Sawka (.333AVG. 1 HR 23RBI) has added much needed depth at the catching position. From the left side of the plate, he will be a threat in the middle of the batting order and will be looked upon to drive in runs for us. Freshman Peter Dekker has the versatility to play multiple positions and his passion for the game will make it difficult to keep him out of the starting lineup. Both players will bring their hard hat to the field and will provide our pitching staff the confidence to throw too.

AROUND THE HORN

Led by SS Jordan Padrinao (.313 AVG. 3HR 23RBI), the slick-fielding infielder will be an anchor in the Royals lineup and his veteran presence will make him a large contributor to this year’s teams success. Freshman INF Michael Caleb and 1B/RHP Brandon Kaye made huge gains in the weight room and have positioned themselves to compete as regular starters this season. The competition for playing time between 2B Jack Thompson, 3B Alex Wishnicki, INF John Macneil, INF Jon Verhesen and 1B Tyler Tkachyk will bode well for the Royals and they all hold valuable pieces to the puzzle, as we make our first bid towards an NWAACC Playoff berth.

NEAR THE WARNIG TRACK

Speedy SECOND TEAM ALL REGION CF BRENT MUIRHEAD (.323 AVG. 22 runs, 11 SB) will patrol the outfield and make an impact at the top of the batting order. His leadership and his athleticism will once again make him a threat in the league and no doubt, will be an exciting player to watch this season. OF/RHP Matt Boatter has made the most of his opportunity and will see substantial playing time throughout the season. LF’s Kyle Boyko and Eythan Goulah and Wes Stien will battle it out for valuable playing time and all have the skill to get that job done. RF Jordan Olar, who has game-breaking tools, will need to compete daily to find himself in the everyday lineup.

As the 2008 Douglas College Royals take to the field this season, the boys will travel that long and narrow road. This year’s group has the cohesion, work-ethic and desire to reach the goals they’ve set out and have the ability to be the most successful team in the school’s history.

 

ROYALS SIGN 3 RECRUITS FOR 2008/2009 SEASON

February 8th, 2008

New Westminister, BC - Douglas College Baseball Head Coach Josh Ridgway announced the signing of three players this month. Brandon Willier of Vancouver, BC (Coquitlam Reds), Rylin Chin of Strathmore, AB (Okotoks Dawgs) and Braydon Rieger of Airdrie, AB (Okotoks Dawgs. ) will join the Royals roster in the 2008/2009 school year.

Willier will graduate from Vancouver Technical School. He helped guide the BC Provincial team to a gold medal this past summer at the Canada Cup in Quebec City and was a member of the PBL regular season champion Coquitlam Reds. A righty with a 2.63 ERA last season, also hit .298 in 126 plate appearances, scored 17 runs and stuck out only 13 times.

Chin will graduate from Strathmore Secondary School, where he maintains an 80% grade average. A member of the Alberta Provincial Team this past summer that competed at the Canada Cup, Rylinn hit .383 avg. scored 20 runs, while stealing 8 bases for his summer team the Okotoks Dawgs.

Rieger will graduate from Airdrie High School, where he maintains an 82% grade average. At 6’2, 180 lbs, the left-handed hitting C/1B is a product of Dave Robb’s Okotoks Dawgs baseball program and is developing into one of the top prospects in Alberta.
 

DOUGLAS COLLEGE BASEBALL A FULLY FUNDED VARSITY SPORT

January 3, 2008

New Westminster, BC - The Douglas College Baseball team is pleased to announce that they will be a fully funded sport for the 2008/2009 season.

A vote by the student union was unanimous in favor of bringing the baseball team up-to-par with the other varsity sports at the college. The baseball team will become the only college in Canada that is funded by their athletic department and play in a US based conference (NWAACC). On behalf of the all the players and the entire coaching staff, we would like to thank all the students who voted and showed their support for the program.