For the first time in program history, the Western Nevada College baseball team is going to take a crack at beating a team made up of successful Wildcats from the past.
Coach D.J. Whittemore has scheduled the first Wildcat Alumni Game for 11 a.m. Sept. 7 at John L. Harvey Field in Carson City. Fans are invited to watch the nine-inning game for free.
Seven players from WNC’s three National Junior College Athletic Association World Series teams have agreed to participate in the matchup and, so far, Wildcats from seven of Whittemore’s eight previous clubs will participate.
“This will be a great opportunity for local fans to come out and see the 2014 Wildcats in action for the first game of the fall scrimmage season and a great time for fans to come back and see their favorite Wildcats of years’ past, not to mention a great way to honor the players who have made this program special,” Whittemore said.
Confirmed players for the Alumni are infielder Jimmy Pierce, first-team all-conference infielder Tyson Jaquez and outfielder Aaron Henry from WNC’s first team in 2006. From the Wildcats’ first NJCAA World Series team in 2007, outfielder Chad Walling, infielder Thomas Miller, pitcher Stephen Sauer, pitcher Wes Osmer and catcher Taylor Mieras are committed to play.
Also indicating that they plan to participate are outfielder Logan Parsley from the 2008 club; pitcher Javy Perez and infielder Andrew Garcia from the 2009 NJCAA World Series team; pitcher David Carroll, Region 18 first-team infielder Kevin Taylor, pitcher Kyle DiMartino, outfielder Trevor Goff and catcher Sean Dwyer from 2010; outfielder Brooks Klein, catcher Patrick McMeel and pitcher Chris Garrison, Region 18 Relief Pitcher of the Year, from 2011; and Tony Guidara from the 2012 NJCAA World Series team.
Garrison, Taylor and Sauer are among the Wildcats who have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
Whittemore is hopeful that the Alumni team will be able to add several former Wildcats now playing professionally to its roster once the minor league season ends.
"Several current professional baseball players are waiting for the playoffs to end before committing to being at the game, but there is a good chance that one or more drafted alumni will be playing in the game,” Whittemore said.
The Alumni team will face the current Wildcats, including eight players who helped the team claim the Western Region 18 title a year ago and came within a victory of propelling WNC to the NJCAA World Series for a fourth time. The present squad is led by sophomores Conor Harber, Christian Stolo, Rayne Raven, Tony Roque, Joey Crunkilton, Connor Klein, Spencer Greer, Spenser Dorsey and Alex Fife.
Alums interested in participating in the game should contact Whittemore at 775-445-3250.