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May 17, 2013

HONKER NATION IS HERE!!!

(Rochester, MN)--Become a part of the Big Kid's Club, HONKER NATION presented by Legends Bar-n-Grill!

Participating is EASY!

Purchase a HONKER NATION T-Shirt for ONLY $20.00 at the Rochester Honkers Office, or Legends Bar-n-Grill, and get FREE STUFF at every Friday night that the Honkers have home games in 2013! That's FIVE (5) Games!

At the Honkers Game you'll get............
-One FREE TAP BEER or large fountain soda
-One FREE Popcorn
-One FREE Speed Pitch/Game

At Legends Bar-n-Grill:
Take the short walk downtown after the game to Legends Bar-n-Grill and receive your first Bottle of Beer FREE!

This is a $66.00 Value for only $20 BUCKS!!

Wear your HONKER NATION T-Shirt, and show your punch card to get the free stuff at both locations.

Rochester Honkers Office: 307 E Center St, Rochester MN 55904
Legends Bar-n-Grill: 11 4th St SE, Rochester MN 55904
(on the river at Broadway & 4th St. SE)

May 9, 2013

Honkers Shock adn Loope Roster

(Rochester, MN)--The Rochester Honkers Baseball club announced today the signing Tyler Baker and Michael Pomeroy for the 2013 season.

Baker is a 5-foot-9, 185-pound sophomore catcher from the Wichita State Shockers. The Topeka, KS native is currently hitting .331, which is the second highest average on the team. Baker has smacked 10 doubles, three triples, and four homeruns, with 36 RBI’s in 50 games this season for the Shockers. This past Tuesday Baker went 2-for-4 with a walk in a 7-to-5 loss to Kansas.

Baker played this past summer for the Liberal Bee Jays in the Jayhawk League and was named the third-best prospect in the league by Perfect Game and seventh-best by Baseball America.

Baker saw action in 49 games during his freshman season, hitting .205 with 10 doubles and 10 RBI’s. Baker spent time at third base and second base in addition to catching.

Baker and the 30-22 Wichita State Shockers are in action this weekend hosting Creighton in a three game series.

Pomeroy is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior first baseman and outfielder the Grand Canyon University Antelopes. The Peoria, AZ native is currently hitting .329 with four doubles and two homeruns, and had 22 RBI’s in 50 games for the Antelopes.

After transferring from South Mountain Community College, Pomeroy put together an outstanding sophomore campaign at Grand Canyon, hitting a conference best .422 average in route to being named Pacific West Conference Tri-Player of the Year and also being named Second Team All-West Region by both the NCAA American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings.

Pomeroy and the Antelopes finished the regular season 34 and 16, going 26 and 10 in Pacific West Conference play sharing the conference title with California Baptist. The Antelopes will await their post-season fate, to be announced on Sunday.

May 7, 2013

Honkers Go Local, Serratore Signs with Club--Spitzrack, Watts Sign Temporary Contracts

(Rochester, MN)--The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signings of local products, Steve Serratore, Logan Spitzack, and Jared Watts for the 2013 season.

Serratore is a 6-foot 190-pound freshman catcher at Des Moines Area Community College. The Austin, MN native is currently hitting .351 with eight doubles, five homeruns and 38 RBI’s in 42 games for the 41-9 Bears. This past weekend Serratore went 6-for-12 with two RBI’s in a four game series against Southeastern Community College. A Rochester Mayo High School graduate, Serratore was named All Big Nine Conference for three consecutive seasons as well as “Dick Seitz” Conference Co Player of the Year with former Honker Mitch Brown in 2012. Serratore was named All-State honorable mention in 2011 and first team All-State in 2012. Serratore has signed to play for Dallas Baptist University next season.

Spitzack is a 6-foot-1 195-pound redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher at St. Cloud State. The West Concord, MN native is currently 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in five games with the Huskies. Spitzack has pitched in 10.2 innings, striking out 12 while walking just three. Spitzack made his only start on April 29^th at the University of Mary working seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six in a St. Cloud State 10-0 win. The Triton High School graduate was a three-time All-Conference performer and an All-State award winner in baseball. Spitzack posted the team’s lowest ERA and also set a school record in basketball for points in a game.

Watts is a 5-foot-9 175-pound freshman infielder at Bethel University. The Rochester native is currently hitting .259 with two doubles, a homerun and 16 RBI’s in 27 games for the Royals. Although from Rochester, Watts attended high school in La Quinta California. The La Quinta High School graduate has a .962 fielding percentage so far this season, committing only four errors in 27 games.

Spitzack and Watts are under temporary contracts, which could be extended into full contracts for the remainder of the season.

May 3, 2013

Honkers Sign Team USA Standout - Red Wing's (MN) Ryan Boldt to Suit Up This Summer

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Red Wing High School standout and Team USA member, Ryan Boldt for the 2013 season.

Boldt is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior outfielder for the Red Wing (MN) Wingers. The University of Nebraska top recruit was recently ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft by ESPN’s Keith Law and the 7^th best high school prospect in the country by Baseball America. Boldt is vying to become the highest drafted Minnesota prep player since Joe Mauer was drafted No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Twins in 2001.

Boldt helped U18 Team USA to a gold medal in South Korea in 2012, by setting a Team USA and International Baseball Federation 18U World Championships record with 12 total stolen bases. The speedy outfielder was named MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego last summer going 2-for-3 with a triple in the contest.

Boldt hit .423 as a junior leading the Wingers to state for the first time since 1977. Prior to the start of the 2013 season he was named a Rawlings First Team All-American as well as Central-All Region first team member.

The defending Missota Conference and Section One champion Red Wing Wingers are currently ranked eighth in the state and are coming off a doubleheader sweep of Farmington.

The Rochester Honkers 20th season begins on May 29^th when they travel to Mankato, MN for a 7:05pm start versus the MoonDogs. Their home opener is Thursday, May 30^th against the same Mankato MoonDogs. First pitch at Mayo Field is 7:05pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information.

May 2, 2013

Honkers Sign A Trio of Arms

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signingof three right-handed pitchers for 2013 season, Seth Fuller, Cole Wiper, and Hayden Barnett will join the team this summer.

Fuller is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Black Hawk College. He is currently 3-1 with a 1.58 ERA in 7 games and 6 starts for the Braves. The Moline, Illinois native has struck out 28 hitters in 40 innings pitched and has only walked 4. He spent his freshman year at Western Illinois University before transferring to Black Hawk.

Fuller spent last summer in Northwoods League as a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. He pitched in 24 games all in relief going 5 and 4 with a 2.38 ERA, picking up 9 saves. Fuller was named a mid-season all-star, where he picked up the save, throwing a scoreless 9^th inning with 2 strikeouts in the South Division’s 4-3 win over the North Division in Madison, WI.

Wiper is a 6-foot-3 180-pound redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher from the University Oregon. The Bellevue, Washington native has pitched in 5 games and 3 starts for the Ducks going 1-0 with a 9.35 ERA in 8.2 innings pitched. Wiper redshirted in at Oregon in 2012.

Following his senior season at Newport High School, Wiper was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 14^th round of the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Barnett is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound freshman right-handed-pitcher from the University of Arkansas. Barnett, a native of Houston, TX, has yet to appear in a game for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season.

While at Houston Stratford High School, Barnett was ranked as a top-500 recruit nationally and 61^st-best prospect in the state of Texas in 2012 according to Perfect Game.

May 1, 2013

Honkers Sign Two from Illinois. Roper Returns for Third Season

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Reid Roper and Josh Ferry from the University of Illinois.

Roper, a 6-foot, 200-pound, redshirt sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher, returns to Rochester for his third season with the Honkers. Roper is currently hitting .273 with 9 doubles, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs in 33 games with the Fighting Illini. The Harrisburg Illinois native has appeared in 10 games on mound for Illinois so far this season with 5 saves and a 2.79 ERA. Roper has struck out 8 in 9.2 innings.

Last season with the Honkers, Roper played in 58 games all over the infield as well as behind the plate. Roper hit .250, smacking 10 doubles and 6 homeruns while collecting 30 RBIs. On the mound for the Honkers, Roper went 3 and 3 with a 4.06 ERA, picking up 1 save in 15 outings.

A graduate of Harrisburg High School, Roper was drafted as a catcher in the 29^th round by the Atlanta Braves in the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Ferry is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher out of Lemont, Illinois. Ferry has seen limited action this spring, pitching in 3 games out of the bullpen. Ferry has no decisions with a 3.86 ERA in 2.1 innings pitched.

As a freshman, Ferry went 3-1 with a 7.09 ERA in 11 appearances, 6 of which were starts. Ferry held opposing hitters to a .265 batting average in 39.1 innings.

Ferry graduated from Lemont High School, where he was listed as the No. 19 prospect in the class of 2011 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report.

April 23, 2013

Honkers Sign Two Kansas Jayhawks

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing Tucker Tharp and Hayden Edwards from the University Kansas.

Tharp is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior outfielder. He is currently hitting .216 with 4 doubles, 10 RBIs and is 9-10 in stolen bases. The primary center fielder, Tharp has started 34 games for the 24-15 Jayhawks.

As a sophomore, Tharp played in 53 games, making 50 starts and was tabbed All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. He played all 3 outfield positions, posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, committing no errors in 123 chances.

Edwards is a 6-foot-8, 185-pound freshman right-handed pitcher from Overland Park, KS. He’s seen limited action this spring, pitching 3.2 innings and striking out 5.

A graduate of Blue Valley High School, Edwards was ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the state of Kansas by Perfect Game USA. Over his final two high school seasons, he posted a 12-4 record with a 1.95 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Edwards was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 31^st round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft.

April 19, 2013

Victoria's Restaurant is New Suite Sponsor!!

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today a three-year agreement with Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar as the new corporate sponsor for their 2 luxury suites at Mayo Field. The new agreement replaces Outback Steakhouse as the previous suite sponsor.

“We are very proud and excited to sponsor the Rochester Honkers and their 2 suites at Mayo Field,” said Natalie Victoria, owner of Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. “We strongly believe in supporting local business and this was an easy decision for us. The exposure is priceless!”

There are 2 Victoria’s Restaurant Suites available for all Rochester Honkers home game, with each suite set up for 10 Honkers’ fans.

You’ll start off your Victoria’s Restaurant Suite experience with bread and grated parmesan cheese along with a Caesar Salad, followed by 2 of Victoria’s Restaurant’s popular dishes, Baked Mostacciolli and Pollo Bianco. Baked Mostacciolli is a baked pasta with ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and topped with mozzarella cheese, and Pollo Bianco is chicken sautéed in a white cream sauce with mushrooms, prosciutto ham, and mozzarella cheese. Completing the meal you’ll enjoy one of Victoria’s famous desserts topped off with Perkins cookies. Also included in each Victoria’s Restaurant Suite are 1 case soda, 2 cases beer, 10 boxes popcorn, 5 game day programs, and cable TV.

“We are very excited to partner up with Victoria’s Restaurant and Wine Bar,” said Honkers team owner, Kim Archer. “The menu is exciting and adds another element of style to Mayo Field, greatly enhancing the 20^th season of Rochester Honkers!”

Reservations are now being taken for the Victoria’s Restaurant Suites for the 2013 season. Cost is $325/suite. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for reservations and availability.

April 9, 2013

Minnesota Golden Gopher Returns to Honkers - DJ Snelten Named Big 10 Pitcher of the Week

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that left-handed pitcher, DJ Snelten from the University of Minnesota will return to the Rochester Honkers this summer. This will be Snelten’ s third season on the Honkers roster.

Snelten, a 6-foot-7, 230-pound junior from Ingelside, Illinois, was just named Big 10 Pitcher of the week. Snelten earned the honor after he threw an 86-pitch complete game one-hitter versus Ohio State on Sunday, as the Gophers won 1-0. Snelten allowed just one infield hit, struck out a career-high seven batters and walked just one for Minnesota's sixth complete game of the year. Snelten also fielded his position when he assisted on six 1-3 putouts.

Currently Snelten is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 18.0 innings of work. He’s appeared in 4 games, 2 of which were starts. Snelten’s previous limited innings is due to him coming off an injury and bringing him back cautiously.

Snelten finished the 2012 Honkers season pitching 30.2 innings, allowing 30 hits and striking out 37 in his 7 starts. He posted a 0-2 record with a 3.52 ERA. In 2011, Snelten went 2-2 with a 4.46 ERA for the Honkers. He collected 47 strikeouts in 40.1 innings of work.

April 2, 2013

Honkers Finalize Coaching Staff for 2013

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that field manager, Adam White, has finalized his coaching staff for the 2013 season. Matt Bowman has been named pitching coach and Tony Pechek (PAY check) will handle the catchers and defense this summer.

Bowman, 28, has been the pitching coach at the University of Sioux Falls since 2010. Former field manager, Brian Aguailar, hired Bowman to come with him initially this summer but after resigning, that left Bowman with the task of re-applying with new field manager Adam White.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to coach in the Northwoods League, and especially with the Rochester Honkers,” said Bowman. “The Rochester Honkers are a classy organization that is dedicated to winning and playing the game the right way. I look forward to adding to that tradition and to a Northwoods League Championship."

Adam White added, “Matt really impressed me with his passion and energy to want to be in Rochester this summer. I can really feel why Aguailar wanted him on his staff this summer. I want someone on my staff that cares and wants to be here, and Bowman is that guy.”

Bowman pitched at South Dakota State University, where he graduated in 2007 with a BA in Sociology. He received their Gold Medal Athlete Award in 2007, set the Single Season Innings Pitched record in 2007 (104 1/3) and was named the team’s Pitcher of the Year twice (2006, 2007). Bowman is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Education at Sioux Falls.

Pechek, 26, is getting into the coaching ranks after spending four seasons playing within the Milwaukee Brewers organization from 2008-2012.

"I am very excited to start my coaching career under Adam White and the Rochester Honkers this summer,” said Pechek. “It is an honor to be chosen as a coach in the Northwoods League and I look forward to sharing what I have learned in professional baseball with the team this summer!”

Pechek, a catcher by trade, worked his way inside the Brewers system, playing in the Arizona League (Rookie), Pioneer League (Advanced Rookie) and the Mid-West League (A) before retiring. He had the unique opportunity to be a player coach in his final season. With 2 high profile prospects in front of him, Pechek was asked to help them learn, as well as throw BP, coach first base and help in the bullpen. He would be activated to play due to injuries, but then back to his player/coach role once those prospects were healthy.

“I hired Pechek because of his minor league experience and his strong passion for the game and wanting to coach,” said White. “His catching experience, teamed up with Bowman’s pitching experience, was a natural fit. I believe those two will work extremely well together in setting up their defense and calling a game. All of us are expecting to bring a Championship back to Rochester where it belongs.”

Pechek graduated from Colorado State University in 2012 with Major in Exercise Science and Health Promotions with a Minor in Education. He currently works for the Bennington (NE) Public School system.

March 27, 2013

Cal State Fullerton Cather Returns to Honkers

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Chad Wallach, a junior catcher from #5 ranked Cal State Fullerton, will return to the Honkers lineup this summer.

Wallach, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior from Yorba Linda, CA is currently hitting .328 with 3 doubles and 16 RBIs for the 21-4 Titans. He also leads the team in hits by pitch with 7.

Wallach finished the 2012 Rochester Honkers season hitting .303 with 10 doubles, 7 home runs and 28 RBIs. He spent time at first base and behind the plate last summer, playing in 45 total games.

In 2012, Wallach was part of a three-man catching rotation at Cal State Fullerton, starting 21 games, and appearing in 32. He finished the season hitting .206 with 4 doubles and 7 RBIs.

Wallach’s father and two brothers all played for Cal State Fullerton and moved on to professional baseball. His father Tim, was a first round draft pick off the National Championship team in 1979, and went on to become a five-time MLB All-Star over his 17 year MLB career. He is currently the third base coach for the LA Dodgers. His brother Matt, finished the 2012 season with the AA affiliate of the Dodgers and brother Brett finished the 2012 season with the A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Cal State Fullerton begins a 3-game set starting Thursday with visiting Pacific.

March 25, 2013

Honkers Sign Oklahoma Sooner Outfielder

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Craig Aikin, the starting centerfielder for #16 ranked, Oklahoma Sooners.

Aikin, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound freshman, is the everyday starting centerfielder for the 19-4 Sooners. Currently he is hitting .258 with 6 RBIs and is 5-8 in stolen bases. The Coppell, TX native is one of five Sooners to have started all 23 games so far this season.

Aikin graduated from Coppell High School where here was a four-year letter winner. He hit .446 with 154 hits and stole 55 bases in his pre career. As a senior, he hit .450 with 25 stolen bases as the team’s captain. Aikin broke Jason Stokes’ (former MLB and Coppell High School graduate) hit record as a junior with 61 hits.

Oklahoma puts their seven-game winning streak and #16 rank on the line against TCU this weekend, opening Big 12 play at home, starting the three-game series Friday afternoon.

March 20, 2013

Honkers Sign Three from Sam Houston State

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Tyler Eppler, Carter Burgess, and Derrick Hadley, all from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, TX

Eppler is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound sophomore right-handed pitcher from Navasota, TX. Currently he is 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA in 6 appearances, 3 being starts. Eppler has pitched 12.1 innings, striking out 6 and holding opponents to a .239 batting average. Eppler got his first win of the season, beating #22 ranked Texas on Feb. 26^th. Eppler started the game, going 5.2 innings, allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits in the Bearcats 6-3 win. He also got the start versus #19 ranked Rice on March 6^th, pitching a solid 3.1 scoreless innings, getting the no decision in the Bearkats 3-0 win. Eppler transferred from Texarkana Junior College after his freshman year.

Burgess is a 6-foot-1, 175-poound sophomore shortstop from Houston, TX, who transferred from Rice. Currently he is hitting .342, ranking him second overall on the team, with a team high 6 doubles and 11 RBIs, for the 9-9 Bearkats. Burgess posts a .966 fielding percentage, committing only 2 errors on the season.

Hadley is a 6-foot, 190 sophomore right-handed pitcher who transferred to Sam Houston from Texas A&M. He finished his sophomore season, making 2 starts in 4 appearances. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Hadley has to sit out this year at Sam Houston State to be eligible in 2014.

Sam Houston is led by Head Coach David Pierce, who left Rice after the 2011 season to lead the Bearkats. He also hired former Rochester Honker, Phil Haig, who is now his volunteer assistant coach, working primarily with their pitchers.

February 28, 2013

Honkers Hire New Field Manager - Aguailar Steps Down To Take Position with MN Twins

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Adam White, an assistant coach at Penn State University, will be their new field manager for the 2013 Northwoods League season. White takes over for Brian Aguailar who stepped down to take a position with the AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a great organization into the 2013 Northwoods League season,” said White. “It has always been a goal of mine after my professional career to be a head coach, and I am thankful to have the opportunity so early in my career.”

White feels that his experience from college through the professional ranks gives him the needed edge to win in the Northwoods League. “I know my experience in the game will help guide players to get the most of their abilities, learn the game, and put a winning product out on the field every game,” added White. “There is only one goal, to bring a NWL Championship back to Rochester!”

White, 27, spent 4 seasons in Minor League baseball with Cleveland Indians from 2007-2010, reaching the Advanced A level before being released. A 9^th round pick by the Indians in 2007, the speedy switch-hitting outfielder was tabbed a Top 100 Cleveland Indians Prospect. He was rated the fastest player in the Indians organization, and in 2008, stole the second most bases in the entire organization.

“My professional career has taught me many valuable lessons about the game, and as well as life. One of the reasons I have pursued a coaching career after I was released was to be able to help teach the game to young players,” said White. “Personally, I had to outwork and study the game more because I was a more of an athlete playing baseball, rather than being a baseball player. Professional baseball taught me how to become a complete player, and teaching my players how to approach the game professionally is one of my main goals this summer as well as winning a championship.”

White began his collegiate career at West Virginia University where he was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American, a two-time All-Big East Selection, and a Pre-Season Big East Selection all before being drafted in 2007 after his redshirt sophomore season.

“Going into college, I was not a highly recruited player because I did not play baseball year round,” said White. “Being a running back in football, wrestling, and playing baseball made me an all-around athlete. I am thankful that the West Virginia coaching staff gave me the chance to ultimately reach my goal to play college and professional baseball.”

After pro-ball, White began working his way through the Penn State baseball organization while continuing his education at PSU. He served as the team’s Director of Baseball Operations, Team Manager, and now an assistant coach. White currently holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Education at PSU and is currently pursuing his National Strength and Conditioning certification as a strength and condition specialist. White’s father was also an All-American wrestler at Penn State.

Aguailar will report to the Minnesota Twins in Fort Meyers, FL mid-March, before settling in with the Rochester Red Wings (AAA affiliate) in New York on April 1^st. He will be their Video Coordinator for the hitters, work in the bullpen and batting practice, as well as pre-game duties.

February 25, 2013

Honkers Sign Double-Threat from North Dakota

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today the signing of Jeff Campbell, a sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher from the University of North Dakota.

Campbell, a 6’4” 225 pound Clearwater, FL native, just earned his first win on the mound, pitching a four-hit complete game (7 innings) shutout against 7^th ranked Division II St. Cloud St in a 2-0 win. The victory gave UND a split with SCSU in a non-conference double action at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. Campbell also went 1-3 at the plate, hitting third in the lineup.

Campbell is leading 4-2 North Dakota in RBI (5) and home runs (1) as their starting first baseman. He is 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA on the mound, and has collected 5 strikeouts in his 13.1 innings pitched.

As a freshman, Campbell hit .326 and led North Dakota in home runs (12), RBI (47) and doubles (14). He posted a 4-7 record on the mound with a 6.30 ERA while striking out 41 in 75.2 innings of work.

February 19, 2013

Honkers Returning Honker Takes Down #1 Arkansas - Pingel Named Summit League Co-Pitcher of the Week

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today that Mason Pingel, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound right-handed pitcher from Western Illinois, will return for his second season with the Honkers.

The sophomore hurler just recorded his first victory of 2013 on Sunday, when he earned the 7-5 win over #1 ranked Arkansas at Arkansas and was just awarded Summit League Co-Pitcher of the Week honors. Pingel got the start on Sunday going 5.0 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and striking out a career high 5. The win was the first for Pingel in a Leatherneck uniform, and also the first time the Leatherneck baseball program defeated the top-ranked team in the country. It was also Western Illinois’ first win of 2013 (1-2) and the first win of new head coach Ryan Brownlee.

Pingel started off his 2012 Northwoods career as a temporary player for the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Rochester picked up Pingel mid-season and he finished out 2012 with Rochester going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA. He appeared in 5 games, 2 of which we starts, pitching 20.0 innings, allowing 7 runs (5 earned) and striking out 17.

As a freshman at Western Illinois, the Appleton, WI native appeared in 5 games, pitching 9 innings and striking out 5. A graduate of Appleton North High School, Pingel finished his prep career 10-1 with a 0.94 ERA, while striking out 80 in 73.0 innings pitched.

December 17, 2012

Honkers Announce 2013 Schedule
(Click Here for Printable Schedule)

(Rochester, MN)—The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club announced today their complete game schedule for the 2013 Northwoods League season.

The Five-Time NWL Champions open their 20th season on May 29^th, when they travel to Mankato, MN to take on the MoonDogs @ 7:05pm. Their home opener will then take place on Thursday, May 30th, when the Mankato MoonDogs come back to Mayo Field for a 7:05pm first pitch. The 2013 season will see a return of inter-division play when the Honkers will take on the Battle Creek Bombers (Battle Creek, MI) and Lakeshore Chinooks (Mequon, WI) of the South Division. The league has played in division only for the last 3 seasons.

The Honkers, a member of the North Division, will play a 70 game schedule in 75 days, beginning on the road on May 29^th and ending at home on August 11^th. The first half of the season will be complete at the end of play on Wednesday, July 3^rd with the second half beginning the following day. The NWL Playoff Series will take place from August 12^th through August 17^th. The winners of each division’s two halves will meet in a best-of-three divisional playoff series (August 12-14) with the winners advancing to the Summer Collegiate World Series (August 15-17), also a best-of-three. The Northwoods League’s 19^th All-Star Game will take place on July 23^rd in Eau Claire, WI.

Rochester Honkers home games will start at 7:05pm for games Monday through Saturday and Sundays will all start at 1:05pm. The Honkers will also play two mid-week day games (Monday, June 17^th and Tuesday, July 9^th) both starting at 1:05pm.

General admission ticket prices for the 2013 will be a flat rate of $6.00/person, but kids 4 and under are admitted for free. In 1994, the Honkers general admission tickets were $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids and seniors.

The Rochester Honkers are one of two remaining teams (Wisconsin (Wausau) Woodchucks) from the Northwoods League’s inaugural season of 1994. The Honkers have won a league high Five NWL Championships: (1994, 1997, 1999, 2006, 2009).For the Rochester Honkers complete schedule, game times and ticket information, go to www.rochesterhonkers.com. The entire NWL schedule is available at www.northwoodsleague.com.

Victorias Restaurant Suites

#1 – RESERVED

#2 – RESERVED

Community Angel Program
presented by Think Mutual Bank

*AVAILABLE

Community Partner Program
presented by First Alliance Credit Union

*RESERVED

Dream Team
presented by Cars-N-Credit

*RESERVED

Rochester @ Mankato 7:05pm

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Rochester @ Mankato 7:05pm

Honkers vs. Mankato MoonDogs 7:05pm

Greenway Grand Slam Patio

Victorias Restaurant Suites

Community Angel Program presented by Think Mutual Bank

Community Partner Program presented by First Alliance Credit Union

Dream Team presented by Cars-N-Credit

Rochester @ Mankato 7:05pm

Community Angel Program
presented by Think Mutual Bank

Community Partner Program
presented by First Alliance Credit Union

Dream Team
presented by Cars-N-Credit