Cedarville University Yellow Jackets

May 21, 2012

All good things must come to an end. This past week, our season wrapped up as we closed the book on the most successful year in Cedarville baseball history. The past few months have been very rewarding for us as a program as well as many players individually.

Our 38-13 mark ousted the school’s previous single-season win record of 33, set a season ago. In addition, we won the NCCAA Midwest Regional for a third time in four years. Our two wins in the NCCAA national tournament tied a school high set in 2009.

On an individual level, several of us accomplished personal records this season and were recognized by the NCCAA. For the second straight year, David Ledbetter and Alex Beelen were recognized as All-Americans. Beelen wrapped up his career as the school’s all-time leader in hits and runs. Mike Roe finished the year 10-0 on the bump for us this year and set a school record for wins. Nate Davenport drove in 63 runs, breaking his previous school record of 61. Finally,  I broke the school’s all-time walk record of 125, previously set by my teammate Tyler Rost.

While our team and individual accomplishments were great achievements, we did fall a bit short of our 40 win goal as well as our NCCAA title aspirations. However, this season was a great success for us despite our shortcomings. I can speak on behalf of all four seniors in saying that finishing our college careers with this great group of guys was nothing short of awesome. Spending four years at Cedarville and being a part of the baseball program’s transformation has been extremely rewarding.

I’d like to thank all our fans this season for all the support you’ve shown. Each and every one of you have been instrumental to our success this year. We couldn’t have done it without you!

To those of you who have stayed glued all year to my blogs, I hope you’ve enjoyed them. I’ve had a good time keeping you in the loop with all our team news and notes. It’s been a blast!


May 14, 2012

We’re set to embark on the most exciting week of our season, the week we’ve been building toward all year long. Our 36-11 record and NCCAA Midwest championship was recognized by the NCCAA selection committee, as we received the No. 1 seed in the national tournament.

We won our third regional title in the past four years, but this year was by far the most challenging path. Spring Arbor pushed us to the limit this past week in the three-game series. Mike Roe, Jordan Ammon, and David Ledbetter started the games for us and gave up a combined five runs in 21 innings. The competitive play was a good tune-up for us as we prepare for the national tournament.

I can speak on behalf of all the seniors in saying that we’re anxious to play just a few more times to wrap up our careers in style. I’m considering this week the last of my childhood and I’ll enjoy it playing a kid’s game.

When our season began, our goal was to win 40 games and win an NCCAA national title. As we begin our season’s final week, we’ve done all we can to finish what we started.


May 8, 2012

Greetings Yellow Jacket fans!

I’m writing you from van #1 of our caravan heading north to Spring Arbor University in Michigan. They host us Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) for our NCCAA Midwest Regional Championship this year. The winner of the best-of-three series will receive an automatic bid to the NCCAA National Championship in Mason, Ohio next week.

Our entire season has been geared toward winning our region with the ultimate intent of winning an NCCAA national title. As we begin our postseason, we enter playing some of our best ball of the season on the heels of a memorable Senior Day.

We swept Urbana in a split doubleheader on Saturday 4-0 and 6-0 behind great pitching performances by our staff. It was a great way to wrap up our regular season. I can speak for all of the seniors in saying we were thrilled to win our last game at Yellow Jacket Field.

We enter the postseason 34-10, having already broken the previous school record for wins in a single season. However, our season will not be considered a success until we accomplish our postseason goals.

With a 40 win season and an NCCAA championship in clear sight, we’re all chomping at the bit to play some meaningful baseball down the stretch.
Stay tuned and hopefully next time I blog, we’ll be holding a regional championship banner!


April 23, 2012

This past week began with a “bang,” with our annual game at Fifth Third Field in Dayton. We knocked off Ohio Christian for a third time this season in front of hundreds in attendance. Promotions and special events were at a premium between innings, giving the game a minor league baseball feel to it. Game highlights included a towering home run by Nate Davenport and a few overpowering fast balls from Ryan Ledbetter in the ninth. The radar gun was the center of attention when Ryan came in to close, as he hit “93” twice.

As always, the sport management class and the Dragons staff did a wonderful job organizing the anticipated event. On behalf of our entire team, thanks so much for your hard work! It was really appreciated.

The remainder of the week included a split up in Canton against Malone and a three-game (and season) sweep over Oakland City on Friday and Saturday. Our bats came alive in the weekend set, as we put together 35 runs in the three games including an 18-run outburst in our game Saturday. The 5-1 week improved our season mark to 29-9.

The upcoming week promises to be a challenging one for us, with a Tuesday nine-inning game at Wilmington and four against Urbana this weekend. If all goes according to plan, we’ll break Cedarville baseball’s single-season wins record (33) over the weekend. The 33-win mark was set a season ago.

Tune in next week to recap what should be a record-breaking week for Yellow Jacket baseball!
           

April 16, 2012

Thanks to all of you for the positive reviews of our season’s first video blog. Because there has been such good feedback, another is likely to come in the upcoming weeks.

We hosted Salem International this past Friday and swept the Tigers 11-0 and 5-4 in the doubleheader. Despite our sluggish start to the second game, our offense responded late and rallied to win. Cam McWilliams capped off the victory with his second career walk-off hit.

Despite coach’s best efforts to steer the inclimate weather away, our doubleheader was rained out Saturday. The freshman took it upon themselves to go “tarp sliding” amidst the downpour, which is not only unwise but also quite dangerous. Last I checked, there are no reported injuries or cases of pneumonia as a result. Taking the tarp off was also a challenge, as the heavy winds made it one of our more difficult tarp jobs.

A definite “thank you” is in order to Mrs. Davenport for providing us with BBQ sandwiches and Mrs. Petke for bringing us fruit and rice crispy treats for lunch on Saturday.

Monday marks one of the most exciting games on our schedule this season, as we get the opportunity to host Ohio Christian at Fifth Third Field in Dayton. The park is the home field of the “Dragons,” and every year this day is always eagerly anticipated. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to see David Ledbetter pitch yet this season, his nasty stuff and microscopic ERA will be on full display on the bump Monday night.

Our weekend wins improved our record to 24-8 on the year. Our 33 win season a year ago established a school record, and with 14 regular season games left on our schedule this year, that number provides us with a very achievable target to strive for.

Thanks as always for reading and I’ll look forward to seeing you all Monday night!


April 2, 2012

Recapping a week is much more fun when there are no losses to mention, like this past one was for us. We went 4-0 and improved our overall record to 18-4 on the season.

Our week began with a home sweep against rival Walsh on Tuesday, which was very encouraging. Walsh always seems to give us fits, and sweeping them mid-week was a big accomplishment for us. Our freshmen pitchers Sean Larkin and Jordan Ammon both stepped up for us, winning their respected starts.

Conversely, our bats came alive in our sweep Friday at Salem International. Despite the four-hour bus drive, we were able to maintain our focus and perform well right off the bat. Our lineup pushed 23 runs across in the doubleheader and put both games away early. David Ledbetter threw his second no-hitter of the season in a dazzling performance, keeping the opposing hitters off-balance for the entire game. Because I am superstitious, I won’t mention that he has yet to give up an earned run in 33 2/3 innings this season. Inclement weather prevented us from playing our scheduled game on Saturday, which did allow us to get back to school earlier than we expected to watch the Final Four.

The upcoming week will serve as a midway point in our regular season with “halftime” set to start upon our release for Easter weekend. A doubleheader at Cincinnati-Clermont and four against Notre Dame (Ohio) this weekend still challenge us as we look to build on our current seven-game win streak.

On a more serious note, Derek Ogle’s family suffered a loss this past week and I’m sure they would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Easter to you all and I’ll look forward to filling you in on all our news and notes next week!


March 26, 2012

Spring has sprung and we’re fully entrenched in our weekly practice and game schedule.

This past week was a really successful one for us on the field. We went 5-1 with our only blemish being a 4-0 home loss to Tiffin last Wednesday where we never really got our bats going. However, we did rebound nicely over the weekend in a three-game sweep at Oakland City. We scored 30 runs combined in the three wins and pulled out a close one in our first game Saturday in extra innings. Our record improved to 14-4 on the season.

We were the recipient of some pretty crazy weather on Friday in Oakland City. Rain was on the radar so we expected a rain delay at some point and it greeted us in style. Midway through the game, the umpires cleared the field due to lightning and within five minutes we were experiencing torrential downpour. We helped our opponents’ tarp the field to ensure that we could resume the game after the passing shower. What we did not expect was for the rain to turn into golf-ball sized hail for several minutes, leaving the field covered (in what looked like moth balls). The hail storm created a deafening sound in the sheet metal-roofed dugout. We did ultimately resume the game and the temperature probably dropped 10 degrees due to the storm.

Once again, we were enthused with the strong turnout from family members over the weekend. In fact, we may have out out-drawn our opponent five hours away from home. I’d say that’s pretty impressive.

This week promises to be a big one for us, with five scheduled games. We host rival Walsh on Tuesday afternoon and play three at Salem International in West Virginia over the weekend. We’ll look to “stay hot” and come out scorching with five wins this week.


March 19, 2012

This past week was a certainly a lighter one in the grand scheme of our schedule this spring. We went 2-1 and two of our weekend games were cancelled against Hiwassee (Tenn.) due to inclement weather. However, there are still plenty of noteworthy topics to discuss.

First, we began our week with a 3-2 loss in our home opener against Miami-Hamilton but rebounded nicely with an 11-4 win in the second half of the doubleheader. Coach has implored us to maintain focus mentally regardless of our opponent and be sharp in our execution right from the “get go” in every game we play. Hopefully our lapse last Tuesday will serve as a learning tool for us as we continue the season’s grind.

One bright spot from the games Tuesday was Shane Johnson’s home run. In a pinch hit appearance, Shane deposited the first pitch he saw over the left field wall. The homer marked Shane’s first college hit and is his first home run at any level. Congrats Shane! (Who would have thought Shane would hit a homer before the “powerful powerful man” Nate Davenport this season?).

Our weekend trip to Tennessee was nothing short of eventful on many levels. Twenty-five of us had to pack into a school athletic bus like sardines which created an unpleasant six-hour trip there and back. We did get a chance to run through some pretty good movies (on full blast) to help us pass the time. Our lodging experience in Tennessee was also quite different. The out-dated Magneson hotel (or Magnesium, as Coach Manes called it) eerily resembled the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. However, I did not spend my time doing laps on a tricycle in the hallways, rather using most of our down time to watch the crazy first weekend of March Madness.

Our trip to the ball field Friday morning was also quite memorable, as we had a chance to see absolutely nothing that resembled civilization. The half hour or so bus drive provided its fair share of scenic views as well as alarmed Lookout Mountain residents, who looked at our bus as if it were a spaceship (note we were not in the Neoplan). The trip culminated in a college, literally in the middle of nowhere, where there just happened to be a baseball field. For those of you looking to vacation in Madisonville, Tennessee, don’t.

Although we only had the chance to play one game, it is worth noting that David Ledbetter threw a five-inning no hitter before the game was called because of rain.
The upcoming week for us is one of our busier ones, with six games in six days including doubleheaders on Tuesday (Ohio Christian) and Saturday (Oakland City). Next week I’ll fill you in our results as well as any notable bits I pick up along the way.

Note: Kudos to the Davenports and Ledbetters for meandering to Lookout Mountain to see us play this weekend and providing us with refreshments.

Note to Mr. Ward: Mr. Ledbetter said he was unhappy that I singled you out as my favorite “team dad.” If you would like to remain on that perch, I am still looking for a job upon graduation, just saying.


March 12, 2012

Greetings Yellow Jacket fans!

I’m writing you all from Cedarville after our week and a half trip to Florida. We arrived back by bus on Sunday afternoon and are looking forward to our home season opener on Tuesday.

Our Florida trip was a huge success for us both on and off the field. We went 7-2 and won five straight in the Clearwater Invitational. The trip was highlighted by our come from behind win Saturday afternoon against East Stroudsburg. Ranked 24th nationally among Division II schools, they jumped out to a 9-2 lead early in the game but we fought all the way back to a 12-9 victory. It was a great way to end our trip.

Unfortunately, most parents who made the trip down did not get a chance to see our game Saturday. However, we as a team feel obligated to thank each and every family member who came down to watch us play. We cannot thank them enough for their prayers, encouragement, and especially the food provided throughout the trip. We would all like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Beelen on feeding us like kings and making sure the umpires hear it. Also, a shout is in store to my favorite team dad (other than my own), Mr. Ward for always providing a good laugh.

Off the field, we are growing as a team as well. We had team devotions every morning in Florida which got every day off to a great start. In addition, team camaraderie has been awesome. We have had the chance to grow and mesh a lot. In my four years playing baseball here, this is easily the most team chemistry we’ve had this early in the season.

We have established a couple team traditions on our spring break trip over the past few years including a wing eat-off and team karaoke. This year, Derek Ogle took home the title of “wing eating champion” by polishing off 73. Jordan Chapman finished in second with a modest 63. Needless to say, Quaker State & Lube of Clearwater provided its fair share of entertainment.

Our karaoke event this year provided plenty of laughs as well as head scratches. The Ledbetters, Sam Summerlin, Jordan Ammon, and Peter Martin (red shirt) performed their best rendition of “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce. I am by no means a music expert, but as a sane individual with some level of common sense, I can definitively say it should never be repeated. Other than that debacle, team favorite John Mark Edwards (Pope) performed the night’s only solo, “How sweet it is to be loved by you.” He also should plan on keeping his day job.

Thanks again to all my readers and team followers for backing the Jackets! I’ll look forward to filling you all in on this week’s news.  


March 5, 2012

Greetings from sunny Clearwater!

The weather has been nothing short of perfect thus far and there is plenty of sunburn to go around. We have been traveling everywhere in the “spaceship” sleeper bus which has certainly raised the ire of others sharing the road. Our trip south was more peaceful than expected, as most of us did get a good night’s rest last Tuesday night.

Perhaps the most entertaining story thus far occurred on Friday evening when a fan shorted in one of our hotel rooms, causing a small fire. Ogle was called into duty as the smoke awakened him and his roommates (Ledbetters & Cam McWilliams). Ogle filled the bathroom trash can up with water a few times and put the fire out (with indescribable stoicism). At this point, the hotel fire alarm system had awakened all of the sleepers at 1:30 a.m. as everyone filed into the parking lot only to be met by five fire trucks filled with Clearwater’s finest. This is what I was told, because I, Logan Kasabian, and Mike Roe decided that the fire drill was optional and were the only three remaining hotel visitors sleeping the night away, ignoring the mayhem. We all enjoyed a good laugh the next morning, not only at the odd occurrence, but at my roommates’ ignorance.

On the ball field, our performance has been a mix of some good and some bad so far. Through Monday, we’re 2-2 with two big wins over Clearwater Christian, a 12-4 loss at Southeastern and an 11-9 loss to Neumann. Those losses were filled with some positives and a lot of negatives, mostly due to cobwebs. As we continue to play, I have no doubts that we’ll shake off some game rust and get into the swing of things. We play nine inning games every day through Saturday, all against strong competition. Our play this week will be a good barometer for us to see where we are now and how far we need to go to accomplish our goals up north.

Stay tuned. Next week we’ll recap our Florida trip and get the ball rolling on our season back home.


March 1, 2012

I have the privilege of being your weekly baseball blogger for the upcoming season and I am certainly looking forward to providing a unique insight into the Cedarville baseball program. As a senior, I can speak on behalf of the whole team in saying that we are all chomping at the bit to begin our long anticipated season.

There are 11 new members of our team this year and many guys will look to contribute right off the bat for us. Our seniors contributed a significant amount for us last season but our improved depth this year will be a huge plus. Also, our new pitching coach Ben Galbreath (Coach G) is doing a great job working with our hurlers.
 
We departed for Clearwater, Florida on Tuesday night on a sleeper bus. My guess is that 25 guys looking forward to spring break will hardly create an environment conducive to sleeping, but that’s why I’m bringing my NyQuil.  Regardless, hopefully when we exit the bus there is a 50 degree spike and my sunscreen can finally come out of hibernation.

All of our hard work throughout our seven week fall season and rigorous indoor winter activities will be rewarded on Thursday evening when we step onto the field and begin our regular season. Our 5 a.m. workouts and backwards sleeping schedules will be a distant memory when “play ball” is heard for the first time.

While our Florida schedule will be hectic, it will be extremely enjoyable playing 11 games in 11 days, including three doubleheaders. Friday and Sunday will be “off-days” for us, meaning we don’t have games but coach has assured us we won’t be “vacationing” those two days either.

Stay posted and I’ll look forward to bringing you all your weekly baseball info throughout the course of our season. Next time you read we’ll have already played a handful of games to fill you in on.

PS - Thanks are in store to Coach Estepp who has agreed to purchase the baseball team an Xbox 360 for agreeing to switch locker rooms. Good luck in your post season coach!


Paul Hembekides is a senior infielder from West Chester, Pa. He is in his final season with the Yellow Jackets and is majoring in comprehensive communications.