Although school may not be out for every kid in the state of New York, summer is officially upon us as the Genesee Rapids open up their 6th season of NYCBL action this Friday, June 7th at Houghton College Baseball Field. The Rapids are looking to bounce back from a 15-27 season under the leadership of new Head Coach Thad Johnson. Johnson, a native of Jamestown, NY, is an alumni of St. Bonaventure University and is currently an assistant coach at Menlo College in Atherton, CA. New this season to the staff is Pitching Coach, Ryan Christenson of Ellsworth, WI, where he is a high school teacher. Returning for his sixth year on staff is Assistant Coach Bill Swanson.
One of the strengths of this year’s Rapids team should be its pitching staff. Heading into the season, the Rapids have 13 arms on staff. This depth will help the Rapids deal with the 42 game schedule that includes more doubleheaders this year. Many of the Rapids pitchers are two-way players that can also play the field at a variety of positions if needed.
In the field, the Rapids feature multiple All-Conference performers from their respective college seasons. Cairn University teammates Caleb Edman and Michael Sorowice are joining the Rapids for their first seasons in the NYCBL. Sorowice was an honorable mention OF in the Colonial States Athletic Conference while Edman was named a first team OF and the league’s Co-Rookie of the Year. Another pair of college teammates with all-league honors are joining the Rapids as well for the first time. Eastern Mennonite University Catcher Ray Tricarico was named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference 2nd Team while teammate and OF Jaylon Lee was a 3rd Team selection.
We are thankful to the faithful attendance of our Rapids fans over the years, and we look forward to seeing many of you out at the ballpark this season!
Genesee Rapids Blog 