Tag Archive for: Youngstown State

YSU BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH DAN BERTOLINI (EP 4)

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Another weekend, another perennial powerhouse for the Penguins to face this past week.  Once again Coach Bertolini and the ‘Guins held their own at Tennessee Tech.  Now the Red and Black Attack turn their focus to another bird from the Buckeye State as YSU will faceoff with the Miami Redhawks.

We caught up with the YSU Skipper to talk about how things went down south, as well as where the bar is right now for our guys and how we’ll continue to #ChangeYourBest.

 

YSU Baseball Intrasquad Scrimmage – Sept. 21, 2018 at Eastwood Field (COURTESY YSU ATHLETIC DEPT)

 

Also, don’t miss this week’s social media question that asks Coach’s favorite place he’s played in, as well as the stadium he’d still love to do battle in.

All that and more on this week’s YSU Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini (EP 4)

PRESENTED BY

THE KILLER WEHL

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There’s a subtlety in utility for the Youngstown State Penguin Baseball Team this year.  For instance, Sophomore Jeff Wehler played in 53 games in 2018- none as an outfielder.  In 2019, the utility specialist has the majority of his starts in left field and has a handful of web gems already under his belt.

The stellar sophomore’s standout play to this point this season is his two-run home run against Florida State in Game 3 of the series.

YSU Baseball Intrasquad Scrimmage – Sept. 22, 2017 at Eastwood Field

 

Wehler’s success is a direct reflection of the work he’s put in on and off the field.  Jeff led the team and ranked second in the Horizon League with 25 stolen bases his freshman campaign.  That total is the most ever by a YSU freshman.  Wehler also became the first Penguin since 1988 to reach at least 25 steals in a season which also rank as the fourth most in a single season in school history.   Only three freshmen in the country had more steals at the conclusion of the regular season

Youngstown State Baseball 2019 Photo Day – Dec. 7, 2018 (Photo by David Dermer)

YSN General Manager Steve Leslie caught up with the Super Utility Man for this week’s YSU Baseball Player Profile- THE KILLER WEHL.

CALLIN’ CLARK

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Some people have the ability to take on high-pressure situations in life and maintain a slow heartbeat.

For example, taking on two of the nations top college baseball teams in back to back starts, and coming out relatively unscathed after 10.2 innings pitched, five strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.38?  That’s looking into the face of greatness and not blinking.  That is the Sophomore 6’3 Southpaw for YSU.  That is Colin Clark.

Youngstown State Baseball vs. Niagara at Eastwood Field – April 24, 2018 (Photo by Chris Kilroy)

Clark is a business major at YSU, and business has been good on the diamond.  Colin has gone 5.1 innings in both outings, and like all things, is only getting better with time.  Colin gave up three earned runs in the opening series versus Mississippi State, and followed that performance up in Tallahassee with a gem against the Seminoles of Florida State letting up only one earned run while striking out 4.

It’s no surprise to those who know him, though.  At Logan Elm High School, Clark was the recipient of three varsity letters and was a team captain for two of them.  Also before his time at YSU, Clark played in the Mizuno Senior All-Star Series and recorded a league-best 72 strikeouts his senior season.

Youngstown State baseball vs. Wright State at Nischwitz Stadium – May 24, 2018 (Photo by Erin Pence – Wright State University)

So, it’s no surprise that there’s a certain comfort the Guins have in giving the ball to the guy who continues to frustrate hitters and excite Penguin Nation.  When the giants are in the other dugout and there’s nowhere to turn, who are you gonna call?  YSN’s General Manager Steve Leslie had a chance to catch up with the answer to that question for this week’s YSU Baseball Player Profile: CALLIN’ CLARK.

 

 

YSU BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ DAN BERTOLINI (EP 3)

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After a trip to Tallahassee, Florida to take on the Number 6 ranked team in the nation, Coach Dan Bertolini and the Youngstown State Baseball Team are back home for a few days to refuel, refocus, and reunite.

Although the ‘Guins fell short in all three games of the series, they stood toe to toe for all the contests.  In fact, YSU had a lead in all three games against the Seminoles.

PHOTO CREDIT: YSU ATHLETICS DEPT.  Youngstown State Baseball at Florida State at Dick Howser Stadium on Feb. 23, 2019 (Photo by Ken Lanese)

We caught up with the Head Ball Coach to talk about his takeaways from the series, we take the pulse on the team and look toward another highly touted series against Tennessee Tech this weekend.  All that, and more on YSU Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini (Episode 3.)

PRESENTED BY

FOR GOODNESS’ HAKE

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YSU Senior Relief Pitcher, Joel Hake is as “Youngstown” as it gets on the diamond.  He’s a scrappy slinger that graduated from Ursuline after helping his team to four district titles in his high school days, and as of late, Hake is one of the top relievers in Dan Bertolini’s bullpen.  In his career at YSU, he’s tallied just over 120 innings and in those frames, he’s struck out 81 and only walked 36 tallying five saves along the way.

This year has been especially tough for Joel as he’s started out rehabbing a lingering injury after pitching just one inning keeping him grounded through the most part of the first two series of the season.

Youngstown State Baseball vs. UIC at Eastwood Field on March 31, 2018 (Photo by John Vogel)

When Hake receives the green light to come back…look out.  Although Joel majors in nursing, he has no second thoughts about tearing through the competition in 2019.  This year, Joel intends to add to the outstanding numbers he generated last year as well as to his legacy at the Penguin Closer.

Our Steve Leslie (and Joel’s former Manager) sat down with Hake in Tallahassee just before the FSU series to discuss past, present, and future for #3 in your programs for this week’s YSU Penguin Baseball Player Profile: FOR GOODNESS’ HAKE.

 

 

 

Youngstown State Baseball vs. UIC at Eastwood Field on March 30, 2018 (Photo by John Vogel)

THE SLAMMIN’ SALMON

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One day there will be a trivia question that goes like this: “Name the school and player that hit the first-ever home run at Mississippi State’s Dudy Noble Field?”

The answer: Youngstown State’s Trevor Wiersma.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF YSU ATHLETICS (Photo by David Dermer)

Wiersma’s 6’3, 225-pound frame is not only intimidating to opposing pitchers but puts the jitters in the legs of first basemen 90 feet away.  Trevor Wiersma is more than welcome in the Penguin Clubhouse this year after playing 145 games (140 starts) for Division II Concord University.  The big left-handed slugger stacked up accolades while there- being named Mountain East Conference Freshman of the year in 2016, and All-MEC selections as both a freshman and sophomore.

PHOTO CREDIT: All Images Courtesy of YSU Athletics

While Youngstown is home for Trevor while he chases his MBA, his hometown is Vancouver, British Columbia.  Where the seafood is as fresh as you’ll ever have, especially the best-known seafood, BC salmon.

YSN’s General Manager, Steve Leslie sits down with the Big Fish on Campus, Trevor Wiersma for our YSU Baseball Player Profile: THE SLAMMIN’ SALMON.

 

 

YOUNGSTOWN STATE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ DAN BERTOLINI (EP 2)

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The season opener has come and gone, and the YSU Penguins Baseball Squad held their ground in the battle against one of the nations top teams, Mississippi State.  Coach Bertolini and the boys led No. 9 Mississippi State heading into the bottom of the sixth but ultimately fell 14-3 in game one of a three-game series at Dudy Noble Field.

In his first game as a Penguin, senior first baseman Trevor Wiersma went 2-for-4 with a single and a two-run home run while driving in all three YSU runs. Web Charles doubled in the contest while Cameron Murray and Jeff Wehler each singled.

During the second game of the series, Junior- Blaze Glenn hit his first home run of the season.  Overall, the ‘Guins showed that they can and will stand toe-to-toe with any team in the country and that the offense is potentially one of the most dangerous in the conference with flashes of incredible defense and untouchable pitching.

All Photos Courtesy of YSU Athletics

As the Boys of Spring get ready for another test against a nationally ranked opponent, we caught up with Coach Bertolini to discuss takeaways from the first series, as well as what we can expect against and from Florida State.

Oh, you might also want to hang around for the last question, it’s a pretty powerful answer.

Episode two of Youngstown State Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini is LIVE! 

PRESENTED BY

WORLD-WIDE WEB

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When you’re looking for the heartbeat of the 2019 YSU Penguin Baseball team, you don’t have to look far.  He’s one of the mainstays of the program to this point and is a leader on and off the field.  Unlike Web Charles, you don’t have to be a Mathematics major to tell he’s pretty darn good at baseball as well.  As a Junior, Web played in 40 games (started 38) and contributed six doubles, 12 RBI’s and belted the first two dingers of his career.

PHOTO CREDIT: YSUSPORTS.COM

To say Web is getting better as he gets older is the understatement of the year.  This year, it’s his mission to win the conference, and make a big dent in the plans of the tournament opponents.  The Reno, Nevada native is poised and ready for an explosive year for the ‘Guins, and it all gets started in Mississippi State in just a few days.

We’re excited to sit down with Youngstown State Senior, Web Charles for our first YSU Baseball Penguin Player Profile: WORLD-WIDE WEB.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: YSUSPORTS.COM

 

YOUNGSTOWN STATE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ DAN BERTOLINI (EP 1)

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Youngstown State Baseball is back, and better than ever.

Coming off a tough 18-38 record in 2018, YSU Manager Dan Bertolini has 19 letter-winners and nine starters returning for this year’s campaign.  The Penguins will also return two all-league second team performers and three all-freshman team selections in 2019.

The ‘Guins are young, hungry, and opportunity is knocking on their front door.

PHOTO CREDIT: YSUSPORTS.com

In our first chat with the third-year Penguin Skipper, we discuss the foundation of this squad.  As well as the opportunities that this year’s team are presented with the early matchups against top-ten foes in Mississippi State and Florida State.  Coach Bertolini also dives into what legacy he’s trying to create from the top down, and we even get where “Coach Berto” would vacation if he had to pick anywhere in the world.

So, kick back, relax, and think warm thoughts.

Episode One of Youngstown State Baseball Coach’s Corner with Dan Bertolini is a click away!

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QUAKERS TAKE ON THE FUTURE

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The Salem Quakers held their college signings today for their student-athletes.  We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and thank them for allowing us to share in their big day!  Good luck at the next level, Quakers.  We’ll be cheering for you!

SIGNINGS INCLUDE:

PHOTO CREDIT: gary leininger

 

TURNER JOHNSON- Youngstown State University 

Turner is the son of Ron and Amy Johnson and served as the Quaker Captain on the football field.  Johnson will be a 14-time letter winner for the Quakers before all is said and done, and outside the lines is a great student that is a part of National Honor Society.  Turner will take part in the 2019 Penn-Ohio All-Star Classic in Geneva this summer.  While playing football for YSU, Turner plans on studying Physical Therapy.

PHOTO CREDIT: gary leininger

COOPER STOCKMAN- John Carroll University

Cooper is the son of Jeff and Megan Stockman and provided the presence up front for the Quaker defense.  Stockman will join the Blue Streaks on the football field this Fall

and will study Exercise Science.

PHOTO CREDIT: gary leininger

ROBBIE SARGINGER- Waynesburg University

Robbie is the son of Eric and Jen Sarginger and served as the teams top stopper on defense with 151 tackles in 2018.  Sarginger will play in the 2019 Penn-Ohio All-Star Classic and depart for Waynesburg in the fall to study Education.