Meet the 2007 Cougars
The 2006 fall season ended with high expectations for the baseball program. After a disappointing spring last year, the Cougars hope to bounce back with a core group of newcomers and 11 seniors. Although Clark lost four seniors from last year’s team, head coach Jason Falcon is looking for this season’s veteran class to pick up the slack. “After having the program’s best season in 2005 (17-18), the 2006 squad did not live up to its expectations,” said Falcon, entering his eighth season as the Cougar skipper. “There was a sense of pride and ownership missing from the program last season.” “This year’s seniors recognized that and have worked very hard to get everyone on board.”
Leading the list of returnees are tri-captains Kyle Breidenstine INF (Shoemakersville, PA), Michael Pritchard RHP/1B (Ansonia, CT), and Gunnar Hagstrom C/OF(Yarmouth, ME). Four-year participants Tim Simokonis RHP (Worcester, MA), Joe Pasciucco INF/RHP (Attleboro, MA), Mike Levy RHP (New Hyde Park, NY), Ross Godin INF (Worcester, MA), Nick Tapper 1B (Hopkinton, MA), and James Mancuso C (Boca Raton, FL) will be looked upon to help guide the team and put Clark back on course. Rounding out the senior class are two-year members Rob Muollo OF (Quincy, MA) and Jeremy Strom RHP (Englewood, CO).
The junior class is a very strong group and should provide the Cougars with skill and experience. Miles Whitlock RHP (Augusta, ME), Dan Simokonis RHP (Worcester, MA), Eric Dufour OF ( Exeter, NH), Cole Osburn OF ( Mendon, MA), Matt Adams INF ( Jackson Heights, NY), Joe Silva C/OF ( Westbury, NY), and Angelo Guisado RHP (Springfield, MA) all return for their third season.
The sophomore class consists of a trio of right-handed pitchers. David Gagnon RHP (Harwich, MA), Greg Long RHP (Milford, MA) and Matt Tillo RHP (Osterville, MA) have already had an impact on the program and should continue to get stronger. All three are expected to contribute in the rotation as well as the bullpen this spring.
The freshman class is very versatile and should provide Coach Falcon with many options this season. Twin brothers Erik DiMarco, a left-handed pitcher/first baseman, and Phil DiMarco, an outfielder, are from Bellingham, MA., and should be solid contributors. Stephen DeMartino C/OF (North Haven, CT), Jon Merritt LHP (East Bridgewater, MA), David Kanter INF (Syracuse, NY), and Brendan Solecki INF (Portsmouth, RI) round out the first-year class. “I was very pleased with the hustle and talent of this group,” said Falcon. “They worked hard and appear to be adjusting well to the college game. They’ll definitely provide a spark for the program.”
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Cougars Add New Coach
Mike Meagher has been added to the coaching staff for the 2006 season. A Worcester native, Meagher played college baseball for Maryland and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005. Last season, he pitched for the Worcester Tornadoes and had a solid season out of the bullpen. “I am very pleased to add someone with Mike’s background to the program,” said Falcon.” He brings a great deal of experience to the table for the players and has already been a positive influence on the pitching staff. Mike and I will work together to improve each of the pitchers and make the staff a formidable group,” said Falcon.
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2007 Captains
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#8 Kyle Breidenstine
Career Stats:
.277 BA
36 R
71 H
4 2B
20 RBI
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#20 Gunnar Hagstrom
Career Stats:
.336 BA
28 R
40 H
14 2B
15 RBI
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#10 Mike Pritchard
Career Stats:
.250 BA
16 R
19 H
10 RBI
1-4, 27 IP
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The Cougars are proud to announce the new captains for this upcoming season. Kyle Breidenstine, Mike Pritchard, and Gunnar Hagstrom will lead the Clark squad. A native of Shoemakersville, Pa., Breidenstine, has anchored the infield from the shortstop position the last two seasons and has been very solid defensively for Clark. Not only is he a smart player, but has a solid bat as well. Mike Pritchard, from Ansonia, CT, has done a tremendous job as a key utility player the last three seasons. Pritchard has played both the outfield and infield as well as been a starter and relief pitcher for the Cougars. He will be looked upon to fill those roles again in ‘07. Gunnar Hagstrom, from Yarmouth, Me., started playing for the team sophomore season after playing basketball his first two years. Still a dual-sport athlete, Hagstrom is a solid defensive catcher, leading the team in most offensive categories last year.
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Whitlock, Simokonis and Hagstrom to Play in Southern Collegiate League
Coach Falcon recently announced that Miles Whitlock, Dan Simokonis and Gunnar Hagstrom have signed contracts to play in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL). Whitlock and Hagstrom will play for the Tennessee Tornadoes, while Simokonis will compete with the Carolina Sox. The SCBL is an amateur wood bat summer league that gathers talent from schools all over the country. “I was very excited that these young men have been selected to play in this league, as it was their hope to have this opportunity,” said Falcon. “Not only will this give them more exposure, but it will give them an opportunity to showcase their talents to a larger audience.” “Every player dreams of playing in front of large crowds and playing professional baseball. This will get them one step closer to that dream.” “I am very excited about their opportunity and I know it will be a fun and positive experience,” Falcon said.
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Baseball Office
Jason Falcon, Head Coach, 508-421-3832
Email: jfalcon@clarku.edu
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The Catchin' Up with the Cougars Baseball Fall newsletter provides an inside glance at the 2006 fall season and the upcoming spring season. For additional and up-to-date information on the baseball program, please visit the links above.
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If you are interested in supporting the baseball program and would like more information, please contact Head Coach Jason Falcon.
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Meet the 2007 Cougars