Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Ontario Insider: The Fieldhouse Pirates Fall Trip Across U.S.

October 19, 2014

teps

By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Scouting Director

The Fieldhouse Pirates recently completed their fall trip, making stops across the U.S. in Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. The eleven day excursion saw them play games against top colleges such as Huntington University in Indiana, Southeastern C.C. in Iowa, Grayson C.C. in Texas and Murray State in Oklahoma to name a few. Below we take a look at the seven commitments that came from the Pirates during their time away, as well highlight some of the players and their accomplishments on the field.

Huntington University, NAIA


Day one saw Pirates players go through a series of workouts that included in and out, batting practice, and pens for all pitchers. First baseman Nick Ott was the first to commit, choosing to play next year at NAIA Huntington University. Ott is a big physical, 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-handed hitter with natural loft to his swing. Great awareness around the bag with a plus arm, Ott shows good actions as he is able to play a solid first base. He will go in to Huntington with a chance to compete for a starting job as a freshman.

Southeastern Community College


Day two was another combine day for the Fieldhouse Pirates who run their program out of Burlington, Ontario. Catcher Drew Reilly made a splash by popping a 1.90 from behind the plate, showing off his electric arm. What also makes him special is his above average speed. Reilly’s 60-yard dash time was recorded at 6.45 according to Pirates representatives. Also posting respectable 60 times was outfielder Jesse Lee at 6.70, and outfielder Chandler Robertson who ran a 6.90.

Crowder College


At Crowder, a few players took the spotlight during workouts, as a few players showed their two-way abilities. A rundown of the top velocities from the day:

C/RHP, Drew Reilly, 2015 – 91 mph from outfield, 89 mph off mound.
OF/RHP, Jesse Lee, 2015 – 89 mph from outfield, 88 mph off mound.
SS/RHP, Nick Iverson, 2017 – 87 mph off mound.

Drew Reilly capped off the day by signing to play for the Crowder Roughriders in 2015.

Cameron University


Games officially began as Fieldhouse took on Cameron University on their home field. On the mound, left-handed pitcher Dallas Taylor worked two innings topping at out 83 mph while striking out three. Taylor was followed by 6-foot-5 righty Jose Vasquez who threw another two innings of work, striking out three and maxing out at 83 mph as well. Both hurlers have clean, sound mechanics with easy actions and the potential to increase their velocities.

At the plate, left-handed hitter Chandler Robertson led the way going 2-4, showing his easy, compact stroke. Second baseman Liam Whalen was 1-3 with a double.

Redlands College


Day five saw short-stop Travis Ruf take center stage at the plate and in the field. Ruf went 2-3 with two singles, showing his approach to stay short to the ball and understand his role as a hitter at the top of the order. Dirt-bag type player that coaches love, Ruf ended up taking three hits away during game action, showing his instincts and his ability to make plays. A shortstop for Fieldhouse, Ruf projects as a second baseman at the next level. Right-handed pitcher Mark Bowen was 83 on the mound during his three innings of work. Third baseman Connor Mitchell had a solid day at the plate and was 2-3 with a single and double.

Murray State College


Outfielder Chandler Robertson had a coming out party. A triple away from hitting for the cycle, Robertson was 4-4 with a home run, double, and two singles. Needless to say Murray State coaches jumped all over him, and Robertson signed a letter of intent to attend Murray State for the 2015 baseball season. Whalen and Reilly each chipped in going 2-3 with a double and single. Taylor and Vasquez both went two scoreless while striking out a combined five hitters.

Vernon College


Workout day at Vernon College saw outfielder and pitcher Jesse Lee work from the mound sitting 86-89 mph. With a projectable body, and the ability to be a two-way player at the next level, Lee committed to Vernon after the day's activities.

Grayson County College


On the field of NJCAA powerhouse Grayson County College, Fieldhouse worked out and played a simulated game for Grayson coaches. Jose Vasquez continued to impress and didn’t go unnoticed. The big righty signed a letter of intent with Grayson CC for next year.

North Central Texas College


The last stop on the tour for Pirates players saw shortstop Travis Ruf sign his letter intent to play at North Central, ending a very successful trip for head coach Matt Baird and his Fieldhouse Pirates.

2015 Fieldhouse Pirates Commitments:


Drew Reilly – Crowder College in Missouri
Jesse Lee – Vernon College
Jose Vasquez – Grayson C.C.
Chandler Robertson – Murray State College
Travis Ruf – North Central Texas College
Liam Whalen – Murray State College
Nick Ott – Huntington University

The Pirates currently have three seniors who have yet to sign letters of intent for the 2015 season, they are; Dallas Taylor, Mark Bowen, and Connor Mitchell. All three gained interests from a number of schools on the trip and are all close to committing according to coach Jimmy Richardson.

The Fieldhouse Pirates have been a well-respected ball club in Ontario for some time now. Led by former minor leaguer Matt Baird and his staff, the Pirates have had a great success rate on sending their players on to secondary schools across the U.S. With upcoming prospects like Nick Iverson, it’s safe to say that Fieldhouse is on the map, and will be for some time.

Top Ontario Headlines