Mark Dvoroznak – OF – West Virginia

Photo Credit WVU Sports Communications

Position: Outfield

School: West Virginia

Year: Sophomore

Major: Accounting

Hobbies/activities: Hanging out with my family and friends

Nickname: Dvo

Pre-game ritual: Get mentally prepared and say a prayer

What do you want to accomplish in Waynesboro this summer: win another championship.

Favorites:

Food: anything my mom cooks

Movie: the Sandlot, Shawshank Redemption

Pre-game music: anything on my ipod (country or rap)

MLB team: Cleveland indians

MLB player: Omar Vizquel and Grady Sizemore

TV show: Sports Center

Place to eat: Home

How About a Hall of Fame?

I still remember when my dad told me that we were going to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. I was ten, and I was so excited I remember just jumping into his arms (I was a bit smaller back then.) A trip to Cooperstown is a must for all die-hard baseball fans, and I couldn’t wait to make my pilgrimage.

An idea that had been bandied about during the just-concluded offseason is to create a hall of fame for the Waynesboro Generals. This could take shape in whatever form we think necessary… but we need some help from the fans out there.

So the question is this: if we were to create a hall of fame for the Generals, who would have to be in it? We imagine that anyone who was affiliated with the team could be eligible.

Please leave a comment with ideas about who should be honored!

Calling All Ex-Generals!

As many fans may have noticed, the Waynesboro General caretakers have some exciting plans for the upcoming Valley League season. These plans include “2009 for 2009,” a speed gun game (with prizes for winners), and between-innings contests. Much more on these promotions later.

One of these plans, however, needs to be announced now. As a reunion of sorts, the Generals are inviting all former General players, coaches, and owners to come back to the ‘Boro on Sunday, June 7, for a home game against Staunton. The team wants to recognize as much of the history of the franchise as possible; this is step one in the process.

So from Denny Walling, Mike Lowell, Brandon Sizemore, to Kurt Davidson, Jim Critzer, Adam Liberatore, or Gabriel Saade, the team wants to hear from you! Please drop a line to the following email address, whether you can make it or not! (jleonardvbl(at)yahoo.com)

Fans, stay tuned!

Alumni Action: Pete Andrelczyk

Pete Andrelczyk, besides having a tough name to spell, is one of our alumni performing exceptionally well in professional baseball this season.

A member of the pitching staff of the Valley League champion 2007 Generals, Pete went 5-1, 2.12 that season. He was later drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 5th round in the 2008 draft. He spent his first pro season at two levels:  Jamestown of the New York-Penn League (low-A), and Greensboro of the South Atlantic League (A-ball). He finished the year (’08) 1-4, 4.59, with 5 saves.

Then came 2009. Assigned back to Greensboro, Pete is completely dominating in his second shot at this level. Currently, he’s 0-0, 0.55, with 4 saves, 0.80 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9, and 16.0 K/9 in 16 1/3 innings. He has not given up a run in his last 10 innings. Don’t be surprised if Pete gets a promotion before too long!

Congratulations on your excellent first month of the season, Pete!

Kaleb Fleck to Pitch on the Cape

The Waynesboro Generals have pumped out some impressive talent over the years, and it looks like Kaleb Fleck has a chance to be included on the list of the best.

Fleck pitched very well in the ‘Boro last summer. He finished 1-2, 1.80, with 2 saves, an 0.920 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9, and 11.2 K/9 in 25 innings. He flashed a low-to-mid 90’s fastball, and Coach John Cullen feels he can throw even harder.

With an arm like that, it’s not surprising that the Cape Cod League should come calling, even if Kaleb pitches for Division II Pitt-Johnston.

In this article in the Tribune-Democrat (the Johnston paper), Kaleb’s pitching coach, Rick Roberts, says that Kaleb has an excellent shot to make it to the major leagues. He said, “The way he developed from last year to this year, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s pitching on TV in two years. Kaleb works his butt off in the classroom, in the weight room. He does his stuff like a professional.”

Head coach Todd Williams echoed the sentiment: “I really feel this kid is going to make it the whole way. He’s phenomenal. His work ethic and the way he carries himself is what impresses me the most about Kaleb. He’s humble. He’s a quality student-athlete with a 3.7 GPA. He does it all.”

Waynesboro has played no small part in his development, according to Kaleb himself. “Going to Waynesboro last summer was the biggest thing that helped me,” Kaleb said. “It was a wooden bat league. I learned to pitch inside to batters. I used the whole plate. Pitching against players that are that good, you have to get better.”

Whether he “makes it” or not, there will be no lack of folks back in the ‘Boro rooting for Kaleb this summer and beyond. The whole General organization wishes you well. Keep firing those fastballs!

Where are the Pro Generals?

As most of you know, the Waynesboro Generals have a rich tradition of sending players on to professional baseball. From Mike Lowell to Pete Andrelczyk, the organization can be proud of the players moving on to make some money playing this game. So where are these alumni in the new year?

• Mike Lowell is playing third base for the Boston Red Sox.
• Chris Carter (01) made the Boston Red Sox opening day roster. He’s a lefthanded bat off the bench.
• Emil Brown did not make the San Diego Padres major league team- he’s starting the year with Triple-A Portland.
• Andy Cannizaro was last seen playing in the Cleveland Indians’ organization in Buffalo. Where is he in ’09?
• Brandon Inge is the starting catcher in Detroit for the Tigers. He’s off to a hot start, too!

• Pete Andrelczyk (07) is in low-A Greensboro in the Florida Marlins’ system.
• Kenneth Durst (06) is in high-A Modesto in the Oakland A’s system.
• Cat Everett (05), last seen in low-A Lexington, has not played yet in ’09.
• Mark Fleisher (04) was last seen in low-A Kannapolis. No stats for ’09 yet.
• Erik Kratz (00-01) is in Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pittsburgh system.
• Ray Liotta (02) is in high-A Wilmington in the Kansas City system.
  
• Tom Manzella (03) is in Triple-A Round Rock, just waiting for something to happen to Miguel Tejada in Houston.
• Levi Maxwell (06) is in high-A Winston-Salem in the White Sox system. (They used to be called the Warthogs- now the Dash?!?)
• Adam Pavkovich (01-02) is still in Triple-A Salt Lake City in the Angels’ system. Awaiting the call…
• Edgar Ramirez (03) has not been assigned a team yet. He pitched for the Mets’ St. Lucie team in ’08.
• Ryne Reynoso (05) has been assigned to the Braves’ double-A team in Mississippi.
• Jeremy Thorne (06) is in low-A Cedar Rapids, in the Angels’ system.
• Adam White (06) is back in low-A Lake County in the Indians’ system.

Good luck to all!

Altemus Returning to the ‘Boro!

In breaking news, West Virginia righthander and former Waynesboro General Andy Altemus is returning to the team for another season!

Andy was a critical member of the General staff last season, as he went 7-2, 3.32, with a 1.323 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, and 7.5 K/9 in 65 innings. So far for West Virginia this spring, Andy is 1-0, 3.62, with 2 saves, a 1.50 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 in 27 1/3 innings. (Stats through April 9)

Keep up the good work, Andy, and we look forward to seeing you on the mound at Kate Collins soon!

VandenBout Throws Gem

Former Waynesboro General Pete VandenBout (08) fired a gem of a complete game for West Virginia Tech and coach Lawrence Nesselrodt this afternoon. Head on over to Caretaker Jerry Carter’s new website– he blogged the game!

Checking in with Former General Greg Meleski

Greg Meleski, current Randolph Macon and past Waynesboro General second baseman, played two days ago at Eastern Mennonite University. The Generals Newsroom was there to get some pictures of one of our own…

Greg ready for a grounder

Taking a hack- he singled on this swing

With teammate Kevin Davis

UVA holds Off Marshall to Win 16th in a Row

Generals Sign Guy Mike attended this game yesterday, and has enlightened us with a game story. Enjoy!- Ed.

The Virginia Cavaliers, now (at 16-0) the only undefeated team left in D-1 baseball, came from behind to defeat the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-9) Tuesday, winning 5-4 in their first come from behind victory of the year.

The game was scoreless up until the 4th inning when the Thundering Herd put up 3 runs on Will Roberts. Nate Lape was hit by a pitch to lead off and scored on a double by Victor Gomez. After a groundout moved Gomez to third, Roberts struck out Rhett Stafford (Waynesboro 08). Josh Valle followed with a walk and Kevin Shackelford then hit a grounder to shortstop, which was booted by Cannon, allowing Gomez to score. Kenny Socorro followed with a single up the middle to plate Valle. UVA got a run back in the bottom of the 6th and Marshall scored their final run in the 7th to take a lead of 4-1.

The Cavaliers roared back in the bottom of the 7th with 4 runs of their own to take the lead and never look back. After the Cavs loaded the bases with two outs, Andrew Blain came in for the lefty-lefty match up with Jarrett Parker, who still coaxed a walk to score a run. Cannon followed with an opposite-field single, which plated two more runs and tied the game at 4-4.

Ian Kadish came on and allowed a stolen base to Cannon and then walked Phil Gosselin to load the bases. Kadish then balked, allowing Parker to score the go-ahead run.

Matt Packer (1-0) earned the win after going 3 innings, and allowing 1 run on 3 hits, striking out 3 and walking one. Andrew Blain (1-1) was the losing pitcher who went through the 7th without recording an out and gave up 1 run on 1 hit, and walked two. Kevin Arico earned his first save this year after going 2 inn, giving up 0 runs on 2 hits, striking out 2 and walking one.

The Marshall Thundering Herd had a Waynesboro Generals alum in Rhett Stafford in the game today. He batted 6th in the starting lineup and was in LF. His numbers as of today are a .281 avg, 2 hr, 10 rbi. In the second inning with 2 outs he doubled out to the left field corner to get the first hit of the game. His next at-bats in the 4th, 6th, and 7th were all strikeouts.

Virginia will play a doubleheader tomorrow with 2 teams; at 4pm they face off against Canisius and then will play against Wagner later. They will go against their conference rival Miami Hurricanes this weekend.

GO HOOS and GO GENERALS!!

– GSG Mike