The Genesee Rebels start the 2016 season on May 15th
at home vs. the Rome Raiders. The Rebels will take the field with a mix of wily
veterans and exuberant youth. The season looks to be an exciting one as Genesee
aims for more community involvement and making Land O Lakes a staple in the
Sunday Afternoon Entertainment of all. After finishing last season with a
record of ____ and ____ which was good enough for a ______ place finish in the
league, the Rebels look to improve and have their sights set at the top of the
league.
Our previous post took a look at the returning outfielders.
This will look at the rest of the roster!
The Rookies
Mike Ballistreri – Balistreri joins the Rebels after a
successful career at Waukesha West High School and a solid freshman year at
Trinity International University. “Big Red” will add some depth for the Rebels
at first base as well as potentially getting innings on the mound. His bat will
undoubtedly help bolster the lineup as he adds a methodical approach at the
plate.
Alex Kermendy – Alex is another former Waukesha West
Wolverine who just finished his freshman year with the Carroll University
Pioneers. A middle infielder / pitcher in high school, Kermendy got some work
at 3B with the Pioneers and will help the Rebels all over the field. His
presence will fill many gaps for Genesee and definitely make coach DeMarais
feel old as Alex was a former student of DeMarais back in the 7th grade!
Brett Zickert – Zickert joins the Rebels after finishing his
freshman season at Beloit College after, you guessed it, a successful high
school career at Waukesha West. (I’m seeing a trend here.) Zickert will
definitely help the Rebels on the mound this year as his young arm will be a
staple in Genesee’s rotation. His ability to play up the middle and all around
the field will also help solidify the Rebels defense.
Jalen Bilty – Jalen joins the Rebels after his freshman
season at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) where he had a successful
rookie season and helped the team make the playoffs. Bilty is another former
Wolverine who will look to add more depth to the already crowded Rebels
outfield. His young legs and “swing hard in case you miss it” mentality at the
plate will be a nice lift for the team.
The Veterans
Chris Elliott – Elliott returns to man first base where he
has been a staple in the Genesee lineup for the past 9 years. A marriage, kid,
house and real job away from the collegiate slugger, Chris has proven that he
is still one of the best first basemen in the league. After shedding a little
“daddy fat” in the off season, Elliott has his swing already in mid-season form
and is ready to anchor the middle of the Rebels lineup.
Nick Heckenkamp – Heckenkamp had a break out season last
year for the Rebels both at the plate and in the field. His patented fist-pump
and neon batting gloves have been known to galvanize the Rebels and bring a
burst of energy. If he’s not ducking under curveballs, he’s pounding out
doubles, blocking balls in the dirt, manning second base, and helping with the
day-to-day operations of the Rebels. A great asset as both a player and
assistant manager, the Rebs will continue to look for Heckenkamp’s help both on
and off the field.
Keith Koehn – The Rebels MVP from last season, Koehn brings
the glove at SS, the fastball from the mound, and the power when at-bat. His
versatility and ability to move between
the mound and short provide a huge lift for the Rebels. Always one to let his
playing do the talking, the Rebels hope his bat and glove will be loud and
boisterous throughout the year.
Kyle Stasik – A picture of human health and an immense
specimen of athleticism, the Rebels third baseman is as sure-handed as they
come at the hot corner. Always willing to give it his all, Stasik’s antics and
baseball smarts make him another “coach on the field.” The Rebels will look to
Stasik to anchor the infield and provide a veteran approach at the plate. Don’t
let his disheveled look fool you, this guy can play!
Derek Urban – A man of only a few appearances last season,
the Rebels will look to Urban more this year as he has vowed to ump only on
Saturdays and play on Sundays! With his tall frame and lively arm, hopefully
Urban can re-establish himself as a dominant pitcher and help lead the Rebels
staff. Mixing in time at 3B as well as the OF, Urban’s presence will be greatly
appreciated!
Dave Hellmann – When he’s not flipping cars, catching fish,
fixing wires, or playing darts, “Mayo” will help the Rebels at both 2B and in
the lineup. An All-Star MVP of a few seasons ago, if Dave can stay healthy and
show up, he will undoubtedly improve the Rebels’ lineup.
Nathan Labott – Arguably the best defensive catcher to come
out of Waukesha West High School, Labott returns to the Rebels after a
red-shirt freshman year at Saint Norbert College. Nate is coming off an injury
and making the transition from behind the dish to on the mound. If his health
allows, Nate is easily one of the top catchers in Land O Lakes. His knowledge
of pitching and strong arm should make the transition to pitching a good one.
Aaron Dolan – “The Rev” is as consistent a middle-infielder
as you will find in Land O Lakes. As one of the veterans on the team, Aaron
will continue to be a quiet force for the Rebels when he is able to make it. He
and his wife will be growing their own baseball team as they will be welcoming
twins to their family at the end of May. When he is on the field, his smooth
swing and fluid fielding make him a strong addition to the lineup.
Andy Sturtevant – Hailing from the Chicago area, “Stu” has
the Rebels longest commute for league games. When he is able to make the trek
north, he provides a head-strong presence behind the plate and an entertaining
approach with the bat in his hands! Never one to shy away from unruly comments
like “Gosh darnit” or “I politely disagree with that call sir,” Stu brings
civility with his skills. Hopefully he can make it more than he cannot!
The Managers
Matt DeMarais – Entering his second year at the helm for the
Rebels and his 9th year in the league, DeMarais hopes to cut down on
his innings on the mound and let more of the younger arms throw the brunt of
the fastballs. Never one to overpower the opponent, he still relies on his
off-speed pitches and location to keep hitters off balance. As long as his arm
doesn’t fall off, he will continue to mix and match as needed and is looking
forward to having more options in the lineup this year.
Tim Thelen – A new addition to the Rebels this year, Thelen
returns to baseball after a 15 year hiatus from his “glory days” in Minnesota
amateur ball. Thelen brings a wealth of knowledge to the Rebels and shares in
DeMarais’ vision of getting the community to the center of amateur baseball.
His presence and ideas are warmly welcomed by the Rebs!
We’ll see you on the diamond!
