Wsu BaseBall - SIDEARM Sports

WSU baseball
“We will create an environment
for learning that all of our studentathletes will welcome.
We will inspire
our players
to inspire
others. We
Washington State University Baseball has a
will ensure that their opportunities
tradition of winning ball games. This tradition
for success are limitless and their
stretches back to the University’s beginnings
over 100 years ago. Baseball was the Cougars’
entire college experience is one of
first collegiate sport. The program started out
a winner, posting an 11-1 record in 1892.
great memory.”
The Cougars have produced winning
teams 92 times in the 108 seasons of
baseball, including a streak of 37 straight
—Cougar Coaching Staff
winning campaigns. The program boasts
41 conference championships, 22 NCAA appearances and four College World Series
appearances. In 110 years of Cougar baseball
the program has a .625 (2351-1409-17)
winning percentage and ranks 7th in all-time victories of all NCAA Division I baseball programs.
Acknowledgments
This publication was written and edited by
Rod Commons, Bill Stevens and Craig Lawson.
Design by Eric Limburg.
Contents
Bailey-Brayton Field, 2-5
Recruiting Pages, 6-19
2006 Outlook, 20-22
Coaches, 23-26
Player Bios, 27-48
Rosters, 49-50
2006 Opponents, 51-56
2005 Review, 57-62
History, 63-71
Record Book, 72-77
All-Time Letterwinners, 78-82
WSU Administration, 84
Cougar Traditions, 85
Going Pro, 86
Cougar Head Coaches, 87
Media Information, 88
2006 Cougar Baseball
bailey–brayton b
2005
6 Cougar Baseball
n baseball field
3,153 Cougar fans watch WSU host USC, April 17, 2004.
“BUCK” BAILEY, 1927-1961
“BOBO” BRAYTON, 1962-94
A WSU sports institution for 35
years, Arthur “Buck” Bailey came to
the Washington State University as
assistant football coach and became
a legend as its colorful - and winning
- head baseball coach. He played
football and baseball at Texas A &
M and Bethany College in West
Virginia and was captain of the West
team in the first East-West Shrine
football game in 1925. At WSU, Bailey’s baseball teams won
11 Northern Division pennants and were second 10 times. The 1950 team was runner-up for the NCAA title and Bailey’s
Cougars were seventh nationally in 1956. He was playercoach of “Bailey’s Angels,” barnstorming basketball team
made up of WSU sports greats which toured the Northwest
and entertained thousands. Bailey, who retired after the 1961
season as WSU’s winningest coach in any sport, died in 1964.
Fredrick Charles “Bobo” Brayton
was one of the winningest collegiate
baseball coaches in NCAA history
and one of the most innovative and
imaginative leaders in the college
game. A three-sport letterman
at WSU and the Cougar’s first
baseball All-American (at shortstop
in 1947), Brayton played on two
championship baseball teams at
WSU for his mentor and predecessor “Buck” Bailey. Beginning
in 1965, he coached the Cougars to an unprecedented 13
straight Northern Division pennants. Brayton retired after the
1994 season as the winningest coach in WSU history and the
fourth winningest NCAA Div. I baseball coach. His final record
was 1,162-523-8 (68.9%). WSU’s baseball complex, BaileyBrayton Stadium, was named after Brayton and his mentor
Buck Bailey. In 2003 his baseball uniform number, 14, was
retired in ceremonies at Bailey-Brayton Stadium.
2006 Cougar Baseball
Bailey-brayton field
January 22, 2000 the Cougar baseball complex was renamed from Bailey Field to
NAME: Bailey-Brayton Field
Bailey-Brayton Field as part of a “Celebration of the Ages.” The renaming of the
CAPACITY: 3,500
field highlighted a weekend honoring Brayton and the lasting impression he made
DIMENSIONS: Left: 330; Left Center 375; Center 400;
Right Center: 385; Right: 335.
on Cougar baseball and Washington State University. Brayton, who maintained
HISTORY:
Bailey-Brayton Field is named after the
legendary Cougar baseball
coaches Arthur “Buck” Bailey
and Bobo Brayton. Bailey won
603 games in a career which
spanned 1927-42 and 194661; the four-year gap came
when Bailey served in the military; he posted a 603-325-5
(64.9) career record at WSU,
the winningest coach in the
school’s history at the time of
his retirement;
letters for the Cougars in football, basketball and baseball. Cougars young and
1980—Bailey Field relocated to its present site southeast of the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum;
the field was moved when
Martin (football) Stadium was
renovated and Mooberry Track
was moved from inside the stadium to the site then occupied
by the baseball field;
1981—Electronic scoreboard added to
Bailey Field;
1984—(May 11) - A $250,000 lighting
project was completed, making
Bailey Field the only oncampus, NCAA college-owned
facility north of Santa Clara,
California and west of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, to have lights;
WSU scored three runs in the
bottom of the ninth to defeat
cross-state rival Washington
3-2 in the first night game;
1988—Work was completed on the
entrance to Bailey Field, including the “Walk of Fame,” a
historical look at WSU’s great
baseball teams, coaches and
players.
a 1,162-523-8 record in 33 years as WSU’s head coach, also earned eight varsity
old, including several of the players Brayton tutored into the Major Leagues, came
back to Pullman to honor Brayton’s storied playing and coaching career.
WSU ATTENDANCE AT BAILEY-BRATYON FIELD
(All Games with an attendance 1,000 or more since 1989)
DATE
OPPONENT
4/21/90
4/17/99
4/30/89
4/17/04
4/18/98
3/31/90
4/17/93
4/20/91
4/12/97
4/11/92
4/9/05
4/8/90
4/11/90
4/7/90
4/12/90
3/28/92
4/7/91
4/21/91
4/22/90
4/16/91
4/23/94
4/27/91
4/30/05
4/30/99
4/1/2000
4/25/92
5/7/94
4/29/05
Washington
10-3
Arizona
11-16
California
3-6
USC
7-10
Washington
10-9
LCSC
8-2
Portland
4-11
Washington
11-6
Washington
4-9
Washington
10-14
Arizona
4-7
Oregon State
11-4
Eastern Washington
14-6
Portland State
4-3
Central Washington 18-5
Portland State
2-5
Gonzaga
6-9
Portland State
11-7
Portland
7-14
LCSC
4-6
Portland State
10-14
Portland
7-12
Washington
5-13
Washington
6-9
Gonzaga
15-4
Oregon State
7-6
Washington
9-12
Washington
5-17
SCORE
W/L
ATTENDANCE
W
L
L
L
W
W
L
W
L
L
L
W
W
W
W
l
L
W
L
L
L
L
L
L
W
W
L
L
4,666**
3,424
3,235
3,153
2,949
2,939
2,830
2,494
2,283
2,242
2,142
2,042
1,727
1,627
1,507
1,320
1,269
1,266
1,243
1,223
1,143
1,131
1,129
1,115
1,115
1,072
1,052
1,034
** - WSU Record for Bailey-Brayton Field (then known as Bailey Field)
1989—(May 8) - First nationally televised
game from Bailey Field; WSU vs. California, telecast live by
ESPN. (back cover photo)
2000—(January 22) - Field is rededicated
with the name Bailey-Brayton
Field.
2004—(February) - The installation of
FieldTurf at Bailey-Brayton
Field was completed. All areas
except the pitcher’s mound
and the home plate are covered by the state of the art turf,
giving WSU the only NCAA Div. I field using FieldTurf.
Bailey Field after lights were installed in 1984.
2006 Cougar Baseball
MISC
Doubleheader
ESPN TV
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Night
Doubleheader
Night
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Night
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Doubleheader
Cougars Boast First NCAA Division I
Baseball Field with FieldTurf.
2006 Cougar Baseball
Tradition
runs in the family
The success of WSU’s baseball program is due in part to fathers, sons, and brothers who have helped make WSU baseball a family affair, like these father and son Cougars:
All-America First
Team John Olerud,
Catcher 1965
All-Star selection Hal Brunstad, First Baseman 1966
All-Star selection
Kevin Brunstad,
First Baseman 1994
All-America First Team
John Olerud, Pitcher 1988
2005
6 Cougar Baseball
challenges
Few teams in the nation face the week to week
challenges of playing nationally ranked opponents
on a regular basis, but that is the cornerstone of
WSU Baseball. The Cougars play in one of the
toughest athletic leagues in the country, the Pacific-10
Conference, against perennial College World Series foes
like Stanford, USC and Arizona State. Challenging and
competitive early season action
may take WSU to tournaments
like the Hormel Foods Baseball
Classic in Minneapolis, or the
Texas A&M Continental Classic in
College Station, against nationally
ranked opponents. Texas, Miami,
Oklahoma, Wichita State, Hawaii,
BYU, Fresno State, Arkansas,
Florida State and Minnesota are
just a few of the strong teams the
Cougars challenge during nonconference action. WSU’s student recreation center, one of the largest and most
well equipped in the nation, is just beyond the walls of
Bailey-Brayton Field.
mission
It is the mission of the Athletic Department to create and foster an environment which
provides opportunities for all student-athletes to enrich their collegiate experience through
participation on athletic teams which are competitive at the conference and national level. In concert with the mission and values of Washington State University, the department is
dedicated to providing opportunities, which will enhance the intellectual, physical, social,
moral and cultural development of the whole person, while conducting all activities with
honesty and integrity in accordance with the principles of good sportsmanship and ethical
conduct. The Athletic Department values gender and ethnic diversity and is committed to
providing equitable opportunities for all students and staff. The department will pursue its
mission while upholding the values, purposes and policies of Washington State University, the Pacific-10 Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
2006 Cougar Baseball
Why Washington S
“I fell in love with the coaches, players and
community at WSU the moment I stepped
on campus. Everyone had a clear vision for
success and I felt the program emphasized the
importance of the players being well-rounded
individuals as well as exceptional athletes.”
—Junior Kate Benz
Forward WSU Women’s Basketball
2006 Cougar Baseball
“I came to WSU because it was a good
opportunity for me to play baseball and
concentrate on academics. The WSU
community provides great support,
and you get to know a lot of new
people who are excited to be Cougars. I
wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.”
—Junior Jeff Miller
Infield WSU Baseball
“I came to WSU because I knew I’d find an
excellent team and family environment. I
wanted be able to concentrate on my school
work as well as excelling at my sport and I
knew I could do that Washington State.”
­ —Senior Jerome Harrison
Running Back WSU Football
State University?
“The community and family-like atmosphere
at Washington State makes me feel at home.
Students come to WSU from all over the
country and are immediately comfortable
because of the quality support staff and
warmhearted Cougar community.”
­ —Junior Angela Fajardo
Defender WSU Soccer
“I chose Washington State because it had
so many positive things to offer. Pullman,
Washington offers such a sense of community.
Everyone in town is so friendly to the college
student, and the residents go out of their way
to make us feel welcome.
I majored in sociology and criminal justice
while in school here and thoroughly enjoyed
my program curriculum. All of my professors
were very understanding of my travel schedule
during the season and were always willing to
meet with me outside of the classroom when I
needed extra help.
The coaches here really care about the
athletes. I made huge improvements while
competing under Rick Sloan and finished
my collegiate career with five All-American
certificates. I couldn’t have asked for anything
more from a Division I school.”
—Five-time All-American and Pacific-10 Champion, Ellannee Richardson
WSU assistant coach and former heptathlete WSU Track & Field
“The coaching staff at WSU made me feel
at ease from the first moment I talked to
them. As soon as I arrived on campus, I felt
like I was instantly a part of a big, extended
family. My teammates and coaches are
excited about Cougar athletics and that is a
contagious feeling. WSU has a unique feel
and that helps me stay focused on my sport
as well as my studies.”
—Sophomore Derrick Low
Point Guard WSU Men’s Basketball
2006 Cougar Baseball
Colleges
WSU has 10 colleges and offers 150 majors and
options spanning the liberal arts and sciences,
as well as architecture, business education,
nursing, pharmacy and agriculture, engineering,
home economics, and veterinary medicine.
Students from all 50 states and 103
foreign countries attend WSU.
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2006 Cougar Baseball
2006 Cougar Baseball
11
Notable A
12
2006 Cougar Baseball
Alumni
Left Page, clockwise from upper left:
Phil Abelson, Father of the atomic submarine;
Gene Conley, NBA and MLB Champion and
2005 Pac-10 Hall of Honor inductee; Patty
Murray, U.S. Senator; Pete Rademacher, Former
president of Kiefer McNeil swimming equipment
manufacturer, whose first professional boxing
match was for the World Heavyweight
Championship; Mel Hein, A
charter member of both
College and Professional
Football Halls of Fame;
Gary Larson, Creator of
the Far Side cartoons; William
Julius Wilson, Harvard University
Professor, recognized by Time magazine
as one of America’s 25 most influential
people; Cindy Brunson, ESPN News;
Mark Fields, linebacker for the
Carolina Panthers.
Right Page, clockwise from top:
John Olerud, MLB All-Star; Ann
Haley, Executive Director of OaklandAlameda County Coliseum Authority;
Paul Allen, Owner of the Portland Trail
Blazers; Edward R. Murrow, the Father of modern
day news reporting and namesake for WSU’s
Murrow School of Communications; Sherman
Alexie, Screenwriter, Poet, Novelist; Keith
Jackson, ABC TV’s Voice of College Football;
Barry Serafin, ABC News correspondent;
Charles Glen King, Leading researcher
in the development of Vitamin C; Jerry
Sage, Teacher of the Year and WW II
escape artist who was played by Steve
McQueen in the movie Cooler King;
Drew Bledsoe, quarterback for the
Dallas Cowboys; Hugh Campbell,
General Manager, Edmonton
Eskimos of the Canadian
Football League.
2006 Cougar Baseball
13
washington state university
World class. Face to face.
At Washington State University you will work face to face with world class
professors. The university has ten colleges and offers 150 majors and over 300
fields of study spanning the liberal arts and sciences, as well as architecture,
business, education, nursing, pharmacy, and agriculture, engineering, home
economics, and veterinary medicine.
College of Agriculture
and Home Economics
College of Business
and Economics
College of Education
College of Engineering
and Architecture
College of Liberal Arts
• Washington State University
offers 245 fields of study.
College of Nursing
• Pullman is ranked 63rd among
The Sporting News’ Best Sports Cities
of 2004.
College of Sciences
• U.S. News and World Report ranks
WSU in the top 50 of the nation’s
best public research universities
for 2004.
Graduate School
College of Pharmacy
College of Veterinary Medicine
Honors College
• The 2003 Princeton Review ranks WSU in the
top 50 of America’s most connected campuses.
• WSU is ranked in the nation’s top tier of doctoral/
research universities by the Carnegie Foundation for
the Advancement of Teaching.
• WSU’s athletic facilities are ranked eighth best in
the nation by campusdirt.com
A friendly environment
The Pullman campus straddles College
Hill in Pullman, a college town of 25,000
located among the rolling hills of the
Palouse region of eastern Washington.
The University is the largest residential
university west of the Mississippi, which
enhances the friendly, traditional collegiate atmosphere for which WSU is
known.
WSU is located within easy traveling
distance of Spokane and Coeur d’ Alene
to the north. Seattle and Portland are less
than 300 miles to the west.
14
2006 Cougar Baseball
It’s a refrain repeated by
alumni time and again:
WSU professors were their
inspiration and their friends.
Enter the future with the confidence
that comes from real preparation.
As an athlete, you know that if you’ve practiced hard
you feel more confident for a big game. At WSU, the
education you receive together with
the programs available and great
faculty provide you with that same
confidence for the biggest game of
all—your future. The education gives
you the skills to be critical thinkers
and initiators, important skills in any
endeavor you decide upon. Students
can immerse themselves in a variety of
learning situations, ranging from high
levels of interaction with professors to
hands-on research projects and community and public service activities.
The newest technology, numerous
leadership opportunities, and study
abroad programs further enrich the
WSU college experience.
washington state university
Dedicated to diversity
W
ashington State University seeks to enrich every student’s educational
experience through exposure to different cultures, philosophies, and
scholarly perspectives. This atmosphere of interchange and inquiry is fostered
through programs that can take students around the globe or to a quiet
corner on campus for a discussion with a new-found friend offering a different
point of view.
Diversity is a priority at Washington State University. You will meet
students from around the world and from other American cultural backgrounds. Enrich your education by enjoying the ethnic music, speakers,
and discussions; foreign film series; and cultural celebrations. Take part in a
host of other activities sponsored by the many student organizations, which
include the Arab, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Italian, Hawaiian, Native
American, and Pacific Islander student clubs and several African American
fraternities and sororities.
Office of Minority Affairs
African American, Asian/Pacific American, Hispanic
American, and Native American students find support in
each of the ethnic centers. The centers were established to
address the academic, cultural, social, and ethnic needs
and concerns of minority students. Qualified professional
counselors and trained peer mentors are on staff.
Office of Multicultural
Student Services
At the Multicultural Center, students of all backgrounds
share the richness of their cultures and sponsor multicultural programs for the entire WSU community. The Center
also serves as a base for academic support and social activity.
WSU is nationally recognized for its extensive program in
international education. More than 30 exchange programs;
study abroad programs in more than 20 countries; and
internships in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are available.
2006 Cougar Baseball
15
washington
state
Student-Athlete Development
Student-Athlete
Development Our Student-Athlete Development unit initiates support
for academic and personal success during on-campus
recruiting visits with prospective student-athletes, and
continues providing support and services until studentathletes graduate from WSU. Our student-athlete
development staff is committed to developing and
implementing comprehensive and effective programs to
assist student-athletes in identifying and meeting their
academic and career goals leading to graduation and
career development. We take a “life skills” approach
when assisting student-athletes with class selection,
major selection, graduation planning, career development, time management, goal setting, study skills, and
learning strategies.
e
Our focus is the student-athlete and his personal development. We reinforce the value of maximizing the
educational and career opportunities at WSU. And,
most importantly, our staff emphasizes the importance
of student-athletes taking personal responsibility and
ownership in developing their academic and career
plans. Our 92 percent graduation rate for those seniors
who have exhausted their eligibility (over the past 10
years) reflects our consistent commitment to academic
success while striking a balance between academics
and athletics.
m.
Thad S. Hathaway
Assistant Director Academic
Support Services
Thad Hathaway enters his fourth year
at Washington State University as the
Cougars’ assistant director for academic
support services. His duties include
counseling, advising, supporting,
developing and enhancing academic performance for
WSU’s student-athletes. He works directly with baseball
and men’s basketball. In addition, he oversees the
academic monitoring program for all student-athletes.
A 1997 graduate of the University of Idaho, Hathaway is
in his eighth year working in academic services for college
athletics. He spent four years at his alma mater prior to
coming to WSU. He completed his master’s degree at
Idaho in 2002 while serving as the Vandals’ academic
program advisor for athletics.
Hathaway and his wife Diane have one son, Cody.
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2006 Cougar Baseball
university
Team GPA
Fall 2005: 2.86
Highest semester ever by a WSU baseball team
Academic support Services
pacific-10 all-academic team
FIRST TEAM
2005
2004
2004
2004
2003
2002
2002
1999
1999
1999
1993
1992
1992
Zach Kosturos
Brett Beetham
Collin Henderson
Brandon Reddinger
Brandon Reddinger
Brandon Reddinger
Collin Henderson
Ray Hattenburg
Todd Meldahl
Boyd Robertson
Kevin Brunstad
Kevin Brunstad
Tad Thompson
SECOND TEAM
2005
2000
2000
2000
1999
1993
Jason Freeman
Ray Hattenburg
Todd Meldahl
Shawn Stevenson
Shawn Stevenson
Rob Nicholson
HONORABLE MENTION
2005
2005
2004
2004
2004
2003
2003
2003
2002
2001
2000
2000
1999
Jay Miller
Jeff Miller
Garrett Alwert
Zach Franklin
Jay Miller
Garrett Alwert
Bruce Jacobsen
Jamin Svendsen
Garrett Alwert
Garrett Alwert
Zach Fisher
Les McTavish
Les McTavish
SECOND TEAM
• New Student-Athlete Orientation
• General Academic Counseling
• Learning Assessment
• Individual And Group Tutoring
• Assistance With Team Travel
• Writing And Math Assistance
• Graduation Planning
• Computer Lab with internet and
library access
• Priority Registration
• Summer School And Degree
Completion Financial Aid Programs
THIRD TEAM
Career Development
PACIFIC-10 ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
NORTHERN DIVISION
CoSIDA ALL-AMERICA
FIRST TEAM
1971
1972
1973
1992
1998
1998
1998
1998
1998
1997
1997
1997
1996
1996
1996
1996
1996
1996
1995
1995
1995
1994
Aaron Cozzens
Greg Mitchell
Scott Randall
Boyd Robertson
David Wheeler
Ray Hattenburg
Scott Randall
Dave Wheeler
Jered Fowler
Jim Horner
Greg Muehlbauer
Rob Ryan
Ty Solomon
Wayne Vezzetti
Jim Horner
Justin Marquart
Rob Ryan
Kevin Brunstad
HONORABLE MENTION
1998
1998
1998
1998
1998
1996
1994
1994
Ray Hattenburg
Les McTavish
Todd Meldahl
Justin Mentink
Shawn Stevenson
David Wheeler
Rob Ryan
Ty Solomon
FIRST TEAM
1972
1973
1972
1984
1985
2004
Joe McIntosh
Joe McIntosh
Joe McIntosh
Tad Thompson
Jim Chapados
Jim Chapados
Steve Merkley
Loren Hoppes
Kurt Waananen
Collin Henderson
CoSIDA ALL-ACADEMIC
DISTRICT VIII
FIRST TEAM
2004
2004
2002
1998
Collin Henderson
Brandon Reddinger
Collin Henderson
Boyd Robertson
SECOND TEAM
2005
Zach Kosturos
• Junior and Senior Planning Meetings
• Etiquette Dinner
• Access To SIGI Website For Career
Exploration
• Career Fairs and Workshops
• Interview Skills And Workshops
• Job Search Strategies
• Professional Development Portfolio
• Senior Folder
• Alumni Connections
• Resume Development
Personal Development
• New Student-Athlete Seminar
• Community Outreach – Team Care
• P.R.O.W.L. Resource And Referral
Center
• NCAA Lifeskills Materials And
Resources
• Career Resources
2006 Cougar Baseball
17
washington
state
uni
the Weight Room
With two floors covering
14,000 square feet and featuring
state-of-the-art equipment,
WSU’s weight room is
considered one of the
top facilities in the nation.
18
2006 Cougar Baseball
university
2006 Cougar Baseball
19
2006 outlook
Washington State University enters the 2006 baseball season
continuing its youth movement as 21 first-year players join 14 players
with just one season on the squad. Despite the relative youth of the
Cougars, head coach Donnie Marbut has high expectations as he
heads into his second season leading WSU.
“I expect us to be very competitive, no matter who we are playing,”
said Marbut, who guided WSU to a 21-37 record in his initial campaign.
“This team has the makeup and type of student-athletes who will be
very competitive with the schedule we have.
“This team wants to bring itself back to respectability and put the
program back on the map,” he continued. “Obviously it takes wins for
that to happen, but I see this team being very competitive no matter
where, when or who we are playing.”
COACHING STAFF
Marbut begins his second season at the helm of the Cougar squad
and third overall in the WSU program. After spending the 2004 season
as an assistant coach, Marbut became the 14th head coach in the
program’s history before the 2005 season. Prior to his arrival, Marbut
spent four seasons as head coach at Edmonds Community College,
where he amassed a 152-38 record, a winning percentage of 80 percent.
Included in that stretch were the 2002 and 2003 Northwest Athletic
Association of Community College championships, highlighted by a
43-7 record in 2003, the best mark ever achieved in the NWAACC.
Returning for his second season on staff is associate head coach
Travis Jewett, who handles the Cougar hitters while also serving as
recruiting coordinator. A 1993 graduate of WSU, Jewett brings a wealth
of experience to the program, serving three seasons as an assistant
coach at both Washington (2002-04) and Gonzaga (1999-2001) prior
to his Cougar appointment.
“Coach Jewett’s reputation speaks for itself,” said Marbut. “Last year
he set a foundation and developed a solid rapport with our hitters.
With another year understanding his system, we should see even
better results. He’s one of the best offensive instructors around and
proved he is one of the best recruiting coordinators with the class we
signed last November.”
Gregg Swenson begins his first season as the Cougar pitching coach,
working with a talented, but very young group of hurlers. Swenson
arrived at WSU after spending the previous four years as an assistant
coach at cross-state rival Washington, where he worked alongside
Jewett. Swenson began his collegiate coaching career at Tacoma
Community College in 1996, spending five seasons there coaching
against Marbut and Edmonds CC.
Matt Dorey begins his first season as the Cougars volunteer assistant
coach, though he is no stranger to the Cougar staff. Dorey played one
season alongside Marbut when the two were at Portland State for the
1996 season. Dorey arrived at WSU after spending the previous two
years as assistant coach at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham,
Ore.
“Both Gregg and Matt are definitely proven winners, proven
coaches who have coached in winning programs,” said Marbut. “I am
excited both have joined are staff and we’re fortunate to have them
on board.
“This club is hungry and very focused on what it is doing,” Marbut
added. “They showed that during the fall and winter, which has been
the best in my three years here. That is not only a credit to the kids,
but to the coaching staff as well.”
OUTFIELD
The outfield is going to center on three-year starter and co-captain
Jay Miller, who will solidify the left field spot and hit in the middle
of the lineup. A Pac-10 honorable mention selection the last three
seasons, Miller needs 81 hits to become just the second Cougar with
300 in his career. “Jay is one of the premier hitters in the Pac-10 who
has produced since the day he stepped on campus and will continue
20
2006 Cougar Baseball
to do so this season.”
Other returning players who will look for outfield playing time
include sophomores Garrett Kimbrel and Scott Suttmeier, along with
senior Zach McAngus. Kimbrel hit .264 last season, playing a lot in the
latter part of the season, while Suttmeier, who hit .290 in 2005, will
move to the outfield after serving as an infielder last year. “Garret is a
very talented player who has all the tools, while Suttmeier is a heady
player, a real student of the game. Both bring a lot to the field.”
McAngus spent the last two seasons at third base, starting 45 games
last year, while hitting .287. A move to the outfield might give Marbut
more flexibility at the plate. “Zach has had a very productive offensive
career and we need to get his bat in the lineup.”
Newcomers who could find playing time this season include
freshmen Jared Prince, Kyle Hinrichs and Tyler McCallum, along
with sophomore transfer Simi Reynolds. “We thought Jared would be
more of a pitcher but he really came on with his bat in the fall and
we definitely see him as a right-handed hitting option,” said Marbut.
“Kyle is a good runner who throws and hits well. As he progresses he
has a chance to become a very productive Pac-10 player. Tyler is a fine
three-sport athlete out of Chehalis High School, while Simi started as
a true freshman at Washington in 2003 and brings a lot of speed and
athleticism along with a left-handed bat.”
Junior Ryan Krauser, a transfer from Lower Columbia College, was
projected as the starting center fielder but underwent “Tommy John”
surgery in the fall. “Ryan is the type of guy who can really spark us if
he can get healthy and back in the lineup,” said Marbut.
INFIELD
The infield will center on junior Jeff Miller, who started 57 games at
second base last season but could also see time at third in 2006. The
All-Pac-10 honorable mention pick in 2005 batted .282 last season,
finishing second on the team in RBIs (40) and stolen bases (10). “Jeff
is a solid, steady baseball player and his success is very important to
our team,” said Marbut. “He is the type of guy who leads and people
follow him, the type of player we hope to recruit in the future.
At first base two sophomores return who shared time last season.
Jim Murphy, who batted .287 as a true freshman in 2005, finished
second on the team with seven home runs and third with 28 RBIs.
Nick Hall, a switch-hitter, saw action in just 28 games last season but
has shown promise with a solid fall season. “Jimmy is a big, imposing
presence who provided power and played a solid defensive first base
last season,” said Marbut. “We slot Nick as playing first, DH-ing and
possibly playing some catcher. He’s gotten bigger and stronger and we
see him being an offensive player who can hit in the middle of the
lineup.”
At shortstop the Cougars have depth with returning starter Matt
Thomas and sophomore transfer Paul Gran. Thomas, a sophomore
who started 41 games as a true freshman last season, is a solid
defensive player who hit .230 last season. Gran spent the 2005 season
at Edmonds Community College where he batted .375 while being
named to the NWAACC Northern Region first team and was a member
of All-NWAACC Tournament team.
“For us to get better Matt needs to be better with the bat,” said
Marbut. “He is a very fine defensive player. At times last year we
thought we were as good defensively as anyone in the conference.
Paul Gran is probably the most talented baseball player on the club.
He was drafted by the Dodgers after his senior season and decided to
turn down the bonus to attend school. He is fast, has a great arm, great
range and can hit for power. By the time he leaves WSU he will be one
of the more talented players in the Pac-10.”
Also finding a spot on the infield is freshman Travis Coulter, a
freshman out of Southridge High School in Kennewick, where he set
school records for batting average (.531), and hits (67) as a senior.
Redshirt sophomore Brian Yates, who saw action in just eight games
last season, can play third or first and has improved his defense over
the fall. “Travis probably had the best fall of anyone on the club,” said
Marbut. “He is just the type of player you need on a team to win and
I see him as an impact player for us at second base. Brian has become
more consistent defensively and is versatile enough to be used at more
than one position.”
CATCHERS
The Cougars will be solid behind the plate with a nice mix of veterans
and youth. Senior co-captain Zach Franklin, who started three games
at catcher last season while playing behind All-Pac-10 performer Brady
Everett, hit a team-high .364 in 66 plate appearances. “Zach is as good
with the bat as any player in our program,” said Marbut. “He’s a great
team leader who does everything a coach wants. He’s an overachiever
who makes the team better.”
Freshman Greg Lagreid, a highly-recruited player out of O’Dea High
School, turned heads with a strong fall season. “Greg’s progressing
faster than we thought he would,” said Marbut. “He’s been great
behind the plate and good with the bat. We look for big things from
him in the near future.”
Junior transfer Mike Gilbert from Edmonds CC and freshman Brian
Rittereiser round out the receiving corp. “Mike is the type of player
that makes everyone around him better, a true Coug already, which
is nice to see,” said Marbut. “Brian is a very good catch-and-throw
defensive catcher. He has to come along with the bat to get more
playing time, but defensively he is as good as any fourth catcher in
the conference.”
PITCHING
“This is my third year here at WSU and it’s the deepest staff since
I’ve been here,” said Marbut. “I feel like we have five or six candidates
who can start, four or five who can work in the middle and more than
one that can close.”
Two transfer student-athletes look to make an immediate impact.
Junior Mike Wagner, who spent the previous two seasons at Vanderbilt,
posted a 3-0 record with 49 strikeouts and a 3.61 ERA in 42. 1 innings
last year. After a strong fall season he has solidified himself in the
starting rotation. “Off the field, on the field, in the weight room, Mike
has made a huge impact already,” said Marbut. “He has a chance to be
a legitimate front-line starter in the Pac-10.”
Another transfer Marbut is high on is Nick Ison, who arrives at WSU
following two seasons at Salt Lake Community College. Ison posted
an 8-1 record with team-leading 1.62 ERA in 78.0 innings last year,
earning conference and region pitcher of the year honors. “Right now
we have him as a closer but things can change,” said Marbut. “We
want to give Nick the ball when the game is important because he is
very, very competitive. He has great stuff and has pitched in big games
as well.”
Junior Wayne Daman returns after posting a 7-6 record last season
with a 4.91 ERA. He led the team in wins and was second in ERA,
innings pitched (84.1) and strikeouts (44). “Wayne had a solid year last
season without a lot of help offensively or defensively behind him,”
said Marbut. “We expect him to have a good year and turn himself
into a quality Pac-10 pitcher.”
Left-handed sophomore Jayson Miller returns and will battle for a
spot in the rotation after starting numerous Friday night games last
season. “Jayson has been very productive, a big-time strike thrower,”
said Marbut. “It is a real security blanket for our staff knowing you
have a left hander who can come in and throw strikes anytime he
needs to.”
Sophomore Matt Oye will also battle for a starting nod after
appearing in 11 games last season, three as a starter. “Matt probably
had the best fall of all our pitchers,” Marbut said. “He has really
matured, physically, mentally and emotionally.”
In the middle innings Marbut is going to have a full compliment of
youthful pitchers he can go to, depending on the situation. Senior lefty
Reese Baker, who threw 11.1 innings in seven appearances last season,
and junior lefthander Travis Webb, who saw action in 23 contests
in 2005, both had solid fall seasons. “Reese has really developed his
secondary stuff and turned himself into a different type of pitcher,”
Marbut said. “Travis had an outstanding summer, probably the best on
the team, and carried that into the fall.”
Junior right hander Nick Cebula recorded a 2-3 record last season in
16 appearances, six as a starter. Along with junior transfer Zach Bird,
who arrived from Mt. Hood CC where he was an All-NWAACC pitcher,
Marbut has two experienced righties coming out of the pen. “Nick
pitched a lot last year getting his mechanics cleaned up,” said Marbut.
“He had a great summer and I look for him to build on his sophomore
season. Zach is a lot like Nick Ison, a pitcher with great stuff who we
can use as a starter, closer or in relief.”
Senior Eric Dingwall returns for his senior year after seeing action
in 16 games last season, posting a 1-0 record with 19 strikeouts in 22
innings. “Eric has a chance to be very good out of the pen in short
relief,” said Marbut. “He had success last year and has made strides
towards being more consistent, which is a big factor.”
Senior Grant Alexander saw action in 17 games last season as a
catcher and three appearances on the mound. “Grant has spent the
year focusing on pitching after hitting and pitching for us last season,”
said Marbut. “He will work as a reliever and is a great teammate who
works hard at his craft.”
Six freshmen who look to make an impact on the staff are
righthanders Jeremy Johnson, David Roberts and Matt Crowe, and
lefthanders Adam Dentz, Ross Humes and Matt Way. “Jeremy had a
very solid fall and is really poised for an 18-year-old,” said Marbut.
“David had the best fall of all the freshmen as his velocity jumped up
to 92-93. We see a big upside to David. Matt arrives from powerhouse
Southridge High School and is coming off “Tommy John” surgery in
the fall.
“Ross we see as being a situational lefthander to get people out,
which we think he can do,” Marbut continued. “Matt and Adam have
a chance to be starters in the future once they gain a little more college
experience.”
SCHEDULE
The Cougars will be no stranger to the road at the start of the 2006
season. WSU opens its campaign at the Buccaneer Classic, hosted by
Charleston Southern, Feb. 10-12. The Cougars will face East Tennessee
State, Kennesaw State, Charleston Southern and Missouri. The next
weekend WSU heads west for a four-game, three-day series at HawaiiHilo, followed by the River City Classic, hosted by Sacramento State,
with games against Portland, Brigham Young, UC Davis and San
Francisco. The season-opening road swing will encompass 12 games,
last 17 days and cover over 11,234 miles.
“February will be a tough stretch for us,” said Marbut. “The first
three weekends on the road will be good for us, allowing us to pitch
more guys, play more players, and hopefully establish some depth.”
The Cougars return home to participate in the Banana Belt
Tournament where they face Chicago State, Gonzaga and Lewis-Clark
State before hosting Chicago State in a three-game series. The final
nonconference tuneup will be the Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno,
Calif., Mar. 13-18, where they face Binghampton, Lafayette and Fresno
State and three other opponents to be determined.
Then WSU open Pacific-10 Conference play at Stanford, Mar. 25-27.
In conference action the Cougars will host Arizona State, California,
Southern California and Oregon State, with road series at UCLA,
Arizona and Washington in addition to Stanford. WSU will also face
nonconference opponents Northern Colorado in a three-game series
in Greeley, Apr. 21-23 and Utah Valley State, May 6-8, in Pullman.
“Last year the conference was strong with two teams advancing to
the College World Series and this year it is even stronger,” said Marbut.
“OSU is bringing back 90 percent of its innings pitched. Games are
won on the mound and they have all their pitching back. Arizona,
USC, Stanford, all were regional teams and I see all three repeating.
There were also some good clubs left out last year, particularly Cal and
Washington. Two teams last season that were not as strong, WSU and
UCLA, I see making big strides to the middle or top of the league. I see
the conference getting stronger, not weaker.”
2006 Cougar Baseball
21
2006 outlook
2006 WSU Baseball Facts
HEAD COACH:Don Marbut (Portland State ’97), infielders
WSU Record: 21-37 (Second season)
Career Record: Same
ASSOCIATE: Travis Jewett (Washington State ’93), hitting/recruiting
ASSISTANT: Gregg Swenson (Western Washington ’94), pitchers
VOLUNTEER: Matt Dorey (Portland State ’97), outfielders
2005 RECORD: 21-37 overall; 1-23 Pacific-10 (9th)
2005 POST-SEASON:None
LETTERWINNERS RETURNING: 18
LETTERWINNERS LOST: 9
STARTERS RETURNING FROM 2005: (7)
OF Jay Miller, R/R, 5-10, 180, SR, 3V (G/GS: 58/58, BA: .322, HR: 3, RBI: 32)
OF Zach McAngus, R/R, 6-0, 201, SR, 2V (G/GS: 52/48, BA: .287, HR: 2, RBI: 25)
(McAngus played third base in 2005 but will play in the outfield in 2006)
1B Jim Murphy, R/R, 6-3, 255, SO, 1V (G/GS: 50/47, BA: .287, HR: 7, RBI: 28)
2B Jeff Miller, R/R, 5-10, 190, JR, 2V (G/GS: 58/57, BA: .82, HR: 3, RBI: 40)
SS Matt Thomas, R/R, 6-1, 184, SO, 1V (G/GS: 45/41, BA: 230, HR: 1, RBI: 15)
RHP Wayne Daman Jr., R/R, 6-0, 211, JR, 2V (G/GS: 18/14, 7-6, ERA: 4.91, IP:
84.1, SO: 44, BB: 32)
LHP Jayson Miller, L/L, 5-11, 166, SO, 1V (G/GS: 22/11, 2-6, ERA: 6.03, IP: 77.2,
SO: 33, BB: 30)
OTHER RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: (11)
1B Nick Hall, S/R, 6-2, 200, SO, 1V (G/GS: 28/10, BA: .180, HR: 0, RBI: 7)
3B Scott Suttmeier, L/R, 6-1, 185, SO, 1V (G/GS: 38/15, BA: .290, HR: 0, RBI: 8)
OF Garrett Kimbrell, L/L, 6-0, 186, SO, 1V (G/GS: 37/11, BA: .264, HR: 0, RBI: 7)
C Zach Franklin, R/R, 5-8, 180, SR, 3V (G/GS: 36/16, BA: .364, HR: 1, RBI: 13)
INF Bryan Yates, R/R, 6-2, 215, SO, 1V (G/GS: 8/2, BA: .182, HR: 0, RBI: 1)
RHP Grant Alexander, R/R, 6-1, 210, SR, 1V (G/GS: 3/0, 0-0, ERA: 9.00, IP: 3.0,
SO: 4, BB: 5)
RHP Nick Cebula, R/R, 5-10, 176, JR, 1V (G/GS: 16/6, 2-3, ERA: 8.04, IP: 31.1,
SO: 24, BB: 21)
RHP Eric Dingwall, R/R, 5-11, 182, SR, 1V (G/GS: 16/0, 1-0, ERA: 8.18, IP: 22.0,
SO: 19, BB: 10)
LHP Steve Kost, L/L, 6-4, 205, SO, 1V (G/GS: 16/0, 0-2, ERA: 6.04, IP: 22.1, SO: 14, IP: 12)
RHP Matt Oye, R/R, 6-4, 207, SO, 1V (G/GS: 11/3, 0-1, ERA: 6.08, IP: 23.2, SO: 13, BB: 10)
LHP Travis Webb, L/L, 6-3, 195, JR, 1V (G/GS: 23/3, 0-5, ERA: 9.08, IP: 37.2, SO: 28, BB: 29)
NON-LETTERWINNERS RETURNING: (2)
LHP Reese Baker, L/L, 6-2, 223, SR, SQ (G/GS: 7/3, 0-2, ERA: 12.71, IP: 11.1,
SO: 8, BB: 10)
RHP Tommy Tribbett, 5-11, 205, SO*, HS, Colfax, Wash. (Colfax)
TRANSFERS: (8)
RHP Zach Bird, R/R, 6-0, 195, JR, TR, Eugene, Ore. (North Eugene/Arizona
Western/Mt. Hood CC)
C Mike Gilbert, R/R, 5-11, 213, JR, TR, Sumner, Wash. (Auburn Riverside/
Edmonds CC)
INF Paul Gran, R/R, 5-11, 183, SO, TR, Bothell, Wash. (Bothell/Edmonds CC)
RHP Nick Ison, R/R, 5-9, 173, JR, TR, Midvale, Utah (Hillcrest/Salt Lake CC)
OF Ryan Krauser, L/L, 5-9, 163, JR, TR, Longview, Wash. (Mark Morris/Lower
Columbia Coll.)
OF Simi Reynolds, L/L, 5-9, 175, SO, TR, Renton, Wash. (Skyline/Washington)
RHP Mike Wagner, R/R, 6-0, 186, JR, TR, Woodinville, Wash. (Redmond/
Vanderbilt)
RHP Josh Williamson, R/R, 6-6, 250, JR, TR, LaCenter, Wash. (LaCenter/Columbia
Basin College)
22
2006 Cougar Baseball
FRESMEN: (12)
2B Travis Coulter, L/R, 5-8, 141, FR, HS, Kennewick, Wash. (Southridge)
RHP Matt Crowe, R/R, 5-9, 198, FR, HS, Kennewick, Wash. (Southridge)
LHP Adam Dentz, L/L, 6-1, 182, FR, HS, North Bend, Wash. (Mount Si)
OF Kyle Hinrichs, R/R, 5-10, 155, FR, HS, Pullman, Wash. (Pullman)
LHP Ross Humes, L/L, 5-11, 155, FR, HS, Federal Way, Wash. (Decatur)
RHP Jeremy Johnson, R/R, 5-11, 165, FR, HS, Centralia, Wash. (Centralia)
C Greg Lagreid, R/R, 5-11, 183, FR, HS, Edmonds, Wash. (O’Dea)
OF Tyler McCallum, L/R, 6-1, 191, FR, HS, Chehalis, Wash. (West)
RHP Jared Prince, R/R, 6-3, 186, FR, HS, Poulsbo, Wash. (North Kitsap)
C Brian Rittereiser, R/R, 6-1, 188, FR, HS, Ellensburg, Wash. (Ellensburg)
RHP David Roberts, R/R, 6-2, 205, FR, HS, Bellevue, Wash. (Eastside Catholic)
LHP Matt Way, L/L, 6-1, 187, FR, HS, Sitka, Alaska (Sitka)
STARTERS LOST: (4)
C Brady Everett, R/R, 5-11, 200, SR, 1V (G/GS: 58/57, BA: .337, HR: 15, RBI: 62)
OF Jason Freeman, L/R, 5-9, 167, SR, 2V (G/GS: 57/55, BA: .251, HR: 0, RBI: 24)
OF Kaeo Rubin, L/L, 5-9, 160, SR, 2V (G/GS: 58/58, BA: .296, HR: 1, RBI: 25)
LHP James Freeman, L/L, 5-11, 206, SR, 4V (G/GS: 18/17, 7-8, ERA: 5.79, IP: 88.2, SO: 71, BB: 54)
OTHER LETTERWINNERS LOST: (5)
OF Zach Kosturos, L/L, 5-10, 190, JR, 2V (G/GS: 42/28, BA: .265, HR: 1, RBI: 22)
SS Justin McClure, R/R, 6-1, 201, SO, 2V (G/GS: 18/10, BA: .226, HR: 0, RBI: 3)
RHP Dane Renkert, R/R, 6-0, 210, SR, 2V (G/GS: 30/1, 1-3, ERA: 4.89, IP: 57.0,
SO: 41, BB: 18)
RHP Brett Sommer, R/R, 6-3, 255, SR, 2V (G/GS: 22/0, 0-1, ERA: 5.46, IP: 29.2,
SO: 15, BB: 14)
RHP Dustin Willis, R/R, 6-1, 220, SO, 1V (G/GS: 12/0, 1-0, ERA: 6.16, IP: 19.0,
SO: 15, BB: 9)
LOCATION:
Pullman, WA
99164-1602
STADIUM:
Bailey-Brayton Field
(3,500, lighted)
SID:
Rod Commons
(W) 509-335-2684
(H) 509-332-8309
(FAX) 509-335-0267
ASSISTANTS:
Linda Chalich
Craig Lawson
Rachel Porter
Bill Stevens
BASEBALL SID:Bill Stevens
(W) 509-335-4294
(C) 916-761-7005
SID OFFICE: Bohler Addition 195
Pullman, WA
99164-1602
BASEBALL OFFICE: 509-335-0211
BASEBALL ADDRESS:
Bohler M40
Pullman, WA
99164-1602
OFFICIAL NAME: Washington State University
PRESIDENT:
Dr. V. Lane Rawlins
FOUNDED:
1890 (Land Grant University)
COLORS:
Crimson and Gray
ENROLLMENT: 22,000
NICKNAME: Cougars/Cougs
CONFERENCE: Pacific-10 – WSU is a member of the Pacific-10 Conference
Baseball League, along with Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon
State, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington.
FIGHT SONG: “The Fight Song,” 1919, with words by Zella Melcher and
music by Phyllis Sayles.
ALMA MATER: “Washington, My Washington,” 1913, with words and
music by J. DeForest Cline.