Oilmen Program Issue 2 by Northwest Indiana Oilmen

Official Game Day Program

Week of June 2, 2014

www.nwioilmen.com

Vol 1., Issue 2

Photo by Jazmyn Becerra

The Oilmen defeated the Lexington Snipes 2-1 on Paint the Game Pink Night at Oil City Stadium.

Kevin Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brewery transitioned from his laundry room to successful Bulldog Brewing Co. in Whiting PAGE 6

Dyer native Ryan Burvan plans to make huge strides and improvements to become a better baseball player PAGE 21

Oilman Stan celebrates his third birthday with a party at Oil City Stadium on June 6 PAGE 25

AMERICAN ENGLISH A Tribute to the Beatles coming to OIL CITY STADIUM WHITING, IN this August

Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles coming to the U.S.

Presented by

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the President Partner Spotlight: Bulldog Brewing Co. Team Preview Team History Player Bios Roster Player Spotlight: Ryan Burvan Meet the Coaches Free Fold-out Poster Records Oilman Stanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd Birthday Meet the Owners MCL Players Advance to Professional Baseball WJOB Broadcast Partner Week Recap Meet the Staff Around the Region Game Calendar Daily Promos Special Events Social Media Paint the Game Pink A Success Oil City Stadium Whiting Indiana Latinos & Baseball

4 6 9 10 12 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 30 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 47

May 27, 2014 Dear Oilmen Fans, Since we announced the creation of the Oilmen back in February of 2012 we have received a very warm welcome from everyone here in town as well as across the Region and we are very appreciative of it! It is hard to believe, but this year marks the 3rd season for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and we are proud to call Oil City Stadium and Whiting, Indiana our home! Our staff has been working hard to make this season exciting and memorable for all of our fans. One of the key initiatives that we are undertaking this year is to work with our local and regional non-profits to help them achieve their fund raising goals. Our “Opening Night” is a salute to our Whiting High School’s Science Olympiads. Their team of bright science minded students qualified for a trip to the national competition in Florida after finishing 2nd in the State of Indiana competition, so to help them make this trip we partnered with them to fund raise; the students sold tickets and earned 50% of the sales for their cause. We have partnered with other similar organizations as well. On June 12th we will help raise funds for the ALS Chapter of Chicago to “Strike Out ALS” and on June 17th we have partnered with the students of Nathan Hale on their Green Initiative to help raise monies for the Whiting Education Fund. On Wednesday, May 28th we host our first “Paint The Game Pink” event that coincides with the month long “Paint the Town Pink” efforts to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. We will be raffling our “Pink Jerseys and Bats” toward the cause as well. Additionally we are contributing a portion of ticket sales and the entire proceeds from split the pot for the night. This is an important cause our organization and a personal one for my family and we are very proud to be a part of the city’s efforts. We have lots of fun planned for Oil City this summer. Some of the highlights include celebrating Oilman Stan’s 3rd birthday on June 6th, which is also the very first “Friday Family Night” sponsored by BP. All kids under 12 years old get free admission to the game every Friday we play at home. This is our way of creating an affordable fun destination for your family budget. Make sure you plan to bring your children to the game that night to sing happy birthday to our beloved mascot Oilman Stan. Other events include a Friday the 13th Zombie Apocalypse and Salute to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. “Super Hero Night” is planned for June 14th, our annual “Bark In The Park” night is taking place on Saturday June 21st, so bring your pooch to the park and help Whiting’s “Gimme Shelter” raise money for our four legged friends. It will certainly be a “Howling” good night! Make sure you check out our section on “Special Events.” In closing, let me say on behalf of our entire staff and ownership thank you for your continued support. Now for the best words to be heard in any sport; it’s time to “Play Ball” Oilmen fans. Sincerely, Don Popravak President

BPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Kids 12 and under receive FREE admission to any home Friday Night Oilmen game

bp is a proud partner of the NWI Oilmen

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Founded: 2011 Owners: Kevin Clark Bob Fausto Jeff Kochis Address: 1409 119th Street Whiting, IN 46394 Hours: M-Th 11am - 12am F-Sa: 11am - 3am Su: 12pm - 8pm Must Try: Industrial Harbor IPA

Bulldog Brewing Co. For 11 years, Kevin Clark By Brandon Vickrey brewed beer inside his own home. In 2011, Clark’s brewing went from a hobby to a profession as his brewery transitioned from his laundry room to the Bulldog in downtown Whiting. “When it first started off, it was more of a stress reliever for me,” Clark said. “I got to a level that my house could not sustain. My wife kind of threw down a challenge and said, ‘You need to get that stuff out of our laundry room.’” It did not take long for Clark to accept his wife’s challenge. Two years later, he purchased the building located at 1409 119th Street in Whiting. On Oct. 8, 2011, the doors to the Bulldog Brewery were opened. The establishment immediately became a popular destination. “We had a certain target for what we thought our growth would be, and we’ve doubled that year after year,” Clark said. “We were kind of conservative when we were looking at our growth. You can follow trends from the Craft Brew Industry and the Craft Brew Association and we used those to develop our business plan. We have exceeded our expectations.” When Clark is not at the Bulldog, he can usually be found at his other job at ArcelorMittal Steel. His two jobs give him the unique combination of making beer by day and steel by night. “When you look in terms of the process, the flow is somewhat similar,” Clark said. “Steel making is a rough industry. The brewing industry can be tough because when you get into it, a lot of people have grand ideas of being the next AnheuserBusch and you can get lost in that.” The Bulldog has taken on the blue-collar mentality that is apparent throughout Northwest Indiana. A 1924 Lunkenheimer steam whistle that came from a steel mill hangs up on the bar. At the steel mill, the whistle was used to notify workers when it was time to tap the furnace. Now, the whistle is blown when someone orders a DownTime Wheat. “When we built the bar, we built the bar with a theme that this is a place that you wanted to come in and sit down and talk about a hard day’s work with the guy next to you,” Clark said. “This is a blue-collar workers’ bar.” The Northwest Indiana Oilmen share that blue-collar image, making the partnership between the Bulldog and the Oilmen a fitting one.

“The Oilmen play in a buildup, college league,” Clark said. “These guys have worked hard to get where they’re at. The stadium that they play in is in the Standard Diamonds Park, and when you look back at the history of Standard Diamonds, it was the BP workers that played there originally, so there are some really neat ties between what we stand for and the Oilmen.” Oilmen fans can enjoy Bulldog beers at the ballpark, including the Oilmen Beer, which made its debut during the 2013 season. The Bulldog also brews a Standard Diamonds Beer, named after the park in which Oil City Stadium is located. Other Bulldog beers have names that tie in with Northwest Indiana. “We’re just really entrenched in the Region,” Clark said. “Most of our beers are named after different things in the Region. We draw a lot from this area. We pay homage to what took place to build this place up to what it is today.” Clark’s family was raised in St. John, he was born in Valparaiso and he currently lives in Highland. He is a fourthgeneration steel worker. His mother is a Clark High School graduate, meaning that the family gets very involved in the Clark/Whiting football rivalry. “We’re just really drawn into this area,” Clark said. “I think I personally know 50 percent of the people that live here in Whiting. They’ve been through this bar at one time or another in the two and a half years that we’ve been open. I love Whiting.”

Owner Kevin Clark joins Oilman Stan at the first-ever “Paint the Game Pink” game to support breast cancer awareness.

Good Beer. Crafted for hardworking people.

Official Craft Beer of the NWI Oilmen 1409 119TH ST

WHITING,IN

46394

GATORADE IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE NWI OILMEN

2014 TEAM PREVIEW WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE OILMEN THIS SEASON By Brandon Vickrey The last two summers, Northwest Indiana Oilmen fans have grown accustomed to seeing local talent and a winning baseball team whenever they attend a game at Oil City Stadium. This year, the Oilmen hope to provide even more of both. The Oilmen, who will vie for their third trip to the Midwest Collegiate League championship series in just their third year in existence, will showcase a roster comprised of mostly players who live in Northwest Indiana or Illinois. Nearly every prominent Indiana Division-I baseball program (Purdue, Butler, Notre Dame, Indiana, Ball State and Valparaiso) will have at least one representative on the roster, something Oilmen manager Justin Huisman believes will help draw fans to the ballpark. “If they’ve heard of them in high school or if they’re going to schools that are close by that are their favorite teams, it definitely helps get people in the seats,” Huisman said. “Then, on top of that, if they’re winning and they’re doing it in a fun fashion, people are going to hear about it and want to come out.” In addition to the aforementioned in-state schools, Division-I programs Akron, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois University, Cincinnati, Ohio, Dayton and Central Michigan will be represented on the Oil City Stadium diamond. The Oilmen posted a 2013 regular season record of 27-15, good enough for second place in the MCL standings. After recording two consecutive first-round victories over Lexington, the Oilmen dropped back-to-back games to Southland in the league finals. “I would say this year’s roster is similar to last year’s, but even better as far as getting some of the top Division-I local talent,” Huisman said. “I’m kind of coming into it just like everybody else, not knowing what to expect out of them, but knowing that they had great high school careers and coaches are saying good things about them at good programs.” There are five returnees, four of which are pitchers, from last year’s roster. Brothers Danny and Matt Pobereyko, who are Bishop Noll graduates, are joined by Lake Central alum Jimmy McNamara and Munster product Scott Jerge. Outfielder Jack Czeszewski of Illinois State is back after setting the Oilmen season-single record for bases on balls with 30 and stolen bases with 22 in 2013. McNamara, a left-hander from Central Michigan University, led the 2013 Oilmen starting staff with a 1.18 earned run average to go along with a 4-0 record in the regular season. McNamara also issued just seven walks against 35 strikeouts in seven starts and one relief appearance.

Anthony Colosimo holds a runner on first base on Opening Night against Lexington. The Oilmen started the season with a victory, defeating the Snipes 2-1.

Zack Jones greets Nate Schneider as Schneider returns to the Oilmen dugout on May 28. Matt Pobereyko established the Midwest Collegiate League saves record with five while compiling a 2.25 ERA. “Those guys did a great job last year,” Huisman said. “More than that, they’re just great guys. They’re good teammates and fun to be around. They love baseball and have a passion for it.” The four returners will be joined on the pitching staff by three other locals in Ball State left-hander Anthony Gomez (Munster), NIU commit Kevin Jones (Portage) and UW-Whitewater hurler Andrew Lowe (Whiting), Heartland’s Keith Mahler (Highland), Wabash’s Andrew Jackson (Kankakee Valley), Ohio’s Nick Nauracy (Crown Point), Dayton’s Aaron Glatt (Lake Central), Hill College’s Cameron Linck, Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Garrett Sherrell and Akron’s Myles McVeigh will also pitch for the Oilmen. Two Indiana Hoosiers will roam the Oilmen outfield as Munster graduate and IU freshman Craig Dedelow teams up with Bishop Noll High School senior and Indiana commit Larry Crisler. Dedelow led the Hoosiers, who went to the College World Series for the first time in school history a year ago, in batting average during the fall season. Czeszewski, Rob Blissitt of Cincinnati and Jason Gasser of NIU round out the Oilmen outfield. The infield will feature a pair of Western Michigan Broncos in Nick Vogelmeier and Nate Schneider, who will be joined by Brodie Meyer (Butler), Anthony Colosimo (Purdue Calumet), James Meeker (Akron) and former Lake Central High School star Ryan Burvan (Purdue). The catching core is comprised of McNamara’s Central Michigan battery mate Alec Ornelas, Michigan City High School grad Andrew Ray (NIU) and Trinity Christian College’s Zack Jones. “I’ll be kind of feeling them out the first few weeks to see what type of ball we can play,” Huisman said. “Are we a small-ball type team or are we a power-type team? Once you get them all together and you see what they’re capable of, you can kind of map out what the season’s going to look like and how you want to approach it.” Oil City Stadium will host the Midwest Collegiate League All-Star game for the second season in a row and the third time in the last four years. The Rockford Foresters, who played all road games last season, have rebranded as the Joliet Admirals and will play their home games at Joliet Junior College. “Every year, it seems like the talent in the league has gotten better and better,” Huisman said. “Last year, for the most part the main four or five teams were pretty even competition wise and were battling with each other. I expect it to be the same this year, where the talent level is going to be more evened out, and hopefully we can rise above it.”

LOOKING BACK BEFORE MOVING FORWARD

TEAM HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST INDIANA OILMEN By Brandon Vickrey A new energy was brought to the City of Whiting on Feb. 28, 2012, when the Northwest Indiana Oilmen baseball team was officially born. The club held a press conference at Whiting City Hall as owner Don Popravak, former White Sox star and co-owner Ron Kittle and Mayor Joe Stahura announced that the Oilmen would join the Midwest Collegiate League and play their home games at Oil City Stadium, a 1,500-seat venue in downtown Whiting. “We came up with a club name that exemplified the essence of both the community and the region as well as the hard-working people of this area over the last century,” Popravak said at the press conference. Since then, the Oilmen have done just that, finding tremendous success in each of their first two seasons and providing Northwest Indiana baseball fans with a great product on the field. The Oilmen wasted no time in hoisting their first trophy, winning the Midwest Collegiate League in their inaugural 2012 season by sweeping through the MCL postseason with four straight wins over DuPage and DeKalb. The Oilmen clinched the title with a 6-2 victory over DeKalb on August 5, 2012. A year later, the Oilmen returned to the MCL Championship Series and finished as the league runner-up. The Midwest Collegiate League rosters are comprised of college-level baseball players, who compete in the league during the summer months while school is out of session. Since day one, the Oilmen organization has made a commitment to representing Northwest Indiana. The team gives fans a chance to see many local high school products that have gone on to find success in the college ranks. Each season, the Oilmen roster has featured a combination of local and non-local players. Manager Justin Huisman has been at the helm for every game the team has played, guiding the NWI Oilmen to an all-time record of 62-32 through the end of the 2013 season. The Oilmen have been very difficult to beat at Oil City Stadium, recording a 41-16 mark at home through two seasons. Huisman had a successful professional baseball career in the Rockies, Royals, Mariners and Astros organizations that included a stint in the big leagues with Kansas City in 2004. Each summer, there is one unique day where fans at Oil City Stadium may find themselves rooting against their beloved Oilmen. The United States Military All-Star team came to Northwest Indiana on July 1, 2012 and exactly a year later on July 1, 2013. In both cases, a capacity crowd was on-hand for a moving pregame ceremony to honor America’s heroes, followed by the game between the Oilmen and U.S. Military team.

FEBRUARY 28, 2012 Oilmen announced formation of team

JUNE 3, 2012 Oilmen played first home game

MARCH 8, 2012 Justin Huisman named manager

During the summer of 2013, the league’s brightest stars made their way to Whiting for the annual Midwest Collegiate League All-Star Game. Scouts from the White Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Rangers looked on as the South (Oilmen, South Vikings and Lexington Snipes) bested the North (Rockford Foresters, Chicago Zephyrs and DuPage County Hounds) 12-4. Ten different Oilmen saw action in the game. The list of colleges whose players have worn an Oilman uniform include Purdue, Butler, Notre Dame, Akron, Cincinnati, Indiana, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Illinois, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Western Kentucky, Toledo, Valparaiso and the University of Illinois-Chicago, among others. With a winning tradition already established through the team’s first two seasons, expectations, excitement and energy are at an all-time high as the Oilmen compete in the 2014 campaign.

The Oilmen pose with the Midwest Collegiate League Championship trophy after winning the title in 2012, the team’s inaugural season. The Oilmen swept the DeKalb County Liners two games to none, winning the clinching game at Oil City Stadium.

JULY 11, 2012 JULY 9, 2013 Six Oilmen played in Midwest Collegiate league Allthe Midwest Collegiate Star game was held at Oil City league All-Star game Stadium & included 10 Oilmen

JUNE 12, 2012 First home run hit for team by Billy Miller

AUGSUT 5, 2012 Oilmen won Midwest Collegiate League Championship

AUGUST 4, 2013 Oilmen lost championship 4-1 to Southland Vikings

JULY 31, 2013 Oilmen clinched a spot in the Midwest Collegiate League Championship

MAY 28, 2014 Oilmen won first game of third season against Lexington Snipes

THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE NWI OILMEN

PORTAGE, IN 0 KEVIN JONES NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY P Kevin Jones was one of the top pitchers in Northwest Indiana while playing at Portage this season. The 2014 Portage graduate has played at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Target Field in Minnesota, Busch Stadium in St. Louis and U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

0 ANDREW JACKSON WHEATFIELD, IN WABASH COLLEGE P

Andrew Jackson is one of three players on this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oilmen team to play for the club directly after their senior season of high school. The summer will serve as a chance for Jackson to get a taste of facing college hitters before moving on to Wabash College next year. The left-handed pitcher recently completed his senior year at Kankakee Valley High School.

HIGHLAND, IN 10 KEITH MAHLER HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE P Highland graduate Keith Mahler throws a changeup, slider and fastball, topping out at 92 miles per hour. He battled through shoulder issues this winter, but has now reached full health. While playing at Highland, Mahler posted a perfect 10-0 record and a sparkling 1.79 earned run average as a senior in 2011.

19 DANNY POBEREYKO MUNSTER, IN BUTLER UNIVERSITY P Danny Pobereyko is back for his second summer with the Oilmen after earning a spot in the Midwest Collegiate League All-Star game a season ago. He recorded a 5.02 earned run average and struck out 14 while getting his first test of college competition after graduating from Bishop Noll in 2013.

21 NICK NAURACY P

CROWN POINT, IN

OHIO UNIVERSITY

Nick Nauracy joins the Oilmen after completing his junior season at Ohio University. The right-handed pitcher was cut from the Crown Point baseball team as a freshman, sophomore and junior. The persistent Nauracy made the team as a senior and pitched the Bulldogs to a regional championship. He eventually earned his way on to a Division-I roster at Ohio after two years at Vincennes.

DYER, IN 25 JIMMY McNAMARA CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY P Jimmy McNamara is back a familiar territory this summer, now in his second year as the ace of the Oilmen pitching staff. The Lake Central alum posted a 1.18 earned run average in eight games last year. He led the Oilmen starting pitchers in ERA in addition to holding a 4-0 record.

WHITING, IN 27 ANDREW LOWE P UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN- WHITEWATER Andrew Lowe is sure to be a fan favorite this summer as he becomes the second Whiting High School graduate to play for the Oilmen in team history. Lowe never got the chance to play at Oil City Stadium in high school, as his senior season (2010) was the final year the Oilers played at Lakefront Park. He pitched at Oil City Stadium last summer as a visiting player with the Chicago Zephyrs.

29 P

ANTHONY GOMEZ

30 P

AARON GLATT

MUNSTER, IN

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Left-hander Anthony Gomez joined Ball State’s pitching staff as a walk-on this year. The Munster graduate attended several games at Oil City Stadium as a fan in seasons past while watching relative Jim Hinkleman.

SCHERERVILLE, IN

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

Aaron Glatt is eager to finally put on the uniform and take the field in a game situation again after redshirting as a freshman at the University of Dayton. This summer, Glatt is reunited with former Lake Central High School teammates Jimmy McNamara and Ryan Burvan. Glatt’s repertoire features a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, changeup and occasional curveball.

35 GARRETT SHERRELL NEW ALBANY, IN UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK P University of Arkansas Little Rock right-handed pitcher Garrett Sherrell was looking for a place to pitch significant innings over the summer following his freshman season with the Trojans. Sherrell was able to find that summer destination by signing with the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Sherrell, a graduate of New Albany High School in New Albany, Ind., throws a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball and curveball. He plans to work on improving his mechanics this summer.

MUNSTER, IN 36 SCOTT JERGE VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY P

Scott Jerge is no stranger to baseball in Northwest Indiana. After a strong high school career at Munster that culminated with a Second-Team All-Conference distinction his senior season, Jerge moved on to Valparaiso, where he is a sophomore relief pitcher for the Crusaders. For the second straight year, Jerge is also spending his summer in Northwest Indiana as a member of the Oilmen.

MUNSTER, IN 42 MATT POBEREYKO KENTUCKY WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY P

Matt Pobereyko joins brother Danny as members of the Oilmen for the second consecutive year. The reigning MCL All-Star settled into a late-inning role as the Oilmen closer in 2013. He posted a 2.25 ERA while establishing a new Midwest Collegiate League record with five saves.

43 CAMERON LINCK P

KINGWOOD, TX

HILL COLLEGE

Cameron Linck started the year weighing 150 pounds, throwing 84 miles per hour and ranking 18th on the Hill College pitching depth chart. He has since bulked up to 175 pounds, increased his velocity to 89 mph and leapfrogged to the No. 3 spot in the Rebelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rotation. Hill College coach Chris Rateike described him as a real competitor who works extremely hard.

2 RYAN BURVAN 2B

DYER, IN

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

Ryan Burvan is reunited with former Lake Central High School teammate Jimmy McNamara. Burvan scored the only run of the game in a 1-0 victory over Indianapolis Roncalli in the 2012 Class 4A Indiana High School Athletic Association State Championship. During his senior season at Lake Central, Burvan hit a robust .491 while shattering the school record for runs scored (51) and hits (57).

HOMER GLEN, IL 3 KEVN DeFILIPPIS UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME SS

The highlight of Kevin DeFilippisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college career came on March 10, 2013 when he stepped to the plate as a pinch hitter in the 11th inning of a tied game between No. 25 Notre Dame and No. 10 Oklahoma. With runners at first and third and one out, DeFilippis delivered a walk-off single, jumping on the first pitch in his first at-bat of the year. DeFilippis graduated from Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Ill., where he batted .475 with a .603 on-base percentage as a senior.

13 NICK VOGELMEIER LAKE ORION, MI WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SS Freshman Nick Vogelmeier was a member of back-to-back district championship teams while attending Lake Orion High School in Michigan. His arm strength and speed have both improved drastically since he joined the Broncos.

THE OFFICIAL PIZZA OF THE NWI OILMEN

15 ANTHONY COLOSIMO LAKE FOREST, IL PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET 1B While playing for the DeKalb County Liners in 2012, Purdue Calumet infielder Anthony Colosimo recognized the high caliber of play across the Midwest Collegiate League. Colosimo returns to the MCL this summer, now sporting an Oilmen uniform. The Liners lost to the Oilmen in the Midwest Collegiate League Championship Series when Colosimo played for DeKalb.

PORTAGE, IN 22 NATE SCHNEIDER WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY 3B Freshman Nate Schneider joined his brother Derek at Western Michigan this season after the two played together in high school with father Paul Schneider serving as their head coach. Schneiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athleticism and versatility are two of his strongest attributes on the playing field.

24 BRODIE MEYER PALOS HEIGHTS, IL BUTLER UNIVERSITY 2B Brodie Meyer posted a .527 on-base percentage as a senior at Chicago Christian. He played second base as a junior before shifting to the left side of the infield for his senior season. Since joining the Bulldogs, Meyer has focused on improving his arm strength by playing long toss and lifting in the weight room.

WEXFORD, PA 45 JAMES MEEKER UNIVERSITY OF AKRON 3B Although he just completed his freshman season, James Meeker immediately found regular playing time with the Akron Zips this year. Meeker, a native of Wexford, Penn., turned in the only perfect game in North Allegheny High School history on April 6, 2013.

GARY, IN 0 LARRY CRISLER INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF

Larry Crisler was named to the Times of Northwest Indiana and Post-Tribune all-area teams as a junior in high school. He just completed his senior season at Bishop Noll, where he was a standout in both baseball and basketball.

MUNSTER, IN 0 CRAIG DEDELOW INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF

Munster graduate Craig Dedelow immediately opened eyes during his freshman campaign at Indiana University, a team that was coming off its first College World Series appearance in school history. He posted the team’s highest batting average during its fall season.

MARKHAM, IL 9 ROB BLISSITT, JR. UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI OF Rob Blissitt Jr. was a second-team all-area selection as a senior at Thornwood High School in Illinois. He compiled a .354 batting average and drove in 19 runs as a senior. Cincinnati coach Ty Neal describes Blissitt as a high-energy guy who plays with a lot of heart and passion.

ELK GROVE, IL 14 JACK CZESZEWSKI ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY OF After leading the Oilmen in batting average in 2013, Illinois State outfielder Jack Czeszewski is back for his second season in Northwest Indiana. Czeszewski stroked .339 and posted a .471 on-base percentage, earning the nickname “Mr. Consistent” last season. He set the Oilmen single-season record for bases on balls with 30 and stolen bases with 22. Czeszewski tied a franchise record for hits in a single game with five on July 31, 2013 in a postseason game against Lexington.

DYER, IN 17 JASON GASSER NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY OF Jason Gasser is no stranger to participating in a winning baseball program after helping Mount Carmel to a state championship as a senior in high school. Gasser earned the 2013 Chicago Sun-Times Baseball Player of the Year and 2013 Times Illinois Player of the Year distinctions. Oilmen manager Justin Huisman is also a former Times Illinois Player of the Year, having won the award in 1997 during his high school days at Thornwood.

MOKENA, IL 19 ZACK JONES TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE C

After playing his freshman season at Harper College, catcher Zack Jones has committed to continue his collegiate career at Trinity Christian College beginning with the 2015 season. Jones will play for Oilmen manager Justin Huisman this summer before joining Huismanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trinity roster next season. Jones led the nation in runners caught stealing among all junior college players this season. As a senior in high school, Jones helped Main South to a sectional championship.

MICHIGAN CITY, IN 23 ANDREW RAY NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY C Michigan City graduate Andrew Ray joins Northern Illinois roommate Jason Gasser on the Oilmen roster this summer. In high school, Ray was named to the 2013 All Duneland Athletic Conference team as a utility player. He listed victories over LaPorte his junior and senior seasons as the highlights of his prep career.

MOKENA, IL 33 ALEC ORNELAS CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY C

Alec Ornelas is making his return to the Midwest Collegiate League after playing with the Southland Vikings in 2012. The Lincoln Way East graduate posted a .358 average and was named to the All-Southwest Suburban Conference team his senior year of high school. Ornelas is back to full health after undergoing hamate surgery last summer.

2014 NWI OILMEN ROSTER NAME

HEIGHT WEIGHT

BATS THROWS

COLLEGE (HIGH SCHOOL)

Catchers 19 Zack Jones 23 Andrew Ray 33 Alec Ornelas

5’11” 190 lbs 6' 1" 195 lbs 6’ 1” 197 lbs

R R R

Trinity Christian College (Main South) Northern Illinois University (Michigan City) Central Michigan University (Lincoln Way East)

Infielders 2 Ryan Burvan 3 Kevin DeFilippis 13 Nick Vogelmeier 15 Anthony Colosimo 22 Nate Schneider 24 Brodie Meyer 45 James Meeker

5' 11" 6’ 0” 5’ 11” 6’0” 6' 2" 6’ 0” 6’ 4”

165 lbs 170 lbs 165 lbs 185 lbs 210 lbs 180 lbs 180 lbs

R R R R R R L

R R R R R R R

Purdue University (Lake Central) Notre Dame (Providence Catholic) Western Michigan (Lake Orion) Purdue University Calumet (Loyola Academy) Western Michigan (Portage Central) Butler University (Chicago Christian) Akron (North Allegheny)

Outfielders 9 Rob Blissitt, Jr. 14 Jack Czeszewski 17 Jason Gasser Larry Crisler Craig Dedelow

6’ 3” 5’11” 6' 0" 6’ 4” 6’ 4”

165 lbs 170 lbs 195 lbs 190 lbs 190 lbs

R L L R L

R L R R R

Cincinnati (Thornwood) Illinois State University (Elk Grove) Northern Illinois University (Mount Carmel) Indiana University (Bishop Noll) Indiana University (Munster)

Pitchers 10 Keith Mahler 19 Danny Pobereyko 21 Nick Nauracy 25 Jimmy McNamara 27 Andrew Lowe 29 Anthony Gomez 30 Aaron Glatt 35 Garrett Sherrell 36 Scott Jerge 42 Matt Pobereyko 43 Cameron Linck Kevin Jones Andrew Jackson

6’ 6” 6' 5" 6’1” 6’ 2” 6’ 2” 6’ 0” 6’2” 6’4” 6' 0" 6' 1" 6’ 2” 5’ 11” 6’5”

185 lbs 200 lbs 185 lbs 175 lbs 220 lbs 200 lbs 190 lbs 185 lbs 185 lbs 239 lbs 175 lbs 180 lbs 210 lbs

R R R L R L R R R R R L L

R R R L R L R R R R R R L

Heartland Community College (Highland) Butler University (Munster) Ohio University (Crown Point) Central Michigan University (Lake Central) UW-Whitewater (Whiting) Ball State (Munster) University of Dayton (Lake Central) University of Arkansas Little Rock (New Albany) Valparaiso University (Munster) Kentucky Wesleyan University (Bishop Noll) Hill College (Kingwood) Northern Illinois University (Portage) Wabash College (Kankakee Valley)

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Burvan plans to improve his game this summer with the Oilmen Burvan, second By David Bork Ryan basemen from Dyer, Indiana, just finished off his freshman year at Purdue University. Burvan did not start baseball in T-Ball when he was five years old, instead he picked up baseball at seven years old playing little league with the help of his father. “I decided to play baseball because I would always watch it on TV with my father and family,” Burvan said. Burvan to this day is a huge baseball fan always watching professional, watching himself in

highlight tapes always finding ways that he can improve his game all the way around. “I feel playing for the Oilmen will get me a lot of playing time and improve my game all the around,” Burvan said. “I like to see where my mistakes are to make Purdue’s baseball team next year.” Burvan plans to make huge strides with the team in order for Purdue to see his progress in playing, and improvements that he is doing to become a better baseball player. Burvan was part of the Indiana state championship team for Lake Central back in 2012 as the starting second basemen for the Indians. Burvan hit .491 his senior year at Lake Central, while leading the team with hits (57) Burvan joins the Oilmen with two of his former teammates from that state championship team in 2012, pitchers Aaron Glatt and Jimmy McNamara. Burvan was the only run of the game in the championship game when Lake Central won 1-0. “Both of my parents went to Purdue,” Burvan said. “I grew up going to Purdue. I go to football games, basketball games, and baseball games everything is Purdue in my family.” Burvan has a scholarship to play baseball for Purdue University, Burvan did not see much playing time his freshman season at Purdue, but plans to get more playing time in years to come. Burvan’s family went to Purdue and could not pass up the offer to continue to play baseball at Purdue University. “I wanted to play for the Oilmen because it is close to home,” Burvan said. “Play with my former teammates and guys I played against in high school.” Burvan is from Dyer, Indiana that played for Lake Central and played against most of the guys from the Oilmen that are from the region.

Ryan Burvan College: Purdue University Class: Sophomore Hometown: Dyer, IN DOB: 03/19/1994 Position: 2B Height: 5’11” Weight: 165 lbs Bats: R Throws:R

MEET THE COACHES JUSTIN HUISMAN MANAGER

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen welcome Justin Huisman back as the team’s manager for the 2014 season. Huisman, who is entering his third season with the Oilmen, has led the team to back-toback Midwest Collegiate League Championship Series appearances. “It will be very exciting,” Huisman said. “We’ve had two very successful seasons, coming up a tad short last year, but winning the championship the first year. Any time you’ve only had two seasons and you’ve made the championship both seasons, you can’t be too upset about that.” Huisman, who has managed every game in Oilmen history, holds a 61-33 record over his first two years in Northwest Indiana. Huisman also serves as the head coach of the Trinity Christian College Trolls baseball program. During his playing career, the right-handed reliever posted a 3.13 ERA and compiled 90 saves over eight minor-league seasons. Huisman reached the big leagues in 2004, appearing in 14 games for the Kansas City Royals. “The Oilmen are excited about the return of Justin as our field manager for the 2014 season,” Team President Don Popravak said. “His wealth of baseball knowledge and experience coupled with his ability to get the very best out of his players each and every night is why we are successful on the field. We can’t wait until opening day is here to see the talented players that he is recruiting take to the field.” The Oilmen, members of the Midwest Collegiate League, feature Division-I baseball players from across the country. “It’s been fun,” Huisman said. “You mix a lot of personalities, but we’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of good groups of guys that got along great together. I’m sure they’ve made some lifelong friendships along the way, but also just coaching a team with high-caliber talent in a laid-back atmosphere has been great.” In addition to managing the team during the season, Huisman’s duties include compiling the team’s roster during the offseason. “First and foremost, we really try to get as much top-caliber, local talent as we can,” he said. “We want the people of Whiting to recognize a few names of people they grew up with who are off to quality programs. From that point on, we’re just going after as many top-caliber, Division-I players as we can. We’re going after guys who are really going to strive toward the goals that we have as a team and as individuals who are good-character guys that have futures in their programs.”

TRIVIA QUESTION

Who holds the single-season Oilmen record for batting average? TWEET US YOUR ANSWER TO @NWIOILMEN

ADAM ENRIGHT ASSISTANT COACH

Adam Enright has spent two summers as an assistant coach for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. In the spring of 2014, he joined Oilmen manager Justin Huisman’s coaching staff at Trinity Christian College. In 2012, Adam Enright made the transition from player to coach at Chicago State University after finishing his career as a collegiate player from 2008 to 2011. In his first season as a volunteer assistant coach at Chicago State he served as the hitting coach and assisted with the infielders. In his first year as hitting coach, the Chicago State Cougars improved their team batting average from .258 to .296, which ranked among the top 50 team batting averages in NCAA Division I Baseball. Also, the cougars improved in every offensive category including 47 more doubles, 11 more home runs and 75 more RBI. Before joining the coaching staff at Chicago State, Enright was a Division II standout for the University of Southern Indiana baseball team, starting every game during Southern Indiana’s national championship season in 2010. He also played first base for Southern Indiana in 2011, when the Screaming Eagles won their fourth consecutive regular season Great Lakes Valley Conference championship. Enright left USI with single season records for putouts, at bats, and runs scored. Prior to his two years at Southern Indiana, Enright played at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois. There he was selected as an NJCAA All-American and also the NJCAA Region IV Player of the Year in 2009. Adam graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science in 2011 and currently resides in Hammond, Ind. Enright is a graduate of Munster High School.

MIKE COLES ASSISTANT COACH

Mike Coles is a local product who starred at Hammond High School. He has a host of baseball knowledge he can impart onto the Oilmen after his time at Parkland College and Purdue University. Coles has experienced success on the diamond throughout his career. As a junior at Purdue, he batted over .300 while leading the team in hits, doubles, runs and stolen bases. During his time at Hammond High School, Coles was an all-conference performer all three years while hitting over .400 each year. He helped contribute to his team’s sectional championship in 1999. Coles gives head coach Justin Huisman another voice that can share their experiences on what it takes to become a professional baseball player. In 2001, Coles was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 34th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He has spent eight seasons playing in the professional ranks, most recently appearing in five games this season with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League. He broke into professional baseball in 2006 with the Gary SouthShore RailCats and has seen time with the Windy City Thunderbolts, Joliet JackHammers, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Winnipeg Goldeyes. He has compiled a .301 batting average in 622 career games, all in independent baseball.

CAREER RECORDS Games Played – Craig Austgen, 57 Hits – Austgen, 60 RBIs – Nick Bartolone, 37 Home Runs – Billy Miller, 3 Runs Scored – Leiff Clarkson, 34 Starts – Tait Rauen, 9 Games Pitched – Aveeno Nasiloski, 17 Wins – Danny Britt, 7 Strikeouts – Andy Wellwerts, 48

SINGLE GAME RECORDS

Most Runs Batted In by a Player in a Single Game… 7 by Nick Bartolone on June 30, 2013 Most Hits by a Player in a Single Game… 5 by Nick Bartolone on June 30, 2013 (15-inning game vs. DuP) & Jack Czeszewski on July 31, 2013 (a 17-9 victory over Lexington in the opening round of the playoffs game two) Most Strikeouts for a pitcher in a game… 10 by Josh Negele on July 31, 2013 vs. DuPage Home Runs… 2 by Billy Miller on July 16, 2012, an 11-5 loss to Southland Stolen Bases… 3 on July 26, 2012 by Elliot Bajda & June 21, 2012 by Brandon Krieg

SINGLE SEASON FRANCHISE RECORDS Single Season Franchise Records Batting Average- John Loeffler, .387 in 2012 Home Runs- Billy Miller, 3 in 2012 Runs Batted In- Nick Bartolone, 37 in 2013 Base on Balls- Jack Czeszewski, 30 in 2013 Hit By Pitchs- Elliot Bajda, 9 in 2012 Stolen Bases- Jack Czeszewski, 22 in 2013 Triples- Craig Austgen, 4 in 2012 Earned Run Average- Aveeno Nasiloski, 0.84 ERA in 2013 Strikeouts- Michael Steensen, 43 in 2013 Wins- Danny Britt, 7 in 2012 Saves- Matt Pobereyko, 5 in 2013 Innings Pitched- Steensen, 53.1 IP in 2013 Complete Games- Steensen, 3 in 2013 Defensive Assists- Leiff Clarkson, 107 in 2013 Errors- Bennett Oliver, 16 in 2012 Sac Flies- Nick Bartolone, 6 in 2013 Runs- Leiff Clarkson, 34 in 2013 Hits- Leiff Clarkson, 50 in 2013 Doubles- Bennett Oliver, 13 in 2012

OTHER INFORMATION

The Official Beef of the NWI Oilmen

Founded/First Season… 2012 Home Field (Capacity)… Oil City Stadium (1,300) Manager… Justin Huisman (62-32 overall, 56-30 in league games) All-Time Team Record… 62-32, 56-30 in MCL Games over two seasons Home Record… 41-16 (38-15 in MCL) Road Record… 21-16 Playoff Appearances… 2012, 2013 Playoff Record… 6-2 Playoff Home Record… 3-1 Playoff Road Record… 3-1 MCL Championship Appearances… 2012, 2013 Midwest Collegiate League Titles… 2012

OILMAN STAN CELEBRATES

3RD BIRTHDAY By David Bork The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have been around for two years, with this year being their third year in the Midwest Collegiate League. Like other sports programs, teams have an official team mascot, and the Oilmen have Oilman Stan as their mascot. On June 6 of this year the Northwest Indiana Oilmen will hold a third birthday party for their mascot Oilman Stan. Oilman Stan has been the team mascot since June 6, 2012. Oilman Stan will have a birthday cake but will need help from fans to blow his candles out. “I am glad to be part of the Oilmen for three years now. It is a lot of fun and it should be a great year,” Oilman Stan said. One of the highlights of Oilman Stan’s time as a mascot was when he cheered on the Oilmen as they swept the DeKalb County Liners in the 2012 Midwest Collegiate League Championship Series, winning the league title in the team’s inaugural season. Oilman Stan is always interacting with kids and always around the ball park during all the games. “It is always nice starting new things and interacting with the kids,” Stan said. For 2014, in the seventh inning fans will be able to take a selfie with Oilman Stan and can tweet their pictures to #OilmanStan and we will be able to post them on our website and social media. “I represent the blue collar workers at the refinery at BP as the official mascot,” Stan said. Stan is a big muscular guy with a mustache to have a deception of the workers at BP. Make sure you come out to Oilman Stan’s birthday this year. Kids will be out of school, parents will be home from work, spend your June 6 with the Oilmen. For Oilman Stan’s third birthday this year it is on a Family Friday for the first time in team history. For Family Friday’s kids under the age of 12 will receive free admission to the park. Oilman Stan will be available to take photos and sign autographs for fans of all ages.

You Are Invited to

Oilman Stan‛s 3rd Birthday Party! Friday June 6,2014 7:10 PM Oil City Stadium

MEET THE OWNERS DON POPRAVAK Don was born in Chicago and was raised on the city’s industrial East side just a mile from Downtown Whiting. His working class family taught him the values of hard work and commitment to the community. His grandfather worked for U.S. Steel for 45 years, and his father was a Chicago police officer for 23 years who also played in the minor league system for the New York Giants baseball club. He attended St. George grammar school and St. Francis de Sales high school. Afterwards, Don attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. While at DePauw Universtiy, he majored in Communications. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. While attending DePauw University: he was a member of the baseball and football teams for four years and won varsity letters in both sports three times. After his graduation, he began a 30-year career in advertising sales and marketing that took him from Leo Burnett Advertising Agency to the NBC Network News Division. Previous to the Northwest Indiana Oilmen Don founded the Chicago Clippers baseball club in 1979 which continued to be a successful program into the 1990’s. Don is married to Kimberly Payne and has four sons.

KIM PAYNE Kim was born in Olathe, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas, where she graduated with distinction and was selected to Phi Beta Kappa. She thereafter graduated from Vanderbilt School of Law, where she was a member of the law review for two years. After law school Kim’s legal career took her to Atlanta, Kansas City, Los Angeles then Chicago. While in Los Angeles she worked for the Creative Artist Agency one of Hollywood’s top talent agencies. Kim left CAA to take a position with Richard Donner Productions, one of the top movie production companies in the entertainment industry. While there she worked on a wide range of creative movie projects including Lethal Weapon III with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover and Joe Pesci. In the early 1990’s Kim relocated to Chicago, where she began practicing law again. Her primary practice areas are labor and employment law and state appellate court practice, representing private entities, public educational employers and municipalities. Ms. Payne joined Scariano, Himes and Petrarca in 2001 after serving as corporate counsel for nearly a decade to the parent company of a number of affiliated law firms and title companies. In 2012 she retired to concentrate on her Kimberly Payne custom designed jewelry company specializing in creating unique designs in silver and copper. She is a passionate gardener, who loves the outdoors and fly fishing. She has been married to Don Popravak since 2007.

RON KITTLE Natives of Northwest Indiana always take a special pride in the careers of Region athletes who go on to thrive at the professional level. When listing successful athletes from Northwest Indiana, Chicago White Sox legend Ron Kittle is near the top of the list. As a team working to develop future professional players located in Northwest Indiana, it only makes sense that Kittle is involved with the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. He has served as a co-owner with Oilmen President Don Popravak since the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception. Kittle was born in Gary, where he enjoyed a successful prep career at William A. Wirt High School. He was determined to prove those wrong who told him that he could never play baseball because he wore glasses. Kittle did just that, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers at a tryout camp that took place at Ken Schrieber Field in LaPorte in 1976. After six years in the minors, he broke through by making his big league debut with the White Sox on Sept. 2, 1982. Kittle was a former steelworker who broke through and made it to the majors at the age of 25. Kittle made an immediate impact in his first full season with the White Sox, helping the team to 99 wins and their first playoff appearance since 1959 during the 1983 campaign. He batted .254, launched 35 home runs and drove in 100 runs, earning his way onto the American League All-Star team and capturing the 1983 AL Rookie of the Year Award. Kittle made three separate stints with the White Sox, playing for the team from 1982-1986, 1989-1990 and again in 1991. He also spent time with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles. He returned to the White Sox for the final 17 games of his 10-year playing career in 1991. Since his retirement, Kittle has remained around the game of baseball. Kittle managed the Merrillville Muddogs of the Mid-American League in 1995 and the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League. He has since settled into a role in the White Sox front office as a team ambassador. Kittle splits his summers between U.S. Cellular Field and Oil City Stadium, often sitting in the stands and mingling with fans when he attends Oilmen games.

Ron Kittle speaks during a press conference announcing the formation of the pre-minor league baseball team Northwest Indiana Oilmen at City Hall in Whiting, Indiana in February 2012.

Kittle throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the inaugural game between the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and the Southland Vikings at Oil City Stadium on Sunday, June 3, 2012.

A STEPPING STONE FOR SOME Previous MCL Players Advance to Professional Baseball By Brandon Vickrey When the Midwest Collegiate League was founded in 2010, one of the goals of the league was to help players in their quest to reach professional baseball. Now in its fifth season, the MCL has successfully achieved that goal. Seven different MCL players have gone on to be drafted by major league organizations with several others participating in independent leagues across the country. One former MCL player reached the ultimate goal when left-handed pitcher Tony Cingrani made his big league debut with the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 9, 2012. Cingrani stepped on a big league diamond just two years after playing in the MCL as a member of the Illinois Jayhawks in 2010. Cingrani is currently in his third year with the Reds and holds a 9-6 record with a 2.98 ERA in 32 career appearances. He went 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA as a member of the Reds’ starting rotation in 2013. Cingrani, only 24 years old, has made a rapid ascension to the major league level. He played collegiately at Rice University and South Suburban College after graduating from Lincoln Way Central High School in New Lenox, Ill. In addition to the Reds, the Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox are all among the major league teams that have drafted former Midwest Collegiate League players. Former Southland Viking Danny Lietz was selected by the Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Lietz, a left-handed pitcher, played his college ball at Heartland Community College after a standout high school career at Homewood-Flossmoor. Lietz’s slider and changeup are both considered potential major league pitches. He appeared in 12 games and made six starts with the Golf Coast League Blue Jays, compiling a 2-3 record and 4.75 ERA. Another former Southland Viking was selected in the 2013 MLB Draft when the Cardinals picked Justin Ringo in the 28th round. Ringo, a first baseman out of Stanford University, played in 53 games with the Cardinals Rookie League affiliate last season. The former Midwest Collegiate League MVP hit .300 with six home runs and 34 RBIs with the Johnson City Cardinals. Corey Ray’s entrance into a professional organization came while he was an active member of the Southland Vikings. Ray, who clubbed .328 in 17 games with Southland in 2013, was drafted by the Mariners in the 33rd round. The Simeon High School graduate elected to forgo an early start to his professional career and instead took an offer to play collegiately at Louisville. Ray is a left-handed hitting outfielder that was rated as the No. 4 player in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. Elliot Armstrong was selected by the Atlanta Braves out of high school in the 39th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft. He was one of the best offensive players in the MCL in 2012, batting .389 with four home runs and 25 RBIs. Dontrell Rush of the Southland Vikings was selected by the White Sox in the 48th round. He was picked while playing with the Vikings immediately following his senior season at Harlan High School in Chicago, where he led his team to a Chicago Public League championship. Former Vikings’ left-handed pitcher John Williams was drafted by the Twins in the seventh round. Williams has played professionally with the Elizabethon Twins of the Appalachian League and the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League. Drew Provence, Billy Miller and Kevin Franchetti are among the players who have gone on to play professionally in independent leagues following their time in the MCL. Miller, who was a key member of the inaugural Northwest Indiana Oilmen team in 2012, is now playing with the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League. Franchetti, an Oilman catcher in 2012, played with the Normal CornBelters of the Frontier League last season. Provence, who played for the DeKalb County Liners in 2012, currently pitches for the CornBelters.

Tony Cingrani, former Illinois Jayhawks player in the MCL, debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in 2012 and has made 32 career appearances.

Former Southland Viking Justin Ringo played in 53 games with the Cardinals Rookie League in 2013.

JOLIET ADMIRALS

www.nwioilmen.com STADIUM: Oil City Stadium HEAD COACH: Justin Huisman FIRST SEASON: 2012 www.zephyrs-baseball.net STADIUM: Waubonsee Community College MANAGER: Marco Fajardo FIRST SEASON: 1999

www.lexingtonsnipes.com STADIUM: Jack Horenberger Field GENERAL MANAGER: Billy DuBois MANAGER: Tyler Cook FIRST SEASON: 2001

STADIUM: Joliet Junior College HEAD COACH: Jorge Garza FIRST SEASON: 2014

www.dupagehounds.com STADIUM: Benedictine University GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas Delves MANAGER: Sean Osborne FIRST SEASON: 2012 www.southlandvikings.com STADIUM: Homewood Flossmoor High School MANAGER: Chris Cunningham FIRST SEASON: 2000

Introducing

HOOSIER DADDY!

THE OFFICIAL BBQ SAUCE OF THE OILMEN

OBEY YOUR TASTE BUDS www.hoosierdaddybbqsauce.com

Presented by HOOSIER DADDY!

WJOB PARTNERS WITH THE OILMEN FOR THIRD YEAR 2014 NWI Oilmen WJOB Broadcast Schedule Tuesday, May 27 vs. Southland, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 vs. Lexington, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at DuPage County, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at Lexington, 1 p.m. Friday, June 6 vs. Michigan City, 7 p.m. Friday, June 13 vs. Joliet, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15 vs. Lexington, 4 p.m. Friday, June 20 vs. Joliet, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at DuPage County, 6 p.m. Friday, June 27 vs. DuPage, 7 p.m. Saturday June 28 at Zephyrs, Noon Sunday, June 29 at Joliet, Noon Tuesday, July 1 vs. Military All-Stars, 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 4 vs. Southland, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5 vs. Southland, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6 at Zephyrs, Noon Wednesday, July 9 MCL All-Star Game, 7 p.m. Friday, July 11 vs. Lexington, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12 vs. DuPage, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at DuPage, 6 p.m. Friday, July 18 vs. Lexington, 7 p.m. Saturday July 19 vs. DuPage, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 20 vs. Chicago, 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 vs. Southland 7 p.m. Friday July 25 at Joliet, 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Lexington, 1 p.m. Saturday, August 2 MCL Playoffs, 7 p.m.

By Brandon Vickrey The Northwest Indiana Oilmen are in their third year of a radio partnership with AM 1230 WJOB in Hammond. WJOB, the Voice of the Region, is the perfect match for the blue-collar attitude that the Oilmen personify. WJOB is a heritage radio station that started in 1924. The station has live local talk with 30 different shows per week, including the popular morning show “JED in the Region” from 5-9 a.m. Sports are also an important component of the WJOB lineup. In addition to serving as the home of the Oilmen, WJOB broadcasts Purdue, Indiana University, Valparaiso and South Suburban College athletics. Local high school athletic events are also broadcast live on WJOB over the course of the prep season. This summer, Brandon Vickrey will provide play-byplay for every Oilmen game. Vickrey is back for third season with the Oilmen and his first as the team’s lead broadcaster. Vickrey will be joined by Joey Gelman for all home games, while David Bork will handle color commentary for road broadcasts. All games will be available online via Ustream with select games also on the flagship station, AM 1230 WJOB. To listen online, visit NWIOilmen.com and click the “Listen Live” tab at the top of the home page.

AM 1230

Voice of the Region

WEEK RECAP

WEEK OF MAY 26, 2014

By David Bork The Northwest Indiana Oilmen finish their first week of the 2014 season with a 2-2 record. The Oilmen had one home game for the “Paint the Game Pink,” and three road games. The Oilmen won their first two games against Lexington Snipes and Joliet Admirals, and then the Oilmen lost their last two games to the DuPage County Hounds and Lexington Snipes, getting outscored 25-6. The two wins that the Oilmen got included phenomenal starting pitching by Jimmy McNamara and Cameron Linck. McNamara and Linck both went five innings, only giving up one earned run, Linck got a win while McNamara settled for a no decision. Matt Pobereyko is the closer for the Oilmen who led the Midwest Collegiate League in saves for the MCL in the 2013 season with five. Pobereyko came into the first game of the season to get the save for the Oilmen in a 2-1 win versus the Lexington Snipes. The Oilmen started the season 2-0 for the first time in team history, winning back-to-back games to start the year. The offense came alive in the second game of the season when the Oilmen traveled to Joliet to face the Joliet Admirals. The Oilmen won over the Admirals 13-2. The offense was led by centerfielder Jack Czeszewski, who had three doubles and two runs batted in and the team ended up scoring five runs that came in the second inning to pave the way for the scoring. Despite the Oilmen losing to the Snipes on June 1, the Oilmen scored five runs, but most of the runs in the late in the game. The Oilmen finished off their first week 2-2. The starting pitching was the story of the Oilmen through the first two games only giving up two earned runs. The story of the other two games was a lack of offense to keep up with the other team. “It is only the first week of the season. It is a long season ahead of us. Our bats will heat up,” manager Justin Huisman said. “Our pitching was great in the first two games.” The Oilmen have a three-game homestand this week. The Oilmen take on the Southland Vikings, the Hounds and the Michigan City Lakers on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Oilmen have two road games this week as the Oilmen travel to the Vikings on Tuesday and Michigan City on Saturday. From Wednesday-Friday for the homestead the Oilmen have daily promotions going on each day. Wednesday is Way Back Wednesday

beyond petroleum

MEET THE STAFF

Chris Doherty Assistant General Manager

Chris Doherty is back for his second season as a member of the Northwest Indiana Oilmen front office. Doherty is currently pursuing a degree in sports management at the University of Kansas. He has a love of baseball that dates back over 17 years and enjoys being around the sport on a daily basis with the Oilmen. Doherty’s role with the team makes him responsible for overseeing all stadium operations.

Vincent Medina, Marketing Coordinator Intern

A proud third generation East Chicago native, Vincent Medina is the Marketing Coordinator intern. He is concentrating on marketing the NWI Oilmen to the Latino community. Vincent is a junior studying at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) majoring in Informatics and Computer Information Technology, minoring in Spanish. Vincent is a freelance graphic artist as well as a beginning web developer.

Brandon Vickrey, Director of Communications

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen named Brandon Vickrey their Director of Communications on August 14, 2013. Vickrey’s role includes play-by-play broadcasting and public relations. Vickrey has been a part of the Oilmen organization since the team’s inaugural season, serving as a broadcasting and media relations intern in 2012 and 2013. Vickrey is a graduate of Portage High School and a Valparaiso University digital media major. He previously served as the coverage team coordinator for Ideas in Motion Media and is currently a radio producer for 89.1 FM The Lakeshore and a free-lance writer for the Post-Tribune newspaper.

Tate Hickey, Community Relations Intern

Tate Hickey is studying sociology and psychology at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. She also plays on the tennis team at Saint Joseph’s. Originally from Dyer, Indiana, Tate is happy to be spending her time back in the region for this summer internship. She has experience as a tennis instructor and a camp counselor and loves working with kids.

Elizabeth Biancardi, Graphics & Publications Intern

Joey Gelman, Radio Broadcasting Intern

Elizabeth Biancardi creates most design material for the Oilmen, such as this game day program and enjoys design very much. She has previous experience from working on her high school newspaper. Currently, she works parttime at the Griffith YMCA in the Wellness Center and attends Purdue Calumet. She will be graduating in Spring 2015 with a BA in Visual Communication and Graphic Arts and a minor in Advertising.

Joey Gelman is a current junior at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and is majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Spanish. At U-of- I Joey works with the student newspaper and radio station through the Daily Illini and WPGU Radio as a sports reporter, update anchor and host. Joey has covered Illini men’s basketball, tennis and baseball as well as has covered women’s basketball, volleyball and women’s tennis. Joey also works with the Big Ten Network “Student U” program in which students broadcast Big Ten sporting events; doing both production and announcing.

David Bork, Sports Information Intern

Jazmyn Becerra, Photographer Intern

David Bork is a native of East Chicago, Indiana, and is serving as a sports information intern for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Bork currently attends Purdue University, majoring in General Communication. Bork is currently the sports editor for The Chronicle student newspaper.

Jazmyn Becerra, a graduate of East Chicago Central, will be attending Purdue Calumet to major in Education and become a teacher. She has plays volleyball and was the first girl on a all boys baseball team at her high school where she played varsity as a right fielder. She was also secretary for National Honor Society. Jazmyn is also a member of and the photographer for The Circle where she attends different events and volunteers her time to help her home city of East Chicago.

AROUND THE REGION UPCOMOING EVENTS, JUNE 2014 Whiting Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday during Summer 8 AM-2 PM 119th St. Whiting, IN

Paws in the Park 2014 Saturday, June 7 8 AM- 2 PM Main Square Park Highland, IN

Tour De Highland

Saturday, June 7 8 AM- 2 PM Wicker Memorial Park Highland, IN

Dyer Summer Fest

Friday June 5- Sunday June 8 Pheasant Hills Park Dyer, IN

Cobe Cup Cruise

Saturday, June 7 1 PM- 2 PM Cedar Lake Eagles #2529 Cedar Lake, IN

Summer Outdoor Family Movies Every Tuesday June 10- July 1 9 PM-11 PM Central Park Plaza Valparaiso, IN

Queen of All Saints Parish Festival Friday June 5- Sunday June 8 THURS 5-10PM, FRI 5-12 PM, SAT 1-12 PM, SUN 1-10 PM Queen of All Saints Parish Michigan City, IN

Jammin’ with Save the Dunes Saturday June 7 5 PM-11 PM Washington Park Michigan City, IN

Size Matters Fishing Contest June 7, 8, 14, 15 3 PM- 7PM Serenity Springs La Porte, IN

OILMAN STAN WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE!

MAY SUN

MON

JUNE

SUN SUN LS LS 1:00 1:00

15 15

16 16

LS LS 4:10 4:10 22 22 DH DH 6:00 6:00 29 JA JA 12:00 12:00

MON MON

23 23 30 30

JULY

SUN SUN

CZ CZ 12:00 12:00 13 13 DH DH 6:00 6:00 20 20 CZ CZ 4:10 4:10 66

27 27

MON MON

77 14 14 21 21 28 28

TUE 27 SV 7:10

THU

FRI SAT 30 JA 31 DH 5:00 6:00

TUE TUE WED WED THU THU FRI FRI SAT SAT SV SV 44 SV SV 55 DH DH 66 CL CL 77 CL CL 7:10 7:10 1:10 1:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 IS IS SV SV SV SV JA JA CZ CZ TBA 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 17 17 18 19 20 21 CL CL 18 SV SV 19 CZ CZ 20 JA JA 21 CZ CZ 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 24 24 25 25 26 27 28 CZ CZ 26 JA JA 27 DH DH 28 CZ CZ 12:00 12:00 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 33

THU FRI SAT THU FRI SAT LS LS 44 SV SV 55 SV SV 7:30 7:30 7:10 7:10 TBA TBA 7:10 7:10 MCL MCL 88 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 CZ CZ ALL-STAR LS LS LS DH DH ALL-STAR 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 5:10 5:10 7:30 7:30 15 15 16 CZ 17 JA 18 LS 19 DH IS IS 16 CZ 17 JA 18 LS 19 DH 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 7:10 TBA 7:10 5:00 5:00 22 22 DH 23 SV 24 JA 25 JA 26 LS DH 23 SV 24 JA 25 JA 26 LS 1:00 1:00 7:00 7:00 DH DH 7:10 7:10 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 1

TUE TUE

WED WED

29 29

30 30

31 31

PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS

AUGUST

SUN SUN

WED 28 LS 7:10

MON MON

7:00 7:00

TUE TUE

7:00 7:00

WED WED

CHAMPIONSHIP

7:00

THU THU

7:00

FRI FRI

SAT SAT

CHAMPIONSHIPCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP 7:00 7:00

7:00 7:00

33 CHAMPIONSHIP 7:00 7:00

HOME GAME

CZChicago Zephyrs

ROAD GAME

CLCity Lakers

JAJoliet Admirals

POST SEASON

DHDuPage County Hounds

LSLexington Snipes

ISIllinois Sparks

SVSouthland Vikings

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