Oilmen Program Issue 5 by Northwest Indiana Oilmen

Official Game Day Program

Week of June 23, 2014

www.nwioilmen.com

Vol 1., Issue 5

Celebrate Community Night on Thursday, June 26 at Oil City Stadium. PAGE 3

Nate Schneider and Nick Nauracy are showcased in this week’s player spotlight. PAGE 4

Don’t miss the NWI Oilmen’s Veterans Benefit Game on Tuesday, July 1. Sixty percent of ticket sales will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build Project. PAGE 3

Read about our ballpark zombie apocalypse on Friday, June 13. PAGE 38

WEEK RECAP

WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2014

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen, who have been on a roll lately, had won five games in a row heading into this week with a record of 8-4 and 7-3 in the Midwest Collegiate League. The Oilmen had an off day on Monday night. The first Oilmen game of the week was a non-league game versus the Michigan City Lakers on Tuesday. Tuesday was Green Day at the ballpark with 50 percent of the ticket sales going to Nathan Hale Elementary School’s 3 R’s project. Globey, The Green Streak and Oilmen mascot Oilman Stan were all in attendance for the game to support the cause. Kids from Nathan Hale Elementary School were in attendance as well. The Oilmen were victorious in the game versus the Lakers, winning by the score of 5-3. Scott Jerge made his first start of the season for the Oilmen, pitching three innings giving up two hits, not allowing a run and issuing one walk along with three strikeouts. Left fielder Jason Gasser went 1-for-2 in the game with two walks and a key two-RBI single in the fourth inning. Andrew Jackson came in the game in the sixth inning to make his Oilmen debut. Jackson pitched two innings not allowing a run giving up two hits, walking two and striking out two. Aaron Glatt came into the game in the eighth inning to hold the score to 5-2. Munster grad, Anthony Gomez came in the game to get the save for the Oilmen, but he ran into trouble in the ninth inning as the Lakers tried to start a rally. Gomez hit Jerry Hodges before Garett By David Bork

Cameron Linck, in his delivery, as he is about to throw a pitch against the Joliet Admirals on Friday 13th.

Walter got a base hit. The Lakers had two on with nobody out then Huisman went to the mound to talk to Gomez to settle him down. Gomez struck out Nick Latham, and forced Marty Napleton to fly out to right field but the Lakers struck with two outs in the ninth inning. Lakers pinch hit Kody Alyon in to bat against Gomez and Alyon swung at the first pitch for an RBI single scoring Hodges from second. Gomez walked Lou Grounds and he was able to have Mark Dye lineout to the shortstop to end the game. The Oilmen were scheduled to travel to Homewood-Flossmoor High School to take on the rival Southland Vikings on Wednesday night. However, the game was postponed to the heavy rainfall throughout the night. The Oilmen were hoping the next day’s weather would be a lot nicer when this time the Chicago Zephyrs would come to Oil City Stadium. The game was going smoothly until the third inning start of the third inning when it started to rain. The Oilmen and Zephyrs were able to go through three innings until it was put under a lightning delay for 15 minutes. After the delay, the game once again was postponed due to constant rain throughout the day and night. The Oilmen would try for the third night in a row to get a game in and the Oilmen were able to do just that playing Friday night against the Joliet Admirals. The entire game was a pitcher’s duel with the Oilmen striking first in the bottom of the fourth on a RBI double right off the wall by designated hitter Zack Jones. Oilmen starter Cameron Linck was locked in all game, going six innings allowing three hits, issuing four walks and striking out three. The Oilmen bullpen did the rest as Danny Pobereyko pitched a scoreless seventh inning and Garett Sherrell pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Matt Pobereyko was able to pick up his MCL-leading seventh save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out the first two batters he faced and having James Roberts fly out to right field. The Oilmen tied an MCL record with the seventh consecutive victory with the win versus the Admirals. The Oilmen were looking to make it eight wins in a row Saturday night versus the Chicago Zephyrs but the game was postponed due to the rain. The Oilmen have four home games this upcoming week. Monday night is a Mustache Monday game against the Southland Vikings as all fans with mustaches receive free admission to the game. Wednesday is versus the Chicago Zephyrs, Thursday versus the Joliet Admirals, Friday against the DuPage County Hounds, and over the weekend the Oilmen travel to face the Zephyrs and Admirals.

SPECIAL EVENTS

AT OIL CITY STADIUM COMMUNITY NIGHT THURSDAY, JUNE 26 7:10 PM Thursday, July 26 will be Community Night at Oil City Stadium as the Oilmen celebrate the WhitingRobertsdale community with friends and neighbors. All tickets to that night’s game against the Joliet Admirals will be available for $4. Community Night is a precursor to Whiting’s annual Pierogi Festival, which is one month away. Whiting Community Night will be a great chance for fans to celebrate the community in which they live while taking in a baseball game at Oil City Stadium.

VETERANS BENEFIT GAME TUESDAY, JULY 1 7:30 PM There is one special day each year where a patriotic display of America’s pastime takes place inside Oil City Stadium. The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have announced that the Veterans Benefit Game on July 1 will raise funds for Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity’s “Veterans Build Project.” The Veterans Benefit Game is presented by Hoosier Daddy Barbecue Sauce and will allow the Oilmen to show their support for all veterans of the United States armed forces. Sixty percent of all ticket sales from the game will benefit the “Veterans Build Project,” which is a joint effort between Habitat for Humanity and the Northwest Indiana Veterans Action Council to build homes for veterans in need. The July 1 game is sure to be a special one as the Oilmen take the field in support of this great cause. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s “Veterans Build Project,” visit www.nwihabitat.org. For more information on the NWI Veterans Action Council, log-on to www.nwiveterans.com. To purchase tickets and help show your support for the “Veterans Build Project,” visit www.nwioilmen.com.

of Northwest Indiana

PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS: By David Bork Nick Nauracy has had an interesting and eventful baseball career. Nauracy, who went to Crown Point High School, but did not make the varsity baseball team before his senior year. Nauracy was cut from Crown Point three times in high school his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Nauracy has been playing baseball since he was three years old with the help of his father Jerry. Nauracy went through every season seeing what he had to improve on for the next year. He told himself that he would continue getting better. Heading into his senior year, Nauracy made many improvements and strides to make the team his last year in high school. “I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I was converted into a pitcher my sophomore year, to improve my chances of making the team,” Nauracy said. “I decided to develop a few pitches and pick up my velocity.” When Nauracy was able to make the varsity team his senior year, not only was he a starter, but Nauracy was the ace of the Bulldogs pitching staff back in 2011. Nauracy was the ace for the Bulldogs team that went to the semi-state game against Fort Wayne Carroll. Nauracy pitched a two-hit complete game allowing only one earned run in the regional semi-final game to defeat Penn. Later that day, he picked up the

#22

NATE SCHNEIDER

save in the championship game versus Elkhart Central High School. Nauracy was able to go 9-2 with a 1.06 earned run average and earned all-area recognition, surprising everyone after getting cut three times from Crown Point High School. After high school, Nauracy went to Vincennes University a two-year university that is a stepping stone to a Division-I school and Nauracy did just that and now Nauracy is pitching for the Ohio University Bobcats. “It’s great playing Division-I baseball it goes to show you how far I have come from getting cut three times,” Nauracy said. Nauracy said the Bobcats program is in the rebuilding process as they have 19 freshmen on their roster. Nauracy is in his first season with the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and hopes to improve his pitching and add a few miles per hour to his fastball. Nauracy previously played for the Michigan City Lakers, a nonleague opponent of the Oilmen. “I wanted to play for the Oilmen to play close to home, and play with more of the guys I played with in high school,” Nauracy said. “We are all a family; we all get along because we know each other.” Nauracy, like the rest of the team, wants to get better at the game of baseball and want to win the championship this season.

By Brandon Vickrey After growing up in Michigan, graduating from Portage Central High School and currently attending Western Michigan University, Oilmen infielder/ outfielder Nate Schneider has seen plenty of the Great Lakes State. This summer, he is growing accustomed to new scenery as he instead finds himself in the Hoosier State. “It’s been awesome so far,” Schneider said. “We live right in downtown Whiting, just a couple of blocks away. The stadium is awesome, so I can’t complain at all, other than a few rainouts.” Schneider and the other Oilmen – especially the nonlocals who are staying in Whiting for the summer – have found themselves with extra time on their hands this season as inclement weather has led to six games being cancelled or postponed. “You get a little cabin fever just hanging out inside all day, but it’s nice when we come out and play,” Schneider said. “I’ve just been seeing the ball well. I’ve been able to pick up good pitches and square them up.” Schneider ranks fifth on the team in batting average at .262 through the first 14 games of the season. He ranks second on the Oilmen in RBIs with

#21

NICK NAURACY

six and has also stole four bases and drawn six walks. Schneider is the only Northwest Indiana player that has appeared in 13 of the team’s 14 games this season. He has moved all over the diamond, playing left field, first base, shortstop, third base and second base. Northern Illinois outfielder Jason Gasser joins Schneider as two of the most productive offense players on the Oilmen in the early portion of the season. However, the common thread between Gasser and Schneider goes beyond the numbers that the duo has posted this summer. “I’ve really connected with Jason Gasser,” Schneider said. “We had a couple mutual friends that he played high school ball with that I play with at Western. We’ve had the chance to hang out a couple of times.” Schneider’s parents and uncle have already made the trip to Northwest Indiana to take in several Oilmen games. He has been impressed with the overall level of competition in the Midwest Collegiate League. “It’s been good; we’ve seen a lot of good position players,” Schneider said. “The pitching is good, but it’s nothing overpowering. There are a lot of good athletes playing the field.”

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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Owner: Jim Eder Address: 1326 119th St Whiting, IN 46394 Phone: (219) 659-4555

Hours: M-Th 11am - 11pm F-Sa: 11am - 12am Su: 12pm - 10pm

Amenities: Catering, Dining Room, Bar, Buffet, Free Wi-Fi, Party/ Banquet Room(s), Delivery

BEGGARS PIZZA Jim Eder knew he wanted By Brandon Vickrey to purchase a second Beggars Pizza location in Northwest Indiana to add to his Dyer business, but the exact whereabouts of the new Beggars had not yet been determined. One visit to 119th Street was all it took to sway Eder, luring him to downtown Whiting. “We were actually going to go to Valparaiso,” Eder said. “I was very tempted to go to Valpo, but I told the boys, you know, let’s check this Whiting out. When we were looking at this location, Carol from the Chamber of Commerce saw our Beggars shirts and she came running across the street. She was so friendly, just really friendly.” That initial impression was indicative of how people in Whiting continued to treat Eder during his time visiting the city. Consequently, he decided to make it a permanent home for the Beggars Pizza location that opened its doors in March 2013. “Norb Dudzik was here working and we talked to Norb, and he took us over to City Hall,” Eder said. “Things just kind of started snowballing. Mayor Joe (Stahura) is just fantastic. With his vision, his incentive and his ambition with the town, I was sold.” Eder’s sons Ryan and Jon were also vital in helping him make the decision to choose Whiting. Jon previously worked with Eder in the refrigeration business, while Ryan was serving in Iraq at the time. Both wanted to take part in a family business in Whiting. “They kind of pushed me in this direction,” Eder said. “They said, ‘Dad, let’s go for it. What have we got to lose?’ They’re very active in the business; I couldn’t do it without those guys. My wife Janine is the real boss. We all have our own little part and we work well together, which is important.” Whiting is filled with friendly people that can walk anywhere in town, another fact that played a role in Eder’s decision to choose Whiting. “I’m a bicyclist, so I brought both my bikes here,” Eder said. “The lake is a block down the street. I cycle to the lakefront three times per week. It’s an awesome, awesome bike trail. Business-wise, maybe I would have done better in Valpo, but am I comfortable there? I’m more comfortable right here with my family.” Although the word pizza is included in the name of the restaurant,

Eder said his menu includes a wide variety of food options. “I don’t like the connotation of a pizza place because I’m not just a pizza place, although we have the best pizza on the south side of Chicago,” Eder said. “We also have lasagna, spaghetti, mostaccioli, my marinated grilled chicken sandwiches are awesome, not to mention that I have fried chicken that is doing amazingly well here.” Much like his decision to come to Whiting, Eder’s move to partner with the Northwest Indiana Oilmen is influenced by his relationships with others, in this case Oilmen President Don Popravak. “Donny’s a great guy,” Eder said. “When I met Don, right away he and I got along pretty well. We’re both short guys, we see eye-to-eye. He’s got a nice stadium down there. I’m not a big baseball fan or a sports fan, but I mean if the Blackhawks or Sox are winning, I’m all for it because I sell more pizza. I like his ideas about downtown.” Eder believes that the Oilmen and Beggars Pizza are both essential pieces to the downtown Whiting landscape. “I love Kevin (Clark’s) microbrewery down the street,” Eder said. “I think that ties in really well with our pizza. A south side brewery, south side pizza and a south side baseball team. It all combines and correlates together, it’s a good fit. I just love the excitement of an eclectic town. It’s like New Buffalo on steroids.”

Owner Jim Eder poses outside Beggars Pizza near the patio that faces 119th St. in downtown Whiting.

2014 TEAM OVERVIEW 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 four 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. 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. Matt Pobereyko established the Midwest Collegiate League saves record with five while compiling a 2.25 ERA.

Keith Mahler fires a pitch during a game at Oil City Stadium earlier this season.

Jason Gasser tosses a ball to the cut-off man after making a catch in the outfield at Oil City Stadium. “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, and Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Garrett Sherrell. 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. 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

4 ANDREW JACKSON P

WHEATFIELD, IN

WABASH COLLEGE

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.

MUNSTER, IN 19 DANNY POBEREYKO 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.

27 P

ANDREW LOWE

WHITING, IN

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.

NEW ALBANY, IN 35 GARRETT SHERRELL 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.

36 SCOTT JERGE P

MUNSTER, IN

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

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 Rebels’ rotation. Hill College coach Chris Rateike described him as a real competitor who works extremely hard.

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.

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 KEVIN 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.

LAKE ORION, MI 13 NICK VOGELMEIER 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.

WEXFORD, PA 14 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.

LAKE FOREST, IL 15 ANTHONY COLOSIMO 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.

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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. Schneider’s athleticism and versatility are two of his strongest attributes on the playing field.

24 BRODIE MEYER 2B

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL

BUTLER UNIVERSITY

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.

MUNSTER, IN 1 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.

GARY, IN 7 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. Crisler became the first player in Oilmen history selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when he was picked by the Atlanta Braves in the 36th round of this year’s draft.

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.

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.

23 ANDREW RAY MICHIGAN CITY, IN 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.

The Official Hot Dog of the NWI Oilmen

2014 NWI OILMEN ROSTER NAME

HEIGHT

WEIGHT

BATS THROWS

COLLEGE (HIGH SCHOOL)

Catchers 19

Zack Jones

Andrew Ray

Alec Ornelas

5’11”

190 lbs

Trinity Christian College (Main South)

6' 1"

195 lbs

Northern Illinois University (Michigan City)

6’ 1”

197 lbs

Central Michigan University (Lincoln Way East)

Infielders 2

Ryan Burvan

5' 11"

165 lbs

Purdue University (Lake Central)

Kevin DeFilippis

6’ 0”

170 lbs

Notre Dame (Providence Catholic)

Nick Vogelmeier

5’ 11”

165 lbs

Western Michigan (Lake Orion)

Anthony Colosimo

6’0”

185 lbs

Purdue University Calumet (Loyola Academy)

Nate Schneider

6' 2"

210 lbs

Western Michigan (Portage Central)

Brodie Meyer

6’ 0”

180 lbs

Butler University (Chicago Christian)

James Meeker

6’ 4”

180 lbs

Akron (North Allegheny)

6’ 4”

190 lbs

Indiana University (Munster)

6’ 4”

190 lbs

Indiana University (Bishop Noll)

Outfielders 1

Craig Dedelow

Larry Crisler

Rob Blissitt, Jr.

6’ 3”

165 lbs

Cincinnati (Thornwood)

Jason Gasser

6' 0"

195 lbs

Northern Illinois University (Mount Carmel)

Pitchers 4

Andrew Jackson

6’5”

210 lbs

Wabash College (Kankakee Valley)

Keith Mahler

6’ 6”

185 lbs

Heartland Community College (Highland)

Danny Pobereyko 6' 5"

200 lbs

Butler University (Bishop Noll)

Nick Nauracy

6’1”

185 lbs

Ohio University (Crown Point)

Jimmy McNamara 6’ 2”

175 lbs

Central Michigan University (Lake Central)

Andrew Lowe

6’ 2”

220 lbs

UW-Whitewater (Whiting)

Anthony Gomez

6’ 0”

200 lbs

Ball State (Munster)

Aaron Glatt

6’2”

190 lbs

University of Dayton (Lake Central)

Garrett Sherrell

6’4”

185 lbs

University of Arkansas Little Rock (New Albany)

Scott Jerge

6' 0"

185 lbs

Valparaiso University (Munster)

Matt Pobereyko

6' 1"

239 lbs

Kentucky Wesleyan University (Bishop Noll)

Cameron Linck

6’ 2”

175 lbs

Hill College (Kingwood)

Kevin Jones

5’ 11”

180 lbs

Northern Illinois University (Portage)

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… 66-36, 59-33 in MCL Games over two seasons Home Record… 42-18 (39-16 in MCL) Road Record… 24-19 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

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-to-back Midwest Collegiate League Championship Series appearances. 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, members of the Midwest Collegiate League, feature Division-I baseball players from across the country. 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.”

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 playing with the York Revolution, Lincoln Saltdogs and Winnipeg Goldeyes in 2013. 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.

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 team’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.

CURRENT AND FORMER MCL PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2014 MLB DRAFT 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 be drafted into a major league organization. The 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was proof that the league has been successful in accomplishing that goal as 10 current and former MCL players were selected. Lexington Snipes catcher Simeon Lucas was the first Midwest Collegiate League player off the board when he was picked by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round of the First-Year Player Draft. He is a current member of the Snipes roster and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round with the 218th overall selection. Pitcher Matt Borens, who was an MCL All-Star with the Will County CrackerJacks in 2012, was selected by the New York Yankees in round No. 11. Borens just completed his junior season at Eastern Illinois University. Catcher Mike Hollenbeck, who played for the Illinois Lincolns in 2012, was drafted by the White Sox in the 23rd round following his senior season at Illinois State. In round No. 36, the name of a Northwest Indiana Oilman was called in the big league draft for the first time in the three-year history of the team. Outfielder Larry Crisler, who is listed on the Northwest Indiana Oilmen roster and just completed his senior year of high school, was picked by the Atlanta Braves out of Bishop Noll High School. In addition to current Snipe Simeon Lucas, the Lexington club saw several former players taken in this year’s draft. Pitcher Dan Savas of Illinois State was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 19th round. He turned in a 3.92 ERA while pitching for the Snipes in 2011. Ben Brewster, who pitched with the Snipes in 2013, landed in the White Sox organization as a 15th round pick. Another former Snipe whose name was called this past weekend was RHP Brock Stewart, who was taken by the Dodgers in the sixth round out of Illinois State. Current DuPage County Hounds pitcher Tomas Michelson of UIC was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 29th round. The Hounds were also represented by Illinois State’s Paul DeJong, who was taken by the Pirates in the 38th round. DeJong spent two seasons in the MCL, playing with the Illinois Lincolns in 2012 and the Hounds in 2013. Jameson Henning, who made the MCL All-Star Game while playing for the Rockford Foresters in 2012, was picked by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th round. This year’s class of MCL draftees will join a group of former players already competing in major league organizations, including former Illinois Jayhawks pitcher Tony Cingrani, who is a member of the Cincinnati Reds pitching rotation.

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

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

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 plays volleyball and was the first girl on an 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.

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. Sunday, June 15 vs. Lexington, 4 p.m. Friday, June 20 vs. Joliet, 7 p.m. Sunday, 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 Veterans Benefit Game, 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

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN Just under a year ago, a group of electrical professionals in Northwest Indiana saw a need for a simplification and rebranding of their union. That’s when Certified Electrician was born. A combination of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and IBEW Local 697 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Certified Electrician was formed to show the partnership between the two groups and to decrease confusion amongst the public. NECA is a labor management group consisting of local area electrical contractors and IBEW 697 represent a group of unionized electricians. However, the letters and acronyms made it difficult for the public to understand exactly what each group represented and the services they had to offer Northwest Indiana. “I think it’s been going over really well,” Director of Business Development Casondra Ayling said. “We are doing radio ads now, various sponsorships and we’re always giving back to the community through charity events. We’re really just saturating the market right now to get people familiar with Certified Electrician.” When a customer calls upon a Certified Electrician contractor, they will receive the services of an electrician

who is highly trained, well-educated and trustworthy. All electricians have been drug tested, background checked and gone through a rigorous apprenticeship program, which includes classroom and on-the-job training. “We’re always recruiting skilled electricians, many do not realize the benefits and training our union has to offer,” Ayling said. “When we bring these people into our classes, it’s amazing that some say, ‘I’ve been through college, I’ve got my degree and I’ve been an electrician for 5 years, but I’ve never seen this before.’ That’s just the level of training we offer.” Certified Electrician’s apprenticeship program accepts applications the second Wednesday of every month. Gaining admittance to the program is no simple task because of the high level of math and education that it takes to be successful as an electrician. “A lot of it is on the actual job sites, so they get exposed to a little bit of everything and kind of figure out what interests them and what their niche is,” Ayling said. “When they come out of the program, they have earned their Associate’s degree as well. We’re not your typical college, but you are still earning your degree and on top of it being tuition-free schooling, you’re getting

paid while working on the job.” For Ayling, the marketing position that opened up six months ago at Certified Electrician was the perfect opportunity. “Now, it’s kind of developed into something a little bit bigger than what we originally thought, but it’s a new position, so there’s really no limit to what it can be.” Certified Electrician played a significant role in the construction of Oil City Stadium. Their contractors and electricians helped wire the ballpark that the Oilmen call home, making the partnership between Certified Electrician and the Northwest Indiana Oilmen even more appropriate. “We are trying to take the unionized electrical industry to the next level, by providing superior training, and making sure construction jobs go union versus non-union,” Ayling said. “We want to keep Northwest Indiana thriving. That happens when local electricians are hired for these local construction jobs, because the worker turns around and spends their hard earned money within the community they live. It’s kind of all one big circle and I think it’s a great thing to keep money and jobs in our area.”

Offering Residential - Voice-Data-Video - Commercial - Industrial - Signage And Renewable Energy Installations

For a complete list of certified electrical contractors visit our website:

CertifiedElectrician.com

THE NWI OILMEN PROUDLY PARTNERS WITH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

For more information on coordinating a fundraising event with the NWI Oilmen contact our marketing department at info@nwioilmen.com

Introducing

HOOSIER DADDY!

THE OFFICIAL BBQ SAUCE OF THE OILMEN

OBEY YOUR TASTE BUDS www.hoosierdaddybbqsauce.com

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:

HOOSIER DADDY!

By Brandon Vickrey

Kim Foy knew she wanted to find a way to honor her father William Marshall after he passed away in September 2007, ending his battle with cancer. Foy wanted to find a way to allow her father to make a lasting impact for years to come. That’s when Hoosier Daddy Barbecue Sauce was born. After losing her father in 2007 and her brother in 2008, the idea popped into Foy’s brain in the year 2009. The sauce, inspired by her father’s family recipe, hit the shelves in May 2011. “The story itself is the entire purpose of Hoosier Daddy as far as I’m concerned,” Foy said. “I lost my dad and my brother both to cancer and after all that, I felt like I wanted to do something to honor my dad. I took over making his barbecue sauce. He always made it and passed it out to family and friends.” Since releasing the sauce in 2011, Hoosier Daddy has become an immediate hit. Two new sauces, Smokehouse Hickory and Deathly Hot Ghost Roast, have been added to the original flavor, Sweet & Sassy. Hoosier Daddy has won various awards and has expanded to 30 different states. Although the two new flavors are widely popular, the original Sweet & Sassy is still the favorite among the three. “It is all natural, no gluten,” Foy said. “The other two are also glutenfree, but they’re not the original sauce. They’re not what my dad was and that’s Hoosier Daddy. The Ghost Roast is hot, but it’s wonderful in warm recipes that you can cook in the winter time.” Foy does everything she can to help out various charities, especially those near the Hoosier Daddy home base in Dyer. She also contributes to outof-state charities and supports a plethora of good causes, including the fight against cancer. Foy’s earliest childhood memories include those of her father spending much of his time in the kitchen. He loved to grill and did the majority of the family’s cooking each day. “We used to go camping down on Kentucky Lake,” Foy said. “I can always remember my dad cooking. He kept his barbecue sauce that he would make in mason jars and that’s how he would pass it out. I even have pictures of my brother cooking and holding a mason jar with a paint brush and putting barbecue sauce on it.” While the product’s backstory or logo may be what attracts customers to try Hoosier Daddy for the first time, Foy believes that once they give it a try, the taste will keep them coming back. “This is a product of the heart,” Foy said. “It’s a good sauce. It serves a strong purpose. There’s a story behind it and the story is the truth of the sauce.

Kim Foy, CEO of Hoosier Daddy! receives the 2013 best BBQ award at Weekend of Fire in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s got great flavor. If you give it a chance, you’re probably going to like it.” Hoosier Daddy Barbecue Sauce is a proud partner of the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and the presenting sponsor of the Veterans Benefit Game. “Hoosier Daddy comes from the heart, it’s good old barbecue without all the junk,” Foy said. “Just like so many families enjoy a good ‘ole baseball game played from the heart. Hoosier Daddy is the spirit of the American Dream, no different than the kids on the field of dreams at Oil City Stadium.”

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SPECIAL EVENTS Tue May 27 OPENING NIGHT

50% of ticket sales will benefit Whiting High School Science Olympiads to help fund their trip to Nationals.

Sat June 14 SUPER HEROES NIGHT Dress like your favorite hero and get free admission.

Fri July 4 BASEBALL & BBQ

Get ready to tailgate and cook out afer Whiting’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

Wed May 28 PAINT THE GAME PINK Special auctions and 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to save second base and help fight breast cancer.

Sun June 15 FATHER’S DAY

Celebrate Father’s Day at Oil City Stadium and play catch with Dad after the game.

Wed July 9 MCL ALL-STAR GAME

Watch as the Midwest Collegiate League’s best talent plays at the Whiting Oil City Stadium.

Fri June 6 STAN’S BIRTHDAY

Help us sing happy birthday and blow out his candles. It’s also Family Friday: Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE!

Tues June 17 GREEN DAY

50% of ticket sales will benefit Nathan Hale’s 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle Project that supports the Whiting Education Foundation.

Sat July 12 NOCHE LATINA

Celebrate Hispanic heritage with traditional music and dancing.

Thu June 12 STRIKE OUT ALS

50 % of ticket sales will benefit the ALS Chicago Chapter to help fight Lou Gehrigs Disease.

Sat June 21 BARK IN THE PARK

Bring your dog along to the ballpark as you watch the Northwest Indiana Oilmen .

Wed July 23 FAN APPRECIATION

The Zooperstars have come to help us celebrate the most important thing to the NWI Oilmen, YOU!

Fri June 13 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

Spend Friday the 13th with a Zombie Apocalypse and take part in our salute to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Tues July 1 VETERANS BENEFIT GAME

60% of ticket sales will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Build Project.

Coming in August AMERICAN ENGLISH

Celebrate the Beatles 50th Anniversary of coming to the U.S. with American English covering Beatles songs throughout the decades. .

THE HEART OF OILMEN BASEBALL OIL CITY STADIUM IN WHITING, INDIANA

By Brandon Vickrey

Since the inaugural season of Northwest Indiana Oilmen baseball in 2012, the Oilmen have been proud to call Oil City Stadium home. A venue unlike any other, Oil City Stadium features the BP Oil Refinery located just beyond the outfield fence. The unique oil refinery backdrop serves as a constant reminder of the blue-collar attitude that the Oilmen display as they represent the Region of Northwest Indiana. Oil City Stadium, which is located at 1700 119th Street in downtown Whiting, is also home to the Whiting High School and Calumet College of St. Joseph’s baseball teams. The stadium has a capacity of 1,500 that includes box seats, bleacher seating and seating on the grassy berm area. The stadium opened in April 2011, a year before the Oilmen trotted onto the Oil City Stadium diamond for the first time. The Oilmen defeated Southland 14-3 on June 3, 2012 in their first-ever home game at Oil City Stadium. Oil City Stadium has hosted the Midwest Collegiate League All-Star Game twice, in 2011 and 2013. The mid-summer classic will return to Whiting again this season as the league’s brightest stars will be showcased on July 9. Fans that take in a game at Oil City Stadium will enjoy a complete baseball experience. Delicious and affordable concession items, interaction with Oilman Stan, games on the field between innings, fun promotions and great baseball combine to make Oil City Stadium a premiere family entertainment venue in Northwest Indiana. As a part of the city’s Lakefront Park redevelopment plan, the stadium was built at the location that was previously home to Whiting’s Little League Fields. Another unique aspect of the brick stadium is the 30-foot scoreboard in left field, which must be cleared for a home run. The Oilmen look forward to continuing to call Oil City Stadium home for years to come.

The Oilmen celebrate after defeating the DeKalb County Liners 6-2 to clinch the 2012 Midwest Collegiate League Championship at Oil City Stadium

WHITING NATIVES THAT HAVE GONE ON TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL Andrew Thomas Sr. -Minor league baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization in 1919 Steve Kraly -Pitched in five games with the 1953 World Series Champion New York Yankees Andrew Thomas Jr. -Drafted by the White Sox in 1966 Joe Homco- Player in the White Sox Organization in the minor leagues Phil Mateja -Spent four seasons in the minors playing in the Senators and White Sox organizations Rick McConnell -White Sox organization John Mostil -Major League Baseball outfielder for 10 seasons with the White Sox Al Pilarcik -Played in the big leagues from 1956-1961 with the Royals, Orioles and White Sox

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

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

bp is a proud partner of the NWI Oilmen

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD NORTHWEST INDIANA

The Bushas celebrate their Polish heritage at Whiting’s annual Pierogi Fest in July.

By David Bork The city of Whiting, Indiana is a Southern Shores Community that was born off the railroads and the Standard Oil Company in 1889. Whiting has well-known historic buildings, the Andrew Carnegie library, and the Hoosier Theatre. Whiting cherishes its history and continues to celebrate its traditions, and has even been recognized for being a Tree City USA for 19 consecutive years. It is not just the people who live in Whiting that recognize how unique it is. Whiting has also been featured on Today in America, Food Network and more! Whiting is ideally located 20 minutes from Chicago, so there’s a city style living with a small town feel which fits perfectly for the population of over 5,000 people who live here. The city of Whiting has streets named after city founders, specializing in unique shops and family owned businesses, and of rich ethnic heritage and diversity. The festivals, summer concerts, and parades in Whiting are known about around the country, especially the famous Pierogi Fest which has had a crowd of over 250,000 to come celebrate in this three day event. Whiting offers dining, recreation, entertainment and family fun. It is the perfect location to host our own Northwest Indiana baseball team! “I am proud to be the mayor of Whiting over the last 11 years after becoming a councilmen for 20 years,” Joe Stahura said. Stahura and the city of Whiting have made many improvements to make the city of Whiting well known not only over the state of Indiana but all over the United States. Stahura has made improvements to the parks, the schools, and the businesses to the city of Whiting. Back in 2011, Whiting had a 50 million Lake Front Renovation, to improve the parks and have Oil City Stadium built on 119th Street, and the Whiting softball fields by Whihala Beach, and fixing up the park and near the lake front. “Add more to the lakefront. Put a few museums in the city of Whiting, a lot is cooking for the city of Whiting,” Stahura said. Stahura plans to add to the city of Whiting to make the city a great place to live. Stahura wants to add more to the city of Whiting while adding a hall of fame for team mascots, and he plans to fix up the lake front, and add more parks for the teams to play, to make sure Whiting has the major league feel for the Whiting Oilers and the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Every year towards the end of July, the city of Whiting on 119th Street holds a Pierogi Fest, for people to taste all different kinds of pierogi’s or try any food that is offered on 119th Street to promote their businesses in Whiting. People all over the country come in for the Pierogi Fest to learn about Whiting and their culture in depth. With Whiting being a small city it is getting more publicity for this weekend so the mayor will know what events he should have or venues in years to come. Whiting has a school district like any other city, Whiting has events going on every weekend and promote their events to make sure people come out. Whiting holds fundraising events, and giving events for people that are in need. The population of Whiting makes Whiting a city.

In 2011, Whiting began its 50 million dollar Lake Front renovations that included improving the park near the Lake Michigan Shore.

ZOMBIES TAKE OVER OIL CITY STADIUM ON FRIDAY THE 13TH By Joey Gelman

It was an eerie Friday the 13th at Oil City Stadium as the Oilmen defeated the Joliet Admirals in an impressive 2-1 victory to extend their winning streak to three games. It was Zombie Apocalypse Night at the ballpark and fans were welcomed to the sounds of “Ghostbusters” and deep organ music that one would only expect to hear in Frankenstein’s laboratory. The Zombie Apocalypse theme also went hand in hand with a celebration of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the fans and the Oilmen did not disappoint on that end. Jackson, a Gary native himself, may be best known for his spooky “Thriller” song that brought out many fans’ inner zombies at the game. Face painter and artist Evelyn Garcia stole the show with her impressive Zombie creations on many of the fans that entered the game. While many young fans got their faces painted as their favorite zombie-like creatures, it was four teenagers who went all out, looking as if they had been plucked straight from the TV Show “Walking Dead.” With hours of work, coats of paint and cotton balls, Garcia made Neely Abegg, Tyler Bender, Kyrie Vanderlugt and Krysten Vanderlugt look like real-life zombies, scaring both fans and players with their likeness. Kyrie Vanderlugt, disguised as one of Garcia’s creations, seemed to take on the real role of a zombie for the evening. “I haven’t eaten all day, unless you don’t mind ripping your face off for me to eat,” she said. While she was talking about the face paint, she painted a clear and gruesome picture of life as a Zombie, encompassing the theme for the night. During the middle the game, Krysten Vanderlugt snuck into the Oilmen dugout and stood at the entrance for a few minutes before beginning to do a backbend crab-walk through the dugout, just as she had done all night throughout the stadium. Once she was noticed, the Oilmen were quickly startled, and began to migrate to the other end of the dugout. While they players appear to be fearless on the diamond, a zombie appears to have the power to scare just about anyone. Garcia learned and mastered her craft from her work at Reapers Realm, and her love for special effects peaked her interest in creating Zombie-like creatures. “I’m really into zombies, or anything spooky really,” she said. She said that she based her work on what she has seen from both the “Walking Dead” and “Zombie Island” and said that in reference to events like these, “Anything Zombie, I’m there.” As the sun began to set at Oil City Stadium, a full moon came into full effect, as the bright Orange moon rose over the scoreboard in left field, punctuating the great evening. The next time there will be a full moon on Friday the 13th will be in 2049, 35 years from now. Zombie Apocalypse Night was a success for the Oilmen and their fans, and it was only fitting that the backdrop for the evening was the Oil Refinery columns with flames pouring out of both ends, and the ghostly full moon in the shadows of the Friday the 13th Night.

As the full moon rose, our zombies scared fans and players throughout the game on Friday the 13th.

Miranda Cruz guessed the tune correctly in our contest during our Zombie Apocalypse night. She won three bottles of BBQ sauce, donated by Oilmen parnter Hoosier Daddy!

Evelyn Garcia, artist and face painter, transformed fans throughout the night into creepy creatures and monsters to celebrate Oil City Stadium’s Zombie Apocalypse night.

OILMEN CELEBRATE DADS By Joey Gelman

The ominous overcast skies and strong gusts of wind did not hamper the Father’s Day celebration at Oil City Stadium. As fathers and their families packed the stands, the Oilmen continued their offensive explosion, scoring five runs in the first inning and defeating the Lexington Snipes 6-3. The win allowed the Oilmen to extend their winning streak to five games, but the focus of the day was an appreciation for the fathers in attendance and in and around the community. The sun began to peak through as the game continued and it became a picturesque day for baseball, and a “Field of Dreams” like setting for the fathers and their children. Following the game, fathers and their kids were invited to play catch on the field. For those that took advantage, it was a memorable experience. Michael Condes, a Whiting native and stepfather of Oilmen pitcher Anthony Gomez, was able to join both his son and stepson on the field for a game of catch. “I couldn’t think of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon with your family enjoying baseball,” Condes said. Condes explained that playing catch with his son on the field reminded him of when he used to play catch with Gomez, who now has become a hard throwing left-handed pitcher for the Oilmen and Ball State University. Condes is extremely proud of Gomez both as a ballplayer and as his stepson. “It’s great watching him develop,” Condes said. “The odds were always against him and he continued to work hard. [I’m] just enjoying his achievements and passion; it’s just great to be a part of that.” Growing up in Whiting, Condes has been extremely impressed by how the Oilmen and Oil City Stadium have “come to life” the past few years and have meant so much to the Whiting community. This year’s Father’s Day at Oil City Stadium was one to remember, as fathers and their families were treated to a great day of baseball and an unforgettable experience on the field, as they put true meaning to the iconic line, “Hey Dad? You wanna have a catch?”

Fathers were invited to play catch on the field with their family after the game at Oil City Stadium on Father’s Day, Sunday June 15. “I couldn’t think of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon with your family enjoying baseball,” Michael Condes, Oilman pitcher Anthony Gomez’s stepfather, said.