2023 Boise Hawks Game Program Edition 1

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

WELCOME TO THE 2023 SEASON

Dear Hawks Fans, It’s the start of another exciting season of Boise Hawks baseball and on behalf of the entire Pioneer Baseball League, I am thrilled to welcome you to another wonderful year of memorable experiences at Memorial Stadium.

This season the Hawks are offering their fans some exciting new rules to make the gameday experience even better than ever before. We’ll be using pitch clocks to help speed up the pace of play and create more game action; like MLB, we’ve banned the infield shift to provide more offense but also to display more of the great athleticism of our talented young players; we’ve added TrackMan data analytics; and we’ve added more video board content to help explain the popular “Knockout Round” and the pitch clock rules along with highlighting the great plays and players of the week on our “Roundup Show.”

And so, on behalf of the Boise Hawks, I want to thank you for your continuing support, for spending some of your family time with us here at Memorial Stadium, and for your love and passion for the game of baseball.

Thank you.

Michael Shapiro President

A LETTER FROM OWNERSHIP

Greetings from Memorial Stadium!

Welcome back to another exciting season of Boise Hawks Baseball!

The Front Office Staff has been hard at work putting together all the details for a great season, I hope you’re all ready to see what we have in store for you all.

While 2022 was not the ideal season on the field, our Manager Gary Van Tol has been working diligently to put the best possible product on the field for you all. Bringing back our veteran players, and adding a great crop of Hawks’ rookies, we’re ready to compete for a Pioneer Baseball League Championship.

We’ve made some serious improvements to Memorial Stadium this off-season. For starters, we replaced over 10,000 square feet of sod – replacing parts of the outfield and the entire infield grass. We’re certain this is the first time sod has been replaced in the history of our ballpark.

We’ve also expanded The Garden in Right Field, adding sun shades for our fans, and over 1,500 square feet of turf. With Cornhole Idaho tournaments on Wednesday and concerts on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – The Garden will return as the place to be at Memorial Stadium this summer.

On behalf of the entire Boise Hawks organization, thank you for your support. I’ll see you all at the Pioneer Baseball League Championship game. Go Hawks!

Jeff Eiseman President/Partner Boise Hawks Baseball

BACKSTRETCH

2022 BOISE HAWKS RECAP

Although the 2022 season did not go as well as the team had hoped, the Boise Hawks made sure to give fans a great showing every time they stepped on the field.

One of the team’s most impressive outings came during the middle of the season in a game against the Grand Junction Jackalopes on July 24th.

The Hawks fell behind early after allowing the Jackalopes to score four runs in the first inning and two in the second.

During the second inning, designated hitter, Ryan Walstad, hit a solo home run and second baseman, Haloa Dudoit, followed up with a RBI single. First baseman, Jacob Cruce, then tied the game up with a grand slam.

The Hawks fell behind again in the fourth inning, but recaptured the lead in the fifth inning. During the fifth inning, Dudoit and Sequera both recorded RBI singles and Cruce hit a three run homer giving the Hawks a 13-10 lead.

Boise then extended their lead by seven in the sixth inning by batting in four more runs.

The Jackalopes recorded four runs in the seventh inning but the Hawks held them off and won 18-14.

Pitcher Matt Gabbert recorded the third most strikeouts with 95 and infielder Raymond Gil hit the 10th most home runs (17) in the Pioneer League as well.

With Gary Van Tol and 13 players from the 2022 roster returning, the Hawks are ready to light the league on fire this upcoming season.

2023 HAWKS FRONT OFFICE

Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy Class of 2023

The Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy is a paid program for local Treasure Valley area college students in need of school credit. Members will receive a hands-on experience in the inner workings of a professional sports organization and will receive a season-long roatational experience of the different departments.

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SAME LEAGUE, NEW RULES

Games at Memorial Stadium will look a little different this year.

Two things that will be different from last year are the pitch clock and the infield shift ban. The Pioneer League adopted two of the new MLB rules including adding a pitch clock for quicker games and preventing infield shifting by adding new infield lines.

The league decided to follow in the MLB’s footsteps and adopt a pitch clock. The pitch clock will run for 14 seconds with no runners on base and 18 seconds with runners on base.

“The Pioneer League is committed to giving our fans a great experience at each of our ballparks and by speeding up games and by putting the ball in play more often, we believe the fans will have more excitement and more fun,” said Pioneer League President Mike Shapiro. “Increasing the pace of play will offer more action and less wasted time between pitches.”

The pitch clock does not guarantee every game will run under two and a half hours, but it will encourage shorter games and give every inning a faster pace.

“Even with a pitch clock now there’s still going to be games that can get out of hand and get long but a pitch clock will definitely help,” said Field Manager, Gary Van Tol.

Along with the pitch clock, the league is enforcing the MLB’s new shift rules which encourages more defensive plays in the infield.

On top of the shift rules, the Pioneer League is requiring all 10 teams to chalk out a ‘pie slice’ from second base to the outfield grass. No fielder will be allowed to line up in the marked area.

Although the new shift rules will be applied to every Hawks game this season, it will not have much impact on the team, according to Van Tol.

“We don’t shift that much so I don’t think that it’s going to really factor into anything we do or concern ourselves with.” Van Tol said.

Idaho Falls Chukars

For the most up to date Idaho Falls Chukars roster, please scan the QR code.

Ogden Raptors

For the most up to date Ogden Raptors roster, please scan the QR code.

Boise Hawks Roster

#14 Gary Van Tol, Manager

#13 Michiel van Kampen, Pitching Coach

#18 Aaron Sutton, Hitting Coach

# 8 Ryan Bobo, Bench Coach

Jimmy Johnson, Director of Scouting

Shane Nelson, Athletic Trainer

Kailey Warren, Assistant Athletic Trainer Coleman Evans, Mental Skills Coach

2023 BOISE HAWKS

#26 Charles Lebron

#5 Matt Voelker

#24 Tyler Jorgensen

#16 Ryley Widell

#17 Reid Johnson #19 Blake McFadden

#33 Matt Sox

#15 Matt Gabbert

#41 Gage O’Brien

#38 Drew Marrufo

#27 Alex Smith

#40 Noah McBride

#1 Kenny Oyama #2 Kole Kaler

#6 Connor O’Brien

#25 Noah Marcelo

2023 BOISE HAWKS

#9 Raymond Gil #10 Alex Baeza

#20 Sam Menegat #21 Buddie Pindel

#22 Andrew Stout #23 Trevor Minder

#31 DJ Poteet

#7 Ronnie Allen Jr.

#29 Gavin Gorrell

#30 Mike Peterson

#28 Alan Alonso

#12 Anthony Walters

#49 Brayden Spears

#44 Sean Skelly #45 Neil Boudreau

2023 HAWKS FIELD STAFF

Van Tol returns for his third season managing the Boise Hawks as an independent, his second stint after managing the Hawks in 2013 and 2014 as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Van Tol spent 10 years with the Chicago Cubs in player development as a minor league coach and was part of the organization’s historic 2016 World Series Championship. After coming within one game of winning the 2021 Pioneer League championship, six of his players signed with major league organizations prior to the 2022 season. With only one returning starter in the field and two starting pitchers from the 2021 Southern Division championship team, Van Tol patiently rebuilt the roster while enduring a 30-67 overall record last season. With 15 players returning for the 2023 season, Van Tol is excited to have a strong, experienced core back in the starting lineup to go along with high expectations of making it back to the Pioneer League championship series.

Baseball has also taken Van Tol around the world, a native of Pincher Creek, Alberta, he started his playing career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon, earning Region-18 Second Team honors and finished his college career at Gonzaga University where he was All Pac-10 first team and third-team Academic All-America. Van Tol was a member of the Canadian National Team, competing in the 1991 Pan American Games in Cuba, the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, the World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta and the 1989 Presidential Cup in Taipei, Taiwan. He finished his playing career with Levis Neptunus in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the 1993 Dutch and European Cup champions. He also worked for Major League Baseball as an envoy coach and assisted the Great Britain National Team in 1996.

Van Tol earned his bachelor and master of arts degrees from Gonzaga University. Gary and his wife, Christina, live in Boise and have four children; Gehrig, Amaia, Peyton and Gibson.

Michiel begins his third season as the pitching and strength coach of the Boise Hawks. Prior to the Hawks, Michiel was on Van Tol’s staff at Boise State University. Michiel’s connection to Van Tol started 27 years ago when Van Tol recruited Michiel to pitch for him at Treasure Valley Community College. The Haarlem, Netherlands native finished his college career at the College of Idaho were he earned his bachelor’s degree in international business and business administration.

Michiel returned home to start his professional career in the Dutch Professional League from 1998-2010. During that time he was a member of the Netherlands National Team, was part of six European Cups, four World Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, two World Baseball Classics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michiel and his wife, Renae, who he met at Treasure Valley Community College, moved to Boise in 2010. They have two daughters, Skyler and Morgan.

Sutton returns for his second season with the Boise Hawks. His most recent coaching position was with the Minnesota Twins organization from 2020-2021 were he managed the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins High A affiliate.

Before joining the professional ranks, Sutton was the head coach at Montana State University Billings, an NCAA DII program. There he set the school record for wins, and took the program to their first ever West Region tournament. He was named conference coach of the year twice and during his three-year tenure his teams broke over 100 conference and program records.

Sutton began his coaching career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon. The Fruitland, Idaho native led the program to three East Region titles and was named region coach of the year three times.

Aaron and his wife, Kristin, live in Fruitland. They have two boys, Seager and Decker.

Ryan joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, his first in professional baseball. Bobo is currently in his 19th year as the head baseball coach at Skyview High School in Nampa, where he also teaches U.S. Government and A.P. Psychology.

Prior to Skyview, Ryan coached at Buhl High School in Buhl, Idaho winning the 3A Idaho State championship as an assistant in 2001. Ryan was the head coach at Buhl for three seasons. He has also assisted at Highland and Century High Schools in Pocatello.

Ryan graduated from Pocatello High School and played football at Idaho State University. Ryan has a 722-437 record as a head coach during his 23 years and has been awarded S.I.C coach of the year 6 times during his tenure at Skyview. Skyview has won six district championships and finished second at the state tournament twice under Ryan’s leadership.

He has two daughters, Aivry and Sydney.

Gary Van Tol MANAGER

Michiel van Kampen PITCHING/STRENGTH COACH

Aaron Sutton HITTING COACH

Ryan Bobo BENCH COACH

2023 HAWKS FIELD STAFF

Jimmy Johnson joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, as the director of scouting. Johnson brings over 50 years of professional experience to the Boise Hawks. Most recently, Johnson managed the Grand Junction Rockies during the 2021 season and played an intrigue part in helping the front office and coaching staff build the Rockies 2022 roster that won the Pioneer League championship.

Johnson signed his first professional contract with the Houston Astro’s in 1969 out of the University of New Mexico. A former infielder, Johnson played seven years in the Astro’s organization, compiling a .252 batting average in 577 minor league games. After his playing career, Johnson started his coaching career with the Astros. He was minor league manager for seven years and spent nine years as a coordinator. After 23 years with the Astros organization Johnson also worked in player development for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Colorado Rockies.

Johnson also has international experience coaching national teams in Prague, Czech and Beijing, China. He was the hitting coach for China in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Jimmy and his wife, Joanne, live in Phoenix, Arizona. They have been married for 52 years and have two sons, Jace and Josh.

Nelson returns for his third season as the Head Athletic Trainer with the Boise Hawks. Prior to joining the Hawks, Nelson came to Boise to help Van Tol build the baseball program at Boise State University as an assistant athletic trainer. Nelson began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs organization. He spent seven years with the Cubs, including two seasons with the Iowa Cubs at the AAA level.

He graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa and is currently pursuing his graduate degree at Boise State. Shane resides in Boise with his wife Jackie. They have two dogs, Ollie and Oakleigh.

Kailey Warren is an Athletic Trainer with St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, ID. She functions as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Boise Hawks and oversees the Sports Medicine program for Boise State University Campus Recreation and club sports.

Warren is a graduate of Boise State University with a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and a MA in Athletic Training. She will be entering her second season with the Hawks where she assists in the day to day medical operations.

Coleman returns to the Boise Hawks coaching staff for his second season and will oversee the mental skills program. Prior to joining the Hawks, Coleman has served many roles at University of Kansas, Boise State University and Boise High School.

Coleman, a Nebraska native, is working towards an Educational Doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. He is currently working with the Idaho Steelheads during the off season.

Shane Nelson ATHLETIC TRAINER

Kailey Warren ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER

Coleman Evans MENTAL SKILLS COACH

Jimmy Johnson DIRECTOR OF SCOUTING

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FRONT OFFICE FEATURE

Led by General Manager / Vice President Mike Van Hise, the Boise Hawks front office is ready to make this season better than the last.

“Since the last pitch of our last game, we’ve turned our focus to the 2023 season,” Van Hise said. “I know we didn’t have the field finish we hoped for, but, off the field, we had record breaking attendance numbers and a truly awesome promotional schedule. I think with the amazing staff we’ve been able to build, we’re going to give fans a really awesome season.”

Although the front office was excited to break records and make a lasting impression last season, they are working hard to top last year’s success.

“When you look at our pocket schedule or our promotional schedule, there’s something on every game,” Van Hise said. “With our 48 games, we have around 90 promotions and are doubling up on certain things.”

This season, the front office team came up with several creative ideas to make each game more enticing. Their ultimate goal is to make sure the Hawks are offering more than just baseball at every game this year.

“We are tapping into the Name Image Likeness space with our Boise State student athlete partners,” Van Hise said. “Fireworks are going to do what fireworks do. We have Thirsty Thursday and our new Hometown Heroes replacing Feed your Face.”

On top of the new game promotions this season, the front office also announced that the Hawks will be wearing 1990’s throwback jerseys for every Thursday home game this season.

“The father of one of our Sports Career Academy members last year used to work for the Hawks and came in wearing a game-worn jersey in that 1990’s style,” Van Hise said. “Right then and there I saw the reactions from our fans and I knew it was something we needed to do.”

From new threads and promotions, the Hawks front office has worked hard to bring fans the best possible experience at Memorial Stadium.

GAME DAY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Be on the LOOKOUT for this game day employee, brought to you by Lookout Credit Union!

Jeremy Riddle

Usher Supervisor

How long have you been working for the Hawks?

This will be my sixth season here.

What is your favorite part of working here?

I love getting to know the fans and sharing life experiences with them. I work in the First Base Diamond Club / ADA section and it’s always nice seeing familiar faces and talking with them. Also, nothing is better than seeing kids faces when they get a foul ball.

What is your favorite food item here? I love the killer kielbasa from the grill.

When you’re not working here at Memorial Stadium, what do you do?

I do barnwood crafts - such as furniture and signs. It’s all made out of reclaimed wood.

What is your best memory here?

Hosting the All-Star Game in 2019. That was a lot of fun. Also, I enjoy getting to know all the different supervisors that I’ve had here and making memories with them.

What would your walk-up song be?

“My money don’t jiggle jiggle, it folds” - whatever song that is!

St. Luke’s Sports Medicine

Keeping players on the field and inspiring all of us.

We’re proud to provide medical care to the Boise Hawks and support athletes at all levels.

McFADDEN: THE HOMETOWN HAWK

Pitcher Blake McFadden is living his childhood dream by playing on his local team, the Boise Hawks.

Growing up in Meridian, McFadden always attended Hawks games with his family and wanted to be a part of the team in any way he could.

“I grew up going to Hawks games with my grandpa and family and just being able to play for them is something that has always been in the back of my mind,” McFadden said. “I wasn’t sure if I would get the opportunity to play for them.”

The Treasure Valley native started his path to the Hawks by joining the Meridian Warriors baseball team his sophomore year of high school.

After graduating from Meridian High, McFadden decided to stay local and play ball at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. He appeared in 65 games throughout his five years with the Nighthawks and recorded a win-loss record of 13-6.

His solid tenure with the Nighthawks opened up the opportunity to stay in Idaho and play for the Hawks this season.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to play in front of my family and be able to stay close to them,” McFadden said.

During his first offseason with the Hawks, McFadden trained just four hours away in Pocatello, Idaho. Due to the weather conditions in Pocatello, McFadden had to find creative ways to train and get better.

“It was hard to throw sometimes because there was snow on the ground,” McFadden said. “I was able to find and use indoor training tools and then maximize the opportunities to throw outside when I had the chance.”

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GET TO KNOW YOUR HAWKS

Where did you play before coming here? I played at UCLA.

Did you hear anything about Boise before moving here? Yeah, I heard it was a cool place and the Pioneer League is a good league to play in along with having good coaches. I also went to high school with Sean Skelly so it was a good connection to have here.

What are you looking forward to the most this season? I’m looking forward to winning some ball games.

What is your greatest baseball memory? Hitting my first collegiate home run at LMU on my birthday.

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BOISE HAWKS

GO HAWKS

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A STAR’S STARTUP

Tyler Jorgensen is one of the thirteen returning Hawks players this season. After recording 116 hits, 56 RBIs and a .289 batting average during the 2022 season, Jorgensen established himself as a key player in Boise.

Although Jorgensen has made a lasting impression so far, he would not have joined the team without Hawks Field Manager, Gary Van Tol, and CS Bakersfield Head Coach, Jeremy Beard.

Beard knew Jorgensen wanted to take advantage of his draft eligibility so he connected him with Van Tol shortly after graduating from college.

“Right when I got back to Arizona a couple days after graduation, [Van Tol] called me and he said, ‘Hey, man, I talked to your head coach and you’re still draft eligible. We’d love to have you out,’” Jorgensen recalled.

Jorgensen was excited to play for the Hawks, but was given a short amount of time to arrive in Boise.

“[Van Tol] said I needed to be in Boise the next day,” Jorgensen said. “I was like, ‘Oh, okay, I don’t know if I could do it tomorrow but I could probably get there in two days.’”

Jorgensen was not fazed by the quick notice Boise trip and left without any hesitation.

“I didn’t unpack anything in Arizona so my car was already packed up,” Jorgensen said. “So then I came out here as quickly as I could and my first game was really fun.”

Jorgensen could not have started his Hawks career any better, recording a home run in his first game.

“I was just hoping to put something in play, especially with two strikes,” Jorgensen said. “ I was thinking to at least put it in play but they threw me a decent pitch and I put a good swing on it. It had a good result.”

Watch out for Jorgensen this season as he hopes to capitalize on last year’s success.

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GET TO KNOW YOUR HAWKS

What is your favorite memory from last season? Seeing the Drone Show after one of our games.

What teammate were you most excited to see back here? Buddie Pindel.

What is your favorite part of playing for the Hawks? Gotta love the fans.

Walk up song?: Anything Can Happen by SAINt JHN

If you didn’t play baseball, what other sport would you play?: Golf.

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