Elmira, NY- Pioneers Head Coach Matt Burch continues to bolster his 2015 roster with his sights set on bringing a championship to Elmira. Over the past two summers the Pioneers have received some of the best talent the Monarchs program has to offer and with the addition of Justin Hayes, Nate Matheson and Zach Rutherford the on-field product only gets better.
Hayes, who hails from Chesapeake, VA helped lead Western Branch to the 2014 Virginia High School State Title. After the completion of his senior season the outfielder earned Second Team All-Conference honors batting .325 with 12 steals.
Matheson, who stands at 6’3” hails from Hampton, VA earned 2014 Co-Player of the Year honors after pitching for Kecoughtan High School. The tall lefty was named First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region after posting a sub 2.00 ERA.
Rutherford, who played alongside Hayes for Western Branch also hails from Chesapeake, VA put together a spectacular senior season. Rutherford was named the 2014 Virginia State and Conference Player of the Year. The 6’0” infielder was also named the Region Player of the Year after batting .489 with one homer, 30 RBI and 20 stolen bases.
With the addition of these 3 players from a program like Old Dominion, it only serves to bolster our chances of securing a Championship summer in Elmira. Rutherford, Hayes, and Matheson will help in all phases of the game for the club.
Rutherford, according to Monarchs Head Coach Chris Finwood will play baseball for a really long time. Joining him in Elmira will be two lefties, one a solid pitcher, Matheson, who will be counted on to log important innings and the other an outfielder, Hayes, who runs well with great baseball speed.
“My respect for Chris Finwood and what he teaches his players at ODU extends back 20 years when he recruited me out of high school. He will send us only quality players and we look forward to providing a quality experience for the players here in Elmira” stated Pioneers Head Coach Matt Burch.
The Pioneers are pleased to let fans know that 2015 season tickets are on sale! Whether you’re a season ticket holder or would like to join in on the fun and growing tradition taking place at Dunn Field this is your chance. The Pioneers finished this past summer ranked 3rd in the nation amongst some 150 summer collegiate baseball teams for overall attendance.
To learn more about becoming a season ticket holder or to renew your seats for the 2015 season, call the Pioneers front office at 607-734-2690. Stay up-to-date with player signings and more exciting news about the 2015 season at www.elmirapioneers.com.
