Purdue University
Aug. 25, 2000
Following a successful 35-23 season and tying a school record for most conference wins in a season, several members of the Purdue baseball team didn't put away their bats and gloves for the summer, instead continuing to play in various leagues throughout the country. From Alaska to Virginia, Boilermaker players represented the baseball program while also gaining valuable experience in competitive environments.
Seniors Dave Gassner (Hortonville, Wis.) and Nate Sickler (Hinckley, Minn.) played for the Alaska Goldpanners out of Fairbanks. Gassner, a left-handed pitcher, compiled a 7-1 record for the Goldpanners, along with a team-high 58 strikeouts and 1.90 ERA. He was named to the All-Alaska League team. Gassner was also named pitcher of the tournament at the Anchorage Buc Tournament. Former Purdue pitcher Russ Morgan won the same award in 1999. The Goldpanners also advanced to the NBC tournament. Former pitching coach Gary Adcock, who was recently named as an assistant coach at UCLA, was head coach of the Peninsula Oilers. Adcock led the Oilers to their second consecutive Alaska League championship.
In the Shenandoah Valley League, Senior infielder David Blomberg (Brookfield, Wis.) played for the Harrisonburg Turks in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and was voted the team's MVP by the coaches, general manager and owner. Blomberg started all 47 games and finished with a batting average of .274 (48-175) along with nine stolen bases. It was his defensive play that saved many games for the Turks and also encouraged his coaches to vote him as team MVP. Blomberg helped the Turks to their first league title since 1992.
Purdue had four returning players and one newcomer playing in the Northwoods League. Four Boilermakers played for the Wisconsin Woodchucks of Wauseau, Wisconsin, who had their best record (34-29) in team history. Sophomore pitcher Chadd Blasko (Mishawaka, Ind.) was one of the top pitchers in the Northwoods League, finishing with a team-best 2.96 ERA (third best in team history), along with 57 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched. Senior pitcher Ben Kaebisch (Colgate, Wis.) had a 3-1 record for the Woodchucks, with a 2.30 ERA and 34 strikeouts. Sophomore Daniel Underwood (Bedford, Ind.), who was the regular rightfielder for the Boilermakers in 2000, played several positions for the Woodchucks. He should see action as an outfielder, catcher, and possibly a pitcher for the Boilers in 2001. In addition, newcomer John Gusich, a transfer from Arizona State, played third base for the Woodchucks. Nick McIntyre (Lafayette, Ind.) played for the Waterloo Bucks in Waterloo, Iowa. The Bucks finished as league runners-up.
In the Northeastern Collegiate Baseball League, freshman outfielder Jeremy Davis (Casper, Wyo.) and sophomore pitcher Jim Davies (Orland Hills, Ill.) played for the Rome Indians in Rome, New York. Davis was named to the league's all-star team, while Davies went 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA and 14 strikeouts.
Head coach Doug Schreiber was pleased about the number of Purdue players that competed in various summer leagues. "It's important for our players to continue playing throughout the summer months," Schreiber said. "It is a great opportunity for them to compete against and with top-notch players from other programs. Their experiences will not only help them individually, but they also return in the fall more prepared to be team leaders."
Purdue University
