Herkimer Baseball

News

August 13, 2008

Herkimer Baseball Lands All State LaSalle Standout Amar Lewis

Herkimer baseball received a big commitment from former LaSalle standout Amar Lewis. Lewis who has started at Class AA LaSalle since 8th grade, played for legendary coach George Rogers and the South Troy Dodgers, and competed at the 2007 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars. "We have been after Amar for over a year now and were thrilled to hear his commitment to us for next year. We realize the caliber of player he is and will work hard to move him on to his goal of playing Division I baseball. He is the big bat we wanted for the middle of our lineup." Stated Head Coach Jason Rathbun. Amar makes it the seventh All State player to commit to the Generals for the 2008-09 season.

July 24, 2008

19 Recruits Join Herkimer Baseball for 2008-09 Season; High School All State Teams Released

Herkimer baseball will begin the fall season with a mandatory informational meeting on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Varsity Gym. All players plan on trying out for baseball are encouraged to attend. In order to workout you must have all paper work turned into the school nurse to include a sports physical within the last year. Herkimer has announced their recruiting class for the 2008-09 season which includes 14 recruited freshman players along with 5 students transferring from previous colleges.

New York State recently named the All State team for the 2008 high school baseball season. Herkimer baseball recruits were well represented in the selections:

• Al Ferenti, Whitesboro, was named to the Class A first team as a shortstop
• George Hajjar, Whitesboro, was named to the Class A fourth team as an outfielder
• Kris Barone, Gloversville, was named to the Class A fifth team as a pitcher
• Paul Raymond, Phoenix, was named to the Class B third team as a pitcher
• Matt Layman, Edmenston, was named to the Class D second team as a pitcher
• Brett Hauber, Deposit, was named to the Class D third team as a utility player

"It is great to see these athletes finish their high school baseball careers on a high note. We are excited to bring them into Herkimer and continue their process in becoming a collegiate student athlete," stated Head Coach Jason Rathbun.

The following student athletes have committed to the Generals program for the 2008-09 season:

• C- Jeff Sergott-Oriskany, NY: Tough catcher with strong arm, will push returners for a starting spot.
• 2B- Matt Rotundo-Frankfort, NY: Very hard working coachable kid with a strong desire to compete
• SS- Lee Foxton- Clinton, NY: Very smart player with good tools, plays game with proper fundamentals
• UT- Lane Potter-Oneonta, NY: Player who can compete at many positions, will add much needed depth
• P- TJ Abounader-Whitesboro, NY: 6' 6 RHP with high ceiling, will contend for a rotation spot
• P- Sergey Capozzelli-Peekskill, NY: LHP from Russia originally will add much needed LH arm
• P- Matt Harris-Springfield, OH: LHP with strong arm, needs to command pitches to be effective
• P- Kyle Palmer-Unadilla, NY: Tough pitcher with a desire to compete, believes in his ability

College Transfers:

• P- Keagan Smith-Finger Lakes CC
• OF- Ruben Santiago-Mohawk Valley CC
• P- Tom Wiacek-Adirondack CC
• SS- Mike Nassar-Florida State
• OF- Brandon Jones-Indian River CC

July 14, 2008

Herkimer CCC Baseball recently was named one of the Academic Teams of the Year with a team GPA of 3.02.  Herkimer finished 23rd out of 26 teams that qualified for the honor.  The list is made up of Division I, II, and III schools including scholarship schools along with non-scholarships schools. Herkimer baseball was the only Junior College in New York state and the only DIII school to receive this honor.  This marks the second time in the last three years Herkimer has received this award.  Dolgeville native Matt Gonyea, pictured above,  led the team in GPA this past season.

July 2, 2008

Former General Signs Professional Baseball Contract

Everett Saul missed his opportunity in this past MLB draft, but now he is chasing his goal another way, by proving he belongs. Saul a 6' 5 right-handed pitcher signed a professional contract with the Florence Freedom in Florence, Kentucky. After 5 games started so far this season, Saul stands at 4-1 and has been a key part in stabilizing the Freedom's rotation. Saul who has been recorded at 94 mph is racking up the strikeouts for the Freedom. Saul pitched for the Generals in 2004 and 2005, still stands tied for second in the record books when he compiled 6 wins his senior season. Saul also stands first in all time strikeouts at the college with 122 in two seasons. Saul is from Sullivan, NY and continued his college career at Western Missouri State University on a baseball scholarship.

June 19, 2008

Frankfort Standout Matt Rotundo Commits to Herkimer Baseball

Frankfort High School and Adrean Post standout Matt Rotundo has signed a letter of intent to attend Herkimer County Community College next season. "Matt has the drive and desire to win and compete at a high level. I think he will push other players to give their best effort everyday, a real competitor on the field," stated Head Coach Jason Rathbun. Matt is a strong middle infielder who hit .530 as a junior and hit .515 as a senior this past season.

June 3, 2008

Freshman Ty Folli Named NJCAA Baseball All American

Ty Folli (Union Endicott, NY) was named second team All American by the NJCAA this week. Folli who finished third in voting for Region III Player of the Year led the Generals this past season in batting average with a .412 mark. Folli also added 11 doubles, 2 homeruns, and 36 runs batted in. Folli who just completed his freshman season will lead a talented group of sophomores next year.

May 14, 2008

Barone Signs NJCAA Letter of Intent

Herkimer baseball is pleased to announce the signing of Kris Barone from Gloversville, NY. Kris is a strong, right handed pitcher who also plays the infield for Gloversville high school. "Kris is a talented pitcher with a strong arm that we think can help us right away next year as a freshman," stated Head Coach Jason Rathbun. "Our recruiting coordinator, Gloversville native PJ Anadio, has done a great job in getting a quality arm like Kris to join us for next year. Not only will he compete for a rotation spot, he will also have the chance to swing the bat for us." When asked about what it means to a program to get a caliber of player like Kris Barone, Anadio said "Getting top tier talent like Kris is the reason why Herkimer Baseball is where it is at today. The blend of getting the best local talent around with the recruits from across the country translates into a winning combination." Herkimer is coming off of it's fourth straight trip to the Region III Final Four with two World Series appearances.

May 6, 2008

Herkimer Baseball Advances to Regional Final Four for Fourth Straight Season

Herkimer 10 Jamestown 7

The #3 seed in the Region III baseball tournament Herkimer CCC hosted #6 Jamestown CC in the Tuesday sub-regional game. Herkimer was 3-0 under Coach Rathbun entering this Tuesday elimination nine inning game. Coach Rathbun's first regional playoff win in 2005 came as the #6 seed against Jamestown who was the #3 coming off a World Series appearance in 2004. Herkimer jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first innings with the first run crossing the plate on a Ty Folli single. Jamestown would score 2 in the second and would tie the game on a 2 run homerun by Nat Barone in the fourth. Herkimer answered in the bottom of the fourth with a RBI single by Nick Testa to make it 5-4. Jamestown tied the game in the fifth inning with a safety squeeze bunt to tie it at 5. Herkimer would answer again in the bottom of the inning scoring a run and taking a 6-5 lead. Herkimer would then add 2 runs in the sixth and seventh innings and hold on to the 10-7 victory. #3 Herkimer now will play #2 Hudson Valley CC in Batavia at Noon on Friday May 9th. The Regional Final Four is a double elimination tournament, with the winner advancing to the JUCO World Series in Tyler, Texas. Herkimer has won the Regional Championship the past two seasons.

May 2, 2008

Herkimer County Community College All American Keith Hendricks has signed a letter of intent to attend Flagler College on a Division II baseball scholarship next season. Hendricks is from Stuart, Florida and will attend Flagler which is located in St. Augustine, Florida. Hendricks is captain of this years Herkimer squad which is currently 21-11 and 19-9 in Region III. Hendricks is leading the team in homeruns with 5, triples with 3 and runs batted in with 34. Hendricks will be the 19th student athlete to sign a baseball scholarship and the 27th player to move on to a four year baseball program in the past four years. "I am so proud of Keith and the person he has matured into. To come to Herkimer from Florida and completely turn around his future into a All American Division II baseball scholarship player is a great story," stated head coach Jason Rathbun.

May 1, 2008

Herkimer 6 Broome 5
Herkimer 8 Broome 6

Retiring teacher Bruce Caskey threw out the first pitch in Thursday's doubleheader with Broome CC. Herkimer would get solid starts from Don Potter in game one who would improve to 4-1 on the season and Mitch Kierpiec in game two who moved to 5-1 as Herkimer swept a doubleheader from Broome CC. Herkimer was led at the plate by Ty Folli who was 3-6 with 6 runs batted in on the day. Ron Patterson was 4-7 on the afternoon, Notre Dame's Ben Brady was 3-3 in game two. Herkimer moves to 25-11 on the season and 23-9 in Region III. Herkimer ends the regular season Saturday at Hudson Valley. With a sweep the Generals would hold a piece of the Mountain Valley Conference championship. Seeding for the Region III tournament is Sunday night.

April 28, 2008

Former Herkimer baseball standout Drew Farley, currently a junior at Bellevue University, has been named MCAC Baseball Player of the Week for the week ending April 27. A native of Utica, N.Y., Farley hit .542 (13-for-24) last week with three homers, six doubles, eight runs scored and eight RBI. In a 9-0 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan University last weekend, he went 3-for-3 with a pair of homers and three RBI. Bellevue, the 2008 MCAC Regular Season Champions with a 21-3 league record, are 41-11 overall.

April 17th, 2008

Herkimer would get solid pitching performances from Casey Avery in game one and Corey Stapleton in game two as Herkimer would sweep SUNY Cobleskill in their last year of junior college play. Ben Brady had a big day for Herkimer going 5-7 at the plate. Herkimer will play at Finger Lakes Saturday at 1:00 and will host Niagara on Sunday at 1:00. Herkimer now stands at 14-6 and 12-4 in Region III.

April 15th, 2008

Rex Brinkmeyer pitched his second complete game in a row as he shut down the Fulton Montgomery offense pitching 5 innings allowing only 2 hits and 3 walks and striking out 4 batters, earning the victory in game two. Herkimer would rack up 5 runs in the second inning and 3 runs in the third along with two other innings to win game two 10-0 in five innings. FM Starter Andrew Howland kept Fulton ahead in game one and Fulton would get a big grand slam homerun in the sixth to put away the Generals 9-5 in the first game. All American Keith Hendricks had two homeruns on the day and Notre Dame products Ben Brady and Steve Campbell both homered, and Chris Massar added his third homer. Herkimer moves to 12-6 and 10-4 in Region III.

Rathbun Notches 100th Victory

Herkimer County Community College Head Baseball Coach Jason Rathbun notched his 100th victory on Sunday April 13th. The milestone win came in the game 1 victory of a double-header versus Corning Community College.
During Rathbun's short, but impressive tenure at Herkimer, he has compiled on overall record of 101-37 (.731) in his fourth season at the helm. During his managerial reign, Herkimer has made 2 World Series appearances including a 3rd place finish in the national tournament last season. Herkimer baseball has also appeared in 3 Regional Final Fours, winning the regional championship the last two seasons. On top of all the on-the-field success Rathbun's teams have experienced, his team, along with individual players have earned numerous academic honors. The 2006 World Series Team was awarded National Academic All American Honors with a GPA over 3.0 for the sport of baseball.

April 13, 2008

Freshman standout Ty Folli was 2-4 with 4 runs batted in and Notre Dame Graduate Steve Campbell was 2-4 with 4 runs batted in as Herkimer took game one from Corning 16-12. Dan Telehany was 2-4 for Corning with two homeruns in game one. The win gave head coach Jason Rathbun his 100th career victory all coming while coaching the Generals.

Game two was more of a pitchers battle as Corning's Ben Geist and Herkimer's Mitch Kierpiec both threw complete games. Kierpiec went 7 innings allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, and two earned runs while striking out 4. Corning holding a 3-1 lead going into sixth saw Ty Folli leading off the sixth. A Folli walk and pinch hit by Ben Brady left runners on the corners with no outs. Nate Sanzo then drove in Folli and sent Brady to third. Brady would score on a past ball and Sanzo took the extra base going to third. Geist would get Campbell and Massar to ground out to third. With two outs and go ahead run on third Freshman Parker Umbra would double home the go ahead run. Kierpiec would get three straight outs to end the game. Herkimer moves to 11-5 and now stands at 9-3 in the region.

April 9, 2008

April 8, 2008

April 6, 2008

Click here to view photos from the game.

April 5, 2008

April 3, 2008

March 24, 2008

March 19, 2008

Herkimer Baseball Returns From Spring Break

Herkimer started their spring break trip against the #6 ranked team in Division II Frederick Community College. Herkimer started Rex Brinkmeyer who threw four innings pacing the Generals to stay close with FCC. Herkimer's bats woke up in the seventh and eighth innings as they put pressure on FCC and got across two runs to make it a 3-2 game. Frederick closed the door in the ninth inning and ended the Herkimer rally. Rain played a big part in the rest of the trip as the entire east coast was hit with rain showers throughout the week.

After a rainout against Prince George CC, Herkimer was back in action against DII opponent Essex. Keith Hendricks got the game started with a three run homerun in the first inning, but Essex answered in the second inning with a big nine run inning. Herkimer fought back including a homerun by Dan Wood but it wouldn't be enough as Herkimer fell in game one 13-9. Herkimer put together a solid performance in the field and at the plate in game two and held off Essex 5-3. Herkimer starter Matt Gonyea earned his first collegiate win and closer Keith Hendricks shut the door to earn Herkimer's first win of the season.

Herkimer's last game was a rain-shortened 3-1 victory over legendary coach Steve Bazarnic's Allegany CC. Herkimer hurler Mitch Kierpec was dominate all day on the mound and Chris Massar's three run homerun was enough to earn the victory. Game two was rained out along with the following day's matchup against MC-Germantown. Herkimer returns home with a 2-2 record. The first game at home is scheduled for March 29th against Clinton CC.

March 18, 2008

Herkimer inproves to 2-2 on the season after todays game. Only 5 innings of game one was played due to rain, Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was cancelled due to rain.

Herkimer ends its Spring Break Trip tomorrow (March 19th) with a DH beginning at 1:00 pm vs Montgomery-Germantown.

March 17, 2008

Game 1: Herkimer 9, CCBC-Essex 13

Herkimer Battery: Tom Dolin L (0-1), Tim Nye (2), Josh Tucker (6) with Parker Umbra

CCBC-Essex Battery: Ross W (1-1), Bromwell(7) with Young

Herkimer highlights: Keith Hendricks 3 for 4, 2B, 3-Run HR, 5 RBI's, Dan Wood 1 for 1 2 Run HR, 2 RBI's

Game 2: Herkimer 5, CCBC-Essex 2

Herkimer Battery: Matt Gonyea W (1-0), Preston Poznoski (4), Keith Hendricks (SV 1) (5) with Parker Umbra

CCBC-Essex Battery: Gardener L (1-1), Kendrick(7) with Giffen

Herkimer highlights: Brett Pendorf 1 for 2, RBI, Luke Barhydt 1 for 3, RBI

March 14, 2008

The Herkimer County Community College Generals took on the Frederick Community College Cougars in Frederick, MD in their first game of the 2008 season. Herkimer is ranked #6 in the preseason NJCAA Division III poll and Frederick Community College is ranked #6 in the preseason NJCAA Division II poll. The Generals and Cougars played one single nine-inning game, and Frederick got the better part of Herkimer and defeated them by a score of 3-2. Herkimer falls to 0-1 on the season, while Frederick improves to 7-1.

February 26, 2008

Indoor Baseball Clinic To Be Held March 2

Herkimer County Community College will offer an indoor baseball clinic on Sunday, March 2 for students interested in improving baseball fundamentals. The clinic is open to all high school, middle school and elementary school students. It will take place in the Physical Education Building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $30. For more information or to register, call Baseball Coach Jason Rathbun at (864) 378-5422.

February 14, 2008

Herkimer County Community College baseball players Rex Brinkmeyer (Taylor, TX) and Keith Hendricks (Stuart, FL) were named preseason All-Americans by the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Brinkmeyer will be one of three pitchers returning from last season. “Pitching will be the key for Herkimer this season, and Rex will be one of a group of talented arms,” said coach Jason Rathbun.

Returning centerfielder Keith Hendricks, an All-American as a freshman last season, will be inserted into the closer’s role. Last season, Hendricks hit .434 with 12 doubles, four triples, two homeruns, 35 runs batted in and 15 stolen bases. Rathbun said “Keith will be the rock in the middle of the lineup.”

January 31, 2008

Five Local Standouts Commit to Herkimer

Five local high school baseball standouts committed to the Herkimer Generals for the 2008-2009 season at a recent signing at Herkimer County Community College. They are George Hajjar, Alex Ferenti and TJ Abounader, all from Whitesboro High School; Jeff Sergott, Oriskany High School; and Lee Foxton, Clinton High School.

Coach Jason Rathbun said “These players will fill a few holes we have next season. Al and George will jump right into our lineup and provide some young talent to a strong core of returning players. Lee and Jeff will give us flexibility and depth in key areas to allow us to make any movements within our lineup. TJ will give us a talented arm that we look forward in making a reliable starter for us. These quality student-athletes are a big step in making the 2009 team one of the better teams we have had. We have a few more players we would like to join us, but 80 percent of the family is complete.”

OF George Hajjar- Whitesboro High School

George is a good defensive outfielder with a strong arm. He will make base runners think twice before taking the extra base. At the plate, he shows good power potential and the ability to handle quality pitching. George is a tough competitor and an athlete, something we look for in our recruits, as he captains his state ranked high school hockey team.

SS/RHP Alex Ferenti-Whitesboro High School

Al will be a two-way player for Herkimer, as he displays good defensive skills in the infield and will also be in the pitching rotation. Al is a feared hitter at the plate as he displays good power projection and is a + .350 hitter. Al is a winner and someone who wants to be in the game-changing moment. Al was the Tri-Valley League Player of the Year last season.

RHP TJ Abounader- Whitesboro High School

TJ has the size and strength to become a solid college pitching prospect. TJ led the staff at Utica Post last summer and will be looked at by his high school team for a big senior season. He has a young arm without a lot of innings on it, as he developed late into a quality starting pitcher. TJ is a strong physical athlete who will also play basketball at Herkimer like current General Steve Campbell.

C Jeff Sergott- Oriskany High School

Jeff is a very good baseball player with the ability to play many positions on the field. Jeff is a tough out and a very scrappy player who loves to play the game. Jeff will look to contribute wherever the team needs him, on the pitching mound, behind the plate, in the infield, or running it down in the outfield. Jeff led his high school team to the Class D State Final Four with his .493 average and a 5-1 record on the mound.

INF/RHP Lee Foxton- Clinton High School

Lee is coming to a school where he will feel at home. His grandfather, Richard Jorrey, was one of the founders of the College, and now Lee is coming to be a part of the Herkimer family his grandfather started. Lee is a very talented player who comes well-endorsed from a local professional scout. He has the tools to be a complete middle infielder but can also contribute on the mound. He will provide much needed infield depth and will keep returning infielders Ty Folli and Ben Brady well-rested. Lee is also a very good athlete starting on his varsity basketball team.

January 3, 2008

Herkimer Ranked Third in Preseason Poll

Herkimer County Community College’s 2008 baseball team received a No. 3 preseason ranking by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc. The preseason ranking is the highest in the history of HCCC’s intercollegiate baseball program. Defending national champion Tyler Community College (TX) was ranked No. 1 followed by Joliet Community College (IL), the team that defeated the Generals in the World Series semifinals last year. Under the leadership of head coach Jason Rathbun since 2005, Herkimer posted a 90-32 record for the past three seasons, won back-to-back Region III championships and competed in the Junior College World Series in 2006 and 2007. The offense will be led this year by All-American Keith Hendricks (Stuart, FL). Coach Rathbun says “Hendricks will be the leader on a very young, but talented line-up.” Rathbun expects pitching depth to be the team’s strength with returning starters Don Potter (Oneonta, NY), Rex Brinkmeyer (Coupland, TX) and Hendricks, who all started in the World Series last season. The 2008 season will begin March 14 at Frederick Community College in Maryland.

November 27, 2007

Several Herkimer County Community College baseball players spent Thanksgiving Day helping serve and deliver dinners to community members at the Annunciation Church’s Parish Hall in Ilion.

From left: Tom Dolin (Canajoharie), Josh Brown (South Carolina), Keith Hendricks (Florida), Rex Brinkmeyer (Texas) and Dan Wood (Oneonta). Participants missing from the photo are Preston Poznoski (Herkimer) and Nic Testa (Frankfort) who were delivering dinners.

November 15, 2007
HCCC Baseball Players Sign on with Four-Year Schools

Four Herkimer County Community College baseball players have committed early to four-year programs for the 2008-09 season.

Seniors Nick Testa (Frankfort, NY), Josh Brown (Darlington, SC) and Preston Posnoski (Herkimer, NY) will receive athletic scholarships to attend NCAA Division II Davis and Elkins in West Virginia. The trio will play for head coach Ron Palmer, who recently took over the Senators program.

Rex Brinkmeyer (Coupland, TX) RHP/2B, committed early to the University of Texas at Tyler. Head Coach James Vilade, who led Tyler to a 37-1 overall record last year, scouted Brinkmeyer after seeing him play for the Generals in the NJCAA World Series last season. Brinkmeyer posted a 6-1 record for Herkimer last season.

Herkimer Generals' Head Coach Jason Rathbun said "These student-athletes have worked hard in our program, and I'm happy they are taking advantage of opportunities like this. All four have made great choices for their academic and athletic futures." In the past three years, a total of 18 HCCC baseball players have earned athletic scholarships to attend four-year colleges.

September 20, 2007
Baseball Team Supports American Red Cross

HCCC's baseball team recently held a 'blood bowl,' a friendly competition between teammates for a good cause. The losing team was to give blood together at the American Red Cross blood drive held at the College. Some of the team members who participated are pictured here. Front from left: Josh Tucker, Josh Parrow; and back from left: Tommy Dolin, Luke Barhydt, Dan Wood, Brett Pendorf, Kevin Scott, Scott Rutledge and Ryan Davidson.

July 9, 2007
HCCC's Baseball Recruits Receive All-State Honors

The Herkimer County Community College Baseball Team has already begun preparations for the 2007-2008 season, which promises to be another outstanding year for the program with returning players and several new recruits who have recently received All-State Honors.

Johnson City's Chris Massar was named Class A Player of the Year for the state of New York. Massar is a HCCC baseball recruit who has committed to the Generals for the 2008 season. "We are very excited to have Chris here with us next year. He is a winner and loves to play in the big games, and he is also a good student who will fit in very well here with us," said Herkimer's head baseball coach Jason Rathbun. Massar hit .517 with 3 homeruns and 29 RBI's and was also one of Johnson City's top two pitchers. The other top pitcher on Johnson City's team, Andy Eggleston, was named to the Class A First Team All State. Eggleston will join Massar at Herkimer next season.

Other Herkimer recruits received All State honors as well, including: shortstop Ty Folli, Union Endicott, who was selected to the Class AA Fourth Team, and catcher Parker Umbra, Sidney, who was named to the Class C Second Team All State.

June 23, 2007
Generals Finish Third in World Series

The Herkimer Generals baseball team lost to Joliet Junior College (IL) 6-1 Wednesday evening resulting in a 35-8 overall record and a third place finish in the Division III Junior College World Series. Congratulations to the team and coaches on an outstanding season!

June 23, 2007
Baseball Team Wins Again!

The Herkimer County Community College baseball team won its first final four game against Brookdale CC today 8-6. They will play Joliet tonight at 8 p.m. (eastern time). This ensures Herkimer at least a third place finish (out of eight teams) in the Junior College Division III World Series. With today's win, the team has recorded a school record 35 wins. If they win tonight versus Joliet, they will play Tyler for the national championship on Thursday. To win the championship, they will need to beat Tyler twice. Webcasts of the games are available at http://www.tylerbaseball.com/livestats/xlive.htm.

May 23, 2007

The Herkimer County Community College baseball team will play Brookdale Community College (NJ) in the Division III NJCAA World Series final four today at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time). This game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, but was rained out.

May 21, 2007
Herkimer County Community College 14
Montgomery-Germantown (MD) 6

The Herkimer County Community College baseball team beat Montgomery-Germantown (MD) 14-6 in the Division III NJCAA World Series in Tyler, Texas. The Generals will go on to play Brookdale Community College (NJ) in the final four today at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

Sunday, May 20, 2007
Herkimer County Community College 7
Suffolk Community College 4

The Generals beat Suffolk Community College 7-4, and will go on to play Germantown at 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on Monday, May 21. This was the first time in the history of the College that the baseball team won a World Series game.

Saturday, May 19, 2007
Massasoit Community College 10
Herkimer County Community College 9

The Generals lost to Massasoit Community College (Brockton, MA) 10-9 in the first game of the NJCAA World Series in Tyler, Texas.

May 15, 2007
Herkimer Baseball Team to Compete in NJCAA World Series

The Herkimer County Community College baseball team will compete in the Division III NJCAA World Series in Tyler, Texas this weekend. Herkimer will face Massasoit Community College (Brockton, MA) in the first game of the double elimination tournament on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time). The Generals enter the national tournament with a Region III championship title and an overall record of 32-6.

If Herkimer wins against Massasoit, they will play Sunday at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) against the winner of the Tyler Junior College/Suffolk County Community College game. If they lose the first game, they will play the loser of the Tyler Junior College/Suffolk County Community College game on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern time). Additional tournament information and webcasts of the games are available at the NJCAA Division III World Series website.

May 14, 2007
Baseball Team Wins Region III Championship

Congratulations to the 2007 Herkimer Generals Baseball Team! The Generals won the Region III championship title May 12 at Genesee Community College.
They will go on to compete in the Division III NJCAA World Series in
Tyler, Texas. Herkimer will play in the first game of the tournament on Saturday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. Central time (10:00 a.m. Eastern time), which will be webcast live from Mike Carter Field in Tyler, TX.

Region III Division III Tournament Results

Subregional Games
May 8th, 2007

#1 Genesee CC 4 vs. #8 Mohawk Valley CC 3
#2 Erie CC 22 vs. #7 Jefferson CC 11
#3 Hudson Valley CC 3 vs. #6 Schenectady CCC 2
#4 Herkimer CCC 9 vs. #5 Finger Lakes CC 6

Regional Final Four
May 11th, 2007

#2 Erie CC 4 vs. #3 Hudson Valley CC 1
#4 Herkimer CCC 12 vs. #1 Genesee CC 1
#1 Genesee CC 9 vs. #3 Hudson Valley CC 3

#4 Herkimer CCC 7 vs. #2 Erie CC 6
#1 Genesee CC 9 vs. #2 Erie CC 1

Championship Game

#4 Herkimer CCC 7 vs. #1 Genesee CC 6

Herkimer County Community College - Region III Champions

May 14, 2007
HCCC Coach, Players Awarded Conference Honors

Herkimer County Community College Baseball Coach Jason Rathbun has been named 2007 Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year. Rathbun led the 2007 team to a Region III championship title and an overall record of 32-6 so far this season. A native of Little Falls, Rathbun played baseball for Little Falls High School, Herkimer County Community College, Florida Community College (Jacksonville, FL) and Erskine College (South Carolina). He currently resides in Herkimer and in addition to his coaching duties, he is an area coordinator in Residential Life at HCCC.

Herkimer County Community College seniors Drew Farley of Whitesboro, Chad Salls of Little Falls, Todd Allen of Oriskany and Johnny Goodson of Darlington, SC, and freshman Keith Hendricks of Stuart, FL were named to the All-Mountain Valley Conference team.

The Generals will compete in the Division III NJCAA World Series in Tyler, Texas. Herkimer will play Massasoit Community College (Brockton, MA) on Saturday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. Central time (10:00 a.m. Eastern time).

May 11, 2007
2007 HCCC Athletic Awards

Todd Allen, Oriskany, was recently named Herkimer County Community College's Male Athlete of the Year. A senior outfielder for the baseball team, Allen was the first baseball player named All-American in the history of the college. As a freshman, Allen hit .480 with 59 hits which earned him the school record in batting average and hits. In 2006, Todd helped lead Herkimer to an undefeated conference championship, a regional championship, and a World Series appearance. He also was one of several players who helped the team earn Academic All American Honors. This year, Todd is again producing All-American numbers with four homeruns so far this season and a .493 batting average. He has helped the 2007 team to a 29-6 overall record and will be competing in the Region III Final Four tournament this weekend.

Other Awards:
Drew Farley, Whitesboro, was named Most Valuable Player, and Hank Testa Coach's Award was presented to Matt Chambliss, Vista, California.

May 8, 2007
Sub Regional @ Herkimer CCC
#4 Herkimer CCC 9, #5 Finger Lakes CC 6

Finger Lakes struck first jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the third inning off Herkimer starting pitcher Rex Brinkmeyer. Herkimer responded with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the game up at three. Finger Lakes would then scratch two more runs in the fourth inning to go up 5-3. Herkimer took the lead in the bottom of the fourth capped by Drew Farley's 7th homerun of the season, to take the 7-5 lead. Herkimer would scratch out a few insurance runs and left the rest up to closer Chad Salls. The Little Falls high school graduate threw the final three innings and allowed only one hit and struck out three to send Herkimer to it's third straight regional final four. Herkimer will look to defend it's regional title beginning Friday against the top seeded Genesee CC in Batavia at 3:30 pm.

May 5, 2007
Herkimer CCC 9 Hudson Valley CC 5
Herkimer CCC 3 Hudson Valley CC 5

Herkimer won game one 9-5 behind a strong performance from Johnny Goodson. Goodson was 3-4 in game one with a triple, double, and single. Chad Salls came into the sixth inning with bases loaded and no outs and retired the next three batters not allowing a run to score. He then retired Hudson Valley 1, 2, 3 in the bottom of the seventh to earn his fourth save. Hudson Valley starting pitcher Chisena limited the Generals to three runs as Hudson earned a split of the doubleheader winning game two 5-3.

May 3, 2007
Herkimer CCC 19, Clinton CC 2
Herkimer CCC 19, Clinton CC 3

Herkimer returned home and scored 19 runs and hit four homeruns in the first inning of their game against visiting Clinton CC. Drew Farley hit two homeruns on the day and ran his season total to 6 breaking a school record by 2005 Conference Player of the Year Paul Newman. Rex Brinkmeyer and Tommy Dolin picked up the wins with the strong performances on the mound. Herkimer now stands at 27-5 overall and is 19-4 in Region III.

May 2, 2007
Herkimer CCC 19, Fulton Montgomery CC 7
Herkimer CCC 13, Fulton Montgomery CC 3

Herkimer kept their bats red hot as it combined to score 32 runs in a double header sweep of Fulton Montgomery CC on Wednesday. Chad Salls, making his first start of the year, picked up the victory in game one. Freshman Keith Hendricks won his second game of the year pitching a complete game in game two. Herkimer will be back at home, at their field on campus, on Thursday with a doubleheader against Clinton CC at 2:00.

May 1, 2007
Herkimer CCC 13, SUNY Canton 2
Herkimer CCC 20, SUNY Canton 1

Herkimer's offense pounded out 39 hits in the doubleheader as Herkimer swept two more games to improve to 23-5 on the season. Tim Nye picked up the pitching victory in game one. New Hartford's Brandon Goodman threw 4 innings of a no-hitter with freshman Tom Dolin striking out the side in the fifth to hold Canton to no hits in game two.

April 30, 2007
Herkimer CCC 11, Adirondack CC 1
Herkimer CCC 10, Adirondack CC 8

Kyle Lumpkin paced the Generals in game one as he pitched a complete game earning the 11-1 victory. Herkimer's Johnny Goodson supplied the offense with two homeruns in game one. Chad Salls earned his second save of the season as he threw a perfect two innings striking out 3 to hold the 10-8 victory. Dan Olmstead, Drew Farley, and Todd Allen all went 2-3 in game two as Herkimer has one 20 games for the third straight season improving to 21-5 on the season.

April 26, 2007
Herkimer CCC 7, Tompkins-Cortland CC 6
Herkimer CCC 13, Tompkins-Cortland CC 3

Herkimer ran their record to 19-5 with two wins over Tompkins-Cortland CC on Saturday with scores of 7-6 and 13-3. Closer Chad Salls came in and stopped at late first game rally as Herkimer pulled out the 7-6 win. Todd Allen was 3-3 in the first game and ran his average to .493 on the season. Herkimer's bats got hot in game two with 12 hits and scored 13 runs to take the 13-3 win in game two. Freshman Don Potter picked up his second win of the season. Herkimer starts their eight game stretch over the next four days with two games at Adirondack on Monday.

April 26, 2007
Herkimer CCC 15, Columbia-Greene CC 0
Herkimer CCC 10, Columbia-Greene CC 0

Herkimer got solid pitching from starters Kyle Lumpkin and Tim Nye--neither pitcher walked a batter in the doubleheader as Herkimer won 15-0 and 10-0. Herkimer pounded out 25 hits as Keith Hendricks raised his average to .540 on the season going 6-7 on the day. Drew Farley added his fourth homerun on the season along with a triple and double for the day. Herkimer starts a long road trip this weekend with games at Tompkins-Cortland CC on Saturday and Jefferson CC on Sunday.

April 24, 2007
Game 1: Herkimer CCC 6, Schenectady CCC 5
Game 2: Herkimer CCC 7, Schenectady CCC 6

Herkimer scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game in game one. The game went extra innings before Keith Hendricks scored on Rex Brinkmeyer's double in the bottom of the ninth to pull off the 6-5 victory. Chad Salls went 3 2/3 innings to pick up the win in relief. In game two Herkimer scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to pick up the 7-6 victory. Herkimer High School graduate Preston Poznoski picked up the win in relief. Drew Farley and Johnny Goodson both hit homeruns for the Generals on the day. Herkimer improves to 15-5 overall on the season and has won it's last five games heading into Wednesday's doubleheader with Adirondack CCC.

April 23, 2007
Game 1: Herkimer CCC 10, SUNY Cobleskill 1
Game 2: Herkimer CCC 19, SUNY Cobleskill 4

Herkimer got their offense back on track as it scored 29 runs in a doubleheader sweep of SUNY Cobleskill on Monday. Kirt Broedel pitched 6 innings in game one to pick up his first win on the season allowing no earned runs on 4 hits and 1 walk. Nick Testa made his first collegiate start in game two and picked up the victory for the Generals. Todd Allen was 4-4 with a double and homerun in game two. New Hartford graduate Brandon Goodman was 5-8 on the day. Herkimer improves to 13-5 on the season and will play at Vet's park in Little Falls on Tuesday against Mountain Valley Conference opponent Schenectady CCC starting at 2:00.

April 21, 2007
Game 1: Finger Lakes CC 5, Herkimer CCC 0
Game 2: Herkimer CCC 15, Finger Lakes CC 6

Finger Lakes starting pitcher Dale limited Herkimer's bats to five hits in game one and finished a complete game shutout as Finger Lakes took game one. Herkimer responded in game two with 15 runs to take a split of the regional doubleheader. Herkimer's Drew Farley and Chad Salls hit homeruns as Farley finished the day 4-5 with six runs batted in. Herkimer begins a seven-day stretch in which they will play 12 games starting Monday at SUNY Cobleskill.

April 3, 2007
Herkimer County Community College 7-8
Broome Community College 2-2

Herkimer took both games at Broome Community College yesterday improving their record to 10-1 overall. Herkimer put together 12 hits and took game one with a score of 7-2. In game one, the Generals were led by freshman Rex Brinkmeyer who pitched a complete game victory allowing only two hits and no earned runs. Rex has improved to 3-0 on the season for the Generals. New Hartford High graduate Brandon Goodman led the Generals at the plate with a 3-4 performance with two runs batted in.

Game two saw another solid performance by the Herkimer pitchers as freshman Don Potter threw four solid innings earning his first collegiate victory. Chad Salls picked up his first save of the season finishing off the final three innings for an 8-2 victory. Last week's NJCAA National Player of the Week Keith Hendricks was three for four in game two.

March 30, 2007
HCCC's Keith Hendricks Named Player of the Week

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) named Herkimer County Community College freshman outfielder Keith Hendricks Division III Player of the Week for games played March 19-24.

A native of Stuart, Florida, Hendricks led Herkimer to an 8-1 record by hitting .551 during the team's spring break trip to Maryland. Hendricks was 7-9 with two doubles and a home run in a match-up of fourth-ranked Herkimer and seventh-ranked Montgomery College of Germantown. For the eight games, Hendricks was 14 for 29 with a homerun, three doubles, nine RBIs, six stolen bases and two walks.

March 26, 2007
Spring Break Trip Review

The 2007 baseball team played a total of nine games during last week's spring break trip to Maryland. Herkimer compiled an 8-1 record competing against some of the top junior colleges in the country. The Generals got things going against Division II Prince George Community College winning two games by scores of 12-1 and 17-6. The game against Division II Frederick Community College was rained out. Herkimer then scratched out two more wins against The College of Southern Maryland winning 12-9 in extra innings in game one and holding on for a 5-4 victory in game two. Although Montgomery College at Germantown handed Herkimer its first loss in the World Series last year, the Generals' offense pounded out seven homeruns and won both games 14-5 and 18-6. Herkimer traveled to Allegany Community College, a participant in the Division II World Series last season, where the Generals' bats again showed up sweeping the doubleheader 12-10 and 9-4. The Generals ended the trip with their first loss of the season to Division I Hagerstown Community College in a rain-shortened 3-1 ball game, called after four and one-half innings.

Herkimer's offense was the story of the trip pounding out nine homeruns and scoring 102 runs in nine games. Herkimer was led at the plate by freshman Keith Hendricks who belted .552 on the trip. Returning All-American Todd Allen also contributed with his .469 average along with 15 runs batted in and two homeruns. Other top hitters for the Generals were Brandon Goodman (.469), John Florance (.438), Drew Farley (.407), and Dan Wood (.400). Dan Olmstead swiped 10 stolen bases to go along with his .360 average. As a team, Herkimer is currently hitting .388.  Freshman hurlers Don Potter and Tom Dolin both showed some promise with their 2.70 and 1.91 earned run average. Freshman Texan, Rex Brinkmeyer collected two victories on the trip as well. 

January 31, 2007
HCCC Baseball Coach Receives Awards

Herkimer County Community College baseball coach Jason Rathbun has been named the 2006 Diamond and American Baseball Coaches Association Region III Coach of the Year. Rathbun also recently received the Louisville Slugger District Championship Award.

Last season, in only his second year as head coach, Rathbun led the baseball team to its most successful season in the history of the program. The Generals won their first Region III championship and competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series. Nationally, the team was ranked first in batting average (.380) and second in winning percentage (34-7 overall record).

The 2006 team also received Academic All-American honors with a team GPA of 3.02, the only Division III team in the nation to receive academic honors last year.

"In just two years as head coach, Jason Rathbun has led the baseball program to new heights. We are proud of Jason and all he has accomplished in a short time," said Don Dutcher, Director of Athletics.

Rathbun is a graduate of Little Falls High School, HCCC and Erskine College (SC) where he played Division II baseball. He also served a three-year commitment to the third Infantry Division in the United States Army, had a one-year stint with the Hinesville Marlins and played for Division I Florida Community College (Jacksonville, FL). While playing for the Herkimer Generals, he posted a 3.66 ERA and a .429 batting average. In addition to his coaching duties, Rathbun is employed as an area coordinator in housing at HCCC.

January 9, 2007
HCCC Baseball Team Ranked Seventh in Preseason Poll

The Herkimer County Community College baseball team is ranked seventh in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III pre-season poll, recently announced by the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association. The Generals won their first Region III championship last year and went on to compete in the Division III NJCAA College World Series. Herkimer finished the 2006 season with an overall record of 34-7.

"This pre-season ranking is a great representation of how far our program has come in a short time. We have worked hard during the last two years to prove ourselves," said head coach Jason Rathbun.
Herkimer will travel south to open its 2007 season at Prince George Community College (Largo, MD) on March 17.

Hicks Awarded Pop Walsh Award

Captain of the 2006 baseball team, Josh Hicks, Sherburne, was awarded the Pop Walsh Award, an annual award given to the male student-athlete who displays the highest level of sportsmanship, dedication and commitment to his team and the athletic program. The Generals had their best season in the history of the program, with a Region III championship and national ranking of tenth place by the NJCAA.

The Male Scholar Athlete Award was earned by senior baseball player Brandon Davis, Herkimer. Women’s soccer player Christina Davis, West Winfield, received the Female Scholar Athlete Award. These awards are given to the athlete with the highest GPA and a minimum of 45 credit hours earned.

First Team All-American: Todd Allen, Oriskany

First Team All-Region: Josh Hicks, Sherburne; Bill Arpei, Saratoga; Todd Allen, Oriskany

Second Team All-Region: Kyle Lumpkin, Baldwinsville

All Mountain Valley Conference Team: Kyle Lumpkin; Baldwinsville; Chad Salls, Little Falls; Josh Hicks, Sherburne; Bill Arpei, Saratoga; Todd Allen, Oriskany

Team MVP: Bill Arpei, Saratoga

Team Coaches Award: Mike Giusto, Medford

March 15 , 2006
Herkimer baseball was pleased to announce that LHP Don Potter has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend HCCC next season. Don is from Oneonta, NY where he has been a workhorse in the rotation the past two years. "Don is an experienced lefthanded pitcher and we have had great success with developing kids just like Don. We expect Don to reach new levels of success this year in his senior season and hopefully he will build on those experiences while competing in college. " commented Rathbun.

February 22, 2006
Herkimer baseball was pleased to announce that 6' 5 RHP Timothy Nye has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend HCCC next season. Tim is from Chesterfield, MA where he posted a 3.79 ERA last season."Tim is the type of student athlete we look for in our program. He is a great student and has the physical size we look forward to work with." commented Rathbun.

December 5, 2005
Freshman lefthander Kyle Lumpkin has accepted a roster spot for the Carolina Chaos in South Carolina this summer. Lumpkin, a CW Baker (Baldwinsville, NY) grad, posted a 0.00 ERA this fall for the Generals. "I think this will be a great opportunity for Kyle, this organization helped Kyle Grup out last summer and we hope to get the same type of experiences for Lumpkin."

November 14, 2005
2006 Sophomore Kyle Grup has signed a National Letter of Intent to DII Missouri Western State University. Kyle received an athletic scholarship and has committed early to the Griffons Program.