On Deck
Meisenheimer hopes to crack UW-Whitewater lineup
by
Dennis Semrau,
8/31/2009
Dennis Semrau
Wissports.net
Former West Bend West standout Matt Meisenheimer, who transferred to UW-Whitewater from Concordia University-Wisconsin last winter, will try to earn a middle infield spot for the Warhawks this fall.
Meisenheimer was a four-year letterwinner and all-conference performer as a middle infielder and pitcher for West Bend West, which advanced to the WIAA summer state baseball tournament three times. West Bend West won the state title in 2007 his junior season, when he pitched 6 2/3 innings of no-hit ball in the state quarterfinals against Franklin.
He tied the school record with 52 runs scored and held a .400 batting average over his four varsity seasons. He played every inning of every game during his four-year high school varsity career.
Meisenheimer played in the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers Classic at Miller Park and in the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Classic in June 2008.
He graduated from West Bend West with a 3.91 grade-point-average. After transferring to UW-Whitewater, he was on the Dean's list last semester. He is majoring in Business and carrying a 4.0 GPA.
This summer, Meisenheimer played for the Kewaskum Athletics of the Rock River wood bat league where he helped lead them into the playoffs. He was batting .313 with 39 runs scored, a team-best 22 walks and a .436 on-base percentage through Aug. 28. The Athletics also advanced to the Tri County League playoffs.
Dugout Chatter from West Salem
by
Dennis Semrau,
8/26/2009
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Dan Schneider
School: West Salem
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.4
Position: LHP/OF
Other sports: football, basketball
I got my start in sports: playing with and watching my older brothers. I played tee-ball, youth football and basketball.
I wish I could play: hockey.
Baseball highlights: a four-time letterwinner, he was a four-year starting pitcher and key hitter for three years … West Salem won 86 games during his prep career … posted a 30-3 career record with six saves … 2009 Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association second team all-state as a pitcher … WBCA District Seven Player of Year … also earned all-academic district honors … Dairyland Large Conference four-time first-team selection … went 8-1 with a 2.22 ERA in 52 2’3 innings as a freshman … batted . 372 (94-for-253) with 24 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 74 runs scored and 85 RBI in 83 career games.
2009 stats: batted .433 (39-for-90) with 10 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 27 runs scored, and 37 RBI … drew 20 walks and had one sacrifice and four sacrifice flies … had nine stolen bases … posted .526 on-base percentage and .722 slugging percentage… pitching stats: 8-1 record with four saves, two shutouts and 2.59 ERA in 14 appearances … posted 77 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings pitched.
2009 team highlights: Panthers advanced to state quarterfinals, finishing with a 28-2 overall record. That included 16-0 record to win Dairyland Large Conference championship.
Other sports honors: two-year letterwinner in football and two-year starter at quarterback and safety … co-captain as a senior … two-time Associated Press All-State quarterback … Wisconsin Football Coaches Association all-state quarterback as a junior and honorable all-state defensive back as a senior … played forward in basketball as a freshman and sophomore.
I like playing baseball because: the game is never over until the final out is made. You can’t stall. You have to keep playing until the game is finished.
Team bonding moments: hanging out with the guys during batting practice
Favorite athlete: Brett Favre
Favorite baseball players: Tampa Bay 2B Ben Zobrist; Toronto pitcher Roy Halliday
Favorite teams: Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite Brewer: Corey Hart
Favorite movies: Into the Wild; The Guardian
Favorite baseball movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite TV show: That 70s Show
Favorite sports on TV: baseball, football, hockey
Favorite food: burritos
Favorite fast food: Burrachos in Onalaska
Favorite opponent: Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau
Favorite web sites: Facebook; espn.com
Baseball Stadium to visit: Fenway Park in Boston
I want to visit: Europe
I can't live without: my family
One word to describe me: loyal
I want to meet: Jesus
Dream date: Taylor Swift
Role models: my dad, Robert; football coach Wayne Sackett; baseball coach Chuck Ihle
My family includes: my mom, Phyllis, brothers, Tim and Greg, and sisters, Amanda and Sarah.
I drive: a Toyota Camry.
Dream car: a Mercedes Benz
Dream gift: a Major League baseball team
Talent I wish I had: ability to skate well enough to play hockey
I like West Salem High School because: we have a lot of good coaches.
On my IPod: country; Incubus
I get my news: Internet
I like to read: Into the Wild
Fantasy: to play baseball in the Major Leagues
My perfect day: playing pro baseball
Hobbies: fishing; youth baseball coach, hanging out with friends
Post-high school plans: attend NAIA Division I Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. to study Political Science and Spanish and play baseball.
Career goal: work in the front office of a Major League baseball team
Outlook on life: “Strive to be the best person you can be.”
Did you know? Dan led West Salem to a 13-1 record and the 2007 WIAA Division 4 state football title his junior year.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
Stoll Dugout Chatter from Mequon Homestead
by
Dennis Semrau,
8/24/2009
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Joey Stoll
School: Homestead
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.46
Favorite subject: Chemistry
Position: Right field
Other sports: football
I got my start in sports: playing catch in the backyard with my dad and older brother. I played tee-ball in kindergarten and also played youth football, basketball, soccer and hockey.
I wish I could play: lacrosse; hockey.
Baseball highlights: two-time letterwinner and two-year starter … co-captain and started in right field as a senior and earned North Shore Conference second-team and all-Suburban honorable mention honors … started at catcher as a junior.
2009 stats: batted .383 (36-for-94) overall and .442 in conference play … finished with five doubles, 21 runs scored, 17 RBI, drew 12 walks and two hit-by-pitches … was 2-of-2 in stolen bases … posted .436 slugging percentage.
2009 team stats: Finished 21-16 overall, 9-9 in North Shore Conference (fifth place) … advanced to WIAA Summer State quarterfinals
Other sports honors: played outside linebacker in football as a sophomore and was a JV captain … suffered career-ending back injury as a junior … member of WIAA Division 1 state championship team as a sophomore … served as a team statistician and lettered as a junior for Division 1 state runner-up team.
This and that: member of Star Leadership program … member of Honor Roll throughout high school … Peer Ministry … Outreach program … Food Pantry … Homestead Merit Award Winner for volunteer work.
I like playing baseball because: it is the ultimate team sport where you become a family. The little details make the game what it is.
Team bonding moment: We had a 13-0 lead against Waukesha South and lost 16-13 to extend our losing streak to eight games. Our seniors pulled together and got things straightened out and we won four games in a row to get to state.
Baseball superstitions: I go to the field an hour early, say the same prayers and park in the same spot.
Favorite athletes Mariano Rivera; Yadier Moliina
Favorite team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite baseball team: Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite Brewer: Jason Kendall
Favorite movie: Home Alone 2
Favorite baseball movie: Major League
Favorite TV show: That 70s Show
Favorite food: Hawaiian pizza
Favorite fast food: Arby’s
Favorite sports on TV: baseball
Favorite web site: wissports.net; addictedgames.com
Favorite place to visit: Captiva Island
Baseball Stadium to visit: Boston’s Fenway Park
I want to visit: Italy
One word to describe me: dedicated
I can’t live without: my family
I want to meet: Jackie Robinson
Dream date: Carrie Underwood
Role model: my parents, Rick and Grace
My family also includes: my brothers, Ricky and Vinny.
I drive: a 1997 Ford Contour.
Dream car: an Audi R8
Dream gift: a mega yacht
I like Homestead High School because: it is a big school with a lot of diversity and people with varied interests and a solid sports program.
On my IPod: country music, including Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney
I get my news: Internet; TV, radio
I like to read: Sports Illustrated
My perfect day: spending time with my family, fishing, cooking out and riding ATVs.
Hobbies: fishing, hunting, camping, weight lifting, playing baseball with my little brother
Post-high school plans: attend University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. to study chemistry and play baseball.
Career goal: attend Marquette University Dental School and pursue a career as an oral surgeon
Outlook on life: “Hard work and dedication will get you anywhere.”
Did you know? Joey will be playing baseball for the defending NCAA Division III national champions who play their early-season games in the Metrodome.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
More Dugout Chatter from Arrowhead
by
Dennis Semrau,
8/22/2009
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Chris Pendergast
School: Arrowhead
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.5
Favorite subject: mathematics
Position: 3B
Other sports: football, track & field power lifting
I got my start in sports: playing tee-ball in kindergarten. I also played flag football, soccer and basketball.
I wish I could play: basketball.
Baseball highlights: three-time letterwinner and two-year starter at third base … earned first team All-Classic Eight Conference honors as a junior and senior and second-team all-area honors as a senior …
2009 state tournament: Was 1-for-4 with an RBI in 5-4 come-from-behind win over Marquette in state championship game … stole two bases and was 1-for-3 with two runs scored in 14-10 win over Muskego in state semifinals … was 2-for-4, including a double, with an RBI and a stolen base in 6-4 win over West Bend West in 8 innings in state quarterfinals.
2009 stats: batted .447 (38-for-85) as the team’s lead-off hitter with 10 doubles, five triples, 28 runs scored and 26 RBI … drew 14 walks and three hit-by-pitches … was 27-of-27 in stolen bases … posted .xxx on-base percentage and .xxx slugging percentage.
2009 team stats: Finished 31-5 overall, 21-0 in Classic Eight Conference (champion) … won school’s second summer state baseball title.
Leadership: Pendergast was a three-sport captain his senior year in football, track & field and baseball.
Other sports honors: three-time letterwinner and two-year starter in football as a defensive back … earned honorable mention all-area and first-team all-Classic Eight Conference honors as a senior … played in three WIAA Division 1 state championship games in football … three-time letterwinner and two-year competitor at WIAA Division 1 state track and field meet … placed third as a junior and ninth as a senior in the pole vault … member of state championship 800-meter relay and fourth-place 400 relay as a senior … also competed in the long jump.
This and that: Interfaith volunteer … youth football coach … member of Honor Roll … played in 2008 Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Classic at Miller Park … participated in power lifting club program for three years during winter … qualified for state competition all three years with a fifth-place finish as a junior.
I like playing baseball because: I love playing as a team. We were a close-knit group.
Team bonding moments: hanging out together and playing cards in UW-Stevens Point locker room during rain delay at state tournament.
Baseball superstitions: Andrew Bauer and I would play ping pong before every game.
Favorite baseball player: Alex Rodriguez
Favorite team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite baseball team: Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite Brewer: Ryan Braun
Favorite movie: Mr. 300.
Favorite TV show: ESPN SportsCenter
Favorite sport on TV: college football
Favorite food: steak
Favorite fast food: Culver’s
Favorite opponent: Waukesha West (football)
Favorite web site: Facebook
Favorite place to visit: Arizona
Baseball Stadium to visit: Yankee Stadium
I want to visit: New Zealand
One word to describe me: hard-working
I can’t live without: my IPod
I want to meet: Ted Williams
Dream date: Jessica Simpson
Role model: my grandfather, Fran Roman.
My family includes: my parents, Patrick and Bridget, brother, Jordy, and sister, Bridget.
Nickname: Pendy
I drive: a 1999 Toyota Camry.
Dream car: a 2010 Lamborghini
Dream gift: a house in the Caribbean
I like Arrowhead High School because: of the great coaches and teachers.
On my IPod: Slipknot; Chevelle
I get my news: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
I like to read: ESPN the Magazine.
Fantasy: be the CEO of Microsoft
My perfect day: take a trip to the moon
Hobbies: playing ping pong
Talent I wish I had: that I could sing
Post-high school plans: attend UW-Whitewater to study business and play football and baseball.
Career goal: accounting, business-related field
Outlook on life: “Don’t fall short.”
Did you know? Chris was a three-time state champion in high school as a member of Arrowhead’s 2007 football and 2009 track & field and baseball teams.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.
Mueller Dugout Chatter from West Bend West
by
Dennis Semrau,
8/18/2009
Dennis Semrau Wissports.net "Dugout Chatter" is a behind the scenes look at your favorite prep baseball player.
Name: Daniel Mueller
School: West Bend West
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.0
Favorite subject: environmental conservation
Position: SS/P
Other sports: football; basketball
I got my start in sports: playing catch in baseball and tossing around a football with my dad, who was also my youth coach.
I wish I could play: hockey.
Baseball highlights: three-time letterwinner and three-year starter … starting shortstop and pitcher as a senior when he also served as a co-captain … played everywhere but right field and catcher as a sophomore and junior … earned honorable mention all-conference honors at pitcher as a sophomore.
2009 stats: Batted .364 (39-for-107) with 48 runs scored, four doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 38 RBI … 15-of-15 in stolen bases … drew 18 walks and five hit-by-pitches … recorded .477 on-base percentage … pitching stats: 4-0 record with 1 save and a 3.50 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts, and one complete game … struck out 23 batters in 28 innings.
2009 team stats: Finished 27-5 overall, 13-5 in North Shore Conference (second place) … advanced to WIAA Summer State quarterfinals
Other sports honors: two-time letterwinner and two-year starter in football as a quarterback and safety as a senior and running back and safety as a junior ... served as a co-captain and earned Most Valuable Player honors on offense and honorable mention all-conference honors at quarterback after rushing for nearly 1,100 yards as a senior … two-time letterwinner in basketball as a part-time starter as a junior and starter as a senior at shooting guard.
Volunteer work: helping out at Jim Gantner baseball camps and other youth baseball camps with my dad
I like playing baseball because: it is something I shared with my dad and have enjoyed to do my whole life.
I wish I was: faster. You can’t teach speed.
Team bonding moments: eating at Buffalo Wild Wings after games with several teammates
Favorite athlete: Ryan Braun
Favorite team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite baseball team: Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite movies: Transformers 2; Without a Paddle
Favorite baseball movie: Angels in the Outfield
Favorite TV shows: Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel; That 70’s Show
Favorite meal: steak, potatoes and corn
Favorite fast food: Jack’s Pizza
Favorite opponent: West Bend East
Favorite web site: Facebook
Favorite sport on TV: college football
Favorite place to visit: log cabin on 320 acres in Northern Wisconsin near Amberg
Baseball Stadium to visit: Yankee Stadium
I want to visit: Bora, Bora
One word to describe me: heart
I can’t live without: a wristband I wear that raises awareness of ovarian cancer, which took the life of my grandma, Patricia Mueller
I want to meet: Barry Sanders; Walter Payton
Dream date: Megan Fox
Role models: my dad, Willie Mueller; my cousin, Ryan Rohlinger
My family includes: my mom, Ruth, and my sister, Lindsey
Nickname: D-Mills; Danny; Dan
I drive: it was a 1998 Bonneville until it died; now it’s a Ford Explorer.
Dream car: an Austin Martin
Dream gift: a custom-built house in the country
I like West Bend West High School because: of the school restaurant.
On my IPod: Nickelback; T.I.
I like to read: hunting magazines
Fantasy: to play professional baseball
My perfect day: hunting and fishing at our cabin; if not, fishing on a local pond, eating lunch and dinner with my family and hanging out around a bonfire with my friends at night.
Hobbies: hunting, fishing, four-wheeling
Post-high school plans: attend Concordia-Wisconsin (Mequon) to study Liberal Arts and play baseball.
Career goal: pro athlete; run a business
Outlook on life: “I take it as it comes.”
Did you know? As a sophomore, Danny pitched West Bend West to the 2007 WIAA Summer State Baseball title 35 years to the day that his father, Willie Mueller, who was also a sophomore at the time, pitched West Bend West to the 1972 state championship.
If you have a prep baseball player you would like to read about, send your nomination to Dennis Semrau at:
dsemrau@madison.com or (608) 513-5550.