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2007 Season in Review

The Generals baseball team continued their rise to the top of NJCAA baseball with another record breaking season. The Generals won their second Region III championship and went on to compete in the Division III NJCAA College World Series in Tyler, Texas. Herkimer went on to place third in the national tournament. Nationally, the team was ranked second in batting average (.415) and broke the school record for wins again with a 35-8 record.

Herkimer players received numerous post season honors:

• Drew Farley, a Bellevue University recruit, was named to the 2007 World Series team, First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team. He was also selected as Herkimer baseball's MVP.
• Todd Allen, a DI University of Vermont recruit, was named 2nd team All American, First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team. He was also selected as Herkimer's male athlete of the year.
• Chad Salls, a Cazenovia College recruit, was named First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team.
• Johnny Goodson, a Bellevue University recruit, was named First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team.
• Freshman Keith Hendricks was named 2nd team All American, First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team. He was also selected as Herkimer's captain for the 2008 season.
• Matt Chambliss was awarded the Herkimer baseball Hank Testa coaches award, for his outstanding team leadership.
• Dan Olmstead, a Bellevue University recruit, was named to the 2007 World Series team.

The 2007 baseball team also continued excellence in the classroom with a team GPA of 2.83. Head Coach Jason Rathbun was named Mountain Valley Conference and District A Coach of the Year. With three years as head coach for the Generals, he finished the season 90-32 with two World Series appearances and two regional baseball titles.

2007 Schedule and Results

*=1 Nine Inning Game

2007 Roster

2006 Season in Review

Herkimer County Community College's baseball team had its most successful season in the history of the program. The Generals won their first Region III championship and went on to compete in the Division III NJCAA College World Series. Nationally, the team was ranked first in batting average (.380) and second in winning percentage (34-7 overall record). Herkimer finished the regular season ranked tenth in the nation.

The 2006 baseball team also achieved excellence in the classroom with a team GPA of 3.02. Brandon Davis received the State University of New York's prestigious Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence and was named the College's Male Scholar-Athlete by earning the highest GPA among Herkimer's male student-athletes this year. Davis will attend SUNY Cortland in the fall.

Team captain Josh Hicks, a Bryant University recruit, 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. He also was named First Team All-Region and was selected for the All-Mountain Valley Conference Team.

Several other team members also received awards this year:

• Freshman outfielder Todd Allen was named First Team All-American and First Team All-Region, and was named to the All Mountain Valley Conference team.
• Bill Arpei, a Columbia Union College recruit, was named to the First Team All-Region and the All-Mountain Valley Conference Team.
• Freshman Kyle Lumpkin was named Second Team All-Region and All-Mountain Valley Conference.
• Freshman Chad Salls received All-Conference Honors.

Head Coach Jason Rathbun was named District A Coach of the Year. With two years as head coach for the Generals, he finished the season 55-24.

Every senior on the 2006 team has committed to play baseball at a four-year college or university next season. The 2006 team set the standard very high, but with the talented incoming recruiting class, Coach Rathbun is optimistic that the team can and will exceed that standard in 2007.

2006 Roster

2006 Schedule and Results

34-7 Overall

24-2 Region III

13-0 Mountain Valley Conference

*=1 Nine Inning Game

4/2/06 Grup's Complete Game Helps Herkimer Sweep Clinton CC

On Sunday, April 2, Herkimer swept Clinton CC 17-1 and 4-1 in its first home games. Herkimer scored 17 runs in game one led senior Bill Arpei who blasted a three-run homerun in the third inning. Senior Kyle Grup pitched a complete game striking out six and walking just one batter. Game two was a bit closer as Clinton put up a fight, but senior Brandon Davis paced the Generals for 5 1/3 innings and senior Mario Roefaro picked up his second save of the season. Little Falls High School graduate Chad Salls was 4-6 on the day as well.

3/31/06 Men's Baseball Sweeps Morrisville State

Herkimer Baseball completed a sweep of two doubleheaders this past weekend. On Friday, March 31, Herkimer took two games from Morrisville State at Morrisville with scores of 10-6 and 4-1. Morrisville led the first game 6-4 in the top of the seventh when Herkimer's bats woke up for a six-run inning. Game two was all senior pitcher Brendan O'Connor who shutdown Morrisville, pitching a complete game with seven strikeouts, one walk, three hits, and no earned runs.

2006 Preview

Herkimer County Community College’s Baseball program enters the 2006 season with second-year head coach Jason Rathbun at the helm. With several key players returning from last year and many strong new recruits, Coach Razz’s outlook for the 2006 season is very optimistic.

Among the players returning are an impressive middle infield combination of short stop Brendan O’Connor and second baseman Josh Hicks. Both players were assets to the team last year and competed at higher levels during the summer.

On the corners will be three new recruits. First baseman Mario Roefaro, a Division I transfer student, exudes professionalism and athleticism. Paul Childers and Chad Salls, a local standout and CSC Division I Player of the Year, will share third base.

Pitching will again be the key ingredient for success in 2006. Three of the four top pitchers last year are all returning.  They are Brandon Davis, Kyle Grup and Brendan O’Connor.

Transfers Ken Medved, Mario Roefaro, and Justin Quance all previously competed at the intercollegiate level, and freshmen Kyle Lumpkin, Chad Salls, and Todd Allen will add depth to a solid rotation. Lumpkin and Salls both have a lot of talent in them and will likely be fixtures in the rotation for the next two years.

Speed in the outfield is expected to improve significantly this year, with all outfielders running under a seven second 60-yard dash. Senior Bill Arpei will play a major role in the outfield and at the top of the lineup.  Seniors Mike Giusto and Josh Rumenapp will also play important roles for the team. New faces in the outfield are Corleon Brown, a key recruit with great athletic speed, and Todd Allen, a local standout and CSC Division III Player of the Year.

Matt Chambliss, a freshman with the ability to compete at a high level in any position, will provide depth in the infield and at catcher.  Catching duties will also fall to freshman Kirt Broedel, Division II Player of the Year.

The team will begin its season in March with a spring break trip to Maryland.

2005 Season in Review

Head Coach Jason Rathbun's first season as head coach reached new heights of success as Herkimer advanced to the Regional Final Four for the first time since 1990.

Herkimer’s offensive was the top hitting team in Region III with a .349 batting average. The 2005 Generals were led by Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year Paul Newman (.466-5-24 signed with DII Erskine College) and Chris Ortlieb (.422-3-30 signed with DII Mars Hill).

Herkimer’s pitching staff compiled a team ERA of 2.95 led by All Conference Selection and returning starter Brandon Davis (5-0/1.35 ERA). Coach Rathbun was named the 2005 Mountain Valley Coach of the Year.

2005 Roster

2005 Schedule

5/11/05 Men's Baseball Advances to Final Four

The only other appearance by Herkimer in the Region III Final Four happened in 1990 and on Tuesday Herkimer made it for the second time in the school's history with a 17-11 victory over #3 seed Jamestown. Herkimer jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, but Jamestown scratched back tying the game at 8 in the sixth inning. In the bottom of the seventh a Jamestown solo homerun would give the home team a 9-8 lead. Herkimer responded with a 9 run 8th inning and held on this time for a 17-11 victory.

Herkimer will play the #2 Hudson Valley at 3:00pm Friday. Hudson Valley also hosts the Regional Final Four. Final Four teams are #1 Erie, #2 Hudson Valley, #3 Herkimer, and #4 Columbia-Greene.

5/6/05 Baseball Finishes Regular Season - Breaks School Win Record

Herkimer finished up their regular season yesterday with a sweep of Canton Community College by the scores of 6-5 and 7-5. With the sweep the Generals improved overall record to 19-15 breaking the school record for wins previously set in 1990 with 17 wins. Seeding for the Region 3 tournament will be on Sunday night. Herkimer goes into the tournament with a 17-9 regional record.

4/27/05 Senior Chris Ortlieb Named Region III Player of the Week

South Lewis High graduate Chris Ortlieb was named this week's Region III player of the week. Chris hit .415 this week and knocked 3 homeruns for the Generals. Chris came to the plate twice this week with bases loaded one time delivering a gradslam home run and the other time delivering a triple. Ortlieb is currently batting .446 with 3 home runs and 24 runs batted in on the season to help lead the Generals to a 14-6 Regional record.

4/27/05 Baseball Sweeps Schenectady at Home

Freshman Brandon Davis improved his region record to 4-0 throwing a complete game shutout allowing only 1 walk and 4 hits while striking out 8 in a 4-0 victory in game 1. Paul Newman hit a solo home run going 2 for 3 in game 1. Game 2 got off to a good start with Matt Brewer hitting a two run home run to open up a 3-0 lead after the first inning. SCC would score 1 in the third, 5 in the fourth and 1 in the fifth to take a 7-3 lead. Herkimer answered back scoring 3 runs in the sixth and tying the game in the seventh to push the game to extra innings. Senior Charlie Smith threw three scoreless innings of relief and in the bottom of the 8th inning Sr Paul Newman singled in the winning run for the 8-7 victory. Newman was 5-8 on the day improving his average to .513 on the season. Herkimer moves to 14-6 in Region III.

4/21/05 Men's Baseball Sweeps Cobleskill

Herkimer completed a sweep of SUNY Cobleskill on Thursday by scores of 7-2 and 9-5. Herkimer High School Graduate Brandon Davis won his third straight game in game one, pitching a complete game allowing only one earned run striking out 5 and allowing 3 base hits. A key bases loaded triple by Sr Chris Ortlieb opened up a 4-0 lead in the first inning to lead the charge for the Generals. Sr Everett Saul picked up his fourth win of the season allowing two earned runs in 6 1/3rd innings pitched. Chris Ortlieb again led the charge going 2 for 3 including a solo homerun in the second inning. Herkimer moves to 12-6 in Region 3 and 14-12 overall.

4/19/05 Baseball Splits With Fulton- Montgomery

Herkimer pounded out 18 hits in game one, including a solo homerun by Paul Newman and a grandslam by Sr. Chris Ortlieb,to take game one 17-6. Sr Jose Alvarez threw 5 1/3rd innings allowing four hits and two runs in the victory.

Chris Ortlieb homered again for Herkimer in game two and Eli Canals supplied a homerun of his own but it wasn't enough as FMCC took game two 8-7. Herkimer led 7-5 in the sixth inning when FMCC scored two runs off closer Jossey Vigo to tie the game at 7. With a runner on first and two outs in the bottom of the seventh a line drive to centerfield rolled under the legs of the outfielder to plate the winning run. Herkimer falls to 10-6 in Region III and 12-12 overall.

4/18/05 Baseball Drops Two Close Games to Hudson Valley

Fr Kyle Grup pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing only two hits and two runs(0 Earned) but it wasn't enough as Hudson Valley took game one 2-0. Fr Brendan O'Connor supplied the only two hits in game one.

Sr. Paul Newman was 4-4 and Brendan O'Connor supplied another 2-4 performance but Hudson Valley completed the sweep of Herkimer with a score of 5-4.

4/17/05 Baseball splits on the road with Genesse C.C.

HCCC took the first game from Genesse 6-2 led by Herkimer Highs schools Brandon Davis's 1 hitter through 5 innings. This was the Generals first road Regional win of the year. In the second game, 4 first innings errors helped Genesee jump out to a early 4 run lead. The game ended in a 6-3 GCC victory. The General Travel to Hudson Valley on 4/18/05.

4/10/05 Baseball Win's Fifth in a Row

Sr. Everett Saul paced the Generals through 6 innings striking out 10. With a 2-1 lead entering the sixth, including a solo home run by Eli Canals, Herkimer plated 8 runs in the 6th to top ACC 10-1 in game one. The bats stayed hot in game two as Sr Paul Newman's 2 run home run started a 7 run 1st inning. The Generals added 3 in the second and 1 in the third to cap the 11-0 victory. Sr Jose Alvarez was brilliant allowing 1 hit through 4 innings pitched while striking out 5.

4/6/05 Baseball sweeps Onondaga

GAME ONE- Freshman Kyle Grup pitched 6 innings allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs while stiking out 6, as Herkimer took game one, 9-3 over Onondaga CC. Senior Paul Newman improved his average to .464 going 3-3 with 3 doubles in the game. Freshman Brendan O'Connor also went 3-3 with a double and 2 RBI's.

GAME TWO - In the nightcap game it turned into a pitchers dual, as Herkimer Freshman Brandon Davis pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball dueling with OCC starter Scipione who had a no hitter through 5 innings. The generals finally struck in the bottom of the 7th with one out and the bases loaded, Freshman Josh Hicks hit a hot shot at OCC shortstop. Herkimer scored the winning run as OCC could not turn the double play.

4/5/05 Herkimer and Broome Split Doubleheader

After letting the opener slip away, Herkimer County Community College rebounded with a convincing win to split a doubleheader with Broome Community College. On the day, first baseman Chris Ortlieb went 5 for 6 with two RBI's and three runs scored and Paul Newman went 3 for 3 with two runs scored and three walks for the Generals.

3/24/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Spartanburg Methodist College

Freshman Johnny Goodson paced the Generals for 5 innings allowing 4 earned runs and striking out 8 as SMC led 7-1 after 5 innings. A 4 run 6th inning ended the game at 11-1. Eli Canals provided the only run of the day for Herkimer with a homerun in the 3rd.

3/24/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Spartanburg Methodist College

SMC starter Timmerizmai held the Generals to 4 hits in game two. Freshman Brendan O'Connor took the loss falling to 0-1 for the season. Freshman Brendan McHugh pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

3/23/2005 Men's Basball vs. Blue Ridge CC

BRCC jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the 1st. HCCC took a 4-3 lead in the second only to have BRCC tie the game at 4-4 after 2 innings. BRCC added 1 run in the 3rd, 4 in the 4th, 4 in the 5th, and finally 1 in the 6th to take a 14-4 victory. BRCC inserted two of their top pitchers to hold the generals scoreless after the 2nd. Kyle Grup took the loss allowing the 5 ER in 3 innings.

3/23/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Blue Ridge CC

BRCC broke open game two after a 1-1 tie at the end of the 1st. BRCC scored 17 runs in the final 3 innings to take an 18-1 victory.
Freshmen-Jossey Vigo 2-2 w/2B, 3B

3/22/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Surry CC

Surry scored 5 runs in the bottom of the first and add 2 in the second, to a 7-0 lead after 2 innings. Surry then added 3 runs in the 4th to cap off the 10-0 defeat. Everett Saul took the lose going 3 innings allowing 7 runs with 2 earned.
Senior-Josh Hicks 2-4

3/22/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Surry CC

Surry's bats exploaded in game 2 scoring 6 runs in the first including 2 homeruns. The Generals battled back to the get at 6-3 after 3 innings. Another Surry attack in the 4th, 5th, and 6th inning pushed the game to a 14-4 victory. Brandon Davis took the loss on the mound.
Senior-Paul Newman 2-3 w/2B, HR

3/20/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Haggerstown CC

Freshman Johnny Goodson pitched 3 innings picking up the victory, striking out 6 and allowing 1 hit. Brendon O'Connor thre 4 innings getting the save allowing 5 hits and no walks. Herkimer took the 1 run lead in the first. Haggarstown tied the game with 1 run in the second. Hekimers 8 run 4th, led by Chris Orlieb's bases loaded triple, borke the game to 9-1. Herkimer added 2 in the 7th to cruise to an 11-4 victory.
Freshman-Chad Heckler 2-3 w/2 RBI's
Senior-Josh Hicks 2-4 w/2 runs
Senior-Matt Brewer 2-4
Senior-Carlos Cruz 2-3

3/20/2005 Men's Baseball vs. Haggerstown CC

Senior Charlie Smith pitched 4 strong innings in relief. Everett Saul picked up the victory in relief pitching 2 scoreless innings. Herkimer scored 3 in the first to take a 3-1 lead. A Haggerstown 5 run second inning gave them a 6-3 lead. Herkimer scored 4 runs in the 6th to take a 7-6 lead. A Jose Sanchez triple scored the winning run.
Senior-Paul Newman 2-5 w/2 RBI's
Freshman-Chad Heckler 2-4

2005 Season Preview

2005 will begin a new era for the Herkimer County Community College baseball team as former Herkimer standout Jason Rathbun takes over as head coach. Rathbun's coaching style is described as being aggressive at the plate and on the base paths, while being conservative and smart in the field. "I believe pitching is the key in this region. Playing smart fundamental defense behind that pitching will be what we pride ourselves on."

Rathbun backed up that statement by recruiting two of the top pitchers in the area in All-State pitcher Kyle Grup(Richfield Springs, NY)and Herkimer High School standout Brandon Davis. Along with the local talent the Generals signed right-handed pitcher Johnny Goodson from South Carolina and Brookline Massachusetts standout Brendan O'Connor. "These four guys will be a key to our success this season."

The Generals will look for leadership on their pitching staff from 6' 4 senior Everett Saul. Saul finished second in the region last year in strikeouts."Eve has great stuff on the mound, he wants the ball, and you can't ask for more than that from a kid." Other seniors on the Generals pitching staff include Jose Alverez and Charlie Smith. "These guys have all shown signs of being effective pitchers at this level. Now is the time for them to put it all together."

Offensively the Generals return three of their top four hitters from last season in Matt Brewer(Inf-Somers, NY), Chris Ortlieb (1B-South Lewis, NY), and Carlos Cruz (C-Bronx, NY). "These guys carried us last year. With a strong freshman class the pressure will be off them a little so they can just go play." In that freshman class is five student athletes from Puerto Rico . "These guys have had a lot of baseball in their past, you can tell the way they play the game." Third baseman Jossey Vigo led the Generals this fall with a .588 average and is projected three hole hitter for the Generals. "This guy has all the tools, we are very glad to have him here with us."

Sherburne-Earlville standout Josh Hicks will be the leader in the infield and at the top of the order. Chad Heckler (Sidney, Ohio) will be the defensive leader for the Generals in the outfield. "Chad and Josh are the model student athletes we look for in our program." The outfield depth is a strength as the Generals will have four outfielders splitting time for three spots. Jose Sanchez ( Puerto Rico ), Johnny Goodson, Brendan O'Connor, and Heckler will see the majority of playing time. Designated hitter duties will fall in the hands of a group kids led by Sophomore transfer Paul Newman (Monroe C.C.).

The Generals open the season on the road for a spring trip to Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Home opener is April 2nd against Clinton CC.

2004 Season in Review

Hicks/Heckler Accepted to Mountain Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League

Current Generals Freshman Josh Hicks and Chad Heckler have been accepted to particapate in the Mountain Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League this summer. The league is based out of the North Carolina area. Both Generals will play for General Manager/Head Coach Marvin Speaks.

12/2004 O'Connor Accepted to Southern Collegiate Baseball League

Freshman Brendan O'Connor (Brookline, MA) has been accepted to participate in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League this summer.  O'Connor will play for either the Tennessee Thunder or Asheville Redbirds. "This is great for Brendan,  it is a good opportunity for him to show his skills to professional and collegiate scouts in the area." stated Coach Rathbun.

12/14/2004 Grup Accepted to Southern Collegiate Baseball League

Freshman pitcher Kyle Grup has been accepted to participate in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League this summer.  Grup with play with the Carolina Chaos under General Manager and Head Coach Brian Swords. "This is awesome for Kyle,  it is a good opportunity for him to show his skills to professional and collegiate scouts in the area." stated Coach Rathbun.

11/22/2004 Orlando Hudson Visits Herkimer Campus

Herkimer County Community College Baseball Team was pleased to have Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Orlando Hudson visit our campus here in upstate New York. Our athletic department had a chance to sit down and listen to Orlando talk about life in the majors and what it takes to get there. We were very pleased to have such a great athlete, but more important a great person come talk to us.

5/8/2004 Hank Testa Retires

The 2004 season was the last for longtime Head Coach Hank Testa, as he hung up the spikes after 9 seasons guiding the Generals. "It has been a great run," replied Testa, "I have really enjoyed every minute of it. I will miss the interaction with the players and the day-to-day teaching aspects of the game."

Testa guided the baseball program back to respectability, including a birth in the 2001 Region III Tournament. "I truly believe the program has turned the corner, to the point where we can compete on a game to game basis with anyone in the region," stated Testa.

The HCCC roster has sported some of the Region's top players over the years, including: Jason Salvagni, Seth Crossett, Pat Carroll, Kevin Szul, Cory Paczkowski, Joe Lux and Jason Rathbun.  Ironically, it is Rathbun who has been selected to replace Testa.  "I couldn't think of a better individual to hand this program over to than Jason Rathbun," replied Testa, "he epitomizes what I have tried to instill in the program; pride, dedication and professionalism."  Rathbun, who served as an assistant coach this season, officially was announced as the new head coach on May 10, 2004. 

Testa at HCCC - Overall: 102-121 (46%)

Region III Coach of the Year (2001)

Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year (2001)

5/2004 Miller named All-Conference

Jamie Miller (Dolgeville) was named to the Mountain Valley All-Conference Team by the league coaches for his performance during the 2004 season.  Miller, a freshman, led the Generals with a .389 batting average.

HCCC's Miller named Region III Athlete of the Week

Baseball player Jamie Miller (Dolgeville) has been named the Region III Athlete of the Week for his performance during the Generals' spring trip.  Miller was 14 for 29 with 4 stolen bases and 10 runs scored in leading HCCC to a 4-3 start.