Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that infielder Mark Hernandez has signed to play with the team for the 2015 season.  Hernandez, a sophomore from Long Island University Brooklyn, is the 20^th player to be named to Waterloo’s roster for the squad’s 21^st season.

Last season, the Miami, Florida native hit .305 for the Blackbirds with 38 RBI and nine stolen bases.  Hernandez started in all 50 games he played and finished with a .370 on-base percentage.

“I only wanted to play in Waterloo this summer,” said Hernandez.  “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the program and I am excited to continue its winning traditions."

This season for the Blackbirds, Hernandez is hitting .205 with one home run and seven RBI in 11 games.  The 6’1”, 215-pounder has started all 11 games for LIU and has 13 total bases on the year.  Earlier this season, Hernandez was named the Northeast Conference Player of the Week, going 4-for-12 with one walk, four RBI, and three runs scored during the week of February 23.  In addition to his hitting accolades, Hernandez struck out three in two innings as a pitcher.

Born August 18, 1994, Hernandez played prep ball at Doral Academy where he was named to the Miami Herald’s Class 4A-2A All-Dade County third team as a first baseman.  Mark is the son of Heriberto and Yolanda Hernandez.

The Bucks, the winningest team in all of summer-collegiate baseball over the past two years, will open the 2015 season on the road versus the Alexandria Blue Anchors on May 26, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus the Mankato MoonDogs on May 28.  Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

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The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22^nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.