Green Bay Adds Speed and Pitching with Signings

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Pitcher Matthew Kimball, infielder Riley Henricks and outfielder John Semel inked on the dotted line Friday morning with the Green Bay Bullfrogs announced owner and president Jeff Royle. “Every season we bring in kids from some of the finest universities across the country,” Bullfrogs Owner and President Jeff Royle said. 

Kimball is a sophomore relief pitcher for Brown University of the Ivy League and currently has six saves in 14 appearances. He also owns a 2-3 record with a 7.20 ERA in 25 innings of work along with 36 strikeouts and 11 walks. 

The Nashville, Tenn., native is part of a Bears squad that is 15-16-1 overall and 8-4 in the Rolfe Division – second overall – of the Ivy League. On Apr. 7th Kimball – a sophomore – was named Ivy League Pitcher of the Week after earning a pair of saves following 4 1/3 innings of work striking out nine and giving up only four hits and a run. “Matt will play a big role for us out of the bullpen,” Bullfrogs Manager Ronnie Nedset said. “We need guys like Matt to come in a close out a game and get us the win.” 

Henricks is a talented infielder for the University of Portland Pilots. The Mukilteo, Wash., native was named to the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List prior to the start of the season. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player. Henricks is living up to the hype as he leads the Pilots with a .365 batting average. He also has recorded 24 RBI, seven doubles, four steals, three home runs and has a .432 on base percentage. 

The 5-foot-11, 170 pound sophomore had an outstanding season last year earning all-West Coast Conference and all-WCC Freshman Team honors in 2008 after starting all 54 games for Portland. He was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team after leading Portland in hits (69), doubles (16), triples (5), total bases (119), slugging percentage (.520) and walks (25). Henricks also finished second on the team with a .301 batting average .301, eight home runs and 29 RBI last season. “Riley is having a great spring at Portland,”Nedset said. “He’ll be a strong contributor to our offense this coming season.” 

Semel plays both the outfield and throws on the mound for Chapman University. The Palos Verdes, Calif., native is second on the team with a .429 batting average. He also has 10 doubles, three triples, 38 RBI, 10 home runs and a .724 slugging percentage. The sophomore is most known for his speed as he has 17 stolen bases in 19 attempts and leads the team with seven saves on the mound. 

The Panthers are 24-13 overall and are leading all Independents in NCAA Division III. As a team Chapman leads all Independents with a .347 team batting average, 266 runs and 82 doubles. It is also second with 55 stolen bases. Semel ranks in the top 5 in multiple statistical categories – leading with 44 runs scored. In D3baseball.com’s Top 25 poll on Apr. 12th Chapman received votes and has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation. “We’ve had great success with Chapman our first two seasons,” Royle said. “John follows former Frogs like Kurt Yacko and Ryan Cavan so he’s very excited about playing for the Bullfrogs.”