(Waterloo, IA) – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that first baseman/outfielder Ryan Rieger will return to play for the Bucks in 2010.  Currently a redshirt freshman at Santa Clara University, Rieger (pronounced REE-gur) is the fourth player to be signed by Waterloo for the upcoming season and will join fellow Bronco Paul Twining on the Bucks’ roster.

Last season for the Bucks, Rieger played in 13 games before an injury cut his summer short.  In limited action, Rieger hit .256 in 39 at bats with four RBI and a .442 slugging percentage.

The Roseville, California native redshirted last year for Santa Clara.  Prior to joining the Broncos, Rieger played high school baseball at Woodcreek High School in Roseville where Baseball America and Rivals.com ranked him as one of the nation’s Top 50 prospects.  Rieger hit .472 as a senior with 34 hits and 24 RBI in 27 games.

Bucks’ Manager Jason Nell is eager to see what Rieger can do this spring for Santa Clara.

“I look for Ryan to have a solid freshman year at Santa Clara and to continue to bring his talent, both offensively and defensively, to Waterloo,” said Nell.  “He’s got a great frame and good make-up, and hopefully the more he plays the better he will get.  He could hit in the middle part of the lineup for us if he has the right approach.”

The 6’1″, 200-pounder is a left-handed hitter and left-handed thrower.  Born on August 10, 1990, Ryan is the son of Jerry & Nancy Rieger.

Then Bucks will open the 2010 season at home on Wednesday, June 2 at 6:35 pm versus Wisconsin Rapids.  Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale.  Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.