Published On: January 25th, 2010

Wausau, WI – Former Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) Panther and current UW-Stevens Point shortstop Eric Fritz has signed on for his second summer with the Wisconsin Woodchucks.   The 5’11” righty has a reputation for being a team player with a top-notch work ethic and approach to the game.   I feel like I improved tremendously as a player and a leader over the summer playing with the type of competition that the Northwoods League provides,” Fritz said. “The direction Coach had the team going towards the end of the summer has me already looking forward to next summer.” In limited playing time with the ‘Chucks last summer, Fritz posted an impressive .281 BA with a .343 OBP.  Fritz was originally a 10-day contract player who was signed on to the permanent roster when a spot opened up late in the season.   When we made that run at the end of the summer, he was solid at short for us, stabilized the infield, got hot at the plate, and always gave us his best effort,” said Woodchucks manager Guido Aspeitia. “I think Fritzy’s work ethic, tenacity and overall grittiness symbolize not only our mascot, but the city of Wausau, the surrounding communities, and the state of Wisconsin as a whole.” Local prep followers may remember Fritz’s exploits on the diamond (and gridiron) while playing for the SPASH Panthers, where he made the 2007 WBCA All-State third team.  He currently plays his college ball for the UWSP Pointers where he “feel[s] like we have a strong team that could very well contend for a national championship this year – which is our ultimate goal.  With the youthful team we had last year gaining experience during the spring and summer baseball seasons we have very high expectations as always.”   In Fritz’s second season with the Pointers last spring, he started every game he played while posting a .297 BA with a .846 OPS, while going 17 for 17 on the basepaths.  “We are grateful to the Woodchucks and their staff for allowing Eric the opportunity to compete for another summer in the Northwoods League.  He gained valuable experience and skill advancement from his opportunity last season, and we look for him to be a significant contributor to our ballclub this spring,” said UWSP Head Coach Pat Bloom. “Eric was one of three Pointer players to play in Wausau last summer, and we look forward to the possibility of more Pointers earning the chance to wear the Woodchuck uniform in the future.”

The Woodchucks 2010 home opener is on Thursday, June 3rd as they take on the Madison Mallards.  For group outing/ticket information contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055 or visit the Woodchucks website at www.woodchucks.com 

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