(Brainerd Lakes Area) – The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers announced today that Steven Wickens of Florida Gulf Coast University and T.J. Berge of Northern Colorado have signed contracts to play for the Lunkers this summer according to team owner and general manager Joel Sutherland. Both Wickens and Berge played for the Lunkers during the 2009 season.
Wickens, a 5-foot-11 175 pound junior from Whitby, Ontario, played in 58 games last summer for the Lunkers, earning most of his work at shortstop. He was an offensive leader both at the plate and on the bases, leading the team in on-base percentage (.383) runs scored (41) and stolen bases (20).
Taking a bulk of the load at second base last season was Berge, a 5-foot-8 170 pound junior from Littleton, Colo. In 58 games, he emerged as a consistent threat both in the field and at the plate, finishing as the team’s leader in RBI (27) and was second in doubles (12).
Both players are excited about returning to the Lakes Area for a second season with the Lunkers. “The Brainerd fans and host families are unbelievable,” Berge said. “They were all behind us from day one and it really makes you appreciate where you are playing when the community is behind you like that.”
Wickens echoed Berge’s sentiments, saying, “Last summer was an experience I will not soon forget and I am thrilled to be headed to the Lakes Area for another memorable season.”
The Lunkers Field Manager Ryan Levendoski is optimistic about what the two can bring to the table for the Lunkers in their second season. “Getting the middle infield in place is a priority and with these two proven commodities we will have one less thing to worry about heading into the season, Levendoski said.
Levendoski and Sutherland will continue to build the roster until play begins in early June. The Lunkers home opener, presented by Cub Foods, is Thursday, June 3rd at Stewart C. Mills Field. Game time is 7:05. For more information call the Lunkers Baseball office at (218) 824-3474 or visit www.LunkersBaseball.com for more information.
