(Madison, WI) The Madison Mallards have signed two freshman right-handed pitchers from the University of Arizona, Wisconsin native Joel Effertz, and Stephen Manthei.
Efferz graduated from Ladysmith High School in 2009 after being named to the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association All-State teams all four seasons. He also excelled on the football field where he obtained WFCA first-team all-state, WFCA all-region, and first-team all-conference honors at tight end. Efferz also earned four varsity letters in basketball.
His father Jeff played football and baseball at UW-Eau Claire but has yet to appear in a game for the Wildcats.
Stephen Manthei graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2009 after leading the team to four straight state baseball championships. As a senior, he was 10-1 with a 1.58 ERA while striking out 84 batters and walking six.
Through 16 appearances this spring, Manthei is 2-1 with a 4.71 ERA over 21 innings of work.
Opening Day in the Northwoods League is slated for Wednesday, June 2, at 7:05 p.m. against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Season and group tickets are now on-sale and can be purchased by calling the box office at 608.246.4277.
