(Duluth, MN) — The Duluth Huskies announced the signing of three new players from Kansas University. Joining the Huskies for the 2014 campaign are Michael Tinsley, Stephen Villines, and Jon Hander.
Michael Tinsley is a 5-foot-11 inch 180 lbs. freshman catcher out of Menlo Park, CA. He seen significant action as a true freshman this season, he has played in 28 games and started 13. His average is .370 and has 13 RBIs for the Jayhawks.
Stephen Villines, a 6-foot-1 inch 150 lbs. freshman righthander has emerged as a mainstay in the KU bullpen. He has stepped into the closer role for the Jayhawks, he is sporting an ERA of 1.60 in 33.2 innings and has 5 saves.
Jon Hander, a 6-foot-2 inch 180 lbs. freshman righthander has seen quality innings for the Jayhawks this season. Starting out in the KU bullpen but has now been moved the mid-week starter role and has done well. He sports a 3.51 ERA in 25.2 innings with a 1-1 record.
KU Head Coach Ritch Price had great things to say about the trio: “Michael Tinsley is an outstanding offensive player who we expect to hit in the 3 hole next year as a sophomore. He will replace a big hole of former Duluth Huskies alumni Michael Suiter, who we expect to lose in the professional baseball draft in June. He is athletic, can run, and plays catcher as well as outfield. Stephen Villines is currently our closer; his freshman stats are off the charts. He throws strikes from the side arm slot, can spin the ball away from RH Hitters, and uses his changeup with fade to LH Hitters. Fearless on the mound, he brings California swagger to his role! John Hander, RHP, is our mid-week starter and is having an outstanding freshman season. Sits 87-90, has a very good CH, and BB. He throws strikes and is very athletic. He’s also a two way guy, can play in leftfield and and 3B. We expect him to become a weekend starter as a sophomore.”
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Kansas. They send us quality players year in and year out and we are looking forward to having Tinsley, Villines, and Hander in our organization. Coach Price continues to send impact guys to our organization,” said Field Manager Daniel Hersey.
The Duluth Huskies are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.duluthhuskies2.com
