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Published On: May 14th, 2004

The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce signing of three position players from California.

Teammates at the University of California, Irvine, sophomore utility player Matt Falk and freshman outfielder Brady Dolan, will both play for the MoonDogs in 2004. Also making the trip from California will be sophomore outfielder Jimmy Strombach from Sacramento State University.

Strombach, a 6’0”, 200 lbs. native of Aiea, Hawaii, made an immediate impact on the Hornets squad in 2003 as a freshman. Receiving sporadic starts from former MoonDogs head coach Rusty McLain, Strombach worked his way into a starting role by the middle of the season, and has been there ever since.

"I know and trust Rusty’s opinion and he feels the same way I do about Jimmy and his potential,” MoonDogs head coach Brad Rupert said.

Strombach is the second Hornet to join the MoonDogs in 2004, with returning pitcher Warren Rosebrock making the commitment at the conclusion of the 2003 season.

Dolan, who stands 6’1” and weighs 181 lbs., was a red-shirt freshman this year. In 2003, Dolan was named the Nevada Sierra League MVP for his school record 65 hits and 63 runs scored while at Reno High School. Hitting for both average and power, he hit .512 and posted an on-base percentage of .590, while recording a 1.024 slugging percentage, with 59 RBI.

Falk, another of the Anteaters from UC Irvine, was also red-shirted this year. Showing good numbers in his freshman season, he hit .297 while appearing in 48 games and successfully stole every base he attempted. For the MoonDogs, Falk will play a variety of positions, seeing time in both the infield and outfield.

"It’s always great to have a lefty in the lineup, especially one that can really make the ball jump off the bat like Matt does,” Rupert said.

Other MoonDogs News:
•Catcher Jeremy McIntire from the University of Alabama-Huntsville will be unable to play for MoonDogs in 2004. He will remain in Huntsville to focus on academics and take summer classes.

•Former MoonDogs Jeremiah Piepkorn and Chris Baso along with future MoonDog Neil Wagner all contributed to NDSU winning its first NCC Title in 31 years.

•Returning pitcher Will Krout and the Sonoma State Seawolves have advanced to the DII West Regional Tournament in Pueblo Colo.