MANKATO, Minn.–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is pleased to announce the commitment of infielders Chris Munoz, Chase Simpson and pitcher, Ty Taylor to play for the MoonDogs in the 2012 season.
Munoz, a five-foot-seven-inch, 165-pound junior of Oklahoma City University is in his first season with the Stars after transferring from Eastern Oklahoma State College. Before attending OCU, Munoz boasted the highest Mountaineer batting average at a .392 and led the team in stolen bases after accumulating 24.
"Chris has both the speed and power to be a lead-off hitter,” said Field Manager Mike Orchard. "We expect to have him at the top or our lineup.”
Munoz is hitting exceptionally well for the Stars with a slugging percentage of .708 and currently holds the second highest batting average, coming in at .406.
Simpson, a six-foot-one-inch, 193-pound sophomore of the University of Oklahoma joined the Sooners for the 2012 season after transferring from Weatherford College (Texas). With the Coyotes, Simpson secured a .309 batting average and transformed into a one year letter winner. This spring, Simpson is currently hitting .239 for the Sooners.
"We look forward to bringing Chase on board this summer, he is a switch-hitter and a very versatile player capable of playing many positions for us,” said Orchard.
Also a one year letter winner for Weatherford College, Taylor, a five-foot-10-inch, 165-pound sophomore took the same direction as his teammate Simpson to play for OU in the 2012 season. Taylor played a successful role for the Coyotes in 2011 as he finished the season 8-1 and posted a 2.27 ERA.
"Ty is a left-handed pitcher who has the upward mobility, in combination with, speeds in the upper 80’s that will prove to do well for us,” said Orchard.
The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. against the St. Cloud Rox at Franklin Rogers Park. Season and single game tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.
