The Rockford Rivets have 5 players from the local area on the roster this year. Manager Josh Keim has high hopes for these local players to play great baseball.
“Our goal as a team, and as an organization, is to go out there every night, and compete, and show up the whole summer” Says Keim. “We want to continue to develop these guys. We want them to go back to school playing better than when they left. We want to win, but we also want to let these guys see their at-bats, and play their innings.”
The local players for your 2019 Rockford Rivets are as follows:
Zachary Jones – RHP – Rockford University
Zachary Jones grew up in Machesney Park, Illinois. In 2018, Jones started 8 times with Rockford University, and won 7 of those 8 games. Jones was second in the NACC in strikeouts per nine innings with an average of 10.33. Jones boasted a stellar ERA of 2.67. In 54 innings pitched, Jones led the team with 62 strikeouts.
Josh Keim on Zachary Jones – “He has been great this spring for the Rockford University Regents. We are excited to have a local kid who can pitch in our starting rotation.”
Nathan Schneiderman – LHP – University of Dubuque
Nathan grew up in the small town of German Valley, Illinois. Schneiderman is a hard-throwing lefty that is returning with the Rivets from 2018. Schneiderman closed the year with a 2-1 record boasting an impressive 2.32 ERA for 6 saves in 38 and 2/3 innings pitched.
Josh Keim on Nathan Schneiderman – “He’s a big lefty. He’s expected to be our closer. Nathan graduated this spring, and has aspirations to move on to the next level. Hopefully we can help him get his shot.”
Kyle Seebach – LHP – Northern Illinois University
Kyle Seebach is a tall lefty pitcher. Growing up in Rochelle, Illinois, and Measuring up at 6’8″ tall, Kyle is sure to be an intimidating pitcher to face as an opposing player in the batter’s box.
Josh Keim on Kyle Seebach – “He’s had a great spring. He’s had a few great outings for the NIU Huskies this spring. What’s not to like about a big, strong lefty out of the bullpen? He will be a fantastic addition to our roster.”
Andrew Wilhite – INF – University of Minnesota
Andrew Wilhite grew up in, and played high school baseball in Stillman Valley, Illinois. In high school, Wilhite shared time as an infielder, and an ambidextrous pitcher who can throw with either arm. Wilhite will play infield for the Rivets this year.
Josh Keim on Andrew Wilhite – “He is an up-and-coming freshman for the University of Minnesota. He has really hit his stride with Minnesota. He can do a little of everything. He can run, he’s fast, he can produce at the plate. We will also see him play a little bit of outfield this year. We are excited he is a Rivet this summer.”
Jeff Heinrich – INF – University of South Carolina
Heinrich’s home town is Lake in the Hills, Illinois. Heinrich played for McHenry County Community College before committing to South Carolina.
Josh Keim on Jeff Heinrich – “Jeff will make a huge impact with us right away. He is a five tool player than can play anywhere and hit in the middle of the lineup. He is going to be fun to watch.”
Opening night for the Rockford Rivets is Tuesday, May 28th versus the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. Game time is set for 6:35. Call the box office today at (815)-240-4159 for tickets, and information about our new $75, all-you-can-eat 5-game pack!
The Rockford Rivets are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 25-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 200 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (MIA). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.rockfordrivets.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rivets as your favorite team.
