Waterloo, IA – Waterloo Bucks outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski has been named the 15^th best pro prospect in the Northwoods League by Perfect Game.  Along with Kaczmarski, Benny Roberts, Austin Barrett, and Jordan Foley all were named as one of the top 75 prospects in the NWL.

 

Kaczmarski (pronounced kaz-MAR-ski), who is entering his redshirt sophomore season at the University of Evansville, was named the 2012 Waterloo Bucks Roth Jewelers Player of the Year before the team’s final game of the season.  The left-handed hitter was second on the team in hitting with a .361 average in 58 games for Waterloo.  The Cary, Illinois native finished with 79 hits (1st), 50 runs (2nd), 14 doubles (T-1st), 10 home runs (1st), 55 RBI (1st), 131 total bases (1st), 14 stolen bases (3rd), a .445 on-base percentage (3rd), and a .598 slugging percentage (1st) on the season. Coming out of Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake, Illinois, Kaczmarski ranked third in the NWL in RBI, third in slugging percentage, tied for fifth in triples, sixth in hitting, eighth in both on-base percentage and hits, and ninth in home runs. Kaczmarski was named to both the mid-season and post-season NWL All-Star Teams.

 

Benny Roberts, who is entering his redshirt freshman season at Washington State University, was ranked as the 26^th best pro prospect in the NWL.  The outfielder hit .270 in 61 games for the Bucks, finishing the season with 14 doubles, eight home runs, 45 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.  Originally from Missoula, Montana, Roberts hit two grand slams in 2012. Roberts was a 7^th round draft pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011.

 

Mercer University catcher/first baseman Austin Barrett was ranked as the 42^nd best pro prospect in the NWL by Perfect Game.  Originally from Mims, Florida, Barrett finished the ’12 campaign with a .335 average, 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 29 RBI.  Now a junior, Barrett had two four-hit games during the season and was named to both the mid-season and post-season NWL All-Star Teams.

 

Right-handed pitcher Jordan Foley, now a sophomore from Central Michigan University, was ranked as the 62^nd best pro prospect in the league.  A native of The Colony, Texas, Foley ended the ’12 season with a 4-3 record and a 6.23 ERA.  Named a mid-season All-Star, Foley struck out 32 batters in 43.1 innings pitched and 11 appearances. Foley was an 11^th round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 2011.

 

Perfect Game, baseball’s largest and most comprehensive scouting service, recently unveiled their top prospects from various summer collegiate leagues.  The PG evaluations came from personal observation, contact with scouts and input from league managers. Madison’s Derek Fisher (Virginia) topped the list after a great 2012 season with the Mallards. The full NWL top prospect list may be found at this link: http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=7594

 

The 2013 Northwoods League schedule is expected to be released in November. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.