All-League Spotlight: Edgar Santos
- By Isaac Deer
- •
- 23 Sep, 2020
- •
Isaac Deer sits down with MPL All-League Manager Edgar Santos to discuss the 2020 season, Sabetha's International Prospect Series, and more.
Teamwork is the simple concept that drives teams to unity, success, and the most importantly: championships. The 2020 Sabetha Bravos’ campaign was a heartwarming story for baseball fans and families. Sabetha’s organization is one of the most diverse and exclusive summer baseball clubs in the nation. The Bravos are comprised of players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guatemala, and yes, the United States of America. Who is in charge of recruiting this special group of baseball players? That’s Edgar Santos. The manager who turned a club that had a difficult time winning any games into a team that made it all the way to the Cowdin Cup Championship. Edgar’s team filled up the "All-League" team this year with several all-stars. Edgar himself was tabbed "All-League Manager" after Sabetha's remarkable rebuild. He was two wins short of the Cowdin Cup but what he did was nothing short of spectacular. With daily strategic lineup changes, hours upon hours spent recruiting the world's best players, and surrounding himself with an elite coaching staff, he earned it. The environment of his dugout was different from what fans are accustomed to seeing around the Mid-Plains League. Every player was standing up and cheering on each teammate as they walked up to the plate. This is in large part due to Coach Santos' team over individual mentality. They were a true team, both on and off of the diamond.. The generous people of Sabetha took them in and gave the players a summer they will never forget. In return, the Bravos’ gave them exhilarating baseball. A small town in Sabetha, Kansas has turned into one of the great atmospheres in the league as well. The hot dog races, zoo day, free cotton candy, and a lively bunch of fans made this small atmosphere explode with life. You have to credit Edgar and the ownership for providing a wonderful experience in 2020. None of this could have been done without the “team first’ mentality that Edgar and the coaching staff preached. I interviewed the "MPL All-League" manager and got his outlook of his 2020 season. Here is an excerpt of my interview with Coach Edgar Santos:
ID: Coach, how has your off-season gone so far?
ES: I am really missing the summer but at the same time we are recruiting new talent which makes me feel very close to baseball.
ID: The end of the season wasn’t the result you wanted but nonetheless it was a great season for the Bravos. How did you think the season went for you?
ES: I felt disappointed when we could not complete the season with all the players. The final was postponed several times due to rain and more than 5 players had to return home due to family commitments, including three of my best hitters. I am also happy that my friend Will, took the trophy to the Midwest, they also worked hard for that and deserved it.
ID: Your team was dramatically better in 2020 compared to 2019, were you surprised with how well your team did?
ES: When you work hard and get the results you want you don't feel surprised. You feel satisfied and want to improve day by day. The work of Reiner Mendez and Gianfranco Garlobo was our key to success. Together with the staff made up of Paul Herl, Joey May, Jo Grimes, and Josey May, we had an unforgettable season.
ID: Was there one specific player that got a lot better from the start of the season to the end?
ES: Alejandro Piña without a doubt, started hitting .150 and finished with the team on his shoulder. His fit and ability to hit in tight moments was impressive.
ID: At the end of every season you have some time to reflect and think. Where do you feel you found the most success, and what could you guys have worked on?
ES: I think we did a good job in general. I am proud of all my players and if there is something we could improve, it would be to minimize strikeouts and put the ball in play (since we leave many runners on base).
ID: I think it’s fair to say that you were the most aggressive in recruiting good players last off-season, do you plan on bringing some guys back and do you plan on getting a lot of new players?
ES: I like to go out to win all of the games. The concept of "summer is to have fun" does not go with us. Summer is given to improve your skills and return to college as a complete player. In the Bravos Organization, we like to train daily, keep our arms healthy and hitters often spend hours in the batting cage. Our success is due to the hard work. I plan to bring some players back like Wilfredo Aguilar, Juan Benjamin, and others. Players like them are an example to follow on and off the field of play. You will never hear that they got into trouble in the community and they always give everything on the field of play. We will also bring in new players to give them exposure opportunities in front of universities.
ID: You have an international prospect series coming up, can you tell me more about that?
ES: Our International Prospect Series is a week-long tournament in the Dominican Republic. It brings together more than 100 Latino players who will tryout with College Coaches and us with the purpose of coming to play in the United States. These guys are very talented and our goal as an organization is to help them to achieve their dreams. We will also bring American players to this tournament as well. They will have the opportunity to play Caribbean baseball in one of the best destinations in South America. They will also get to know a different culture and enjoy the Dominican beaches. This event will be unforgettable.
ID: Thank you Edgar! Congratulations on your success.
ES: Thanks, Isaac.
The Mid-Plains league has announced its 2024 All-League teams and subsequent league awards.
The Junction City Brigade won their fourth consecutive Cowdin Cup as they swept the Topeka Warhawks in the championship series, which was the Warhawks’ first ever trip.
Jack Harris of the Midwest A’s was named the Player of the Year. Harris posted a .512 batting average, an on base percentage of .649, and an OPS of 1.308.
Will Rogers of the Midwest A’s was named the Manager of the Year.
Jaryd White of the Topeka Warhawks was named Pitcher of the Year. White made eight appearances with one start, throwing 19.2 innings. White had a 1.78 ERA, a 1.220 WHIP, and a batting average against of .247.
First Team All-Mid Plains League
| Pos. |
Name |
Team |
Hometown |
College |
| C |
Zac Becker |
Junction City |
Manhattan, KS |
Newman |
| 1B |
Alex Aleman |
Topeka |
Baytown, TX |
Arlington Baptist |
| 2B |
Eric Nuno |
Junction City |
West Des Moines, IA |
Iowa Central |
| 3B |
Joel Peguero |
Topeka |
||
| SS |
Logan Groh |
Baldwin City |
Gardner, KS |
Cowley CC |
| LF |
Brennan Johnson |
Baldwin City |
Topeka, KS |
Baker |
| CF |
Jack Harris |
Midwest A’s |
Leawood, KS |
Southwest Baptist |
| RF |
Cale Ortner |
Junction City |
Clive, IA |
Pittsburg State |
| DH |
Quinn Groebl |
Baldwin City |
Leawood, KS |
Cowley CC |
| Utility |
Ayden Blachowicz |
Midwest A’s |
Olathe, KS |
Central Missouri |
| SP |
Ty Clark |
Baldwin City |
Junction City, KS |
Baker |
| SP |
Christian Fernandez |
Topeka |
Cabimas, Venezuela |
|
| RP |
Jaryd White |
Topeka |
South Africa |
|
| RP |
Luis De La Cruz |
Topeka |
Dallas-Richland |
Second Team All-Mid Plains League
| Pos. |
Name |
Team |
Hometown |
College |
| C |
Damian Angel |
Topeka |
Pearland, TX |
Arlington Baptist |
| 1B |
Drew Oreskes |
Midwest A’s |
El Dorado Hills, CA |
Dordt |
| 2B |
Evan Johnson |
Midwest A’s |
Peoria, IL |
|
| 3B |
Cade Adams |
Baldwin City |
Odessa, MO |
Baker |
| SS |
Landon Vahle |
Midwest A’s |
Lee’s Summit, MO |
Avila |
| LF |
Sammy Padilla |
Junction City |
Tucson, AZ |
Emporia State |
| CF |
Ian Luce |
Junction City |
Manhattan, KS |
Cowley CC |
| RF |
Lane Wilkerson |
Topeka |
Cibola, TX |
Arlington Baptist |
| DH |
Easton Wasinger |
Midwest A’s |
Overland Park, KS |
Saint Louis |
| SP |
Tommy Thomas |
Midwest A’s |
Spring Hill, KS |
Kansas Christian |
| RP |
Mark Hoffman |
Junction City |
Clay Center, KS |
Cowley CC |
Pitcher of the Week
Jaryd White - Topeka Warhawks
P | South Africa
White made three relief appearances, pitching seven innings across them. In those seven innings, White gave up just three hits and one run (unearned), while striking out seven batters and walking two.
Player of the Week
Joel Peguero - Topeka Warhawks
IF
Peguero was a dominant force at the plate, hitting .550 in 20 at bats, while hitting three home runs (including two on June 28 against Baldwin City) and batting in 9 runs.
Pitcher of the Week
Tommy Thomas - Midwest A's
Jr. | P | Spring Hill, Kan. | Kansas Christian College
Thomas made an appearance on June 22, where he pitched 7.0 innings in a loss, giving up seven hits, four runs, and struck out three.
Player of the Week
Ian Luce - Junction City Brigade
So. | OF | Manhattan, Kan. | Cowley Community College
Luce had a very hot bat, hitting .538 with seven RBIs in 16 plate appearances and three games for Junction City.
The A's wasted no time in building a lead, scoring one run in the top of the first and four more in the top of the third. The Monarchs scored their first run in the bottom of the fourth, but the A's immediately countered with a run of their own in the top of the fifth.
The A's posted a three-run top of the ninth to carry a 9-1 lead into the bottom of the frame. The Monarchs scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too little, too late.
Drew Oreskes was a home run short of the cycle for the A's, going 3-5 with two RBIs, a double, and a triple. AJ Alvarez went 1-2 for the A's with a team-leading three RBIs.
To view the box score, click here. To view the scorebook, click here.
The Mid-Plains League has released its schedule for the 2024 season. The league will feature four members this season- The Baldwin City Blues, Junction City Brigade, Midwest A’s, and Topeka Warhawks, as well as the affiliate KC Monarchs. The regular season will begin on May 28 and will see each team play 26 games- 8 games against each of the league opponents as well as two games against the Monarchs.
The Mid-Plains League Conner Taylor All-Star Game will be played on July 20 at Rathert Stadium in Junction City, with the playoffs to follow beginning July 22 and running through July 28.
To view the schedule, click here. To view the schedule in PDF form, click here.
The Mid-Plains League is in full swing after three games in the last three days. Three teams have started their seasons thus far.
May 30- Bravos Walk Off Midwest A’s in Thrilling Opener
The season kicked off for the MPL in Leavenworth on Tuesday with a game that pitted the Bravos, playing at a new home, and the ever present Midwest A’s. The game started off slowly offensively, with the first four innings going without a score for either team. The A’s struck first in the fifth with two runs, by taking advantage of a walk and two HBPs, and Evan Johnson stealing home. The Bravos quickly responded with a two run bottom of the inning, both runs coming off a two-run home run by Keypher Contreras. The Bravos lead 4-3 going into the seventh inning, but the A’s flipped the score with two more runs, leading 5-4 heading into the bottom half of the frame. After a walk and two hit by pitches, the Bravos scored their final two runs on a passed ball, which saw two steal home. This was game one of a planned double header, but the rain forced game 2 to be postponed.
| 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
R |
H |
E |
|
| Midwest A’s |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
| Bravos |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
Winning Pitcher: Jose Furet (1-0)
Losing Pitcher: Nate Boen (0-1)
May 31- Monarchs Hand A’s Second Straight Loss In Rain Shortened Game
The Midwest A’s followed their loss to the Bravos with a trip to Liberty to play the league affiliate Kansas City Monarchs. The game was a fairly short pitcher’s duel, with the only run coming in the bottom of the fourth inning for the Monarchs. Heavy storms in the area saw the game called in the 6th inning shortly after. Monarchs pitcher Josh Kerschen dominated the game with just two hits allowed, seven strikeouts, and no walks.
| 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
R |
H |
E |
|
| Midwest A’s |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
| KC Monarchs |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
X |
1 |
6 |
0 |
Winning Pitcher: Josh Kerschen (1-0)
Losing Pitcher: John Berislavich (0-1)
June 1- Bravos Win On Another Walk-Off in High Scoring Game Against the Warhawks
The Bravos hosted their second game in three days, bringing league debutante Topeka Warhawks into town. The game was high scoring, and included runs scored in 10 of the 18 half-innings. Two home runs were hit by each team, with the Bravos’ coming by way of Alex Ramirez and Keypher Contreras (2nd of the season), and the Warhawks’ from Joel Suragnan and Tyler Young. At one point the Warhawks lead 10-4, but the Bravos scored eight unanswered runs to take the lead. The Warhawks tied the game up at 13 with two runs in the 9th, but their comeback was foiled by an RBI flyout by Eddie Molina.
| 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
R |
H |
E |
|
| Topeka Warhawks |
0 |
6 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
3 |
3 |
| Bravos |
0 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
8 |
2 |
Winning Pitcher: Oliver Tavarez (1-0)
Losing Pitcher: unknown
MPL action continues tonight with three games on the docket. The Topeka Jacks make their league debut against the Baldwin City Blues with a game at home, the Farmers host the defending champion Junction City Brigade, and the Warhawks play the Bravos in game 2 of their series. All games begin at 7 PM.
BELTON, MO -- The second-place Baldwin City Blues (9-4) and the third-place Midwest A's (9-5) are slated for a single game this Friday night.
Baldwin City has edged the Midwest A's by just a single run in both contests. On June 6th, the Blues won 10-9. On June 7th, the Blues would be victorious, 7-6.
THE FIRST MEETING:
The first meeting between these two teams was entertaining for spectators in attendance. On Monday, June 6th, the Blues won the back-and-forth contest, 10-9.
Since it was the beginning of the year, both teams had an "all-staff" approach to the bump. The Baldwin City Blues had five pitchers throw and the Midwest A's had eight pitchers toss on June 6th.
"We all-staffed the first two games," Midwest A's coach Will Rogers said. "I didn't know these guys very well at the beginning of the year. In the first five losses, I learned who should get more playing time and who should learn a little bit more. Throwing as many guys as we could, in the beginning, gives us an idea of who should be throwing more and when they should pitch."
The A's jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the bottom of the third. Kurt Golubski plated in Austin Oldham and Brayden Vawter in the top of the first, giving Midwest a 2-0 lead. Golubski would drive in Smith in the top of the third and Brock Stewart would bring Golubski home on a sacrifice fly. In a blink of an eye, the A's had a 4-run advantage.
Baldwin City would chip away at the 4-run deficit in the bottom of the third. Trent Gietzen would hit a deep sacrifice fly into centerfield, scoring Isaac Ammann. After that sacrifice fly the Blues would go into a small scoring drought.
In the top of the fifth the A's would add two more runs. Ayden Blachowicz would bring in Vawter on a fielder's choice. Golubski would score on Baldwin City's third and final error in the contest. The A's had a 6-1 lead through 4 1/2 innings.
The Blues would gain some momentum and hit the ground running in the bottom half of the sixth inning. Tyler Gundlefinger would knock a 2-out single, scoring Andrew Brubeck. In the next at-bat, Eliot Wilk would smack a 3-run home run with two outs. Wilk would score Parker Jones and Gundlefinger. The A's would have a 1-run advantage now.
In the top of the seventh, Ben Click would come in as a pinch hitter for the A's. Click would hit a line drive to centerfield. Click's double would bring in Golubski and Blachowicz. The A's would extend the lead to three runs and bruise the Blues' momentum.
Baldwin City would fight back in the bottom half of the seventh inning. A 1-run single from Camden Karlin and an A's balk would bring the game within one run again. Going into the eighth inning, the A's would have an 8-7 lead.
In the top half of the eighth inning, Smith would hit a 1-out solo homerun out to the deepest part of centerfield. The A's would now lead 9-7.
The A's would sit down the Blues in the bottom of the eighth inning 1-2-3. Heading into the ninth inning, the A's would still lead 9-7.
In the bottom of the ninth inning Tucker Flory would earn a walk with the bases loaded, scoring Brennan Johnson. Darwin Olegada Tejada would bring in another run with an RBI single to tie the game 9-9. With two outs, Sajon Belser would hit a line drive to the shortstop and it was muffed.
The Baldwin City Blues would win 10-9.
MATCHUP: The Midwest A's and Baldwin City Blues rank amongst the highest in offensive production. The defenses are improving with each day.
Midwest A's
catcher Ben Click is on an MVP type of pace as we speak. Click is in the top-3 in eight different offensive statistical categories. Click hasn't been the only bright spot on offense for the A's so far. Brayden Vawter, PJ Alvarez, Ayden Blachowicz, Brevon Lee and Cole Arndorfer have also contributed to the A's hot start in the 2022 season.
"We need to keep hitting well. We have a few guys struggling to get at-bats," Rogers said. "I try to give everyone equal at-bats but whoever competes the best and is getting better at-bats is usually getting more playing time."
Alex Slocum, Zach Pratt, Charlie Williams, Max Hernandez and Stephen Keech are front and center of the improving pitching staff.
The 2020 Mid-Plains League Player of the Year is back with the A's, which always helps. Garrett Pennington is with the team he won a Cowdin Cup Championship with back in 2020.
Baldwin City's offense has been red-hot lately. Quinn Medin, Eliot Wilk, Parker Jones, Tyler Gundlefinger and Tucker Flory are making noise in the Blues lineup.
Keegan McDonald, Hank Dobson, Grant Thompson and Jake Jarrell have been high spots for the Blues' pitching staff. Earned runs have been hard to come by against the Blues' defense lately.
The Blues have won three of its last five contests by a combined score of 42-22.
JUNE 24TH:
Baldwin City has won the last two contests against the Midwest A's at the very beginning of the season. The Blues won each game by a single run. Tonight's game in Belton, Missouri, should create a lot of fireworks.
GAME DETAILS:
Friday, June 24th @ 7:00 PM
Belton High School
Belton, Missouri
As a fan of the great game of baseball, you see specific baseball players that you tell your grandkids about. In the summer of 2020, I saw Garrett Pennington for the Midwest A’s obliterate the baseball seemingly every time he stepped into the box. The amount of talent, potential, and consistency I saw was nothing short of incredible. I had the pleasure of broadcasting quite a few Midwest A’s games this season, and every time I put the headset on I knew that #14 was going to do something special. Game 2 of a hot and dusty July 22nd doubleheader is one I will never forget. After a strenuous game 1 loss to Baldwin City, Garrett had a game that only summer legends can dream of. He flipped the switch and hit two home runs with his six total runs batted in. I remember him telling me before the summer campaign started that he was going to carry a chip on his shoulder after losing the Cowdin Cup Championship the year prior. The storybook ending to a storied season was when he hoisted the Cowdin Cup with his teammates and carried his plaque declaring him “2020 Mid-Plains League Player of The Year”. While the Midwest A's have found success since before the MPL's inception, Garrett Pennington turned a perennial winner into a dream team.
The Player of The Year led the league in almost every category you can think of. A .460 batting average, 9 home runs, 46 runs batted in and had 37 runs. He was also a thief on the base paths, stealing 19 times and cementing his status as the most aggressive runner in MPL baseball. While stats can tell you a lot about who Garrett Pennington was this year, it was the way he carried himself that resonated the most with fans and teammates. Every summer night brought the same approach for the most outstanding player of 2020. Garrett would strap on his two red Central Missouri style gloves, lean back, and rise up with a big power stance at every at-bat. If you are reading this and you made your way to see the A’s play live in person this last summer, feel blessed. The crack of Garrett’s bat, the awareness he played within the infield, and the big smile he brought with him every summer night is just different. As a broadcaster, writer, and fan I learned something from him. His team-first mentality was humbling. He’d win Mid-Plains League Player of The Week almost every week, and when I asked him about his accolades he always would mention that a teammate of his deserved the award, giving me plenty of reasons why. All of the personal success that he had this past summer was wanted to be shared with the rest of his teammates. His character should receive more praise than his game simply because it shows who he surrounds himself with, how he was raised, and that he always strives for success.
With all of that being said, I want to be the first person to congratulate Garrett on his success with the Mid-Plains League, the University of Central Missouri, and his successful young career. Garrett will be continuing his summer career with the Peninsula Oilers in the Alaska Baseball League. The MPL Home Run Derby winner, Cowdin Cup Champion, and the Mid-Plains League Player of The Year will continue to keep doing great things. Thank you, Garrett, for all of the memories!
“High fly ball, deep left field, this one is going way back and gone! Dusty Stroup has hit a home run in the Cowdin Cup Championship game!” The 2019 Mid-Plains League “Player of the Year” sealed the deal for the Midwest A’s on a hot Sunday afternoon in August, hitting an absolute moonshot of a home run. It was no surprise that it was in the hands of Dusty Stroup to come up with a big play when it was needed most. It was less of a shock that Dusty delivered. In comparison to baseball, Dusty is an emergency savings account you have with your bank, when you need him the most he is there for you. During the regular season of 2020, Dusty hit a .340 batting average, drove in 22 batters home, and started every single game for the A’s. What isn’t in the stat sheet is his calm plate demeanor. In all of his 123 plate appearances this summer, he’d hold the bat in front of his face with two hands, take a deep breath, and dig his cleats in the dirt. It seemed like nothing in the world could interfere with what was going to happen in between the white lines at home plate. The alluring swing, aggressive baserunning, and the way Dusty went about himself was honestly memorizing. As a radio broadcaster my job was to speak, but whenever he stepped up I wanted to hit the mute button on the microphone and just take in what he was about to do at the plate. You can even flip the script and marvel at his defensive abilities. Turning the 6-4-3 double play was his secret weapon. Dusty reminds me of a young Troy Tulowitzki at the 6 spot. He reminds me of Troy because he just doesn’t let anything by him. Do I think Dusty has the potential to be the best shortstop in all of baseball? Without hesitation, I say yes. If you missed any of his games this summer, fill up your gas tank and head over to Warrensburg, Missouri next spring. This guy is a generational talent that I think we take for granted. We take him for granted because this league is stacked with amazing talent. I’m here warning you, don’t take him for granted. It was my honor to interview one of my favorite baseball players around. Here is an excerpt from my one on one conversation with Dusty Stroup.
ID: Dusty it’s a pleasure to finally get to chat with you again. How is your fall at Central Missouri going?
DS: It’s going great so far! It has been a lot different due to COVID-19 but we’ve been able to do a lot, even with all of the rules and protocols set for us by the university. I’m just glad that we are able to practice at all because I know a lot of schools that aren’t able to practice as a team at all right now.
ID: This past summer was your last campaign being a beloved baseball player in the Mid-Plains League, what was that emotion like holding up the Cowdin Cup with your final send-off in the championship series?
DS: It was the greatest feeling ever. I was so happy to finally get Will Rogers his first championship trophy after playing for him for 4 years. I loved all the guys that we had on the team this year and the last game of the year was the perfect send-off for me because it was a complete team effort. We were all firing on all cylinders and it made the game so much more fun knowing that everyone was enjoying themselves. It just felt right to end my summer ball career that way because we all got to see our hard work pay off in the end.
ID: In the midst of a pandemic, how did having a season this summer help your game?
DS: Having a summer season was so important for me because it gave me a chance to compete at a high level without some of the stress that might be involved during the spring or fall. Not having to worry about classes and practices every day made it easier to really enjoy the game and the people around you. It’s also a great time to pick a few specific things that you need to work on before going back to school. One thing that I worked a lot on this past summer was my baserunning, it was something that I felt like I have lacked on in recent years and it’s just another thing that I want to be able to do at a high level and be a threat with.
ID: I had the pleasure of seeing you and Garrett Pennington hit back to back jacks out of the yard. In the past, Garrett has told me how much you meant to him on and off the field. How important was it to you to have a brother like that play alongside you in the summer and in the spring at Central Missouri?
DS: It’s something that I have learned to value a lot as an upperclassman. With Garrett, I see a lot of myself in him and I believe that he’s going to be better than I ever was. He already had a better summer than I ever had this past year and I think it’s only going to get better as he grows gets more experience. For me, as a young player, I always appreciated when an upperclassman took me under their wing and helped guide me to become a better player, so that is what I’ve been trying to do with Garrett and some of the younger guys on the A’s. It’s a bonus to get to play with some of those same guys in the fall and spring at UCM too because it’s just that much more that we get to learn and grow together. It’s funny because even though I’m a lot older, I don’t look at Garrett or Sam Tatum or Gabe Combs as guys that are below me. We all go through the same grind together every day and I think that is what brings us so close like brothers.
ID: Your contribution to the Midwest A’s did not go unnoticed. The guy leading the charge is Will Rogers. Now Will is known for being a funny and genuine character in the game of baseball. Did he give you any special advice or pointers that have stuck with you?
DS: Will Rogers is one of the most genuine guys I’ve ever had the chance to be around. His passion for the game is unmatched and his knowledge of how to treat people is even better. From the outside, Will has a very strong exterior and could be described as a fireball, but what most people don’t see or hear is what he has to say before and after games in a huddle. There are not many times that he actually talked about the game, but rather the effort that we gave and the way that we carried ourselves that day. Will Rogers didn’t care if you made physical mistakes on the diamond. He cared more about what kind of attitude you brought to the field every day and the effort that you gave and that speaks volumes to the type of coach that he is. He’s the type of coach that is an incredible motivator and makes you want to lay your life out on the line for and do everything you can to make him proud, because you know he was willing to do the same for you. Something that stuck out to me after playing for him for so long is his message that whether it’s in baseball or in life, do things the right way and treat people the way you want to be treated and you will do just fine. Will was the epitome of that quote. Even though most of the time he is the jokingly funny guy, he always treated his players, umpires, and opposing teams with the utmost respect and that is why I loved playing for him.
ID: In 2019, you won the Mid-Plains League player of the year. Did you feel more inner satisfaction with that or hitting a home run in the 2020 Cowdin Cup Championship series?
DS: I definitely felt more satisfaction hitting that home run in the championship series because it wasn’t just for me. It was something that I got to share with everyone on the team because it helped us extend our lead and gave us all the momentum to win the championship. It was also really cool because my parents got to see it and some of my other teammates from UCM came to that game so it was really cool to share that moment with all of them.
ID: Building on that last question, do you have a favorite moment that you recall playing in the Mid-Plains League?
DS: As hard as it is to top that moment in the championship game, I do have a really sentimental moment that I got to share with my brother Travis my first year in the league that I still love to talk about. I remember playing in Rossville against a team that isn’t in the Mid-Plains League anymore, but it was the first time that me and my brother hit back-to-back home runs and it was something that I always dreamed about when I was growing up because he was one of my biggest role models. Going back-to-back with Garrett this past year gave me a similar feeling and I hope he appreciated it as much as I did because it made me feel like what I would imagine my older brother felt like when we did it 4 years ago.
ID: What advice would you give to the guys next year that will be beginning their Mid-Plains League summers?
DS: My advice to those guys would be to appreciate every chance you get to get better. I was blessed to have 4 great summers in that league in my college career and I can proudly say that I got better as both a player and as a man during my time in the Mid-Plains League. There are going to be days where you don’t want to show up and you just want to stay in the air conditioning, but if you show up every day with a good attitude and put in the effort, then you will get out more than you could ever imagine, and you will build relationships with players and coaches that will last you a lifetime.
ID: Dusty, thank you as always!
DS: Thanks Isaac, I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me and the players in this league!
The Topeka Golden Giants bullpen was on another level of filthy in the summer of 2020! Every good bullpen has to have a great ace, and that ace is none other than Cole Warner. The Washburn Ichabod earned himself a spot on the Mid-Plains League “All-League Team” in 2020. His quick mechanics, acknowledgment of the strike zone, and baseball IQ is an absolute treat for baseball fans everywhere. Teams around the league had to prepare differently for the explosiveness that Cole Warner displayed on a nightly basis. While it may sound like a baseball fairytale, Cole Warner only allowed 6 walks the entire season! It is truly astonishing that he pitched 30 innings of work and only allowed 6 free passes. Golden Giants fans knew that when Cole stepped on the mound, it was business time. In today’s game, you see a lot more pitchers ditching the full windups and going to a much quicker windup set. When Cole caught the ball from Otto Jones or Noah Buss behind the plate, he was already primed to throw that next pitch. I think that will translate extremely well for him at Washburn. From a hitter's perspective, he was one of the toughest guys to time out because of his fully loaded arsenal of pitches. If you missed him this summer, I will write you a ten-page apology letter because you missed a star. I can give you all the time in the world to rave about Cole’s ability. There is no question that I am putting all my chips on the table for the Nebraska native. Cole Warner chatted with me about his performance and the Golden Giants in a one on one interview. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my interview with All-League pitcher, Cole Warner.
ID: Cole, it’s good to talk again! How has your off-season gone so far?
CW: Had about two weeks off between seasons. Just started fall baseball here at Washburn and it’s great, Isaac. I am glad that I had a summer to play baseball this year. I think the competition this summer has really helped my game quite a bit.
ID: I know you’re the epitome of a team player but how does it feel to get acknowledged and earn an accolade such as your All-League award?
CW: That was a super cool award to achieve. A good honor, we had 5 or so Washburn players on that list, that’s huge. It speaks for the kind of product that Washburn University has.
ID: You had a stellar season. If I were to describe you in one word it would be efficient. When you are up on the mound, do you pitch for contact for the people behind you or do you go up there and try to strike everyone out?
CW: I've definitely become a contact pitcher. Strikeouts aren’t my thing. I have realized that I trusted my defense along the way of playing my whole life so I like to pitch for contact. Reducing the pitch count helps my composure.
ID: I know the end result of this season isn’t what you wanted but what were you most proud of about the Golden Giants’ season?
CW: I was proud of how we came together in a tough situation. With the pandemic of COVID-19, we had a lot of work to do to be as successful as we can. I’m proud of our guys and the way we fought.
ID: Do you have a favorite moment from this season?
CW: All of our games against Sabetha. It was intense and action packed every night we squared off. It was a new rivalry that we created with some heated moments, close games, and overall great baseball.
ID: With all of the chaos that has happened this year, what did it mean to you to have a full summer of competitive baseball to play?
CW: It was amazing. Going home from the spring was heartbreaking having a potentially great season, cut short. It hurts but the Mid-Plains League really filled a void that I needed. I am forever grateful of this league.
ID: Thank you for your time, Cole!
CW: No problem man.