Team News

Mike Roberson – Ball State University

Height: 6’0 Weight: 205 Year: Rs Fr. Position(s): C B/T: R/R Hometown: Bartlett, IL

Mike is playing his 1^st full season with the Cardinals this spring after taking a redshirt the year before. He is projected to be in the mix this year as a freshman and contribute to the Cardinals success behind the dish and at the plate. Last year for the Hounds, Roberson was a work-horse by shutting down opponents run game, keeping balls in front, & handling the pitchers. He posted a .238 avg. (5 doubles, 1 HR, 12 RBI, & 3-3 SB) last summer and is expected to be a key component in the Hounds line-up.

Emerson Misch – Valparaiso University

Height: 6’0 Weight: 200 Year: So. Position(s): OF B/T: R/L Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI

Emerson Misch enters his 2^nd season in the outfield for Valparaiso after playing a year in the IMG academy in Bradenton, FL. He had 2^nd highest B.A. on the Hounds last summer behind Southern Illinois infielder, Connor Kopach. Hitting at a .311 clip in 106 at-bats…Emerson tallied 5 triples, 2 doubles, scored 20 runs & batted in 10. Emerson was also a big contributor to the Hounds record-shattering stolen base record (112 as team) by stealing15-17 bases successfully.

Richie Gorski - Missouri Southern

Height: 6’2 Weight: 200 Year: Rs So. Position(s): 3B,SS B/T: R/R Hometown: Streamwood, IL

Richie transfers to Missouri Southern & plans to be immediate impact for the Lions this spring after spending the previous 2 seasons with University of Illinois. Richie played a vital role for the Hounds success last season. He posted a .261 ave. in 111 plate appearances with 8 doubles & 4 triples & 18 stolen bags. Defensively, he had an outstanding .972 fielding % as the Hounds every day starter on the left side.

Trent Carrier – Holy Names University

Height: 6’4 Weight: 200 Year: Junior Position(s): P, 1B B/T: R/R Hometown: Anaheim Hills, CA

Trent came to the Hounds last summer as a pitcher only and left as a two way player. Heading into his Junior year at Holy Names University in Oakland, CA, Trent is slotted as one of their top starters on the bump & is expected to see time in the field as well. Last summer for the Hounds, Trent went 3-0 with 1 save and posted a 2.60 ERA in 27 2/3 innings. Trent hit .233 in 45 plate appearances. The Hounds are excited to welcome back the SoCal native.

Drew Steriotti – Eastern Illinois University

Height: 6’2 Weight: 190 Year: Sophomore Position(s): IF B/T: R/R Hometown: Naperville, IL

Drew is entering his 2^nd season with the Panthers as an infielder. We are glad that Drew has decided to come back to the Hounds this year. His energy level, work ethic, and physical abilities help elevate others to get better. Last summer for the Hounds, Drew had 71 at-bats with 4 doubles and 12 rbi before a toe injury cut out the last couple weeks of season. He roved between 3^rd, 2^nd, & even played some innings in the outfield. His versatility makes the coaches’ job easier.

Danny Riley - University of Illinois at Chicago

Height: 6’0 Weight: 195 Year: Freshman Position(s): C B/T: R/R Hometown: Naperville, IL

Entering his Freshman year at University in Chicago, Danny has become adjusted to D-1 workouts and competition. Danny joined the Hounds last summer as the 1^st player to be rostered before taking a college credit. He spent his summer last year gaining experience in the bullpen & enhancing his skill set. He made the right decision coming back for another seasons and plans on producing behind the plate & possibility eat up some innings.

Nick Alfini – St. Ambrose University

Height: 6’1 Weight: 195 Year: Sophomore Position(s): LHP B/T: L/L Hometown: Downers Grove, IL

Nick Alfini is returning to the Hounds staff who had the MCL’s best team E.R.A. (2.92) last summer. Alfini joined the Hounds staff after the season began when Thomas Mickleson decided to sign his professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Last summer for the Hounds, Nick had both starts and relief appearances & posted a 2.82 ERA in 12 2/3 innings from the left side. He looks to build off his successes from last summer and this upcoming spring.

Nick McKinney – Joliet Junior College

Height: 6’2 Weight: 170 Year: Rs. Freshman Position(s): RHP B/T: R/R Hometown: Long Beach, CA

McKinney joined the Hounds half way through the season last year when one of our pitchers was placed on the DL. He a 4.26 ERA in 6 1/3 innings pitched & went 1-0 and recorded 1 save. With his funky arm slot and movement, Nick is slated to keep hitters off balance and eat up innings in the bullpen for the Hounds this summer. Nick is entering his 1^st season with Joliet JC and plans to be a regular out of the bullpen.