With snow completely covering the ground at TR Hughes Ballpark and constant freezing temperatures across the St. Louis area, it is amazing to think that we are just 85 days away from the opening of spring training. What better time to pause, reflect on the past, and peer ahead to the hot and humid baseball days of summer in O'Fallon?

As all of you can imagine, 2010 was truly a special season for me, the team, and our organization as a whole. We finished the regular season with a 57-38 record, establishing a new team high for victories in a single season. Out-dueling the Southern Illinois Miners in 5 games of the Western Division Series, we eventually topped the Traverse City Beach Bums in 4 games of the Frontier League Championship Series. This was our first league championship in 12 seasons in O'Fallon!

We also saw 3 of our players' contracts purchased by Major League Baseball clubs from the 2010 roster: Keli'i Zablan, Keenan Wiley, and Jason Lowey. I am extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity to have managed these guys during what I hope is the early portion of their professional careers. Like so many other players on our roster, these guys have unlimited potential in professional baseball. I am also extremely proud of the way our club responded to the loss of both Wiley and Lowey during the season. I remember the devastating effects of losing Justin Christian in 2004, Joe Thatcher in 2005, and Mike Benacka in 2008. Those previous Rascals teams could not continue to be successful without those key players. 2010 was a completely different story. Our guys saw the challenge before them and rose above it, never missing a beat! Our group in 2010 exhibited tremendous character and professionalism all season long. We, as a community, should be proud of the work that was accomplished; and more importantly, how we went about accomplishing it.

Okay, enough of the old. Time to look ahead -
In 2011, the Frontier League has made some changes to its rules pertaining to player classifications. The new rules will allow teams in the league to retain up to 13 "experienced" players during the year (including 1 "veteran" who may up to 30 years old). The remaining players on the roster need to hold a "rookie" status - playing in either their first or second year of professional baseball. We currently have 17 players on our roster from the 2010 season and 15 who hold the "experienced" status.

Before I mention who we have and who we've obtained for the season, I would like to start with who has moved on: Joe Chavarria, Jon Ubbenga, Tony Marsala, Jorge Gutierrez, Josh Banda, Will Krout, Scott Robinson, and Tim Woodward. Chavarria and Ubbenga have been released because of their "experienced" classification. Will Krout will be 28 years old this season and as a "veteran" classification, will not be able to play on our club this season. Krout was traded to the Gary Railcats of the American Association. Scott Robinson and Tim Woodward have retired. Tony Marsala and Jorge Gutierrez were traded to Kalamazoo. Outfielder Michael Stephens was traded to Gateway to complete the Chris McClendon trade from 2010. Finally, Josh Banda was traded to the Worcester Tornadoes in the Can-Am League. Losing players is always difficult. All of these guys have given so much to me and to the Rascals organization. They truly will be missed and I wish them the best for their futures in professional baseball and beyond.

Here is a brief description of who we currently have on our roster. The coaching staff and I have put in tremendous work this off season developing what we believe will be a successful and cohesive ball club. My staff and I are very excited to meet and work with all of our players, both new and returning, and see what they can do both as individuals and as a team in 2011.

OUTFIELD
1. Stephen Holdren - Veteran
2. Chad Maddox - Experienced
3. Caleb Curry - Experienced
4. Scott Houin - Experienced
5. Erik Church - Rookie-2 (Signed as a Free Agent - Yuma Scorpions)
6. Paul LaMantia - Rookie-1 (Aquired in the Oakland County Dispursal Draft)

*Notes - This list has 3 returning Frontier League All-Stars (Holdren, Maddox, and Curry) plus Scott Houin, who may have the highest potential for any outfielder in the Frontier League. Houin, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at the beginning of the 2010 season, is currently playing winter ball in Arizona to get ready for 2011. Church is coming off a successful rookie season in the Golden League and is currently playing winter ball in Australia. LaMantia is a power outfielder from Wayne State. I look for this group to be one of the top groups of outfielders in the league, both offensively and defensively.

INFIELD
1. Chris McClendon - Experienced
2. Doug Sanders - Experienced
3. Joash Brodin - Experienced
4. Brian Harris - Rookie-2 (Devil Rays/Vanderbilt)
5. Jason Carr - Rookie-1 (New Mexico Highlands)

*Notes - McClendon and Sanders were the quiet leaders of our 2010 lineup. They both limit strikeouts, maximize walks, and do an excellent job of both getting on base and driving in runs in key situations. Joash Brodin was acquired from the Oakland County dispersal draft (Marsala & Gutierrez trade). He is a switch hitting 1B who has speed and hits for both average and power. Brodin is a two-time Frontier League All Star and will fit nicely into our system. Brian Harris spent one season with the Devil Rays in rookie ball. A standout at Vanderbilt University, Harris prides his game on defense and getting on base. Carr, a DII All-American, is a power 1B from New Mexico Highlands who put up tremendous numbers over the past few years. I'm really excited to see what all of these guys can do for us this season. In all, it should make for a solid defensive infield with excellent speed and power potential.

UTILITY
1. Bobby Burk - Rookie-2
2. Nick Spears - Rookie-2 (Signed as a Free Agent - St. George Roadrunners)
3. Scott Kimble - Rookie-1 (Longwood University)

*Notes - With a very limited roster of 22 or 23 players, it is very critical to have a player or two who is able to play anywhere in the infield or outfield at all times. Burk, Spears, and Kimble are all shortstops by trade, but are able to play almost anywhere. We will be looking to keep the best defensive player(s) from this list who can help us in a variety of ways.

CATCHERS
1. Danny Sawyer – Experienced
2. Cooper Stewart – Rookie-2

*Notes – We will most likely sign 1-2 additional catchers before the season begins. I couldn’t be happier with the work that Sawyer does both on and off the field. His leadership behind the plate is a big reason why his teams have been to the Frontier League Championship series for 3 consecutive years. I look for our back-up catcher to have a bit more of an expanded role this year – giving Danny a little more time off than he has taken in the past.

PITCHERS
1. Gary Moran - Experienced
2. Josh Lowey - Experienced
3. Zach Sterner - Experienced
4. Ryan Zink - Experienced
5. Derrick Miramontes - Experienced
6. Kirkland Rivers - Experienced
7. Matt Williams - Experienced (Twins AA)
8. Sean Toler - Rookie-2 (Trade - Windy City)
9. Richard Barrett - Rookie-2 (Trade - Windy City)
10. Nick Phillips - Rookie-2
11. Eric Berkowitz - Rookie-2
12. Tom Moran - Rookie-2 (Oakland County)
13. Matt Rossman - Rookie-1 (University of California San Diego)
14. Martin Dewald - Rookie-1 (Georgia College & State)
15. Steve Johnson - Rookie-1 (William Jewel College)

*Notes – On to the pitching staff. Our club will most likely keep 12 pitchers this season (5 starters, 7 bullpen). I believe that there will be some outstanding competition at Spring Training for these 12 spots. This group is filled with both experience and young talent. Matt Williams was a recent sign who is from Australia. He in entering his 7th season in professional baseball and has extensive high A and AA experience with the Twins organization. This will be his first season in independent baseball, but has done very well at the affiliated level. Sean Toler and Richard Barrett were acquired in a trade with Windy City in January. Toler and Barrett were a major reason why Windy City had such a successful 2nd half of the 2010 season. Both guys are capable of starting or coming out of the pen and are coming off tremendous rookie seasons in the Frontier League. Tom Moran was acquired in the Oakland County draft after limited, but successful innings with the Cruisers last season. Matt Rossman and Martin Dewald are both NCAA DII All Americans. They have both had several successful seasons at the DII level and should come here and compete for jobs. Steve Johnson has had quality seasons at William Jewel College as a starting pitcher. William Jewel has produced some quality Frontier League players in recent years.
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Obviously, we still have some changes to make. We are only allowed to keep 13 out of the current 15 experienced players who we have on our roster. This should make for excellent competition at spring training as usual. The coaching staff and I really want to thank the community for all of the support in the past and everything that’s to come. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with any of your thoughts, questions, or comments. I am truly thankful for the awesome opportunity and responsibility that has been given to me to lead the Rascals organization again in 2011. Let’s continue to work hard and find a way to bring home another championship to O’Fallon this season!

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Former River City Rascals Relief Pitcher Keli’l Zablan was signed to the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball. Zablan spent the 2010 season with the Rascals posting a record of 2-1 and ERA of 3.15. Zablan joined the Rascals after he had attended the Frontier League fall tryout as a second baseman in the fall of 2009. Having spent only a few innings on the mound in college (Southern Utah), he decided to give pitching a shot at the tryout as well.

Rascals Manager Steve Brook had this to say about his first impression, "Zablan was 86-87 (mph) at the tryout with descent command and extremely good sink. He was the Rascals first pick at the draft (4th overall). It was a nice surprise when we saw him in camp in 2010 sitting at 90 mph with the same stuff. I think the Mariners know that they are getting someone who is fairly new to pitching, making him a legitimate prospect."

Zablan, 5’11” relief pitcher pitched in the 28 game for the Rascals in 2010 throwing a total of 40 innings recording 29 strikeouts while walking 14. He also played 4 games as a position player during the 2010 helping River City to the 2010 Frontier League Championship.

“We are extremely excited for Keli'i. He is a tremendous young man with unlimited potential at the affiliated level. Zablan will certainly be missed, but we wish him the best for his future with the Mariners.” said Brook. Zablan will now try to follow in the footsteps of former River City Rascals Josh Kinney, Joe Thatcher, and Justin Christian in trying to make the Major League level.

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Why are mini plans the most popular tickets?
Because you're only coming to the biggest games

As much as you'd love it, you're a little too busy to come to every Rascals game. So you're only coming to the big games. Mini Plans include a nice selection of our biggest games. If you're schedule doesnt fit, simply select your own games! We'll still give you the discount!
Because you get the same great seats for every game

Everyone that comes out to T.R. Hughes Ballpark says the same thing. "There's not a bad seat in the park". True, there really isnt a bad seat in the park...unless you're in Ruffy's dog house...but the great thing about investing in a Rascals Mini Plan is that they're YOUR same great seats. Hand select YOUR seats and enjoy the view!
Because the early dog....err, bird gets the discount

Save. Save. Save. That's important these days and Rascals Mini Plans offer you a great value and rewards you for pre-purchasing your tickets. You'll find that you're saving money with every Mini Plan that we offer. And there's still more...
Because your tickets are never wasted... EVER

So you bought the tickets months ago and now something has popped up and you can't make it to the game you bought. That's fine, just exchange them at the box office or email us at myseasontix@rivercityrascals.com for Outfield Bleacher Back or Lawn tickets. We'll even do the work for you and leave them in will call.
Because you're a preferred customer

Simply because you've invested with us we want to invest in you. You'll be the first to know of extra events happening at T.R. Hughes Ballpark (remember Mr. Albert Pujols facing Mr. Shaquille O'Neal?)...you're priority, the first to know, in the loop...you get the idea.
Because your family needs to have some fun without spending a million dollars

Bottom Line: A 6-game mini plan is $57 (or $228 for four people). Think about that for a second. You have a spouse and two kids. You just booked 6 fun nights for the four of you at the center of summertime fun in St. Louis for less than the price of one Cubs / Cardinals game. I'm not kidding; you can look it up. Mini Plans are the best entertainment deal in town. That's why it's time for you to get on board. The plans are listed below. Check 'em out and we'll see you here next summer!




6-GAME PLANS - $57.00 per box seat
Save $1.50 per ticket / per game and enjoy the same great seats to your favorite games.

6-Game Pick 'Em Plan
- Select your own dates (based on availability)

6-Game Plan A
- Friday, May 20 vs. Normal CornBelters (Opening Day)
- Saturday, June 4 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums
- Wednesday, June 22 vs. Florence Freedom
- Saturday, July 23 vs. Southern Illinois Miners
- Sunday, August 7 vs. Joliet
- Tuesday, August 30 vs. Southern Illinois Miners

6-Game Plan B
- Saturday, May 21 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Tuesday, June 14th vs. Evansville Otters
- Saturday, July 9th vs. Lake Erie Crushers
- Thursday, July 28th vs. Florence Freedom
- Friday, August 19th vs. Evansville Otters
- Wednesday, August 31 vs. Southern Illinois Miners

6-Game Plan C
- Sunday, May 22 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Saturday, June 26 vs. Gateway Grizzlies
- Friday, July 8 vs. Lake Erie Crushers
- Friday, July 29 vs. Southern Illinois Miners
- Saturday, August 6 vs. Joliet
- Thursday, September 1 vs. Evansville Otters


12-GAME PLANS - $108.00 per box seat
Save $2.00 per ticket / per game and enjoy the same great seat to all 12 games.

12-Game Pick 'Em Plan
- Select your own dates (based on availability)

12-Game Plan A
- Friday, May 20 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Wednesday, May 25 vs. Gateway Grizzlies
- Saturday, June 4 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums
- Friday, June 24 vs. Florence Freedom
- Thursday, July 7 vs. Washington Wild Things
- Sunday, July 10 vs. Lake Erie Crushers
- Thursday, July 21 vs. Southern Illinois Miners
- Tuesday, August 2 vs. Windy City ThunderBolts
- Saturday, August 6 vs. Joliet
- Wednesday, August 17 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Saturday, August 20 vs. Evansville Otters
- Thursday, September 1 vs. Southern Illinois Miners

12-Game Plan B
- Saturday, May 21 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Tuesday, May 31 vs. Kalamazoo Kings
- Sunday, June 5 vs. Traverse City Beach Bums
- Monday, June 13 vs. Evansville Otters
- Thursday, June 23 vs. Florence Freedom
- Wednesday, July 6 vs. Washington Wild Things
- Saturday, July 9 vs. Lake Erie Crushers
- Thursday, July 28 vs. Florence Freedom
- Friday, August 5 vs. Joliet
- Tuesday, August 16 vs. Normal CornBelters
- Sunday, August 21 vs. Evansville Otters
- Thursday, September 1 vs. Southern Illinois Miners

24-GAME PLANS - $192.00 per box seat
Save $3.00 per ticket and enjoy the same great seat to all 24 games. 24-game plan holders also have the option to exchange any unused tickets for Outfield Bleacher Back or Lawn tickets to future games.

24-Game Plan A
- Every other regular season game starting with Friday, May 20 (opening day).

24-Game Plan B
- Every other regular season game starting with Saturday, May 21.



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