Kings open season on Saturday

KENOSHA — The Kenosha Kings semi-pro baseball team will kick off its 2013 season with a non-league doubleheader against the Romeoville Royals at 1 p.m. Saturday at Simmons Field.

The Kings’ 25-man roster consists of current and ex-college players and ex-professional players. The team plays in both the Frank Langsdorf League, where it has won the championship in the last six seasons, and the Wisconsin State League, where it was last year’s runner-up.

Most of the core of last year’s team is returning, including WSL Most Valuable Player Tyler Eickmeyer and WSL Most Valuable Pitcher Randy Johnson.

“I have said this year after year: if we stay committed to the common goal, we could have a special year,” Kings manager Tim Pulizzano said. “Replacing five pitchers is going to be a challenge, so we may be winning games a little bit more with our bats than in years past.

“But really, that is the beauty of having new players. There always seems to be that one or two that end up being standouts by year’s end.

“If we play hard, play smart and play together we could be looking at competing with the best in both leagues.”

Kenosha will open its WSL schedule with a doubleheader starting 1 p.m. Sunday against the Addison Braves at Simmons Field.

Roster

Joe Balestreri (C), Jason Bunton (LHP), Kyle Cibrario (RHP), Mark Cibrario (3B-SS), Jason Dennis (1B-OF-RHP), Tyler Eickmeyer (OF-SS), Joe Ferro (SS), Kyle Frye (OF), Logan Hartnell (LHP), Andrew Highland (OF), Derek Idstein (2B-Utility), Brandon Jeffery (RHP), Billy Johnson (C-IF), Randy Johnson (RHP-IF), Rob Novotny (C-2B), Anthony Olson (RHP), Jon Olson (RHP), Tevin Padgett (OF), Paul Pulera (OF), Tim Pulizzano (LHP), JT Schneider (2B), John Snelton (RHP), Kyle Stone (RHP), Kyle Vanderwall (RHP-Utility), Travis Vanderwall (RHP-3B-1B).

Manager

Tim Pullizano (12th season).

Story by: The Kenosha News