Kings Open Saturday at Simmons Field

The Kenosha Kings semi-pro baseball team will again put its eight-year championship streak on the line this season.

The Kings, whose 25-man roster consists of current and former college players and ex-professional players, have won seven consecutive Frank Langsdorf League championships (2007-2013), along with the 2006 Wisconsin State League title.

Kenosha will open its season 1 p.m. Saturday with a doubleheader against the Addison Braves at renovated Simmons Field, the team’s home ballpark for the last 29 years.

“The potential to make some noise is there in 2014,” Kings manager Tim Pulizzano said. “Consistency, adapting to change and making adjustments is just an actuality we are going to have to deal with this upcoming season.

“We have some fresh new talent that can really light a spark under guys around them, and that makes for an exciting 2014 and years to come. If we can stay healthy and find continuity as the season progresses, the sky is the limit for (us).”

The Kings’ pitching staff will be anchored by veterans Randy Johnson, Jon Olson, Jason Bunton, Travis Vanderwall, John Snelten and Kyle Cibrario. Bradford graduate Kevin Tibor (UW-Milwaukee) and Tremper graduate Kyle Kutzler (William Penn) will also compete for mound time.

Brandon Jeffery, Logan Hartnell and Garrett Arnold will provide bullpen depth.

Corner infielders Mark Cibrario, Jason Dennis and Vanderwall are again expected to be the Kings’ top run producers, Pulizzano said, with Joe Ferro, Derek Idstein, JT Schneider and Zach Wade serving as middle infielders.

Returning starters Paul Pulera, Tyler Eickmeyer and Andrew Highland will head the group of outfielders that also includes Carthage senior Mike Dickerson.

Veterans Billy Johnson and Joe Balestreri will share time behind the plate.

Roster

r—Garrett Arnold (P), Joe Balestreri (C), Jason Bunton (P), Kyle Cibrario (P), Mark Cibrario (3B), Jason Dennis (1B-3B), Travis Vanderwall (P-3B-1B), Mike Dickerson (OF), Tyler Eickmeyer (OF), Joe Ferro (SS), Logan Hartnell (P), Andrew Highland (OF), Derek Idstein (SS), Brandon Jeffery (P), Billy Johnson (C), Kyle Kutzler (P), Jon Olson (P), Paul Pulera (OF), Tim Pulizzano (P), JT Schneider (2B), John Snelten (P), Kyle Stone, Kevin Tibor (P), Travis Vanderwall (3B-1B), Zach Wade (SS-2B).

Information for this article was provided on the Kings’ website (www.leaguelineup.com/kenoshakings), which also includes the team’s roster, statistics and schedule.

Story by: The Kenosha News