CEDAR
RAPIDS, Iowa – The three-time defending Perfect Game Collegiate
Baseball League (PGCBL) champions, the Amsterdam Mohawks, have been
an organization of consistent success over their tenure in the PGCBL.
With three out of four PGCBL titles calling Amsterdam home, the
Mohawks have dominated the PGCBL ranks and are once again atop the
East Division in 2015.
With
a 29-7 record halfway through July, the Mohawks have an eight-game
advantage over the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs, who sit in second
place in the East. As the Amsterdam organization has flourished
throughout their time in New York, General Manager Brian Spagnola
believes the team’s success is due in part to the dedication and
hard work that has been put into the organization.
“We
have garnered great trust with college coaches from around the
country and within our organization,” Spagnola told Perfect Game
this week. “I believe those are both key for any organization that
wants to be successful and win at this level.”
As
the team pushes through the dog days of summer, depth, talent and
trust will start to become an even more valuable part of the Mohawks
success. One of the youngest players on the Amsterdam roster, Kyle
Dean, has exhibited all of these traits throughout his time in New
York, which has helped take Amsterdam to the top of the PGCBL once
again.
A
2015 Perfect Game All-American, Dean has become the first PG
All-American to play in the PGCBL. As a high school baseball star,
Dean made a shocking gesture when at the Classic in his hometown of
San Diego last August, as he took a pitch from the lefthanded
batter's box to honor the late great Tony Gwynn. A righthanded
hitter, Dean took the strike before then switching back to his
righthanded self where he went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and
a stolen base in the game.
Gwynn,
a fixture in world of baseball for many years, played and coached in
San Diego during his baseball career and was looked up to by Dean and
many more throughout the baseball world.
“I
wanted to do it for him,” Dean said of his memorable tribute. “He
is Mr. Padre, and to make a gesture like this in my hometown and the
pace he called home for so long was something I’ll never forget.”
One
of the best high school products in the country, the San Diego native
has an explosive bat that coincides with strong fielding abilities.
Committing to play baseball at Brigham Young University, Dean is
excited about his opportunity to play in Provo and start his college
career.
“When
I visited I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Dean added. “I
am excited to lead their program to new heights and better myself as
player alongside their coaching staff and school.”
In
Amsterdam, Dean has started to come into his own of late, batting
.244 with four doubles while being one of the youngest players in the
league. As the season has progressed, the PGCBL rookie recognizes
that what he is seeing in New York will prove to be crucial in his
development at the next level.
“Amsterdam
and Perfect Game have gave me great opportunities throughout my
baseball career,” Dean said. “From improving my game against top
collegiate competition here in New York, to being able to be around
great friends at tournaments and showcases, it’s all been something
special that will pay diligence heading into college.
While
the PGCBL takes every player on his own ride throughout the summer
months, the 18-year old Dean acknowledges that his time in upstate
New York is not finished yet.
“We
have a great shot to win a championship,” Dean said. “I’m
looking forward to learning even more from my teammates and
developing my skills throughout the postseason.”
While
the Mohawks are looking to repeat as champions for the fourth
straight year, competition in the league is at an all-time high. With
five teams having .500 records or better, the East and West divisions
both share close races that will end in both heartbreak and relief
for several clubs.
With
great coaching, front offices, and facilities on hand throughout the
league, Spagnola believes these great assets are why the league is at
such a high in 2015.
“Expansion
into great areas here in New York have really opened up the league.
With all the teams adding improvements and attracting new players,
the PGCBL is going to continue to thrive in years to come.”