Imports Return to Moose Jaw
The Moose Jaw Miller Express have announced the return of imports Hank Stewart, Jason Renner, and Drew Danzeisen for the 2014 Western Major Baseball League season.
Stewart, who hails from Cartersville, GA, hit .322 in 40 games for the Millers last year, he led the team in doubles (14), was second in home runs (8) and RBI’s (34). He is currently playing his senior season at Brescia University, as of April 20th he’s leading the Bearcats in batting average (.434), doubles (15), homeruns (12), and RBI’s (70). Stewart’s 70 RBI’s lead all of NAIA Division 1, he’s ranked fourth in homeruns and 11th in batting average.
“Hank is coming back after garnering tremendous respect around the league last summer,” said Millers Head Coach Michael Hunt. “He’s a dual threat, he excels at his position and can anchor a line up offensively. He’s in the middle of a fantastic season at Brescia where he’s leading the nation in many offensive categories including homeruns and RBI’s.
”Renner is from Spokane, WA and currently plays at Whitworth University. Last year he started four games for the Millers and appeared in 11 games, posting a 4-0 record and 2.11ERA. In 34 innings pitched he had 23 strikeouts and 17 walks. Currently at Whitworth, as of April 20th Renner has appeared in 10 games for the Pirates posting a 0-1 record and 4.41ERA in 16.1 innings. He has 20 strikeouts, eight walks, and four saves.
“Last summer Jason was one of our closers, but injuries caused us to try his hand at starting and he didn’t disappoint,” said Hunt. “He’ll be expected to be our closer again in 2014 with some spot starts during long stretches. He possesses an incredible curve ball that sets up all his other pitches, plus he has a bulldog mentality.
”Danzeisen is from Las Vegas, NV, he played 38 games for the Millers last year and hit .267. He had three doubles, one homerun, and ten RBI’s, he also stole seven bases in eight attempts. Danzeisen is currently playing at Grossmont College, as of April 20th he had a .268 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, and .987 fielding percentage in 20 games.
“Having played the majority of the schedule at shortstop last year, Drew knows exactly how important defence up the middle is in the WMBL,” Hunt said about Danzeisen. “Drew’s a key returning player because he can play several infield positions, and plays them well. He has the ability to steal plenty of bases and has a knack for getting on base, making him a threat at the top or bottom of the lineup.
”Stewart, Renner, and Danzeisen are expected to be with the Millers when they open the 2014 WMBL season Friday, May 30th at Ross Wells Park against the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets. Early bird season tickets are available until April 30th by calling 691-1402.
