Missouri Western baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announces the signing of four more student-athletes for the 2015 season.
Orencio Fisher of Lee’s Summit, Mo. transfers from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. while Anthony Martinez Jr. of Egg Harbor Township, NJ transfers from Monroe College in New Rochelle, NY, Ryan De Gregorio of Woodside, Calif. transfers from Canada College in Redwood City, Calif. and Richard Ward of Walnut Shade, Mo. transfers from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. They will join Richard Peoples of Webb City, Mo., David Anderson of Fairmount, Ind., Corbin Duffy of Everett, Wash., David Glaude of Quebec City, Quebec, Michael Calimeno of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Brandon Downs from Phoenix, Ariz. on next years squad.
Orencio Fisher is a 5-9 second baseman from Lee’s Summit, Mo. and transfers from Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo. He played his high school baseball at Lee’s Summit West. This past season he hit .360 with 13 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 23 stolen bases. In high school he was named All-Conference and as a senior he hit .370 with four doubles, one home run and 16 stolen bases. He is the sun of Tanisha Artis and Donnie Guy and plans on majoring in sports management.
“Orencio, is one of the most talented infielders in this year’s class,” stated coach Verduzco. “A talented base stealer and outstanding contact hitter who also has the ability for the long ball on occasion. We are blessed to have him part of our program.”
Anthony Martinez Jr. is a 5-9 pitcher from Egg Harbor Township, NJ and transfers from Monroe College in New Rochelle, NY. He played his high school baseball at Holy Spirit HS. He was very successful at Monroe finishing his career with a 11-4 overall record and a 2.67 ERA. In 2013 he was named Pitcher of the Year and broke the record for most wins in a season with seven. In high school he was a two time first team All-Conference selection finishing with a 13-5 overall record with a 2.32 ERA.
He is the son of Anthony and Maritza Martinez and plans on majoring in sports management.
“AJ, without question, will be the pitcher who will be called upon for the Friday night start,” commented coach Verduzco. “A fierce competitor who comes from Monroe College in NY, one of the most respected, and successful Junior Colleges in the Northeast. His numbers were outstanding during his time at Monroe.”
Ryan De Gregorio is a 5-11 pitcher from Woodside, Calif. and transfers from Canada College in Redwood City, Calif. He played his high school baseball at Saint Francis HS in Mountain View, Calif. While at Canada College He was selected honorable mention Coast Pacific All-Conference Team. He had .84 ERA in 32.1 innings. In high school he was a two time WCAL Honorable Mention selection and finished with a 11-2 record which included going 7-0 with a 0.6 ERA as a junior. He is the son of Paul and Kris and plans on majoring in physical education/health and exercise science.
“Ryan DeGregorio will be very a very consistent competitor for the Griffons this season,” said coach Verduzco. “Was a standout pitcher in Northern CA the last two seasons and we expect him to hit the ground running this coming year at MWSU.”
Richard Ward is a 6-2 outfielder from Walnut Shade, Mo. and transfers from Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. He played his high school baseball at Branson HS in Branson, Mo. Ward took a medical redshirt during his one season at Johnson County. Johnson County won the 2013 Regional Championship which advanced them to the Junior College World Series where they finished 9th. While in high school he was a first team All-Conference, All-District and All-Tri-Lakes Region selection as a senior. He helped his team to the District Championship as a senior and as junior he was named second team All-Conference and helped his squad to the conference championship. As a senior he hit .433 with 4 home runs, 5 doubles, 5 triples and 22 RBI with a .790 slugging percentage. He is also a solid student earning the Scholar Athlete award at Johnson County. He is the son of Lauri and Barry Ward and is undecided on a major at MWSU.
“Ricky, is a very talented player who will compete for a starting position in our outfield this coming season,” added coach Verduzco. “Blessed with tremendous speed he has the ability to change the game with his talent. Had to sit out last season at JCCC for medical reasons. We expect him to be ready to go this coming fall.”
— MWSU Sports Information —