Isabel Signs With Yankees

George Isabel,who just finished his junior year at Northwood University signed a minor league contract today with the New York Yankees. Isabel was in the Dominican Republic when he was offered a free agent contract and accepted.

Isabel, a Manhattan, NY native and transfer from Garden City Community College, had a good year for the Knights.

3.83 ERA 40 IP 48 K's .181 OBA

Isabel's year is best summed up as "constant improvement." After a rocky start, he was able to persevere through major mechanical changes. Through very hard work and dedication to improvement he was able to realize his childhood dream. "I don't know how many times I've heard people talk about my potential and I feel like today I took a huge step in reaching that potential I thought at times was unreachable," said Isabel.

Isabel is the second Knight to be recently signed by a New York team as former Knight RJ Harris was drafted in the 14th round a year ago by the New York Mets.

Knight's Pitchers Excelling In Canadian Summer League

Kane Kimrey(RRAC Pitcher of the Year), Corey Sartor, and Sean Ayala are experiencing great success this summer for the Melville Millionaires of the Western Major Baseball League in Canada.

Kimrey, coming off a great junior season for the Knights has pitched like an Ace once again for the Millionaires. 4-1 1.92 ERA with 26 K's and 3 BB in 23 innnings pitched.

Sartor, a mainstay out of the pen for the Knights, has been Mr. Consistent for the Millionaires. 3 saves 16 innings 1.62 ERA 15 K's 3 BB.


Ayala has also been consistent after a rough debut. 25 innings 16 K's 11 BB 4.21 ERA.

All three are expected to have major roles in 2011 at NU.

Knights Sign A Trio Of San Jacinto Gators

The Knights baseball team made significant improvements today with the addition of three San Jac Gators; Brad Padia, Will Fontnow, and Deric Hawkins. The Gators had a great year finishing runner up in the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado as all three signees played significant roles in their team's success.

Padia, a utility player from Grapevine, Tx is expected to compete at a variety of positions. He has the ability to catch, play corner infield, and outfield. Padia's biggest asset is his left handed bat. In 2010 Brad hit .330 with 9 doubles and 2 homeruns; after hitting .360 with 12 doubles in 2009. Padia transfered to San Jacinto from The University of San Diego.

Fontnow, an outfielder from Vidor, Tx hit 2nd for the Gators as they made their run through the World Series. Will, a left handed hitter, is expected to find a home in left or center field. In 2010 Will was the second leading hitter for the Gators; .366 12 doubles 8-8 stolen bases.

Hawkins, also a left handed swinger from St. Pius HS in Houston, Tx held down center field in his freshman year and played first base in 2010. In 2009 Hawkins was named Second Team NJCAA All-American after hitting .402 with 12 doubles, 22 Home Runs, and 66 RBI. Hawkins is expected to compete at first base and in the outfield while hitting in the middle of the Knight line-up.

Northwood University Announces Plans For New Clubhouse and Indoor Hitting Facility

Northwood University Provost, Dr. Kevin Fagan, announced today that the plan for a new clubhouse and indoor hitting facility will become a reality in 2010-2011.

The facility will include two coaches offices, locker room, and indoor hitting tunnels. It will be located behind the first base dugout where the current NU maintenance shed is located.

This latest improvement project does not have a ground breaking date but will be completed in the 2010-2011 academic year. The clubhouse project will continue NU's commitment to improving the baseball facility.

Recent improvements:
2006: New Infield
2008: New Sprinkler System
2009: New Outfield and Skin on Infield
2010: New Outfield Wall
2010-2011: New Clubhouse/Coaches Offices/Indoor Hitting

Coats Named NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Second Baseman

Justin Coats continues to get the recognition that he deserves after his outstanding senior campaign as he now adds NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Winner to his mantel.


Coats fielded .984 after commiting just 4 errors in 243 chances. His performance also set a new NU fielding percentage record for middle infielders. Coats broke the record of .981 set all the way back in 1990 by Mike Coulter.

For more information about the Rawlings Gold Glove Award: www.rawlings.com

Knights Land Two On All American Teams

After a spectacular season for the Knight's, Justin Coats, was honored as an NAIA 2nd Team All-American at second base. Coat's impressive offensive numbers where outdone only by his defensive performance as he made just 4 errors all season.

Also receiving recognition was Knight's outfielder Jeff Sakowski who was named to the Honorable mention All American list.

Coats becomes the third Knight to be honored with a Second Team recognition. In 1990 Brett Petite was a 2nd Teamer behind the plate and in 2000 Russell Lewis was also a 2nd Teamer at second base. Petite signed with the Cubs and Lewis signed with the Red Sox following their standout years.

Coats and Sakowski make the 2nd and 3rd All American honorees since Head Coach Jeremy Kennedy took over in 2008. Carey Crain was selected in 2009 following his record breaking season where he produced 81 RBI.

You can veiw the NAIA All American Teams by clicking on the following link: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060310aaa.html

Richter and Stout Named NAIA Scholar Athletes

Each year the NAIA names all the baseball players from around the country that qualify as a scholar athlete. Winners of the honor must a cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.

Randy Richter and Chaney Stout both graduated in May. Stout graduated as NU's 2010 valedictorian. This feat was more impressive considering Stout had held down a starting spot in the Knights line-up since his freshman year. He was slowed in his senior year due to chronic back issues.

Both Richter and Stout were instrumental in the programs turnaround, their character and leadership will be missed. The Knight's program is improved because of their contributions over the last four years.

Redding Has Big Debut For Dillas

May 30, 2010 - AMARILLO, TX – In his first professional game, Amarillo Dillas catcher Matt Redding went 2-3 with a double, a run and an RBI to help the Dillas defeat the San Angelo Colts 8-7 on Sunday night in front of 7,512 fans at the Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa.

Dillas reliever Brent Buffa (1-0) got his first professional win as he allowed one run and two hits in two-and-a-third. Colts starter Chase Vacek (0-1) got the loss in his first professional start as he allowed all eight runs in three innings of work.

The Colts took an early lead in the first as Michael Pettibone scored on an error, Adam Hale brought home a run on an RBI double, while Jason Landreth scored on a wild pitch for a 3-0 lead.

The Dillas struck back in the first as Carlos Figueroa grounded out but brought home a run while TJ Warren singled home Alberto Cruz to bring the deficit to one run. In the second, the Dillas would take the lead as Redding doubled in his first professional at-bat, followed by singles by Adam De La Garza, Jermel Lomack and Joaquin Rodriguez to bring home three runs for a 5-3 lead.

Following a Colts run in the third, Amarillo struck again in the third. After Warren walked and Cory Wine reached on an error, Redding singled home Warren while Wine scored on a De La Garza sacrifice fly. Following a Lomack fielder’s choice, Rodriguez doubled him home for an 8-4 lead.

San Angelo would chip away at the lead with two runs in the fifth and another in the seventh to pull within a run, but the Amarillo relievers wouldn’t let the Colts get back in it. Dane Little shut down the colts in the eighth with two strikeouts, while Geronimo came in to finish off San Angelo with a perfect ninth inning to preserve the 8-7 victory.

With the win, the Dillas improve to 3-1, while the Colts fall to 1-3. Monday, Amarillo faces off against San Angelo for the third game of a four-game series at 7:05pm. The game can be heard on AudioSportsOnline by visiting www.myamarillodillas.com. Game time is tentative and is subject to blackout. Monday’s game is free admission courtesy of the Dillas.

Season tickets are still available and single-game tickets are available for purchase in-person by visiting the Dillas Front Offices at 801 S. Polk St. in downtown Amarillo or over the phone by calling (806) 342-0400. VISA and MasterCard accepted. For more information about season and individual game tickets, game times, promotions, marketing opportunities, full game schedule, and everything else Dillas, visit the “Official Website of the Amarillo Dillas” by logging onto www.myamarillodillas.com.

Knight's Matt Redding Signs Professional Contract

Knight's catcher, Matt Redding, signed with the Amarillo Dillas, of the United League, on Tuesday.

Redding was a two year started for the Knights after transfering in for his junior year. Redding is originally from Pointe Vedra, Florida and began his college career at Chipola College in Florida. While at Chipola Matt was part of a NJCAA National Championship squad.

In his senior campaign Redding hit .386. Redding will report wednesday and quickly hit the road for the season opener thursday at San Angelo.

You can follow Matt with the Dillas at www.myamarillodillas.com

Knights Land 9 Guys On RRAC All-Conference Teams

First Team All Conference
C...Johnny Aldaz jr.
1B...Adam Humes fr.
2B...Justin Coats sr.
OF...Justin Keithley sr.
OF...Jeff Sakowski sr.
UTL...Humberto Miranda sr.
P...Kane Kimrey jr.

Second Team All Conference
3B...JP Cazares jr.
P...Trent Montgomery jr.

Gold Glove Team
2B...Justin Coats sr.
3B...JP Cazares jr.
P...Kane Kimrey jr.