Zags Providing Four Players to Wenatchee

Three position players and one pitcher from Gonzaga will make the trip from Spokane to Wenatchee to play for the AppleSox this summer. Right-handed pitcher Brandon Bailey, infielder Nick Brooks, infielder Caleb Wood, and outfielder Sam Brown will join the AppleSox in 2014. Gonzaga has sent more players to play for the AppleSox than any other school in the team’s 15-year history.

“We are incredibly thankful for all the great players we have had from Gonzaga over the years and this season will be no different,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.

Bailey, a Broomfield, CO, native has emerged as a member of Gonzaga’s starting rotation in his first season with the Bulldogs. In 2012 he was named the Colorado 4A Player of the Year after helping lead Broomfield High School to the Colorado 4A State Championship. In four starts this spring he has a 4.33 ERA and a 0-3 record.

“It’s remarkable how big of an impact he has had as just a freshman. I had a chance to see him throw in the fall and was very impressed. He has a deadly slider,” said Knaggs.

Brooks, a first baseman, is in his first year with the Bulldogs. The Auburn product from Auburn Mountainview High School is hitting .273 in nine games this spring.

“He is a big kid that has a classic first baseman build. He is strong hitter and has been able to get opportunities as only a freshman,” said Knaggs.    

Woods is a sophomore for Gonzaga out of Surprise, AZ. He was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and an All-WCC honorable mention after hitting .291 as only a freshman. This season he has started every game for the Bulldogs and has scored a team-high nine runs with a .204 batting average.

“It’s huge to have a proven player like Caleb,” said Knaggs. “His accomplishments speak for themselves and we are excited someone of his caliber on our team.”

Brown is in his first season with Gonzaga after redshirting at the University of Arizona last year. The left-handed hitting outfielder from Jackson High School in Mill Creek has appeared in all 14 of Gonzaga’s games and is hitting .220.

“He is definitely further ahead of a normal freshman after redshirting last season,” said Knaggs. “He can play all three outfield positions, hit any spot in the lineup, and is excellent defensively.”

The 2014 season will begin at home on June 4th with a two-game series against the San Francisco Seals. The AppleSox will play a 59-game schedule this summer that includes 32 homes games.

Single game tickets start at just $6 for adults and $5 for kids. Season tickets are available now and can be purchased by contacting the AppleSox office at (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Attached photographs of Brandon Bailey, Nick Brooks, Caleb Wood, and Sam Brown are courtesy of the Gonzaga Sports Information Department.