Former St. Louis Redbird David Freese now a St. Louis Cardinal

The most recent success story for a former SLABA player making it to the major leagues is David Freese. On April 6, 2009, Freese made the opening day roster for his home town St. Louis Cardinals. The Lafayette High graduate and former St. Louis Redbirds infielder was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 9th round in 2006. Then in December of 2007 he was traded from the Padres to the Cardinals for center fielder Jim Edmonds.

Freese said it is thrilling "to be one of the 25 guys on the roster." Starter or not, Freese is ready for opening-day jitters. "Something's wrong with you if you don't get those," he said. Even the reigning league MVP Albert Pujols gets nervous. "I always say there are three times that I get nervous in my career," Pujols said. "One, is my first at-bat of spring training. Two, is my first at-bat opening day. And third is my first at-bat of the playoffs. If you don't have any pressure and you don't feel like you have that pressure, you aren't ready for the game."

Read this related article about David:
STLtoday.com - Tony LaRussa will use many different lineups
KSDK.com - Lafayette grad David Freese talks about Opening Day

Former SLABA Star Kyle McClellan makes the St. Louis Cardinals

Former SLABA player Kyle McClellan made it to the major leagues for his home town team. On March 25, 2008, McClellan earned a spot on the St. Louis Cardinals roster. The Hazelwood West graduate and former American National player helped the Eagles to a 22-6 league record and a tie for first during the summer 2002 season with 37 strikeouts and a 1.79 ERA. After being drafted out of high school by St. Louis, McClellan pitched in the Cardinals organization at Johnson City, Peoria, Quad Cities, Springfield and Palm Beach for six years. He made the conversion from starter to reliever after undergoing 'Tommy John' elbow surgery in 2005 and follow-up ulnar nerve surgery in 2006. Now he wears the 'Birds on the Bat' for his hometown team. To honor Kyle, SLABA announced in 2008 the naming of the Pitcher of the Year Award in the 18U division as the Kyle McClellan Pitcher of the Year Award.

Read this related article about Kyle:
STLtoday.com - McClellan appears to have made club
STLtoday.com - McClellan takes long way to the majors

From SLABA Redbirds to Philadelphia Phillies - Ryan Howard Excels

Our most famous SLABA alumnus is the 2006 National League MVP Ryan Howard. Ryan played with the Ellisville Redbirds from 1996 to 1998. He went on to play at Southwest Missouri State University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2001 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his Major League debut on Sept. 1, 2004. He later became the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year and was the 2006 Home Run Derby Champion at the All-Star Game before earning the MVP honors. In 2006, SLABA announced the naming of the Most Valuable Player Award in the 18U division as the Ryan Howard MVP Award. Ryan and his Phillies teammates won the 2008 World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Read these related articles about Ryan:
STLtoday.com - Howard showed big-time potential as a teenager
PhillyNews.com - From horn section to upper decks (PDF)

2009 SLABA League MVP Award Winners
18U RYAN HOWARD SLABA MVP – Jordan Hammerman (St. Louis Tigers)
18U KYLE MCCLELLAN PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Kyle Bretsch (St. Louis Tigers)
18U JIM MEDLOCK COACH OF THE YEAR – Dustin Bain (Jefferson County Blazers)

2009 SLABA 18U - Team MVPs
Brian Belter, American National Eagles
Tyler Christeson, Eagles #2
Chad Faulstich, Jefferson County Blazers
Fred Ford, Stallions #2
Jordan Hammerman, St. Louis Tigers
Stephen Kraeuter, Jefferson County Barnstormers
Alex Larkin, Eagles #1
Joe Liesmann, Meramec Valley Falcons
William Marx, Johnny Mac Thunder
Eric Moritz, South-West Stars
Jason Niemeier, Stallions #1

2009 All-Star Game MVP Award Winners
18U SOUTH MVP – Jordan Hammerman (St. Louis Tigers)
18U NORTH MVP – Robbie Douthit (Stallions - Seddon)

2008 SLABA League MVP Award Winners
18U RYAN HOWARD SLABA MVP – Bobby Lombard (Jefferson County Blazers)
18U KYLE MCCLELLAN PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Tyler Bower (South-West Stars)
18U JIM MEDLOCK COACH OF THE YEAR – Tony McNabb (South-West Stars)

2008 SLABA 18U - Team MVPs
Brian Belter, American National Eagles
J.T. Roethig, Americans 17U
Jake O'Neill, Eagles West
T.J. Smreker, Jefferson County Barnstormers
Bobby Lombard, Jefferson County Blazers
Mike Young, Johnny Mac Thunder
Nick Lawson, Meramec Valley Falcons
Luke Voit, St. Louis Redbirds
Tyler Bower, South-West Stars
Bobby Kiser, St. Louis Tigers
Jack Mahoney, St. Louis Tigers 17U
Sam Meyer, West

2008 All-Star Game MVP Award Winners
18U SOUTH MVP – Kris Korte (St. Louis Tigers 17U)
18U NORTH MVP – Mike Bucchino (St. Louis Redbirds)

2007 SLABA League MVP Award Winners
14U SLABA MVP – Kurt Dunn (Johnny Mac Thunder - White)
14U COACH OF THE YEAR – Nolan Brown (St. Louis Stallions)
15U SLABA MVP – Steven Aldred (South-West Stars)
15U PITCHER OF THE YEAR – A.J. Walkenhorst (ANW Americans)
15U COACH OF THE YEAR – Justin Schmidt (ANW Americans)
16U SLABA MVP – Jordan Hammerman (St. Louis Tigers)
16U PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Chad Faulstich (Jefferson County Blazers)
16U COACH OF THE YEAR – Kirk Hawkins (St. Louis Tigers)
18U RYAN HOWARD SLABA MVP – Kody Katzenberger (Jefferson County Blazers)
18U PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Mitch Hatfield (ANW Eagles)
18U JIM MEDLOCK COACH OF THE YEAR – Brian Garner (Barnstormers)

2007 SLABA 18U - Team MVPs
Brian Patrick, American National Eagles
Aaron Vredenburg, ANW Americans
Mitch Hatfield, ANW Eagles
Joey Sausto, ANW Elder
Tony Schulte, ANW Nationals
Ben Shea, ANW Reds
Kenny Bechaud, Jefferson County Barnstormers
Kody Katzenberger, Jefferson County Blazers
Adam Arnette, Meramec Valley Falcons
Ben Rister, St. Louis Redbirds
Matt Borgschulte, South-West Stars
Travis May, St. Louis Tigers

2007 All-Star Game MVP Award Winners
16U NORTH MVP – Mitchell Elliott (ANW Americans)
16U SOUTH MVP – Logan Uxa (St. Louis Tigers)
18U NORTH MVP – Joey Sausto (ANW Elder)
18U SOUTH MVP – Tony Kalna (Meramec Valley Falcons)

2006 SLABA League MVP Award Winners
13U SLABA MVP - Dan Heim (American National Eagles)
14U SLABA MVP – Colin Jilek (American National West Eagles – Bumpus)
15U SLABA MVP – Ryan Huck (Johnny Mac Thunder)
16U SLABA MVP – Kurt Wunderlich (Johnny Mac Thunder)
16U PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Shawn Spainhoward (AN West Eagles – Strothcamp)
16U COACH OF THE YEAR – Tim Seymour (Johnny Mac Thunder)
17U SLABA MVP - Tad Jilek (American National West – Woelfel)

2006 SLABA 18U - Team MVPs
Zach Neislein, Jefferson County Blazers
Kevin Mahler, Johnny Mac Thunder
Zach Outman, Meramec Valley Falcons
Nick Riganti, St. Louis Redbirds
Will Wright, St. Louis Tigers – Wachtman
Adam Smith, St. Louis Tigers – Pratt
Joshua Dilday, American National West Eagles – Elder
Tim Beck, American National Eagles
Josh Malin, Sportsprint Stallions
Ed Winchester, Jefferson County Blazers
Dan Flynn, South-West Stars
Greg Downey, American National West Eagles – Waymon

Major League Draft Picks and College Players
Who Participated in SLABA

If you know of other SLABA alumni who played college baseball, were drafted by a major league club or played minor league baseball, please send an e-mail to cfix@slaba.net.

American National
Tim Beck - Forest Park C.C.
Damon Burkhart - Missouri Baptist University, Richmond Roosters, Cook County Cheetahs, Mid-Missouri Mavericks
Lance Burkhart - Missouri State University, Montreal Expos draft pick 1997, Vermont Expos, Cape Fear Crocs, Jupiter Hammerheads, Ottawa Lynx, Beloit Snappers, Huntsville Stars, High Desert Mavericks, Indianapolis Indians, Clinton Lumber Kings, Frisco RoughRiders, Oklahoma Redhawks, Aberdeen Ironbirds, Bowie Bay Sox, Lancaster Barnstormers
Morgan Burkhart - University of Central Missouri, Richmond Roosters, undrafted - signed with Boston Red Sox 1998, Sarasota Red Sox, Trenton Thunder, Pawtucket Red Sox, Boston Red Sox, Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Omaha Royals, Kansas City Royals
John Bollinger - St. Louis Christian College
Joe Curtis - St. Charles C.C.
Jerry Daniels - Meramec C.C., St. Louis Cardinals draft pick 1987, Erie Cardinals, St. Petersburg Cardinals
Dave DeClue - Forest Park C.C., University of Missouri-Rolla
Jason Deckelbaum - University of Central Missouri
Mike Drexl - Florissant Valley C.C.
Dan Fox - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Rob Frost - Missouri Baptist, Kingsport Mets
John Gallia - Missouri State University ('00-'01)
Brad Garrett - Bradley University, Gateway Grizzles
Rob Garrett - Missouri Baptist
Brett Greenwell - Xavier University
Jon Guyre - St. Louis University
Jerry Hollingshead - St. Louis Cardinals draft pick
Ryan Johnson - St. Louis University
Nate Jones - John A. Logan C.C., Missouri Western State University
Zac Jurkins - Westminster College (MO) ('02-'05)
Dominic Marchesi - St. Charles C.C., Missouri Western State University
Kyle McClellan - St Louis Cardinals draft pick 2002, Johnson City Cardinals, Peoria Chiefs, Quad City Swing, Palm Beach Cardinals, Springfield Cardinals, St. Louis Cardinals
Matt McClellan - St. Charles C.C., Fontbonne University
David Mueller - Webster University
Al Nipper - Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians
Dan O’Heron - Forest Park C.C., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Brian Patrick - Lincoln University
Jason Payne - Culver-Stockton College
Dave Phelps - University of Notre Dame, New York Yankees draft pick 2008, Staten Island Yankees
Mike Phelps - University of Central Missouri, Chicago Cubs draft pick 2005, Arizona Cubs, Peoria Chiefs, Southern Illinois Miners, Daytona Cubs
Eric Sansouci - Forest Park C.C. ('02-'03), Northern Illinois University ('04-'05), Gateway Grizzles ('05)
Matt Sauer - Fontbonne University
Dan Scanio - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Brian Spinner - University of Dallas ('01-'04)
Alex Tate - Mineral Area C.C., El Paso Diablos
Tyler Tucker - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Larry Vondracek - Meramec C.C.
Kevin Wilke - Forest Park C.C. ('01-'02), Lindenwood University ('03-'04)

American National West/Eagles
Tim Advants - Northwest Missouri State University
Nick Armstrong - Meramec C.C.
Justin Barnhart - Southwest Baptist University
Jake Brower - Missouri University of Science & Technology
Mike Buda - Western Carolina, Assistant Coach at St. Charles C.C.
Brad Bumpus - Southeast Missouri State University
Kyle Corcoran - St. Charles C.C.
Josh Dilday - Jackson College
Lendon Ehlmann - Southwest Baptist University
Mike Gebhardt - Webster University
Seth Gorman - Meramec C.C.
Zach Gronek - Missouri University of Science & Technology
Tim Holmes - University of Central Missouri
Nick Imperiale - Forest Park C.C.
Nick Johnson - Missouri University of Science & Technology
Alex Larkin - Crowder College
Rob Lang - Benedictine University
Cody Ostmann - Harris-Stowe State University
Tyler Schneider - Meramec C.C.
Alex Sewing - Missouri Baptist University
Zach Simonds - Southwest Baptist University
Matt Stroud - Rockhurst University
Ryan Trimble - Truman State University
Kyle Waymon - St. Charles C.C.

Jefferson County Barnstormers
Bill Akridge - Fontbonne University
Josh Frank - Fontbonne University
Ryan Good - Webster University, Head Coach at Fontbonne University
Thomas Hunt - Fontbonne University
Berry Ijames - Harris-Stowe State University
Jared Richardson - Fontbonne University
T.J. Smreker - Maple Woods C.C.
Blake Tolan - Fontbonne University
Collin Warren - William Jewel College
Robby Winkler - Florissant Valley C.C., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Sean Wiley - Fontbonne University

Jefferson County Blazers
Nick Berding - Meramec C.C., Harris-Stowe State University
Chris Biel - Fontbonne University, Jefferson College, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Jeremy Bradley - St. Charles C.C.
Kenny Brengle - Northwest Missouri State University
A.J. Brown - Forest Park C.C.
Travis Brown - North Central C.C.
Austin Burgert - North Central C.C.
Brian Burwell - St. Charles C.C.
Wade Duff - Florissant Valley C.C.
Drew Fannin - Culver-Stockton College, Florissant Valley C.C.
Chad Faulstich - St. Charles C.C.
T.J. Gibbar - Lindenwood University
Matt Harmon - Forest Park C.C.
Scott Krysl - North Central C.C.
Dan Jackson - Forest Park C.C., University of Northern Alabama, Arizona Diamondbacks 1999 draft pick
Corey Johnson - Lindenwood University
Andrew Johnston - Jefferson College, University of Missouri, Colorado Rockies 2005 draft pick, Casper Rockies, Asheville Tourists, Modesto Nuts, Tulsa Drillers
Bobby Lombard - Culver-Stockton College
Ben Margalski - Missouri State University, Philadelphia Phillies 2001 draft pick, Batavia Muck Dogs, Lakewood Blue Claws, Savannah Sand Gnats, Kinston Indians, Stockton Ports, Brevard County Manatees, Gateway Grizzlies
Tyler Nappier - North Central C.C.
Zach Neislein - Jefferson College
Ryan O'Rourke - Fontbonne University
Adam Pfeiffer - Meramec C.C.
Ryan Romo - Florissant Valley C.C.
Nathan Shelton - Webster University
Dave Schiller- Culver-Stockton College, Lindenwood University
Kody Stricklin - Forest Park C.C.
Kyle Tipton - St. Charles C.C.
Max Vogl - Culver-Stockton College
Colby White - Maryville University

Johnny Mac Thunder
Tyler Aholt- Xavier University
Brandon Alexander - John A. Logan, Baltimore Orioles draft pick 2009
Steve Braun - Rockhurst University
John Brinkmann - Westminster College
Corey 'Bubba' Bradshaw - Mineral Area C.C.
Blake Bressmer - Rockhurst University
Mike Brotherton - Westminster College
Jason Brown - Rockhurst University
Alex Bumb - Spring Hill College
Tom Causino - Westminster College
Erik Dessau - Forest Park C.C. ('02-'03), University of Missouri ('04-'05), Gateway Grizzlies ('05-'08), Lancaster Barnstormers ('08), Calgary Vipers ('09)
Justin Fujarski - Rockhurst University
Nick Genetti - Westminster College
Tim Goodman - Rockhurst University
Ryan Gray - University of Missouri-St Louis
Eric Heuerman - Jefferson College
Nick Hoag - Westminster College
Ryan Huck - Western Kentucky University
Eric Kuntz - University of Missouri-St Louis
Joe Leake - Westminster College
Gavin Magruder - Westminster College
Matt Mallette - Westminster College
Alex Mann - Southwestern Illinois C.C.
Andy Marks - Kansas University
Tom McVey - Rockhurst University
Geoff Mueller - Fontbonne University
Dom Palumbo - Spring Hill College
Joe Palumbo - Quincy University
Dustin Redwine - Fontbonne University
Nick Schmiemeier - Southwestern Illinois C.C.
Jake Schuchardt - Colorado Christian University
Brad Stone - Quincy University, Florida Marlins draft pick 2006, Jamestown Jammers, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Jupiter Hammerheads, Jacksonville Suns, New Orleans Zephyrs
Eric Tripp - Harris-Stowe State University
Zach Will - Fontbonne University
David Williams - Meramec C.C.
Nick Wingbermuehle - Rockhurst University
Brett Wolff - Meramec C.C.
Kurt Wunderlich - Michigan State University
Jimmy Young - Rockhurst University
Mike Young - Westminster College

Meramec Valley Falcons
Adam Arnette - St. Charles C.C.
Mike Bush - Missouri University of Science & Technology
Adam Jahnsen - Xavier University, Gateway Grizzlies
Nick Lawson - Missouri Baptist University
Zach Outman - Forest Park C.C., St. Louis University, Toronto Blue Jays draft pick 2009, Auburn Doubledays
Ben Smith - Meramec C.C.

St. Louis Redbirds
Sam Basta - Baltimore Orioles draft pick 2004, Bluefield Orioles
Mike Bucchino - St. Louis University
Mark Buckley - Rockhurst University
Matt Buschmann - Vanderbilt University, San Diego Padres draft pick 2006, Eugene Emeralds, Lake Elsinore Storm, San Antonio Missions, Portland Beavers
Patrick Devers - Fontbonne University
David Freese - Meramec C.C., University South Alabama, San Diego Padres draft pick 2006, Eugene Emeralds, Fort Wayne Wizards, Lake Elsinore Storm, Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals
Anton French - St. Louis Cardinals draft pick 1993, Arizona Cards, Peoria Chiefs, Durham Bulls, Lakeland Tigers, Dunedin Blue Jays, Knoxville Smokies, Lancaster Jethawks, Trenton Thunder, Pawtucket Red Sox, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Syracuse Sky Chiefs, North Shore Spirit, Somerset Patriots, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Sioux City Explorers
Billy Graft - William Jewell College
Kyle Grana - Allen County C.C.
Bert Green - St. Louis Cardinals draft pick 1992, Arizona Cards, Johnson City Cardinals, Savannah Cardinals
Dan Hinzpeter - Rockhurst University
Ryan Howard - Missouri State University, Philadelphia Phillies draft pick 2001, National League Rookie of the Year 2005, National League Most Valuable Player 2006, World Series Champion 2008
Wes Jaillet - St. Louis University, St. Louis Cardinals draft pick 2002, New Jersey Cardinals, River City Rascals
Dan Kantrovitz - Brown University, St. Louis Cardinals draft pick 2001, Johnson City Cardinals
Phil McCormick - University of Missouri
Nick Riganti - Bellarmine University
Ben Rister - William Jewel College
Nick Stading - Truman State University
Grant Staniszewski - Jefferson Co., University of Mobile, Chicago Cubs draft pick 2002
Ben Vesser - Forest Park C.C.
Luke Voit - Missouri State University, Kansas City Royals draft pick 2009
J.R. Warner - University of Missouri, Anaheim Angels draft pick 2000, Boisie Hawks, Cedar Rapids Kernels
Brandon Zucker - Westminster College

St. Louis Tigers
Kyle Bretsch - Clarke College
Cal Broz - Southeast Missouri State University, Meramec C.C.
Jeff Dutcher - Missouri Valley College
Nate Goeke - Meramec C.C.
Branden Griffin - Mid America Nazerine
Jordan Hammerman - Forest Park C.C.
Travis Hawkins - Greenville College
Joe Jocketty - Miami of Ohio University, Chicago Cubs draft pick 2009
Adam Kobler - Meramec C.C.
Jack Mahoney - Westminster College
Alex Mann - Southwestern Illinois C.C.
Travis May - Washington University in St. Louis
David Mueller - Webster University
Chris Peconga - Grinnell College
Adam Radick - Forest Park C.C.
Zach Redel - University of Central Missouri
Dustin Redwine - Fontbonne University
Justin Rhodes - Rockhurst University
Josh Scharff - Yale University
Rob Schmittgens - Quincy University
Adam Smith - Forest Park C.C./Fontbonne University
David Sprick - Forest Park C.C.
Logan Uxa - Arkansas State University
Louie Wallis - DePauw University
Zach Weisenfels - DePauw University
David Williams - Meramec C.C.
Will Wright - University of Mary Washington

South-West Stars
David Ballantyne - Missouri Western State University
Matt Borgschulte - Western Kentucky University
Tim Garvin - Missouri University of Science & Technology
Taylor Gibbs - Truman State University
Tyler Harrison - William Jewell College
Josh Kahn - Maryville University
Evan Kuo - Butler University, Drury University
Kevin Lenkman - John Woods C.C.
Keenan Maddux - Missouri State University
Christopher Marston - Drury University
Brian McKinnon - Maryville University
Kevin Moritz - Westminster College
Justin Moon - Fontbonne University, Webster University
Tyler Musial - Truman State University
Danny Sandbrink - Stanford University - College World Series 2008
Brad Schmidt - Rockhurst University
Jeff Scott - Jefferson College
Brendan Smith - DePauw University
Adam Starling - Maryville University
Scott Sommerfeld - University of Missouri
Matt Suda - Fontbonne University
Zach Warrick - Central Methodist University

Stallions
Cornelius Anthony - Southern University
Donald Aulbert - John Woods C.C.
David Bader - Southwest Missouri State University
Jason Barron - Forest Park C.C.
Bryan Beckmann - Southwestern Illinois College, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Brian Benson - University of Missouri
Brad Boschen - Florissant Valley C.C.
Anthony Brenson - St. Charles C.C.
Steve Clark - Lewis & Clark C.C.
Derek Dietz - Lewis & Clark C.C.
John DuHadway - Forest Park C.C., Webster University
Matt Haenchen - Florissant Valley C.C.
Chris Harden - St. Charles C.C., Lindenwood University
Kevin Jacobsmeyer - Lewis & Clark C.C.
Brad Johnson - Forest Park C.C.
Josh Johnson - Meramec C.C.
Justin Jones - Harding University
Brian Keating - Lewis & Clark C.C., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Missouri State University, Chicago White Sox draft pick 2000, River City Rascals
Mike Keeven - Meramec C.C.
Josh Malin - Forest Park C.C., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Tony Marsala - Florissant Valley C.C., River City Rascals
Sylvester McClain - Alcorn State University
Mike Miley - Quincy University
Bob Pruett - Truman State University
Alex Raetzloff - Webster University
Matt Robin - Forest Park C.C.
Robby Schmerber - Culver-Stockton College
Ryne Seddon - Lindenwood University
Brett Seitrich - St. Charles C.C.
Corey Stafford - Southwestern Illinois College
Ryan Sweet - William Woods University
Tyler Tucker - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Kevin Turmail - Forest Park C.C., Central Missouri State University, Florida Marlins draft pick 2004
Scott Turmail - Long Beach State University, Forest Park C.C., St. Louis University, Head Coach at Forest Park C.C.