Four Mountaineers ready to shine in NECBL All-Star Game

Mike Vigliarolo is one of four Mountaineers All-Stars, he's starting at first. /Crowley Photo

Originally appeared in the Times Argus

On Sunday, the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s biggest stars, scouts and fans will descend upon Mackenzie Stadium, in Holyoke, Mass. for the NECBL All-Star game. The 21st installment of the game is the second held in Holyoke and the first between the newly designed Northern and Southern Division.

Four members of the Vermont Mountaineers were selected- including three starters, the most since four in 2006. Mike Vigliarolo starts at first, Trey Amburgey starts in the outfield and Blake Tiberi was named the designated hitter. Jarred Gesell will be pitching the eighth inning for the Northern Division as well.

“It’s an honor to be selected as a starter,” Tiberi said. “I’m looking forward to playing against the best players in the league. It’s a challenge.”

Tiberi has had the hottest bat in the NECBL this summer, as he leads the league with a .392 batting average. The third basemen from Louisville has struck out just six times in 26 games, as his attacking approach at the plate has paid off. The rising sophomore didn’t play for the Cardinals, but showed no signs of rust. He’s only heated up over the last couple of weeks, posting a .452 mark in July.

“I really like this team,” Tiberi said when asked about the rest of the season. “I feel that we are going to make a strong push for the title as we head to the end of the season.”

He’s joined by 2013 returnee and fan favorite Mike Vigliarolo, who arrived late in the season after a temporary contract in Cape Cod. The first basemen seized the team-high in RBIs and is tied for fourth in the league with 18- despite playing just 18 games. He hit just .242 last summer with Vermont, but sits at .328 with two weeks remaining.

The rising senior is joined by his collegiate teammate from St. Louis, Braxton Martinez, in the Northern starting lineup. Martinez will start across the diamond from Vigliarolo once again, as the duo combined to appear in all but one game with the Billkens this spring.

“A lot of talented players are going to be playing,” Vigliarolo said. “I just want to represent my school and the Mountaineers. I’m looking forward to the competition, having a good time and hopefully showcasing my skills in front of scouts.”

Finally, Trey Amburgey appears in right field for the squad. Amburgey arrived from St. Petersburg, a small Junior College (JUCO) in Florida. The talented outfielder with a cannon arm and a presence at the plate “just wanted to prove that he could hang with them,” but he’s done more than that.

One of just two JUCO players (Mystic pitcher Jacob Hendren from Heartland CC) named to the game, Amburgey hit .447 in June and picked up a Player of the Week honor from the NECBL. As Mountaineers broadcaster Joe Hutter often mentions, Amburgey’s talent for judging a hitter and knowing where the ball is going to be hit has allowed him to make plays on balls hit near him look easy.

Amburgey leads right fielders with a 1.000 fielding percentage and has yet to make an error. He’s gunned down one runner, and stories of his arm have spread around the NECBL. This was on display against North Adams, as the SteepleCats held up a runner who was thinking about trying to go first-to-third on a single to Amburgey in right.

“It’s an honor and a blessing,” Amburgey said. “It’s not everyday that you get to play with some of the best players in the country. To make it even better, I get to enjoy it with some of my teammates. I just want to go out there and have fun.”

The lone representative from a Mountaineers pitching staff that ranks third in ERA (2.46) and is tied for first in shutouts is Jared Gesell, one of three Vermont closers. Gesell has the most saves of a trio that includes Ty Wiest and Adam Picard with five, a mark that ranks third in the league.

“It’s a great honor to be selected out of all the talented players in this league,” Gesell said. “It feels good to know that all my hard work is paying off. I have enjoyed this season so far and I feel like we have one of the best teams in the league. We have great coaches, hard-working players that want to win and the fans are awesome too.”

Vermont’s three offensive starters is the most in seven years, as the 2006 champions featured starters at every infield position except for first base- Zach Zaneski, Troy Krider, Robbie Minor and Curt Smith. The 2014 nominees don’t include a starting pitcher, snapping a two-year streak of Mountaineers starting the All-Star game (John Miles in 2013 and Alex Haines in 2012).

The Mountaineers didn’t place a player in any of the three skill competitions- the home run derby, 60-yard dash and outfield throwing arm contests that will take place before the game. However, 2013 first baseman AJ Ryan will be competing in the derby for his new team, the Danbury Westerners.

Gates open at 12 pm for batting practice at Mackenzie Stadium. The afternoon continues with the dash and throwin contests before the derby gets underway at 2 p.m. in the spacious dimensions. An awards ceremony is set for 3:15 before pregame ceremonies begin at 4:30 after team fielding.

First pitch is set for 5:05.