January 26, 2012

The North Central Missouri College Pirates baseball team held its annual Winter Warm Up dinner last weekend in Trenton.  This is an annual event designed to reunite and honor NCMC baseball alumni and friends.  A nice crowd was present to listen to a keynote address by Mike Arbuckle, Senior Advisor to the General Manager for the Kansas City Royals.  Head Baseball Coach Donnie Hillerman remarked, “As usual it was a treat to hear Mike speak.  He offers a great message and I think many of our young men took something from his speech.  He focuses on the players, telling them about commitment and what it takes to reach their full potential by using anecdotes from his experiences in major league baseball.”

Pirates pitcher Austin Warren was recognized for his signing commitment to play baseball at Northwest Missouri State University next year.  “Austin had a great year for us last year.  He was our ace as a freshman and will fill the same role for us this spring season,” said Hillerman.  Also, a recruit for next year’s team, Mackenzie Roach, attended the dinner.  A catcher, he is a senior at Mt. Vernon High School.  Coach Hillerman and his staff remarked that they are very excited about his potential.  “Along with Mac we will be announcing other signees in the near future.  We have verbal commitments from two others at this time.”

The Pirates are scheduled to begin their spring season in Fort Scott, Kansas on February 18 with their first home game set for Tuesday, February 28.

Student/athlete Austin Warren and Head Coach Donnie Hillerman; Recruit Mackenzie Roach