HARRISONBURG, Va. 鈥� 91短视频 and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community announced Monday, May 11, a strategic partnership that strengthens and expands their long-standing relationship, allowing VMRC to plan for future growth while providing 91短视频 with the resources to advance its educational mission.

As part of the agreement, VMRC will acquire Park Woods, a 13-acre oak-hickory forest it shares with 91短视频, with a commitment to continue stewarding and preserving the urban green space as an enduring asset to the community. The partnership also includes a five-year plan for VMRC鈥檚 potential expansion through its purchase of the land upon which the 91短视频 baseball field now sits, along with the construction of a new ballfield at another location on the university campus.

The partnership, which has been approved by each institution鈥檚 board of trustees, supports their long-term strategic goals by strengthening financial sustainability, expanding opportunities for intergenerational engagement, and reinforcing their shared presence as mission-driven organizations serving the public good.

Leaders of the neighboring Harrisonburg institutions describe the partnership as a 鈥渨in-win,鈥� supporting both VMRC鈥檚 capacity to serve current and future residents and 91短视频鈥檚 ability to invest in academic excellence, student access, and community engagement.

鈥淭his partnership honors our history while giving us the flexibility and capacity to plan for long-term vitality,鈥� VMRC President and CEO Jake Bell said. 鈥淚t allows us to continue providing high-quality care and community while strengthening our connection to 91短视频 and the region we both serve.鈥�

鈥淭his partnership reflects who we are and how we want to lead,鈥� 91短视频 Interim President Shannon W. Dycus said. 鈥淚t builds on decades of relationship, shared geography, and common values, while positioning both institutions to respond thoughtfully and responsibly to the future.鈥�

91短视频 and VMRC share a foundation of Anabaptist-Mennonite values and a commitment to community, service, and care for the whole person. The two institutions have long been neighbors and partners, and this agreement positions them to collaborate more intentionally on academic, cultural, and community initiatives that benefit students, residents, employees, and the greater Harrisonburg region.

Media Contact:
Ryan Cornell
Senior Writer & Communications Manager
ryan.cornell@emu.edu
(540) 432-4059

Leading a new school comes with its own set of challenges, says Ryan Henschel 鈥�15, co-principal of Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg.

For one thing, there isn鈥檛 much of a blueprint to follow. There鈥檚 no history to draw on or precedent for how things are done.

鈥淲e鈥檙e still developing the identity of the school,鈥� Henschel said. 鈥淎nd we鈥檙e creating all the processes from scratch to keep things running smoothly.鈥�

It鈥檚 a formidable task, but also one filled with excitement and possibility.

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 as many 鈥榖ad habits鈥� we need to undo before setting the tone for the school,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n that way, it鈥檚 a little easier.鈥�

Henschel, in his first year as co-principal, leads over 1,000 students and several 91短视频 alumni on staff at Rocktown, which opened in fall 2024. He previously served as its assistant principal.

Originally from New Market, Henschel said the opportunity to play collegiate baseball drew him to 91短视频. During his four seasons on the team, the starting pitcher contributed to the Royals鈥� growing success. In 2015, as a team captain, he helped lead the squad to its first ODAC Tournament appearance since 2002, when former MLB catcher Erik Kratz 鈥�02 was on the team.

Baseball helped him grow, teaching him to manage his time, strengthen his organizational skills, and develop as a leader. It may have been what brought him to campus, but the school鈥檚 close-knit community and small class sizes led him to stay.

鈥淚 got to know my professors,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s an athlete, I knew almost all the other athletes and coaches and would interact with them. That played a huge role in making me feel like I truly belong to this community.鈥�

91短视频 is a Division III school, which means it cannot offer athletic scholarships. For Henschel, receiving the President鈥檚 Scholarship, which is awarded to 91短视频 students who maintain a 3.0 GPA, made a real difference.

鈥淭hat scholarship helped reduce the financial burden both during and after my time at 91短视频,鈥� he said.

Henschel chose to major in math education because he 鈥渞eally enjoyed math.鈥� 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 hear that a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t came easier to me than other subjects, and I could help other students learn math, which gave me great joy.鈥�

After graduating from 91短视频 in 2015, Henschel taught math at Harrisonburg High School until 2023, when he was named assistant principal. When Rocktown opened the following year, he joined the new school as assistant principal. Henschel, who has a master’s degree in education from James Madison University, became Rocktown鈥檚 co-principal last fall.

His wife, Rachel Richard Henschel 鈥�15, a teacher at Spotswood Elementary School, is also an alum of 91短视频鈥檚 acclaimed teacher education program. He credits the program, and its immediate, hands-on experiences, with preparing teachers to serve and lead in the classroom.

During his first semester at 91短视频, an introduction to teaching course placed him in a local school practicum, where he could quickly translate course theory into practice.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I fell in love with teaching,鈥� he said.

Since welcoming students two years ago, Rocktown has earned awards across a wide range of categories, from its innovative architecture and cardiac arrest preparedness to its music education and athletics programs.

鈥淎s a new school,鈥� said Henschel, 鈥渨e鈥檙e currently in the exciting phase of cultivating a culture of excellence and seeing our students reach their full potential.鈥�

Your support helps students pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. On April 1, let鈥檚 show that our generosity knows no bounds鈥or the record!

It could be argued that Kratz is the most successful athlete to come out of 91短视频. A four-year member of the Diamond Royals, Kratz was an NCAA Second Team All-American in 2002 and a First Team All-South Region honoree in 2001 and 2002. Those two seasons also saw Kratz named the ODAC Player of the Year and All-ODAC First Team. He was named All-ODAC Second Team during the 2000 season.

He holds the ODAC and 91短视频 career record in doubles (77), hits (220), and putouts (1019), and the 91短视频 record in runs scored (147), home runs (33), RBIs (159), batting average (.415), slugging percentage (.762), total bases (404), and games played (155). Kratz had his jersey retired after his final game in 2002, and was inducted into the 91短视频 Hall of Honor in 2012. 听

He was drafted in the 2002 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, and made his MLB debut in 2010 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his 11-year MLB career, he played for the Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2019, he was selected for Team USA in the 2019 WBSC Premier12, in which he was named the best catcher of the tournament.

Kratz is now the head varsity baseball coach at Dock Mennonite Academy, where he graduated from in 1998. He is also a co-host of the YouTube podcast Foul Territory.听

Kratz, along with 91短视频’s three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men’s basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听听

Seventeen days after retiring from a 34-year career at 91短视频, Bonnie Bowser was out and about at the local ballpark on Thursday evening, catching up with campus coworkers, sporting her 91短视频 ALUMNI cap, and excited to cheer on the home-team Harrisonburg Turks baseball squad. 

Bowser, former circulation & office manager for the Sadie Hartzler Library, and her husband, Henry, were among more than 70 91短视频 supporters who turned out at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg for the third annual 91短视频 Night with the Turks baseball game. For her, the main draw was seeing familiar faces from the 91短视频 community, more than the game itself.

鈥淭hese people are my family,鈥� she said, pointing to the others around her, decked out in 91短视频 colors. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been family for 34 years.鈥� 

91短视频 Night with the Turks is a popular event for fans of America鈥檚 pastime and 91短视频 Royals of all ages to enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark, cheer on the home team, and show their Royal pride. Those who wore 91短视频 apparel were granted free admission for the game. The first 50 fans who bought popcorn from the concession stand received it in a collectible 91短视频 bucket. 

The Turks are part of the 12-team Valley Baseball League, a collegiate summer baseball league that features players from across the country. Thursday鈥檚 game featured a matchup between two South Division powerhouses: the first-place Turks and second-place Staunton Braves. The Turks got off to a quick start, scoring four runs in the first inning and three more over the next three frames. The Braves came roaring back with four runs but fell short, as the Turks won 7-4.

An 91短视频 alumnus who regularly attends Turks games, Brian Enedy 鈥�02, who earned a degree in recreation leadership and sports studies, appreciated the plentiful scoring and said Harrisonburg had a good shot at securing the top seed in the upcoming playoffs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fun to come out and watch the players from different schools,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou never know, some of them might make it to the major leagues someday, and you can say, 鈥業 saw them play here.鈥欌��

Channeling her inner softball slinger, 91短视频鈥檚 new interim president Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus threw out the ceremonial first pitch, uncorking an arcing toss described by the announcer as an 鈥渦nderhand curve.鈥� The pitch ambled across the plate right on target. 

Throughout the game, 91短视频鈥檚 mascot, Herm, and the Turks mascot, Gill, greeted fans and friends in the stands, competed in a footrace鈥擥ill eked out the win by a beak鈥檚 length鈥攁nd spread positivity and good sportsmanship.

Staff members from 91短视频鈥檚 marketing and communications department threw hats and fired shirts into the crowd, using a T-shirt cannon designed by 91短视频 engineering grad Adam Stoltzfus 鈥�25 with help from engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and funded by 2019 alumni Ben and Kayla Zook.听

91短视频 Night with the Turks also offered a chance for future Royals to meet Herm and others within the campus community. Friends and Buffalo Gap High School grads Karina Bondaruk and Leah Palmieri, who will be attending 91短视频 as first-year students this fall, saw posts on the university鈥檚 official Instagram page鈥攇ive it a follow 鈥攑romoting the event and felt it would be a good way to connect with the community. 鈥淲e just wanted to soak in the 91短视频 atmosphere,鈥� Palmieri said.

Melvin Felix, coach of the Royals men鈥檚 basketball team, and his wife brought their three young sons out to the ballpark for the game. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e only been to little league tee-ball games,鈥� he said, 鈥渟o this is their first big league experience.鈥�

鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with the Turks again this year for collegiate summer baseball at its finest. It鈥檚 an opportunity for 91短视频 fans and their friends and families to enjoy an evening at the ballpark, cheer on the home team, and show their Royal pride,鈥� said Jen Kulju, director of marketing and communications at 91短视频.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to welcome our friends from 91短视频 back for a fun night of baseball,鈥� said Gerald Harman, team president of the Turks. 鈥淲e look forward to a great and rewarding time for the Turks and Royals.鈥�

All who wear their 91短视频 gear will get in for free. The first 50 fans to buy popcorn will receive it in a collectible 91短视频 bucket. 91短视频鈥檚 mascot, Herm, and the Turks mascot, Gill, will greet guests and take selfies throughout the game. 91短视频 swag will be up for grabs between innings.

Founded in 1917,听91短视频听is an educational institution of Mennonite Church USA, serving students of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. 91短视频 confers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees in the liberal arts, applied sciences, and professions.

Established in 1915, the  collegiate summer baseball team plays 40+ regular-season games from May through July in the 12-team Valley Baseball League; league playoffs follow the regular season. Many Turks have gone on to play in the MLB and coach collegiate and professional baseball.

As head men鈥檚 cross-country coach, Landes oversaw teams that won four National Christian Colleges Athletic Association (NCCAA) championships and two ODAC championships, including the inaugural ODAC championship in 1976. Another coaching highlight came when Landes stepped in as head men鈥檚 basketball coach for the 1972-1973 season: 鈥淚t was the first year Lou Campanelli was at James Madison. They had scholarship players, and we hadn鈥檛 recruited at all. We beat them 72-71.鈥�

Landes finished his 16-year 91短视频 coaching career in 1983 with a 223-141 record. He also served as assistant professor of physical education from 1968-1982 and as supervisor of auxiliary services from 1984 until his retirement in 1998. He has fond memories of his time working with students in the classroom and on the playing fields. 鈥淭he kids were just a joy to teach and to coach, and they didn鈥檛 hold anything back. They always gave 100 percent, and I really appreciated that and 91短视频鈥檚 spiritual emphasis that I thought was important for the whole person.

Give to 91短视频’s new track & field complex in honor of Landes here:

The special night featured a matchup between the 2023 champion Harrisonburg Turks and the Covington Lumberjacks. Those who wore 91短视频 gear were admitted for free.

Leading by a 5-1 score, the Lumberjacks gave up one run in the seventh inning and two runs in the eighth to bring the Turks within reach. The home team’s rally fell short, though, as the Lumberjacks prevailed 5-4.

The night featured giveaways of 91短视频 gear and a meet-and-greet with Turks players, Turks mascot Gill and 91短视频 mascot Herm. This is the second year 91短视频 and the Turks have partnered for the event.

A total of 341 people attended Friday’s game, including 131 91短视频 fans and their friends and families.

91短视频 President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The pitch was right on target and bounced off home plate into the catcher’s glove!

The Turks provide college players an opportunity to enhance their baseball and life skills, said Gerald Harman, team president. “Teaming up with 91短视频 allows us to further our success through extended outreach while promoting education within the region,” he added.

At a table near the entrance, 91短视频 marketing and communications staff Kate Szambecki and Aric Berg handed out 91短视频-branded baseballs, Royals apparel and stickers, and information brochures to guests.

Thanks to everyone who showed up to the event. Hope to see you next season!

鈥淭he Turks provide college players an opportunity to enhance their baseball and life skills, and community collaborations help us to accomplish these goals. Teaming up with 91短视频 allows us to further our success through extended outreach while promoting education within the region,鈥� added Gerald Harman, team president of the Turks.

All who wear their 91短视频 gear will get in for free; the first 50 fans to arrive will get a free 91短视频 baseball. All are invited to take part in a pre-game meet and greet where Turks players will mingle with fans and sign autographs from 6:30-7:10 p.m. 91短视频鈥檚 mascot, Herm, and the Turks mascot, Gill, will greet guests and take selfies throughout the game. 91短视频 swag will be up for grabs between innings.

Founded in 1917, 91短视频 is an educational institution of Mennonite Church USA, serving students of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. 91短视频 confers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees in the liberal arts, applied sciences, and professions.

Established in 1915, the  collegiate summer baseball team plays 40+ regular-season games from May through July in the 12-team Valley Baseball League; league playoffs follow the regular season. Many Turks have gone on to play in the MLB and coach collegiate and professional baseball.

But 91短视频鈥檚 growing success, including a recent upset of Bridgewater鈥檚 highly touted team, suggests that Spotts鈥� recruiting philosophy鈥攁nd his mission for the Royals program –is helping the Royals compete at a higher level.

Of the 42 players on the Royals roster, 12 are from the Shenandoah Valley.

The wealth of local talent has deep roots: a love of baseball has often been passed down through the generations of Valley families. And there鈥檚 the rich local history of the game: The , which dates to 1897, and the , dating to 1925, have offered both playing and spectating opportunities for decades (until becoming a collegiate league in 1961, the Valley League was open to any player).

Valley baseball players

鈥淭here鈥檚 not much else to do in the Valley but play ball,鈥� jokes Martin Clark, a sophomore pitcher who graduated from Broadway High School.

Others from Rockingham County (and listed by their respective high schools) are freshman pitcher Logan Phelps, Spotswood, and sophomore catcher Ryan Hedrick, Turner Ashby.

From the northern Valley region come senior pitcher Ryan Henschel, Stonewall Jackson; freshman outfielder Julian Bussells and junior pitcher Ryan Tierney, Warren County; and sophomore catcher Aaron Cook, Luray.

The southern Valley is represented by freshman pitcher Tristan Childress, Waynesboro, and senior outfielder and pitcher Kyle Armstrong, Riverheads.

This group of mostly underclass local talent symbolizes Spotts鈥� recruiting strategy鈥攁nd it鈥檚 one factor contributing to a significant turn-around in the program’s history.

When Spotts first started in 2013, the games were sparsely attended. Now on game days, cars line College Avenue, the small hillside behind the home dugouts is crowded with fans and their lawn chairs and blankets (and usually a few dogs, too), and the concession trailer does good business.

More and more wins

In 2011 and 2012, 91短视频 managed only 11 wins. Most ODAC schools would look at their schedules before the season started and etch a 鈥淲鈥� next to 91短视频鈥檚 name. In 2013, after Spotts arrived, 91短视频 jumped to 15 wins. Last year, the Royals finished the season with a 20-19 record, notching their first winning record since 2002 (that year, the team was led by , currently a catcher for the Kansas City Royals). It was also just the third 20-win season in program history.

According to Spotts, who came to 91短视频 after spending 14 seasons at Bridgewater College, the ODAC has improved in competition, commitment level and facilities in the past five to seven years. He speculated that the ODAC could be one of the top three Division III conferences in the country. In a , two teams in the 14-team conference, including Randolph-Macon at seventh, are ranked in top 20 (Bridgewater was ranked 19th until dropping out during the March 24 polling).

Ryan McAlister听’14 saw the struggling program turn around under Spotts鈥� guidance. He arrived at 91短视频 in 2011 from nearby Turner Ashby High School and one of the state鈥檚 most consistently competitive baseball programs (TA teams have earned six AA state titles and several graduates have gone on to professional careers in Major League Baseball).

鈥淕oing from a very competitive school in high school, to my first year here 鈥� winning 11 games and losing 28 鈥� it was a lot different than being on a winning program,鈥� said McAlister, who currently coaches the junior varsity team at his alma mater.

Planned, disciplined practices

Then Spotts took over. McAlister, along with the other players, took a liking to their new coach. Practices felt productive, and team chemistry began to feel cohesive.

Under Spotts鈥� coaching, McAlister earned All-State and All-ODAC honors. In his final season, McAlister batted .365 and held a .447 on-base percentage. He tied for the team-high in runs scored with 35, and led the team in stolen bases with 13.

Spotts is 鈥渢horough and disciplined, and he鈥檚 got a plan,鈥� says Dave McAlister, who hardly missed one of his son鈥檚 home games. 鈥淗e鈥檚 organized. He鈥檚 a good fit for 91短视频, and 91短视频鈥檚 a good fit for him.鈥�

Of his son鈥檚 progress on and off the field, McAlister says 91短视频 was an excellent choice: 鈥淎t 91短视频, Ryan picked up what we might call maturity things.鈥�

Tristan Childress, a freshman pitcher, has entered the legacy that McAlister left behind. He was also recruited by Bridgewater, but Spotts proved to be a deciding factor, Childress said, adding that he found the energy Spotts brings to the field 鈥渃onvincing.鈥� Perhaps more importantly, Childress said the senior leadership were just as positive about the program and the upcoming season.

Recruiting coachable, motivated students

When recruiting players, Spotts says he looks for coachable and motivated student-athletes 鈥渨ho want to be a part of the campus community and are committed to being a part of the academic and athletic community at 91短视频.鈥�

鈥淭hese players are committed to making our baseball program on of the top in the ODAC,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd they understand the hard work and year round commitment that is involved in competing in a college baseball program.听 I continually talk about our team and each player leaving their mark on our program in a positive way.鈥�

In the previous two seasons, seven players have earned s and one player, Jonathan Estrada, was named to the .

As for future recruits, Spotts says he鈥檚 always on the lookout for local talent. A common misconception among prospective students, he says, is that 91短视频 is only open to those of the Mennonite faith.

Like the game of baseball, 91短视频 is 鈥渙pen to all faiths,鈥� he says. 鈥淐ome visit. You may not come here if you do visit, but you鈥檒l think hard about it.鈥�

On July 28, Erik Kratz was scratched from the lineup of the Buffalo Bisons AAA minor-league baseball team. The Toronto Blue Jays had just traded the Souderton (Pa.) Mennonite Church member to the Kansas City Royals.

Three months later, Kratz is in the World Series.

鈥淚 wish I could put it into words,鈥� he said by phone Oct. 17 while feeding his son oatmeal on a day off.

Read the full article at …

But there were plenty of rocky moments. Like 2004, when he was put on the 鈥減hantom鈥� disabled list for a season 鈥� meaning he was listed as injured even though he was healthy, only to clear roster space. Or the time he was demoted on his birthday. Or the spring training where he and his wife couldn鈥檛 pay next month鈥檚 rent.

Did he ever think about quitting? 鈥淗ow many times?鈥� he said wryly, while driving to the Phillies鈥� stadium recently. 鈥淚 think I鈥檇 be an idiot to not have thought about quitting.鈥�

All that makes his first big splash in the majors this year 鈥� already made remarkable by his age, 32, and his background as a graduate of Division III 91短视频 鈥� seem like a fairy tale.

Sure, he鈥檚 been called up to the big leagues before 鈥� for two weeks in 2010 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and again in 2011 for the Philadelphia Phillies. But he鈥檚 never stuck like this. With Philadelphia鈥檚 All-Star catcher Carlos Ruiz put on the disabled list in July, Kratz has played almost every day and produced at an All-Star level. He has seven home runs in 79 at-bats 鈥� that鈥檚 a homer every 11.3 ABs 鈥� he鈥檚 hitting .291 and he鈥檚 slugging .646. Of his 23 hits, 14 have been for extra bases.

He鈥檚 also thrown out 10 of 21 base stealers 鈥� a 47.6-percent clip, far exceeding Ruiz鈥檚 37.2 percent before he got hurt. He鈥檚 allowed just one passed ball and has made only one error.

Now, with fellow reserve catcher Brian Schneider joining Ruiz on the DL Friday, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Kratz is, for the first time in his life, an everyday major-league starter.

But after enduring the lifestyle most only know from the Crash Davis character in the movie 鈥淏ull Durham鈥� for 10 years, Kratz still doesn鈥檛 believe he鈥檚 made it. He can鈥檛 afford to think that way. No matter how many home runs he hits today, he might get sent down tomorrow.

鈥淚f you don鈥檛 think that鈥檚 possible, then that鈥檚 when it鈥檚 going to blindside you,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can always get sent down, you can always get released, and you can not find another team. That鈥檚 something that鈥檚 always very real, it鈥檚 always in front of me that it could always happen.鈥�

He knows rejection all too well to forget it.

Kratz鈥檚 debut in varsity high school baseball was something of an omen.

As a junior 鈥� the first year he made the varsity squad at 鈥� he wasn鈥檛 supposed to be an everyday player. But one day, the team鈥檚 starting catcher was caught smoking a cigarette during school, resulting in a brief suspension. Kratz started in his place, hit an opposite-field homer in his first at-bat, and became a mainstay at catcher.

An injury opens up playing time, and Kratz fills in admirably鈥ound familiar?

Still, Kratz never became a hot-shot college prospect. He ended up at 91短视频 because coach Rob Roeschley said he鈥檇 play every day there, and there weren鈥檛 many other schools interested.

鈥淚 matured late,鈥� Kratz said.

When he did mature, he became the best player to ever play at 91短视频. His senior season (2002), he set single-season school records in nearly every major offensive category: batting average (.507), slugging (.993), on-base (.585), home runs (14), hits (72), RBIs (59) and runs scored (48, tied with Jimmy Pollard).

He is the only 91短视频 athlete to be named the Player of the Year in baseball 鈥� he won it in 2001 and 鈥�02 鈥� and he led the Royals to two of the best seasons in their 44-year history: 23-16-1 in 鈥�01, 29-13 in 鈥�02. (The .690 winning percentage in 鈥�02 is the school鈥檚 all-time best.)
鈥淲hen I had him at 91短视频, I remember saying to assistant coaches, 鈥業f this guy can鈥檛 make it, what kind of talent level does it take to actually make it?鈥欌�� Roeschley said.

After marrying his college sweetheart, Sarah 鈥� a graduate of and 91短视频 鈥� in his senior year, he was selected in the 29th round of the MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, and a long, tumultuous pro career began.

As you might imagine for a minor-league journeyman, Kratz has plenty of colorful anecdotes. The first, when he received his first professional assignment, reveals just how little Kratz knew about what was about to transpire.

The Rookie League team he was assigned to was listed as 鈥淢edicine Hat, AL鈥�. That didn鈥檛 make Kratz or his wife very happy 鈥� he had no interest in going to Alabama.

鈥淢y wife said, 鈥楢labama? How are we going to get down to Alabama?鈥欌�� Kratz recalled.

It turned out he wasn鈥檛 going there at all; AL actually stood for Alberta, Canada.

But even when Kratz 鈥� who also played for the and the during his college offseasons 鈥� didn鈥檛 know minor-league logistics, he could always hit. His first season with Medicine Hat, he hit .275 with four home runs in 44 games. By age 24, he had already been promoted to double-A New Hampshire.

鈥淭wenty-four in double-A, that鈥檚 not bad,鈥� Kratz said.

鈥淏ut,鈥� he added with a laugh, 鈥渢hen it was five years later, and I was 28, still bouncing back and forth in double-A.鈥�

He finally made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 30, but hit just .118 over nine games and was sent back down. At that point, Kratz, who had just turned 30, had already spent plenty of time wondering if he鈥檇 ever really stick in the majors.

鈥淚 always felt like I was good enough to move on to the next level 鈥� whatever that level would be,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I see a lot of people that think they鈥檙e better than the next person, and it鈥檚 easy to see that on the outside and be like, 鈥楬ey, you鈥檙e not really better than that person.鈥� You think to yourself, 鈥楥ould that be? Am I blind to what my real ability is?鈥欌��

Now, it certainly doesn鈥檛 appear that way.

Kratz鈥檚 teammates are beginning to notice the big, red-haired catcher from 91短视频.

After Roy Halladay pitched to Kratz for the first time Aug. 5, he said to the media of Kratz, 鈥淗e鈥檚 very intelligent. He does a great job of calling a game.鈥�

After Kratz hit his most recent home run Aug. 20 against the Reds, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was asked whether Kratz has become a 鈥渂uilding block鈥� for the organization.

鈥淜ratzy鈥檚 doing a tremendous job,鈥� Manuel responded. 鈥淜ratzy鈥檚 showing that not only can he handle big-league pitching, but he can catch and he can throw. And that鈥檚 good 鈥� that鈥檚 tremendous.鈥�

With his big-league success and the praise, Kratz 鈥� who spends his offseasons with his wife and two children in Harrisonburg, and eventually with a third child who鈥檚 due in a month 鈥� still doesn鈥檛 feel comfortable saying that he鈥檒l be with a big-league club next season. He said the Phillies鈥� management hasn鈥檛 given him any indication that it will keep him. And with Ruiz and Schneider expected to come off the DL in September, Philadelphia 鈥� hardly a contender at 61-67 鈥� will eventually have one catcher too many.

But whether Kratz is released, or whether this is the start of a multi-year major-league career, he鈥檒l be prepared.

鈥淭he one thing that I don鈥檛 have that I can鈥檛 go out and get in a hot second is years and years of experience in the big leagues,鈥� he said. 鈥溾� don鈥檛 ever feel like I鈥檝e done enough.鈥�

Courtesy Daily News Record, August 27, 2012

Banglesdorf was named one of the three First Team outfielders, as he led or co-led Eastern Mennonite in eight offensive categories, including a .395 batting average, .618 slugging percentage and 35 runs scored.听 The senior was second on the team with 27 RBIs.听 Banglesdorf’s stats also held up in comparison to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, as at the end of the regular season he was second in the ODAC with 18 doubles, third with 97 total bases and fourth with his slugging percentage.

Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season at third base and was the only freshman position player on the first or second All-Region Teams.听 He batted .374 with team highs of 41 RBIs and four homeruns, while adding 28 runs.听 At times during the season, Rodriguez was among national leaders in RBIs and he finished third in the ODAC in the category.听 He was also tenth in the ODAC with a .561 slugging percentage.

The Royals broke their program record with 447 hits as a team and topped the ODAC with a .335 batting average.听 They finished with a record of 11-27 and 4-14 in league play.

Including Banglesdorf and Rodriguez, only eight ODAC players were voted onto the region’s top three teams.

Justin and Chris Rodriguez get it all the time: 鈥淎re you guy鈥檚 brothers?鈥�

Naturally, two Miami kids with the same last name and the same Cuban heritage who played at the same high school and are now on the same college baseball team more than 1,000 miles away from home must be related.

Nope.

But they do have this in common: The two freshmen are hammering baseballs for 91短视频 this season.

鈥淢y assistant and I were talking the other week,鈥� coach Jason Stuhlmiller said, 鈥渁nd we said, 鈥榃e wish we had eight other Rodr铆guezes鈥�. Just a team of Rodr铆guezes鈥�.鈥�

Justin, a 6-foot-1 third baseman with an angular jaw and sienna brown hair formed into a faux-hawk, leads the Royals (10-19) with a .412 batting average, four home runs and 38 RBIs through 29 games as 91短视频 heads into the final two weeks of the regular season. Chris, a 5-foot-7 outfielder with a rounder face and short, black hair, is hitting .393 with less power but plenty of pop. Justin bats right; Chris bats lefty. Justin hits third in the order, Chris leads off. Justin wears No. 25; Chris dons No. 6.

But again, for every difference, there鈥檚 a similarity.

They鈥檒l work anybody under the table,鈥� Stuhlmiller said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e the hardest working kids in the weight room, on the field, off the field. That鈥檚 the kind of kid that we鈥檙e after in recruiting.鈥�

Stuhlmiller, in his first season as 91短视频鈥檚 head coach, has a connection with a recruiting agency in Miami, which is how he learned of the Rodr铆guezes鈥�, who both attended powerhouse Pace High School in Miramar, Fla.

Under coach Tom Duffin, 78 of 82 seniors to come through Pace have played collegiately or professionally. The team has been ranked No. 1 in the nation, and has featured players such as Washington Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez and first baseman Chris Marrerro, the Nats鈥� first round selection in 2006.

Certainly there were scouts watching the Rodr铆guezes鈥� play at Pace, but somehow, 鈥渂oth were flying under the radar as far as recruiting,鈥� Duffin said.

Neither received an offer to play at a Division I school. Justin said he probably could have walked on at Division II Barry University or St. Thomas University of the NAIA, 鈥渂ut here was a school that actually wanted me,鈥� he said of Division III 91短视频. 鈥淎nd I really wanted to go somewhere that really wanted me and where I would play.鈥�

They didn鈥檛 make the decision jointly, but the mutual interest helped both Justin and Chris choose to leave glitzy Miami for the tranquil Shenandoah Valley.

Duffin says it鈥檚 usually difficult for Miami kids to leave home. For one, Latin families are typically very tight-knit, and family-oriented.

鈥淢ommy spoils them,鈥� Duffin said, admitting that he鈥檚 generalizing. 鈥淢ommy wants them to stay home. 鈥oing to the Virginia area 鈥� it鈥檚 tough. It鈥檚 a culture shock. 鈥ot every kid can adjust to that.鈥�

Justin and Chris took the chance and traded their swimsuits for hiking boots. Each said he鈥檚 happy now, and for a similar reason.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot different from Miami,鈥� said Chris, a biology major and aspiring dentist. 鈥淨uiet and stuff. 鈥t first, it was hard to get used to it, but it鈥檚 good, especially for school. Because it鈥檚 calmer than Miami. Not as much going on.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 very different from Miami,鈥� Justin echoed. 鈥淚 get to concentrate more on my studies. It鈥檚 a friendly atmosphere; I guess you could say, I like it here.鈥�

Of course, it isn鈥檛 as hard to enjoy yourself when you鈥檙e rapping the ball like the Rodr铆guezes鈥�. Prior to a 6-5 loss at Washington & Lee on Wednesday, Chris had gone 16-for-26 (.615) in the previous five games, picking up multiple hits in each.

Justin, meanwhile has had multiple hits in each of his last seven games, going 16pfor-33 (.485) including all four of his home runs as well as 12 RBIs.

鈥淛ust practicing and sticking with my swing,鈥� Justin said is the reason behind his hot streak. 鈥淚 think my mental aspect is most of it. I feel confident up there.鈥�

The two players show up one and half hours before games to hone their swings by thumping balls off batting tees, according to Stuhlmiller. They, along with sophomore catcher Jonathan Estrada (from Doral, Fla.) and freshman outfielder Bryan Melendez (Lansdale, Pa.), form what the Royals call 鈥淭he Hispanic Connection.鈥�

Stuhlmiller, who also has a connection with Doral Academy, hopes to keep tapping the Miami area for overlooked talent.

鈥淭he game experience that they have 鈥� you can definitely tell in the way they play ball,鈥� he said. 鈥淧olished is probably the word, but it鈥檚 also that they know the game of baseball. 鈥hey just know how to play the game correctly.鈥�

The Royals committed three errors in the top of the second and fell behind their visitors 8-2.听 Despite the early deficit, the men kept attacking and chiseled the lead down to 8-6 after three.

SVU scored a pair of unearned runs in the fourth, and added a two-run homer in the sixth, but the Royals again responded with a six-run deficit.

(Mechanicsville, VA/Lee-Davis) led off the bottom of the sixth with a single and the rest of the team followed suit.听 After a walk, hit batter, and seven hits, Eastern Mennonite grabbed momentum with eight runs, jumping ahead 14-12.听 (Miami, FL/Doral Academy) ripped a two-run triple in the inning, and (Miami, FL/Pace) also had a two-run three bagger which gave the Royals the lead.

Southern Virginia scored once in the seventh to get within 14-13.听 The men responded by scoring three more times, and reliever (Louisa, VA/Louisa County) got a one-two-three inning in the eighth and a rally-killing double play in the ninth to save the win.

The Royals banged out 18 hits combined with seven walks to snap their seven-game losing streak.听 Chris Rodriguez went 4-5 with a walk out of the leadoff spot.听 He scored three times and added three RBIs while finishing a homerun short of the cycle.听 (Stafford, VA/Mountain View) was 3-5 with a walk and was one of six men to score two or more times.听 (Sterling, VA/Park View) was 2-4 with a walk, driving in a game high four runs while scoring twice.

(Miramar, FL/Pace) finished 2-4 with two walks and Estrada was 2-3 with two RBIs.听 Both players scored two runs, as did (Waynesboro, VA/Fort Defiance).

(Williamsburg, VA/Lafayette) started for 91短视频 and took a no decision after getting chased in the second.听 (Chesterfield, VA/Manchester), the men’s fourth pitcher, allowed two runs over 2.0 innings and earned the win to improve to 2-1.听 Harlow struck out four and allowed one run for a three-inning save.

The Royals will look to improve their 1-6 ODAC record when they host Hampden-Sydney on Saturday.听 The doubleheader starts at noon.

NC Wesleyan 5, 91短视频 2
In game one, the Royals jumped on the board in their first at-bat of the year.听 Freshman (Lansdale, PA/Christopher Dock) led off with a double to right.听 He took third when (Sterling, PA/Park View) reach on a two-out error.听 Smith was subsequently picked off first base, but he stayed in the pickle long enough for Melendez to touch home.

The Battling Bishops took the lead in the bottom of the second with a pair of runs.听 But 91短视频 came right back in the third.

(Miami, FL/Pace) led off with a walk and scored when Melendez smacked his second double.听 (Crozet, VA/Western Albemarle) sacrificed Melendez to third, but a pair of infield outs ended the frame with the score tied at 2-2.

North Carolina Wesleyan strung together three hits in the fifth to plate three runs and go back on top.听 The men then got two runners on in the sixth, but a pair of fly balls ended the threat.

Melendez walked to lead off the Royal’s final chance in the seventh, but a double play emptied the bases and cut down the rally.

(Louisa, VA/Louisa County) took the opening day start and took the loss.听 He gave up only six hits, but allowed five runs (four earned) while striking out four.听 Freshman (Shippensburg, PA/Shippensburg) struck out two in his one inning.

Melendez had a successful debut, reaching base in all four of his trips to the plate and factoring in both of 91短视频’s runs.听 He finished with two doubles and two walks, scoring one run and driving in the other.听 Smith and (Selinsgrove, PA/Selinsgrove) had the other two of the men’s four hits.

91短视频 9, NC Wesleyan 1
The Royals were in control in the nine-inning nightcap.听 (Miramar, FL/Pace) laced a two-run, two-out single in the men’s first at-bat, then brought in the first run of a three-run rally in the third by getting hit with a pitch.

The Battling Bishops scored their lone run on a two-out single in the fifth, but 91短视频 put up back-to-back two-spots in the 6^th and 7^th.听 Melendez shot a two-run long ball to right to provide the final runs on the team’s first homerun of the year.

Eastern Mennonite had 10 hits in the second game, and junior transfer (Varina, VA/Varina) scattered five hits over seven innings in his 91短视频 debut.听 He struck out six.听 (New Market, VA/Stonewall Jackson) provided two inning of scoreless relief.

Melendez finished 2-5 with three runs and a pair of RBIs from his homer.听 Smith had three hits including one double.

Justin Rodriguez finished with a pair of hits and four RBIs.听 Sophomore (Miami, FL/Doral Academy) scored three runs.

The Royals, now 1-1, return to Harrisonburg for their home opener on Wednesday.听 Mary Washington will come in for a single game at 3:00pm.