Giants announce the signing of 6 returning players

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are proud to announce the first group of signees for the 2010 season. Anchoring the team for the Giants are returning standouts Robbie Rea, Cory Deedrick, Tobi Cowdin, Andrew Melanson, Blake Stroth and Dale Ricketts.

With many changes in store for the team this year the returning players are more excited than ever to play in the capital city. “It shows that the team is not content just being the same program, “ said Pitcher Robbie Rea. “You want the right atmosphere and people but most of all winning.”

While collegiate summer baseball provides an entertainment option for fans it’s also a stepping-stone for each players career in baseball.

“Playing summer ball with the Golden Giants gives the player an insight into how an organization similar to a professional team runs,” said Catcher Dale Ricketts. “The lifestyle of playing everyday and the over all environment of working under coaches like the Golden Giants have.”

The Golden Giants are excited to have each one of these young men back in the fold for 2010. We will be announcing more signees in the coming weeks in preparation for an exciting summer of baseball.

Robbie Rea - Seaman/Cowley CC (RHP)

Topeka native and Seamen High School standout Robbie Rea will look to boost the Giants as a threat on the mound. The two-sport athlete, who excelled in football and baseball, went 3-0 pitching this past season and was 5A player of the year and was named first team All-State in 2008. Rea took the field with the Golden Giants last summer and is excited to be playing for the team again. “It’s helped me see the talent that is out across the country and opened my eyes to see how much work its going to take for me to be successful,” says Rea. He will suit up for Cowley Community College as a freshman this spring before joining the Giants again in June.

Cory Deedrick - University Of Central Missouri (IF)

Former Seaman High School standout Cory Deedrick looks to bring the Golden Giants success in the infield. Last spring at the University of Central Missouri, Deedrick started 25 of 31 games played in and averaged .333 at bat. The 5-foot-8 infielder added 18 runs and 11 RBI on 27 hits. Equally as strong in the field he finished the season with a .974 fielding percentage. Cory is back this summer to provide depth in the infield for the Golden Giants once again.

Tobi Cowdin - Southeastern Community College (RHP)

Southeastern Community College Right Handed Pitcher Tobi Cowdin aims to bring power to the Golden Giants pitching staff. Cowdin, who starred for both Topeka West and Silver Lake during his high school career, is a power hitter with a drive to succeed. The 6-foot-2 freshmen that once struck out 17 while pitching with a broken foot, now he's fully healed and ready to show what he's got on the mound.

Andrew Melanson - University Of Central Missouri (U)

Andrew Melanson, a 6-foot-2 infielder from Blue Springs, MO, comes back to the Golden Giants for his second season this summer. The first baseman ended his sophomore season with the University of Central Missouri with a .048 batting average in 14 games and 21 at bats. He had 1 hit, 4 walks and was hit by a pitch twice scoring 3 runs and 3 RBI. Defensively Melanson shined with 48 put outs, 3 Assists, and only 1 Error finishing the season with a .981 fielding percentage.

Dale Ricketts - Kansas City Kansas Community College (C)

Back for his second summer on the team is Dale Ricketts, a 6-foot-4 catcher from Lara, Australia. Ricketts took a few years off before following his brother to the states to play for Kansas City Community College. In his freshman season Dale played in 8 games for KCCC gathering 6 hits in his 17 at bats. Ricketts drove in 6 runs and ended the season with a stellar .353 batting average. While Ricketts can provide leadership behind the plate he most looks forward to the atmosphere and learning experience playing summer baseball provides. “Being able to play at Lake Shawnees facilities is a thrill in its self,” Ricketts said, “and having the fans being behind you brings the atmosphere as you would experience at any ball stadium.”

Blake Stroth - University of North Alabama (IF)

Providing needed depth for the Golden Giants this season is infielder Blake Stroth. A Topeka native, Stroth played last season for Kansas City Community College at the shortstop position. In 43 games he hammered 44 hits, 9 doubles and 33 RBI with a collective .328 batting average. Always strong defensively, Stroth will strive to improve his game at the plate this season. “I can help the Golden Giants out with my defense, and smart at bats at the plate; not so many strikeouts and working the count,” Blake said. Stroth is slated to suit up for North Alabama this spring and will make his return to Topeka this summer to play for his hometown team.