Cincinnati Steam

Steam Rises for Second Year
College Athletes Return After Successful Inaugural Season

By: Chris Heaton
May 31 – Western Hills - As the dust begins to settle from the high school baseball season, college baseball will spring back into action in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Steam, a wooden-bat baseball team, will begin play at Western Hills High School against Licking County on Friday, June 8^th. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

After a successful inaugural season, the team will welcome back 13 players to showcase their talents for Major League scouts in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. The 28-man roster consists of college athletes who will play 40 games over this summer. Most players and coaches have local connections to Greater Cincinnati area with most players graduating from area high schools or attending local colleges.

“The team has a real connection with the community,” said Bill O’Conner, co-owner of the team. “It’s a great opportunity for these guys to play in such a high caliber league and come home to their family and friends. It’s what makes this team special.”

The league, founded in 1987, is sponsored by Major League Baseball and sanctioned by the NCAA. Its primary goal is to allow college athletes to play with wooden bats in a competitive atmosphere. Most players move on to the minor leagues. Over the last three years alone, 130 players in the league have been drafted by MLB, including several first round picks.

“Matt Marksbury was Conference Pitcher of the Year at Northern Kentucky University,” said Tony Brumfield, Director of Baseball Operations. “He played for us last summer and is now pitching for the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League, Independent Minor League Baseball.”

The team ended last year’s season with a 22-18 record and reached the second round of the playoffs. Home attendance was outstanding with an average of 700 fans a game, 400 of them being season-ticket holders. All home games will be played at West High’s Stadium with multiple promotions throughout the season. The team has various contests during games and raffles off items including t-shirts, gift cards, airline tickets, and a Playstation 3 console with games. “We wanted the games to be family-orientated and a chance for anyone to watch great baseball,” said O’Conner. “We found fans bringing their family and friends because of the atmosphere. The games are fun to watch.”

The games always feature $1 hot dogs, variety of contests, pizza give-a-ways, and the essential elements of a summertime baseball game. The Steam prides itself on providing quality amateur college baseball with a professional minor league feel.

“We have incredible players, an amazing stadium, and great fans,” said Brumfield. “We look forward to a successful season on and off the field.” Tickets can be purchased day of the game or prior at Champions Grille. Prices are adults $5, students $3, and children (12 and under) $2. Visit www.cincinnatisteam.com or call 295-0413 for more information.