The Bobcat Nation

I don't how many of you are baseball fans, but this is big news for Montana sports.

The MCC Pioneers just qualified for the NJCAA Division II World Series!!!

They beat Iowa Central 1-0 today, and are going to their first world series in school history!!!

This team is made of players from all over the state of Montana.

Here's a link of former Junior College players who have made it to the bigs...a pretty impressive list....

http://www.njcaa.org/Teams/baseball/MLBNJCAA.pdf

It is a huge accomplishment for a that didn't exist 7 years ago. In the championship game, MCC was no hit by Iowa Central and still won 1-0.

Chauncey Handran (Scobey) threw a gem giving up only 5 hits through 8+ innings and got the win. In the 4th, Cole Pryor (Billings) walked, stole 2nd, moved to 3rd on an infield ground out, and scored on a Levi Johnson (Great Falls) sac fly for the only run.

I am flying to Tennessee on Friday to catch their first two games this weekend.

This is awesome news for the state of Montana. GO PIONEERS - WIN IT ALL!!!!

Having played at DCC it's tough to root for Miles, but it is good for the state and that conference.

DCC2MSU wrote:Having played at DCC it's tough to root for Miles, but it is good for the state and that conference.

You're good sport. That is like a Cat fan cheering for the Griz.

DCC2MSU wrote:Having played at DCC it's tough to root for Miles, but it is good for the state and that conference.

When did you play at DCC?

Good Karma cheering for the Pioneers!

Topher wrote:

DCC2MSU wrote:Having played at DCC it's tough to root for Miles, but it is good for the state and that conference.

When did you play at DCC?

Good Karma cheering for the Pioneers!

Fall 97/Spring 98 - the first year of the program.

DCC2MSU--So that was the pre MCC baseball, right? Who was your big rival? Topher, did you play at MCC?

Yep, before MCC got a team. MCC is the big rival for basketball. That year Bismarck State was the most competition. We went 11-1 in conference play and won the conference, they were 9-3 with all of their losses to us. They beat us in the championship game of the tournament to go to regionals. That year they played a single elim, 7 inning tournament. I don't understand playing 7 innings instead of 9 but whatever.

whizonthegriz wrote:DCC2MSU--So that was the pre MCC baseball, right? Who was your big rival? Topher, did you play at MCC?

No, I didn't, but I have a lot of former teammates who did, and a personal vestment in the school which makes me quite bias on all topics MCC.

My Junior year of High School was the first year for the program and I remember being floored by the talent coach Bishop recruited. It seemed like the top two players from every team I played against signed with them, and the program hasn't done anything but get better since.

I can't imagine how psyched those players are, and win or lose (I hope they win), they have done something absolutely amazing! Look for some Pioneers to be going to big schools here in the near future!

DCC2MSU wrote:Yep, before MCC got a team. MCC is the big rival for basketball. That year Bismarck State was the most competition. We went 11-1 in conference play and won the conference, they were 9-3 with all of their losses to us. They beat us in the championship game of the tournament to go to regionals. That year they played a single elim, 7 inning tournament. I don't understand playing 7 innings instead of 9 but whatever.

Where did you play your legion ball? (assuming you are an MT guy)

Coach Bishop is my brother, so I'm invested in the program, too. It has been fun following the program from the beginning to now.

whizonthegriz wrote:Coach Bishop is my brother, so I'm invested in the program, too. It has been fun following the program from the beginning to now.

Absolutely! I sent you a private message regarding my connection to the program, along with reasons I keep it private.

I'd really like to see this get some press. The Gazette had a blurb, but I am hoping it was only because they are waiting to do a larger piece. The program bosts players from all over this state, and I can't imagine what a couple wins in Tennesee could do for MCC.

Topher wrote:

DCC2MSU wrote:Yep, before MCC got a team. MCC is the big rival for basketball. That year Bismarck State was the most competition. We went 11-1 in conference play and won the conference, they were 9-3 with all of their losses to us. They beat us in the championship game of the tournament to go to regionals. That year they played a single elim, 7 inning tournament. I don't understand playing 7 innings instead of 9 but whatever.

Where did you play your legion ball? (assuming you are an MT guy)

Glendive

How is MCC doing or how did they do if they are done?

MCC got bumped out yesterday but they put up a good showing.

MILLINGTON, TENN. - Despite scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, Miles Community College couldn't overcome a four-run deficit, losing to Frederick CC, Md., 4-3 in a loser-out contest Sunday morning at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.

Frederick starting pitcher Irvin Sleighter held Miles in check by going 62/3 scoreless innings, striking out eight and scattering four hits. Jared Olson came on in the ninth to pick up his sixth save.

Chris Nehl drove in two runs for Frederick (33-11), while Daniel Chevalier and John Marlette each had two hits.
Miles, which ended its season with a 39-18 mark, had Phil Perez, Chauncy Handran and Terry Lundeen each record two hits. The Pioneers outhit Frederick in the game, 9-8.

longhorn_22 wrote:MCC got bumped out yesterday but they put up a good showing.

MILLINGTON, TENN. - Despite scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, Miles Community College couldn't overcome a four-run deficit, losing to Frederick CC, Md., 4-3 in a loser-out contest Sunday morning at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.

Frederick starting pitcher Irvin Sleighter held Miles in check by going 62/3 scoreless innings, striking out eight and scattering four hits. Jared Olson came on in the ninth to pick up his sixth save.

Chris Nehl drove in two runs for Frederick (33-11), while Daniel Chevalier and John Marlette each had two hits.
Miles, which ended its season with a 39-18 mark, had Phil Perez, Chauncy Handran and Terry Lundeen each record two hits. The Pioneers outhit Frederick in the game, 9-8.

I was just about to come on here to update...Yep they lost out yesterday 4-3. It sounds like they hit the ball better in the second game, just timely hitting wasn't there. Got to be tough to lose two one run games (1-0, 4-3), but man they played against some top competition there and have nothing to be ashamed of.

It'd be nice to see them get a write up in the local papers. Lot of Montana boys on that team from across the state, and it will be interesting to see who goes where.

Once the sting wears off those guys should be VERY proud. Great season Pioneers!!!!

Topher... you hit it right on! Lots of great Montana kids... I know one former MCC Pioneer is playing some great baseball for So. Dakota State... Craig Parry from Colstrip, who is hitting in the mid 300's with 5 dingers. Hope to see some opportunity for these young Montana kids. I know a baseball family from the South Dakota region Topher.

BobcatFamily wrote:Topher... you hit it right on! Lots of great Montana kids... I know one former MCC Pioneer is playing some great baseball for So. Dakota State... Craig Parry from Colstrip, who is hitting in the mid 300's with 5 dingers. Hope to see some opportunity for these young Montana kids. I know a baseball family from the South Dakota region Topher.

Hey BobcatFamily!

I have also been following Craig Parry fairly close, and I just thought I would correct some of your info. Craig hit SEVEN homeruns this year, three at the recently held Independent tournament at Utah Valley State. He also shared MVP honors there, and could/should be looking at getting drafted this year! I don't think he'd go very high right now, but I'm willing to bet we'll see him get drafted somewhere in the later rounds. Probably a pretty exciting time in that guys life. I have no clue if he's considering signing if he's drafted in the lower rounds.

Hope things are going well BobcatFamily and drop me a line sometime. It doesn't look like I will be back in MT anytime soon , but when I get back I'll have to swing up to Helena sometime for a chat!

Topher

Topher... hadn't heart about that tournament... great news! It is my understanding from a Colorado scout he will be drafted in the supplemental draft. Not all sure what that means but it is still great news for a Montana kid.

Just make sure you stay in touch Topher!