Yellowjacket Baseball Adds Four (5/3/07)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings baseball coach Chris Brown announced Thursday that four players have signed to play for the Yellowjackets next season.  Joining the Jackets for their third season and inaugural year in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference will be Triston Spehar, Jeff Ridgeway, Nick Rupert, and Levi Johnson.

Spehar is a left handed pitcher from Anaconda, MT.  He will graduate from Anaconda High School where he lettered in football, basketball, track, and wrestling.  He was an all-conference selection in wrestling, basketball, and football.  Last year he posted a 2.10 ERA with 113 strikeouts for the Anaconda Legion team.

“We are excited to have Triston choose MSUB and the Yellowjacket Baseball Program,” said Brown.  “He is a highly motivated student that will be a positive addition in the classroom, the locker room, and on the field.   Triston has had an outstanding Legion career as well as distinguishing himself in football, basketball, and wrestling.  He is a talented young pitcher that will help add balance and depth to our pitching staff.   We look forward to helping him develop to his full potential as a student and an athlete.”

Ridgeway is an outfielder from Billings.  He graduated from Billings West High School in 2006 and attended College of Southern Idaho for one semester.  Ridgeway lettered in football at Billings West and played Legion baseball for the Billings Scarlets.  In his last season with the Scarlets he batted .342 with eight home runs and 12 triples.  Ridgeway will have four years of eligibility remaining.

“Jeff is an outstanding athlete that we are thrilled to have join our program,” said Brown.  “He adds a big, strong left handed bat with pop and can run very well.  We look for him to contribute immediately and be an impact player for the next four years.  He has the ability to hit the ball out of the park, but also to hit for average and stretch the defense with his speed.  Jeff is a strong student that brings a very good work ethic every day in the classroom and on the field.”

Rupert is an infielder from Bozeman, MT.  A 2004 graduate from Bozeman High School, Rupert has attended Miles Community College and Minnesota State-Mankato.  In his sophomore season at MCC, the Pioneers were 43-17 and won their sixth-straight MonDak Conference title.  Rupert batted .270 and set a school record by stealing 27 bases on 27 attempts.  He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“The addition of Nick gives us a versatile infielder that is exceptional defensively,” said Brown.  “At the plate he is a scrappy hitter that finds a way on and seems to always make things happen.  Nick is an outstanding young man that brings an enthusiasm and passion for the game that is contagious.  We are excited to have him on board and know he will be able to step in and contribute immediately.”

Johnson is a utility player from Great Falls, MT.  He graduated from Great Falls High School in 2005 and played two seasons at Miles Community College.  As a senior Legion player in Great Falls, Johnson batted .331 with 27 RBIs and 12 doubles.  This year for MCC, Johnson is currently batting .304 with 34 runs and 26 RBIs.

“Levi is an all around ball player that provides us with depth and experience,” said Brown.  “He is an outstanding student that plays the game intelligently.  He is just starting to reach his peak as a player, and it will be exciting watching him continue to improve.  Levi has the ability to play multiple positions and will be able to be an impact player on and off the field from day one.  We are excited to have him choose to be a part of the Yellowjacket Baseball Program.”