Albany Signs Trio of Veteran Closers

By: Dutchmen Front Office

Mitchell Cooksey (Anderson)

Bullpen depth has always been an important part of the Dutchmen organization’s thought process when building a roster. As a former pitcher, Coach Davey loves to have multiple options to call on in crunch time, and past seasons have seen great success from players like Kyle Zurak (Radford) and Thomas Belcher (Indiana). Now, the Dutchmen head into the 2015 summer with a slew of talented, experienced arms to go to in the late innings: junior Jesse Cooper (Seton Hill), junior Mitchell Cooksey (Anderson), and sophomore Liam Conboy (Susquehanna).

headshot_2_Cooper_J.JPGA two–way player at #6 ranked DII power Seton Hill, Jesse Cooper made a real impact in his sophomore season with the Griffins. After playing his freshman year strictly as a utility infielder, Cooper took over the closer role last year and flourished. The Johnstown, PA native used his ¾ arm slot and plus movement to notch 17 saves across 23 appearances. He yielded only 24 hits and compiled a 1.50 ERA as one of the most dominant closers in division two. However, the 6’2” right-hander also made an impact with the bat, hitting .326 with seven steals and a .985 fielding percentage playing mainly at second. With his proven track record and versatile skill set, Cooper is primed to help the Dutchmen in a variety of ways come June.
 
Cooksey_Dress.jpg
He will be joined at the back of the staff by Anderson University junior Mitchell Cooksey. The Bowie, MD native has been a constant in the Trojans bullpen since his freshman season, when he appeared in 10 games and notched a 1.12 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .267 batting average. His role expanded during his sophomore season, making 17 appearances, tying for the team-lead in saves, and holding opponents to a .287 average across 34 innings. With a wealth of experience, the right-hander has remained consistent at the beginning of his junior season, striking out seven batters across 7.2 innings and holding a 3.52 ERA in the early part of the season. With his unshakeable confidence in tough situations, Cooksey figures to be one of Coach Davey’s go to options at the end of games this summer.
 
uphcyvqcttov9k2i.jpgRounding out the trio of experienced closers is Susquehanna sophomore Liam Conboy. The 6’3” right-hander from Old Tappan, NJ experienced a real growth spurt during his freshman season, both physically and on the mound. As he gained confidence and comfort, Conboy emerged as the top bullpen option for his team and earned an all-star selection in his summer league. Possessing three plus pitches, Conboy compiled a 1.17 ERA last season across 15.1 innings, allowing only eight hits. As he continues to gain more experience during his sophomore season, Conboy looks to be another dangerous option for the Dutchmen to turn to in the late innings.  



Search Archive »





Browse by Month »

April 2024
March 2024
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
January 2022
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
March 2021
May 2020
March 2020
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
November 2018
October 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
November 2015
October 2015
August 2015
July 2015
June 2015
May 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
October 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
October 2013
August 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
January 2013
December 2012
November 2012
Ignite Business Solutions