Meet The 2013 Storm Baseball Players, Managers During Fan Fest

The following is a news release from the Lake Elsinore Storm:

The Lake Elsinore Storm, in conjunction with the San Diego Padres, has announced their 2013 Opening Day roster. This year’s team includes ten returning players and is highlighted by seven of the Top 30 Padres’ prospects according Baseball America. 

Catcher Austin Hedges, ranked the fourth best prospect in the Padres’ organization, leads a talented group of newcomers for the Storm as they look to earn their fourth California League title in franchise history. Hedges, who grew up locally in San Juan Capistrano, had an outstanding season with Fort Wayne in 2012. He was selected as a mid-season All-Star in the Midwest League and finished the season with a .279 BA, 28 doubles, 10 home runs and14 stolen bases in 96 games with the Tin Caps. 

The San Diego Padres’ 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Matthew Wisler (No. 6), will be the game one starter for the Storm.  Last season, Wisler tossed 114 innings, striking out 113 batters, in 24 games with an organizational best 2.53 ERA.

Other top prospects who will be a part of the 20th season of Storm baseball include second baseman Cory Spangenberg (No.7), shortstop Jace Peterson (No.11), outfielder Travis Jankowski (No. 21), outfielder Yeison Asencio (No.24) and pitcher Johnny Barbato (No.30).

The Storm welcome back Manager Shawn Wooten for his second season at The Diamond.  The former Storm player (’98) and World Series Champion (Angels, ’02) will try to lead the Storm to their ninth consecutive playoff appearance. Other returning members of the field staff include Hitting Coach David Newhan, Trainer Will Sinon, Clubhouse Manager Terrance Tucker and Strength & Conditioning Coach Eric Wood. Former Padres’ pitcher, Brian Lawrence, will make his coaching debut with the organization as the team’s Pitching Coach.

Fans can meet the 2013 Storm team at the inaugural Fan Fest on Wednesday, April 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the ballpark. Admission and parking are free.  Festivities include watching batting practice, an autograph session, sample new food items, purchase new Storm merchandise and get the best seats for the best nights. Those nights include Opening Night at The Diamond on Thursday, April 11 at 7:05 p.m.

For more information please contact the Storm at 951-245-4487 or visit the website at stormbaseball.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/LakeElsinoreStorm.