January 25, 2023 – With the 2023 Texas Collegiate League season starting up in late May, the Victoria Generals announce the signing of three returning players from the 2022 team. Returning for another season are, pitcher JJ Slack, pitcher Austin Dean and infielder Reed Spenrath. The Generals will be chasing their third championship as they take the field at Riverside Stadium for their home opener on June 4th. This will be the Generals 15th season in the Texas Collegiate League.
"Acquiring players that already have a season under their belt with the Generals is always a plus as we plan for the upcoming season," commented Mike Yokum, Generals Vice President and General Manager. "These guys are seasoned and know the grind of Summer ball and what to expect and can help lead the newcomers as they take the field for the Generals."
Left-handed pitcher JJ Slack, a senior at Southwestern University and Liberty, TX native, returns after a solid summer campaign with the Generals in 2022. Slack appeared in 17 games for the Generals (35.2 innings) allowing 11 earned runs while striking out a team leading 47 batters and compiling a 5-2 record with a 2.77 earned run average. Slack was a TCL All-Star and a member of the All-TCL Team. Slack was also selected at the Victoria Generals Pitcher of the Year.
Right-handed pitcher Austin Dean, a junior from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Pearland, TX native, will appear on the mound once again after a solid 2022 campaign for the Generals. Dean appeared in 15 games (21.0 innings) and gave up 10 hits, five earned runs, struck out 24 batters with five saves and an earned run average of 3.85 on the season. Dean was also selected as a TCL All-Star.
Infielder Reed Spenrath, a junior from the University of New Mexico and El Campo, TX native, will take the field for the Generals this summer. Spenrath hit .305 while appearing in 21 games with 82 at-bats, scoring 20 runs with 25 hits, seven doubles, a triple, seven runs batted in and 12 walks. Spenrath played his 2022 season at TCU before transferring to New Mexico for the 2023 season. Spenrath was a 2018 graduate from El Campo High School where he put up incredible numbers and was ranked 6th at his position in the state of Texas by Perfect Game.
"These three players come to us with a wealth of experience and really capitalized on their opportunities with the Generals in 2022," commented Michael Oros, Generals Head Coach heading into his ninth season. "We are excited and hopefully their success continues this season for the Generals."
The Victoria Generals will play 48 games with 24 of the games being played here in Victoria at Riverside Stadium. The Generals will open their season on the road as they head to Baton Rouge to take on the Rougarou and will return for their home opener at Riverside Stadium on Sunday, June 4th. This opener will be a Free Ticket Night presented by Texas Roadhouse. Everyone will be admitted free thanks to Texas Roadhouse. The Generals schedule can be found on our website at www.victoriagenerals.com, along with the promotional calendar showing upcoming promotional nights. Follow the Generals on Facebook and Twitter for further updates on the upcoming season. Fans can buy season tickets and merchandise at the team store located at 1307-H East Airline Road in the Town and Country Shopping Center.
The Generals are also currently looking for additional Host families for the Victoria Generals players. Plenty of great perks for hosting including VIP season ticket packages. If you are interested or need additional information, please call 361-485-9522.
