February 19, 2015 – As the 2015 Texas Collegiate League season draws closer every day, the Victoria Generals continue to add players that will help them on their quest for another league championship. This week, the Generals have announced the addition of two player from St. Mary's University. Keith Funk will return for his second season and Al Gonzalez will be a new addition to the Generals.
“We’re excited to continue our strong relationship with the St. Mary's coaching staff and organization,” commented Mike Yokum, vice president and general manager for the Generals. “Coach Migl has always done well placing his players within the Texas Collegiate League and we are extremely fortunate to have these quality individuals on our roster this Summer.”
Keith Funk, a junior 6'-2" catcher, appeared in 29 games for the Generals in 2014 hitting .191 with three doubles, a home run and three RBI's. In the Spring of 2014 at St. Mary's, Funk appeared in 54 games while hitting .265 with six doubles, a home run, to go along with 26 RBI's. Defensively behind the plate, Funk had a .982 fielding percentage with only seven pass balls on the season. Funk also shined in the 2014 Conference Tournament hitting .462 which earned him Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team Honors.
"Keith's leadership will be essential this season as he helps the younger players adapt the grind of Summer ball," stated Yokum. "With many new faces and many first timers, it is essential that we have several players that will step up and assist with their development and Funk is definitely one of those guys."
Al Gonzalez, a junior 6'-3" infielder had a strong season in 2014 appearing in 55 games, hit .278 with 10 doubles, one triple and four home runs with 30 RBI's and an on -base percentage of .361 in the regular season. Gonzalez earned All-Tournament team selection while hitting .368 with four RBI's in the Heartland Conference Tournament. In his first season as a redshirt Freshman, Gonzalez had a monster season appearing in 50 games (47 starts) hitting .315 on the season (second on the team) and was the team leader in both doubles (12) and home runs (4) to go along with 36 RBI's. For his efforts, Gonzalez was named to the Heartland Conference Second Team and Conference All-Tournament Team.
You can catch both Al and Keith in Victoria next Tuesday, February 24, as the St Mary's Rattlers take on the University of Houston-Victoria Jaguars at Riverside Stadium at 5:30 pm.
The Generals will begin their season on May 28, 2015 on the road against the Acadiana Cane Cutters in Lafayette, LA. The Generals will return home for their home opener on May 30, as they seek revenge against the Brazos Valley Bombers at 7:05pm at Riverside Stadium. Season tickets for all 30 of the Generals home games this season are on sale now. Fans can buy season tickets and team merchandise at the Generals team store located at 1307 East Airline Road, Suite H in the Town & Country Shopping Center, online at www.victoriagenerals.com, or by calling 361-485-9522.
