Welcome to Wednesday! Our matchup for the day involves two righthanders from the same summer- 2013.

  • Aaron Cressley defeated Charlottesville’s Wil Hartsell in the first round, 63.2% to 36.8% (19 votes). His writeup: “From Pittsburgh-Bradford, Aaron Cressley rode into New Market in the summer of 2013. All he did that summer was go 4-0, 0.63, with a 1.140 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, and 7.7 K/9 in 43 innings. Interestingly, he gave up only three runs- all earned- all summer. After the next college season, Cressley was picked in the 26th round of the draft by the San Diego Padres. He spent a total of three years in the minor leagues, finishing his career after the 2016 season with career numbers of 4-3, 3.47, with a 1.40 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 6.9 K/9 in 109 innings.”
  • Ricky Winters came to Woodstock after his junior season at Delta State, and dominated to the point of being named ATVL’s top starter. He went 5-0, 0.44, with a 0.707 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9, and 9.4 K/9 in 41 innings pitched in the regular season. He allowed 22 hits, seven walks, and struck out 43 in those innings. he led the league in ERA, batting average against (.149), and WHIP. His combined ERA (between the regular season and the playoffs) of 1.10 is tied for 8th best in the league since 1994. Winters returned to Delta State for his senior year, and went 5-1, 3.29 in 52 total innings. He did not pitch in pro ball after his college career.

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And by the way, if you want to read a ton about either the 2015 or 2019 VBL season, be sure to check out this post on the 2019 Valley League Annual.

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  • Winters
    Winters
  • Cressley