Chicago Heights, Ill. – July 5, 2019 – On Friday morning the Midwest Collegiate League announced the rosters for the 2019 MCL All Star Game. The Vikings will send eight representatives including two catchers, three pitchers, two infielders and one two-way player, two of whom make their second All-Star appearances.
First time All-Star Anthony Rios (Lewis University/Lemont, Ill.) has split time between first plate and catcher for the Vikings, and in 17 games has put together a .259 batting average to go along with 13 RBIs, second most on the team. Jake Schroeder (Northern Illinois University/Flossmoor, Ill.) has taken over the starting catching spot and leads the team with 2 home runs and a 1.226 OPS to go along with a .351 average.
Dashon Moore (University of Illinois-Springfield/South Holland, Ill.) earned his second All-Star berth with the Vikings after appearing in every Viking game thus far at shortstop, driving in a team leading 17 RBIs and scoring a team leading 19 runs while shining defensively up the middle. Max Malley (University of Evansville/Frankfort, Ill.) has split time between third base, first base, and catcher, where his versatility has helped make him a first time All-Star
Logan Strutz (Trition College/Lockport, Ill.) earned his first All-Star nod after picking up the win in all three of his appearances with 11 Ks in 18 IP. Mike Tobin (Concordia University/Hickory Hills, Ill.) and Trey Ricko (UT-Martin/Plainfield, Ill) have been a two headed monster at the back end of the Vikings bullpen. Tobin has compiled two saves and 2.50 ERA over 18 IP, while Ricko has three saves and 13 Ks in 11.1 IP.
Lastly for the Vikings, is their two-way star Justin Rios (North Central College/Lemont, Ill.) The now two-time All Star boasts an incredible 1.19 ERA and a perfect 4-0 record, including a victory in each of his three starts. He’s been equally impressive at the plate, batting a team high .391 to go with 12 RBI.
The Vikings will be joined by representatives from the Northwest Indiana Oilmen and Crestwood Panthers. They will face off against the MCL West All-Stars, with representatives from the Joliet Generals, DuPage County Hounds, and Bloomington Bobcats.
The two sides will meet on July 13, as the MCL celebrates its 10th anniversary season. First pitch from Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Ind. will be at 7:10 p.m.
