By Staff
April 20, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
The Bandits are bringing some strong local talent to the team – they recently announced their signing of ace Burlington native ball player Tyler Patzalak for the 2014 season.
Tyler, a three time IBL Champion with the Brantford Red Sox, returns to where it all began for him when he played in the BOMBA leagues. Patzalek lead his Notre Dame High School baseball team to the Ontario (OFSAA) championship in 2008 and earned 3 team MVP awards during his high school career.
Bandits liked Patzalek’s leadership and his athletic, aggressive style of play and see him as the first local talent they have on the team’
In 2010, Patzalek continued his baseball career at Maine University on a baseball scholarship. While at Maine Patzalek was honoured with conference player of the week awards several times over his 3 years at Maine and was named a second team All-Star for America East conference for his 2012 season.
During the past four summer seasons, Patzalek played for the Intercounty League’s Brantford Red Sox. From 2010 to 2013, he amassed 468 at bats and won 3 championships.
Patzalek now back in Burlington on a full-time basis, he is planting new baseball roots firmly in Burlington soil as an assistant coach with the BOMBA minor pee wee Bulls, as an instructor for BOMBA’s house league development program. Tyler has also been named Lead Instructor for the first Burlington Bandits Youth Baseball Camps taking place between July 14th and July 25th at Nelson Park.
“Tyler will be our starting catcher, but will see time at other positions as well. He is a very athletic, versatile player,” said Manager Kyle MacKinnon. Solid catching is a prerequisite for any good team. With Tyler Patzalek and Peter Bako (2009 Pittsburgh Pirates draft pick) sharing time at the position, we should be in great shape.”
“We couldn’t be happier to have Tyler with the Bandits. I have known Tyler for many years and have followed his baseball career closely over the last seven years. We love his leadership and his athletic, aggressive style of play. The fact that he has won 3 league championships is a bonus. He will be able to convey to the younger players what it takes to win in this league,” said General Manager Craig Bedford.
President and owner Scott Robinson was thrilled with the signing. “Tyler Patzalek is one of the best players to come out of Burlington for many years. Going forward, we want the Bandits’ roster to include the best Burlington players available. Tyler is an important part of meeting that objective”.
The Bandits open their 2014 season on the road for a May 4th match up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This newly heated rivalry will pit your Burlington Bandits against former team MVP Darryl Pui who was traded to Toronto in the off-season. Burlington will then return to Nelson Park on May 10th for the Bandits Home Opener. Tickets are available now online or by phone at 905-630-9036.
