2004  S e a s o n

Nevertheless, adhering to a long-standing policy of developing players within the system, the Rebels quickly rebuilt the ball club and, under the patience and guidance of the Coach, the team marked the beginning of yet another Rebels’ youth movement, and was notable for the emergence of Infielder’s Ross Jensen, Dallas Rixie, Dylan Florio, James Gillespie and outfielders Ryan Pilotte and Zach Smole, as bona-fide stars. The Squad finished with a 13-7 record that placed them third on Thursday Nights, (a 20-20 over-all summer season record). Rick Garza, Jason Palmer and Kevin Lowery again provided highlights, with the efforts of Jonathan Schumacher, Joey Ratliff, Nestor Toro and Jeff Wilson.

The Rebel Club finish the Fall league with a 14 – 4 record, and took second place overall.

Summer League Standing

Summer  Stats

Player

Poss

G

P.A.

A.B.

Runs

O.B.

Hits

1B

2B

3B

HR

OPS

RBI

BB

AVG

RE

Jeff  WilsonP42146118409059561201.1582828.5003
Ricardo  MitchellP10373632018134011.235161.5001
Scott  ZupecP823213755000.54242.2380
Jerry  VasquezC3210992286143402011.0822417.4671
Marco  CenveantesC15494215291414000.92547.3334
Tony  CauvallC518174653110.99851.2940
Carson  Florio1B4131027431001.03833.4000
Ralph  Lozano1B9322517231383021.599147.5201
Rick  Garza1B401541366392714418361.4284418.5223
James  Gillespie2B413113422000.49002.1820
Jeremiah  Johnson2B3512111428534235610.877297.3684
Jon  Schumacher2B3712999298249444011.2022430.4953
Dylan  Florio3B93231713107111.922101.3232
Ross  Jensen3B3112398448653465201.3322125.5411
Dallas  RixieSS10272481755000.83833.2083
Ryan  PilotteSS2710188275136305011.005713.4092
Seth  SmoleSS104134172921173101.47287.6181
Kevin  LoweryLF37148129691007548105121.6925619.5816
Nestor  ToroLC341301184263512813461.2484412.4320
Beni  ZavalaRC217162243828201611.245109.4520
Joey  RatliffRC38156136528157446431.1073420.4194
Jason  PalmerRF2080803550472753121.800530.5883
Jeff  ReiherRF186462174025213101.109102.4034
Zach  SmoleRF238064224931310001.0971316.4842

Most  Valuable  Player

Left fielder Rick Garza won his first MVP award, winning it in an unanimous vote. No player has won unanimously since Adam Miller did in 2000, but it should come as no surprise to anyone after he led his Squad in doubles, plate appearance, and games played. He slammed 6 home runs and collected 92 total bases, his .597 on-base percentage and 1.428 OPS both third on the Squad. The 23-year-old All-Star Rick Garza also won a Gold Glove in left field and held a significant advantage in Wins Above Replacement. He was second on his Squad in base hits (71), Runs (63) third in RBIs (44) and fourth in batting average (.522). He was especially dangerous with the bases loaded, going 9 for 12 with three grand slams, three doubles and 23 RBIs.

Rookie of the Year

Ross Jensen impressive list of Lake County accolades began with the Rookie of the Year Award in 2004. Jensen had a spectacular rookie season, the All-Star 19-year-old third baseman who hit .541 / .699 / .633 with 53 Base Hits, 7 Extra Base Hits, 21 RBIs, 44 Runs, and 25 Base on Balls. Signed to a ‘team-friendly’ extension, won the Player of the Month award for August and also name Athlete of the Year. Ross Jensen made his team debut on July 22nd, 2003 against Go Jo’s Softball at Belvidere North, going 1 for 3. Collected his first double on Tuesday May 25th, 2004 vs. 10th Inning Softball, Gm.1 at Belvedere North. Collected his home run on Thursday August 6th, 2003 vs. J.R. Wrecker’s Softball at Dugdale Park.

Team Memorabilia

This is an authentic softball card of the Rebels' All-Star left fielder Kevin Lowery and second basemen Jonathan Schumacher. There is a certificate of authenticity from Blazing Star Sport Cards on the back of the card. Jonathan Schumacher 2004 " Sportspersonality of the Year ".