River Bandit Franchise Sold effective September 1, 2009
As of September 1, 2009, the Woodstock River Bandits will have new ownership. Owner and founder, Stu Richardson, has sold the River Bandits franchise to retired businessman, Jim Yates, from Rappahannock, VA.
Richardson retired from teaching and coaching in Richmond, VA in 2004 and moved on to create the River Bandits franchise in Woodstock, VA. The River Bandits played their inaugural season in 2004 and have gone on to become a well established part of the Valley Baseball League and Woodstock community. During the past 6 years of the franchise, the River Bandits have had 34 players drafted or signed professional baseball contracts.
Richardson will continue to be involved with the River Bandits during the 2010 season as a consultant to the new owner. Robert “Porky” Bowman, retired Woodstock policeman and avid River Bandits supporter, has also been hired to serve as General Manager for the 2010 season.
Richardson encourages the Woodstock community to continue its support of the River Bandits and its new ownership. The high point for Richardson during the past 6 years has been the old friendships he was able to renew and the new ones he has made while owner of the River Bandits. Stu and Sue Richardson would like to thank all the people who have worked so hard to make the past 6 seasons so successful.
Bobby Mosebach Pitching for Angels
The River Bandit's first major league baseball player, Bobby Mosebach, will be pitching for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this Spring. Bobby reported with pitchers and catchers and is slated to be utilized out of the bull pen for the 2010 season. Mosebach was selected in the 9th round in 2005 and made three appearances with the Angels in 2009.
Four River Bandits Named to All-Star Team Michael Vinson, Tanner Leighton, Vince Voiro, and Chris Devenski have all been named Valley League All-Stars and will play for the North Team. The game will be played Sunday, July 11, 2011 at 7:30. Tanner Leighton will participate in the 60-yard competition. All details can be found by clicking here. Tanner Leighton and Vince Voiro have also been chosen to play on the Valley League All-Star team that will face the Cal Ripken League All-Stars. This game will be played Monday, July 11, 2011 at 7:30 at Eagle Field on the campus of James Madison University. Complete details fo this game can be found by clicking here. Mike Garza Named All Valley League Mike Garza has been named to the 2010 All Valley League First Team as the third baseman. A fixture at the top of the league's batting categories, Garza led the league in stolen bases, finished second with a .388 batting average and 4 triples and third in the league with 66 hits. He led the team in hits, batting average, doubles, triples, runs scored, runs batted in, on base and slugging percentage. Mike will attend eorgetown University this fall. Former Bandit A Lock in Rotation for the Braves The Atlanta Braves announced this week that 2008 River Bandit Brandon Beachy has been named the team's fifth starter in their rotation to start the season. Beachy was called up for a trio of spot starts last year and has been solid this Spring with an ERA of 1.80. Brandon was 5-1 with an ERA of 1.73 in 35 Double and Triple A appearances (13 starts) last year. Former River Bandit Blake Tekotte made his Major League Baseball debut for the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, against the St. Louis Cardinals. Tekotte came to bat in the eighth inning as a pinch hitter for the Padres and flew out. Tekotte played college baseball at the University of Miami. Tekotte joined the Padres' roster on Monday, May 23, when he was called up from Double-A San Antonio after San Diego sent leadoff batter Will Venalbe to Triple-A Tucson. According to a report posted on MLB.com, Tekotte, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, was batting .291 in 39 games with San Antonio with 24 RBIs. Sixteen of his 43 hits went for extra bases, including six home runs. Woodstock All-Stars Put on Show--Michael Vinson named MVP
The River Bandits represented Woodstock well in this year's all-star game as the North defeated the South 6-4. Michael Vinson was named MVP after going two for two with two runs batted in and a run scored. One of his RBI's gave the North team the go-ahead run in the 5th inning.
Tanner Leighton went 2 for 4 with one run scored and two stolen bases. Chris Devinksi pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up zero runs on just one hit and had 3 strikeouts. Vince Voiro was held out of action so that he could pitch into tonight's game vs the Cal Ripken All-Stars.
Get complete details of the North's victory here.
Owner Stu Richardson poses two former River Bandits who now play for the Danville Braves. Shayne Moody (left) was a shortstop from UNCC and played with the Bandits in 2006 and 2007. Brandon Beachy (right) was a right-handed pitcher from Indiana Wesleyan University and was signed by the Braves mid-season in 2008.
River Bandits season is underway!
Bobby Grubbs of Grubbs Chevrolet, Inc. throws out the first pitch in the River Bandits season opener on May 31st.
The starting pitcher was Carlos Pertuz.
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New Market won the game, 10 - 7
2008 Around the Valley in 60 days
The Around the Valley promotion is an invitation initiated by the Carter family of Luray, VA, through
the companies Crystal Clear Delivery and S. Carter Studios, to support the 11 Valley League baseball teams and get to know this beautiful area of Virginia at the same time. We hope
that you'll discover communities and explore the local businesses as you and your family and friends take the challenge to visit all 11 ball parks during the 60
day season. Around the Valley is not a race but an opportunity to enjoy summer nights spent watching the future stars of Major League Baseball. We are excited to
hear about your adventures and hope you'll post pictures and leave comments along the way!
Please visit their blog to leave your comments and photos.
All Things Valley League
Click on this link to visit a blog that track teams and players from the Valley
League! Make sure to add it to your favorites in your web browser!
2007 River Bandits
River Bandits prepare for the 2008 season
after an exciting finish to the 2007 playoffs!
Having managed the Woodstock River Bandits for the past two seasons, Donn Foltz will again be at the helm during the 2008 season. Owner Stu Richardson is confident that Foltz will continue to build on the success that the team had last summer during the regular season and in the playoffs. Returning to assist Foltz are John Cardamone and Anthony Macaluso. Cardamone will assist Foltz with everyday operation of the team and coach first base. Macaluso will again serve as pitching coach and assist with the every day operation of the team.
Several players will be returning to the River Bandits this summer after a record setting 22 wins during the 2007 season and a berth in the playoffs for the third time in the four year history of the Woodstock franchise. Among returning players is pitcher Zach Rosenbaum from UNC-Charlotte who was rated as one of the top Valley League prospects last year. The hard throwing right hander has the chance of being a top round draft pick in June. Other pitchers returning are left hander Carlos Pertuz from Miami-Dade College who had an outstanding performance in his last outing during the playoff game at Waynesboro; Ryan Schmidt from Western Illinois University who became one of the top relievers during the latter part of the season; Gary Kahn from Grinnell College who came on as a clutch reliever while being the heart and soul of the River Bandits team; and Seth Fowler from St. Leo University who was a River Bandit Valley League all-star during the 2006 season. Seth is returning to baseball after having Tommy John surgery in 2007.
Other returning players include Valley League all-star Kevin Villa, a catcher from Florida Tech; Grant Escue, first baseman/outfielder from Bradley University who was the most consistent player from the River Bandits last year; Kory Hollensteiner, outfielder from Indiana Wesleyan who came midway through the 2007 season making an immediate impact on the defensive side of the field; and Cody Brown, third baseman from the University of Tennessee, returns from the 2006 team after recovering from an injury during the 2007 college baseball season.
With these nine returning players as a nucleus and the newly signed 2008 players, the River Bandits are looking forward to another successful and enjoyable season for the best and most loyal fans in the Valley League. Click on the rosters link to view the current players signed for the upcoming year!
Bandits fall in Valley League Classic
Woodstock loses 16-inning thriller to first place Waynesboro to end season.
Woodstock almost pulled off a monumental upset in the opening round of the Valley Baseball League playoffs, but fell an out short of
doing so in dropping a 6-5 decision in 16 innings to regular season champion Waynesboro at Kate Collins Field.
The game had to be one of the most exciting in VBL playoff history and lifted the Generals into the second round while ending the season for the River Bandits.
The loss ended Woodstock's season with a 22-25 overall record while Waynesboro improved to 31-14-1. The River Bandits came into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed while the Generals are the top-seeded club.
Chuckie Pertuz almost rescued the River Bandits from a bases loaded nobody out situation in the bottom of the 16th coming on in relief of closer Ryan Simpson with a 5-4 lead. Pertuz struck out the first batter he faced then got a shallow fly out to center field leaving the bases full of Generals with two outs. However, Pertuz then gave up a single to right field scoring two runs and giving Waynesboro the hard-earned 6-5 victory.
Tied at 4-4 the teams went into extra innings where Woodstock missed a chance to grab the lead in the top of the 12th leaving the bases loaded. In that 12th Shayne Moody drew a leadoff walk and Nate Frazier laid down a sacrifice bunt. Matt Mansilla was intentionally walked and following a strikeout, a walk loading the bases. The next Woodstock batter failed to produce the key hit striking out to leave the bases loaded.
A run in the top of the 16th for Woodstock ending a seven inning scoreless drought for the River Bandits, but still they left the bases loaded. With two outs Jeff Bromley began the rally by drawing a walk. An infield single by Moody put runners on first and second before Frazier delivered a run-scoring single to right field for a 5-4 Woodstock lead. On the throw home both runners moved up a base to second and third. Mansilla drew another intentional walk and the strategy worked once again for the Generals as the next hitter flew out to right field ending the threat.
With a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 16th Woodstock handed the ball to Simpson who had 10 saves entering the game. Simpson had a rare off night giving up back-to-back singles opening the ninth and walking the next batter to load the bases with nobody out. Woodstock skipper Donn Foltz summoned Pertuz from the bullpen and the move nearly worked until the fateful two-out, two-run single lifted Waynesboro to the victory.
For the game Woodstock managed only eight hits compared to 16 for Waynesboro, but due to more walks issued by Waynesboro (0-5) both clubs stranded 14 baserunners.
Collecting two hits apiece for Woodstock were Brandin Daniel, Frazier and Escue. Daniel had a double, single and drove home a run. Frazier had two singles, scored twice and knocked in a run. Escue had two singles on the night and officially went 2-of-2 in the game.
Woodstock's other two hits came off the bats of Moody and Mansilla with Moody picking up an RBI and a stolen base. Shaun Spearman chipped in with a RBI and stolen base while Bromley scored a run.
The River Bandits used six pitchers during the 16-inning affair. Zach Rosenbaum started on the mound going four innings giving up five hits, three runs (two earned), walked two and struck out three. Carter Clements tossed four innings of two-hit, one-run baseball with no walks and four punch outs. Ryan Schmidt fired two innings of perfect relief with three strikeouts. Luke Stahl worked five innings of six-hit scoreless relief with two walks and a pair of Ks. Simpson was next and suffered his first loss of the year allowing two hits and a walk to three batters he faced. Pertuz got two outs before giving up the game- ending and season-ending base hit.
Moody got things started for the River Bandits in the top of the first inning with a walk was sacrificed to second by Frazier, stole third and raced home on a throwing error by the Waynesboro catcher for a 1-0 lead.
Waynesboro put together three hits and a walk to score twice in the home first going ahead 2-1. It didn't take the River Bandits long to respond with Spearman drawing a one-out walk in the second and riding home on a double down the right field line by Daniel. The River Bandits took the lead with another run in the top of the third inning which began with consecutive singles to center field by Frazier and Mansilla. A sacrifice bunt by Escue put runners on second and third. After the second out of the inning was recorded Frazier raced home on a wild pitch and Woodstock led 3-2.
Frazier drew a leadoff walk in the top of the fifth followed by a strikeout then an Escue single to center field. An error loaded the bases with one out and Spearman worked the pitcher for a walk plating the go-ahead run for a 4-3 Woodstock lead.
Waynesboro tied the game at four in the bottom of the seventh on a one-out solo homer setting the stage for one of the most epic games in Valley Baseball League history.
Article from written by Randy McFarland of The Free Press, Thursday August 9, 2007. Photo by Sonja Graham
River Bandits drafted in the 2007 draft!!!
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Congratulations to the following players! Kevin Carkeek Eric Perlozzo Matt Mallory Matt Hudgins Click on the Pros link on the left to view the River Bandit draft history. |
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2007 Camp photo
Roster Info
Shayne Moody will be returning to the Bandits for the 2007 season. Moody, who was the MVP in the Valley League All-star game last season, is playing for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. UNCC is ranked 23rd in the nation and is having one of its best seasons ever with Moody starting at shortstop. Joining Moody on the River Bandits roster this summer will be Zack Rosembaum and Luke Stahl. Both are having great seasons for UNCC.
River Bandits complete staff with the hiring of Anthony Macaluso!
Anthony Macaluso joins new Head Coach Donn Foltz and Assistant Coach John Cardamone to complete the 2007 River Bandits coaching staff! Anthony comes to the Bandits from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL and will serve as an assistant coach working with the pitchers. Prior to coming to Hillsborough, he was an assistant coach at King High School in Tampa. King High won four district titles in a row from 2001-2004. The 2004 team was ranked 4th in the state of Florida. Anthony played two years at Hillsborough Community College until two shoulder injuries cut his playing career short. He began his coaching career when he graduated from University of South Florida.
Previously, Donn
Foltz was
named the River Bandits manager for the 2007 season. Donn
had been
an assistant
coach for the River Bandits for all three years of the franchise
and he has been a key figure in the success of the young Bandits
franchise. The Bandits made the playoffs the first two years and
made a big turnaround in the middle of the 2006 season when Foltz
was named the manager. The River Bandits were one of the most competitive
teams in the valley league the last twenty-two games of the season.
John Cardamone was hired as assistant coach in the middle of the 2006 schedule. He did an outstanding job of working with the River Bandit players. He played at Alfred State College in New York and has been an assistant coach for Donn Foltz at Central High since 2003.
Dave Biery, President of the Valley Baseball League and Doug Barrett, President of Future Media Sports are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached to webcast all 210+ games of the 2007 Valley Baseball League season and postseason.
The season begins June 1, 2007. All games begin at 7:30 PM, unless otherwise noted on team schedules. All games will be heard “live and in their entirety, including pregame and postgame shows. The 2007 league champion will be crowned in July.
For more information, check out www.futuremediasports.com .
You won’t want to miss any of the action!
2005 Season Recap
RIVER BANDITS END SEASON BY MAKING PLAYOFFS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS INJURIES.
With a 15-27 regular season record the River Bandits entered the playoffs hoping to rebound after an injury riddled season.The River Bandits lost seven regular
position player and one pitcher to injuries during the regular season. All eight players would have been regulars in the line-up. Returning pitcher, Kyle Dubois, one
of the top ten prospects returning to the Valley league, was lost early in the season due to arm surgery. Even with a losing record the season had many high points as
the players played some exciting baseball for the Woodstock fans. The Bandits are in the process of signing a few returners and several new players for the 2006
season.
Thanks to all our sponsors and fans for making the 2005 season an exciting and family fun filled season. Looking forward to seeing all our fans and lots of new fans at the ball park next June.
 Kyle Dubois throws Woodstock River Bandit's first pitch at their June 3rd home opener at the Central High baseball complex. Kyle, from Old Dominion University, was selected as one of the Top 10 prospects of the Valley League last year. |
2005 News
7/19: Woodstock freshman outfielder Chris Joseph (Houston) put together a strong week to garner Southern Division Player of the Week honors in the Valley League. For the week, he ranked third in the league with a .474 batting average and tied for third with nine hits. Joseph led the league with a .947 slugging percentage and 18 total bases as well as tying for the lead with two home runs. In addition, he was second with eight runs scored and third with seven runs driven in for the week. Joseph raised his season batting average to .236 and now has three home runs and 12 RBI total.
7/14: River Bandits struggling with injuries. Woodstock has been hit with a slew of injuries this season. Recent injuries include Joseph Hunter (shoulder), Brandon Daniel (shoulder), Kyle Dubois (elbow), Steven Condotta (wrist), and Brendan Domaracki (leg).
6/28: Freshman right-hander David Stringer (Stanford) was Pitcher of the Week in the Southern Division. He made three relief appearances last week, going 2-0 with no runs allowed in 7 2/3 innings. Stringer allowed one hit and struck out six in two and two-thirds innings in an 11-9 win over Haymarket on Tuesday. He then struck out four and surrendered one hit in two innings of a 9-2 win over Staunton on Thursday. He closed the week on Saturday with three innings of one-hit ball and two strikeouts in a 4-3 win over Waynesboro. For the week, Stringer was fourth in the VBL in opposing batting average (.120), fourth in strikeouts (12), and tied for first in wins (two).
6/3: Click here to see Opening Day pics of the Woodstock's 3-1 loss to Haymarket.
Click here to see a the River Bandits autograph session at "A Way To Play" complex.
Click here to see the River Bandits at the Host Family picnic.
2004 Season Recap
 Bobby Mosebach throws Woodstock River Bandit's first pitch at their June 5th home opener at the Central High baseball complex. |
The Woodstock River Bandits finished their inaugural season with a third place finish in the Southern division with a record of 20-24. The Bandits made the playoffs and matched up with Staunton in the first round. With a 2-1 win over Staunton it was the first ever playoff win for the Bandits in the Valley League. The Staunton Braves went on to win the next two games 7-4, 6-4 to eliminate the Bandits from the tournament.
2004 Season Highlights
Highlights of the first season were the Bandits won 20 games, a feat not accomplished by first year franchise teams in the Valley League, finished with a 21-26 record, had two players named players of the week (Kelly Edmondson of Tennessee, twice, and Alex Gonzalez of Berry Univ.) the Bandits also placed five players on the all-star team. Kyle Dubois (ODU) was selected as one of the top ten prospects in the league. Coach Ricky Ware (St. Leo Univ.) and his staff did an outstanding job of putting a very competitive team on the field every night.
2004 News
6/26: Click here to see a picture of Woodstock's night game at Central High School Baseball Complex.
6/25: Congratulations to Kelly Edmundson and Alexander Gonzalez for being named Players of the Week!
6/22: The Woodstock River Bandits had a 7-game winning streak from 6/16-6/22!
Photo Archive:
Click on the thumbnail image for a larger team photo of
the 2004 Bandits
Click here to return to the River Bandit news page
Valley League Baseball Links