Elmira Pioneers Announce New York State Additions

The Pioneers are proud to announce they have signed several players from New York Colleges who will be suiting up for the Pioneers this season. The Pioneers are very happy to welcome from Alfred State right handed pitcher Chris Mattoon, from Cortland right handed pitcher Ethan Buckley, from Ithaca College Catcher Gil Merod, from Siena infielders Chris Erickson and Donovan Montgomery, and from Molloy third baseman Jacob McCarthy.

Mattoon is a 6’1 205 pound freshman right handed pitcher who also is from Elmira, NY. So far in 10 appearances Chris has thrown 32.2 innings with a 2.76 ERA and 26 strikeouts. Mattoon has started three games and made three saves in his 10 appearances making him a threat both as a starter and as someone to come out of the bullpen. In addition, Chris has had success in catching runners stealing having caught 2 of 6 attempts.

Buckley is a 6’1 175 pound junior right handed pitcher from Bath, NY. After spending his previous two years with TC3 and being ready to play for the Cortland Crush last summer before COVID hit Ethan looks to make an impact in Elmira right away. Buckley has thrown 21.1 innings this year hurling 14 strikeouts and pitching a complete game for a win this season. As well as pitching, Ethan has also played second base this year and at the plate he has an on base percentage of .286.

Merod is a 5’10 175 pound sophomore catcher from Ithaca, NY. Gil has a terrific eye at the plate batting .326 this year including 4 doubles and 10 RBI’s. However, Merod’s defensive ability makes him an interesting prospect for the Pioneers this year as Gil has been perfect in fielding percentage and on stolen base attempts 10 have tried and he caught 5 of them. Merod has also already played at Dunn Field this year helping Ithaca take a victory from Elmira College driving in a run.

Erickson is a 6’3 178 pound freshman infielder from Niskayuna, NY. Chris has been limited with starts this season due to the pandemic, but coming out of high school he was written up as a hard hitting third baseman with good feet and athletic movement to the ball. So far this season Erickson is batting .250 has scored a run and been hit by a pitch. Chris has an on base percentage of .500 and a perfect fielding percentage.

Montgomery is a 6’0 189 pound sophomore from Burlington, VT. Donovan is in his second season with Siena and has hit .258 with 7 doubles and 3 home runs at the plate. In the field Montgomery has turned 6 double plays and has a fielding percentage of .963. Donovan has been a run producer for Siena this year as well coming around to score 17 teams, but also driving in 13 runs of his own.

McCarthy is a 6’1 210 pound senior from Northport, NY. Jacob has started in all 11 games batting .333 while he recorded 15 hits, one home run and two double, 11 runs scored, and nine RBI’s. McCarthy has been just as efficient in the field with a .929 fielding percentage and helping to turn three double plays this year. Jacob enters the summer bringing veteran experience to a young locker room.

“It is always great to bring players in from New York colleges. The ones who have grown up around Elmira have played here and know how big a deal it is to be a part of the summers here at Dunn Field. The ones who haven’t will get the chance to be a part of it and see how special It is to wear that logo. We have brought in a lot of talent and are excited for the summer ahead.” Coach Matt Burch said.

The Pioneers are now looking forward to the 2021 season as season tickets are now available. The Pioneers Home Opener Weekend is Thursday, June 3rd get yours today! Call (607) 734-7825!

ELMIRA PIONEERS A BASEBALL TRADITION SINCE 1888!