Elmira Pioneers Round Out Roster

The Pioneers are proud to announce that the opening day roster is ready for this season. The Pioneers are very happy to welcome from Oberlin College Left Handed Pitcher Zachary Bayfield, from West Chester University Right Handed Pitcher Christian Kinsley, from Ithaca College Right Handed Pitcher Nate Scott, from Florida Atlantic University First Basemen Bobby Marsh, from Gulf Coast State Right Handed Pitcher/Infielder Andrew Alise and Outfielder Holden Lazarus, from Millersville Infielder Justin Taylor, and from Virginia Tech Outfielder Jaron McNeil-Ward.


Bayfield is a 6’4 210 pound junior left handed pitcher from Oberlin College. Through three seasons Zachary has been used mostly as a reliever until this season in which he has started three games. In 5 appearances Bayfield has 15 strikeouts. Before joining the Yeomen Zachary went to St Michael’s College School in his hometown of Toronto, ONT.


Kinsley is a 5’9 191 pound junior right handed pitcher from West Chester University. Christian has thrown 9.2 innings in his time at West Chester striking out 13 and having a perfect fielding percentage. Kinsley was a 2018 Preseason All American and received honorable mention in 2017. Christian has a fastball that tops out at 87 mph and has a variety of pitches in his arsenal.


Scott is a 5’10 180 pound freshman right handed pitcher from Ithaca College. Nate tallied four strikeouts while giving up one run on one hit through 3.0 innings vs. St. Lawrence on April 7 and threw a season-high seven strikeouts through 6.0 innings at Rensselaer on March 1. Scott also earned his first win this season against Vassar College on 4/14.


Marsh is a 6’3 200 pound high school senior first basemen committed to Florida Atlantic University. Bobby has taken part in the 2020 Perfect Game National Showcase. Marsh was also a Preseason All-American this season as well as an Underclass All-American the past two. Bobby has been all tournament team on 8 times dating back to 2016 and ranks in the top 500 nationally.


Alise is a 5’11 193 pound freshman pitcher/infielder from Gulf Coast state. Andrew has appeared in 16 games this season and has hit a home run and batted in three. In addition to production at the plate Alise has been perfect in the field. Before coming to Gulf Coast Andrew was ranked in the top 10 in Fastball, Outfield Velocity, Infield Velocity, and Exit Velocity all while being a back to back Preseason all American and ranking in the top 500 of nationwide prospects.


Lazarus is a 6’0 195 pound freshman outfielder from Gulf Coast state. Holden is the top-ranked position player in the state of New York. This season Lazarus has appeared in 30 games tallying a home run and 12 RBI’s. Holden also shows a lot of speed having stolen two bases during his freshman season. Before leaving Ithaca Lazarus was a 2020 Preseason All American and 2019 Honorable Mention as well as ranking in the top 500 nationally. Though Holden goes to Gulf Coast State he does have a commitment to Michigan.


Taylor is a 5’11 200 pound sophomore infielder from Millersville. Justin has appeared in 31 games this season and has been a force at the plate with driving in 22 runs with 5 home runs, 3 doubles, and a triple to his credit. In addition he has been near perfect in the field with a .986 fielding percentage. In 2020 Taylor was named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete. Justin carried on his success from his high school days after winning four varsity letters, a Maryland West Region title and two runner-up finishes, named all-county and all-conference three times, and was named WCAA Public School Hitter of the Year.


McNeil-Ward is a 6’2 189 pound high school senior outfielder with a commitment to Virigina Tech. Jaron is a back to back Preseason All American in 2020 and 2021, a top 500 National Rank, a top 10 in the 60 yard dash, Top 10 in outfield velocity, and top 10 in exit velocity. McNeil-Ward is also a two time All Tournament team winner as well as a Showcase top prospect team member.


“With the pieces we have put in place for this season we are sure to be a top notch team and one that the fans of Elmira can appreciate it. It is a long season in a short amount of time. These players will get a chance to bond and hopefully bring a championship back here to Elmira.” Coach Matt Burch said.


This season’s opening day is just two days away as the Pioneers get ready to throw out the first pitch Thursday June 3rd with post game fireworks! You don’t want to miss a pitch this season from historic Dunn Field! Call 607-734-7825 today and get your tickets for the home opener!


ELMIRA PIONEERS A BASEBALL TRADITION SINCE 1888!