Oberlin Sophomore Accepts Offer to Play for Ironmen in Summer 2012
November 3, 2011 – Mattie DeDoes, Oberlin College sophomore pitcher/third baseman, has accepted an invitation to join the Lorain County Ironmen of the Prospect League for the summer of 2012. DeDoes will begin playing with the Ironmen on the heels of his sophomore collegiate season.
The Ironmen and the Prospect League represent an opportunity for DeDoes to play alongside and against other college players (mostly Division I) who have professional aspirations. The so-called “wood bat” league involves a professional-style format, with daily games scheduled in three- and four- game series. Travel is extensive, throughout the eastern U.S. Though an amateur organization, players sign contracts and cannot play with other teams.
Because of his mound prowess, DeDoes was selected for the Ironmen as a pitcher. While he will be able to work on his hitting and third base play on a daily basis, his selection was based upon the expectation that he would be a part of the Lorain County pitching staff – and thus, he is not expected to see game action as anything but a hurler.
“I think this is a great opportunity for Mattie,” said Oberlin head baseball coach Adrian Abrahamowicz. “I’m anxious to see how he does against that level of competition. I expect him to perform well. One thing I do know – no one will outwork him.”
Last summer (2011), DeDoes played for the Toledo Hawks Gold and helped that team win the Tri-State League championship and advance to the NABF College World Series.
Given the level of commitment that this opportunity represents, Mattie DeDoes’ burgeoning performance career as a jazz artist will be curtailed for the summer of 2012. Some concert dates have already been dropped from his schedule; however, DeDoes plans to continue studio and session work along with performing “live” whenever possible.
The Ironmen play their home games at “The Pipeyard,” a stadium built for the team in Lorain, Ohio.