IOWA – One Of The Many Well Known Sports Teams

The Northern Iowa Panthers, based in Cedar Falls Iowa, was known to be the baseball team of the University of Northern Iowa that took part in the NCCA Division I. With the discontinuation of the baseball program by the Northern Iowa University, there is longer a baseball team.

Rick Heller held the position of Head Coach of the team nick named Panthers, for a period of ten years. They had a home stadium which was capable of taking in 4277 fans and spectators and was called the Waterloo Riverfront Stadium. With their being no more baseball at university level, the focus now shifts to the minor league teams.

Even if they are not as famous as other teams, the four Class A teams in the Midwest League known as Burlington Bees, Quad Cities River Bandits, Clinton Lumber Kings and Cedar Rapid Kernels, they too have produced some quality players who have reached a professional level. It is worthwhile taking a look at some of them who did make it to the major league.

Born in Texas on 23rd September 1985, Kenn Anthony Kasperk was invited to join the Chicago Cubs in 2004 when he was quite young, which was turned down by him. Neither did he accept a draft contract from the Washington Nationals in 2007.

In 2008, Kenn received an offer from the Seattle Mariners, which he decided to take up and was drafted in to the Major Baseball league in its 12th round. Kenn has managed to make an impact on the Seattle Mariners quite early in his career.

Known as a right handed batter and bowler, many feel that they can expect a lot from him in the future since he’s young and has a long career in front of him.

Another player of similar nature is Denny Almonte. Denny was born on September 24th, 1988 in Miami Florida. Even though he was younger than Kenn, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. Denny was able to work on his game while playing little league during his school years.

Before long Denny got noticed when he tried to play a more challenging game at national level while his right handed throw and batting switcher had him ear marked by most other teams as well. If he continues to progress well, there is a very good chance that many other teams will try to draft him.

Jerry Nyman who initially played for Chicago White Sox was later signed on as the now famous coach of the Midwest League who trained the players for many years.

Freddie Brister is a big fan of College Baseball check out his: Penn State Watch

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