Former Player Coming Back as Assistant Coach

Joe

The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs of the Perfect Game Collegiate League (PGCBL) are proud to announce the hiring of Joe Witkowski as assistant coach for the 2014 season.

This will not be Witkowski first time in the Mohawk Valley; he was a member of the 2007 team when current team owner and President Travis Heiser was an assistant coach.

“Joe is a tremendous addition to our staff,” team owner Travis Heiser said. “Anytime you can get someone who has professional baseball experience it’s a plus. He also brings Division I experience having played in the Big East conference where he was a major contributor on a team that won the Big East Tournament. He will have instant credibility with the squad.”
Joe signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros in 2011 after a successful collegiate career at St. John’s University, where he threw out 35.3 percent of base stealers for his career. He also boasted a career fielding percentage of .993, committing just seven errors in 955 total chances. Joe hit .357 as a sophomore and drove in a career-high 22 runs during his senior season.

He signed with the Washington Nationals and attended spring training before an injury ended his playing career.

“I am very excited to be heading back to the Mohawk valley,” Stated Witkowski. “I spent my first summer as a college player here and the area, team and fans have always held a special place in my heart. When I first spoke with Mr. Heiser about returning in a coaching role I was ecstatic. I look extremely forward to working with and learning from fellow former professional player, Coach Nation. The college summer ball experience is so important in developing as a player, and I hope to impart the knowledge and instruction I’ve gathered throughout my playing career onto our players. I’m honored to be heading back to help bring a championship to Veterans Park and once again being a part of the great Mohawk Valley community.”

Joe is currently an assistant coach for the United States Coast Guard Academy and resides in Connecticut.

The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs begin their 2014 season on June 5th with its fan favorite ‘Thirsty Thursday” promotion along with a Team schedule Magnet giveaway courtesy of the Little Falls Hospital.  Then on June 7th we will have a “HUGE” Post Game Fireworks show and t-Shirt giveaway to the first 1000 fans courtesy of the Fuccillo Autoplex of Nelliston!!!!