Reading, Pa. - Wednesday evening Alvernia University senior Shane Zellers (Wiconisco, Pa./Williams Valley) was at home thinking about his next start for his summer league baseball team. Thursday morning he was on a plane to New England to join the Vermont Lake Monsters, a minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals and members of the New York-Penn League.
Around 7:00 Wednesday night Zellers took a call from a Nationals' scout who had intended on coming to see him in his next start in his men's league. A spot had opened up on the Nationals' short season roster and the scout said he would prefer to watch him pitch in Vermont.
Zellers took a few minutes to answer some questions Thursday morning before boarding his flight to Vermont. He is unsure if he'll serve as a starter or come out of the pen, but was hoping to start considering the Lake Monsters begin the season Friday with games on 19 straight days.
Just a few days ago, Zellers was thinking that following the summer league he would join an Independent League team in the midwest to try to chase his dream, but he's extremely excited for Wednesday's change in plans.
Alvernia head coach Yogi Lutz continues to develop players for professional play. "After a dominating junior & senior season, it’s a great opportunity for Shane to pitch at the next level," Lutz said. "It will certainly be a challenge to start his pro career in the New York Penn League. We are all looking forward to watching him pitch at one of the local ballparks."
The New York-Penn League is split into three different divisions. The Lake Monsters play in the Stedler Division with Connecticut (Tigers), Lowell (Red Sox), and Tri-City (Astros). They open the season Friday at home hosting the Lowell Spinners.
Zellers' signing puts three former Crusaders currently playing in the minor leagues. He joins Anthony Recker who plays for the Sacramento River Cats and Zach Lutz who plays for the Binghamton Mets.
If and when the Nationals' first overall pick in this year's draft, Bryce Harper signs his deal, he could make a brief stop with the Lake Monsters.