Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

JCCC baseball players selected for All-Star games     

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Three sophomores from the Johnson County Community College baseball program will be showcased at the Kansas Junior College All-Star games this weekend, Sept. 21-23, at Dumont Stadium in Wichita, Kan.  

Pitchers Travis Blankenship and Dustin Holthaus, shortstop Doug Otto and catcher Mitchell Mathis will represent the Cavaliers and play for the East Squad All-Stars.  

“All four will play vital roles this season,” said Shelley.  “As sophomores this year, these players will be looked upon as leaders and I expect them to live up to that role, and build on their successes of last year.”

Blankenship, a left-hander from Lawrence, Kan., was one of the team’s aces last year.  He posted a record of 6-2 with an ERA of 2.94 with 69 innings of work.  He led the staff with 48 strikeouts and tied for first in starts (13), appearances (15) and shutouts (1).  His six wins were second as were his three complete games and 69 innings pitched.

Holthaus, a talented right-hander from Topeka, Kan., finished his freshman campaign with a 6-3 record, with 25 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings on the hill.  He also posted an earned run average of 1.60, best among the starting rotation.  Holthaus made 12 appearances, six as a starter, and recorded two complete games.  

Otto, a slick-fielding middle infielder from Jefferson City, Mo., possesses a live arm and great range from his shortstop position.  As a freshman, Otto hit .231 (27-for-117) with five doubles, four triples and 26 runs batted in.  His four triples led the team.  He also drew 17 free passes, which tied him for second on the squad.

Mathis, a fundamentally sound catcher out of Shawnee Mission West High School, had a solid freshman season.  He batted .347 (25-for-72) with three doubles, a triple, a home run and 11 runs batted in.  He also was perfect in the field, posting a 1.000 fielding percentage.