Dustin Longchamps signs to play for the New York State League's Utica Brewmasters.
Former CM Baseball star Dustin Longchamps graduated from Central Maine Community College in 2004-05 and then took his wares to Eastern Maryland Shores where he pitched for two more years. He led the Hawks in several pitching categories.
CM Head Men?s Baseball Coach Jorin Bunyea was instrumental behind Dustin?s transfer to Eastern Maryland Shores back in 04-05. According to Coach Bunyea ? we are all very proud of Dustin and his accomplishments, he has worked very hard to get where he is today and he can continue to play at even a higher level.?
This year he has been signed to play for the Utica Brrewmasters.
The league consists of four teams all playing in Utica and sharing the same field at Murnane Stadium which used to belong to short season team the Utica Blue Sox. They were sold to Ripken Baseball and moved to Aberdeen, Md. where they became the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
The four teams, the Brewmasters, the Rome Coppers, the Oneida Barge Busters and the Herkimer Trailbusters play each night with a double header of two seven inning games. The league is for one year only for the members of the four teams. Once you have played a year the league hopes that if you are good enough you will get signed by another professional team, independent or one affiliated with major league baseball.
Longchamps, who pitched two years for the Hawks is considered one of top prospects in the league and was signed the very first day of open tryouts on June 27th. To date he has seen action in two games, picking up his first professional win against the Trailbusters on July 8th. A former starter for the Hawks, Longchamps is serving in a set-up role for the Brewmasters.
"I am having a blast," said Longchamps. "I am learning a lot and it is a great chance to keep playing and get seen by more scouts."
Dustin earned All-MEAC honors in the 2006 season and this season was a pre-season Baseball America All-Conference selection. He also earned MEAC All-Tournament Team honors for a dominating performance against Florida A & M. In that game he worked eight innings and earned a win over the second seeded Rattlers. He allowed just six hits and three walks while striking out seven. He allowed two runs, neither of which were earned. Longchamps finished his season as the team leader in wins (4), games started (16), innings pitched (112), strike outs (101), and opponents batting average (.253).
In 2006 he was the Hawks go to pitcher, starting 14 games in 15 appearances and finishing seven of those starts. He had seven wins, a UMES record since becoming Division I. Last year he led the team with 60 Ks while opponents hit under .250 off of the starter.
Longchamps takes the field each day of the week except for Mondays, their off day. The town supports the new league as opening night saw a crowd of 2,677. Utica, `the hometown team,' if you will, plays the nightcap each evening. "It was crazy," said Longchamps. "There was so much cheering and excitement. It's a great atmosphere.?|
Congratulations to Dustin, Coach Bunyea and all the players who have gone on from CM to continue their athletic careers!!
Dave Gonyea
Athletic Director
Central Maine Community College
