PIONEERS ANNOUNCE MORE ADDITIONS OF THE 2024 ROSTER

The West Division Champion Elmira Pioneers have released another part of their 2024 Roster. Tanner Donati (OF), Thomas Cheplick (SS/RHP), Tim Haftl (INF), Trey Runge (INF), Will Mueller (RHP), 2023 Returner Zack Nelson (RHP), Mike Palmer (INF), Nathan Holmes (RHP) will join the roster this summer.  Of the eight announce one will be returning from the 2023 Roster and two players have ties to Elmira New York.

Tanner Donati is a 6’1, 190-pound Freshman Outfielder from the University of Delaware. He currently has four hits in 19 at bats with the Blue Hens for a .211 batting average, along with six runs and four runs batted in. In high school for Mt. Lebanon, he hit .423 in 65 games.

Thomas Cheplick is a 5’8, 165-pound Freshman Right-Handed Pitcher & Short Stop from Niagara County Community College. Cheplick played his High School baseball for Thomas Edison in Elmira Heights where he was a superstar during his tenure.

Tim Haftl is a 5’9, 175-pound Sophomore Infielder from Penn State Harrisburg. In 16 games so far this season he has a .277 batting average along with nine runs batted in, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases. As a freshman Haftl hit .382 in 24 games, and despite inconsistent playing time he has been very solid when put in the lineup. 

Trey Runge is a 6’1, 185-pound Junior Infielder from East Central University. He started his career at SW Minnesota State before transferring to East Central. He currently has four hits in 18 at-bats with one run batted in.

Will Mueller is a 6’5, 210-pound Freshman Right-Handed Pitcher at St. Lawrence University. While he hasn’t made any appearances yet with the Saints, he was a two-sport athlete at St. John’s Prep (MA) and won a state championship in football. 

Zack Nelson is a 6’0, 250-pound Freshman Right-Handed Pitcher at SUNY Corning was a key part of the Pioneers 2023 West Division Championship as the season went on. Nelson is a returning Pioneer and had a 3.14 earned run average last season in 12 appearances for Elmira. In 25.1 innings with Corning CC, he has 15 strikeouts.

Michael Palmer is a 6’3, 220-pound Freshman Infielder from Niagara County Community College. Palmer played high school baseball at Elmira High, where he had a .273 batting average as a senior.  Palmer brings some local flare to the Pioneers this summer.

Nathan Holmes is a 5’11, 185-pound Sophomore Right-Handed Pitcher at Pennwest California University. In 32 innings this season with the Vulcans he has 26 strikeouts and a 3.66 earned run average. As a freshman he pitched 43.2 innings and had a 4.53 earned run average.

The Pioneers season begins Friday May 31st at Historic Dunn Field vs the Batavia Muckdogs 6:30 PM with post-game fireworks sponsored by Hilliard Corporation & Southern Tier Custom Fabrication.  Season tickets are on sale for just $99 as well as single game tickets.  Call 607-734-2690.