The Waterloo Bucks open their 2007 season at home tonight against the Green Bay Bullfrogs, one of two expansion teams in the Northwoods League. The Bucks have high expectations of competing for a league championship this summer under new field manager Dan Fitzgerald.
Fitgerald says his goal is that they play the game every single day the way it needs to be played, all out.
Fitzgerald replaces former Bucks skipper Cory Allen, who resigned last fall. The Des Moines Area Community College assistant takes charge of a team that hasn’t posted a winning record in four years and finished 28-and-40 last summer.
Waterloo has been hurt recently by lack-luster pitching, but Fitzgerald says that’s one area that should be improved. He says they have some depth now, and thinks they’ll be tough there.
Fitzgerald says the Bucks are loaded with talent, but the team has something extra that could make it successful. He says it’s a mentality that the players bring in.
Despite their recent struggles, the Bucks are one of the most successful franchises in Northwoods League history. They made seven straight playoff appearances from 1996 to 2002, while winning two league championships.
Fitzgerald wants to bring that caliber of baseball back to the Cedar Valley, and he’s thrilled to have that opportunity. First pitch is at 7:05 tonight at Riverfront Stadium.