Following former Black Bears this season

Kevin Newman, 2015

Opening day in New York-Penn League is 76 days away (June 15). The West Virginia Black Bears home opener is on June 21 against the State College Spikes.

Now is the time to take a look at where former Black Bears will be playing during this season on their "road to the show". See post from March 29, about the four who made it to the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening day roster. Link

Pirates Prospects provided some insight in an article yesterday covering the rosters for the Pirates' teams in the International League, Eastern League, Florida State League, and the South Atlantic League. Link (Note: Access to content at Pirates Prospects requires a subscription, which I highly recommend if you want to follow the Pirates organization year round. They also publish an annual Pirates Prospect Guide, which is also recommended. Subscription information is available here. Link)

There will be former Black Bears at every level of the Pirates organization. The Indianapolis Indians, Altoona Curve, Bradenton Marauders, and West Virginia Power will all have players with familiar names to Black Bears' fans. Complete stats from Baseball Reference can be viewed by clicking on each player's name.

Kevin Kramer, 2015

The Indianapolis Indians open their season in the AAA International League on Friday, April 6, at home against the Columbus Clippers. Expect to see the following Black Bears playing here:

Tanner Anderson ('15)
Kevin Kramer ('15)
Kevin Newman ('15)
Austin Meadows (rehab assignments '16 and '17)

Logan Hill, 2015

The AA Altoona Curve open their Eastern League season on Thursday, April 5 at home vs the Akron Rubberducks. Former Black Bears with the Curve should include:

Dario Agrazal ('15)
Steve Alemais ('16)
JT Brubaker ('15)
Will Craig ('16)
Ke'Bryan Hayes ('15)
Logan Hill ('15)
Mitch Keller (rehab '17)
Christian Kelley ('15)
Brandon Waddell ('15, rehab '17)

(note: Mitchell Tolman ('15) received a 50 game suspension back on February 10. He was not mentioned in the Pirates Prospects article, but should return to Altoona)

Cam Vieaux, 2016

The Advanced A Bradenton Marauders open on Thursday, April 5 at Florida State League opponent St. Lucie Mets. Look for these familiar names:

Trae Arbet
Albert Baur ('15-'16)
Luis Escobar ('15-'16)
Casey Hughston ('15)
Bligh Madris ('17)
James Marvel ('16)
Lucas Tancas ('17)
Hunter Owen ('15, rehab '17)
Cam Vieaux ('16)




The West Virginia Power of the Class A South Atlantic League open at home against the Greenville Drive. Former Black Bears playing in Charleston should include:

Dylan Busby ('17)
Sergio Cubilete ('17)
Robbie Glendinning ('17) (not listed in Pirates Prospects article)
Scooter Hightower ('16-'17) (not listed in Pirates Prospects article)
Adam Oller ('17) (not listed in Pirates Prospects article)
Brett Pope ('17) (not listed in Pirates Prospects article)
Ike Schlabach ('17) 
Deon Stafford ('17)
Gavin Wallace ('17)

Black Bears Tracker will update these lists when more information is available in the next few days.

Photo Credits: MiLB.com 

Stats link:  Baseball Reference.com

 Black Bears Tracker is not affiliated in any way with Minor League Baseball, the New York-Penn League, or the West Virginia Black Bears