Former Regents player signs with Rascals
O'FALLON, Mo. -- Rockford College’s all-time hits and RBI leader, Tim Rowe, recently signed with the River City Rascals of the independent Frontier League, the same league as the local Rockford RiverHawks. Rowe, who completed his collegiate eligibility with Rockford’s 10-6 Northern Athletics Conference Championship win, signed with the Rascals on Thursday, before making his professional debut on Friday.

Rowe, a native of Eden, WI, made an immediate impact with the Rascals, going 6-12 in a three game series with the Evansville Otters. In his debut, Rowe singled in his first two at-bats, with an RBI. His hot start continued on Saturday, as Rowe led River City going 4-4, with two doubles, 2 RBI’s and four runs scored. Through his first three games, Rowe is batting .500, with three RBI’s and is third on the club with six runs scored.

“We were looking for a right fielder who was solid in the field and could produce at the plate,” said Rascals manager Toby Rumfield. “Through his first three games, Tim has been a tremendous spark for our team. He has helped our team batting average go up 60 points with runners in scoring position and 30 points with runners in scoring position with two outs. The guy can get on base and that’s huge.”

Tim, a physical education major at Rockford, completed his stellar Regents career as the school’s all-time leader in games played, at-bats, hits, and RBI’s. Rowe was named to the 2007 All-NAC first team, the 2007 American Baseball Coaches All- Central Region team, and received honorable mention on the D3Baseball.com All-American Team.

“As the Rockford College coach, I am extremely proud. As coach of the Riverhawks, I’m not looking forward to facing Tim,” said Regents’ head coach Bob Koopmann with a smile. Koopmann is also the bench coach for the Rockford RiverHawks. “Tim had a great career at Rockford and we are so proud that the Rascals have given him the opportunity to continue his career. Tim has worked tremendously hard on his game and been a tremendous asset to our program. He is certainly deserving of this opportunity.”

Rowe will return to Road Ranger Stadium, Rockford College’s 2007 home baseball stadium, with his Rascals teammates on July 13, 14, and 15 when the Rascals face the Rockford RiverHawks in a three game set.

To follow Tim’s career with the River City Rascals, visit their website at www.rivercityrascals.com.

Courtesy of Rockford College, Sports Information Department, June 6, 2007.