by Bonn Capitals
After signing Bradley Roper-Hubbert for a second season with the Bonn Capitals, the team announced that Starting Pitcher Bryce Schoening will not be able to return for the 2012 season.
“The main reason I can’t come back next year is that I need to finish up my college degree in the field of marketing. My plans are to finish up school and create a clothing brand. Playing baseball might be an option as well”, Schoening explains his tough decision.
The Capitals regret that the left-hander will not return next season, but wish him all the best in his professional career. Schoening made quite an impression during his two years in the German Bundesliga. He belonged to the best pitchers in the league, not relying too much on his velocity, as so many of the other foreign pitchers in the league, but more on his control and the diversity of his pitches. With eight wins in his eleven starts and an ERA of 2.31 it is no surprise that Schoening was named the team’s Best Pitcher in 2011. “Bryce is a great fighter. We got to know him as a very loyal and team-oriented player on and off the field. We will miss him as a player and as a friend,” Mirko Heid, head-coach of the Capitals, said about Schoening.
Back in California the 24-year-old already has a bit of homesickness to the team from the Rheinaue. “The Bonn Capitals are like a huge family. They took me in like I was one of their own and treated me with the upmost respect. Not only are they a family of loving people, but they love to fight for their club. The club is growing as a unit and will soon be on top of the German Bundesliga”, Schoening explains before adding, “Thank you to everyone. This club was my favorite baseball team to play on in my entire career. I was so lucky and thankful to be given the opportunity to play with such an amazing group of guys. I will never forget about the time I have spent over there and the great relationships that I’ve made. I can’t wait to get back out there and visit the team.”
During his visit Schoening will likely meet his successor. The Capitals have already made their choice and will soon announce who will take over Schoening‘s spot as a starting pitcher on the roster.
Photo: Bonn Capitals