Another All-Star returning to Pippins

YAKIMA, Wash. – Catcher Chris Ceballos, a 2016 All-Star selection whose season was cut short by injury, will return in 2018 to play for the Yakima Valley Pippins.

Ceballos, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif., hit .269, with 29 hits, nine doubles, a triple and 16 RBIs in 32 games for the Pippins during his stint in Yakima. But a lower-back injury just before that year’s All-Star Game cut Ceballos’ season short. Despite playing just over half a season, Ceballos still earned All-WCL honorable mention recognition.

“Bringing players back to Yakima is something that is very special to our team and our fans,” Pippins manager Marcus McKimmy said. “In addition to quality baseball attributes, players are more physical, mature and must be great locker room guys. In Chris’ case, he is all of those things and can play multiple positions for us as well.”

In addition to catching, Ceballos will see time at first base next summer.

Ceballos started his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton before transferring to OCC after a redshirt season. The Pirates were 36-12 overall and 16-5 in California Community College Athletic Association play in 2017.

The Pippins’ fifth anniversary season in Yakima begins in June 2018. Season tickets for the team’s 32-game home schedule are currently available for purchase at Hunky Shaw’s Team Shop, 12 S. Second St. in the historic Larson Building in downtown Yakima, by calling 509-575-4487 or online at pippinsbaseball.com. The Pippins’ 2018 schedule will be announced soon, with mini-plans and other ticketing options available at that time.

By Yakima Valley Pippins

January 27, 2018