On April 25, the National Junior College Athletics Association's named Metropolitan
Community College-Maple Woods centerfielder Corey Embree the Players of the Week.
A graduate of Moberly High School in north central Missouri, the freshman slugger has been a batting powerhouse recently, compiling three doubles, five homeruns and 18 RBIs with a .700 batting average. He also had eight runs scored and two stolen bases, along with six walks.
"Corey Embree is a very talented young man," Monarchs coach Marty Kilgore said. "He has been blessed with tools that very few have. Corey has a presence on the field and those of us that get to work with Corey realize just how special that is."
Embree was one of the state's top recruits last year before committing to the Monarchs. He was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 47th round of the 2011 draft but did not sign. He plans to re-enter the MLB draft this June and explore the unrestricted free-agent market.
In the last ten years, the MCC-Maple Woods baseball team has won its regional five times! While last season was not a winning one, the team expects a return to prominence this year.
Says 13-year head coach Marty Kilgore, "The key to our success is to stay healthy throughout the season. We have a very talented group of young men. Each and every one of us is dedicated to our work. We take great pride and passion for this game we love. All of these young men have prepared for this season and I expect solid performances from all of them. I have a very good feeling about this season."
With exceptional training and fitness facilities and proven coaching, players have every opportunity to excel in the sport they love.
The team is a winner in other ways as well—by the numbers of athletes that have gone on to the pros (including Albert Pujols) and by the 90% rate of sophomores continuing their education through baseball.
