Eberhardt Signed by Blue Jays - August 7th, 2005
For the first time in their three year history, the Mid-Missouri Mavericks are sending one of their own to affiliated ball. RHP Pete Eberhardt was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday night. The 23-year old will report to the Blue Jays advance rookie league squad in Pulanski, Virginia. "We're very happy to see Pete move up," Mavericks manager Jim Gentile said. "It's nice to see someone recognize that we have really talented guys, even though we've struggled this season."

Eberhardt was drafted twice by major league organizations, most recently in 2003, when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 35th round. However, Eberhardt elected to return to college ball, and was signed by the Mavericks in early July following the completion of his senior season at Cal State Northridge. Eberhardt posted a 1-1 record with a 5.87 ERA in 23 innings with Mid-Mo, which included appearances both as a starter and a reliever. Pitching coach Pedro Baez always appreciated the hurler's workmanlike approach. "Pete was a really quiet person," Baez said. "I didn'treally get to know him very well because he was here a short time, but he just went in there and did his job."

MATT OAKES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT - July 8, 2005
The Mid-Missouri Mavericks lost one-half of their 2005 co-captain duo when catcher Matt Oakes announced his retirement following Friday's 4-3 win over Evansville.

Oakes departure leaves a gaping void both on the field and in the Mavericks clubhouse. On the field, the 26-year old Oklahoma native enjoyed a terrific two-year career with Mid-Missouri. In 2004, Oakes was the Mavericks lone All-Star, and hit .311 with 2 HR and 28 RBI before a knee injury cut his season short in early August.

The injury bug continued to bite Oakes in 2005, who recently missed six games with a thumb injury, and was relegated to DH and first base duties upon his return to the lineup. Still, Oakes was one of Mid-Mo's consistent offensive threats, compiling a .264 average with a homer and 21 RBI in 36 games. Matt also pitched 6.2 innings out of the bullpen, yielding four earned runs. Oakes also enjoyed two seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization, after he was signed in July 2002 as an undrafted free agent.

Off the field, Oakes was Mid-Missouri's most steady presence among players, and would often serve as a liason between the players and coaching staff. Well liked by everyone on the team, Oakes also helped organize group activities and bible study sessions.