he Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Ali Simpson to their roster for the 2011 season. Baseball America recently named Simpsonto the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference pre-season All-Conference team as a starting pitcher. He is currently a junior at Bethune-Cookman University. This season, Simpson has started in three games for the Wildcats and owns a 2-1 record, with a 5.74 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 15.2 innings pitched. Simpson, at 6'3" and 170-pounds, compiled a 4.93 ERA last season for Bethune-Cookman, with a 6-2 record and 65 strikeouts in 69.1 innings pitched. "I am really looking forward to coming to Waterloo and playing for the Bucks," said Simpson. In 2009, the Campbell River, British Columbia native ranked second on the team with a 3.23 ERA and went 9-2 with 79 strikeouts. He ended his freshman season with seven straight wins and was named MEAC Rookie of the Year. College Baseball Daily named Simpson in the top 100 players in the country for the 2010 season. Born May 18, 1990, Simpson graduated from Carhi Secondary High School where he earned the Principal's Honor Roll Academic Award. Ali is the son of Jim and Jude Simpson. The Bucks will open the 2011 season on the road at the Battle Creek Bombers on June 1. Waterloo's home opener is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at 6:35 pm versus the Eau Claire Express. Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.
