LINCOLN — The Saltdogs re-signed 2012 Player of the Year Mike Provencher Friday, further cementing the club’s foundation for the upcoming campaign.
Provencher led the team in doubles (21), runs scored (62), stolen bases (21) and shared the lead with nine home runs last year. He also proved to be an enormous asset defensively, splitting time between center field, right field and third base; and in the clutch, hitting several game-tying or lead-taking home runs in the ninth inning.
The 25-year old from Brighton, Colo. has played four seasons professionally and has posted a combined .286 batting average for three different teams in the American Association.
Provencher began his career in El Paso in 2009, where he impressed the Diablos and the rest of the veteran-filled league as a true rookie.
Late in the 2010 season he was traded to Shreveport-Bossier, helping the Captains to their first and only American Association championship.
A tremendous all-around athlete, Provencher has become increasingly aggressive on the base paths. He has stolen 47 bags over the previous two campaigns and was caught stealing just three times in 24 chances in 2012.
As a collegian at Mesa State (Grand Junction, Colo.), Provencher earned Division II All-American honors playing shortstop.