Junior Joins; Quinn and Brad Get National Team Experience
Junior Saintel Signs with IPZ
Junior Saintel, a 6’7” guard/forward from Mays Landing, NJ, has signed with IPZ.
Junior played college basketball at Stony Brook University from 2016 to 2018. He played in 64 games for the Seawolves, starting in 58 of them. Before transferring to Stony Brook in 2016, he attended JUCO at Chipola College.
More recently, Junior played for FC Barcelona II and won the Spain LEB Silver Championship. During his time in Barcelona, Junior averaged 8.5 ppg and shot 47% from the field. He is a dynamic playmaker that prides himself on being a vocal leader.
“We were introduced to Junior by Coach Matthew Malc, the head coach of the U.S.A. basketball team in the Maccabi games, and I was a fan of Junior’s in our first call,” said Robert Zito, IPZ Managing Partner. “His love of family, and desire to excel in everything he does, coupled with his accomplishments to date and Coach Malc’s endorsement, translates into a successful future for this young man. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help.”
Quinn Sullivan Called Up to the U-20 USYNT
Image from the Philadelphia Union
Quinn Sullivan was recently called up to the U-20 U.S. Youth National Team. He is one of the youngest players on the team at just 17-years-old.
Quinn and the other 22 players named to the roster traveled to Celaya, Mexico to compete in the Revelations Cup against Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. This tournament will serve as valuable preparation as the team prepares for upcoming qualifying matches for the 2023 U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
“Whenever a client gets the opportunity to represent their country, it is special,” said IPZ Managing Director, Jeff Curtin. “I know Quinn was honored to be a part of this U-20 roster and he is excited for the opportunities that lay ahead in qualifying for both the U-20 World Cup and the Olympic Games.”
To see the full U-20 USYNT roster click here.
Brad Smith Participates in Fall Classic and Super Sixes Tournaments
Image from USA Lacrosse
Brad Smith and the U.S. Men’s National Lacrosse team played in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic last month in Sparks, MD. They competed against Team Canada and the University of Virginia Men’s Lacrosse team.
The U.S. won both matchups, 11-5 against Canada, and 8-7 against UVA.
For the full U.S. Men’s Fall Classic Roster click here.
The following weekend, Brad competed on the U.S. National Super Sixes Roster in Sparks, MD. Super Sixes is the new lacrosse format that will be introduced in the 2028 Olympic Games.
The U.S. played four games, two against Team Canada and two against Team Haudenosaunee, finishing with a 3-1 record.
Brad recorded five goals and seven assists throughout the entire weekend. Sixes will be included in The World Games in Birmingham, AL, summer 2022.
For the full U.S. Super Sixes Roster click here.
Oleynik Extension…Back-to-Back…Team of the Week…UFC Win
Alexey Oleynik Next Fight Announced; Signs Extension with ETF Managers Group
Image by Slav Gordeyev
Alexey “The Boa Constrictor” Oleynik is scheduled to fight former NFL player Greg Hardy in UFC 270 on January 22, 2022.
The 44-year-old will be going for his 60th career win. His current record is 59-16-1.
Image by Jim Salzano
ETF Managers Group (ETFMG) has extended its partnership with Oleynik through January, 2022. He has been sponsored by ETFMG since 2019.
ETFMG, based in Summit, NJ, is the leading provider of thematic ETFs. Alexey has helped ETFMG with its MJ (medical cannabis), GAMR (video game tech), and IVES (cloud computing) ETFs. GAMR is the first ETF to target the video game industry.
“Since 2019, Alexey has added a great deal of value to our firm, exposing our thematic products to a global target audience that is often overlooked by our competitors,” said Sam Masucci, Founder and CEO of ETFMG. “We value Alexey as both an accomplished athlete and continued partner.”
Frank Schwindel Wins Back-to-Back Rookie of the Month Awards
Image from the Chicago Cubs
Frank Schwindel, rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, won National League Rookie of the Month honors for September.
Schwindel won the award in back-to-back months, August and September, for his success after being called up in late July.
In the months of September and October Schwindel batted .344 with seven home runs, 22 RBIs, and 18 extra-base hits. He also had a .600 slugging percentage and .988 OPS.
Schwindel is from Livingston, NJ and is represented by Pro Agents. IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.
Paul Christensen Named to USL One Team of the Week
Paul Christensen, Greenville Triumph goaltender, was named to the USL League One Week 27 Team of the Week.
Christensen recorded a shutout against Union Omaha. The Triumph won 1-0.
He has played very well in the eight games he’s started during the 2021 season, recording five clean sheets. His save percentage is 78.3%, with 18 saves on 23 shots faced.
The Triumph are on a two-game win streak moving their record to 11-7-8.
“Paul is the perfect professional. He got his chance this year to step in as the number one goalkeeper and has taken full advantage of the opportunity,” said Jeff Curtin, IPZ ‘s Managing Director. “Paul is the type of goalkeeper that instills confidence in the team and Greenville is certainly a team playing with confidence. We look forward to watching Paul as they push towards the playoffs and beyond.”
To see the full Week 27 Team of the Week click here.
Before Win, Andrei Arlovski Says He Continues to be a Force
Image from UFC
Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski defeated Carlos Felipe by unanimous decision in UFC Vegas 40 from the UFC Apex. Arlovski’s heavyweight matchup was the co-main event.
This was Arlovski’s 21st career UFC win, third most on UFC’s all-time win list.
In an interview before the fight, Arlovski made it clear that his UFC career was not over yet. Even though he is 42-years-old, he believes he can still win, and he proved that on Saturday night against an up and coming opponent.
“Andrei is one of the most recognizable and personable fighters in the UFC,” said Robert Zito, IPZ’s Managing Partner. “He’s like a good watch; he just keeps on ticking!”
Rookie Success…First Golf Pro…Heir Apparent
Frank Schwindel Wins NL Rookie of the Month for August
Image from Chicago Sun-Times (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Frank Schwindel, rookie first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, has stepped up since being called up on July 30th.
Schwindel won National League Rookie of the Month for August, batting .344 with six home runs, 18 RBIs, eight doubles, and one triple.
Frank, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft. He attended St. John’s University.
After the Cubs traded away long-time first baseman Anthony Rizzo at the end of July, Schwindel was called up from the Iowa Cubs, the Cubs Triple-A affiliate, and has not disappointed.
He has continued his success into the month of September. In 56 games for the Cubs this season Schwindel has batted .342 with 13 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 19 doubles.
“It is always rewarding to see a player get the opportunity he deserves; it is even more gratifying when the player capitalizes on that opportunity. Frank has certainly done that,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.
IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.
IPZ to Represent Sheenah Pegeron
Sheenah Pegeron, a professional golfer, has become the first golf pro to sign with IPZ.
She has been in love with the sport of golf ever since she picked up a club at the young age of 7.
After competing throughout her youth and young adult years, Sheenah now expresses her passion for golf on and off the course. In 2020, she was named the President and is the Co-Founder of the Shady Rest Golf Club, but the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, the predecessor to the golf club, is steeped in history. That club, located in Scotch Plains, NJ, just celebrated its Centennial Anniversary, and is now re-named the Scotch Hills Country Club. That club is the first African American owned Country Club in the United States and home to the first African American Born PGA Golf Pro, John Shippen. The Shady Rest Golf Club continues the original club’s and John Shippen’s legacy after being re-named to the Scotch Hills Country Club.
As President of the club, Sheenah works with the local community to spread awareness of the history of the Shady Rest and to promote the game of golf to African American youth.
She is also a board member of the Preserve Shady Rest Committee, a 501c3 organization that is in the process of obtaining status for the club as a National Historic Landmark.
Aside from her daily 18-holes, Sheenah is a mother of 3 and the CEO of the disability support nonprofit, Peaks Developmental Services. Her passion for golf continues as she uses her platform to teach and inspire young children, especially young girls who look like her, to learn the game of golf.
She is also a brand ambassador for Goat-ish, a sports & golf apparel company, and she is the lead US Kids Golf Certified Coach at We Novas, LLC. Sheenah has also made television appearances, most recently as a golfer on Stephen Curry’s extreme mini-golf competition series “Holey Moley” on ABC.
Brad Smith Is the Future of the Whipsnakes
Recently, USA Lacrosse Magazine highlighted Brad Smith as the “Heir Apparent” in the Whipsnakes Midfield. His teammates and head coach Jim Stagnitta believe that the 24-year-old is just getting started.
After missing the 2019 season due to an injury, Smith made an immediate impact in his first season on the field in 2020, finishing with the 2nd most points (15) by a midfielder in the PLL.
He continued his success in 2021 and stepped up when the Whipsnakes battled injuries to some key players. Smith finished the regular season with the 2nd most points on his team (21), 11 goals and 10 assists.
“They have the confidence in me to go out and perform every weekend,” said Smith. “The support from coaches and all my teammates is a big part of the season I’m having right now. They’re a huge part of it. Coach Stags is hard on me, but he says it’s because he knows I can be great. That tough love gets me going. I’ve got the best teammates, the best coaches, and they’re a big part of what I play for.”
Read the full USA Lacrosse Magazine article by Phil Shore here.
Welcoming Elijah…Remembering Tom…Congratulating Brad
IPZ to Represent Elijah Olaniyi Under New NCAA NIL Rules
Elijah Olaniyi, a 6’5 guard from Stony Brook University, has signed with IPZ under the new NIL rules passed by the NCAA.
Olaniyi is from Newark, NJ and played high school basketball at East Side High School. He started his college career at Stony Brook and was a standout player for three years, averaging 12.5 ppg and 5.4 rebounds. During his junior year he was named to the All-America East first team and NABC All-District first team.
After his third year, Elijah transferred to the University of Miami and played one season with the Hurricanes. He played in 21 games, starting in 18, and averaging 10.5 ppg and 5.1 rebounds.
The NCAA gave college players one more year of eligibility due to the coronavirus disrupting the 2019-2020 season. Olaniyi graduated from the University of Miami in 2021 with a sociology degree and has decided to transfer back to Stony Brook to compete with the Seawolves for the 2021-2022 season.
Elijah is currently 18th all-time on Stony Brook’s scoring list with 1,135 points. He is ready to continue to climb the scoring list and lead his team once again.
2nd Annual Thomas J. Sacks Memorial Golf Invitational
The 2nd Annual Thomas J. Sacks Memorial Golf Invitational was held at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield, NJ, remembering the former Associate Head Coach of the Roselle Catholic Basketball team, who passed away in the spring of 2020.
Sacks had an incredible impact on his players through his positive attitude, motivation, and guidance. He loved the game of basketball and he is deeply missed by his family, friends, and the IPZ family.
IPZ was a proud sponsor for the event.
Brad Smith Named to Olympic Training Roster and Signs with Albany Firewolves
The International Olympic Committee recently approved a new form of lacrosse called “Sixes” to be added for the 2028 Olympic Games. Brad Smith was added to the USA Men’s Lacrosse Olympic training roster and has participated in training sessions in Baltimore and Lake Placid.
In 2016, Brad played on the U.S. Men’s National U-19 team.
There are two scrimmages scheduled in the fall against Canada and Iroquois. “Sixes” will also be a part of the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, AL next summer.
“It’s a big honor getting to represent the U.S. against the best international talent, and lacrosse being added to the Olympics is a monumental move. I’m excited to see where it brings the sport,” said Smith. “Sixes is an exciting version of lacrosse that really combined rules from all major sports which hopefully is as fun to watch as it is to play!”
To see the full roster for the Olympic Training Session click here.
In addition to playing on the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League and participating in the Olympic Training Sessions, Brad recently signed a two year contract with the Albany Firewolves. The Firewolves play in the National Lacrosse League, which is an indoor box lacrosse league.
Legacy…Olympics…Lax…NIL…Alliance
Quinn Sullivan Continues his Family’s Legacy
Quinn Sullivan (center) reacts after scoring a goal on a bicycle kick during the Union’s game at the Chicago Fire. Photo by Andrew Zwarych / Philadelphia Union
Last week, The Philadelphia Inquirer used Quinn Sullivan’s first MLS goal, an amazing bicycle kick, tying it to the legacy his family has created in Philadelphia.
The article walks readers through the 50-year Sullivan legacy, starting with Quinn’s grandfather Larry, who played at Temple and coached for more than 30 years at several schools, including Villanova.
Quinn’s dad, Brendan, played soccer at St. Joseph’s Prep and Penn, and then played professionally for five years in the U.S. Following his pro career, Brendan coached at Villanova with his dad.
Quinn’s mom, Heike, captained the women’s soccer team at Penn.
“I keep telling people it’s just surreal, right? We’re a soccer family, but it’s just surreal to see him actually on the field,” Heike Sullivan said.
Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article here.
Pat Kivlehan to Represent U.S. at Olympics
Photo by K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union Tribune
Patrick Kivlehan, an outfielder in the San Diego Padres organization, will represent the United States in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as a member of the USA Baseball team.
Patrick, who is represented by Pro Agents, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners. His MLB debut was on August 20, 2016, for the San Diego Padres.
“Pat takes great pride in his selection to the Olympic team. His work ethic and energy have culminated in achieving a lifelong dream in representing his country,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc.
Kivlehan is originally from Nyack, New York, but attended St. Joseph’s High School in New Jersey. After graduating from St. Joseph’s in 2008, he played on both the football and baseball teams at Rutgers University. Football was his primary sport, playing four years as a defensive back. After his senior year on the football team, Patrick joined the baseball team and was named 2012 Big East Player of the Year, batting .392 with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 51 games.
“It’s a dream come true type of thing,” Kivlehan said to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Not something that baseball players normally get to experience, so when the opportunity presented itself, I certainly wasn’t going to pass that up.”
The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23rd.
IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.
IPZ Welcomes Brad Smith as its first Lacrosse Client
Photo retrieved from Duke University.
Brad Smith, a midfielder for the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has signed with IPZ.
“I’m excited to join the IPZ family, especially being their first lacrosse client,” said Smith. “I look forward to building my personal brand and the game of lacrosse!”
The PLL is a new lacrosse league that has grown in its short three-year existence, landing major sponsorship deals and merging with Major League Lacrosse in December, 2020. Smith is a rising star in his second year in the PLL and is looking to help the Whipsnakes win their third consecutive championship.
“Brad checks all the boxes…smart, personable, driven and a great athlete,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito. “He will be an asset for any brand.”
Before being drafted 9th overall in 2019, Smith played his college lacrosse at Duke University and for the New Jersey high-school powerhouse, Mountain Lakes. He was a three-time USILA All-American and two-time ALL-ACC member in college.
IPZ to Represent Ithiel Horton Under New NCAA NIL Rules
Photo retrieved from Pitt.
Ithiel Horton, a 6’3″ guard from the University of Pittsburgh, has signed with IPZ under the new NIL rules passed by the NCAA. Horton is currently a redshirt junior and played high school at Roselle Catholic in New Jersey.
As of July 1st, college athletes can profit from sponsorships without losing their eligibility. By signing Horton, Ithiel and IPZ are part of a pivotal moment in collegiate athlete history.
Horton attended the University of Delaware for his freshman year and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh after the 2018-19 season. In the 2020-21 season, Horton played in 22 games, starting in 18, and averaging 8.9 PPG.
The NCAA has changed its regulations to allow college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The new rules provide the opportunity for college athletes to sign with agents, which will allow them to sign sponsorships, partnerships and endorsement deals.
“We were fortunate to meet Ithiel and his dad through mutual friends,” said IPZ Managing Partner Robert Zito. “Ithiel is an amazing young man, who is going to be successful on and off the court. We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”
IPZ Forms Alliance with Playbook +
Playbook +, a St. Louis, MO based consultancy with expertise in sports marketing and advertising, has formed a strategic alliance with IPZ, the companies announced today.
Playbook +, led by John Sheehan, is an experienced and innovative marketing and advertising group with vast knowledge of the Sports, Media, and Entertainment landscapes.
“We are excited to further expand the partnership with IPZ that began a couple years ago. Together, we’ll be able to maximize opportunities for our clients,” said Playbook + Founder John Sheehan.
“We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with John over the past year or so through one of our St. Louis based clients and are really excited to now expand and formalize our partnership,” said IPZ Managing Director Jeff Curtin. “John and his team’s expertise in the sports marketing and advertising space will help bolster our capabilities for our existing clients and expand reach. Together, we can take our client services to the next level.”
Quinn Sullivan’s bicycle-kick goal in his first MLS start was a dream moment for one of Philly soccer’s most famous families
Larry Sullivan was with his son, Brendan, upstairs at the family’s Shore vacation place last Saturday when they heard shouting downstairs.
The Union’s game at the Chicago Fire was on TVs on both floors, with the upstairs one a few seconds behind. So Larry figured someone must have scored. And something about the shouting told Brendan it was no ordinary goal.
“I’ll bet you Quinn scored,” Brendan said.
To read the full article click here.
Tokyo Bound…Blaze Crowned…and “Ooops!”
Pat Andree Heads to Tokyo
Pat Andree has signed a contract to play with Tokyo Z (a.k.a The Earthfriends: アースフレンズ東京Z (eftokyo-z.jp)), of the Japan-B2 League. Andree will head overseas in August, with intentions of taking his new team to the championship.
Andree played his first professional season last year in Portugal, where he made a positive impact before COVID impacted the team’s season.
The former Lehigh University and NC State University student-athlete is thrilled to continue his professional career at a highly respected level, playing in one of the most exciting cities in Japan.
“We are thrilled that Pat has the opportunity to continue his basketball career in such an amazing setting,” said Robert Zito, managing partner of IPZ. “He has worked all year with Mike Rice to strengthen every component of his game and it will be evident in Tokyo. This is a young man who works every minute of the day to perfect his skills and he will make his new team – and their fans – proud.”
“I’m extremely excited to join the Tokyo Z family and I’m excited for my time in Japan,” said Andree.
IPZ’s Board Member, Carol Blazejowski, Named One of Greatest New Jersey Athletes of All Time
Carol “The Blaze” Blazejowski, a Board Member at IPZ, has been ranked among the 99 Greatest New Jersey Athletes of All Time.
Coming in at number 29, the New Jersey article states, “[Carol] is one of the greatest scorers in women’s basketball history…leading Montclair State to the 1978 AIAW Final Four.”
In the article, she is ranked among Laurie Hernandez, Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O’Neal, and more. Blazejowski is also a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee.
See the full article here.
Lou Fusz Goes Viral
Lou Fusz Athletic Mueller ‘06 won the U-15 Missouri State Championship, but went viral for breaking the trophy during their celebration. Similar to some pro teams’ celebrations, the team hoisted the trophy in the air and it shattered on the ceiling.
The team will receive a new trophy soon, and each player took home a piece of the broken trophy.
Thomas Gleeson Joins IPZ
Thomas Gleeson, who interned with IPZ during the past school year, is the newest member of the IPZ team, joining as Sports Sponsorship Manager.
Gleeson graduated Marist College in May 2021 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in sports communications. He will continue to work on brand outreach for sponsorships and partnerships for IPZ’s athletes.
Tom impressed the IPZ team with his work ethic and creativity during his internship. His experience includes producing two sports podcasts, writing articles for several publications, creating social media content, and connecting athletes with high schools and colleges.
“Throughout my career, I have learned that finding amazing young employees starts with a “test drive” as an internship,” said Robert Zito, IPZ managing partner. “Whether at the NYSE, Sony or BMS, I was fortunate to welcome young interns who impressed our teams with their drive, knowledge, and willingness to learn. Tom hit the ground running at IPZ and impressed all of us with his tenacity. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
A Shoot… and Another Shot… For Alexey
Alexey Oleynik Prepares for Next UFC Appearance
Alexey “The Boa Constrictor” Oleynik has been steadily preparing for his next fight on June 19th’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas. He is featured on the Main Card to battle a young, up-and-coming fighter, Serghei Spivac in the Heavyweight Bout. Oleynik, the only fighter in history to win bouts in four decades, is looking to reel in his 60th career win, as he is currently at 59-19-1.
“I will be ready,” Oleynik said. “Serghei is a good young fighter and I know they have been studying my career.”
Alexey was recently the focal point of a photo shoot done in New York, organized by his official financial sponsor, ETF Managers Group (ETFMG). The shoot wasn’t your average booking… Alexey was filmed on a new, state-of-the-art 3D camera, did a video interview, and posed for stills with a live boa constrictor, by famed photographer, Jim Salzano.
“It was great to work with ETFMG and Alexey on this project,” said Salzano. “Collaborating with Scheimpflug and John Engstrom to capture Alexey in 3D was a great experience and we love the results.
“We used 128 cameras tethered to 25 computers and a main frame to produce a 3D image that the viewer can interact with. I’m really excited by the possibilities this new technology will offer us and our clients.”
Alexey serves as a brand representative for ETFMG, a $7B thematic ETF (exchange-traded fund) issuer based in Summit, NJ, promoting several of its ETFs, including MJ, the first U.S. and the world’s largest global cannabis fund, and GAMR, the first ETF to target the video game industry.
“Alexey is a respected and accomplished athlete in and out of the octagon, and our partnership with him has provided exposure to a target audience that is often overlooked by our competitors,” said Sam Masucci, Founder and CEO of ETFMG. “We look forward to cheering on our Heavyweight champ this month.”
Andrei Arlovski Secures 20th UFC Win
Last month, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski defeated Chase Sherman in UFC Fight Night on April 17th, by unanimous decision. What started out as a slow fight, ended in a big finish. Arlovski is not slowing down, which proves that age is just a number.
This win ties the 42-year-old heavyweight champion for fourth place on the all-time UFC wins list, and made him one-of-two fighters in UFC history to record 20 wins in a single weight class, according to ESPN. He has now won 20 fights during his 21 years of fighting in the Octagon. Arlovski’s first official UFC fight was in April 2000, and he won his 20th fight in April 2021. He is also third all-time in UFC appearances.
“I thank God, my family, Dana White, First Round Management, American Top Team, my fans, and many others… for the opportunity to step into the octagon again,” Arlovski posted on his Instagram account after the fight.
The Pro Edition: Soccer, Baseball and Basketball
Quinn Sullivan Gets First Taste of Professional Soccer
While most of his former club and school teammates are finishing high school right now, 16-year-old Quinn Sullivan is in Clearwater, Florida, getting his first taste of Major League Soccer experience.
Sullivan, signed by the Philadelphia Union to a “homegrown” contract after playing in the Union’s Academy, played in his first pre-season game this week after a week of pre-season training in Philadelphia.
A top performer in the team’s fitness testing, Quinn scored a goal in the team’s first intra-squad game, before playing half of the Union’s first pre-season game against Orlando City SC.
“As we were about to enter Phase 2 of pre-season training in Florida, I was reflecting on Phase 1, and how positive it has been so far,” said Sullivan. “I am learning a lot, and the coaching staff is working overtime to get all of the new players up to speed. The environment around the team is great and I am optimistic about the rest of pre-season and the year.”
The team kicks off their 2021 season in CONCACAF Champions League play when they head down to Costa Rica for a game against Deportivo Saprissa on April 7th, before a return leg at Philadelphia’s Subaru Park on April 14th.
The Union’s MLS season opener will be on April 18th at Columbus Crew SC.
Former MLB Pitcher Joins Pro Agents
When Tom Koehler retired from baseball in 2020, after a shoulder injury cut his career short, he remembered a conversation he had with his agent, Dave Pepe.
“Dave always said to me ‘don’t commit to anything without talking with me first,’ so I didn’t,” the former Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays righty said. “We would joke about it while I was playing. Dave was very familiar with my work as a player on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
One conversation led to another and Tom joined Dave and Billy Martin, Jr., on the Pro Agents’ team.
“Many years ago, I recognized in Tom a work ethic and intellect that I always believed would be an asset to any organization,” said Dave Pepe, co-President of Pro Agents, Inc. “Fortunately, the organization that will benefit will be the one I am affiliated with.”
Tom is still in the Marlins’ record books, among the top 10 Miami hurlers in Innings Pitched, Strikeouts and ERA. After being traded to the Blue Jays, Tom had a 2.65 ERA in 2017, the last year he pitched before suffering the shoulder injury. A product of New Rochelle High School, Tom was drafted by the Marlins in 2008.
“While I may focus more on our pitching prospects, I’ll be doing everything Dave and Billy do with our current and future clients,” Tom added. “The most important thing a player can look for in an agent is finding someone you can trust, and who will be honest and open. Sometimes the best advice may not be what you want to hear. That’s something I always admired about the team at Pro Agents.”
Koehler, who will be based in Jupiter, FL, feels the current Pro Agents roster is filled with talent.
“We have a number of guys who, I feel, will become significant big league baseball players.”
IPZ works on marketing and public relations initiatives for Pro Agents and its athletes.
Pat Andree Training for Next Pro Shot
While Pat Andree’s first pro season did not go as planned, he wouldn’t have passed up the experience.
“We practiced two and three times a day, every day,” said Pat. “I’ve kept up the same regimen since I’ve been back in the States. I’ll be better prepared next season.”
Pat is working with Mike Rice since getting back to New Jersey. The former Robert Morris and Rutgers head basketball coach is now the head coach of Team Rio, a top AAU program, and the Director of the Hoop Group, where several college and former professional players now train.
“Pat can have a long career in Europe, if things ever get back to normal,” said Rice. “He can stretch the floor, has tremendous skill sets and he has improved his physical tools, working on his body. Physically, he can compete with anyone. He is the prototypical “Big” in today’s game. He is comfortable playing on the perimeter and can shoot the three.”
The 6’10” Andree, who played collegiately at Lehigh and North Carolina State, spent two-and-a-half months with Lusitania in Portugal’s LCB, the top pro basketball league in Portugal. Lusitania is in Angra do Heroismo in the Azores. Thus, the team had a two-hour flight from the island to the mainland, and then typically another two-hour flight to away games.
“The travel was tough, but the place was beautiful,” Andree said. “But the team struggled financially without fans. It really relied on gate revenue. Our coach left after the first game, and the team had to release three American players during the season. I actually had my best game in our last game, with 13 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.
“But now I’m back in Jersey training with Coach Rice and working for the next opportunity.”
“It was a difficult year,” said Massimo Raseni of Italy’s The Players Group agency. “Some players actually got stopped at Customs, tested positive, and were sent home, losing their jobs.”
