BASEBALL: Former Chap Joe Wielbruda Returns to Christensen Stadium

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletics Director

Midland College Baseball
Monday, March 21, 2022
Midland, Texas

MIDLAND, TEXAS - From his first practice, to the final out of his Midland College career in 2011, Wielbruda, enthusiastically and loudly professed his fondness for Midland, Texas and his time at MC.  Wielbruda of Youngstown, OH came to Midland College in 2009 after a coach told then MC head baseball coach David Coleman about Wielbruda. 

Both Wielbruda and Coleman took a flyer and Joe came to Midland College to play college baseball.  "I was a long way from home, and didn't know anything outside of my hometown," he said.  "I didn't know what to expect; however, from the very start, I found Midland to be friendly and accommodating", Wielbruda said in a 2020 interview. 

Wielbruda parlayed his opportunities into becoming a two-year starter for the Chaparrals, ultimately earning an Associate degree from Midland College in 2011.  Following his time as a member of the Chaparrals, Joe transferred to the University of North Florida where he played two seasons for the Ospreys and earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Communications (2013). 

After completing his collegiate playing career Joe successfully combined his love of baseball and his education, beginning his professional career interning the New York Yankees in their public relations office.  Currently Wielbruda works as an Amateur Scouting Video & Administration Coordinator with the Yankees.  It's in that capacity that Joe returned to Midland. 

Wielbruda was dispatched by the Yankees to get video on current MC pitcher Luke Young in order for the Yankees to access his worth as a draft prospect.  Armed with a state-of-the-art camera and a big smile, Wielbruda made his way to Midland returning to Christensen Stadium for the first time in several years.  At Christensen, Wielbruda reconnected with head baseball coach, Hector Rodriguez.  Rodriguez served as the assistant baseball coach during Wielbruda's two years at MC. 

During his return visit to MC, Joe took the opportunity to reconnect with Rodriguez and a few other familiar faces.  He also patronized one of his favorite college haunts, Rosa's for some fast-food.  For his part MC's Luke Young fanned 11 New Mexico Junior College batters which made the trip to West Texas, from Florida, worthwhile.  Wielbruda resides and works in Tampa, Florida.

 
Joe Weilbruda at work as a scout for the New York Yankees, at MC's Christensen Stadium

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