Cane Cutters News

The Acadiana Cane Cutters are excited to welcome back two of their own in James Ziegler and Alex Tucker, who made their debut with the team last summer. They will also be joined by Adam Yacek and Leiff Clarkson who are in their first season with the team.

Ziegler, a sophomore, returns to the team for his second season after gaining invaluable experience last summer. He competed fiercely all season for the team appearing in the outfield while participating in 51 games.

The Chandler, Arizona native looks to improve on his performance from last year where he had a .258 batting average and 40 hits. He showed his versatility by stealing 6 bases and providing valuable defense in the outfield.

“It will be good to have James return for another season with the team,” Head Coach Lonny Landry said, “I have personally seen his hard work pay off and look forward to seeing him back in a Cane Cutters uniform.”

From Denham Springs, Louisiana, Alex Tucker returns to the team. The catcher is now a junior and has participated in two different summer leagues. In 2013 he was a member of the San Luis Obispo Blues who are in the California Collegiate League. During his time with the Blues he played in 24 games in which he had 14 hits.

The next summer he spent with the Cane Cutters. During this time he hit .270 with 5 extra base hits.

At Nicholls State, his junior season, he showed how much the experience in both summer leagues had benefited him. During his junior year he appeared in 23 games while hitting .306 with 11 RBIs.

“I saw how hard he worked last year to improve and I know he will do the same this season,” said Cane Cutters co-owner Richard Chalmers.

Tucker is joined by junior Adam Yacek, from Austin Texas, who was pivotal for Miami University this past season. He looks to continue this success in his first season with the Cane Cutters.

Last season for the Redhawks he appeared in 42 games batting an impressive .337 average while also showing his power by belting 6 home runs. Racking up extra base hits Yacek showed off his speed by earning 11 doubles and 5 triples.

“I am excited to see him in action and to see Yacek continue to impress,” said General Manager Richard Haifley.

Leiff Clarkson, a sophomore for Western Kentucky, joins the team for his first season of summer league ball. The Union, Kentucky native will be an important part of the roster.

He showed off his ability in the infield and at the plate for Western Kentucky. In 47 games he batted .327 while also scoring 27 runs.

“I am sure Leiff is looking forward to getting here and we are looking forward to watching him compete,” said co-owner Richard Chalmers.

The Cane Cutters are set to open their fifth season at home on May 28th, against the Victoria Generals. Season tickets are now available. Call (337) 451-6582. Be sure to also check us out on the web at www.canecuttersbaseball.com, Follow us on Instagram at acadiana_canecutters, on Twitter @CaneCuttersBB and Like us on Facebook at Acadiana Cane Cutters Baseball.