About Us / Management
The Palm Springs Chill was created in 2008 as an expansion franchise to compete in the Arizona Winter League. In the fall of 2009, after two successful Chill seasons, Owner and President Andrew Starke announced the inception of a new winter league, the California Winter League. The CWL flourished in its first season in 2010, with over 50% of the players receiving spring training offers. With almost twice as many players in 2011, over 60% received offers.
In 2012 the California Winter League will expand to five teams, as it continues to be the premier destination for players to receive top-quality instruction and get noticed by Major League scouts.
For more information about Palm Springs POWER Baseball, click here.
For more information about the California Winter League’s history, click here.
Andrew Starke
President, Palm Springs POWER Baseball Inc.
Andrew Starke has been the sole Owner and President of the Palm Springs POWER Baseball Organization since its creation in the fall of 2003. The POWER organization is the parent company of the California Winter League, thus his responsibilities cover all day-to-day operations of the CWL as well. Mr. Starke started the company from the ground up and has seen it grow at a rapid pace to its current employment of over fifty full and part-time staff.
Always looking to expand sports entertainment in the Coachella Valley, he created the California Winter League in the fall of 2009, in preparation for it first season in January 2010.
Mr. Starke currently serves as a board member for the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Palm Springs, along with being the President-Elect for the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. In June 2007, he received the Palm Springs Small Business of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palm Springs. Prior to owning the POWER & the CWL, Mr. Starke worked for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Orlando Magic, University of Central Florida and the Long Beach Strikers. In September 2010, he signed on with the two-time World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies to be an associate scout.
On the field, he was a four-year scholarship baseball player and graduate of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, with a degree in Business Administration. Throughout college he not only earned All-Conference honors on the field, but also was a member of the Atlantic Sun Academic All-Conference Team.
Mr. Starke is a full-time resident here in Palm Springs with his wife, Vicky, and their one-year-old son Christian. He is very proud of the accomplishments and growth of the POWER organization over the past eight years and looks forward to keeping baseball here at Palm Springs Stadium for many years to come.
Contact: Andrew Starke
Stephen Gomes
VP of Business Operations
Stephen Gomes has been with the POWER Organization since May of 2004 and was the first employee Andrew hired to help get the company ready for their inaugural season.. He is responsible for overseeing all of the game night operations, as well as the finances for the organization.
Mr. Gomes is originally from the Central Valley where he graduated from Oakdale High School. He has lived in the Palm Springs area for 13-years and brings his knowledge of the area and community to the POWER Organization. In the off season, he competes in and coaches teams in local softball leagues as well as traveling to numerous softball tournaments across the country where his teams have been very successful. Stephen is very happy to have been a part of the success the organizations has had here in Palm Springs for the past 6 1/2 years and is looking forward to many more years to come.
Contact: Stephen Gomes
Tim McConkey
Director of Marketing and Promotions
Tim McConkey is in his first year with the POWER. He is the Director of Marketing and Promotions and is responsible for game night promotions and community events.
Tim, originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, attended Ohio University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and minored in Business.
While in college, he interned with Ohio University athletics marketing department for two years. He has also worked as a inside sale representative with the Anaheim Angels and an Event coordinator with Octagon Sports Marketing. Tim interned with the POWER in the fall of 2010, getting the organization ready for the California Winter League.
For Promotions, Game Night Activity, Community Appearances, and CWL Events:
Contact: Tim McConkey
Tony Muser
Assistant General Manager
Tony joined the Palm Springs POWER family in October to take over the role of Assistant General Manager. Tony is originally from Seal Beach California where he graduated high school then Cal State Fullerton with a degree in kinesiology and was a middle infielder on the baseball team. During his time at CSF the Titans were runners up in the College World Series to Peperdine University.
Prior to joining the Palm Springs POWER & the California Winter League, Tony was working in Orange County California running his family’s baseball instructional school which his father, Tony Muser Sr. participates in after spending 7 years as a MLB player and 7 more as a MLB Manager. Tony has also has worked for the LA Angels as an account executive in ticket sales department. Tony lives with his wife Lindsey in Palm Desert California and is excited to be a part of the POWER / CWL family.
For information regarding prospective players:
Contact: Tony Muser
Russ Langer
Director of Broadcasting
Russ Langer enters his 13th season broadcasting baseball to the Las Vegas Valley and 25th overall year in the business. Over his career, Langer has received numerous awards including being named the Minor League Broadcaster of the Year by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues in 1993. In 1995, he broadcast the Triple-A All-Star game and in 1999, he was named the New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. In 2002, he was named Minor League Broadcaster of the Year by Minor League News.com. He is a seven-time recipient of the Nevada Sportscaster of the Year award (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) presented by The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA).
His inaugural season in Las Vegas was in 2000, when the Stars were affiliated with the San Diego Padres. Aside from that season, he had been with the Dodgers’ organization since 1996 when he began a four-year stint with the Albuquerque Dukes (Las Vegas, 2001-08). In 2009, Las Vegas began a Player Develoment Contract with the Toronto Blue Jays (2009-11).
Langer began his broadcasting career with the Single-A Springfield Cardinals in 1987 and 1989, sandwiching a year in Vero Beach. He moved up the ranks in 1990 and ‘91, with the Double-A Midland Angels and then worked for the Triple-A Phoenix Firebirds from 1992-95. He realized his goal of broadcasting Major League baseball by working a total of 30 Montreal Expos games during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, and nine Baltimore Orioles games in 2006. He has also broadcast selected Spring Training games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays (2009-10). In addition, former longtime major leaguer (22 years, 1969-90) Jerry Reuss will serve as color commentator and play-by-play for selected home games during the 2012 season. Reuss also worked for three seasons as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcast team (2006-08).
Contact: Russ Langer
Bill Harrington
Broadcast Intern
Bill Harrington joins the CWL with 15 years of radio experience under his belt. Harrington began his career at AM950 KAHI in Auburn, CA. At KAHI, he worked as a board operator for the Sacramento Kings, Oakland A’s and San Jose Sharks. After a short time at KAHI, Harrington started hosting Sports Talk 950 and filling in on the morning news program. He also began doing play-by-play for local high school football and basketball teams in the area.
After graduating from Sacramento State with a degree in Broadcast Communications, Harrington started working for News Talk 1530 KFBK in Sacramento, CA. During his stint at KFBK, he started broadcasting baseball for the Yuba Sutter Gold Sox. Bill got his first full time baseball job with the San Angelo Colts in San Angelo, TX. The Following year Harrington took that baseball experience and started working for the Inland Empire 66ers, the single A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners at the time. In his free time, Bill enjoys watching Intentional Talk on the MLB Network, watching Seinfeld reruns, going to the gym and listening to audio books. Bill is an avid San Francisco Giants fan. His claim to fame is catching Barry Bonds’ 573rd home run ball in 2002.
Contact: Bill Harrington
Danny Angel
Broadcast Intern
Danny Angel graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Audio Production and Media Performance. In college, Angel broadcast men’s and women’s basketball games. In 2009, he served as the number two broadcaster for the Aberdeen IronBirds of the New York Penn League. He was the primary play-by-play and media relations director for the Laredo Broncos Baseball Club of the independent United League in 2010.
Last season, Angel served as the media relations director and play-by-play broadcaster for the Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League. He follows in his uncle’s broadcasting footsteps; Joe Angel is the radio play-by-play man for the Baltimore Orioles.
Contact: Danny Angel
Chris Pisar
Broadcast Intern
Chris Pisar recently graduated from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California where he received a M.A. in Broadcast Journalism. During his time at USC, he served as Sports Anchor for the award-winning Annenberg TV News. He also spent time at KXSC 1560AM where he hosted a weekly sports show titled “Two & a Half Men” and called the play-by-play action for USC athletics.
Prior to USC, Pisar worked as an Assistant Producer for Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket where he wrote scripts and promos, cut highlights and edited video. Some of his other stops include KCSB 91.9FM, the Bakersfield Californian and the Renegade RIP.
Contact: Chris Pisar
Brady Johnston
Baseball Operations Intern
Brady Johnston grew up in Miller City, Ohio. After graduating high school in 2006, Johnston enrolled at the University of Toledo and majored in Business Management and Administrative Services. While in school, Johnston coached and ran the Pony League baseball program in the spring and summer.
After college, he landed an internship with Baseball Info Solutions in Pennsylvania where he served as a video scout. At BIS, Johnston was selected to write and contribute to The Fielding Bible – Volume III. The book is released every three years and is a collection of defensive scouting reports for most Major League players. Johnston looks forward to working in baseball, especially with a Major League team.
Contact: Brady Johnston
Jacob Kennedy
Baseball Operation/Clubhouse Manager Intern
Jacob Kennedy is a junior at the University of Cincinnati studying Sports Administration, where he expects to graduate in June 2013.
This Cincinnati sports fan loves to watch football and baseball, and is especially fond of the Bengals and the Reds. Kennedy is currently a manager at a KFC in his hometown. In his free time he enjoys working on his car and detailing it.
Contact: Jacob Kennedy
Jackie Schnicke
Marketing Intern
Jackie Schnicke is a senior at the University of Cincinnati working toward a bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration. Schnicke has loved sports since she was a young girl and hopes to work in the business side of sports upon graduation.
In college she has worked as a waitress and manager at Skyline Chili and has coached volleyball at her old high school, Mount Notre Dame. The Cincinnati native has three sisters and describes herself as hard working, self-motivated and family-oriented. It is Schnicke’s first time in California and she is very excited for this opportunity.
Contact: Jackie Schnicke
Samantha Nicholson
Marketing/Game Operations Intern
Samantha Nicholson grew up in Redlands, Calif. A recent graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, Nicholson earned a B.A. in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Sports and Entertainment Marketing.
Nicholson hopes to one day work for a professional sports organization. In her spare time, this avid sports fan loves catching up on the latest scores and highlights and enjoys watching movies.
Contact: Samantha Nicholson
Brady Rathke
Video Intern
Brady Rathke recently graduated from Madison Media Institute with an Occupational Associate of Arts in Video and Motion Graphics.
The Madison, Wisconsin native loves baseball, especially the Milwaukee Brewers. He is very excited to work with the players and be a part of helping them to achieve their dreams of becoming MLB players.
Contact: Brady Rathke
Zack Yates
Video Intern
Zack Yates, 26, is originally from Durham, North Carolina. Yates graduated in 2007 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in media production.
A huge Tar Heel fan, Yates enjoys pretty much all professional sports. His hobbies include attending live music and sporting events, snowboarding and reading.
Contact: Zack Yates
Rachell Wilson
Athletic Training Intern
Rachel Wilson is excited to join the California Winter League as an athletic training intern. Wilson attended Long Beach State and graduated with a B.S. in Athletic Training.
In her freetime, this sports fanatic likes to watch baseball, hockey and football.
Contact: Rachell Wilson
Dr. Patrick St. Pierre
Official Team Orthopedist
Dr. Patrick St. Pierre has joined Desert Orthopedic Center as the Director of Sports Medicine. Committed to Sports Medicine, Dr. St. Pierre has served as team physician for Army Athletics (West Point), Tacoma Sabercats (AA Professional Hockey) West Coast Hockey League, Tacoma Rainiers (AAA Professional Baseball) Pacific Coast Baseball League and Marymount University.
Dr. St. Pierre is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. After completing his Orthopaedic surgery residency at Madigan Army Medical Center, he completed fellowships in Medical Research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at West Point. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.
Dr. St. Pierre is very involved in Sports Medicine and Shoulder research and has been recognized with several international and national awards which include:
- The 2004 Hughston Sports Medicine Award
– The 1995 Arthroscopy Association Resident/Fellow Research Award
– The 1995 “Hoff Medal” as Distinguished Graduate, Walter Reed Medical Research Fellowship
– The 1994 Easter Orthopaedic Association Resident/Fellow Research Award
He has written numerous articles, book chapters and has edited four books on Sports Medicine. He frequently lectures around the world on sports medicine, shoulder and arthroscopy topics.
Dr. John Feller
Official Orthopedic Radiologist
Dr. Feller currently is Medical Director of Desert Medical Imaging, The PET/CT Center, Desert Medical Imaging of Indio and Desert Medical Imaging of Palm Springs, and is the MRI Consulting Radiologist for Desert Orthopedic Center. He maintains an academic affiliation with Stanford University where he is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Radiology (1991-present).
Dr. Feller completed his undergraduate training in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Notre Dame (1978-1982), graduating cum laude. He then attended the Ohio State University School of Medicine (1983-1987), graduating summa cum laude. Dr. Feller subsequently completed four years of postgraduate medical training at Stanford University School of Medicine(1987-1991), culminating in Board certification in Diagnostic Radiology. Following Fellowship training in orthopedic and body MRI (1992), Dr. Feller became Chief of MRI at David Grant USAF Medical Center, a position he maintained for four years (1992-1996).
Desert Medical Imaging is the official imaging center for Palm Springs POWER Baseball
Dr. Anthony Usera
Official Team Chiropractor
Dr. Usera is joining the Palm Springs POWER Baseball team and league this year to serve all players and coahces.
He is the owner of Palm Springs Chiropractic, which he opened in 1982.
