Will Rikard

William Rikard III

• Bats Right, Throws Right

• School Wake Forest University

• Born March 23, 1975

Will Rikard was a top American import in two European leagues.

In college, Rikard saw limited action his first three years, rarely batting and posting a 5.42 ERA. He became a starting corner outfielder as a senior, batting in the heart of the order. Will then went to play in the Elitserien of Sweden, where he starred. He came to Germany in 2001 with the Bonn Capitals and ranked among the leaders in OBP (4th, .500), slugging (9th, .573) and runs (32, 9th) in offense. On the mound, he allowed only 34 hits and fanned 77 in 63 innings, posting a 0.67 ERA. He led his ERA and lowest average allowed. He coached for the German national team in the 2001 European Championship.

He returned to Sweden and starred once more. In 2006 for the Sundbyberg Heat, he hit .418/~.478/.647 at the plate; on the hill, he was 5-1 with a 1.57 ERA, .178 average allowed, 107 K and 24 BB in 74 2/3 IP. He led the Elitserien in ERA, lowest average allowed, strikeouts, slugging, runs (44) and doubles (16) and was second in average and RBI (36). He won the MVP award for his fine two-way work.

During 2007, Rikard batted .426/~.478/.704 and had a 5-1, 1.03 record. Had he qualified, he would have led in ERA and been third in average. Rikard has also coached for the Swedish national team, including in the 2007 European Championship.