tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316559772024-03-14T04:26:49.473-04:00Baseball FansBloggers are passionate about many things. Baseball fans are passionate about baseball. Bloggers that are baseball fans are among the most passionate of all. Share our passion.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-51844191644527421222007-04-28T12:30:00.000-04:002007-04-28T12:45:35.222-04:00Minor Leaguer suspendedI'm all in favor of cracking down on "performance enhancing" substances. For example, I think Barry Bonds should be banned and all his home run records are fraud.<br /><br />But every now and then, this whole "performance enhancing" thing hits close to home.<br /><br />My local team was, until this year, an affiliate of the Dodgers. So, I've followed many of the Dodgers minor leaguers that played for the Columbus Catfish.<br /><br />The Dodgers have suspended a former Catfish player for 50 games.<br /><blockquote>Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect Jonathan Figueroa was suspended Friday for 50 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.<br /><br />[more: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070428&content_id=234910&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">MinorLeagueBaseball.com</a>]</blockquote>Figueroa wasn't one of the Catfish players we got to know well, but he was still one of the Catfish. I hope he gets his situation straightened out.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-32861794113539388492007-04-18T08:49:00.000-04:002007-04-18T08:52:46.680-04:00Catfish End Augusta Unbeaten Streak<a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/"><img src="http://basilsblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/columbuscatfish.gif" title="Columbus Catfish logo" alt="Columbus Catfish logo" align="right" border="0" height="114" hspace="5" vspace="0" width="160" /></a>After opening the season with 12 straight wins, the <a href="http://www.greenjacketsbaseball.com/">Augusta Greenjackets</a> (Giants) fell from the ranks of the unbeaten, losing to the Columbus Catfish Tuesday night, <a href="http://greenjacketsbaseball.com/news/index.html?article_id=246">5-1</a>.<br /><br />Augusta got on the board first in the top of the 3rd. 2B Marcus Sanders singled to center, then moved to second on LF Tyler Graham's single.s on a ground ball to center fielder Desmond Jennings. Marcus Sanders to 2nd. With one out, Sanders and Graham executed a double steal. Sanders then scored when 1B Brett Pill hit a sacrifice fly to right field.<br /><br />The Catfish came back in the bottom of the inning. With one out, CF Desmond Jennings singled, and moved to third on a ball four passed ball that put RF Maiko Loyola on first. 3B Cesar Suarez doubled, driving in Jennings. DH Nevin Ashley sacrificed Loyola home, but the inning ended when Suarez was tagged out at second.<br /><br />Augusta threatened in the 4th and 6th innings, putting runners in scoring position, but were unable to convert.<br /><br />In the bottom of the 6th, the Catfish padded their lead, knocking Augusta starter Daniel Griffin from the game. Loyola led the inning with a short double that Augusta SS Brian Bocock couldn't handle. Suarez was hit by a pitch. Loyola scored on Ashley's double to center. That's when Griffin was lifted for reliever Benjamin Snyder. LF Quinn Stewart singled, bringing home Suarez. 2B Brett Grandstrand sacrificed Ashley home on a bunt to the pitcher.<br /><br />Augusta put a runner on 3rd in the 7th, but again couldn't convert. Catfish reliever Brian Baker set down Augusta in the 8th, and Ryan Owen got three straight ground ball outs in the 9th to secure the win.<br /><br />Griffin fell to 2-1 with the loss. Catfish starter Ryan Morse improved to 2-0, striking out 3 and walking 2 in 6 innings work, and now has an even 1.0 ERA.<br /><br />The Catfish managed to strand 8 Greenjackets, 5 in scoring position.<br /><br />Augusta drops to 12-1, with a 4-game lead. The Catfish are in 4rd place, a game out of second.<br /><br />The 4-game series continues Wednesday night.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070417&content_id=209883&vkey=news_t441&fext=.jsp&sid=t441">Columbus Catfish</a>Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-17274730950531505592007-04-15T08:23:00.000-04:002007-04-15T08:49:36.820-04:00Augusta, Georgia just ain't no place to be<img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/sal/AugustaGreenjackets.jpg" align="right" border="0" height="160" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="160" />According to the old song by the <a href="http://www.nittygritty.com/">Nitty Gritty Dirt Band</a>, "Augusta, Georgia just ain't no place to be." <a href="http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/year/1979">*</a><br /><br />And, apparently, neither is anywhere else the <a href="http://greenjacketsbaseball.com/">Augusta Greenjackets</a> (Giants) are playing.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.southatlanticleague.com/">South Atlantic League</a> (Class A) team improved their record to 10-0 Saturday night, with a 2-0 win over the visiting <a href="http://www.riverdogs.com/">Charleston River Dogs</a> (Yankees).<br /><blockquote>Starter Kevin Pucetas worked five shutout innings for the win and waited out a 28 minute rain delay while catcher Dayton Buller drove in both runs.<br /><br />Pucetas (1-0) allowed five hits, did not walk a batter and struck out four in his first start of the season for Augusta.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://greenjacketsbaseball.com/news/index.html?article_id=241">Augusta Greenjackets</a>, <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070414&content_id=207432&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">MinorLeagueBaseball.com</a></blockquote><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070414&content_id=207432&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp"></a>The Greenjackets were held to just 3 hits in the game, but 2 came in the 5th inning and, along with a walk, produced the games only runs.<br /><br />The only other undefeated team in the minors is the <a href="http://midwestleague.com/">Midwest League</a> (Class A) <a href="http://www.daytondragons.com/">Dayton Dragons</a>, who are still 5-0 after having their 4th postponement of the season Saturday night.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-67180400067214716332007-04-14T09:55:00.000-04:002007-04-14T13:18:23.849-04:00Whitesell goes 5-for-5<div class="imgright" style="width: 106px;"><a href="http://senatorsbaseball.com/team_roster.php?player=94" target="_blank"><img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/easternleague/harrisburg/JoshWhitesell.jpg" alt="Photo: Harrisburg Senators" title="Photo: Harrisburg Senators" border="0" /></a><br />Photo: <a href="http://senatorsbaseball.com/team_roster.php?player=94">Harrisburg Senators</a></div><a href="http://senatorsbaseball.com/">Harrisburg Senators</a> (Nationals) 1B Josh Whitesell went 5-for-5 at the plate, including slamming two doubles and a home run, driving in 5 runs and scoring 3 times, as the Senators beat the <a href="http://www.seawolves.com/">Erie SeaWolves</a> (Tigers) <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_13_eswaax_haraax_1">16-3</a> Saturday night.<br /><br />The Senators amassed 23 hits in the attack.<br /><blockquote>Roger Bernadina, Juan Melo, and Seth Bynum all had three hits in the game. The Senators had three or more hits in five innings.<br /><br />The offensive juggernaut started in the second inning when Whitesell had his two-run home run. They scored four in the second, three more in the fourth, two in the seventh and then five in the eighth.<br /><br />In the eighth inning, Tony Blanco capped the evening off with a grand slam, his second hit of the night.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://senatorsbaseball.com/2007scores/hbg4130.html">Harrisburg Senators</a>, M<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_13_eswaax_haraax_1">inorLeagueBaseball.com</a></blockquote>The Senators and SeaWolves play in the <a href="http://www.easternleague.com/">Eastern League</a> (Double-A).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-67410186261221627002007-04-12T15:55:00.000-04:002007-04-12T15:55:27.702-04:00Snow Day for the Midwest LeagueEvery game scheduled ... all seven games involving all 14 teams ... Wednesday night in the <a href="http://midwestleague.com/">Midwest League</a> (Class A) was called on account of cold or cold-related weather issues.<br /><br />The game between the <a href="http://www.peoriachiefs.com/">Peoria Chiefs</a> (Cubs) and the <a href="http://www.swingbaseball.com/">Swing of the Quad Cities</a> (Cardinals) was delayed because of "<a href="http://www.swingbaseball.com/?entry=2214">heavy overnight rains and predicted cold temperatures</a>."<br /><br />The game between the visiting <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t420">Burlington Bees</a> (Royals) and the <a href="http://www.kernels.com/">Cedar Rapids Kernels</a> (Angels) was wiped out <a href="http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/SPORTS/70411003/1008/sports">on account of snow</a>.<br /><br />The game between the <a href="http://lumberkings.com/">Clinton LumberKings</a> (Rangers) and the <a href="http://timberrattlers.com/">Wisconsin Timber Rattlers</a> (Mariners) was <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070411&content_id=205515&vkey=news_t500&fext=.jsp&sid=t500">postponed on Wednesday</a> because of snow, and finally <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_12_cliafx_wisafx_2&did=t572&sid=t572">cancelled on Thursday</a> for the same reason.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.loons.com/">Great Lakes Loons</a> (Dodgers) at the <a href="http://www.wizardsbaseball.com/">Fort Wayne Wizards</a> (Padres) was called <a href="http://www.wizardsbaseball.com/news/news.asp?newsId=943">on account of rain</a>, and was part of a Thursday double-header.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.lansinglugnuts.com/">Lansing Lugnuts</a> (Blue Jays) had to postpone their game with the visiting <a href="http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/">West Michigan Whitecaps</a> (Tigers) <a href="http://www.lansinglugnuts.com/press_box/press_release_archive/4_11_07.html">when the snows hit</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.daytondragons.com/">Dayton Dragons</a> (Reds) game at the <a href="http://www.silverhawks.com/">South Bend Silver Hawks</a> (Diamondbacks) was <a href="http://www.daytondragons.com/pressbox/pressrelease/index.html?article_id=269">snowed out Wednesday</a> ... and the scheduled Thursday doubleheader makeup <a href="http://www.daytondragons.com/pressbox/pressrelease/index.html?article_id=270">was also scratched</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.kccougars.com/">Kane County Cougars</a> (Athletics) couldn't host the <a href="http://www.snappersbaseball.com/">Beloit Snappers</a> (Twins) Wednesday ... <a href="http://www.kccougars.com/ticketsweather.html">or Thursday</a> ... because of the snow.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-58997579709597700342007-04-11T10:32:00.000-04:002007-04-11T10:45:28.320-04:00Abreu 5-for-5, Bigbie 4-for-5 in 51s win<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/pcl/lasvegas51s.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><a href="http://lv51.com/">Las Vegas 51s</a> (Dodgers) 2B Tony Abreu was perfect at the plate last night, helping lead the visitors to a 10-2 blowout of the <a href="http://skysox.com/">Colorado Springs Sky Sox</a> (Rockies). Almost as perfect was CF Larry Bigbie, who was 4-for-5.<br /><br />Abreu and Bigbie each scored three runs, although LF Delwyn Young led the team in RBIs, thanks to his 3-run homer in the 7th inning.<blockquote> "Every year, I struggle at the beginning of the season. It seems like this is a good year and I'm going to continue to work hard," Abreu said through teammate and translator Luis Gonzalez. "Today was a good day. I'm going to keep trying with two singles and three singles a day. I'm seeing the ball pretty good."<br /><br />Abreu clubbed a solo homer in the fifth inning to go with four singles. Bigbie was a home run shy of the cycle, collecting two singles, a double and a triple. Both players scored three times. <br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t400&gid=2007_04_10_lvgaaa_cspaaa_1&cid=400&t=g_wra">Las Vegas 51s</a></blockquote>Las Vegas and Colorado Springs play in the <a href="http://www.pclbaseball.com/">Pacific Coast League</a> (Triple A).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1181793620838441532007-04-11T10:13:00.000-04:002007-04-11T12:53:49.347-04:00Lester blanks Catfish in rehab start<div class="imgright"><img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/JonLester.gif" border="0" alt="Photo: Billy Crowe/MLB.com" title="Photo: Billy Crowe/MLB.com" /><br>Photo: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070410&content_id=205282&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">Billy Crowe / MLB.com</a></div>Boston Red Sox P Jon Lester pitched 4 shutout innings for the <a href="www.greenvilledrive.com">Greenville Drive</a> (<a href="http://www.southatlanticleague.com/">South Atlantic League</a>, Class A) Tuesday, in his second rehab start.<blockquote>Lester retired the first eight batters he faced, striking out five in a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Catfish.<br /><br />This was Lester's second rehab start for the Drive as he attempts to return to Boston's rotation after an offseason of cancer treatments.<br /><br />In his first start in Charleston on Thursday, Lester shut out the New York Yankees' affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs, on two hits over four innings.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/04/10/lester_makes_another_strong_start_in_minor_league_play/">Boston Globe</a>, <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070410&content_id=205282&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">MinorLeagueBaseball.com</a>, <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070411&content_id=205478&vkey=news_t441&fext=.jsp&sid=t441">Columbus Catfish</a></blockquote>Lester is scheduled to make two more starts for Greenville before the next Red Sox evaluation.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-15389134389394108052007-04-09T10:14:00.000-04:002007-04-09T12:09:12.403-04:00Two four-homer gamesTwo games in the minors on Sunday featured four home runs.<br /><br />In Louisville, Kentucky, <a href="http://batsbaseball.com/">Bats</a> (Reds) 1B Joey Votto, 3B Aaron Herr, and CF Dewayne Wise all hit home runs, as did <a href="http://www.mudhens.com/">Toledo Mud Hens</a> (Tigers) CF Timo Perez. The Bats bats came alive in the 3rd inning of the <a href="http://www.ilbaseball.com/">International League</a> (Triple A) contest.<blockquote>The Louisville Bats used a 10-run third inning, highlighted by a Joey Votto grand slam and home runs by Aaron Herr and Dewayne Wise, in a 13-3 rout over the Toledo Mud Hens on Sunday. RHP Homer Bailey picked up the win in his first Triple-A start.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070408&content_id=204186&vkey=news_t416&fext=.jsp&sid=t416">Louisville Bats</a>, <a href="http://www.mudhens.com/view_news.asp?id=375">Toledo Mud Hens</a></blockquote><br />In Adelanto, California, home of the <a href="http://hdmavs.com/">High Desert Mavericks</a> (Mariners), the home team and the visting <a href="http://www.ie66ers.com/">Inland Empire 66ers</a> (Dodgers) each hit a pair of homers.<br /><br />For the 66ers, Blake DeWitt and Lucas May each hit homers for the second game in a row, while the Mavs' Jesus Guzman and Adam Moore also hit round-trippers.<blockquote>Lucas May homered, tripled and doubled for Inland Empire, which scored four times in the 11th inning and beat host High Desert, 15-11, on Sunday.<br /><br />In a game that featured four home runs and five hit batters, May came up huge with his go-ahead two-run triple. He doubled in the third and hit his third home run of the season in the fourth.<br /><br />Gabriel Gutierrez doubled home Jamie Hoffman with the final insurance run. Hoffman went 3-for-5 with four RBI and Blake Dewitt drove in three for the 66ers.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_08_inlafa_hdmafa_1">MinorLeagueBaseball.com</a>, <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070408&content_id=204256&vkey=news_t504&fext=.jsp&sid=t504">High Desert Mavericks</a>, <a href="http://www.ie66ers.com/team/archive/?id=7457">Inland Empire 66ers</a><br /></blockquote>The Mavericks and 66ers play in the <a href="http://www.californialeague.com/">California League</a> (Class A Advanced).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-994443479016523142007-04-09T09:52:00.000-04:002007-04-09T10:11:09.622-04:00Iowa, Round Rock pitchers combine for one-hitters<div class="imgright"><img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/pcl/roundrockexpress.jpg" border="0" alt="Round Rock Express" title="Round Rock Express" /></div>The good news for the <a href="http://iowacubs.com/">Iowa Cubs</a> was that pitchers Ryan O'Malley and Cory Bailey allowed the <a href="http://www.roundrockexpress.com/">Round Rock Express</a> (Astros) just one hit. The bad news was that Express pitchers Chad Reineke, Philip Barzilla, and Jose Rodriguez held the Cubs to a single hit, too. The worse news was that the Express scored on a wild pitch, while the Cubs never got a runner past first base. The <a href="http://www.pclbaseball.com/">Pacific Coast League</a> (Triple A) game ended with Round Rock 1-0 winners over Iowa.<blockquote>Reineke and Iowa starter Ryan O’ Malley each worked no-hitters into the fifth inning. Round Rock picked up its first and only hit when Barry Wesson drew a two-out walk in the fifth and Danny Ardoin followed up with a double.<br /><br />Corey Bailey, who replaced O’Malley after the double, threw a wild pitch, allowing Wesson to score the game’s only run. Reineke worked 4 1/3 innings without allowing a walk or a hit before Scott Moore singled to right-center with one away in the fifth.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.roundrockexpress.com/default.asp?PageId=84&ArticleId=1083">Round Rock Express</a>, <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_08_iowaaa_rreaaa_2&did=t451&sid=t451">Iowa Cubs</a></blockquote>The double one-hitter occurred in game two of a doubleheader.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-52330746841605152062007-04-08T10:50:00.000-04:002007-04-08T11:24:32.067-04:0013 Innings In Stockton<div class="imgright"><img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u74/baseballfansblog/californialeague/stockton_ports.gif" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></div>The longest game in the Minors on Saturday was a 13-inning affair in Stockton, California. And it was a disappointing game for the home team.<br /><blockquote>Anthony Contreras drove home Emmanuel Burriss with a two-out single in the top of the 13th inning to send the San Jose Giants to a thrilling 8-7 victory over the Stockton Ports Saturday evening at Banner Island Ballpark. The Giants and Ports battled for three hours and 58 minutes with San Jose notching their third consecutive win to open the season. Ryan Paul worked the final two innings on the mound for the Giants, including a perfect bottom of the 13th, to seal the victory.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.sjgiants.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=609&SecID=27">San Jose Giants</a></blockquote>The <a href="http://www.sjgiants.com/">San Jose Giants</a> and <a href="http://www.stocktonports.com/">Stockton Ports</a> (Athletics) play in the <a href="http://www.californialeague.com/">California League</a> (Class A Advanced).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-90033450105217816202007-04-07T12:44:00.000-04:002007-04-07T13:15:07.060-04:00Weather Wreaks Havoc On Minor League Schedule<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px; width: 160px;" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/snowmiser.jpg" border="0" alt="" />Cold weather was the rule in the <a href="http://www.midwestleague.com/">Midwest League</a> (Class A) Friday night. Six of seven scheduled contests were postponed on account of either cold or snow. And the one game that was played -- between the <a href="http://www.loons.com/">Great Lakes Loons</a> (Dodgers) and the <a href="http://www.silverhawks.com/">South Bend Silver Hawks</a> (Diamondbacks) -- began in 28 degree weather with <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_04_06_swmafx_souafx_1">628 fans in the stands</a>. And today's game between those two teams has already been called off.<br /><br />Two games in the <a href="http://www.southatlanticleague.com/">South Atlantic League</a> (Class A) were postponed, too, due to snow.<br /><br />At the Double A level, four of six <a href="http://www.easternleague.com/">Eastern League</a> games were postponed for cold, snow, or wet fields due to snow. A <a href="http://www.texas-league.com/">Texas League</a> doubleheader was also postponed.<br /><br />Triple A lost five games. In the <a href="http://ilbaseball.com/">International League</a>, four games, including a makeup doubleheader were postponed for snow or cold. The <a href="http://www.pclbaseball.com/">Pacific Coast League</a> also had one game postponed because of cold weather.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-85027969458581697352007-04-06T11:13:00.000-04:002007-04-06T14:14:29.059-04:00Minor League Roundup for April 5<div class="imgright"><br /><br /></div>The top team pitching performances in the minor leagues Thursday night were all combined 2-hitters.<br /><br />In Nashville, <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t588">New Orleans Zephyrs</a> (Mets) pitchers Philip Humber (WP, 1-0; 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4K), Jose Santiago (3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2K), and Lino Urdaneta (S, 1; 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) combined to shut down the hometown <a href="http://www.nashvillesounds.com/">Sounds</a> (Brewers), 4-1 in a <a href="http://www.pclbaseball.com/">Pacific Coast League</a> (AAA) game. <span style="font-style:italic;">[more: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=203052&vkey=news_t588&fext=.jsp&sid=t588">New Orleans Zephyrs</a>]</span><br /><br />Four <a href="http://www.baysox.com/">Bowie Baysox</a> (Orioles) pitchers combined to shut out the <a href="http://www.trentonthunder.com/">Trenton Thunder</a> (Yankees), 1-0. Beau Hale (6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K), Rommie Lewis Jr. (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K), Jim Miller (WP, 1-9; 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K), and Jim Hoey (S, 1; 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K) combined to keep the Thunder scoreless in the <a href="http://www.easternleague.com/">Eastern League</a> (AA) contest. <span style="font-style:italic;">[more: <a href="http://www.baysox.com/news/?id=12244">Bowie Baysox</a>]</span><br /><br />Not all two-hitters were wins, however. Four pitchers on the <a href="http://fslbaseball.com/">Florida State League</a> (A Advanced) <a href="http://miraclebaseball.com/">Fort Myers Miracle</a> (Twins) staff combined to hold the <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t535">Sarasota Reds</a> (Reds) to two hits and no earned runs. But two errors allowed the Reds to score two unearned runs, and the Reds staff held Fort Myers to three hits and no runs. Kyle Waldrop (5 IP, 0R, 7K), Jay Rainville (L, 01; 2/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB), Yohan Pino (1-1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 K), and Kyle Aselton (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) did all they could do, but the Reds' Carlos Fisher (W, 1-0; 7 IP 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K), Ramon Ramirez (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K), and Josh Roenicke (S, 1; 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K) proved more than up to the task. <span style="font-style:italic;">[more: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t535&t=g_wra&gid=2007_04_05_ftmafa_sarafa_1">Sarasota Reds</a>]</span>Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-62263165854281449772007-04-06T10:03:00.000-04:002007-04-07T13:23:10.384-04:00Townsend Returns From Surgery With Win<div class="imgright" style="width: 111px;"><a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/sports/17035163.htm"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/baseball/townsend_columbus_a_sm.jpg" alt="Photo by Philip Wartena/Ledger-Enquirer" title="Photo by Philip Wartena/Ledger-Enquirer" border="0" height="160" width="111" /></a><br />Photo by Philip Wartena / <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/sports/17035163.htm">Columbus Ledger-Enquirer</a></div>After sitting out the 2006 season with Tommy John surgery, Tampa Bay Devil Rays prospect Wade Townsend returned to action Thursday night, pitching 5 innings of two-hit ball, en route to a 6-1 win for his <a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/">Columbus Catfish</a> (<a href="http://www.southatlanticleague.com/">South Atlantic League</a>).<blockquote>Townsend (1-0), the eighth overall pick in the 2005 draft, allowed two hits and a walk while fanning six en route to his first professional victory. The 6-foot-4 right-hander went 0-4 in 12 games (10 starts) during his debut season with Hudson Valley of the New York-Penn League.<br /><br />It was Townsend's first appearance since blowing out his right arm in an Arizona Fall League start in 2005. He admitted he had some butterflies.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More: <a href="http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=203076&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">MinorLeagueBaseball.com</a></span></blockquote>Townsend was pulled after facing two batters in the 6th inning for hometown favorite Brian Baker, who shut down a rally by the visiting <a href="http://www.intimidatorsbaseball.com/">Kannapolis Intimidators</a> (White Sox).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1159412304656872302006-09-27T22:57:00.000-04:002006-09-27T22:58:24.676-04:00My New Local Minor League Team: The Columbus CatfishEver since they moved to Columbus in 2003, there have been rumors about the <a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/">Columbus Catfish</a> leaving Columbus. Now, we're sort of losing the team ... but still have the team. The Catfish players are leaving Columbus ... and won't be back. But the Catfish will have players here.<br /><br />Confused? Let me explain.<br /><br /><img align="right" alt="Wilmington Waves" title="Wilmington Waves" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/WilmingtonWaves.gif" />In 2001, there was a new team that joined the South Atlantic League: The Wilmington Waves. They played in Wilmington, NC and were affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers.<br /><br />For those that don't know what that means, the players on an affiliated minor league team are under contract with the parent organization (in this case, the Dodgers) and are assigned to the minor league team, which is owned by someone else. Usually. The players on the Waves played in Wilmington, wore the Wilmington uniform, but were under contract to and paid by the Dodgers.<br />Anyway, the owner of the Waves didn't like playing his games in a <a href="http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/uncw.htm">college baseball field</a>, and moved the team after one year.<br /><br />To Albany, Georgia.<br /><br />And changed the team's name.<br /><br /><img align="left" alt="South Georgia Waves" title="South Georgia Waves" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/south_georgia_waves.jpg" />To the <a href="http://www.thebaseballcube.com/teams/team_10500.shtml">South Georgia Waves</a>.<br /><br />Which never made much sense to me. Since the ballpark in Albany is 140 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Or 180 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.<br /><br />Still, they were affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers.<br /><br />Only thing is, they didn't like that ballpark, either. So, after one season, they left.<br /><br />And moved to Columbus.<br /><br />One week before the season started.<br /><br />Okay, eight days. More than a week. But you get the idea. The Waves and Albany got into a pissing contest, and the Waves left. For Columbus. Who had just lost their team, the Columbus RedStixx, during the off-season, when they moved to Eastlake, OH, becoming the <a href="http://www.captainsbaseball.com/">Lake County Captains</a>.<br /><br />This soap opera continued with the Waves wanting to <a href="http://baseballguru.com/bunko/analysisbunko16.html">move to Evansville, IN</a>. That fell through. But don't feel too sorry for Evansville. They have a team. The <a href="http://www.evansvilleotters.com/">Evansville Otters</a> won the <a href="http://frontierleague.com/">Frontier League</a> (independent) championship this year.<br /><br />Anyway, the South Georgia Waves played in Columbus in 2003. Forget that Columbus isn't in South Georgia. Forget that Columbus is over 4 hours from either the Gulf or the Atlantic. The South Georgia Waves played in Columbus.<br /><br /><img align="right" src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/ColumbusCatfish.gif" />Anyway, when the move to Evansville fell through, the Waves ended up staying in Columbus for another year. The team figured out the whole South Georgia Waves thing didn't work in Columbus, so they came up with a new name: the <a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/">Columbus Catfish</a>.<br /><br />And they were still a Dodgers affiliate.<br /><br />Recently, there have been rumors of the Catfish moving to Columbia, SC. Columbia lost their team to <a href="http://www.greenvilledrive.com/">Greenville, SC</a>, who lost their AA team to <a href="http://www.mississippibraves.com/">Pearl, MS</a>.<br /><br />So, what's all this got to do with us getting a new team that's the old team?<br /><br />Well, now you know the twisted, knarled, confused, and just plain weird history of the Columbus Catfish, Dodgers affiliate.<br /><br />Only, now, they're no longer a Dodgers affiliate.<br /><br />Seems the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-dodrep27sep27,1,7970454.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-sports">Dodgers signed an agreement</a> with the <a href="http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17115833&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6">Great Lakes Loons</a> of the Midwest League.<br /><br />Now, get your scorecard out. The Great Lake Loons used to be <a href="http://www.southwestmichigandevilrays.com/">Southwest Michigan Devil Rays</a>. That team played its last game this year. They're leaving Battle Creek, MI, for Midland, MI. And changing their nickname. They're also changing their affiliation. Like I said, they're now with the Dodgers.<br /><br />Which means Tampa Bay needs an affiliate in Class A. The <a href="http://lumberkings.com/">Clinton (IA) Lumberkings</a> are expected to no longer affiliate with the Texas Rangers.<br /><br />So, it's likely that the Devil Rays will sign with Columbus or Clinton. With the Rangers getting the other.<br /><br />The Catfish indicate they're <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/sports/15616432.htm">negotiating with 4 teams</a>. They've mentioned Tampa Bay and Texas, but not the other teams. Since Washington dropped the <a href="http://www.sandgnats.com/">Savannah Sand Gnats</a>, I'm thinking that may have been one of the teams, but I don't know that; I'm just guessing here. But, since Washington has now hooked up with the <a href="http://www.hagerstownsuns.com/">Hagerstown Suns</a>, it means that the fourth team may have been the Mets. Again, just guessing. But since the <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060927&content_id=1685301&vkey=pr_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym">Mets signed Savannah</a>, that's now out. The other possibility is the Milwaukee Brewers, who <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-8/115937017335140.xml&coll=4">haven't renewed</a> with the <a href="http://www.charlestonalleycats.com/">West Virginia Power</a>.<br /><br />Anyway, the Catfish are no longer affiliated with the Dodgers. Don't know who they're hooking up with yet.<br /><br />According to the Catfish, the condition of the field in Columbus was the <a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/sports/15616432.htm">reason for the switch</a>. If that's the case, it means that the Catfish will be in Columbus in 2007. So the rumors of a move are just that: rumors.<br /><br />If the Catfish were moving, the field in Columbus wouldn't be an issue. So, either the Catfish aren't moving, or the reason given is BS. Or both.<br /><br />Anyway, we're glad the Catfish will be back next season. Even if <a href="http://pod01.prospero.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=178.5&nav=messages&webtag=kr-ledgerenqtm">some asses don't care</a>.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1158585829539793722006-09-18T09:21:00.000-04:002006-09-18T09:25:41.180-04:00Interview with the Umpire<div class="imgright"><div style="width: 120px;"><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />"Blue" calling balls and strikes at a Columbus Catfish vs. Savannah Sand Gnats game earlier this season.</div></div>At my blog, we do interviews with bloggers regularly on weekends. This one was posted this past weekend, and was a little different. <br /><br />When Minor League Baseball started this season, they didn't have their regular umpires. The minor league umpires union was on strike. And the minor league teams used replacement umpires.<br /><br />First game I went to, I thought one of the umpires looked familiar. Turns out I knew the guy. And he agreed to talk with me about it. After everything was done.<br /><br />Well, everything's done. And he and I met for lunch one day...<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How did you develop a love of baseball?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />I lived in the country as a kid. And I would get baseball cards for the Braves and whoever they were playing. I learned the players ... and learned the teams.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How'd you get involved in umpiring?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />In high school, I was called on to umpire for little league. Since I was 15, I've umpired every season.<br /><br />In 1996, I started umpiring high school games. I was assigned to Columbus, Show, Hardaway ... all the big games. I worked the primo games since '99 ... and built up a good reputation for being a good umpire.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How about the jump from high school to pro ball?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />When the strike happened, every minor league team was responsible for getting their own umpires. The GMs for each team was tasked with getting the best umpires in the area.<br /><br />They called the secretaries of the umpire associations to get the best.<br /><br />There were 3 from Columbus, 3 from Phenix City. Some of the college umpires didn't let their umpires fill in. We lost one guy because of that.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What was it like when you found out you'd be calling pro baseball games?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />When the opportunity came, I got the call, and I thought it was my brother playing a joke on me.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Did you enjoy it?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />If it wasn't for raising a family and all the commitments, it'd be a dream job.<br /><br />After going to all the Catfish games, I've been thrilled to get the chance to umpire pro ball. Even though it's minor league ...<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What about playing ball? Did you ever do that?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />I had the speed of greg luzinski and the power of vince coleman. (laughs)<br /><br />My brother got 2 rings in college. He had the better career ... but I got the first crack into pro baseball ... by umpiring.<br /><br />It reassured me that if i had the chance to go to umpire school, I could have done it.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />When you got the first call, were you already aware of the strike, or the possiblity?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />Not at all, the call as a complete shock.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How did the players on the team, not just the Catfish, but their opponents, act towards you? Did you feel they thought any less of you since you weren't one of the "regular" umpires?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />To be honest, I don't think so. We were very well received by the players.<br /><br />While they're disappointed from time to time with the calls, they're concentrating on doing their job.<br /><br />In my opinion, the umpiring that was going on, particular in Class-A baseball, where the incoming umpires are 19-20 years old, they were replaced by more experienced umpires, though not experienced at those levels.<br /><br />The major differences in what I had umpired before are the speed of the game. At Class-A, they have major league tools. Like a ball hit to a shortstop, they can get to the ball where in high school they can't.<br /><br />The velocity of the pitches coming in ... There's a definite adjustment of tightening the strike zone.<br /><br />I'm sure the quality varied from city to city ... but if this was a Triple-A city, I could have done a Triple-A game.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What was the most difficulty you had with any team, manager, or player?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />I've only thrown out three people in a baseball game in all these years. It's got to be bad for me to throw someone out. But one Catfish player went berserk on a called strike 3, and i had to throw him out.<br /><br />As an umpire, if you screw up a call, you know it.<br /><br />I understand those guys are playing on a lot of pressure, playing on a high level, competing against great players. Every at bat means something.<br /><br />I was behind the plate on the home opener, 2800 people there. I was nervous. But after about 2 innings, I settled down and it was okay.<br /><br />I was confident I could do the job that needed to be done. It's a personal challenge. as an umpire, you're competing. You compete against a standard to umpire a perfect game.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How many calls do you think you blew?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />Really, I never harp on it. You make the call, you react. There may have been a couple that maybe you second-guess yourself for a split second... You put it out of your mind. You have to keep the same temperament whether it's the 7th game of World Series or 1st game of spring training.<br /><br />If you think about a call you might have missed, you set yourself up to miss the next.<br /><br />Out of 15 ballgames, I'm sure there were one or two I missed somewhere along the way.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />The South Atlantic League uses a 2-umpire setup. Which position is harder: plate or field?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />Normally, the bases are harder. But they play such good defense on that level (Class-A), it makes it easier. Here, being on the plate, you have to really be on your toes. Pitches are in the 90s, and you have to be right about the strike zone.<br /><br />We were evaluated by a professional organization that supplies minor league umpires. He spent a week in Columbus, he evaluated me on the bases that night. Gave me some pointers, but said I reacted very well as the play developed. He said my partner behind the plate did very well, too.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What about Delmon Young? <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2438919">You heard about that</a>. Was the 50-game suspension appropriate?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />I think it was about right. The key thing there is if it ever happens again, it needs to be something severe. Ban, one- or two-year suspension. What he did ... it's totally uncalled for. Part of being a good athlete is being able to stay in control.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Did you ever think about something like that happening to you?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />We were fortunate we never had any situation where teams started throwing at each other.<br /><br />The GM of catfish emphasized he wanted us to take charge if a situation might get out of control.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What other differences did you run into umpiring at the pro level instead of high school?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />This is the first time I ever umpired with wood bats. It was the final piece of the picture of being in pro baseball ... great players, wood bats, and hecklers.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What about hecklers? <br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />It was funny as long as they weren't heckling me. Sometimes I got a laugh out of it.<br /><br />But me personally, I don't like to see a minor league player heckled. They're young, away from home, and if they're hitting .200 or less, it's got to hurt.<br /><br />When they're real, real young minor leaguers, it's got to be rough.<br /><br />One catcher from the Sand Gnats, they got on real bad. But, fans pay their money, they can heckle who they want.<br /><br />In a pro game, an umpire can't say anything. The primary concern is to the other paying customers, not to the players.<br /><br />You have to stay balanced.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What about...<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />I tell you this. all the replacement umpires got a letter from president of minor league baseball. For us to step in and let baseball continue, they appreciate it.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Have you received any thing from the union umpires? I mean any ill feeling towards you?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />We didn't get any of that in Columbus, but it happened in other cities.<br /><br />They didn't put umpires names in box scores, we weren't introduced. They did what we could to keep our names out of the public at the start of the season. <br /><br />I think the situation taught the minor league umps they're not in a position to strike.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Are you aware of the reasons for the dispute?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />From what I understand, it was overall pay, health insurance, per diem meal money. What they got out of it, about a $100/month increase & 3/day meal money.<br /><br />They are paid low. They get about $10-grand a season. 15 for Double-A or Triple-A.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Are the union umpires underpaid?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />Here's my take: it would be nice if they could make more money. But the pay is dictated by the economics of minor league baseball. I don't know where you could put a dollar amount of what's a fair pay for the job.<br /><br />Even the minor league players themselves don't make much. The high draft choices get a signing bonus, but they all get the same low salary.<br /><br />A career as a minor league umpire isn't the goal -- It's to make the majors.<br /><br />A couple told me "<a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg">you look like a major league umpire</a>" ...<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />How much difference is there in the play at the different levels?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />One night, Greenville had a left-hander pitcher ... had a brief stint in majors in 2004. That pitcher was polished, the control he had was unbelievable.<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />Back to pay. You say minor league umpires don't get much pay. How about replacement umpires?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />We got $90/game pay. And we got paid after every game<br /><br /><img width="75" height="100" border="0" alt="basil" src="http://static.flickr.com/25/57536243_266ddc75c3.jpg" /><br />What one thing will you take with you, will you remember from this?<br /><br /><a onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=660,height=500,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" href="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue2.jpg"><img src="http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f75/basilsblog/blue3.jpg" alt="Blue" width="120" height="160" border="0" /></a><br />The Biggest thing is ... a lot of people in highly visible roles are just ordinary people. Even though I didn't go higher than Single-A, if you change the circumstances, you never know what you could have done.<br /><br />You can do a lot of thing you might not consider until the opportunity comes.<br /><br /><div align="center">---------------------------------</div><br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to agree to this. And thanks for making baseball happen.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157414632743827742006-09-04T19:26:00.000-04:002006-09-04T20:03:52.996-04:00Baron pitcher hurls 1st 9-inning no-hitter in team history<div class="imgright"></div>Facing only 2 over the minimum, <a href="http://www.redbarons.com/">Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons</a> (Phillies) right-hander Jeremy Cummings tossed a no-hitter Sunday, blanking the <a href="http://www.redwingsbaseball.com/">Rochester Red Wings</a> (Twins) 5-0.<blockquote>“I wanted to go 8 1/3 innings and get my ERA under four,” the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons right-hander said.<br /><br />Cummings did that and more. The eighth-year pro tossed the first nine-inning no-hitter in the Red Barons’ 18-year history, pitching to just two batters over the limit, in a 5-0 victory over the Rochester Red Wings.<br /><br />“It was a masterpiece,” Red Wings manager Stan Cliburn said.<br /><br />Cummings nailed down his piece of history by striking out Gil Velazquez swinging, as the crowd of 6,472 gave the Charleston, W.Va., native a standing ovation.<br /><br />He threw a whopping 137 pitches, 84 for strikes.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/15436343.htm">more</a>]</blockquote>Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has qualified for the <a href="http://www.ilbaseball.com/">International League</a> (Triple-A) playoffs.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157283001174575772006-09-03T07:11:00.000-04:002006-09-03T07:30:01.186-04:00Two Complete-Game Shutouts Saturday<a href="http://www.lv51.com/">Las Vegas 51s</a> (Dodgers) pitcher D.J. Houlton and <a href="http://www.rockcats.com/">New Britain Rock Cats</a> (Twins) pitcher Colby Miller each threw complete game shutouts Saturday.<br /><br />In Las Vegas, Houlton pitched his first complete game shutout since 2004.<blockquote>The 51's scored all the runs they needed in the third inning scoring four times. With two out, and no one on, shortstop Sergio Garcia doubled to left. First baseman Eric Riggs followed with an RBI single to right scoring Garcia. After Riggs hit, right fielder Delwyn Young ripped an RBI single to right field scoring Riggs (who had taken second on the throw). The big blow of the inning was when third baseman Andy LaRoche came up, and hit a two-run homer (10) to left field to cap the inning.<br /><br />Young would add an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to make it 5-0.<br /><br />Fresno never threatened other than having runners at first-and-second in the top of the fourth. After the fourth inning, the Grizzlies had just two runners reach.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.fresnogrizzlies.com/news/recaps/index.html?article_id=245">more</a>]</blockquote>Las Vegas and Fresno play in the <a href="http://www.pclbaseball.com/">Pacific Coast League</a> (Triple A).<br /><br />In an <a href="http://www.easternleague.com/">Eastern League</a> (Double A) game, Colby Miller completed his comeback from last season's injury.<blockquote>The 24-year-old Oklahoman took a big step in his comeback Saturday, throwing a two-hitter to lead New Britain to a 5-0 win over Harrisburg. He retired 18 batters in a row from the third through eighth innings and struck out seven.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-rockcats0903.artsep03,0,7493238.story?coll=hc-headlines-baseball">more</a>]</blockquote>Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157281555510087632006-09-03T06:54:00.000-04:002006-09-03T07:09:41.576-04:0078 Outs, 1 Run<div class="imgright"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4378/697/200/NewHampshireFisherCats.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="168" height="99" /></div>The <a href="http://www.portlandseadogs.com/">Portland Sea Dogs</a> (Red Sox) pitching staff held the <a href="http://www.nhfishercats.com/">New Hampshire Fisher Cats</a> (Blue Jays) scoreless for 12-2/3 innings Saturday. Unfortunately for them, the Fisher Cats staff held the Sea Dogs scoreless for 13 innings.<blockquote>LF Ryan Patterson delivered a two-out single in the top of the 13th inning, scoring RF Dustin Majewski from second base as the Fisher Cats defeated the Sea Dogs 1-0 Saturday night at Hadlock Field.<br /> <br />Majewski (2-for-6) singled to lead off the 13th, and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by CF Tony Miller. After DH David Smith grounded out, Portland reliever Mike Bumatay was summoned to face 1B Chip Cannon. Cannon walked, and Patterson followed with the game winning single.<br /> <br />Tracy Thorpe worked a perfect 13th to earn his 18th save in support of Brian Wolfe, who picked up his first win, working two shutout innings.<br /> <br />Starting pitchers Kyle Yates for the Fisher Cats and Thomas Hottovy for the Sea Dogs each worked seven innings, allowing just two hits.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.nhfishercats.com/content/fishercats/058.asp">more</a>]</blockquote>It was the longest game of the night in the <a href="http://www.easternleague.com/">Eastern League</a> (Double-A)Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157280734414318632006-09-03T06:40:00.000-04:002006-09-03T06:52:14.423-04:0015 Innings In New Jersey<div class="imgright"><a href="http://www.gatewaygrizzlies.com/"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4378/697/200/LakewoodBlueclaws_100.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="100" width="100" /></a></div>While not the longest game of the day in either innings or time, Saturday night's matchup between the <a href="http://www.lakewoodblueclaws.com/">Lakewood BlueClaws</a> (Phillies) and the <a href="http://www.captainsbaseball.com/">Lake County Captains</a> (Indians) went the most extra innings.<br /><br />In a game scheduled for 7 innings, the 5,397 fans in attendance saw 8 extra innings played, as hometown Lakewood beat Lake County 5-4 on Avelino Asprilla's sacrifice fly.<blockquote>Asprilla drove in three runs in the game. His sacrifice fly in the 15th off Mark Jecmen (2-4) drove home Mike Spidale, who led off the inning with a single, stole second and moved to third on a groundout by Jeremy Slayden.<br /><br />It was the second longest game of the season for the Captains, who played 16 innings in a game at Greenville exactly one month ago.<br /><br />Chris Raulinaitis (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the BlueClaws to earn the win. He issued a pair of walks with one out in the top of the 15th, but struck out Juan Valdes and got Matt Fornasiere on a groundout.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.captainsbaseball.com/2006scores/lco9020.html">more</a>]</blockquote>The game was scheduled for 7 innings as part of a doubleheader. The 1:00 AM ending time meant the second game was delayed until Sunday night, weather and time permitting.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157279970166057742006-09-03T06:32:00.000-04:002006-09-03T06:39:30.223-04:0016 Innings Win For San JoseIt took 16 innings and 301 minutes, but the <a href="http://www.sjgiants.com/">San Jose Giants</a> scored 4 runs in the 16th to beat the <a href="http://www.stocktonports.com/">Stockton Ports</a> (A's) 7-4.<blockquote> Tim Hutting led off the 16th with his 3rd hit of the game, a clean single to left off Stephen Obenchain (1-1), Stockton's sixth pitcher of the night. After Steve Holm sacrificed Hutting to second, Alex Requena delivered a flare to left field that dropped in front of a sliding Luis Perez, scoring Hutting with the go-ahead run, with Requena taking second on the throw home. Requena moved to third on a wild pitch. After John Bowker walked, Mark Minicozzi delivered an insurance RBI with a bloop single to center to score Requena. Carlos Sosa followed with a rocket to right to score Bowker. Right-fielder Myron Leslie bobbled the ball, allowing Minicozzi to advance to third -- from where he scored the 4th run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Julio Cordido. <br /><br />[<a href="http://www.sjgiants.com/ArDisplay.aspx?ID=468&SecID=27">more</a>]</blockquote>It was Stockton's 7th extra inning loss in the <a href="http://www.californialeague.com/">California League</a> (Class A Advanced) this season.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157206031579343842006-09-02T09:59:00.000-04:002006-09-02T10:07:58.640-04:00Two Complete-Game Shutouts FridayThere were two complete-game shutouts in the minors on Friday. In Charleston, SC, <a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/">Columbus Catfish</a> (Dodgers) pitcher James McDonald went 9 innings in shutting down the <a href="http://www.riverdogs.com/">Charleston Riverdogs</a> (Yankees), 2-0.<blockquote>McDonald, who came into the evening with a 0-3 record and a 4.85 ERA in six previous appearances against the RiverDogs, was masterful at times. The Long Beach, CA native set the RiverDogs down in order six times and worked around leadoff hits in the other three innings. On the way to earning his second complete game victory in less than two weeks, the right hander allowed just three Charleston hits while walking two and recording 10 strikeouts. <br /><br />[<a href="http://www.riverdogs.com/news/?id=4300">more</a>]</blockquote>The Catfish and Riverdogs play in the <a href="http://www.southatlanticleague.com/">South Atlantic League</a> (Class A).<br /><br />In the independent <a href="http://www.canamleague.com/">Can-Am League</a>, Brad Guy of the <a href="http://www.brocktonrox.com/">Brockton Rox</a> pitched the first game of a doubleheader to get a complete game shutout of the <a href="http://www.jackals.com/">New Jersey Jackals</a>.<blockquote>Guy was magnificent in the early game, stranding the bases full in the first inning, and proceeding to retire 19 consecutive batters in the third Rox complete-game shutout of the season. The Rox scored four runs in the third inning on an RBI single by 1B Francisco Lebron and a three-run HR off the bat of C Jason Radwan. 3B Jeff LaRue added an RBI double in the fifth inning, his second two-bagger of the night. <br /><br />[<a href="http://www.brocktonrox.com/news/?id=6722">more</a>]</blockquote>Under minor league rules, doubleheader games are 7 innings.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157205132473409542006-09-02T09:51:00.000-04:002006-09-02T09:58:36.746-04:00Whitecaps Win In 14<div class="imgright"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4378/697/200/WhitecapsWave_344.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="110" width="200" /></div>It took 14 innings, but the <a href="http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/">Western Michigan Whitecaps</a> (Tigers) won a 1-0 14-inning marathon against the <a href="http://www.daytondragons.com/">Dayton Dragons</a> (Reds).<blockquote>Justin Justice led off the top of the 14th with a triple. Pedro Cotto drove in Justice with a sacrifice fly to center field.<br /><br />Five Whitecaps pitchers combined for the shutout, which trimmed West Michigan’s Midwest League-lead team ERA back to an even 3.00.<br /><br />Scheduled starter Luke French was a late scratch due to a flu-like illness that has affected most of the team. <br /><br />Josh Kauten made the spot start and threw five scoreless innings with just one hit allowed. In fact, Kauten retired the last 14 batters that he faced.<br /><br />Paul Hammond and Ricky Steik each chipped in three innings on the mound for the Whitecaps. Jose Fragoso pitched the 12th and Matt Rusch (9-3) threw the 13th and 14th to earn his ninth win in relief.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/BLOGS/?p=215">more</a>]</blockquote>Western Michigan and Dayton play in the <a href="http://midwestleague.com/">Midwest League</a> (Class A).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157204886225116492006-09-02T09:40:00.000-04:002006-09-02T09:48:44.876-04:00Quakes Score 21<div class="imgright"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4378/697/200/RanchoCucamongaQuakes.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="200" height="162" /></div>Each team hit 3 home runs, but Rancho Cucamonga scored 21 runs as they as the <a href="http://www.rcquakes.com/">Quakes</a> (Angels) beat the <a href="http://www.jethawks.com/">Lancaster JetHawks</a> (Diamondbacks) 21-8.<blockquote>Ben Johnson and LeBlanc led off the sixth with singles, and after moving into scoring position on a wild pitch both came home on Ryan Leahy’s two-run double. Michael Collins followed with a ground ball that shortstop Derek Bruce whiffed on, allowing Leahy to score and putting the Quakes up 9-6. Leahy delivered another big blow in the seventh, driving a three-run double to the wall in left before scoring on Collins’s RBI single as Rancho Cucamonga took a 13-6 lead. The fun continued in the eighth as the Quakes tacked on six more runs while sending a dozen men to the plate. Baltazar Lopez and Freddy Sandoval led off with doubles to make it 14-6, Johnson added a sacrifice fly to make it 15-6, and after backup catcher Richard Mercado had entered to pitch Collins sent a three-run double into the right field corner for an 18-6 advantage before Reilly lined an RBI single to right.<br /><br />Johnson got the Quakes to the 20-run mark in the top of the ninth with a solo homer to right off Bruce (yes, the shortstop), and LeBlanc followed with a single. Leahy walked with one out to move LeBlanc to second, and Collins then hit a roller that snuck into right field. Quakes manager Bobby Mitchell gave LeBlanc the stop sign at third but LeBlanc ran right through it and scored easily to rewrite the record book. The previous record of 20 runs was set August 10, 1997 at Visalia.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.rcquakes.com/newsroom/?id=11080">more</a>]</blockquote>The Quakes and the JetHawks play in the <a href="http://www.californialeague.com/">California League</a> (Class A Advanced).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157108913642759912006-09-01T06:51:00.000-04:002006-09-01T07:10:42.040-04:00Southwest Michigan's Wade Davis tosses no-hiter, loses game<div class="imgright"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4378/697/200/SWMichiganFan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br />A Southwest Michigan fan <br />experiences one of those <br />nights. <span style="font-style: italic;">(<a href="http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/SPORTS/609010318/1006">Battle Creek Enquirer</a>)</span></div>In the day of their first ever home game, the <a href="http://www.southwestmichigandevilrays.com/">Southwest Michigan Devil Rays</a> were snowed out. On the day of their last ever home game, they lost a no-hitter.<br /><br />5,348 fans, four times their season average of 1,327, watched a doubleheader that closed out the Southwest Michigan's existence. Next season, the team moves to Midland, MI, and become the <a href="http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17119346&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472542&rfi=6">Great Lakes Loons</a>.<br /><br />Thursday night, game one of the doubleheader, saw the Devil Rays lose a heartbreaker.<br /><blockquote>In Game 1, Davis threw the franchise's fifth no-hitter, and second of the season, but Beloit (37-29) scored an unearned run in the fourth inning and it was enough to defeat Southwest Michigan's anemic offense. Oddly, Yancarlos Ortiz, who scored the game's only run, reached base on a Davis fielding error.<br /><br />Davis (7-12) said the only other no-hitter he threw came when he was "like 10 or 11."<br /><br />"I didn't have command of all my pitches but they made some good plays behind me," said the 20-year-old Davis.<br /><br />Davis' seven-inning whitewashing is the third-ever losing no-hitter in Midwest League history and the first since 1972.<br /><br />The 6-foot-5 Davis, ranked as Tampa Bay's sixth-best prospect, threw 93 pitches—60 of them strikes.<br /><br />"In the fourth inning I told (hitting coach) Brady (Williams) it would be appropriate to throw a no-hitter and lose," Lichtenstein said.<br /><br />"It's unfortunate. Wade's been special all year."<br /><br />In the seventh inning of Game 1, Rays catcher Christian Lopez reached third base with no outs on a three-base error on Beloit pitcher Adam Hawes. But, in a summary of the Rays' season, Lopez was left at third because nobody got the ball out of the infield.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060901/SPORTS/609010318/1006">more</a>]</blockquote>Game two saw Southwest Michigan beat the <a href="http://www.snappersbaseball.com/">Beloit Snappers</a> (Twins) 5-2. The teams play in the <a href="http://midwestleague.com/">Midwest League</a> (Class A).Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31655977.post-1157021696238449262006-08-31T06:52:00.000-04:002006-08-31T06:54:56.246-04:00Little League World Champs To Be Honored By Hometown Team<div class="imgright"><br /><br /></div>From the <a href="http://www.columbuscatfish.com/cgi-bin/dist/news.cgi?id=1156968946">Columbus Catfish</a>:<blockquote>The Columbus Catfish will celebrate the accomplishments of the 2006 World Champion Columbus Northern Little League team during the Catfish home finale against the Rome Braves Thursday at 7:00pm at Golden Park. As a salute to Columbus, Georgia little leaguers, the Catfish will host Little League Appreciation Night. All area little leaguers who suit up in uniform will get a free general admission ticket.<br /><br />The Catfish will also be joined by Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center. Families of CMN and their sponsors should contact CMN for tickets. Columbus Regional Hospital employees get a $3 general admission ticket when showing their ID badge at the ticket window. During the game members of Phi Mu will be on hand to raise funds for CMN.<br /><br />Monday afternoon three Catfish players visited Columbus Regional Hospital. Pitchers Joe Jones, Dave Preziosi and Jordan Pratt toured the high-risk nursery and the children’s ward. Their afternoon activities ranged from chatting about baseball to playing with dolls, all to the delight of CMN youngsters.<br /><br />The game against Rome wraps up the 2006 Catfish home schedule. Then Columbus goes on the road for one last four-game series against the Charleston RiverDogs. For tickets or more information call (706) 571-8866 or visit <a href="http://www.ColumbusCatfish.com">www.ColumbusCatfish.com</a>.</blockquote>Columbus and Rome actually play two games today. Because of last night's rainout, the teams square off at 5:00 PM in the first of two 7-inning games.Basilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00304218067534993876noreply@blogger.com0