The old saying goes that all good things must come to an end. And unfortunately this phrase now applies when it comes to the New York Collegiate Baseball League blog. As of today, the blog is being closed and no new content will be added. However, all previous posts will remain up to celebrate the last several years of the league - including an exciting '08 championship series that took three games to decide.
Additionally, after four great years in the NYCBL as a broadcaster and league media relations director, I would like to announce that I have parted ways with the league. It is an amicable split and I wish the league nothing but the best in the future.
I'd like to specifically thank several people who made the past four years very enjoyable including Paul Simmons (Watertown Wizards), Todd Kirkey (Watertown Wizards), Darin Williams (Glens Falls Golden Eagles), John Mayotte (Glens Falls Golden Eagles), Jeremy Winig (Glens Falls Golden Eagles '07-'08) and Jon Rathburn (Little Falls Times). I'd also like to thank Brian Spagnola (Amsterdam Mohawks) for giving me a chance back in 2006 when others wouldn't.
Some of my favorite moments from the past four years include covering two game three's in the League Championship Series (2005, 2008), broadcasting and producing three NYCBL All-Star Games and helping television talent cover a fourth, seeing over 3700 people crowd into Duffy Fairgrounds for a July 2007 game between Watertown and Niagara, getting a chance to broadcast a 2007 exhibition match between the Saratoga Phillies and the Russian National team (legit crowd of 1,000 at East Side Rec), announcing Mike Schellinger's 17 strike-out performance in game one of the 2005 Eastern Division playoffs and watching 1996 league alum Brad Lidge help the Philadelphia Phillies win the 2008 World Series. I'm sure there's moments I'm missing but those are the ones that stand out the most.
Also, I'd like to thank all the readers of the blog - including parents, players, fans and coaches. Without you reading the blog, sending e-mails and ideas, the blog would not have stayed around for two years. The comment section is open for any and all comments. I can also be reached at saltcitysports@aol.com.
Thank You.
John McGraw
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thunderstruck! Cook Signs With Frontier League Champs
The Windy City Thunderbolts of the independent Frontier League have signed infielder Bryan Cook (Saratoga '07) for the 2009 season. The Thunderbolts are the defending Frontier League champions.
Cook, a 2008 graduate of Nova Southeastern University, appeared in nine games last summer for the Frontier League's Rockford Riverhawks. He collected two home runs and four RBI over 28 plate appearances.
The Rockledge, Fla., native was a member of the 2007 Saratoga Phillies. He slugged a then franchise single-season record five home runs.
More information to follow.
Cook, a 2008 graduate of Nova Southeastern University, appeared in nine games last summer for the Frontier League's Rockford Riverhawks. He collected two home runs and four RBI over 28 plate appearances.
The Rockledge, Fla., native was a member of the 2007 Saratoga Phillies. He slugged a then franchise single-season record five home runs.
More information to follow.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Ratliff (Syracuse '91) To Join Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame
The Syracuse Chiefs of the Triple-A International League have announced that former Northeastern Collegiate Baseball League pitcher Jon Ratliff (Syracuse '91) is part of a group of seven men that will be inducted to the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame. The announcement was made at the Chiefs annual Hot Stove Dinner. The seven-member Class of 2009 will officially join the Wall of Fame on August 15, 2009, before the Chiefs game against the Rochester Red Wings.
More information to follow.
More information to follow.
Trio Named To WBC Preliminary Rosters
Italy
Clifford Flagello (Plattsburgh '05)
Valentino Pascucci (Schenectady '97)
South Africa
Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg (Glens Falls '07)
Clifford Flagello (Plattsburgh '05)
Valentino Pascucci (Schenectady '97)
South Africa
Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg (Glens Falls '07)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
NYCBL Duo Named To 2009 D3baseball.com Preseason All-America Team
Second Team
Matt Tone (Brockport '07/Watertown '09), Cortland State
Honorable Mention
Alex Raetzloff (Allegany County '08), Webster
Matt Tone (Brockport '07/Watertown '09), Cortland State
Honorable Mention
Alex Raetzloff (Allegany County '08), Webster
Horning (Watertown '07-'08) Becomes A Diplomat
Former Watertown Wizards field manager Ryan Horning (Watertown '07-'08) has been hired as an assistant baseball coach at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. The Diplomats are members of NCAA Division III and play in the Centennial Conference.
Horning joins the Dips after a season in Ithaca, N.Y., as an assistant coach at Cornell University. Horning worked with the Big Red's infielders and outfielders and mentored three players to an All-Ivy selection. The Syracuse, N.Y., native has previously worked as an assistant coach at St. John Fisher College and Longwood University. During Horning's second season at Fisher, the Cardinals earned their first ever at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and secured the program's first tournament win.
Additionally, Horning guided the Syracuse, N.Y., 16-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team to the Babe Ruth World Series championship in 2004. He skippered the Salt City squad for four seasons and took them to the World Series in three of those years.
The St. Lawrence University graduate spent two seasons in the New York Collegiate Baseball League with the Watertown Wizards. Horning served as the team's pitching coach in 2007 and oversaw a pitching staff that included first team all-league selection Luis Castillo. Last summer, Horning took over the managerial duties when Todd Kirkey moved to the front office as the team's general manager. Horning guided the Wizards to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Division and the team made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. The team finished out the regular season by winning 10 of its' final 13 games.
Horning joins the Dips after a season in Ithaca, N.Y., as an assistant coach at Cornell University. Horning worked with the Big Red's infielders and outfielders and mentored three players to an All-Ivy selection. The Syracuse, N.Y., native has previously worked as an assistant coach at St. John Fisher College and Longwood University. During Horning's second season at Fisher, the Cardinals earned their first ever at-large bid to the NCAA tournament and secured the program's first tournament win.
Additionally, Horning guided the Syracuse, N.Y., 16-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team to the Babe Ruth World Series championship in 2004. He skippered the Salt City squad for four seasons and took them to the World Series in three of those years.
The St. Lawrence University graduate spent two seasons in the New York Collegiate Baseball League with the Watertown Wizards. Horning served as the team's pitching coach in 2007 and oversaw a pitching staff that included first team all-league selection Luis Castillo. Last summer, Horning took over the managerial duties when Todd Kirkey moved to the front office as the team's general manager. Horning guided the Wizards to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Division and the team made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. The team finished out the regular season by winning 10 of its' final 13 games.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Rivals.com Projects Romero (Glens Falls '08) As Oregon State's Starting Third Baseman
Kendall Rogers, the college baseball editor at Rivals.com, is listing former New York Collegiate Baseball League all-star Stefen Romero (Glens Falls '08) as Oregon State's projected starter at third base for the 2009 season. Romero transferred to Oregon State from Pima (Ariz.) Community College and is listed as a sophomore for the two-time national champion Beavers.
The Tucson, Ariz., native played one season at Pima Community College in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference, a wood-bat league. Romero was named first-team all-conference and all-region as a freshman in 2008. He batted a team-high .414 with 49 RBI, 77 hits and three home runs. Romero also topped the Aztecs with seven triples and he was second in hits and RBI.
Last summer, Romero played for the Eastern Division champion Glens Falls Golden Eagles under John Mayotte. The Golden Eagles third baseman led the squad with 27 runs scored, 24 runs batted in and 16 times hit by a pitch. Romero added six home runs, 32 hits, six stolen bases and a .404 on-base percentage. He was one of five Golden Eagles named to the NYCBL All-Star Game.
Oregon State finished the 2008 season with a 28-24 record. The Beavers missed the NCAA tournament after winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
The Tucson, Ariz., native played one season at Pima Community College in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference, a wood-bat league. Romero was named first-team all-conference and all-region as a freshman in 2008. He batted a team-high .414 with 49 RBI, 77 hits and three home runs. Romero also topped the Aztecs with seven triples and he was second in hits and RBI.
Last summer, Romero played for the Eastern Division champion Glens Falls Golden Eagles under John Mayotte. The Golden Eagles third baseman led the squad with 27 runs scored, 24 runs batted in and 16 times hit by a pitch. Romero added six home runs, 32 hits, six stolen bases and a .404 on-base percentage. He was one of five Golden Eagles named to the NYCBL All-Star Game.
Oregon State finished the 2008 season with a 28-24 record. The Beavers missed the NCAA tournament after winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bertolini (Webster '07) Goes Back To School
Dan Bertolini (Webster '07) has been named the head baseball coach at Mercyhurst North East. The school, a branch campus of Mercyhurst College, is a member of the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association. The Saints compete in Division II Region III and are members of the Western New York Athletic Conference.
The 23-year-old Bertolini played professionally for the Frontier League's Midwest Sliders last summer after graduating from Mercyhurst College. He appeared in 24 games for the Sliders and compiled a .186 batting average with one home run and five RBI. Bertolini retired from the team early last month to take the Mercyhurst North East head coaching position.
The Poland, Ohio, native enjoyed a successful four-year collegiate playing career. Bertolini set a school record at Mercyhurst with 202 games played. He batted .319 as a senior and finished second on the Lakers with 52 hits. Defensively, Bertolini led the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 136 assists. The Mercyhurst shortstop was named second-team all-conference in 2008 and he was selected to the ABCA Division II North Central Region All-Gold Glove team.
Bertolini played in the New York Collegiate Baseball League for the Webster Yankees during the summer of 2007. He topped the Yankees with 106 assists over 37 games played. Bertolini drove in 16 runs and finished third on the club with six stolen bases on nine attempts.
At 23, Bertolini is believed to be one of the youngest junior college head baseball coaches in the nation.
The 23-year-old Bertolini played professionally for the Frontier League's Midwest Sliders last summer after graduating from Mercyhurst College. He appeared in 24 games for the Sliders and compiled a .186 batting average with one home run and five RBI. Bertolini retired from the team early last month to take the Mercyhurst North East head coaching position.
The Poland, Ohio, native enjoyed a successful four-year collegiate playing career. Bertolini set a school record at Mercyhurst with 202 games played. He batted .319 as a senior and finished second on the Lakers with 52 hits. Defensively, Bertolini led the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 136 assists. The Mercyhurst shortstop was named second-team all-conference in 2008 and he was selected to the ABCA Division II North Central Region All-Gold Glove team.
Bertolini played in the New York Collegiate Baseball League for the Webster Yankees during the summer of 2007. He topped the Yankees with 106 assists over 37 games played. Bertolini drove in 16 runs and finished third on the club with six stolen bases on nine attempts.
At 23, Bertolini is believed to be one of the youngest junior college head baseball coaches in the nation.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Twelve NYCBL Alums Part Of Professional Title Teams In 2008
Twelve former New York Collegiate Baseball League players were part of championship teams during the 2008 professional baseball season. NYCBL graduates won titles at seven different levels of baseball from short-season A to the Japan Series to the World Series in 2008. The list is as follows..
Major League Baseball
Philadelphia Phillies - Brad Lidge (Ithaca '96)
Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan)
Seibu Lions - Alex Graman (Little Falls '97)
Southern League (AA)
Mississippi Braves - Quentin Davis (Amsterdam '03)
Quentin Davis (Amsterdam '03) is one of five players to have won a championship in the NYCBL and at the professional level. Davis, in his first full season in Double-A, helped the Mississippi Braves to the Southern League championship. Davis batted .191 over 92 games with five home runs, 22 runs batted in, 19 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. In 2007, the Florence, S.C., native stole 37 bases for the single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Davis saw spot duty throughout the M-Braves playoff run that included series victories over the Birmingham Barons and the Carolina Mudcats. In his Double-A postseason debut, Davis scored the winning run in Mississippi's 1-0 win over Birmingham in game one of their first-round series. He started game three and was 1-for-3 as the M-Braves completed their sweep of the Barons. The former Amsterdam Mohawk played in all five games of the championship series against Carolina and started game three. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI single.
California League (A+)
Stockton Ports - Mike Benacka (Hornell '05), Derrick Gordon (Amsterdam '04)
Both Michael Benacka (Hornell '05) and Derrick Gordon (Amsterdam '04) were members of championship teams in the NYCBL. Benacka pitched out of the bullpen for the 2005 champion Hornell Dodgers and Gordon, the 2004 NYCBL Pitcher of the Year, was a starting pitcher for the 2004 league-winning Amsterdam Mohawks.
Benacka began the 2008 campaign with the River City Rascals of the independent Frontier League. Through 22 appearances, he amassed a 3-0 record, 0.53 ERA, 13 saves and 51 strikeouts. Benacka set the franchise record for saves with 51 total over two seasons. He was signed by Oakland after the Frontier League all-star break and sent to Stockton. The former Lindenwood University star went 4-2 with a 2.39 earned run average in 15 appearances for the Ports. Benacka struck out 37 batters in 26.1 innings pitched and held opponents to one earned run over his last five regular season appearances. The Ports clinched one of the league's two wild-card spots in the playoffs and proceeded to knock off the Modesto Nuts, San Jose Giants and Lancaster Jethawks. Benacka authored three-straight scoreless appearances in his first three playoff showings, including a relief win against Modesto, but earned a pair of hard-luck defeats against San Jose and Lancaster.
Gordon spent the entire season in Stockton and finished third on the team in appearances (44) and fifth in innings pitched (76.2). He went 5-5 with two saves and a 4.93 earned run average a year after pitching out of the bullpen for the Midwest League's Kane County Cougars. The Beaumont, Texas, native struck out 75 and held opponents to a .262 batting average. Gordon excelled particularly at home, putting together a 5-2 record at Stockton's Banner Island Ballpark. In the playoffs, Gordon made four appearances and struck out eight. After a rocky first outing, Gordon lowered his ERA in each of his three subsequent appearances, including a scoreless inning of relief of game three of the championship series.
Midwest League (A)
Burlington Bees - Ryan Eigsti (Hornell '05)
Ryan Eigsti (Hornell '05) is one of five players to have won a championship at the professional level and in the NYCBL. Eigsti was a catcher for the 2005 league champion Hornell Dodgers. Eigsti's Burlington Bees won the second-half title in the Midwest League's West Division and were one of eight teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Burlington backstop played in a career-high 105 games during the regular season and batted .218 with nine home runs and 35 RBI. The Bees went undefetated through the Midwest League playoffs, sweeping the Kane County Cougars, Cedar Rapids Kernals and South Bend Silverhawks. Eigsti capped off Burlington's first-round sweep of Kane County with two hits and two runs scored. And in game two of the championship series, Eigisti went 2-for-4 and drove in one run as the Bees hammered the Silverhawks, 12-0.
New York-Penn League (SS-A)
Batavia Muckdogs - Adam Veres (Glens Falls '07), George Brown (Watertown '05)
At 20 years old, Adam Veres (Glens Falls '07) made his professional debut in the Appalachian League with the Johnson City Cardinals. He was drafted out of St. Petersburg college in June by the St. Louis Cardinals . By the end of his first season in the pros, Veres was helping to hoist a league title. Veres was promoted to Batavia after eight appearances in the Appy League. He went 1-1 for the Muckdogs over six appearances and he closed the regular season with a flourish by not allowing an earned run over his final nine innings pitched. In the postseason, Veres started game three in a best-of-three series against the Lowell Spinners. Veres held Lowell to one run on two hits over seven innings and struck out seven as the Muckdogs punched their ticket to the finals against Jamestown.
After a stellar senior season at St. John's, George Brown (Watertown '05) went from the Red Storm to the Redbirds as he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Brown served as a reliever and spot starter for the Muckdogs during the regular season. He made 17 appearances, converted three saves, walked only eight and struck out 47 batters in 47.1 innings pitched. After struggling against Lowell in the semifinal round, Brown earned two holds in Batavia's two-game sweep of the Jamestown Jammers in the NY-P finals. In the title clincher, Brown fanned four over an inning and one-third of relief.
Northwest League (SS-A)
Spokane Indians - Jacob Kaase (Brockport '07), Ryan Schlecht (Little Falls '06)
Jacob Kaase (Brockport '07) capped off a 2008 season split between three levels (SS-A, A, A+) by helping the Spokane Indians to the Northwest League championship over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Kaase played a combined 68 regular season games between Spokane, Class-A Clinton and Hi-A Bakersfield. He hit .320 with two home runs and 21 RBI in 30 games for the Indians. The Seguin, Texas, native batted .300 over four playoff games and capped off Spokane's title run with a 3-for-5 effort in the championship clincher.
Ryan Schlecht (Little Falls '06) won championships at two levels in 2008. Schlecht, a 2008 Division II All-American, was part of Mount Olive College's national championship team in the spring before being drafted by the Texas Rangers. Schlecht was a big part of Spokane's 50-25 regular season record. He amassed a 4-2 record from Spokane's bullpen with five saves and a 1.48 ERA in 23 appearances. Schlect struck out 45 batters in 42.2 innings pitched. He threw two shutout innings in game one of the championship series against Salem-Keizer and made two appearances in the series overall.
Can-Am League (IND)
Sussex Skyhawks - Khalid Afify (Elmira '06)
Afify joined the Skyhawks bullpen in 2008 after being picked up from the developmental New York State League. He pitched out of Binghamton University's bullpen in the spring. Afify made 10 appearances during the regular season and compiled a 1-1 record. He struck out 13 batters in 18 innings pitched. Sussex was one of four teams to clinch a playoff spot. The Skyhawks won three-straight games in the semifinal series to best second-half champ Worcester, three games to one and then swept Quebec in the championship series. The Binghamton, N.Y., native was placed on the disabled list on September 8th and did not appear in the league playoffs.
American Association (IND)
Sioux Falls Canaries - Alex Bardeguez (Little Falls '06)
Bardeguez, a rookie on a veteran-laden team, appeared in 38 games for Sioux Falls during the regular season. He hit .279, slammed three home runs and drove in 12 runs for the first-half North Division champions. Sioux Falls swept second-half champion Sioux city in the North Division playoffs and then took the league title with a four games to one series victory over the Grand Prairie AirHogs in the championship series. The Coram, N.Y., native made his professional postseason debut in game one of the championship series as a pinch runner.
**Steven Calicutt (Glens Falls '04) was a member of the Augusta GreenJackets in 2008. However, his season ended in May when he was placed on the disabled list. Augusta went on to win the SAL championship in September.
Major League Baseball
Philadelphia Phillies - Brad Lidge (Ithaca '96)
Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan)
Seibu Lions - Alex Graman (Little Falls '97)
Southern League (AA)
Mississippi Braves - Quentin Davis (Amsterdam '03)
Quentin Davis (Amsterdam '03) is one of five players to have won a championship in the NYCBL and at the professional level. Davis, in his first full season in Double-A, helped the Mississippi Braves to the Southern League championship. Davis batted .191 over 92 games with five home runs, 22 runs batted in, 19 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. In 2007, the Florence, S.C., native stole 37 bases for the single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Davis saw spot duty throughout the M-Braves playoff run that included series victories over the Birmingham Barons and the Carolina Mudcats. In his Double-A postseason debut, Davis scored the winning run in Mississippi's 1-0 win over Birmingham in game one of their first-round series. He started game three and was 1-for-3 as the M-Braves completed their sweep of the Barons. The former Amsterdam Mohawk played in all five games of the championship series against Carolina and started game three. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI single.
California League (A+)
Stockton Ports - Mike Benacka (Hornell '05), Derrick Gordon (Amsterdam '04)
Both Michael Benacka (Hornell '05) and Derrick Gordon (Amsterdam '04) were members of championship teams in the NYCBL. Benacka pitched out of the bullpen for the 2005 champion Hornell Dodgers and Gordon, the 2004 NYCBL Pitcher of the Year, was a starting pitcher for the 2004 league-winning Amsterdam Mohawks.
Benacka began the 2008 campaign with the River City Rascals of the independent Frontier League. Through 22 appearances, he amassed a 3-0 record, 0.53 ERA, 13 saves and 51 strikeouts. Benacka set the franchise record for saves with 51 total over two seasons. He was signed by Oakland after the Frontier League all-star break and sent to Stockton. The former Lindenwood University star went 4-2 with a 2.39 earned run average in 15 appearances for the Ports. Benacka struck out 37 batters in 26.1 innings pitched and held opponents to one earned run over his last five regular season appearances. The Ports clinched one of the league's two wild-card spots in the playoffs and proceeded to knock off the Modesto Nuts, San Jose Giants and Lancaster Jethawks. Benacka authored three-straight scoreless appearances in his first three playoff showings, including a relief win against Modesto, but earned a pair of hard-luck defeats against San Jose and Lancaster.
Gordon spent the entire season in Stockton and finished third on the team in appearances (44) and fifth in innings pitched (76.2). He went 5-5 with two saves and a 4.93 earned run average a year after pitching out of the bullpen for the Midwest League's Kane County Cougars. The Beaumont, Texas, native struck out 75 and held opponents to a .262 batting average. Gordon excelled particularly at home, putting together a 5-2 record at Stockton's Banner Island Ballpark. In the playoffs, Gordon made four appearances and struck out eight. After a rocky first outing, Gordon lowered his ERA in each of his three subsequent appearances, including a scoreless inning of relief of game three of the championship series.
Midwest League (A)
Burlington Bees - Ryan Eigsti (Hornell '05)
Ryan Eigsti (Hornell '05) is one of five players to have won a championship at the professional level and in the NYCBL. Eigsti was a catcher for the 2005 league champion Hornell Dodgers. Eigsti's Burlington Bees won the second-half title in the Midwest League's West Division and were one of eight teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Burlington backstop played in a career-high 105 games during the regular season and batted .218 with nine home runs and 35 RBI. The Bees went undefetated through the Midwest League playoffs, sweeping the Kane County Cougars, Cedar Rapids Kernals and South Bend Silverhawks. Eigsti capped off Burlington's first-round sweep of Kane County with two hits and two runs scored. And in game two of the championship series, Eigisti went 2-for-4 and drove in one run as the Bees hammered the Silverhawks, 12-0.
New York-Penn League (SS-A)
Batavia Muckdogs - Adam Veres (Glens Falls '07), George Brown (Watertown '05)
At 20 years old, Adam Veres (Glens Falls '07) made his professional debut in the Appalachian League with the Johnson City Cardinals. He was drafted out of St. Petersburg college in June by the St. Louis Cardinals . By the end of his first season in the pros, Veres was helping to hoist a league title. Veres was promoted to Batavia after eight appearances in the Appy League. He went 1-1 for the Muckdogs over six appearances and he closed the regular season with a flourish by not allowing an earned run over his final nine innings pitched. In the postseason, Veres started game three in a best-of-three series against the Lowell Spinners. Veres held Lowell to one run on two hits over seven innings and struck out seven as the Muckdogs punched their ticket to the finals against Jamestown.
After a stellar senior season at St. John's, George Brown (Watertown '05) went from the Red Storm to the Redbirds as he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Brown served as a reliever and spot starter for the Muckdogs during the regular season. He made 17 appearances, converted three saves, walked only eight and struck out 47 batters in 47.1 innings pitched. After struggling against Lowell in the semifinal round, Brown earned two holds in Batavia's two-game sweep of the Jamestown Jammers in the NY-P finals. In the title clincher, Brown fanned four over an inning and one-third of relief.
Northwest League (SS-A)
Spokane Indians - Jacob Kaase (Brockport '07), Ryan Schlecht (Little Falls '06)
Jacob Kaase (Brockport '07) capped off a 2008 season split between three levels (SS-A, A, A+) by helping the Spokane Indians to the Northwest League championship over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Kaase played a combined 68 regular season games between Spokane, Class-A Clinton and Hi-A Bakersfield. He hit .320 with two home runs and 21 RBI in 30 games for the Indians. The Seguin, Texas, native batted .300 over four playoff games and capped off Spokane's title run with a 3-for-5 effort in the championship clincher.
Ryan Schlecht (Little Falls '06) won championships at two levels in 2008. Schlecht, a 2008 Division II All-American, was part of Mount Olive College's national championship team in the spring before being drafted by the Texas Rangers. Schlecht was a big part of Spokane's 50-25 regular season record. He amassed a 4-2 record from Spokane's bullpen with five saves and a 1.48 ERA in 23 appearances. Schlect struck out 45 batters in 42.2 innings pitched. He threw two shutout innings in game one of the championship series against Salem-Keizer and made two appearances in the series overall.
Can-Am League (IND)
Sussex Skyhawks - Khalid Afify (Elmira '06)
Afify joined the Skyhawks bullpen in 2008 after being picked up from the developmental New York State League. He pitched out of Binghamton University's bullpen in the spring. Afify made 10 appearances during the regular season and compiled a 1-1 record. He struck out 13 batters in 18 innings pitched. Sussex was one of four teams to clinch a playoff spot. The Skyhawks won three-straight games in the semifinal series to best second-half champ Worcester, three games to one and then swept Quebec in the championship series. The Binghamton, N.Y., native was placed on the disabled list on September 8th and did not appear in the league playoffs.
American Association (IND)
Sioux Falls Canaries - Alex Bardeguez (Little Falls '06)
Bardeguez, a rookie on a veteran-laden team, appeared in 38 games for Sioux Falls during the regular season. He hit .279, slammed three home runs and drove in 12 runs for the first-half North Division champions. Sioux Falls swept second-half champion Sioux city in the North Division playoffs and then took the league title with a four games to one series victory over the Grand Prairie AirHogs in the championship series. The Coram, N.Y., native made his professional postseason debut in game one of the championship series as a pinch runner.
**Steven Calicutt (Glens Falls '04) was a member of the Augusta GreenJackets in 2008. However, his season ended in May when he was placed on the disabled list. Augusta went on to win the SAL championship in September.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Bond (Allegany County '07) Signs With Frontier League's Crushers
The Lake Erie Crushers of the independent Frontier League have signed outfielder Wayne Bond Jr. (Allegany County '07) for the 2009 season. The Crushers, located in Avon, Ohio, are preparing for their first season in the 12-team independent circuit.
Bond played collegiately at Ball State University and Lincoln Trail College. He was named first-team All-Mid-America Conference in 2008 as a senior at Ball State. Bond topped the Cardinals in home runs (14), runs batted in (55), at-bats (211), hits (69), stolen bases (14) and getting hit by a pitch (14). The Pendleton, Ind., native closed the regular season on a 27-game hitting streak. In the outfield, Bond posted a .986 fielding percentage with two errors in 138 chances.
As a junior, Bond had a team-high 15 stolen bases and started 52 games in the outfield. He finished second on the team with a .309 batting average. The former Pendleton Heights High School standout started his collegiate career at Lincoln Trail College. He was an all-conference performer in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference as a sophomore with a .403 batting average.
Bond played in the New York Collegiate Baseball League during the summer of 2007 for the Allegany County Nitros. He batted .275 in 37 games and drove in 18 runs. Bond led the Nitros with a .384 slugging percentage and he tied for the club lead with 12 doubles. The '07 Nitros finished third in the eight-team Western Division with a 24-17 record and advanced on to the Western Division playoffs. Bond hit .308 in a three-game playoff series against the Geneva Red Wings.
Bond played collegiately at Ball State University and Lincoln Trail College. He was named first-team All-Mid-America Conference in 2008 as a senior at Ball State. Bond topped the Cardinals in home runs (14), runs batted in (55), at-bats (211), hits (69), stolen bases (14) and getting hit by a pitch (14). The Pendleton, Ind., native closed the regular season on a 27-game hitting streak. In the outfield, Bond posted a .986 fielding percentage with two errors in 138 chances.
As a junior, Bond had a team-high 15 stolen bases and started 52 games in the outfield. He finished second on the team with a .309 batting average. The former Pendleton Heights High School standout started his collegiate career at Lincoln Trail College. He was an all-conference performer in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference as a sophomore with a .403 batting average.
Bond played in the New York Collegiate Baseball League during the summer of 2007 for the Allegany County Nitros. He batted .275 in 37 games and drove in 18 runs. Bond led the Nitros with a .384 slugging percentage and he tied for the club lead with 12 doubles. The '07 Nitros finished third in the eight-team Western Division with a 24-17 record and advanced on to the Western Division playoffs. Bond hit .308 in a three-game playoff series against the Geneva Red Wings.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wizards Alum Wenger (Watertown '04) To Manage Nitros
Delaware State University assistant baseball coach Nick Wenger (Watertown '04) has been named the head coach of the Allegany County Nitros of the New York Collegiate Baseball League for the 2009 season. Wenger takes over the Nitros from fellow Delaware State assistant Michael August who guided the team to its' fifth-straight playoff appearance in 2008.
Wenger is in his second season as an assistant coach with the Hornets. He works with the team's hitters and outfielders and serves as the first base coach. Last season, Delaware State finished in third place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and four hitters were named to the all-conference team including NYCBL all-star Jose Sanchez (AC '07/Hornell '08). Before arriving at Delaware State, Wenger worked as an assistant coach at Averett University and Coppin State University.
During his playing career, Wenger was a two-time All-MEAC selection at Coppin State. As a senior in 2005, he was part of an Eagles team that set a single-season school record with 21 victories. Wenger tied a single-season school record in 2004 with 49 runs batted in. He started his collegiate baseball career at Hagerstown (Md.) Community College and twice earned all-conference accolades from the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference.
The Harrisburg, Pa., native was a member of the Watertown Wizards in 2004. He was coached by current Wizards General Manager Todd Kirkey. Wenger appeared in 38 games and finished third on the team with 17 runs batted in.
The Allegany County Nitros went 21-19 last season under Michael August and finished fourth in the eight-team Western Division. The Nitros took the first-place Hornell Dodgers to a decisive third game in the Western Division semifinals.
Wenger is in his second season as an assistant coach with the Hornets. He works with the team's hitters and outfielders and serves as the first base coach. Last season, Delaware State finished in third place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and four hitters were named to the all-conference team including NYCBL all-star Jose Sanchez (AC '07/Hornell '08). Before arriving at Delaware State, Wenger worked as an assistant coach at Averett University and Coppin State University.
During his playing career, Wenger was a two-time All-MEAC selection at Coppin State. As a senior in 2005, he was part of an Eagles team that set a single-season school record with 21 victories. Wenger tied a single-season school record in 2004 with 49 runs batted in. He started his collegiate baseball career at Hagerstown (Md.) Community College and twice earned all-conference accolades from the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference.
The Harrisburg, Pa., native was a member of the Watertown Wizards in 2004. He was coached by current Wizards General Manager Todd Kirkey. Wenger appeared in 38 games and finished third on the team with 17 runs batted in.
The Allegany County Nitros went 21-19 last season under Michael August and finished fourth in the eight-team Western Division. The Nitros took the first-place Hornell Dodgers to a decisive third game in the Western Division semifinals.
Former NYCBL Players In Carribean Leagues
Six former New York Collegiate Baseball League players have appeared on Carribean baseball fields during the 2008-2009 winter baseball season . The NYCBL was represented in every Carribean winter league including the Mexican Pacific League, the Dominican Winter League, the Puerto Rican Winter League and the Venezuelan Winter League.
Ray Navarrete (Geneva '97) was an all-star in the independent Atlantic League in 2008 while playing for the Long Island Ducks. The former Seton Hall star was the second player in league history to drive in over 100 runs (103) and score 100 runs (105) in the same season. Navarrete spent his winter in Puerto Rico playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League for Gigantes de Carolina. The Teaneck, N.J., native batted .286 in 32 games with 11 RBI, 10 doubles and 26 hits. Some of Navarrete's teammates in Carolina included Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, J.C. Romero and Geovany Soto.
David Cook (Rome '01) began the 2008 season in Double-A Birmingham but finished the campaign at Triple-A Charlotte. Between two leagues, Cook batted .284 with 19 home runs, 56 RBI, 26 doubles, 124 hits and 76 runs scored. His winter slate included stops in the Dominican Winter League with Leones del Escogido and the Venezuelan Winter League with Navegantes del Magallanes. Cook swatted four home runs and drove in six over 19 games between the two teams and totaled 11 hits and nine runs scored.
Justin Mallett (Watertown '02) spent a majority of the 2008 season with the Triple-A Louisville Bats of the International League. Mallett went 6-2 with a 4.50 earned run average in 20 appearances with 70 strikeouts over 100 innings pitched. The 6-foot-6 pitcher then took the mound for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League. He was one of the top pitchers for a team that finished last in the regular season standings. Mallett went 3-1 with a 3.91 earned run average. He led the team with 35 strikeouts and finished second in innings pitched (48.1).
Not only were players in the Carribean, but coaches as well. Matt Quatraro (Schenectady '93) is the head coach of the South Atlantic League's Columbus Catfish, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Quatraro is spending the winter in Venezuela as a base coach for Leones del Caracas. The team won the Venezuelan Winter League's regular season title with a 42-21 record, six games ahead of second-place Aragua. The team is currently competing in the league playoffs.
Terry Tiffee (Hornell '98) won the 2008 Triple-A Pacific Coast League batting crown with a .378 batting average for the Las Vegas 51s and he played for Team USA in the Olympic Games. The North Pratt, Ark., native followed the minor league season with a trip to Mexico to play for the Venados de Mazatlan in the Mexican Pacific League. Tiffee hit .283 in 14 games with 15 hits and five runs batted in. He recently signed a contract with the world champion Philadelphia Phillies and is listed as a non-roster invitee for spring training.
Brett Carroll (Hornell '02) appeared in only 26 games for the Florida Marlins in 2008 due to injury. The Middle Tennessee State grad did play 38 games in the minors before joining the Fish in September for the final month of the season. In October, Carroll went to the Dominican Republic to play for Azucareros del Este in the Dominican Winter League. Carroll put together three hits in three games and drove in one run. He is currently listed on the 40-man roster for the Marlins.
Ray Navarrete (Geneva '97) was an all-star in the independent Atlantic League in 2008 while playing for the Long Island Ducks. The former Seton Hall star was the second player in league history to drive in over 100 runs (103) and score 100 runs (105) in the same season. Navarrete spent his winter in Puerto Rico playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League for Gigantes de Carolina. The Teaneck, N.J., native batted .286 in 32 games with 11 RBI, 10 doubles and 26 hits. Some of Navarrete's teammates in Carolina included Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, J.C. Romero and Geovany Soto.
David Cook (Rome '01) began the 2008 season in Double-A Birmingham but finished the campaign at Triple-A Charlotte. Between two leagues, Cook batted .284 with 19 home runs, 56 RBI, 26 doubles, 124 hits and 76 runs scored. His winter slate included stops in the Dominican Winter League with Leones del Escogido and the Venezuelan Winter League with Navegantes del Magallanes. Cook swatted four home runs and drove in six over 19 games between the two teams and totaled 11 hits and nine runs scored.
Justin Mallett (Watertown '02) spent a majority of the 2008 season with the Triple-A Louisville Bats of the International League. Mallett went 6-2 with a 4.50 earned run average in 20 appearances with 70 strikeouts over 100 innings pitched. The 6-foot-6 pitcher then took the mound for Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League. He was one of the top pitchers for a team that finished last in the regular season standings. Mallett went 3-1 with a 3.91 earned run average. He led the team with 35 strikeouts and finished second in innings pitched (48.1).
Not only were players in the Carribean, but coaches as well. Matt Quatraro (Schenectady '93) is the head coach of the South Atlantic League's Columbus Catfish, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Quatraro is spending the winter in Venezuela as a base coach for Leones del Caracas. The team won the Venezuelan Winter League's regular season title with a 42-21 record, six games ahead of second-place Aragua. The team is currently competing in the league playoffs.
Terry Tiffee (Hornell '98) won the 2008 Triple-A Pacific Coast League batting crown with a .378 batting average for the Las Vegas 51s and he played for Team USA in the Olympic Games. The North Pratt, Ark., native followed the minor league season with a trip to Mexico to play for the Venados de Mazatlan in the Mexican Pacific League. Tiffee hit .283 in 14 games with 15 hits and five runs batted in. He recently signed a contract with the world champion Philadelphia Phillies and is listed as a non-roster invitee for spring training.
Brett Carroll (Hornell '02) appeared in only 26 games for the Florida Marlins in 2008 due to injury. The Middle Tennessee State grad did play 38 games in the minors before joining the Fish in September for the final month of the season. In October, Carroll went to the Dominican Republic to play for Azucareros del Este in the Dominican Winter League. Carroll put together three hits in three games and drove in one run. He is currently listed on the 40-man roster for the Marlins.
Former Phils Assistant To Manage In Alaska
The Anchorage Bucs of the Alaska Baseball League have announced that Thom Dreier has been selected as the team's field manager for the 2009 summer baseball season. Dreier was an assistant coach for the 2008 Saratoga Phillies and worked under manager Kevin Graber.
Dreier is in his first season at Arizona State University as a recruiting and operations assistant working under 15th-year head coach Pat Murphy. The St. Louis, Mo., native joined the ASU staff after serving as the director of baseball operations at Marshall University. Last year, Marshall won a school-record 30 games and reached the championship game of the Conference-USA postseason tournament. Dreier's boss, Thundering Herd head coach Jeff Waggoner (Schenectady '99, '00 asst.), was named the national Coach of the Year by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
Dreier played collegiately at Oklahoma State University from 1996 through 1999 and was part of OSU's 1999 College World Series squad. He was tabbed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 20th round (613th overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft a year after being taken as an underclassman by the San Diego Padres in the 13th round (382nd overall) of the 1998 draft. Dreier pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays organization for the St. Catherines Stompers and Hagerstown Suns in 1999.
The Anchorage Bucs compiled a 21-24 overall record last summer and a 15-20 mark in the Alaska Baseball League.
Dreier is in his first season at Arizona State University as a recruiting and operations assistant working under 15th-year head coach Pat Murphy. The St. Louis, Mo., native joined the ASU staff after serving as the director of baseball operations at Marshall University. Last year, Marshall won a school-record 30 games and reached the championship game of the Conference-USA postseason tournament. Dreier's boss, Thundering Herd head coach Jeff Waggoner (Schenectady '99, '00 asst.), was named the national Coach of the Year by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
Dreier played collegiately at Oklahoma State University from 1996 through 1999 and was part of OSU's 1999 College World Series squad. He was tabbed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 20th round (613th overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft a year after being taken as an underclassman by the San Diego Padres in the 13th round (382nd overall) of the 1998 draft. Dreier pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays organization for the St. Catherines Stompers and Hagerstown Suns in 1999.
The Anchorage Bucs compiled a 21-24 overall record last summer and a 15-20 mark in the Alaska Baseball League.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Miners Unveil 2009 Tentative Roster
From LittleFallsMiners.com, updated 1/18
Pitchers
J.B. Blixt (Radford)
Jordan Cannon (Temple)
Kevin DeGrouttola (New Orleans)
Chad Gallagher (Marist)
Mike Goemans (Canisius)
MacKenzie King (Pace)
Jake Quigg (Radford)
Jake Rifkin (Marist)
Marshall Rosenberger (North Florida)
Randy Verdin (New Orleans)
Catchers
Brian Suerdick (Kentucky)
Infielders
T.J. Gavlik (North Florida)
Chris Peters (Cincinnati)
Frank Mercurio (Pittsburgh)
Paul Morales (North Florida)
Outfielders
Navarro Hall (Kentucky) - PHI 2007 (49/1428)
Raphael Turner (Radford)
Pitchers
J.B. Blixt (Radford)
Jordan Cannon (Temple)
Kevin DeGrouttola (New Orleans)
Chad Gallagher (Marist)
Mike Goemans (Canisius)
MacKenzie King (Pace)
Jake Quigg (Radford)
Jake Rifkin (Marist)
Marshall Rosenberger (North Florida)
Randy Verdin (New Orleans)
Catchers
Brian Suerdick (Kentucky)
Infielders
T.J. Gavlik (North Florida)
Chris Peters (Cincinnati)
Frank Mercurio (Pittsburgh)
Paul Morales (North Florida)
Outfielders
Navarro Hall (Kentucky) - PHI 2007 (49/1428)
Raphael Turner (Radford)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year, Happy Two-Year Anniversary
The New York Collegiate Baseball League Blog would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Yesterday, the NYCBL blog turned two years old. The very first post, which you can still read, was published on January 1, 2007.
Thank you to everyone for making the last two years very enjoyable.
That being said, I'd like to open up the floor to the readers on this two-year anniversary. Who're you, what brought you here, where are you from and what do you like most about the league? While the blog mainly focuses on former players and news for the upcoming season, I'd like it to focus for now, on the fans. Tell us your story.
All comments are welcome. If you don't see it right away, don't worry, all comments have to be approved through Blogger.com.
Thank you to everyone for making the last two years very enjoyable.
That being said, I'd like to open up the floor to the readers on this two-year anniversary. Who're you, what brought you here, where are you from and what do you like most about the league? While the blog mainly focuses on former players and news for the upcoming season, I'd like it to focus for now, on the fans. Tell us your story.
All comments are welcome. If you don't see it right away, don't worry, all comments have to be approved through Blogger.com.
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