June 6, 2012

By Raquel Julich
Foreign Radio
Special to Gulf Coast Yankees
Tampa, Florida

SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a health care system of twenty-two hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. All care and services are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides treatment for a full range of congenital and acquired orthopedic conditions. Some of the most commonly treated conditions are clubfoot, limb deficiencies, deformities and discrepancies, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), and orthopaedic problems related to spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, dwarfism and muscular dystrophy.

On Wednesday, June 6th, the third day of H.O.P.E. Week in Tampa, Alex Cotto, Ron Dock and the Yankees Gulf Coast players paid an early morning visit to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

From the heavy box of goody bags that the players took turns in carrying, it was obvious that they had raided the “room of giveaways” at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The group of players included; pitching prospects Pat Venditte, Cesar Vargas from Mexico, and Steve Evarts, also, infielders, Abiatal Avelino and Jorge Mateo.

On arrival at Shriners, the Yankees group was greeted by Tara Deering, Childlife Specialist. She briefed the players with information of the children the players would interact with.

The players’ first introduction was a five year old child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Christian was all smiles as he received the goody bag from Ron Dock and was thrilled at finding a Yankees cap. The family was from New York. One of the players asked Christian how he was doing and the Mother coached the youngster to say, “I’m going to keep on winning”. “We’re winners and winners don’t lose”.

The visits continued, guided by Tara Deering, the players approached a room dedicated as the “Wade Boggs Room”. The patient’s mother seated at the bedside did not want the players to enter and greet the youngster. Nonetheless, Ron Dock handed a nurse the bag with the Yankees items. As Ron Dock walked away, the father of the boy could be heard softly saying “thank you”. The players continued along the corridor of the POPS Unit (Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services).

From observing the manner in which Alex Cotto and Ron Dock guided their players, it was obvious that the involvement of these Yankees men in the community is not a new thing. Their knowing the importance of the goody bags while observing each child’s reaction and recognizing that conversation with the children should be kept light. A New York Yankees cap is a magical thing.

Eventually, the players were led into the most whimsical of rooms, The Fish Bowl. A great room in the round, as if under the sea with colorful fish and ocean creatures. The Fish Bowl is used for daily children’s activities, they were told, the most special of them “The Monster Mash Bash”, held yearly at Halloween.

The players visited a 16 year old girl, injured when riding on the back of her father’s motorcycle. Along the way, they were asked to cheer a child fearing surgery on this day. The GCL pitcher Pat Venditte encouraged the youngster with conversation about his own surgery.

When the question was asked if Shriners Hospitals for Children treated children from other countries, the players were introduce to a child from Panama, Alberto, suffering with “Paralisis Celebral Espatica”. The youth was encased in braces and casts. You can imagine the family’s happiness at meeting and taking pictures with the Yankees, the team of Mariano Rivera. The players from Mexico and the Dominican Republic spoke in Spanish to Alberto and the family.

They met Kala, afflicted with “Posteria Spinal Fisure” and Christian from Peru, a patient suffering with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

The visits ended with a walk into a room of a brother and sister; an eight year old brother, the patient, with the six year old sister in bed by his side, to quote their Mother “making him happy”.

During the course of their Player Development, the Yankees Gulf Coast League players had already received an early introduction to the terminology of baseball injuries and the variety of treatments. On this day, every player in the group was quieted by the enormity of the afflictions of the children they visited and the courage the children exhibited through their smiles.

H.O.P.E. – as presented to and by the players of the Yankees Gulf Coast League.

June 4-5, 2012

By Raquel Julich
Foreign Radio
Special to Gulf Coast Yankees
Tampa, Florida

WARRIORS FOR AUTISM

THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL)

On March 23, 2012, during Spring Training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, the New York Yankees held the Kick-Off for their Fourth Annual H.O.P.E. Week Initiative.

Introduced in 2009, by Jason Zillo, Director, Communications and Media Relations, now in its fourth year, the Yankees H.O.P.E. Week Initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient.

In the spirit of the Initiative, the New York Yankees honored 17-year old Tampa Catholic High School baseball player Owen Sarwatka, who as a sophomore, in 2010, was inspired to create “Everyone Can Play”, a nonprofit, volunteer-run, baseball skills clinic for children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

During May, the Yankees announced the expansion of HOPE Week. Throughout the 2012 season, five New York Yankees minor leagues affiliates will host their own community events.

Initiated on June 4 – 8, the Yankees Gulf Coast League players from the Himes Baseball Complex stepped-up-to-the-plate, as they participated in The H.O.P.E. Week Initiative.

Alex Cotto, Assistant Director of International Operations and Ron Dock, Intervention Coordinator laid the Initiative footprints for H.O.P.E., as they scheduled the players to visit and entertain youths from five different organizations.

On June 4th, the Gulf Coast League players visited “Warriors for Autism” in Oldsmar, Florida. Before the event Alex Cotto remarked “many of our players had never interacted with autistic children, so we did not know what to expect”. Afterwards, Cotto was pleased with his players’ participation “the players commented about the unbelievable experience of being able to play ball with such special youths”.

During the second day of the H.O.P.E. Initiative, on June 5th, the players drove to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Tampa.

An overview of the PAL involvement in the community was provided by retired Tampa Police Officer Phil Ray, Executive Director, Police Athletic League of Tampa. PAL was started by Police Officer, Corporal Larry Siegel. In 1956 PAL was “just him and his van” and a few officers he could count on, working at crime prevention. Siegel was fighting juvenile crime and violence through the use of education, academically and athletically, based around “sports resources”. Larry Siegel continued in this endeavor until his death in 2010.

Today, the Tampa PAL children’s services include; van pickup from several Hillsborough County Elementary Schools for daily after school care, healthy snacks, assistance with school study and a variety of sporting programs. PAL also operates a supervised summer care program targeting “at risk” inner city children.

At the Police Athletic League, Alex Cotto and Ron Dock took turns speaking to the youths about the message in H.O.P.E. The subject of drugs and bullying was discussed with questions and answers. There was a message for the girls that “baseball is not just for boys but that there are plenty of job opportunities for girls within Major League Baseball”.

Yankees prospects from the Dominican Republic; Leonel Vinas, Daniel Lopez, and Jose Rosario, Adam Silva (Australia) and Jake Anderson took turns fielding questions from the approximately sixty-five boys and girls, ages 5-12, in attendance.
The questions ranged from baseball related, to the player’s personal lives. “Did they have children?” “Do you have a brother?” “Did you ever see a Kangaroo?” It was a question for Adam Silva who hails from Victoria, Australia. The children were obviously intrigued by meeting someone from Australia.

During snack time the young Yankees players each sat at a picnic table filled with kids. Childish conversation and laughter was the baseball order of the day. The children took turns trying on the baseball players’ gloves.
The children were curious about the age of the players and asked how long it would take them to reach the Major Leagues. They asked about their sports shoes, running speed, and hitting home runs. They talked about championships. They wanted to hear about the World Series Trophy and asked if every player received one.

After the questions and answers sessions the Yankees players and children teamed at the PAL field to “play a little catch”. After all the children took their swings, the players and children took a group photo, followed by many friendly good-by. A tender moment was observed on departure, as one child returned running to a Yankees player for a final hug.

At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has – no matter their background or financial situation – is time. By involving every player, manager and coach, along with front office staff, during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees organization is sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.

H.O.P.E. Week – The Yankees Gulf Coast League management and players initiated the footprints.

June 16, 2012
Charlotte Sports Park
Port Charlotte, Florida
By Rocky Julich

HOME RUN DERBY
The All Star participants in the Home Run Derby hit their best in the show of homeruns, to excite the 5,678 fans in the seats. North-Daytona Cubs Infielder Greg Rohan (1), South-Jupiter Hammerheads outfielder Marcell Ozuna (3), North-Daytona Cubs outfielder Nelson Perez (4), South-Ft. Myers Miracle outfielder Oswaldo Arcia (2), North-Lakeland Flying Tigers outfielder Avisail Garcia (4), South-St. Lucie Mets outfielder Cory Vaughn (4), North-Dunedin Blue Jays second baseman Ryan Schimpf (2), South-Charlotte Stone Crabs shortstop Derek Dietrich (0).

During the home run tie breaker, Lakeland Flying Tigers Avisail Garcia (Venezuela) won the Home Run Derby with four powerful blasts, beating Daytona Cubs Nelson Perez and St. Lucie Mets Cory Vaughn.

ALL STAR GAME Lineups
NORTH
.324-4-30 SS Kevin Nolan- Dunedin Blue Jays
.343-2-25 3B Cody Asche- Clearwater Threshers
.298-11-42 LF Nelson Perez- Daytona Cubs
.295-11-55 DH Greg Rohan- Daytona Cubs
.302-4-32 1B Jon Talley- Dunedin Blue Jays
.294-6-32 RF Avisail Garcia- Lakeland Flying Tigers
.292-6-33 CF Rob Segedin- Tampa Yankees
226-4-21 C Cameron Rupp- Clearwater Threshers
.270-7-34 2B Ryan Schimpf- Dunedin Blue Jays
LHP Austin Kirk (2-1, 2.63 ERA) Dayton Cubs
SOUTH
.349-0-15 LF Mike O’Neill- Palm Beach Cardinals
.299-10-40 3B Wilmer Flores- St. Lucie Mets
.266-6-31 2B Derek Dietrich- Charlotte Stone Crabs
.258-15-48 DH Marcell Ozuna- Jupiter Hammerheads
.277-3-26 CF Mikie Mahtook- Charlotte Stone Crabs
.226-12-28 RF Cory Vaughn- St. Lucie Mets
.263-5-26 C Josmil Pinto- Ft. Myers Miracle
.228-3-19 1B Richard Lucas- St. Lucie Mets
.287-1-21 SS Wilfredo Tovar- St. Lucie Mets
LHP C.J.Riefenhauser(6-2, 2.98ERA)Charlotte Stone Crabs

After months of my watching the Minor League teams of the Florida State League play A-Instructional League games, during the All Star Game it was almost as if watching a game of big leagues players.

Certainly, some of the names on the rosters; Perez, O’Neill, Vaughn, brought back memories of big leagues All Stars of past seasons.

GAME START: 7:37 P.M.
Florida State League North-Dunedin Blue Jays first baseman Jon Talley put his team on the board with home runs in the second and third innings.

At the top of the fifth inning, Dunedin Blue Jays shortstop Kevin Nolan got on base with a single. A ground rule double by Daytona Cubs leftfielder Nelson Perez drives in the third run of the game.
North 3 – South 0.

Florida State League North-Tampa Yankees RHP Mark Montgomery takes the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning; strikes out first batter St. Lucie Mets first baseman Richard Lucas, walks St. Lucie Mets replacement shortstop Daniel Santana, who steals second and takes third on throwing error by Tampa Yankees replacement catcher J.R. Murphy. Montgomery strikes out Palm Beach Cardinals leftfielder Mike O’Neill. St. Lucie Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores connects a hit and drives in Santana. Montgomery walks Palm Beach Cardinals replacement second baseman Starlin Rodriguez. Montgomery is relieved by Clearwater Threshers RHP Tyler Knigge. Knigge walks Jupiter Hammerheads DH Marcell Ozuna and Charlotte Stone Crabs center fielder Mike Mahook which loads the bases and drives in Lucas. Rodriguez scores a run on a wild pitch by Knigge. Ft. Myers Miracle pinch hitter right fielder Oswaldo Arcia fly out to left field ends the inning.
North 3 – South 3

Tampa Yankees Mark Montgomery pitched 2/3 innings, 1H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 2K (ERA 40.50)

Clearwater Threshers RHP Tyler Knigg continues pitching in the eighth inning. Jupiter Hammerheads replacement catcher J.T. Realmuto reaches first on fielding error by Clearwater Threshers third baseman Cody Asche. Realmuto reaches third on throwing error by Daytona Cubs leftfielder Nelson Perez. Walk to St. Lucie Mets second baseman Richard Lucas. The ninth pitcher for the North All Stars, RHP Bruce Rondon enters the game and pitches a force out by St. Lucie Mets shortstop Daniel Santana, Lucas is out at second base, Realmuto scores. Santana steals second base and goes to third on a wild pitch by Rondon. Walk to Palm Beach Cardinals leftfielder Mike O’Neill. St. Lucie Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores connects his third hit of the game and drives in Santana and O’Neill.
North 3 – South 6

The ninth pitcher in the game for the South-Charlotte Stone Crabs LHP Chris Rearick pitches the ninth inning. Strikes out Dunedin Blue Jays first baseman Jon Talley. Lakeland Flying Tigers right fielder Avisail Garcia gets on base with a hit. The following two batters go out on strikes; Tampa Yankees center fielder Rob Segadin and Dunedin Blue Jays replacement catcher Jack Murphy. END OF 51st ALL STAR GAME.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
“We knew all we had to do is put a run or two across and things would start happening.” said St. Lucie Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores, who went 3 for 4 with three RBIs and a run scored to earn MVP honors. “It was great to contribute and help the team (South) win, especially in such a big game.”

Final: North 3 – South 6
WP: Ricky Bowen (1-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, 1K
LP: Tyler Knigge (0-1, 27.00 ERA) 1/3 IP, 2R, 1ER, 3BB, 1WP
Time: 2:40 (32 minute game delay)
Attendance: 6,678

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

June 9, 2012
Rocky Julich

Yikes, the Tampa Yankees took the playing field uniformed in green “Custom Jerseys”. It was Teacher Appreciation Night at Steinbrenner Field and the Jerseys were auctioned after the game with the proceeds benefiting SERVE, Volunteers in Education. It was a “Greene” sort of night.

Daytona Cubs (27W-32L), pitching Frank Del Valle (4-1, 4.36)

Tampa Yankees (25W-33L), pitching Shane Green (0-2, 4.66)

As the teams prepare to close the first half of the season, two players of Daytona appear on the list of Florida State League leaders; infielder, Greg Rohand ,305 AVG, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 68 Hits, 19 doubles and LF Nelson Perez, .305 AVG, 10 HR, 41 RBI.

RF Rob Segedin continues as the leader on the Tampa Yankees .286 AVG., 18 doubles, 6 HR, 31 RBI.

The Yankees connected the first hit of the game in the bottom of the third inning from LF Ramon Flores. At the start of the bottom of the fourth inning, an error by Daytona 2B Ron Torreys put RF Neil Medchill on base. DH Kyle Higashioka doubled to deep centerfield scoring Medchill. The sixth batter in the line-up, 1B Kyle Roller took the first pitch and sent it over the right field wall for his seventh homer of the season. The Yankees took a lead three runs to none.

At the bottom of the sixth inning, Kyle Higashioka got on base with a hit. Kyle Roller followed with a single. With CF Eduardo Sosa batting, a wild pitch by Daytona pitcher Eduardo Figueroa scored Higashioka. Eduardo Sosa hit a single scoring Roller to increase the Yankees lead, Tampa 5 – Daytona 0.

At the bottom of the seventh inning 2B Anderson Feliz got on base with a triple. C J.R.Murphy got a hit and drove in Feliz. A triple by Kyle Roller would bring in Murphy, Tampa 7 – Daytona 0.

Eight of the players in the Tampa line-up recorded a hit. Kyle Roller went 3-4 with a two-run homerun, a single and a double, missing a triple for the cycle, while recording three RBI (28). Kyle Higashioka walk, double and single, scoring two runs and one RBI. Anderson Feliz walk, triple and scored a run.

Tampa pitcher Shane Greene took control of his game early, striking out eight Cubs in six innings, holding the line-up to zero hits, zero walks, he was perfect. Greene was on an 85 pitch count and was replaced after sixth innings. Shane Greene said he believed his pitch count was around 85 and he knew he wouldn’t have a shot to finish what he started.

Tampa pitchers Rigoberto Arrebato and Mark Montgomery pitched the last three innings to complete the shut out of the Daytona Cubs. It was Tampa’s first win at home since May 20th.

Of the thirty Daytona Cubs the Tampa pitchers faced, twelve were out on strikes. Additionally, during the first six innings of play, the Cubs line-up went out, one-two-three until the top of the seventh inning when SS Arismendy Alcantara connected the first hit. There would be three outs and a hit in each of the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

Final: Tampa Yankees 7 – Daytona Cubs 0
WP: Shane Greene (1-2, 401 ERA)
LP: Frank Del Valle (4-2, 4.28 ERA)
Time: 2:24
Attendance: 2,604

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

May 27, 2012
Joker Marchant Stadium
Lakeland, Florida

By: Rocky Julich

Memorial Day Weekend. What did I see?

When was the last time we saw brothers as battery mates? This is something worth researching.
Does anyone remember the Cooper brothers, Mort and Walker? They were battery mates in 1945, while playing with the St. Louis Cardinals.

While a hurricane like storm brews to the North of Lakeland, during 88 degree temperature, the Tampa Yankees (23W-26L) vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers (23W-24L) in a game sure to make the MiLB website.

Pitching and catching for Lakeland are brothers, natives of Guatire, Miranda, Venezuela. No. 19, RHP Luis Angel Sanz throws to his sibling No. 47, catcher Luis Alberto Sanz.

It is the second start in eight games for Sanz (1-1, 7.13 ERA). The receptor Sanz is batting .194, 0HR-2RBI.

Tampa missed opportunities to score runs, leaving the bases loaded in the second and fourth innings.

The Yankees RHP Caleb Cotham (0-0, 1.50 ERA) starts in his second game and is relieved after three innings, four hits, four strikeouts, four walks, three runs. LHP Evan DeLuca pitched the bottom of the fourth inning. DeLuca pitched two innings, two hits, three strikeout and three walks. RHP Branden Pinder pitched the Yankees sixth and seventh innings, three hits, one strikeouts, one walk, one run. RHP Mark Montgomery closed out the game for Tampa pitching one inning and striking out two batters.

Lakeland RHP Luis Angel Sanz and catcher Luis Alberto Sanz held the Yankees scoreless through five innings with seven hits, five strikeouts, one walk, two hit by pitch, 0 runs. LHP Matt Crouse got the save, pitching four innings, one hit, two strikeouts, 0 runs. It was a shutout for the Flying Tigers vs. the Yankees.

Lakeland, Florida State League leader CF Nick Castellanos scored two runs (31), two hits (77), double (16), total bases (110), average (.410), slugging percentage (.546), on base percentage (.469).

Lakeland catcher Luis Alberto Sanz hit (8) RBI (3). DH Zachary Maggard hit (2), run scored (1). 1B Matt Perry hit (1), run scored (1).

And, that how the “A” Instructional Game was played.

Final Score: Lakeland Flying Tigers 4 – Tampa Yankees 0
WP: Luis Angel Sanz (2-1, 5.90 ERA)
LP: Caleb Cotham (0-1, 3.00 ERA)
Time: 2:55
Attendance: 843

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

May 12, 2012
By Rocky Julich

It’s a special Saturday Family Night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, PINK OUT NIGHT. It’s all about breast cancer awareness. On Sunday, the Yankees players in The Bronx will be decked out in Pink too; Pink Batting Gloves, Pink Bats, Pink Ribbons, Pink Wristbands and Pink Shoelaces. During cancer awareness, the Yankees honor the Mothers.

The Tampa Yankees will take the field wearing Pink Jerseys. During the game, the fans will be able to participate in a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Research Center.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers are at Tampa for a four game series. This is the second meeting of the teams this season with an overall win/loss record of Lakeland 2 – Tampa 1.

It’s the thirty-six game of the season for the T-Yanks with a record of 16W-19L. After three games were called due to rain, Lakeland is playing game thirty-four with a record at 17W–16L.

LHP Alex Burgos (1-4, 5.67 ERA) is the first game starter for Lakeland. LHP Nik Turley (2-0, 2.23 ERA) undefeated and looking for his third win, starts for Tampa.

Tampa’s RF Rob Segedin is on the bench due to a rib cage strain he suffered in the thirteenth inning of the May 6th game vs. the Bradenton Marauders. Segedin ran into the catcher as he attempted to score a game tying run. The game was played during eighteen innings with a loss to Tampa, final score 7 – 6.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers have six players in their line-up with thirteen RBI or more. 3B Nick Castellanos has twenty-four with RF Avisail Garcia following with eighteen RBI.

Rob Segedin is the leader on the Tampa team with twenty-one RBI. RF Neill Medchill is second with thirteen.

It is a winning night for cancer awareness.

Final: Lakeland Flying Tigers 4, Tampa Yankees 2
WP: Alex Burgos (2-4, 5.40 ERA)
LP: Nik Turley (2-1, 2.83 ERA)
Time: 2:37
Attendance: 2,586

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Leagues or its Clubs.

May 3, 2012
By Rocky Julich

School Day sponsored by ESPN 1040 Radio.

The parking lot of George M. Steinbrenner Field is in bloom, with the color of yellow buses. It’s an early game, 11:00 a.m. first pitch. Tampa is humid from a recent show of rain. But, on this day, nothing could dampen the spirit of the children, 5,000 of them. In the stands, the children are identified by the school colors on their tee shirts, the colors of the rainbow. The ballpark is alive with the sounds of “glad to be out of the classroom”.

These young fans know that these are the Yankees and we know that these children are the future of this game, baseball.

The Brevard County Manatees vs. the Tampa Yankees in the third and final game of the series, with the Yankees taking the first two games 3-0, 3-2.

The starting pitchers: Yankees RHP Shane Greene (0-1, 3.60), Manatees, LHP Jed Bradley (2-2, 2.79).
In the top of the third inning, Shane Green loads the bases with the first three Manatees he faces. T.J Mittelstaedt follows with a triple to deep right centerfield, which clears the bases. Fifth in the line-up, Cody Hawn hits a sacrifice fly to left and Mittelstaedt scores the fourth run. Manatees 4, Yankees 0.

Yankees are up in the bottom of the third. Some of the children chant “Let’s Go Yankees, Let’s Go! Children near the Press Box chant “Let’s go the other team”. One youth chants “The other team is the Manatees”.

In the bottom of the fifth inning the Yankees get a run on the scoreboard by a single from Jose Toussen and an RBI from Jose Mojica.

Tampa LF Ramon Flores walks in the bottom of the sixth inning and Rob Segadin follows with a hit. Neil Medchill hits a triple to drive in the two runs. Kelvin Castro’s 6-3 for two outs scores Medchill after Manatees shortstop Cody Shaw fumbles the ball. The game is tied Manatees 4, Yankees 4.

Few children remain at the ballpark in the bottom of the seventh inning to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame, as most had exited to board the yellow buses that would return them to their schools.

With RHP Aaron Dott pitching for the Yankees in the top of the seventh inning, the bases are again loaded with Manatees. A double by Michael Walker drives in three runs. A single by Reggie Keen brings Walker home for the fourth run of the inning. Manatees 8, Yankees 4.

The Manatees score four additional runs in the top of the ninth inning. Shea Vucinich hits his first home run of the season. Cody Hawn, connects season third home run with three RBIs.

The Manatees bats were hot with thirteen hits and the Yankees pitchers lose the third game as Greene, Dott and Nuno each are charged with four runs earned.

Final: Manatees 12, Yankees 6

WP: Jed Bradley 3-2
LP: Aaron Dott 0-2
Time: 2:50
Attendance: 6,244 – thanks to the children

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

April 25, 2013
By Rocky Julich

Today we visit Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida. This is the Spring Training Complex of the Washington Nationals. I have not been here since 1994, when the Florida Marlins made this their spring home. At that time, this was cow country. Much has changed, as lovely homes have displaced the pastures.

The Tampa Yankees play in the 19th game of the Minor Leagues season vs. the Brevard County Manatees.

Pitching for Tampa, Zachary Nuding, returning from the 7 Day DL (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Pitching for Brevard, Brandon Williamson, his first start of the season (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

At the top of the first inning the Polka tune “Roll out the Barrel” is blasted as Tampa 3B Rob Segedin steps to the plate. Prior to game start, it was announced that if Segedin struck out between the first and seventh innings beer would be sold for $2.00.
Rob Segedin has 12 strikeouts for the season. He hits a pop fly to leftfield in the first inning.

In this game, Rob Segedin is at third base. The Manager of the Tampa Yankees, Luis Sojo advised “Segedin is a natural third baseman and if something happens Segedin would be switched from leftfield to third”. Sojo continued, “The third baseman is on the injured list.”

Rob Segedin is the leader on the Tampa Yankees in 18 games played, 69 AB, 14 R, 21 H, 4 HR, 11 RBI.

The Brevard County Manatees drew first runs in the bottom of the second inning. 3B Mike Walker connects the first hit against Nuding and steals second. DH Scott Krieger, 2B Shea Vucinich, RF Franklin Romero also hit singles and the Manatees are on board with two runs.

A cool evening in this neck of the woods of Viera, as the A Advanced Yankees line-up goes down 1-2-3 in the first three innings of play.

No $2.00 beer, as Rob Segedin connects a hit in the top of the fourth inning.

Between innings we watch the Manatee mascot “Manny” compete with a boy running the bases. Just one of the many activities that take place in the fun filled Minor Leagues ballparks.
In the top of the fifth inning, C J.R. Murphy reached base on an error by Manatees SS Nick Shaw. DH Tyson Blaser gets on base with a single. RF Shane Brown hits a long double to left field which scores Murphy and Blaser. The teams are tied 2 – 2.

In the top of the sixth inning, to the tune of “Who Let the Dogs Out”, hundreds of laughing children run from the encircled number 42 of Jackie Robinson, the only Washington retired number at centerfield, across to third base and into their seats in the stands. The children looked colorful.

In the sixth inning, Rob Segedin is called out on strikes and the announcement follows for $2.00 beer! From my seat in the Press Box, I can view the line forming at the leftfield Tiki Bar. Let’s Go Yankees. Let’s Go Manatees.

Manatees RHP Sean Black takes the mound in the top of the seventh inning. He gives up hits to CF Eduardo Sosa and DH Tyson Blaser. An error by 2B Shea Vucinich allows Sosa to score and the Yankees take the lead 3 – 2.

The Yankees score a fourth run in the top of the eighth inning. A walk to Segedin and a double by Sosa drives in Segadin.

After a good pitching performance by the Manatees starting pitcher Williamson, the bullpen fails and the Yankees again score runs. In the top of the ninth inning, Mojica and Flores on base, a double by Segedin scores two runs. Kyle Roller reaches on a fielding error by second baseman Vucinich and Segadin scores the final run of the game.

It was a $2.00 beer, kind of a Segedin night.

Final Score: Tampa Yankees 7 – Brevard County Manatees 2

WP: Zachary Nuding 1-0
LP: Brooks Hall 0-1
Time: 2:40
Attendance: 1,008

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

THE CUBS, TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN.
April 20, 2012
By Raquel Julich

Andy Pettitte was scheduled to pitch against Daytona but the inclement weather kept the Lefty in Tampa. Minor League pitcher Zachary Nuding got penciled in to replace Pettitte on the mount. Prior to game start, Nuding’s name was erased due to injury. The job to start the game then went to LHP Kramer Sneed.

Daytona pitcher Austin Kirk gave up hits to the first two Tampa batters he faced, but he quickly corrected himself and got the next three in the line-up with pop fly outs.

The Cubs entered the first inning slugging with a triple, walk, single, double and the Cubs were quickly on the scoreboard three runs to none.

Tampa’s Kramer Sneed pitching in his fourth game with a record of 0 wins – 0 losses, 0.00 ERA was pulled after his fifth batter in the second inning. His record would show 1.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 5 E, 3 BB, 1 SO.
In the bottom of the second inning, the bases loaded with Cubs, Tampa pitcher Rigoberto Arrebato faced the sixth batter in the second inning. With the first pitch, 3B Greg Rohan smashed the ball to left field for a grand slam. Cubs 7 – Yankees 0.

In the bottom of the third inning, Daytona scored its eighth run of the game.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, with two Cubs on base, Yankees pitcher Aaron Dott entered the game and retired the side.

In the top of the sixth inning, Tampa CF Eduardo Sosa connected a hit to right field. 2B Kelvin Castro followed with a single to centerfield and the Yankees had their first run. Castro was tagged out stretching to reach second base 7 – 4.

Daytona pitcher Brett Wallach relieved Austin Kirk after 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K. Wallach gave up hits to Castro and Segedin. An error by Daytona second baseman Torreyes allows Castro to score Tampa’s second run of the game.

A double by Torreyes, his second of the game, starts the top of the eighth inning for Daytona. A sacrifice fly by Rohan gives him the fifth RBI in the game.

The Tampa Yankees come up to bat in the top of the ninth inning, but the game had already been decided for Dayton Cubs in the first and second innings.

DH Ron Torreyes was 5 for 5. 3B Greg Rohan had five rbis. So, with a try with all their might, Daytona Cubs win their third game of the season.

Final: Daytona Cubs 9, Tampa Yankees 2
WP: Austin Kirk 1-0
LP: Kramer Sneed 0-1
Time: 2:36
Attendance: 3,996

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its Clubs.

THE CUBS PLAY FOR WINS
04/19/2012
By Raquel Julich

Jackie Robinson made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, yet, so much of his personal history remains alive around Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida. Jackie and Rachel Robinson favored this city. This is now Chicago Cubs Minor Leagues territory, home of the Daytona Cubs.

Jackie Robinson would appreciate this ballpark bearing his name. It is truly people friendly and the interaction with the children fans is what the future of the game is all about.

In spite of the inclement weather, the fans came out to play.

Prior to game start, a heavy rain fell on the field and the sky remained overcast with a continue threat of showers. The teams took the field of play and at the start of the first inning the sun came out.

The Cubs are in search of rbis. With a record of 2-10 they are last in the standings of the Florida State League, 2W – 10L.

Pitching for Daytona Eduardo Figueroa 1-0, the Tampa Yankees had Jose Ramirez 0-2 on the mound.

The Tampa Yankees started the inning with a triple by CF Eduardo Sosa. 2B Kelvin Castro walked. LF Rob Segedin reached on an error by Dayton SS Arismendy Alcantara and one run scored. 1B Kyle Roller and C J.R. Murphy walked and the bases loaded. DH Shane Brown, the eighth batter in the line-up, playing in his first Tampa game, connects a single worth two rbis. Murphy was out at third on the throw 9-3. The Tampa Yankees scored four runs in the first inning.

Daytona got on the scoreboard with an rbi in the bottom of the fourth inning. A single by CF Nelson Perez, a double by 3B Greg Rohan drove the run.

Daytona pitcher Edwardo Figueroa left the game after 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1E, 4 BB, 3 SO. Ty’Relle Harris came in to pitch the top of the sixth inning. Brian Schlitter pitched the eighth inning. After singles to Wilson and Brown, an error by the Cubs 1B Richard Jones, Tampa SS Jose Mojica reached base and Wilson scored. CF Eduardo Sosa was hit by a pitch and the bases were loaded. Kelvin Castro hit into a double play 6-4-3 and the Cubs were out of the eighth inning.

Vidal Nunno pitched for Tampa Yankees in the top of the seventh inning and held the Cubs scoreless in the seventh, eighth but in the ninth inning, with one out, Nelson Perez blasted one over the Jackie Robinson Ballpark right field wall for the first home run of the game. Dayton had its second rbi of the night.

Not enough rbis for Daytona the Cubs drop the fifth straight and the tenth game in 11 played.

Final: Tampa Yankees 5, Daytona Cubs 2
WP: Ramirez 1-2
LP: Figueroa 1-1
Time: 2:15
Attendance: 3,039

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.