March 06, 2013
George M. Steinbrenner Field
Tampa, Florida

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC vs. NEW YORK YANKEES

By: Rocky Julich

The New York Yankees Spring Training field was visited by various dignitaries from the Dominican Republic; among them, Jaime David Fernandez, Ministro de Deportes and Hector Pereida, Presidente de La Federacion de Beisbol. Leo Lopez, Director de Relaciones de Media.

Today, the player practice on George M. Steinbrenner Field took a different meaning as most of the vocal exchanges heard from the opposing team were in Spanish. The visiting team on the field is the baseball crazed Dominican Republic and they came prepared to play with a line-up that is unforgiving.

As I prepare the line-up sheet in my score book, it is interesting to note that all of the opposing Major League players have Spanish names. Vidal Nuno, Carlos Santana, Edwin Encarnacion, Robinson Cano, Hanley Ramirez, Eric Aybar, Ricardo Nanita, Alejandro DeAza, Nelson Cruz. Tony Pena manages the Dominican team, while Alfredo Griffin is at first base and Juan Samuel coaches third. Moises Alou is the General Manager.

It may be one of the rare times in franchise history that the New York Yankees have faced an all Latino Major League Baseball players line-up.

The New York Yankees line-up reads as follows; Hiroki Kuroda, Francisco Cervelli, Luke Murton, Jayson Nix, Kevin Youkilis, Eduardo Nunez, Matt Diaz, Melky Mesa, Juan Rivera. Joe Girardi is the manager. Brian Cashman is the General Manager, presently among the long list of injured players of the Yankees.

After losing in the Inaugural (2006) and second World Baseball Classics (2009) the Dominican Republic team is playing to win with a little bit of everything; power, hit & run, steals and player chemistry.

The 2013 Dominican Republic club include seven players who have participated in Major League Baseball All Star games. Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes and Robinson Cano played for their Country in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

As evidenced by the exhibition debut defeat of the Philadelphia Phillies by 15 runs, 28 hits in a 15-2 win. The Dominican Republic is passionate about winning the World baseball Classic. Playing the second game of competition, during the second half of the 7th inning, the Dominican Republic led the Yankees 6 – 0, with 10 hits vs. Yankees 0. Continuing play in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Yankees Zoilo Almonte, with two outs on the board, connected a two run home run. Dominican 7 – Yankees 2.

There were lots of fans in the seats (8,146), many of them waving the flag of the Dominican Republic with loud cheers for baseball Nationalism over the New York Yankees.

The Dominican Republic continues strong in competition in the World Baseball Classic with wins over the National League Phillies and the American League Yankees.

Final score:
Dominican Republic 8 runs – 13 hits – 0 errors
New York Yankees 2 runs – 2 hits – 2 errors

The question was asked of Yankees star second baseman Robinson Cano regarding the difficulty in his competing for the Dominican Republic vs. the team he plays for, the New York Yankees.

La dificultad en apoyar la Republica Dominicana sobre su quipo los New York Yankees.

No response necessary.
It’s just baseball with a bilingual flavor. Es un poquito de beisbol con sabor bilingue.

Stay tuned.

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

September 2, 2012

Joker Marchant Stadium
Lakeland, Florida

By Rocky Julich

The 1st Half, 2nd Half and Final Standings:
Tampa Yankees 30-37/35-32/65-69
Lakeland Flying Tigers 36-29/36-29/72-58

The Lakeland Flying Tigers advanced to the Florida State League playoffs while the Tampa Yankees with Luis Sojo, the Manager with the most career wins by a FSL Manager, finish the 2012 Class “A” season without appearing in the playoffs since 2010.

It is Labor Day weekend with Tampa/Lakeland playing in the final four games of the Florida State League regular season.

During the Saturday night game, 2,118 fans were in for a treat when the New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez played in his first rehab start. After being hit in the left hand and suffering a broken bone, A-Rod stepped back into the batter’s box for the first time since July 25th. He appeared as the designated hitter for Class-A Tampa in a 7-6 loss to Lakeland. Rodriguez went 0-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Shane Green (4-6, 5.30 ERA) started and lost the game for the Tampa Yankees while Cesar Carillo (1-3, 5.54 ERA) started and won the game for Lakeland Flying Tigers with a score of 6 – 0. 473 fans enjoyed the final game of the season.

The Lakeland Flying Tigers are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The Flying Tigers clinched by defeating the Tampa Yankees on Saturday, 8-1. Lakeland will play vs. Dunedin Blue Jays on Tuesday, September 4th at 6:30 p.m. in Joker Marchant Stadium for game one of the three game North Division Championship Series.

After the game we spoke to the Tampa Yankees Manager, Luis Sojo.

Es un Poquito de Beisbol con Sabor Bilingue.

Pegunta: Los Tampa Yankees completan la temporada en 65-70, no llegan a los play-offs. Tu comentario hoy sobre la temporada.

Sojo: Mira, fue una temporada de altos y bajos, no? Lamentablemente en la zona mitad teniamos practicamente el camino abierto para la clasificacion, pero bueno, cuando tu juegas con tantos muchachos jovenes, hombres que estan comenzando a jugar beisbol y que, bueno cosas pasan pero en lina generales estamos contentos con el desarroyo de algunos muchachos que creo que es la parte mas importante a este nivel.

Pregunta: Tu opinion sobre el pelotero con el future mejor con los Yankees, en esta temporada.

Sojo: Mira, en cuanto pitcheo sobre todo, los abridores; Nuding, Turley, Tracy, Cotham , son peloteros que tienen muchos chances, no, si se mantienen sanos, si hacen las cosas pequenas. Ellos tiene chances de algun dia jugar en las grandes ligas. En lo que son los peloteros de posiciones: Ramon Flores creo que fue un pelotero que me impresiono muchisimo. Tyler Austin tambien, que ahora los subieron a Doble A, a los dos. Y, por supuesto, Gary Sanches el catcher, que creo que tiene futuro. Creo que la cabesita es lo que hay que acomodar un poquito , pero ese proseso viene. Creo que la parte mental es lo mas importante y si logra eso tiene la oportunidad de llegar a las grandes ligas.

Pregunta: Y que sorpresa, durante los ultimos cuatro partidos, a lo menos un dia, tener a Alex Rodriguez contigo.

Sojo: Bueno, es importante. Lo conosi cuando comenzo su carrera en Seattle a los 17 anos y poder tener la experiencia de dirigirlo auque sea aqui en Clase A es algo muy motivado. No solamente para mi, pero tambien para los muchachos que puedan ver una super estrella como el en el equipo.

Pregunta: Otra vez, te felicitamos por ser el Manager mas ganador de todo tiempo en el Florida State League durante la temporada 2012.

Sojo: Gracias, eso son cosas que se logran con trabajo y esfuerzo y espero seguir hacienda un buen trabajo para la organizacion.

Pregunta: Quizzas te vemos en las grandes ligas durante 2013.

Sojo: Bueno, todo es possible. Vamos a ver. Todavia esa es la mentalidad de Luis Sojo. Yo quiero, por supuesto, llegar alla, pero el trabajo es los que me va a llevar a eso. La paciencia es algo que no va a hacer facil, pero la disposicion esta y eso es lo mas importante.

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

Un Poquito De Beisbol Con Sabor Bilingue
Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New York

May 1, 2011

Emilio ‘Millito’ Navarro (26 septiembre, 1905 – 30 abril, 2011).  At 105 years old he was the oldest professional baseball player.  He was born in Patillas, and grew up in the baseball fan favorite town of Ponce, Puerto Rico.

With no professional ball being played in Puerto Rico during the 1920’s, he played in the Dominican Republic for the Escogido Lions.  During 1928, Navarro boarded  a ship to New York to join the New York  Cuban Stars of the Eastern Colored League.  He became the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues.   That season he batted .337.  The 5’5″ infielder was known for his agility at shortstop, his effectiveness as a lead off  hitter and his base running skills.

During the 1930’s Navarro played in Venezuela with Los Magallanes and in Puerto Rico he organized and was the co-founder of the Ponce Lions.  He enjoyed 20 seasons playing and coaching second base.

In 1992 Emilio ‘Millito’ Navarro was voted into the Puerto Rico Hall of Fame and in 2004 the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame.

Before the start of the 2008  First Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball held a ceremonial draft of former Negro League Players, the New York Yankees drafted Navarro.  Tino Martinez made the announcement.  In 2008, prior to the last game played at the old Yankee Stadium, Navarro threw the ceremonial 1st pitch.  Before the 30 foot toss to fellow Puerto Rican, Yankees catcher, Jorge Posada, Navarro warmed his arm and waved his hat to the fans.  They loudly cheered the oldtimer.

Emilio ‘Millito” Navarro was asked how the sport of baseball had changed and he answered quickly through a translator “high salaries, I made $25.00 a week”.  Asked for his secret to a long life, “his faith, dancing and an ocassional glass of whiskey”.  He also described  the hardships of discrimination and spoke of Jackie Robinson.  He thought Major League Baseball was making a good effort to recognize those players who suffered the cruelties of the past.

The legendary baseball hero of Puerto Rico is survived by 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild.

Connie Marrero lives in Cuba, at 100 years of age he now remains the oldest professional baseball player.

Viva beisbol.

April 14, 2011
CitiField
Flushing , New York

Colorado Rockies vs. New York Mets
The last time the Rockies and Mets played in a doubleheader was July 30, 2009.  It was the first doubleheader in CitiField’s history.

Today, the Mets celebrate a memorable day.  On April 14, 1970, at Shea Stadium the team received their 1969 World Series rings and raised the World Championship banner for the first time in franchise history.

A lot of baseball seasons have come to pass.  A lot of firsts at the “old” ballpark are remembered as the Mets continue recording  firsts at the “new”.

It has been 30 seasons since I first took a seat in the press box of the New York Mets.  My beloved Shea Stadium.  This doubleheader will probably be the last I get to see in my career as a sports reporter.   I will remember the doubleheaders of yesteryear.  They were regularly scheduled “back in the day”.  Now, they are only played due to acts of nature.  I am reminded that so much has evolved in our national pastime, not much having to do with the acts of nature, more due to the acts of man.

It is a different time.  Where have you gone Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente?  Hideki Irabu?  We have witnessed players white, black, latino, asian.  The American  game has survived in spite of gambling, wars, money, drugs, media, women in baseball.   Thanks for the memories.  Major League Baseball to be continued healthy, always in transition.

Yo Me voy, Pero Un Dia Volvere.

New York Yankees
Spring Training – 2011
Tampa, Florida

Including the United States, there are eight different countries represented on the Yankees current spring training 40-man roster:
CANADA 
Catcher     #55     Russell Martin
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Pitcher      #72     Dellin Betances
Pitcher      #43     Damaso Marte
Pitcher      #74     Hector Noesi
Pitcher      #47     Ivan Nova
Pitcher      #29     Rafael Soriano
Infielder   #24     Robinson Cano (2B)
Infielder   #67     Eduardo Nunez
Outfielder #77    Melky Mesa
MEXICO
Pitcher       #45     Sergio Mitre
Infielder    #19     Ramiro Pena
NETHERLANDS
Outfielder  #18    Andruw Jones
PANAMA
Pitcher        #42   Mariano Rivera  (closer)
PUERTO RICO
Pitcher        #31    Pedro Feliciano
Catcher       #20    Jorge Posada
VENEZUELA
Pitcher        #64     Romulo Sanchez
Catcher       #17     Francisco Cervelli
Infielder     #76     Reegie Corona

Among the non-roster invitees: 2 players are from the Dominican Republic, 3 from Mexico and 4 from Venezuela.

When camp opened for the 2011 season, it marks the first time since 2002 the Yankees do not have  a player of Asian descent on the 40-man roster

April 9, 2010
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets
Citi Field – Flushing, New York

This week the New York Mets opened their second season in their new ballpark Citi Field.

2009 was disappointing for the “Amazins” as they completed the season with 70 wins – 92 losses.  Injuries plagued the team and their dynamic lead off hitter shortstop Jose Reyes was a missing key.

2010 promises to be a new beginning for the Mets with changes on the field and pitching.  The Mets have 5 rookies on the team, the most in the majors.  20 year old rookies, infielder from Panama Ruben Tejada and Dominican pitcher Jenrry  Mejia are the youngest players in the Major Leagues.

The New York Mets have the most foreign-born players on their opening day roster; to include Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Let the games begin.
After winning their home opener vs. the Florida Marlins on April 5^th with their Venezuelan ace, Johan Santana, the Mets lost the next two.

Prior to the three game series vs. Washington Nationals, the Mets held a press conference to report shortstop Jose Reyes would be joining the team on the field on Saturday.  After an eleven month absence due to a thyroid condition, Jose Reyes exclaimed “I’m finally going to be in New York again.  It was a tough year.  It’s an exciting day for me.”

Starting their 1st game of the season, Mike Pelfrey pitched for the Mets while Garrett Mock took the mound for the Nationals.

In the 2nd inning, the Washington Nationals took a 2 run lead when shortstop Ian Desmond hit a triple to left field scoring Adam Dunn and veteran catcher Ivan “pudge” Rodriguez.

The Mets rightfielder Jeff Francouer home run in the 2nd inning and a home run by catcher Rod Barajas in the 4th tied the game 2 – 2.

The cold wind blowing at Citi Field, pieces of paper in circular motion on the field.

After 3-1/3 innings of play, a call to the bullpen brings Miguel Batista to pitch for Washington.

Catcher Rod Barajas connected for his 2nd home run of the game giving the Mets the lead 3 -2.

With the wind playing games on this night, David Wright hits a long ball to left field, first thought to be a home run.  David Wright at 2nd base, Fernando Tatis hitting for Mike Jacobs drives Wright home and the Mets are 4 -2.   A Pitching change for Washington puts Tyler Walker on the mound who promptly serves Jeff Francoeur his 2nd home run of the game, scoring Fernando Tatis.  Mets 6 – Nationals 2.

The last time the Mets had multiple home runs by two players was 2006 in Arizona by Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado.

Bottom of the 8th inning, rookie shortstop Ruben Tejada gets his first Major League Baseball hit and the ball is promptly retired for him. It was a memorable game for the rookie, 2nd youngest player in the Major Leagues Ruben Tejada.  Yet, tonight he shuffles off to Buffalo.  Under his bet, his 1st hit, 1st run scored, 1st walk and he assists in making the final out of the game by throwing out Nationals Willie Taveras.  After the game we spoke to Ruben Tejada who spoke in Spanish “muy contento por la oportunidad.  Feliz por el equipo en la llegada de Jose Reyes.  Tranquilo con la decisión de seguir jugando en Buffalo (AAA), con el deseo de jugar mas fuerte.

Tomorrow #7, shortstop Jose Reyes will be in the New York Mets line-up.

Final score New York Mets 8 – Washington Nationals 2.
Winning Pitcher Mike Pelfrey (1-0)
Losing Pitcher Miguel Batista  (0-1)

Time of game:  3:06