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.

MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL AT TAMPA YANKEES
04/16/2012
By Raquel Julich -Foreign Radio
The Major League Club in The Bronx is but a dream for these young “A” Instructional League players of the Tampa Yankees. Yet, these young men in baby pinstripes are as passionate about showing their best to win their game on the field, as their big brothers the New York Yankees.
On this Monday night, there is no “roar of the crowd” at George M. Steinbrenner Field, just a few hundred fans cheering on. No matter, this game is as serious to this line-up of 18 players as if they were playing in front of a sold out crowd.
The Clearwater Threshers are the visiting team with LHP Adam Morgan of Marietta, Georgia on the mound.
Tampa LHP Nik Turley is opening in his third game.
Tampa took the lead in the bottom of the third inning. DH Neil Medchill started the inning with a single to left. Jose Mojica connected his fifth double of the season earning his 6 RBI by driving in Medchill. Eduardo Sosa, Kelvin Castro and Ramon Flores batted hits. RBIs to Castro and Sosa and Tampa increased its lead 4-0.
The Clearwater team continued scoreless through the fifth inning as Tampa scored its fifth run of the game by Sosa on an RBI double by Castro.
In the bottom of Tampa seventh inning, Mojica notched his seventh double of the season. CF Sosa with his third hit of the game collected the RBI by Mojica.
Clearwater would not go scoreless. 2B Albert Cartwright hit a double to left field and a sacrifice fly by SS Carlos Alonso brought in the first run for the Thrashers. In the top of the ninth inning 1B James Murphy blasted a homerun to center and Clearwater had its second run of the night. The inning ended with a pop fly by CF Anthony Hewitt to Tampa first baseman Kyle Roller.
Final Tampa 6, Clearwater 2
WP: Nik Turley 1-0
LP: Adam Morgan0-1
Time: 2:15
Attendance: 1000

DAYTONA CUBS 1-5 vs. TAMPA YANKEES 4-12

04/12/2012  10:00 PM ET
By Raquel Julich

Tampa, Fla. – After winning their first two games of the season at Brighthouse Field against the Clearwater Threshers, the Tampa Yankees returned to George M. Steinbrenner Field for a three game series against the 2011 FSL Champions Daytona Cubs.

To start, a sliding catch by Tampa RF Rob Segedin, prevented Daytona SS Ronald Torreyes from getting the first hit of the game.

At the bottom of the 1^st inning, Tampa CF Eduardo Sosa got the first hit of the game.  Following 2 outs, Rob Segedin walked, took 2^nd base after a balk call to Daytona pitcher Hayden Simpson and scored a run on a  single by 1B Kyle Roller.  C JR. Murphy connected with a hit to deep left scoring a run by Roller.  Daytona 0 – Tampa 2

Daytona took the lead in the top of the 2^nd inning, after five Cubs reached base; 1B Richard Jones, RF Elieser Boone, 2B Rubi Silva, LF John Androeli, C Chad Noble.
3 Runs – 4 hits – 1 Error – 2 LOB

Tampa Yankees starter RHP pitcher Shane Greene was relieved after 4.1 IP, 5H, 4R, 2BB, 1SO Green threw an estimated 75 pitches/40 strikes.

Daytona scored a run in the top of the 5^th on a walk to CF Matt Sczur, which was charged to Tampa pitcher Greene.

At the bottom of the 6^th inning, Tampa catcher Murphy blasted a homerun, his first of the season, Daytona 4 – Tampa 3.

Tampa took the lead in the 8^th inning, taking advantage of Daytona bullpen RHP AJ Morris by connecting with a triple, a sacrifice fly, single and a double for a total of 2 runs scored.  Daytona 4 – Tampa 5.

Final:  Tampa 5 – Daytona 4
WP Manuel Barreda
LP A.J. Morris
Time: 2:49
Attendance 1500 on a cool night in Tampa

April 5, 2012

George M. Steinbrenner Field
Tampa, Florida
Florida State League
2012 – Minor League Baseball Opening Game

Detroit Tigers
Lakeland Flying Tigers (A), David Huppert, Mgr.
vs.
New York Yankees
Tampa Yankees (A), Luis Sojo, Mgr.

Yesterday, April 4^th, during the final game of Spring Training, GMS Field was bursting at the seams with New York Mets and New York Yankees players, fans and vendors.  Today, the teams have departed to start the Major League Baseball season at their respective season game opening sites.

Today, it’s a different show.at GMS Field.  It’s a subdued environment.  There is a fair amount of fans in the seats and if you want a hot dog and a cold drink, you need to find an open concession stand

On my way to the Yankees Press Box, I ride up on the elevator with 3 Tigers players looking for food.  I ask them why.  One of the players replies “there is no food in the clubhouse, this is the minors”.

Major League Baseball Spring Training is over in Florida – it is now the start of the Minor League Baseball season, April to September.

LHP, 23 yrs. old, Nik Turley is the opening pitcher for Tampa.
LHP, 22 yrs. old, Alex Burgos pitching for Lakeland.

The average age is 22 yrs. old for the Lakeland/Tampa pitchers on the 2012 Official Roster.

The two teams appear to be matched competitively on the field and after 5 innings of play, Lakeland Flying Tigers 2R – 4H, Tampa Yankees 2R – 4H.

At the top of the 6^th inning – Tampa changes pitchers.  Vidal Nuno replaces Nik Turley after 5 IP – 4H – 2R – 2BB – 9SO.  Turley threw an estimated 78 pitches 37 strikes.

Tampa LHP Vidal Nuno allows 4 hits – 2 runs score.  Lakeland 4 – Tampa 2.

Remember fans, this is “A” ball, player development, so it’s not o much who wins the game but how the game is played.

The Tampa bullpen did not pitch effectively and Lakeland loaded the bases during the 6^th & 8^th innings.  Lakeland scored 6 runs in the two innings of play.

Lakeland outhit the Tampa team 14 hits to 6

Lakeland Flying Tigers
LF Tyler Collins – 3 hits – 2 Runs
RF Avisail Garcia – 3 hits – 2 Runs
CF Daniel Fields, C James McCann, SS Dixon Machado each had 2 RBIs

Tampa Yankees
LHP Nik Turley 5 IP – 4 H – 2 R – 2 BB – 9 SO

Final Score::Lakeland Flying Tigers 8, Tampa Yankees 5
WP – Alex Burgos (1-0)
LP – Manuel Barreda (0-1)
Time: 2:41
Attendance:  A happy mix of loyal Lakeland/Tampa fans