- Sun
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- Sun
Lycoming Physical Therapy Voted #1 in 2006 Reader’s Choice Award Best Physical Rehab Center Specializing in: • Back & Neck Pain • Sports Injuries • Rotator Cuff Injuries & Surgeries 1009 Broad Street, Montoursville • (570) 368-8389 • Accepting Most Insurances 2 Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 Crosscutters CRAIG S. McKIBBEN JR/Sun-Gazette Hitting coach Bill Bliss works with catchers Travis D’Arnaud and Scott Thomas as the Cutters complete their first day together with a nighttime practice Monday at Bowman Field before heading off to Mahoning Valley. Putting in the time Players notice heavier workload and hope it benefits them later on By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com SPRING BACK, FALL FORWARD Minor leaguers do what they’re told. With hundreds per organization dreaming of two dozen roster spots, they have little choice. But players — through college connections, AAU teammates, or even gym buddies — talk to each other. As they dive into pro ball, they learn who is doing what, when, and how often. And according to some players within the Phillies affiliates, that means knowing you’re working harder than the next guy. “Our spring training, and our season, we’re on the road, and we’re running, and the other team is not,” says Lakewood outfielder and former Crosscutter Michael Taylor. “They say, ‘Hey, what do you guys have to do?’ ‘Um, we’ve got 15 or 20 sprints.’ They’re like, ‘What? 15 or 20 sprints? We don’t ever run’.” Phillies coaches and instructors won’t say their fitness program is more extensive. But they see thriceweekly lifting and running as essential parts of baseball professionalism. “They think the game is going to keep them in shape,” said Phillies minor league field coordinator Bill Dancy. “And we’ve found it doesn’t. You’ve got a lot of standing and a lot of sitting. ... We feel the conditioning we do, 2-3 times a week, keeps us at top condition level.” That’s nothing revolutionary in football or basketball. But it’s not exactly standard fare in America’s pastime. With 140 or more games at every level of full-season baseball, and 76 in twelve weeks in the short-season New York Penn-League, pace is as important as push. And in the lower minors, some other clubs would rather protect their players than test them early. But in the age pitch counts and actuarial math, the Phillies believe their highintensity program is not only more effective, but also safer. They might be crazy. They might also be right. At only 22, Drew Naylor has been through four spring trainings. The former Cutter starter still isn’t used to it. The son of a former Australian professional rugby player, he calls the first two weeks in Clearwater, Fla., “boot camp.” He also has farm director Steve Noworyta’s preseason speech etched in his brain. “He says, ‘We’re going to make you tougher, we’re going to break you guys down, get you ready for the season, and it’s going to carry over into August or September.’” Naylor said.“‘Other clubs aren’t doing this stuff, and they’re going to be breaking down in June or July.’” Naylor said he barely touches a ball during the first 10 days of spring training. Instead, he’s running —distance some days, and sprints and agilities at others still. Former Cutters first baseman Matt Rizzotti said he lost 14 pounds during his first spring training, dropping from 257 to 243 this March. It was then, he said, that he truly learned the identity and beliefs of the Phillies organization. “I thought I had a good offseason,” insisted Rizzotti, before adding: “You never step on the scale in the off-season. Because it never tells you what you want to hear.” Said Taylor: “The hope is we’ll have that much more in the tank. Even if it costs us early on from being exhausted. We’ll see.” In Williamsport, Taylor, Rizzotti and other Cutters position players often arrived at Bowman Field by noon for early work, an hour or two earlier than players from eight years of Pirates teams ever reported. And some close to the club wondered whether Williamsport’s mid-season slide — a stretch where it went 10-30 — came partly because worndown college players put in too much pregame time to be effective. The Cutters finished 34-42 in 2007 after a 13-8 start. “You can always say that, but who knows?” said Doug Estes, Cutters vice president and general manager. Estes added that this year, manager Dusty Wathan said early work won’t start quite so early. “If they’re a little fresher will they play a little better?” Estes said. “Maybe. But who am I to say?” PLAYING PREVENT Other teams rest players to prevent burnout. The Phillies work theirs, they say, to prevent breakdown. “They’re an investment by the Phillies, and the Phillies have expectations for them,” said Crosscutters trainer Jonathan May, who is in his second season in the organization. “They want them to move through the system as quickly as possible, but they want to give them every opportunity to perform on the field. From our standpoint, we look at it as trying to take a proactive measure.” Both the lifting and running programs are designed to simulate baseball motions that — when done in a sudden burst — can lead to injury and slow the development process. Pitchers often work with wrist and shoulder weights and other light resistance. Position players trace fielding, throwing and swinging motions with other weights, and only occasionally lift dumbbells and barbells. The running can be foul pole to foul pole, lateral movements, or 60-yard sprints from home to second base, via first. Throw in some flexibility training, too, especially for catchers and players with a history of muscle strains. Sometimes, even the trainers are surprised by the progress. “Some of the athletes we had in spring training, we videotaped them and did some preventative exercises,” said Justin Zabrosky, last year’s strength and conditioning specialist at Williamsport, who is now at Reading. “Just looking at the range of motion and how it carries over on the field. “It’s just something that is easily overlooked, that is actually beneficial, especially to guys who, this is their profession, this is what they do.” Noworyta credits the regimen for decreased injuries within the system. Last season, however, he did attribute the breadth of moves within the system to an exceptional amount of players on the disabled list. It’s not the same at the major league level, he said. “When you have other clubs struggling because of injuries, I am thinking, ‘Gosh this is the third or fourth year we really don’t have that’,” Noworyta said. “The guys and the players have to believe in it.” The Sun-Gazette could not locate any statistically significant data that supports or denies Noworyta’s claim. Even if it’s true, it’s not always an easy sell to players during the season, and tougher still during spring training. But at least everyone is doing it. “The spring training program, it makes them mentally stop,” Dancy said. “They don’t want to be the guys who stop. So they push each other. And that’s the best part of it.” CLOSING THE GAP The means are different from some teams, though few others work players just as hard. But the idea is the same; to peak in August in the minors, and September in the majors, while other teams are losing steam. On the major league level, the recent success rate is relatively positive. For each of the last three seasons, Philadelphia has gone 32-22 in the last third of the schedule, improving their overall winning percentage in the process. The Phillies finished a game out of a playoff spot in 2006, and won the NL East in 2007 after making up a seven-game deficit with 14 to play. Last September, ESPN’s Peter Gammons called the Phillies’ position players among the hardest working in baseball. Earlier this June, shortstop Jimmy Rollins diffused a potentially explosive situation by supporting manager Charlie Manuel’s decision to bench him after failing to run out a dropped pop fly. And Chase Utley’s sensational first half —he was batting .294 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI through Wednesday — has been attributed to a legendary work ethic. “Everyone thought he was going to play in the big leagues,” said Cutters hitting coach Eric Valent, a former teammate of Utley’s at UCLA. “But nobody thought he was going to be a 35-closeto-40 homer guy like he could be this year.” Said Dancy: “He’s a guy who knew what he wanted, knew what he had to do, and knew how hard he had to work.” But in the minors in 2007, only one of the Phillies’ four full-season teams had a better winning percentage in the final third of the season, as Lakewood (81-55 overall) finished 31-15. Both short-season teams — the Crosscutters and the rookie-ball Gulf Coast League Phillies — had better luck in the season’s final third, but finished below .500. The year before, three out of four full-season teams improved in the final third of the season, and Lakewood fared no worse. I don’t ever remember going through a season where we ever talked about, ‘Lets back off a little bit,’” said former Cutters manager and current Lakewood hitting coach Greg Legg. Legg first played in the system in 1982, for Dancy, and has played or coached in it since without a problem. “There’s no quit in me,” he said. Others go along, though some who reach other systems enjoy the change of pace. “The Reds really talked about nothing but hitting,” recalled Reading outfielder Javon Moran, who spent two years in Cincinnati’s system before returning to the team that drafted him. “I think the two years I spent with the Reds did a lot for me, hittingwise.” But after seven straight losing seasons from 19942000, the Phillies have finished above .500 every season since. And with Rollins, Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell and Cole Hamels, they’ve done it with their own farm products. Which makes any argument a tough one. “Some things I think are very valid,” Taylor said. “Others kind of go over the edge of what exactly needs to be done. And I think every player is different. “They’re trying to account for players, and I understand that. You get your work in. You do the things that you need to do, and try to perform as best as possible.” 2028 Lycoming Creek Road Pudgie Pack • One Sheet Pizza • 24 Jumbo Wings • 2 Ltr. Bottle Soda $ 28.99 322-0300 KEN BERGREN INC 1360 DIX STREET (At the foot of Rose St.) (570) 326-2874 www.kenbergreninc.com Crosscutters Meet the team Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 21 33 62 Eric Valent Hitting Coach Bill Bliss Pitching Coach Dusty Wathan Manager Jonathan May Trainer Aaron Eppler Strength & Conditioning 4 5 7 9 11 13 Jesus Villegas Infield Troy Hanzawa Infield Jeremy Hamilton Infield Bryan Frew Infield Arion Quiroz Outfield Daniel Hargrave Infield B-T Ht Wt R-R 5-10 175 Born: 9-21-86 Last team: GCL Phillies From: San Juan, PR B-T Ht Wt R-R 5-9 150 Born: 9-12-85 Last team: San Diego State From: Wahiawa, Hawaii B-T Ht Wt L-L 6-0 195 Born: 11-13-86 Last team: Wright State From: Cincinnati B-T Ht Wt L-R 6-0 195 Born: 3-10-86 Last team: Nebraska From: Grand Island, Neb. B-T Ht Wt S-R 6-0 170 Born: 11-13-86 Last team: GCL/Clearwater From: Valencia Carabobo, Venez. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-0 178 Born: 12-13-85 Last team: North Carolina From: Hurdle Mills, NC 15 17 18 22 23 24 Travis D’Arnaud Catcher Brandon Haislet Outfield Riquy Pena Pitcher Scott Thomas Catcher Spencer Arroyo Pitcher Rob Roth Pitcher B-T Ht Wt R-R 5-11 195 Born: 5-12-89 Last team: GCL Phillies From: Long Beach, Calif. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-2 195 Born: 8-26-85 Last team: Hawaii From: Sacramento, Calif. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-2 160 Born: 6-17-85 Last team: Tri-City of Northwest League From: Santo Domingo, DR B-T Ht Wt L-R 5-11 202 Born: 3-21-85 Last team: GCL Cardinals From: Las Vegas, Nev. B-T Ht Wt L-L 6-3 160 Born: 08-09-88 Last team: Modesto JC From: Manteca, Calif. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-0 200 Born: 8-5-88 Last team: GCL Phillies From: Lewiston, Idaho 27 30 31 34 35 38 Doug Morales Outfield Darin McDonald Outfield Cody Overbeck Infield Michael Schwimer Pitcher B.J. Rosenberg Pitcher Michael Cisco Pitcher B-T Ht Wt L-L 6-0 180 Born: 6-22-86 Last team: Lakewood From: Masaya, Nicaragua B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-3 195 Born: 11-03-87 Last team: GCL Phillies From: Idaho Falls, Idaho B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-1 201 Born: 06-05-86 Last team: Mississippi From: Munford, TN B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-8 240 Born: 2-19-86 Last team: Virginia From: Alexandria, Va. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-2 215 Born: 9-17-85 Last team: Louisville From: Vine Grove, Ky. B-T Ht Wt R-R 5-11 190 Born: 5-23-87 Last team: South Carolina From: Mt. Pleasant, SC Not shown Yen-Feng Lin Pitcher B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-1 205 Born: 5-22-85 Last team: Cutters From: Taipei City, Taiwan Eryk McConnell Pitcher 43 44 45 47 Korey Noles Pitcher Justin De Fratus Pitcher Rick Austin Pitcher Freddy Ballestas Pitcher B-T Ht Wt L-L 5-11 185 Born: 7-18-85 Last team: Columbus St. From: LaGrange, Ga. B-T Ht Wt S-R 6-4 215 Born: 10-21-87 Last team: GCL Phillies From: Oxnard, Calif. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-3 210 Born: 1-16-85 Last team: Cutters From: Pittsburgh B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-3 170 Born: 10-04-86 Last team: VSL Phillies From: Maracaibo, Venez. B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-1 185 Born: 7-29-85 Last team: N.C. State From: Waynesville, NC Michael Stutes Pitcher B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-1 185 Born: 9-04-86 Last team: Oregon State From: Lake Oswego, Ore. Vance Worley Pitcher B-T Ht Wt R-R 6-2 220 Born: 9-25-87 Last team: Cal St.-Long Beach From: Sacramento, Calif. 3 4 Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 2008 Williamsport Crosscutters Schedule Day of the Week Promotions Every Night-Autograph Booth 6:15-6:45pm Mondays- Knothole Gang Night Tuesdays- Two-for-Tuesdays Wednesdays- Back-to-Back Cracks/Dollar Dog Night/Business Card Special Thursdays- Launch-A-Ball/Knothole Gang Night Fridays- Diamond Derby Saturdays- Saturday Night Fireworks/Silent Auctions Sundays- Vacation Baseball Bingo Friday, June 20 vs. Jamestown Jammers - 7:05pm • Opening Night 2008. Presented by River Valley Transit & WILQ • Rally the Mascot Appearance. See Rally entertain in his first ever Williamsport appearance • Schedule Magnet Giveaway. Free Cutters schedule magnets for the first 2,500 fans • Cutters Diamond Derby. After the game, all kids age 12 and under run the bases. Saturday, June 21 vs. Jamestown Jammers - 7:05pm • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by Coors Light & Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/Candlewood Suites & KISS-FM • KISS-FM Mexican Riviera Cruise Giveaway. Some lucky fan will win a cruise for two! • Taco Specials at the concession stands • Meet State Attorney General Tom Corbett Sunday, June 22 vs. Jamestown Jammers - 6:05pm • Win a Wii Night. Don’t miss your chance to win your very own Nintendo Wii! • Vacation Baseball Bingo. Presented by AAA Travel Agency & Susquehanna Transit. Free for fans 18 and over. Win great prizes and qualify for a cruise for two! Monday, June 23 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • Petro-Palooza. $50 gas cards given away every inning. General Admission tickets will be specially priced at the current price of regular gas and box seats at the price of super premium. • Game #1 of the SawBuck Series / Pregame SawBuck Olympics • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Visit the Pennsylvania Lottery outside the stadium for the new Phillies Lottery Tickets Wednesday, June 25 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • Autographed Card Giveaway. Presented by ESPN 1050. The first 1.000 fans receive a FREE autographed baseball card. Cards range from famous minor league prospects to autographs of Ryan Howard and Derek Jeter! • Game #3 of the SawBuck Series/ Pregame SawBuck Olympics • Dollar Dog Night. • Business Card Discount. Turn in your business card at the box office and receive $1 off any ticket • Back-To-Back Cracks. Presented by Solley Chiropractic. Some lucky fan could win $10,000! • Educators Night Monday, June 30 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • American Rescue Workers Food Drive. Presented by Light For Life WJSA. Donate any canned good or item of non-perishable food and receive $1 general admission or 1/2 price box seats. All food donated to the American Rescue Workers to help feed those less fortunate. • Game #5 of the SawBuck Series/ Pregame SawBuck Olympics • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Wednesday, July 2 vs. Brooklyn Cyclones - 7:05pm • The Price is Right Night. Join us for a fun salute to the greatest game show on earth! • Dollar Dog Night • Business Card Discount. Turn in your business card at the box office and receive $1 off any ticket • Back-To-Back Cracks. Presented by Solley Chiropractic. Some lucky fan could win $10,000! Thursday, July 3 vs. Brooklyn Cyclones - 7:05pm •Major League Card Giveaway. Presented by Topps. A free pack of major league baseball cards for all fans • Rock, Paper Scissors Tournament. Enter the Cutters RPS competition for some great prizes! Pre-registration is required. • Launch-A-Ball. Buy a ball for a chance to win great prizes after the game. • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Friday, July 4 vs. Brooklyn Cyclones - 1:05pm • Baseball, Hot Dogs & Apple Pie. Celebrate on old-fashioned Independence Day at the ballpark! • Enter the pregame Picnic Olympics including hot dog eating, watermelon eating, sack races and more! • Gas Grill Giveaway. Enjoy your summer cookouts with a new gas grill! • Enjoy special 4th of July food specials • Cutters Diamond Derby. After the game, all kids age 12 and under run the bases. • FREE general admission ticket when presenting an active or retired Military ID. Saturday, July 5 vs. Aberdeen IronBirds - 7:05pm • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by the Pennsylvania Lottery & Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/Candlewood Suites, Newberry Sub Shop, Fox56 & KISS-FM. • Dave the Horn Guy Appearance. 1 man & 25 horns. Dave the Horn Guy has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and made numerous other TV appearances. You won’t believe your ears! • The first 2,500 fans receive a coupon for a FREE Scratch Off Ticket from the Pennsylvania Lottery Sunday, July 6 vs. Aberdeen IronBirds - 6:05pm • Clinton County Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Clinton County area at; American Customer Care, European Imports, Kliney’s, Lock Haven Hospital, Millers Unfinished Furniture, Susque-View Home, & WSNU. You can also find tickets printed in select editions of the Lock Haven Express • Tioga County Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Tioga County area at; Beiter’s, C&N Bank, Indigo Wireless, Matthews Motors, Penn Wells Hotel & Wiggle 100. • Vacation Baseball Bingo. Presented by AAA Travel Agency & Susquehanna Transit. Free for fans 18 and over. Win great prizes and qualify for a cruise for two! Monday, July 7 vs. Aberdeen IronBirds - 7:05pm • Christmas in July. Presented by Oldies 93. Yes, we are celebrating Christmas! Expect Santa, but don’t expect snow • Donate any new, unwrapped toy for a FREE general admission ticket. All toys to be donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree • Program for needy area children over the holidays • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Tuesday, August 12 vs. Lowell Spinners - 7:05pm • Susquehanna Health Pack the Park Night. Pick up your complimentary tickets at the information desks of Williamsport, Divine and Muncy Valley Hospitals. • Re-Usable Bag Giveaway. Help conserve and save the environment! Free reuseable grocery/carry bags for the first 1,500 fans • Two-For-Tuesday. Presented by Weis Markets & Skippy. Turn in a Weis Markets receipt at the box office showning a Skippy purchase and receive two tickets for the price of one and a buy-one-get-one FREE hot dog coupon. Saturday, July 12 vs. Oneonta Tigers - 7:05pm • 80’s Night. Presented by WZXR. Break out the legwarmers. neon sunglasses and spike your hair as we salute everything 80’s. • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/Candlewood Suites, Murray Mazda, Shop-Vac, Fox56 & WZXR. Labatts Night. Presented by Labatts & Durdach Brothers Dist. Sunday, July 13 vs. Oneonta Tigers - 6:05pm • Bark in the Park Xl. Presented by Animal Specialties, DogWatch by Kriger Fence, Sit Happens & WILQ Entertainment by Skyy Dogs USA & Rockin Ray. Jersey Shore Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Jersey Shore area at; C&N Bank, Harvest Moon Rest & Moon Mart, Jersey Shore Hospital, West Pharmaceutical Services, Wools True Value Hardware. • Selinsgrove/Sunbury Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets Selinsgrove/Sunbury area at; Health South, Hoss’s Steak & Sea House, National Beef Packing, Mid-Penn Ins., Oakes Premium Spring Water, Smoley Van Service, Susquehanna Bank & Zartman Construction. • Vacation Baseball Bingo. Presented by AAA Travel Agency & Susquehanna Transit. Free for fans 18 and over. Win great prizes and qualify for a cruise for two! Monday, July 14 vs. Oneonta Tigers - 7:05pm • Girl’s Night Out. Presented by Bastress Mountain Winery, Williamsport YWCA & Variety 97.7. Grab your girlfriends and come on out for a full night of fun! Special prizes, games and displays for “Ladies Only” and a great “after party” on the Cutters Cove Picnic Deck! • Breast Cancer Awareness Night • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Saturday, July 19 vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers - 7:05pm • Country Night. Presented by Bill 95FM. Wear your best cowboy hat and shine your boots. We’re goin’ country! • Saturday Night Fireworks . Presented by Genesee Beer & Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/Candlewood Suites, Fox56 & BILL 95FM. • Closest to the Pin Contest before the game presented by White Deer Golf Course. Sunday, July 20 vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers - 6:05pm • Milton-Watsontown Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Milton-Watsontown area at; Bonanza, CATV Services, Coup Agency, Integrity Building Systems, M&R Foods & The Fence Restaurant • Sullivan County Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Sullivan County area at; Suburban Energy, Sullivan County Medical Center, Sullivan County REC. • Vacation Baseball Bingo. Presented bv AAA Travel Agency & Susouenanna Transit. Free for fans 18 and over. Win great prizes and qualify for a cruise for two! Monday, July 21 vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers 7:05pm • Central PA Food Bank Food Drive. Donate any canned good or item of nonperishable food and receive $1 general admission or 1/2 price box seats. All food donated to the Central PA Food Bank to help feed those less fortunate. • Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Monday, July 28 vs. Batavia MuckDogs - 7:05pm • Cutters 10 Anniversary Celebration #1. Celebrating 10 years of Cutters Baseball! Free Cutters “retro” item for 1st 1,000 fans. Purchase a bag of Cutters retro items for just $10! • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Tuesday, July 29 vs. Batavia MuckDogs - 7:05pm • Fan Flyaway Night. Presented by Williamsport Regional Airport & 107.9 WRVH. Fly your paper airplane at the target after the game and win great prizes. • Financial Services Customer Appreciation Night. • Pregame Wood Cutting Demo by the PA Lumber Museum • Two-For-Tuesdays. Presented by Weis Markets & Skippy. Turn in a Weis Markets receipt at the box office showing a Skippy purchase and receive two tickets for the price of one and a buy-one-get-one FREE hot dog coupon. Wednesday, July 30 vs. Batavia MuckDogs - 7:05pm • Cutters Card Set Giveaway. Presented by Pepsi. Free 2008 Crosscutters baseball card sets for the first 500 fans age 14 and under. • Going Green Night. • Back-To-Back Cracks. Presented by Solley Chiropractic. Some lucky fan could win $10,000! Thursday, July 31 vs. Auburn Doubledays - 7:05pm • Salvation Army Food Drive. Presented by WJSA. Donate any canned good or item of non-perishable food and receive $1 general admission or 1/2 price box seats. All food donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank to help feed those less fortunate. • Launch-A-Ball. Buy a ball for a chance to win great prizes after the game. • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Friday, August 1 vs. Auburn Doubledays - 7:05pm • Phillle Phanatic Appearance. Presented by Murray Mazda & KISS-FM. Don’t miss the best mascot in all of sports as he makes his yearly stop at Bowman Field. • Cutters Diamond Derby. After the game, all kids age 12 and under come on the field and run the bases. Saturday, August 2 vs. Auburn Doubledays - 7:05pm • 70’s Night. Find your bell-bottoms and platform shoes cause it’s all 70’s tonight! • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by Professional Petroleum along with Best Westem/Candlewood Suites, Shop Vac, Fox 56 & WZXR. Thursday, August 7 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • Team Photo Giveaway. Presented by Pepsi & WRAK. Free Cutters team photos for the first 1.500 fans • Launch-A-Ball. Buy a ball for a chance to win great prizes after the game. • Game #8 of the SawBuck Series/ Pregame SawBuck Olympics • Area Car Dealers Customer Appreciation Night. • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Wednesday, August 13 vs. Lowell Spinners - 7:05pm • ZOOperstars Appearance. Presented by Oldies 93. Back for a 2 year in a row! The ZOOperstars were a huge hit at Bowman Field last year. Come and see why it’s one of the most popular sports acts in the nation! • Mitch Williams Appearance. Meet former Phillies relief pitcher Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams. Check out his new Wild Thing Salsa! • Dollar Dog Night. • Business Card Discount. Turn in your business card at the box office and receive $1 off any ticket • Back-To-Back Cracks. Presented by Solley Chiropractic. Some lucky fan could win $10,000! Thursday, August 14 vs. Lowell Spinners - 7:05pm • Belly Buster IX. Presented by Economy Locker Storage, makers of the Country Store Brand of meats. Brave fans have the opportunity to eat their way to great prizes. • Celebrity Hot Dog Eating Contest prior to the game. • Launch-A-Ball. Buy a ball for a chance to win great prizes after the game. • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Friday, August 15 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • Baseball Hall of Fame Night w/ Rich “Goose” Gossage. Presented by The Lycoming County Visitors Bureau & ESPN 1050. • Come out and meet the newest member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame! • A genuine Hall-of-Fame Autograph given away each inning • Game #10 of the SawBuck Series/ Pregame SawBuck Olympics • Cutters Diamond Derby. After the game. all kids age 12 and under come on the field and run the bases. Saturday, August 16 vs. State College Spikes - 7:05pm • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by Northern Tier Labor Council & Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/ Candlewood Suites, Fox56 & Variety 97.7. • Game #11 of the SawBuck Series/ Pregame SawBuck Olympics Tuesday, August 26 vs. Auburn Doubledays - 7:05pm • Team Photo Giveaway. Presented by Pepsi & WRAK. Free Cutters team photos for the first 1,500 fans. • Health Services Customer Appreciation Night. • Two-For-Tuesday. Presented by Weis Markets & Skippy. Turn in a Weis Markets receipt at the box office showing a Skippy purchase and receive two tickets for the price of one and a buy-one-get-one FREE hot dog coupon. Wednesday, August 27 vs. Auburn Doubledays - 7:05pm • Cutters 10th Anniversary Celebration Night #2 . Presented by Oldies 93. Join us for the announcement of Cutters 10th Anniversary Team 10th Anniversary Team Lithograph Giveaway. A free lithograph highlighting the Cutters 10th Anniversary Team for the first 1,500 fans. • Back-To-Back Cracks. Presented by Solley Chiropractic. Some lucky fan could win $10,000! Thursday, August 28 vs. Batavia MuckDogs - 7:05pm • Penn College Pack the Park & College Town Night. Presented by the Pennsylvania College of Technology & Variety 97.7. Pick up complimentary general admission tickets at the Bush Campus Center on the Penn College campus. • College Challenge! After the game lucky college students will have the chance to win $10,000 and other great prizes in the College Challenge! • Launch-A-Ball. Buy a ball for a chance to win great prizes after the game. • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Night. Friday, August 29 vs. Batavia MuckDogs - 7:05pm • Boomer Bobblehead Giveaway. Presented by Susquehanna Bank & Bill 95 FM. The first 1,000 fans receive a bobblehead of new Cutters mascot Boomer! • Beckett Road Show. Bring your sports card or collectible to the game and have it reviewed FREE by the experts from Beckett! They’ll give you a certificate of review and guidance on preserving and even selling your item. • Sports Card & Collectible Show on the concourse Saturday, August 30 vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers - 7:05pm • Saturday Night Fireworks. Presented by Professional Petroleum along with Best Western/Candlewood Suites, Burger King, Fox 56 & WILQ. • Antique Appraisal Night with Dr. Lori. Presented by WILQ. Dr. Lori’s annual appearances always draw a huge crowd. Bring your antique or collectible for a FREE appraisal. • Show your valid College ID for $1 general admission tickets. Sunday, August 31 vs. Mahoning Valley Scrappers - 6:05pm • Lewisburg Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Lewisburg area at; Beiter’s Home Center, Keystone Staffing, Mid-Penn Engineering Corp., Mifflinburg Bank, Penn One Real Estate, RiverWoods, Suburban Energy. • Muncy-Hughesville Community Night. Pick up complimentary tickets in the Muncy Hughesville area at; Ben Franklin, C&N Bank, Greshey’s Rt. 54 Diner, Muncy Bank & Trust, Orlando’s. • Vacation Baseball Bingo. Presented by AAA Travel Agency & Susquehanna Transit. Free for fans 18 and over. Win great prizes and qualify for a cruise for two! • Show your valid College ID for $1 general admission tickets. Monday, September 1 vs. Jamestown Jammers - 1:05pm • Cutters T-Shirt Giveaway. Presented by WZXR. Free Cutters t-shirts for the first 1,000 fans. • Grand Prize Baseball Bingo Game • Hoss’s Knothole Gang Day • Show your valid College ID for $1 general admission tickets. Tuesday, September 2 vs. Jamestown Jammers - 7:05pm • Fan Appreciation Night. Great discounts, prizes & fun! • Two-For-Tuesday. Presented by Weis Markets & Skippy. Turn in a Weis Markets receipt at the box office showing a Skippy purchase and receive two tickets for the price of one and a buy-one-get-one FREE hot dog coupon. • Show your valid College ID for $1 general admission tickets. Copyright © 2008 Williamsport Crosscutters, All rights reserved. • Crosscutters Hotline 570-326-3389 ~ Fax 570-326-3494 • Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies • Contact Us At; mail@crosscutters.com GUARANTEED CREDIT APPROVAL 601 W. Third Street • Williamsport 570.326.0567 www.vamcampenmotors.com years With 64ence... experi MAKE N WE CAPPEN! IT HA The Fairfield Auto Mall Fairfield Toyota • Scion Fairfield Hyundai • 12 Car Lines To Choose from BMW • Ford • VW 203 Lycoming Mall Drive 1960 East Third Street • 6 Convenient Locations The Fairfield Exit Off I-180 Muncy • 570-323-4683 Williamsport • 570-567-2000 Montoursville • 570-368-8121 • Hundreds Of Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles • Fairfield For Fair Deals Fairfield Honda 202 Lycoming Mall Drive Muncy • 570-546-5594 Fairfield Chevrolet • Cadillac 400 North Derr Drive Lewisburg • 570-524-2296 326-1589 / 546-5958 • 800-326-9364 • www.keystonefurniture.com Fairfield Dodge Chrusler • Jeep 3360 Route 405 Hwy Muncy • 570-546-5113 fairfieldautogroup.com 888-53-4CARS Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 Look back at 2007 Opening of an era Tuesday, June 19 The Phillies Era opens in Williamsport as the Cutters begin their season at home against the State College Spikes. Leadoff man D’Arby Myers slapped a two-run single to give Williamsport a 2-0 lead, but rain would half play after two innings. The Spikes would eventually win, 5-2, when play was resumed two days later. Don’t Mach me Friday, June 29 In just his third game with the team, infielder Tyler Mach hits two home runs to lead Williamsport back from a 5-1 deficit against Auburn. It was only part of an impressive start for the Oklahoma State product, who drove in 16 runs in his first week with the team. Currently Mach is not playing in the Phillies system, with minor league director Steve Noworyta citing personal reasons. Naylor shut Thursday, July 5 Cutters right-handed starter Drew Naylor wins his fourth game in as many starts, striking out 11 State College batters in a 3-1 victory at Williamsport. Naylor struck out 32 batters in his first four outings, pitching 29 innings in the process while allowing just two earned runs. He would later slip up at times, but he still finished the season 7-6 with the league lead in innings pitched and strikeouts. M to the Rizzo Tuesday, July 17 First baseman Matt Rizzotti makes his return to New York, playing before about 100 friends and family in the series opener at the Brooklyn Cyclones. Unfortunately, the Floral Park native had a bittersweet night, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Meanwhile, Williamsport was beginning a tailspin that would eventually last half the season. That 10-30 stretch sabotaged a promising first two weeks. Freddy ready, then gone Sunday, July 29 Seventeen-year-old phenom shortstop Freddy Galvis separated his non-thro21wing shoulder while trying to turn a double play against Mahoning Valley. It was the third time for Galvis, who had season-ending surgery, but has made a full recovery to play for Lakewood this year. Later, Cutters pitching coach Bill Bliss said Galvis’ absence was the single biggest factor in the Cutters’ poor second half. Hey, Joe Sunday, August 5 Phillies first-round pick Joe Savery makes his professional debut, going three scoreless innings, throwing 41 pitches and allowing only a hit before over 3,000 at Bowman Field. Tyson Brummett eventually pitched for the win, and Williamsport got just its sixth win in the last 25 games. Spuddering down the stretch Saturday, August 18 Twenty years after pulling off the famous Great Potato Caper, using a peeled potato as a decoy for a baseball, former Williamsport Bills catcher Dave Bresnahan returns to Bowman Field to see his place in immortality secured with a bobblehead doll. Bresnahan gave an interview 400 or so feet in front of his No. 59, which is retired in center field. Players from Williamsport and State College dueled in potato peeling before the game. Savery the moment Tuesday, August 28 Savery gets his first professional win, allowing a run in five innings as Dominic Brown continued his late-season tear in the leadoff spot vacated by injured D’Arby Myers. The then-19-year-old outfielder went 3-for-4, doubling twice. It was part of a sensational August for the man who had committed to the University of Miami to play wide receiver. For the month, Brown batted .396 with 16 RBI. The end of the beginning Friday, September 8 The Crosscutters end their season with a 5-2 loss to Batavia, finishing the season at 34-42. Williamsport did win 11 of its last 16 games, building some good will at the end of the Phillies’ first season in Williamsport. — IAN QUILLEN 5 On the air Crosscutters on 1050 every game this year Todd Bartley replacing Adam Marco behind mic By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com SUN-GAZETTE FILE Michael Taylor, right, is enjoying a more successful second season of pro ball this year with Lakewood, N.J. Soph bump Taylor’s numbers better than from Cutter tenure By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Some Williamsport Crosscutter fans may scarcely believe the numbers outfielder Michael Taylor has put up at Lakewood this season. Because, for 66 games, they watched the former Stanford outfielder struggle to adjust to the pro game, batting only .227 despite a physique that promised enormous power. But they didn’t see the 2007 fifth-round pick before and after games, on the training table or on clubhouse floor, trying desperately to ease an aching back. And they didn’t know he needed six weeks of inactivity after fall instructional league, something Taylor said is the biggest reason for this year’s explosion. “Think about coming to work happy instead of coming to work upset or angry because you don’t feel good,” said Taylor, who has hit .361 in the first half for the Phillies’ South Atlantic 2007 NY-PL final standings MCNAMARA W L PCT GB Brooklyn 49 25 .662 — Staten Island 47 28 .627 2.5 Aberdeen 34 42 .447 16 Hudson Valley 34 42 .447 17 PINCKNEY W L PCT GB Auburn 47 29 .618 — Mahoning Val. 37 37 .500 9 State College 36 39 .480 10.5 Williamsport 34 42 .447 13 Batavia 31 43 .419 15 Jamestown 28 47 .373 18.5 STEDLER W L PCT GB Oneonta 44 32 .579 — Lowell 40 36 .526 4 Vermont 38 37 .507 5.5 Tri-City 27 47 .365 16 SEMIFINALS Auburn def. Oneonta 2-1 Brooklyn def. Staten Island 2-0 FINALS Auburn def. Brooklyn, 2-0 ATTENDANCE Brooklyn 294,972 Aberdeen 241,215 Lowell Spinners 198,453 Staten Island 164,207 Hudson Valley 153,697 State College 151,394 Tri-City 136,809 Mahoning Valley 129,601 Vermont 90,311 Williamsport 70,884 Auburn 66,222 Oneonta Tigers 49,118 Jamestown 48,305 Batavia 44,270 TOTAL 1,839,458 PLAYOFFS (7 games) 14,968 ALL-STAR GAME at Hudson Valley 4,827 League affiliate. “It kind of affects everything that you do — your own personal happiness.” Of course, stats can make you happy, too. The 6-foot-6, 260pounder leads the league in batting, sits fifth in the SAL with 50 RBI, and is close behind the leaders with 10 home runs. And with a profile similar to the Phillies’ fifth selection in the 2001 draft — current Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard — the most impressive part may be his consistency. Taylor hit in 23 of his last 24 games to head into the SAL All-Star break as a nobrainer selection. That includes hits in his last 12 games. “His confidence has carried over from spring training to here,” said Lakewood manager Steve Roadcapp. “His work ethic is tremendous, and he continues to get better every day.” The ethic was clearly there at Bowman, if the results weren’t. At the behest of coaches, Taylor took extra hitting quite often, and though he won’t say he worked too hard, he was clearly pushing his limits. Cutters vice president and general manager Doug Estes recalls one hot summer afternoon among many, when he saw the outfielder near his end. “I remember Michael Taylor walking from the batting cage in right field to home plate,” Estes said. “He just kind of commented, ‘I think I’ve got 300 swings in me already, I’m going into regular batting practice, and I’ve got a game tonight.’” So what’s the secret? Extra swings and a strong spring training? Or a productive six weeks at instructional league, and lots of one-on-one time with hitting co-ordinator Sal Rende? Or maybe a little of everything “I consider that a big part of the learning experience process,” Taylor said of instructional. “It’s not so much that I took away what I’m doing now from that one moment or that one six weeks or whatever. Anytime you play, it’s one chance more, to learn how to selfcorrect.” Last year’s play-by-play man, Adam Marco, effectively triple-jumped to triple-A Oklahoma. The station switched from WRAK —1200 and 1400 AM — to WLYC 1050, in the process limiting the broadcast range. And the Williamsport Crosscutters will now battle their parent club on the airwaves, as WRAK broadcasts Philadelphia Phillies games full time over the summer. Sound like a predicament for the area’s only minor league team? With all 76 games coming at you live for the first time, it’s more like a dream come true. “From my end, its just a wonderful three-hour advertisement for us,” said Cutters vice president and general manager Doug Estes. “It’s a wonderful thing to market. As far as listenership goes, I don’t think fewer people come to the park because we have radio at home. I kind of doubt that.” In past seasons, WRAK — which has one signal in Williamsport and another in Hughesville — had broadcast only the Cutters road games, sticking with the Phillies when Williamsport was at Bowman Field. But when Todd Bartley took over as director at WLYC a little over a year ago, he immediately became interested in the Cutters’ package, because Marco — a former coworker in Kinston, N.C. — was on board. Bartley did football, basketball and baseball work this school year, yet never had intentions of filling the seat himself. But when Marco got an invite to be the No. 2 for his pacific-league outfit, he saw little other choice. “It has always been my first love,” Bartley said of baseball. “I’ve done tons of games at all different levels — high school, college, and filling in for guys at the minor league level. But this will be my first day to do it on day-today basis.” Bartley admitted mic duty may be trying when the Cutters are closing their season while the high school gridiron is firing up. But he insisted, “My best man played pro ball. I know what I’m getting into.” Bartley’s desire to carry the entire schedule was what caught the attention of Gabe Sinicropi, Cutters vice president of marketing and public relations. It was something WRAK simply couldn’t do — and honestly, something Sinicropi wouldn’t want them to do. “We want the Phillies on the air,” Sinicropi said, referring to WRAK’s presence on the Phillies Radio Network. “Having us every night would necessitate them not carrying the Phillies except in the spring and the fall.” Sinicropi and Bartley both say there is a significant possibility of increasing WLYC’s signal, which is faint outside of Greater Williamsport at night, when the Cutters play most of their games. Estes even hinted at the possibility of a presence on FM radio. But neither Sinicropi nor Bartley offered specifics, Bartley saying only “We’re putting a great effort into researching that right now.” As for Marco? His gig with the RedHawks is only guaranteed for the season, and a return to Williamsport in 2009 is a possibility. “I’d love to have Adam back,” Sinicropi said. “And we’re sorry to lose him. But he had an opportunity there that you know, would be hard to pass up.” Marco hopes the experience will help him land a fulltime No. 1 spot at the singleA or double-A level. Until then, there’s always his on-air job doing a little of everything for a West Virginia radio station during the offseason. “I owe a lot to Gabe and Doug and everyone there, because I wouldn’t be where am now without all of them,” said Marco. “I’d be happy with my own team period next year. I would really like to lead to a full-time position next year and not have to go back to being a traffic reporter in Charleston.” 6 Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 Around the New York-Penn League Jamestown Jammers Batavia Muckdogs Auburn Doubledays Vermont Lake Monsters Major League Parent Club Florida Marlins (2002) Location Diethrick Park, Jamestown, N.Y. (3,000) www.jamestownjammers.com Manager – Darin Everson Division – Stedler 2007 Record – 28-37, sixth At Williamsport – June 20-22, Sept. 1-2 Host Williamsport – June 26-28 Major League Parent Club St. Louis Cardinals (2007) Location Dwyer Stad., Batavia, N.Y. (2,600) www.muckdogs.com Manager – Mark Dejohn Division – Pinckney 2007 Record – 31-43, fifth At Williamsport – July 28-30, Aug. 28-29 Host Williamsport – Aug. 3-4, Aug. 23-25, Sept. 3-6 Major League Parent Club Toronto Blue Jays (2001) Location Falcon Park, Auburn, N.Y. (2,800) www.auburndoubledays.com Manager – Dennis Holmberg Division – Pinckney 2007 Record – 47-29, league champion At Williamsport – July 31-Aug. 2, Aug. 26-27 Host Williamsport –July 25-27, Aug. 21-22 Major League Parent Club Washington Nationals (2005) Location Centennial Field, Winooski, Vt. (4,415) www.vermontlakemonsters.com Manager – Ramon Aviles Division – Stedler 2007 Record – 38-37, third At Williamsport – none Host Williamsport – July 16-18 Oneonta Tigers Major League Parent Club Detriot Tigers (1999) Location Damaschke Field, Oneonta, N.Y. (4,200) www.nypennleague.com Manager – Ryan Newman Division – Stedler 2007 Record – 44-32, first At Williamsport – July 12-14 Host Williamsport – none Lowell Spinners Williamsport Crosscutters Major League Parent Club Boston Red Sox (1996) Location LaLacheur Park, Lowell, Mass. (5,000) www.lowellspinners.com Manager – Gary DiSarcina Division – Stelder 2007 Record – 40-36, second At Williamsport – Aug. 12-14 Host Williamsport – none Major League Parent Club Philadelphia Phillies Location Bowman Field, Williamsport, Pa. (4200) www.crosscutters.com Mahoning Val. Scrappers Brooklyn Cyclones Major League Parent Club New York Mets (2001) Location KeySpan Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. (7,500) www.brooklyncyclones.com Manager – Edgar Alfonzo Division – McNamara 2007 Record – 49-25, first At Williamsport – July 2-4 Host Williamsport – none Major League Parent Club Cleveland Indians (1999) Location Eastwood Field, Niles, Ohio (6,000) www.mvscrappers.com Manager – Travis Fryman Division – Pinckney 2007 Record – 37-37, second At Williamsport – July 1921, Aug. 30-31 Host Williamsport – June 17-19. Tri-City Valley Cats Major League Parent Club Houston Astros (2001) Location Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, Troy, N.Y. (5,000) www.tcvalleycats.com Manager – Pete Rancont Division – Stedler 2007 Record – 27-47, fourth At Williamsport – none Host Williamsport – July 9-11 $3 99¢ 99¢ Buy One 16oz Major League Parent Club New York Yankees (1999) Location Richmond County Bank Ballpark, Staten Island, N.Y. (6,500) www.siyanks.com Manager – Pat McMahon Division – McNamara 2007 Record – 47-28, second At Williamsport – none Host Williamsport – Aug. 8-10 8” Cakes Moolatte Blizzard Hudson Val. Renegades Staten Island Yankees Major League Parent Club Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1996) Location Dutchess Stadium, Fishkill, N.Y. (4,494) www.hvrenegades.com Manager – Joe Alvarez Division – McNamara 2007 Record – 34-42, fourth At Williamsport – none Host Williamsport – July 22-24 Get 2nd for 99¢ 99¢ Mondays Only 8” Round Cake or Larger S. Williamsport • Expires 9/30/08. S. Williamsport • Expires 9/30/08. S. Williamsport • Expires 9/30/08. $1 ANY Mondays Off Abereen Ironbirds Major League Parent Club Baltimore Orioles (2002) Location Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, Md. (6,000) www.ironbirdsbaseball.com Manager – Gary Kendall Division – McNamara 2007 Record – 34-42, third At Williamsport – July 5-7 Host Williamsport – none Off State College Spikes Major League Parent Club Pittsburgh Pirates (2007) Location Medlar Field at Penn St. (5,406) www.statecollegespikes.com Manager – Brad Fischer Division – Pinckney 2007 Record – 36-39, third At Williamsport – June 23, 25, 30, Aug. 7, 15-16. Host Williamsport – June 24, 29, July 1, Aug. 6, 8, 16 South Williamsport South Williamsport South Williamsport (570) 321-1819 (570) 321-1819 (570) 321-1819 Combo Deal S. Williamsport • Expires 9/30/08. South Williamsport (570) 321-1819 Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 7 IAN QUILLEN/Sun-Gazette Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium has undergone improvements the last 20 years after opening in 1950. Reading’s facelifts show By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com READING — Just beyond the grasp of the left-field party deck, beneath the glare of an imposing videoboard, and within shouting distance of the swimming pool in right, Maria Keller stands on a platform and rests her camera on the center field wall. After two decades of expansion, it’s one of the few lonesome spots left at FirstEnergy Stadium, where Keller can videotape games for the RPhils’ coaches in peace. And it’s just the way this “paralegal by day, Phillies person by night” remembers this place from her first visits as a teenager. “You used to be able to be here and count the number of fans in the stands,” said Keller, who grew up with the R-Phils in the 1970s. “They’d have contests — guess the attendance. And I’d win quite often. Free miniature golf or free chicken dinner somewhere. My friend would go under the grandstand, count the people in line for food, and I’d count the people in the stands.” That was before FirstEnergy’s transformation into one of the country’s groundbreaking venues, under two decades of vision by owner Craig Stein and team president Chuck Domino. Now, 18 years after the first add-on — a modest picnic area to the left of the main grandstand — FirstEnergy is as much funpark as a ballpark, something the R-Phils don’t try to hide. Behind the rightfield line, the outdoors Classic Café hosts live music at least two nights a week during postgame, and sells T-Shirts with the printed words “There was a game?” And while Mike Schmidt and Ryan Sandberg have their numbers retired in center along with Jackie Robinson, they hover near an exploding scoreboard that pays homage to Reading’s IAN QUILLEN/Sun-Gazette Coca-Cola Park is home to the first-year Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies new tripleA franchise. New experience in Allentown Road trip: FirstEnergy Stadium Date Opened: 1950 (as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium) Tenant: Reading Phillies, Class Double-A, Eastern League. Major League Affiliate: Philadelphia. Capacity: 9,000. Dimensions: 330 LF, 400 CF, 330 RF. Tickets: $7-10 ($19-21 with buffet) Directions (From Williamsport): Take U.S. 15 South to PA Rt. 54. Turn left onto 54 East, making sure to stay on 54 by following road signs through Danville and Mt. Carmel, before reaching PA Rt. 61 in Ashland. Take Rt. 61 South through Pottsville and Hamburg while following signs for Reading. As you enter the city, shortly after you pass the exit for PA Rt. 12, you will see FirstEnergy Stadium on your right. Parklife: In the past two decades, FirstEnergy has been transformed from one of the Eastern League’s worst stadiums to one of its best. What makes it unique is the blend of new amenities with old-time feel. There’s a pool patio in rightfield, and a party deck in left, but the structure of the initial grandstand is essentially the same, complete with team pictures of every club to make it home since the Phillies began their affiliation with Reading in 1967. railway past and Chicago’s Comiskey Park. “For entertainment, this is a lot of bang for your buck,” said Rich Long, a Friday night regular from Fleetwood. “Tonight is the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce thing. A lot of people came because they have free tickets. They don’t realize that for $ 8 a ticket, or less, it’s a good time.” Said Keller, from her perch in center: “You can leave this spot here, and go over the cattle herder (the food court behind the right field bleachers), and it’s just a totally different game.” Reading’s biggest strength may be FirstEnergy’s limitations. Without much elbow room, each addition clings to a separate patch of unutilized space, letting the more casual fans enjoy themselves without fear of rebuke from the diehards. But the park’s soul is still the grandstand structure. The seating area has seen countless facelifts, the addition of chairbacks and a canopy roof. Yet the concourse is still the same bricks and mortar as it was on Opening Day in 1950. Pictures of every Reading Phillies team since 1967 line the walls on the first-base side. At the main gate, fans can trace the names of every R-Phil to be come a major lea- By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com guer, including current Phillies Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell. “You go to the front there,” said Moton’s John Schlitzer, a fan of almost 40 years, “and you look at that plaque, and you see how many ballplayers came through this facility that go on to the majors. It’s just incredible. You have a lot of history and a lot of tradition here. And that’s what’s cool about this place.” The pool in right is a favorite destination for kids. And when they get older, many tend to migrate past the exploding scoreboard in center and into the to left-field corner, where they can buy a cold one and sit at a picnic table. “I remember swimming in the pool, but it’s different to see the little kids play in it,” said Matt Vymazal, 22, a student at nearby Kutztown who has come here since childhood. He added: “The beer is a lot better when you’re older.” Schlitzer and Long are also fans of left field. And Keller, though she likes her space, doesn’t really care where she is. “When I’m here, I’m never in a bad mood,” she said. “They wanted to build a new stadium, but ultimately I think they decided they’re going to stay here because it has so much character. Those other parks are great. But I really believe this little place, and what Chuck and Craig did with this, set the pace.” g g LOGO: 4 wide Date Opened: 2008 Tenant: Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Class Triple-A, International League: Major League Affiliate: Philadelphia Capacity: 8,100 (not including party deck areas). Dimensions: 336 LFL, 388 LCF, 400 CF, 369 RCF, 325 RFL. Tickets: $6-9 ($14 dollar club level seats sold out this season). Directions (From Williamsport): Take U.S. 15 South to I-80 East. Follow I-80 through Bloomsburg and Hazleton, then follow signs for I476/Penna. Turnpike. Take I-476 South through the Lehigh Tunnel and to the Allentown exit. Follow signs for U.S. 22 East, and proceed on U.S. 22 East until reaching the exit for Airport Rd. Take the Exit for Airport Rd. South. Make a right onto American Parkway, and then a left into the CocaCola Park Complex. Parklife: At night, the park looks a bit skeletal from the highway, yet for a new stadium has a homey feel inside. The concourse above the lower level, like many newer, is open and with a clear view of the playing field, and stretches around the outfield perimeter and grass bank in center. The best touch? Perhaps the counter-top railings at several places around the top of the lower level, that allows fans to stand with a beverage and snack while keeping up with the game. comfortable coming to the ballpark and having a good family experience,” said Palmerton’s Chris Bollinger. “Running into people that you know and being able to chat - it’s like going to the local fair.” Coca-Cola Park boasts an impressive brick façade, an upper-deck club level that extends past both first and third base, a playground in the left-field corner and a beer garden beyond the fence in right. Anyone with any ticket can venture toward the outfield. And that social feel — plus the double-decker sponsor signs that lace the perimeter — keep an enclosed feeling, though the stadium looks a bit skeletal from the highway. But despite a long absence from baseball — the last affiliated team left in 1960 — some fans still have a high standard. The Phillies and Yankees are well within two hours, and double-A Reading is within an hour and has offered its own brand of fun since 1967. “I like this park better, but I think they do a better job involving the fans in Reading,” said JoAnn Fedok, who has been to a handful of IronPigs games with her husband. “They do the little games here (between innings), but they’re better in Reading.” And there’s always the fear that, despite its size, Allentown may struggle to support a team in the long term. “Allentown doesn’t support anything, and it really bothers me that they don’t,” Fedok said. “Look at the team. They couldn’t even give this to Allentown. It’s the ‘Lehigh Valley IronPigs.’ So, I just don’t have a lot of faith in Allentown. But let’s hope that the whole area can get together and support this.” So far, they have. And even a few R-Phils fans have been swayed to take a look. “It’s clean, it’s well lit, it’s nice,” said Tamaqua’s Kevin Wackley, a Reading Phillies season ticket holder who still likes Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium better. “This place reminds me a whole lot of the new Philadelphia park. Walking into the concourse, the first thing I said to my wife was, ‘Boy, this is like going down to Philadelphia.’” Said Bollinger: “You get the major league experience without the major league hassles.” 8 YAMAHA WA 200 TERCRAFT ® Phillies minor-league affiliates g Road trip: Coca-Cola Park ALLLENTOWN — George Allport isn’t a casual fan. But after years of baseball pilgrimages to New York and Philadelphia, the Emmaus resident is happy to show up late to Coca-Cola Park after work. “This area is kind of starved for baseball and not having to travel,” said Allport, a Lehigh Valley season ticket holder with seats in the thirdbase side club level. “It would be a much bigger deal to go to games.You’d have to plan a day. Tonight, we got here in the fifth inning.” Allport’s sentiment is common among IronPigs fans in the triple-A Phillies affiliate’s inaugural season. And it’s reflected in CocaCola Park’s architecture, from the concourse that wraps 360 degrees around the playing field, to the leanto countertops that allow fans to stand, watch, drink and eat all at once. It’s as much meeting place as sporting venue for Allentown and its surrounding communities — a rallying point for a place that, since the decline of the steel industry, is sometimes seen as a place between places. “There are a lot of people from the New York metro area, the Philly metro area, and people from the midstate who have moved,” Allport said. “There’s a lot of transplants, and I think a lot of people willing to adopt a team.” The IronPigs are second in attendance in the International League, astounding considering their 3-23 April record.Their average crowd of 7,755 fans per game through Monday can feel like more in a park that looks larger than its 8,100 seats, yet maintains its intimacy. “It’s nice to be able to feel L YAMAHA When you want the best All Yamaha’s Lead the Industry in Fuel Efficiency and Cruising Range! - 2008 VX DELUXE - Starting at 7,999 $ TRIPLE-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs International League DOUBLE-A Reading Phillies Eastern League HIGH-A Clearwater Thrashers Florida State League Fuel Efficient Fun!!! 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Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. 8 Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 Player development Tools guys they can use Multi-dimensional prospects always have an advantage By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com Tools, high ceilings and projections? It all kind of sounds like a Black & Decker commercial. But those terms — the jargon of baseball scouts whose job it is to differentiate potential from productivity— have pervaded recent Philadelphia Phillies draft classes. Following upon the success of shortstop Jimmy Rollins and first baseman Ryan Howard, general manager Pat Gillick and company have continued pursuing players with raw athletic ability. That often means multi-sport athletes with less experience and higher signing bonuses, and the potential to be the next Ken Griffey Jr., or the next career double-A outfielder. But in the low minor leagues, it often means teams receive more legitimate prospects — albeit at an age where their potential may be only vaguely visible to casual fans. “I give scouts credit, because they have to dream,” said Phillies minor league director Steve Noworyta. “The speed, the running, the bat speeds, all those tools, they still have to dream he’s going to be .300 hitter, dream he’s going hit 30 home runs.” One dream is 2008 first-rounder Anthony Hewitt, a shortstop with power and speed who may be five or six years away from the majors, and a year from Williamsport. Another is current Crosscutters catcher Travis D’Arnaud, whose arm convinced scouts to take a risk on an unpolished high-school bat in the 2007 supplemental round. And perhaps last year’s Cutters outfielder D’Arby Myers — a tools guy with world-class speed — summed up the vision best. “It means that you have the chance to be good,” said Myers, now with low-A Lakewood. “Once you become polished, that’s when you take your game to another level. Right now, when your tools are raw, you have a chance to be good.” Chance is the sobering reality for some clubs and the winning ticket for others. And with players who are so young, the understandable lack of consistency can keep coaches and fans on their toes, wondering which is which. Take Myers and fellow outfielder Dominic Brown last year. They represented the cream of the tools crop on the Cutters roster, Myers with his speed and Brown with an exceptional arm and good mobility. In June, Myers played like the sure-fire prospect, batting at or above .300 for the sea- ASSOCIATED PRESS Phillies shortstop and 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins is a protoypical five-tool player, one the team’s minor-leaguers can emulate. son’s first 23 games. But eventually his average dipped to .240, before a broken hand forced him out for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, Brown batted .396 with 16 RBI in August, and finished as one of the team’s top run producers. He’s now hitting .290 with 35 RBI at low-A Lakewood, while Myers’ average is down to .181 in the continuation of a Players not the only ones who can advance Ex-Cutters trainer promoted to Reading By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com READING — Justin Zabrosky has seen his hard work at Williamsport pay off with a promotion to double-A Reading. He’s just not a ballplayer. Zabrosky, last year’s Cutters strength and conditioning specialist, is in his first full-season gig after two seasons spent on the shortseason circuit. The Vermont native spent the 2006 season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, and also worked the spring of 2006 and 2007 in extended spring training. “It’s a great learning experience,” Zabrosky said. “But it’s not really baseball. It’s more like summer camp. And here, it’s more like, these guys, this is their profession. ... We’ve got guys who have gone into the major leagues, who have gotten their first call.” Theoretically, that means more pressure to keep players healthy, especially on an Eastern League team with more high-ceiling talent than triple-A Lehigh Valley, in a system most analysts view to be deeper in the lower minors. “You’ve just to learn how to read the guys, and know how to keep the guys strong and healthy,” Zabrosky said. “That’s how they’re going to make the club, is to play. And if they don’t play every day, it looks bad on me. You’ve just got to make sure to read the players and talk to them, and have open communication.” It has gone well so far, says Zab r o s k y, ZABROSKY who at 27 is still the youngest employee in the Phillies’ training department. And at that age, there’s plenty of time to move beyond baseball; he previously worked as a multi-sport athletic trainer at Texas-Pan American. But so far, he’s moving up the system and enjoying the journey. “You can never go wrong when you work in professional baseball. Wherever you go you can smell hot dogs and popcorn everyday,” Zabrosky said. “I don’t know if it was my dream to work in professional baseball. But I love my job and I love coming here.” tough end to last season. Brown is 20. Myers is 19. Writing off either one would be foolish. “If that player believes what he can do, that’s half of the battle,” Noworyta said of the tools label. “I don’t see players who are highceiling players worry about that being put on them. They want to do well.” But some player say the tools terminology can have a stigma. Consider double-A Reading outfielder Greg Golson, the Phillies first-round draft pick out of high school in 2004. At 22, the Austin, Texas, native is three levels ahead of college seniors of the same age on the Cutters roster. And as a professional, he’s taken far more reps than anyone who went to a four-year school, even if their season ended at the College World Series every year. Yet he says he deals with the perception of being unpolished, even as a .299 hitter this season in the Eastern League. “It’s definitely a positive,” said Golson of the label. “But at the same time, you kind of want to be labeled as a ballplayer also. You don’t want to be known as a guy who’s just going to go out there and be raw. “It’s not something I’m going to tell somebody. ‘Oh, I’m a tools guy.’” At Reading, coming out and shouting it would still make him just part of the crowd. There’s second-baseman Brad Harman, who as an Australian is from a land where the lack of baseball infrastructure means you must have raw ability to be taken seriously. “A lot of guys get told a lot of things,” said Harman, who received a brief call-up to Philadelphia earlier this season, but through Thursday was hitting only .224 at Reading. “And ultimately, if the organization sort of loves you and you’re hitting .120, you’re not really going to go to far.” There’s speedy Javon Moran, who spent part of his season with triple-A Lehigh Valley. Then there’s catcher Lou Marson, a two-sport athlete in high school, who chose baseball over football because of an injury. Converted to catcher because of his arm at quarterback, Marson is hitting .348 in his first season in double-A. At 22, he could be on the brink of the payoff scouts look for. “I feel like they want everybody to eventually be a superstar,” Marson said of the Phillies. “The Jimmy Rollins, the Cole Hamels, they like to take their chance on a kid that had tools or whatever you want to call it. “They’re saying I eventually could be, but I don’t know. I try not to listen much about it. It just means you have room to improve.” The tools you have, says Phillies minor league field coordinator Bill Dancy, provide the framework for where your game can grow. “Like we explain to them, God gave us all different tools,” Dancy said. “It’s a thing that you’ve got to do, and all you’ve got to do is keep getting a little bit better, and a little bit better.” And as far as Brown is concerned, if his tools bring a stigma with them, then so be it. “I just think they’ve been having so much success drafting tools layers that so they’re just going to keep going at it until they have a bad experience with it,” Brown said. “It doesn’t bother me at all. It’s fine with me.” Your “All-Stars” Headquarters! % 15 OFF s! r e t t u c s s o r &C Clearance Priced 2008 Bats BASEBALL EQUIPMENT With coupon. Excludes sale & special order items. Offer expires June 30. Louisville Slugger® 2098 Lycoming Creek Rd. 326-1591 M -Th 9:30-5:30 / Fri. 9:30-8 / Sat. 9:30-3 G N I M CO SOON AT THE ing m o c y L n r Easte CA YM Learn more by visiting susquehannahealth.org/Y Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 9 Bowman Field promotions Special appearances Visits by former pitchers among new highlights By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com ASSOCIATED PRESS Goose Gossage, will visit Bowman Field Friday, Aug. 15, just a couple weeks after his Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, N.Y. This season will feature many special promotions and giveaways for the Crosscutters, including a Price is Right themed night and special appearances by former major-leaguers. Some of the promotions this year also include a gas card giveaway called PetroPalooza, on June 23, “Win a Wii night” on June 22, plus many promotions that the Crosscutters have done in the past. The Price is Right themed night will be July 2. “We’ll have some of the games they do on the Price is Right that we’ll do with fans, giving them a chance to win prizes,” said Gabe Sinicropi, Vice-President/Marketing and Public Relations. “From the music to some of the announcements to some of the games that we play, really just the whole night will be themed around that game show.” Sinicropi hopes that the promotions can help bring some fans to the games despite the state of the economy and increasing gas prices. One that’s sure to get fans interested though is PetroPalooza, which gives fans every inning a chance to win a $50 gas card. On June 23, for Petro-Palooza, general admission tickets will be spe- cially priced at the current price of regular gas and box seats at the price of super premium, according to the Crosscutters’ website. “The economy is on people’s minds this year, no doubt about it,” Sinicropi said. “But people in the summer want to have fun and to come out to a minor league baseball game in your own backyard, you don’t have to spend money on a tank of gas to do it.” There will also special appearances of the newest baseball Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage on Aug. 15 and former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Mitch Williams on Aug. 13. Other promotions include 80s Night on July 12 celebrating anything 80s, Girl’s Night Out on July 14 featuring prizes, games and displays for “Ladies Only” and an “after party,” two different Cutters 10th Anniversary Celebrations on July 28 and August 27 and the “College Challenge” on Aug. 28, which gives college students the chance to win $10,000 and other prizes. The Crosscutters will also be featuring many of their past promotions which have been successful, including Baseball Bingo every Sunday night for a chance to win a seven-day cruise for two and fireworks on Saturday nights. “We have a lot of new and a lot of the old altogether,” Sinicropi said. The Crosscutters also feature Knothole Gang Night on Mondays and Thursdays, where kids ages 14 and under can join the Knothole Gang for $12 and get free admission for all Monday and Thursday games. Every Wednesday also features Back-to-Back Cracks, where if the Crosscutters hit back-toback homeruns in a certain inning, one fan wins $10,000. “They’re just some of the things that are happening on the Day of the Week promotions, lots of fun stuff,” Sinicropi Jr. said. There’s at least one major promotion and one or two minor promotions on a night at any given game. The Crosscutters have 38 home games this season and Sinicropi hopes that the low ticket prices, concession prices and all their promotions will help bring more fans to games. The highest -priced ticket for a Crosscutters game is seven dollars. “Our concessions are not exorbitant at all, they’re less than you’ll find going to the movie theater,” Sinicropi Jr. said. Attendance at the minor league level has gone up this year once again, and Sinicropi Jr. hopes that attendance continues to grow at Bowman Field. “We think that people will turn to things like the Crosscutters that are in their own back yard for family entertainment throughout the summer,” Sinicropi Jr. said. “We’re always striving to be bigger and better.” A fan’s guide to Bowman Field ADDRESS AND PHONE The Crosscutters offices are located at Bowman Field. The mailing address is: P.O. Box 3173, Williamsport, PA 17701. The phone number is: (570) 326-3389. Email can be sent to mail@crosscutters.com ADVANCE SALE TICKETS Single game tickets may be purchased online at www.Crosscutters.com, over the phone, or at the Sawmill Team Store during regular business hours. American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. To order by phone call (570) 326-3389. There is a $1.50 processing fee per phone/internet order. Crosscutters offices are open Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm and 9am3pm on game days. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Beer and wine coolers are available at Bowman Field. ALL Guests are required to show proper age ID to purchase or consume alcohol. Crosscutters management reserves the right to deny beverage service to any Guest that appears intoxicated. Alcohol sales close nightly at the end of the 7th inning. ANIMALS With the exception of Seeing Eye Dogs or other animal assistants to the disabled or visually impaired, animals are not permitted into Bowman Field. (Except at Bark In the Park!) ANNOUNCEMENTS PRESENTED BY CARVEL Please fill out an announcement form available at the Cutters Fan Center. All announcements must be turned in before the end of the third inning. Entering the press box with announcements is strictly prohibited. Time permitting, the Cutters will announce your message. AUTOGRAPHS Crosscutters players will happily sign autographs before and after each game when time and league regulations permit. Prior to each game, selected Cutters players will sign in the Autograph Booth located in the main concourse. Fans are not permitted to enter the field for autographs or request autographs during the game. We are unable to provide autographs or meet and greets on an individual basis. AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALLS Croscutters players sign hundreds of baseballs and other items for charities over the course of a season through the “Cutters Community Care Network” program. Due to the large number of requests, the club is unable to provide autographed baseballs or souvenirs on an individual basis. For more information see “Donations”. BIRTHDAY PARTIES/GREETINGS PRESENTED BY CARVEL Children can celebrate their birthday at the ballpark with special Birthday Party packages. Just call (570) 326-3389 to schedule a Carvel Birthday Blast. Birthday greetings, presented by Carvel, can be turned in at the Dodge Fan Center prior to the end of the third inning. They will be announced as time allows. BUS SERVICE River Valley Transit provides transportation to and from all Friday night home games. For information or a bus schedule call (570) 326-2500. CAMERAS AND VIDEO RECORDERS Fans are permitted to bring cameras and camcorders into the stadium for personal use only. Taping of game footage is strictly prohibited, as is obstructing the views of other fans watching the game. Tripods are not permitted. The Crosscutters reserve the right to remove any Guests that do not cooperate with this policy. CARRY-IN ITEMS NY-P League rules strictly prohibit cans, bottles, food or beverages of any kind being brought into Bowman Field. Infant bottles and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted. CHILDREN Children are the responsibility of their parents/guardians and must obey stadium rules. No running is permitted in the stands or in any area of Bowman Field. COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS The Crosscutters have complimentary tickets for selected home games available to local charitable organizations through the “Sweet Seats” program. Charities interested in bringing a group to a game through this program should submit a written request to the Crosscutters on their organization letterhead or call the Cutters offices to have a request form mailed to your organization. Tickets are provided through the generosity of Jersey Shore State Bank. CONTEST ENTRY Selected contest entry forms can be found in the Cutters Souvenir Program. Completed entries may be deposited in the appropriate box at the Cutters Fan Center. Other contestants are picked at random in the stadium. CREDIT CARD POLICY The Crosscutters accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard & Visa credit cards at the box office and Sawmill Souvenir Store. Credit cards are not accepted at concession windows. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS All of the following are expressly prohibited on the property of Historic Bowman Field and the parking areas that surround it on game days: distribution of leaflets or other printed materials to fans or on cars, distribution of products or performing services, whether for consideration or free, taking surveys or otherwise interfering with the free movement of guests, unless expressly permitted by the Williamsport Crosscutters. DONATIONS AND DOOR PRIZES Charities and other non-profit groups requesting donations or door prizes (including tickets) from the Crosscutters should submit a written request (on organization letterhead when possible). Fans may also download a form on the Cutters website at www.Crosscutters.com. Please allow at least 2 weeks for requests to be handled. DOUBLE HEADER RAIN CHECK POLICY If one legal game is played, no rain checks will be issued even if the second game is rained out or suspended. EMERGENCY PHONE CALLS As a special service, fans expecting emergency phone calls may leave their seat locations with Guest Services at the Cutters Fan Center. If a call is received, Guest Services will dispatch a representative to that seat location. Due to the many requests, public address paging is accommodated only in severe emergency situations. FAMILY SECTION SEATING PRESENTED BY WEIS/SKIPPY A no-alcohol seating area is available for fans. It is located in the bleachers directly behind home plate. Fans sitting in this special section are encouraged to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a family atmosphere at the ballpark. Anyone found to be consuming alcohol, or using profanity in this area will be asked to move. FAN CONDUCT POLICY Bowman Field is a fan-friendly, family environment. Guests must refrain from conduct deemed inconsistent with such an environment. This includes, but is not limited to: · Interfering with other guests ability to enjoy the game · Appearing to be intoxicated or in a diminished capacity · Throwing objects onto and/or entering the playing field · Failure to adhere to the smoking policy · Using foul or abusive language or gestures · Failure to produce a ticket upon request and/or failure to sit in their ticketed area · Interfering with a ball in play · Displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting. Violators are subject to ejection and possible arrest. Repeated offenses will result in the loss of attendance privileges for the remainder of the season. If you observe a problem, please contact the nearest staff member. Prohibited items include: · Any and all outside food or beverages · Balloons, beach balls, laser pointers, and nets · Weapons · Brooms or poles of any type · Tripods FAN INTERFERENCE In the interest of fan and player safety, the Crosscutters management maintains a zero tolerance policy regarding fan interference with a ball in play or a player during the game. Failure to comply with the policy will result in immediate removal from Bowman Field and possible criminal sanctions. FAN MAIL Mail for Crosscutters players and personnel can be sent to: Williamsport Crosscutters, (person’s name), P.O. Box 3173, Williamsport, PA 17701. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope if a reply is requested. FIRST AID In the event first-aid services are needed, please immediately alert a Crosscutters usher or staff member or report to the Fan Center. FOUL BALLS PRESENTED BY EYELAND Fans may keep the foul balls they catch. When you doÖbe sure to show it at the Dodge Fan Center to receive an Honorary Lifetime Contract. Unfortunately, the Crosscutters are unable to accommodate requests for player autographs of foul balls. FOUL BALL/BAT WARNING Guests assume all risks and dangers inherent in and incidental to attending a baseball game, whether occurring prior to, during or subsequent to the actual play, including but not limited to injury from thrown or batted balls, thrown bats or fragments thereof and spectators conduct. Accordingly, neither the Crosscutters nor their opponent nor any of their respective players nor the City of Williamsport, Philadelphia Phillies nor their respective employees, independent contractors and agents shall in any way be liable therefore. Guest must be vigilant at all times and must recognize the many elements that can distract their attention from the game, including but not limited to the scoreboard and the activities of the Cutters mascot and others. For your safety and protection, Crosscutters management asks that you focus your attention on the playing field at all times. Please pay particular attention to small children not watching the game. GATES OPEN Bowman Field gates open one hour prior to game time. The Season Ticket Holder VIP Gate will open 1 Ω hours prior to game time. This entrance gate is open ONLY to Season Ticket Holders or those carrying valid season tickets. GROUPS Groups of 20 or more receive specially discounted tickets when purchased in advance. Please call (570) 326-3389 to schedule your group outing at Historic Bowman Field. GUEST SERVICES The Cutters Fan Center is located on the main concourse and is the area to pick up prizes, check in for the Frequent Fan Program, submit suggestions, get your questions answered and much more. Stop by and see one of our friendly representatives. The Cutters Fan Center is open from the time gates open until 15 minutes after the game ends. HANDICAPPED SEATING Seating for handicapped individuals and their escorts is available throughout the stadium. Space is limited. All handicapped areas are general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance from any Crosscutters usher or staff member. LOST AND FOUND Any items found should be turned in at the Cutters Fan Center. Items may be claimed there as well. MASCOT APPEARANCES If you’d like the Crosscutters mascot, BOOMER, to appear at your store or event call the Cutters offices or download a request form at www.Crosscutters.com. There is no charge for non-profit organizations. A minimum of 50 guests must be in attendance for an event to be eligible for a complimentary appearance. (Subject to schedule & availability) NATIONAL ANTHEM All auditions are held prior to the season. PARKING Parking at Bowman Field is free of charge. Fans assume all risks. Geneva Cubs Baseball, Inc. is not responsible for stolen items or damage to your car including the risk of foul balls and windshields having an unfortunate meeting. PICNIC AREA The Cutters Cove Picnic Deck is located down the left field line. The area is reserved exclusively for group picnics of 8 or more, catered by the Crosscutters. Advance reservations are required. PLAYER APPEARANCES Non-profit groups seeking Crosscutters players for public appearances should submit a written request on organization letterhead to: Williamsport Crosscutters, Community Relations, P.O. Box 3173, Williamsport, PA 17701. Request forms are also available at www.Crosscutters.com. Player appearances are also available for business appearances for a fee. Appearances dates are limited due to the demanding schedule of games. PRIZE PICK-UPS All contest winners can claim their prizes at the Cutters Fan Center. PROMOTIONAL ITEM/GIVEAWAY POLICY We ask that all fans understand that all premium items/giveaways will be limited to the age, gender and quantity restrictions listed in our advertisement. Please understand that in order for us to serve our fans in attendance, only those attending the actual game may receive an item upon passing through the turnstiles, and all items will be limited to one per eligible fan. Extra tickets for a game may not be redeemed for giveaway items. RADIO BROADCASTS All Crosscutters games are broadcast on ESPN 1050 AM & 104.1 FM. In addition, all games can be heard online at www.Crosscutters.com and www.MinorlLeagueBaseball.com. RAIN CHECK POLICY In the event 4 1/2 innings of a game are not completed, general admission ticket holders (bonus books included) MUST exchange their ticket stub before leaving the stadium, for a raincheck good for admission to any future home game during the 2008 season. Box seat ticket holders may exchange their stub for a future general admission or box seat. RE-ENTRY In accordance with NY-P League rules, there is a strict no reentry policy in effect at Historic Bowman Field. Emergency cases are handled at the Front Gate. RESTROOMS Men’s and women’s restrooms are located on the main concourse. All restrooms are easily accessible to handicapped patrons. Each restroom is equipped with changing tables for infants. A family restroom is also located on the main concourse. SEASON TICKETS Williamsport Crosscutters season tickets, as well as other partial season plans, are available by calling the Cutters offices at (570) 326-3389. Ticket information is available at www.Crosscutters.com SIGNS AND BANNERS The Crosscutters encourage fans to support the team with signs and banners. Signs and banners must contain no advertising, be in good taste and not obstruct the view of other fans or cover exist- Sporting Goods ing stadium signage. The Crosscutters reserve the right to remove any banner displayed at the ballpark. SMOKING POLICY For the health and comfort of fans, smoking is strictly prohibited in all seating areas of Bowman Field, including the Cutters Cove Picnic Deck and the right field bleachers. Those wishing to smoke may do so in the main concourse area of the stadium or in the small concourse areas behind each dugout. If unsure of where smoking is allowed, please feel free to ask the nearest usher or stadium employee. SOUVENIRS Souvenirs and gift items are available at The Sawmill Team Store located in the main concourse. The store is also open on non game days Mon-Fri. 10am-5pm. Fans may also purchase souvenirs online at www.Crosscutters.com SPEAKERS BUREAU Members of the Williamsport Crosscutters staff will gladly speak to any group about minor league baseball and the Williamsport Crosscutters. There is no charge for speaking engagements. Call (570) 326-3389 to schedule your speaker. STROLLERS Bowman Field welcomes fans that bring and utilize their own strollers. However their use should not in any way inhibit general fan movement or block aisles. TAXI SERVICE Guest Relations will be happy to call a cab for you. Taxis will drop off and pick up outside the front gate area. Please have Guest Relations make your call prior to the conclusion of the game. PUBLIC TELEPHONE There are no public telephones located in Bowman Field. TICKET POLICIES Exchanges & Refunds- There are no exchanges or refunds once a game ticket has been purchased. Lost/Stolen Tickets- Lost or stolen tickets create a problem for all concerned. Please remember that game tickets are like money and should be secured like cash. Season tickets that are stolen will be replaced only when the season ticket holder on record presents the official police report. If game tickets are stolen, please phone the Cutters at (570) 326-3389. WEATHER UPDATES Should there be threatening weather conditions, tune to ESPN 1050 AM, 104.1FM or 102.7 KISS-FM. Each station is kept informed of Crosscutters decisions and will be the first to know if a game has been postponed. Also, www.Crosscutters.com will provide updates on postponements. WHEELCHAIR SERVICE Wheelchairs are available for emergency purposes only. Fans in need of a wheelchair should go to Guest Relations at the Cutters Fan Center or contact any stadium usher. WILL CALL TICKETS Orders placed within 7 days of the game will be held and can be picked up at the Jersey Shore State Bank Will Call Window. The Jersey Shore State Bank Will Call Window is located at the box office near the main gate. Tickets left in will call and not picked up will be charged. In addition, tickets may be picked up at any time after the order has been placed in the Sawmill Team Store during regular business hours. Tickets held in will call and not picked up will be charged. General Store “PRICES BETTER THAN OUR COMPETITORS!” FISHING Rods • Reels • Lures • Wading Boots • Hats • Vests • Fly Fishing Equipment • LIVE BAIT HUNTING Ammo • Scopes • Binoculars • Camoe Clothing • Tree Stands ARCHERY Custom Arrows • Bows • Bow Tune-ups • Targets • 2000 Fletched Arrow Shafts In Stock FOR ALL YOUR CAMPING & TRAVELING NEEDS • Salads • Pizza & Subs • Videos • Deli 998-9595 • Extra Lean Ground Beef • Grocery Items • Baked Goods • Gas &Propane 998-8500 10 Crosscutters Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 Manager Dusty Wathan Potential showed as a player Wathan making manegerial debut By IAN QUILLEN iquillen@sungazette.com By the time he reached the Phillies system, Dusty Wathan’s shot to become an everyday major leaguer had come and gone. He’d spent parts of eight seasons in triple-A baseball — with three organizations — when he joined the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Red Barons in 2006. In that time, he got the call only once, when he went 3-for5 in three games in 2002 for the Kansas City Royals, the team his father John once caught for and later managed. And the catcher and first baseman hadn’t played more than 100 games a season since double-A ball in 1997. But perhaps that made his gameday approach even more impressive to the Phillies brass. “You could tell as a player he would be a good manager,” recalled Phillies minor league director Steve Noworyta. “By the ground balls — he ran out every ball. By the work ethic behind the plate. What he did to prepare for games. You could see it.” He was still a competent role-player, batting .272 in 75 games last year at triple-A Ottawa. And he hit .273 for his minor league career. But, now 34, perhaps the Phillies were already planning his CRAIG S. McKIBBEN JR/Sun-Gazette Cutters manager Dusty Wathan, left, is the son of former Kansas City Royals catcher and manager John Wathan. coaching debut when they signed him. Which is fine for the Williamsport Crosscutters, who welcome Wathan in his managerial debut for the 2008 season, back to a level he hasn’t played at since 1995. “It’s almost like starting all over again, yet looking at it Hitting coach: Eric Valent through a different window,” said Wathan, who spend the past two-plus months at Philadelphia’s extended spring training program in Clearwater, Fla. “It’s a situation where you can remember being there and you think about what things were going through your head. Now you’re on the other side, knowing what’s going on in the organization, and kind of trying to put yourself in some of these young guys’ heads.” Wathan says he’s been given free reign to learn on his own. And it may help to have a staff that is similarly green. Pitching coach Bill Bliss is the veteran in only his third season of coaching, while hitting coach Eric Valent is also a coaching rookie. It could also be a good fit for the New York-Penn League, where the tradition is to evaluate newlydrafted talent first, and try to hone it second. Much like his players — most of whom are in their first or second professional seasons — Wathan admits he may learn the most from his screw ups. “Basically, I’ve been told, ‘Hey, you know how to play the game, you know, and you played the game pretty hard. You know what to do. So, go get ‘em’,” Wathan said. “I think it will be one of those things where I’m learning by failure or not doing the right thing. Hopefully I don’t have to be told anything.” Said Phillies minor league field coordinator Bill Dancy: “Dusty is just absorbing the knowledge of game itself. ... Of the people I’ve been around who are in their first year, he’s been outstanding.” As much as anything, Wathan and his staff will try to pass on the culture of professionalism to their players, who are mostly recent college draftees, or call-ups from extended. It’s about lifestyle, outlook, thought process and approach more than tactics or tendencies. “Playing every day is a grind,” Wathan said. “You can say it, you can write it down on paper, you can show them a schedule. But until you live it, you don’t know what it’s all about.” He does have one request of the college players, though. “I’m hoping we can keep the guys in the dugout after our first home run,” Wathan said. Pitching coach: Bill Bliss Valent hit for cycle Bliss making return in 2004 with Mets stay to Bowman By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com For most players, when they leave a franchise in the professional league, they don’t always get the chance to come back later and be with them again. But for Eric Valent, that’s exactly what happened. Valent, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round in 1998, is now the hitting coach for the Williamsport Crosscutters, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. “This is who I wanted to come to work with,” Valent said.“It’s just a great organization with great people.” VALENT Valent, whose pro career lasted until 2006, played in the minor leagues for Phillies affiliates Clearwater and Reading, among other teams, before playing for the Phillies, Reds, and Mets in the majors. He hit for the cycle with the Mets in 2004, which is one of his biggest professional accomplishments. But to him though, there’s not much of a difference between the pros and minors. “The only difference is travel, stadiums, salary and competition, but that’s all at different stages in guys’ careers,” Valent said. “There’s going to be some guys who dominate this league and there’s going to be some that struggle and that typically occurs in the Major Leagues as well.” Although Valent had a brief absence from baseball, he says that there was no adjustment needed when he came to Williamsport. Valent said he will be both mentally and physically there for his players Valent plans on taking his experiences of coaches he’s had in his career and using that to help his players. “I want to kind of blend it into what I believe in and what the Phillies promote and to be there for these guys and get them ready to work,” Valent said. For Bill Bliss, this is his second year in Williamsport with the Crosscutters as their pitching coach and third with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, and he said what he looks forward to every year is the new players. “To see how they have success, grow during the course of the year and see how well the guys that were here last year are doing at Lakewood and Clearwater,” Bliss said. “That’s the rewarding part of it.” Lakewood (N.J.) is Williamsport’s low-A team in the South Atlantic BLISS League and Clearwater is Williamsport’s high-A team in the Florida State League. The Crosscutters take players up from the Gulf Coast League. Bliss, a second pick by the Chicago Cubs in 1991, played in that organization for four years. He then played for three years with Colorado Rockies system and scouted for the Baltimore Orioles for four years. This is Bliss’ third year as a minor-league pitching coach. “Every pitcher gets some individual attention during that week no matter what,” Bliss said.“Whether it be what they’re not doing well right now or maybe it’s one of their weaknesses, we try and focus on that to prepare them so it isn’t as much of a weakness at the next level.” The difference between the majors and minors, according to Bliss, is just consistency. Bliss tries to get players used to pro ball and the daily grind. He has his pitchers focus on fastball command and location. “It’s a little different pitching here than in high school or college because we use the fastball more,” Bliss said. Bliss expects his pitchers to throw strikes, compete, work fast and be fundamentally sound overall.. APPLIANCE “Service After the Sale” LYCOMING CREEK RD. Spend your Tax Rebate Wisely... ...and Upgrade Your Appliances... Reliever turned down Coach K offer at Duke By JON GERARDI jgerardi@sungazette.com When Michael Schwimer was recruited to play baseball at Duke and then later found out he could play basketball there, he was extremely happy to be able to play both. At 6-foot-8, Schwimer definitely had an advantage in both sports. However, Duke didn’t recruit Schwimer for basketball. He went to Duke first for baseball and then met with coach Mike Krzyzewski about playing basketball. Krzyzewski saw film of Schwimer playing basketball while at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes high school in Alexandria, Va. “I realized that baseball’s my dream and I really wanted to play baseball,” Schwimer said. S ch w i mer was selected in the 2008 draft by the Phillies as one of their p i t c h e r s. Schwimer is also the SCHWIMER tallest player on the Crosscutters. “Being a 6-8 pitcher is always an advantage,” Schwimer said. He was 3-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 14 saves in 26 games this spring at Virginia. Schwimer said he prefers baseball over basketball because of the more one-onone aspect of the game. “Obviously it’s still a team game, but the one on one pitcher versus hitter aspect is what really appeals to me,” Schwimer said. Schwimer loved basketball because of its being a frantic sport and the intellectual aspect of it. Schwimer said that because he wasn’t nearly as athletic as a lot of other better players that played that he outsmarted other players to get an advantage. There was a big difference with playing baseball every day and playing basketball every day, he said. “I can play baseball a lot longer with a lot more fun,” Schwimer said. “Basketball got kind of tedious at the end and it’s the exact same things, whereas baseball, there’s a game everyday, it keeps you in the game and is very exciting.” ...with a Whirlpool Energy Star® Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher or Washer & Dryer! “People & Products you can Depend on” 2098 Lycoming Creek Rd, Williamsport • Mon-Thurs 9:30-5:30 / Fri til 8 / Sat till 3 323-8483 Crosscutters 2007 Williamsport Crosscutters statistics BATTERS AVG G AB R Bacsu, Kirk .152 14 33 3 * Brown, Dominic .295 74 285 43 Cuevas, Phillip .250 40 100 12 * Demmink, Herman .182 6 11 0 Durant, Michael .236 52 178 19 # Galvis, Freddy .203 38 143 20 Kennelly, Timothy .235 39 115 6 Mach, Tyler .287 65 247 33 Mangum, Caleb .257 48 136 18 Mitchell, Derrick .231 62 221 27 Morales, Jaime .000 4 7 0 Myers, D'Arby .240 46 179 28 Penprase, Zachary .121 16 33 2 * Prall, Rich .222 3 9 3 * Rizzotti, Matthew .260 63 215 26 * Robbins, Alan .227 7 22 2 * Sorgi, Adam .198 35 91 10 * Spencer, Matthew .263 51 179 21 Taylor, Michael .227 66 233 30 Williams, Jermaine .088 26 68 6 Winn, Dennis .091 4 11 0 Yarbrough, Charlie .400 2 5 0 Team Total .241 76 2521 309 PITCHERS W-L ERA G GS Austin, Richard 1-4 2.66 12 0 Brummett, Tyson 5-5 3.40 15 12 Chapman, Chance 5-3 2.09 14 14 * Diekman, Jacob 2-1 2.25 3 3 Dumont, Paige 2-0 4.03 16 0 * Escalona, Sergio 2-2 7.57 7 7 Freeman, Jarrod 0-3 4.15 9 4 Garcia, Edgar 1-0 2.16 2 1 * German, Matt 0-1 1.23 15 0 * Gomez, Abel 0-0 29.08 4 0 * Harris, William 1-1 4.80 4 3 * Jeanes, Nate 0-0 8.10 2 0 Kissock, Christopher 2-3 3.74 13 2 Lin, Yen-Feng 0-2 3.64 19 0 * Melendez, Moises 1-0 2.76 9 0 Mitchinson, Scott 0-2 3.21 3 3 Naylor, Drew 8-6 3.28 14 14 Pena, Carlos 1-1 4.15 18 0 Rhoads, Christopher 0-0 2.37 7 0 Rocchio, Joseph 0-1 2.87 12 2 * Savery, Joe 2-3 2.73 7 7 Schlitter, Brian 0-0 0.00 1 0 * Tejeda, Walter 0-4 6.65 8 3 Wertz, Luke 1-0 0.00 3 1 Team Total 34-42 3.55 76 76 KEY: * - lefthanded hitter/pitcher, # - switch hitter H 5 84 25 2 42 29 27 71 35 51 0 43 4 2 56 5 18 47 53 6 1 2 608 CG 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2B 1 11 2 1 8 5 7 19 9 15 0 7 0 1 19 3 3 10 14 0 1 1 137 SHO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 3B 0 5 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 SV 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 23 HR 0 3 0 0 5 0 2 5 1 6 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 9 6 1 0 0 41 SVO 4 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 8 0 0 0 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 28 RBI 3 32 8 0 23 7 8 38 10 27 1 17 1 1 27 1 5 26 33 5 0 1 274 IP 20.1 76.2 77.2 16.0 29.0 27.1 30.1 8.1 22.0 4.1 15.0 3.1 33.2 29.2 16.1 14.0 93.1 30.1 19.0 31.1 26.1 2.0 21.2 8.0 656.0 BB 1 27 5 1 14 10 9 21 21 18 0 11 3 0 30 1 8 11 23 4 0 0 218 H 23 71 70 10 25 32 33 6 12 12 12 7 37 25 12 13 78 31 11 24 22 2 30 6 604 IBB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 R 15 34 31 4 13 26 15 2 3 14 11 3 17 16 5 8 39 18 5 17 9 0 20 0 325 SO 8 49 31 4 69 20 23 33 22 59 2 34 7 3 63 3 17 46 53 22 4 2 574 ER 6 29 18 4 13 23 14 2 3 14 8 3 14 12 5 5 34 14 5 10 8 0 16 0 259 SB 0 14 4 0 0 9 2 1 1 5 0 11 2 0 0 0 2 3 8 1 0 0 63 HR 2 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 3 0 1 3 2 3 1 0 0 2 0 30 CS 0 7 3 0 0 4 1 2 0 1 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 30 HB 2 4 1 1 2 2 7 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 7 1 1 3 0 1 1 0 40 OBP .200 .356 .283 .250 .301 .255 .296 .362 .358 .312 .000 .286 .194 .222 .355 .250 .284 .320 .300 .139 .091 .400 .309 BB 9 14 20 8 9 19 11 2 9 6 4 1 9 17 8 5 28 6 2 15 13 0 5 2 222 SLG .182 .400 .290 .273 .365 .252 .348 .441 .346 .389 .000 .296 .121 .333 .386 .364 .231 .469 .365 .132 .182 .600 .353 IBB 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 OPS .382 .756 .573 .523 .666 .507 .644 .803 .704 .701 .000 .583 .316 .556 .741 .614 .515 .789 .665 .271 .273 1.000 .663 SO 17 55 67 11 27 26 21 11 28 3 19 2 26 21 14 17 97 34 15 26 22 1 10 9 579 SF 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 17 BK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 SAC 1 0 2 0 0 3 2 0 4 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 25 WP 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 0 25 Year-by-year results HBP DP 1 0 2 1 0 4 0 0 3 3 0 1 1 0 9 5 1 2 8 6 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 3 5 0 2 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 39 41 GO/AO DP 0.77 2 1.95 5 1.85 9 1.00 3 3.62 1 2.87 5 0.78 3 0.30 0 1.50 2 0.13 0 2.22 3 1.33 1 1.79 5 0.72 1 0.89 0 0.35 0 1.02 7 0.90 1 1.69 2 4.58 2 1.24 1 0.67 0 0.79 1 0.67 0 1.26 54 1B 2B 3B SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 30 0 1 1 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 3 0 16 0 0 56 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 5 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 3 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 110 WHIP AVG AB TBF 1.57 .277 83 98 1.11 .240 296 317 1.16 .233 300 325 1.13 .189 53 63 1.17 .225 111 123 1.87 .302 106 128 1.45 .284 116 137 0.96 .200 30 32 0.95 .160 75 88 4.15 .522 23 32 1.07 .203 59 63 2.40 .500 14 15 1.37 .274 135 146 1.42 .227 110 131 1.22 .211 57 68 1.29 .241 54 60 1.14 .228 342 383 1.22 .258 120 128 0.68 .177 62 68 1.24 .212 113 135 1.33 .214 103 116 1.00 .222 9 10 1.62 .353 85 97 1.00 .200 30 32 1.26 .243 2486 2795 OF 0 74 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 1 0 0 0 0 45 55 22 0 0 C 13 0 0 1 0 0 17 0 48 0 0 0 0 3 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 7 11 0 6 4 6 12 8 26 1 1 3 0 2 0 5 5 5 0 1 0 SF 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 23 GF 10 2 0 0 7 0 1 0 11 2 0 0 5 14 4 0 0 8 1 3 0 1 2 2 73 HLD 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 10 Ian Snell pitched for the Crosscutters in 2001, when they split the New YorkPenn League title with Brooklyn. ASSOCIATED PRESS Jerry Donovan (1903, 1904, 1905) Whammy Douglas (1955) Ryan Doumit (1999) Scott Downs (1998) Carl Doyle (1936) D.J. Dozier (1991) Chris Duffy (2001) Courtney Duncan (1996) Davy Dunkle (1897) Fred Van Dusen (1958) Duffy Dyer (1966, 1967) John Easton (1958) Brad Eldred (2002) Lee Elia (1959, 1960) Luis Encarnacion (1987) Roy Evans (1906) Bob Farley (1964) Al Federoff (1946) Bill Ferazzi (1936) Sid Fernandez (1991) Dan Firova (1976) Clarence Fisher (1925) Harry Fisher (1954) Ray Fitzgerald (1933) Shaun Fitzmaurice (1966) Ken Forsch (1968) Eddie Foster (1908) Paul Foytack (1951, 1952) Walter French (1923, 1935) Barney Friberg (1934) Cy Fried (1927) Danny Friend (1903) Bill Froats (1951) Bob Garbark (1932) Mike Gardiner (1989, 1990) Rob Gardner (1964, 1965) Rod Gaspar (1967) Gary Gentry (1967) Tony Ghelfi (1987) Norm Gigon (1960) Joe Ginsberg (1947) Harry Gleason (1909) "Kid" Gleason (1887) Jerry Goff (1990) Jose Gomez (1991) Geremi Gonzalez (1994) Harry Goorabian (1940) Baxter Gordon Tom Gorzelanny (2003) Alex Grabowski (1933) Milt Graff (1955) Lou Grasmick (1945) Sam Gray (1923) Dallas Green (1959) Fred Green (1955) Julius Green (1928) Alfredo Griffin (1976) Ivy Griffith (1933) Howdie Grosskloss (1933) Johnny Groth (1947, 1948) Harry Gumpert (1933) Randy Gumpert (1937, 1938) "Mule" Haas (1923, 1939) Hinky Haines (1934) Bill Hall (1954) Irv Hall (1941) Jack Hamilton (1961) Lee Hancock (1976) Todd Haney (1990) Jim Hardin (1964, 1965) Bob Harris Ron Hassey (1976) Gene Hasson (1936, 1937) Bill Heath (1962) Fritz Henrich (1925) Frank Henry (1925) Chuck Hensley Bill Hepler John Herrnstein (1960) Mark Higgins (1987, 1988) Bill Hinchman (1905) Eric Hinske (1996) Jerry Hinsley (1965, 1966) Tommy Hinzo (1987) Cal Hogue (1954) Joe Holden (1936, 1937) J.R. House (1999) Chris Howard (1990) Pat Howell (1991) Bill Hunnefield (1924) Warren Huston (1942) A. Rankin Johnson (1941, 1946) Alex Johnson Fergie Jenkins (1962) Bob Johnson (1965, 1966) Jerry Johnson (1964, 1966) Mike Johnston (1999) John Johnstone (1991) Baxter Jordan (1928, 1929) Milt Jordan (1947) Scott Jordan (1988) Mike Joyce (1964) Harry Kappel Ed Keegan (1958, 1959) Walt Kellner (1953) Al Kenders (1962) Russ Kerns (1947) Joe Kiefer (1933) Dennis Kinney (1976) Bill Knowlton (1927, 1928) Nick Koback (1956) Jerry Koosman (1965) Gary Kroll (1961) Lou Kretlow (1946, 1948) "Flip" Lafferty (1884) Tom Lampkin (1990) Norm "King" Lehr (1928-1930) Pat Lennon (1989) George Lerchen (1947, 1948) Glenn Liebhart (1933) Bob Lindeman (1904, 1905) Carl Linhart (1951) Pete Lister (1909, 1910) Ron Locke (1965-1967) Dario Lodigiani (1938) Dick Loftus (1930) Dale Long (1949) Marcelino Lopez (1961) Hector Lopez (1953) Del Lundgren (1925) Johnny Lush (1904, 1905) Jim Lyle (1928-1930) Jerry Lynn (1940) Ed Madjeski (1934) Jim Mahady (1924) Art Mahaffey (1959) Paul Maholm (2003) Leo Mangnum (1938) Walter "Rube" Manning (1904, 1905) Don Manno (1933, 1951) Dick Marlowe (1947, 1949) Ollie Marquart (1934, 1937) Leonillo Marrero Luis Marquez (1961) Tino Martinez (1989) Henry Mason (1961) Walt Masters (1933) Jon Matlack (1967) Earl Mattingly (1934) Bob Mavis (1952) Bill Mazaroski (1954, 1955) Jim McAndrew (1967) Harold McClure (1876) Les McCrabb (1939) Frank McCue (1929) Henry Mcllvane Art McLarney (1933) Marty McManus (1938, 1939) Bob McNamara (1939) Brian McNichol (1996) Gerald McQuaig (1935) Glenn McQuillen (1939) Luis Medina (1987) Jose Melendez (1989) John Merena (1933) Chad Meyers (1996) Johnny Michaels (1933) Bob Miller (1950) Art Mills (1934) Ed Montague (1926) Joe Moock (1965) Bob Moorehead (1965) Charlie Moss (1934) Mike Mowery (1904) Ron Mrozinski (1962) William Mullen (1927) Joe Murray (1953) Dennis Musgraves (1964) Alex Mustaikis (1941, 1942) Tito Navarro (1991) Al Neiger (1959, 1960) Tom Neill (1942) Jeff Nelson (1989) Rod Nichols (1987, 1988) Bill Nicholson (1938) Jose Nieves (1995) Ron Northey (1940, 1941) Phil Norton (1996) Roberto Novoa (2001, 2002) Leo Nunez (2003) Tom O’Hara (1907-1909) Jim Owen Henry Owens (2002) Sam Page (1939) Vernon Parkes (1932) Leroy Parmalee (1927) Len Perme (1947, 1948) Claude Passeau (1934) Tom Patton (1961) Jack Peerson (1936) Henry Peploski (1936, 1937) Jon Perlman (1988) Bill Peterman (1942) Harding Peterson (1955) Bubba Phillips (1951) Mike Poehl (1987, 1988) Tom Poorman (1897) Ned Porter (1928) Grover Powell (1964) Johnny Powers (1955) Tom Qaulters (1961) Hal Quick (1941) Joe Rabbitt (1932) Drew Rader (1925) Jack Radtke (1936) Earl Rapp (1949) Charlie Reddock (1932) Johnny Reder (1935, 1937) Glen Redmon (1976) Jim Reninger (1941) Steve Renko (1966, 1967) Jim Rice (1971) Pat Rice (1989) Duane Richards (1964) Ken Richardson (1939-1942) Don Richmond (1941) Curt Roberts (1956) Saul Rogovin (1944) Les Rohr (1965, 1966) Johnny Roser (1926) Schoolboy Rowe (1951) Emil Roy (1934) Dutch Rudolph (1906, 1907) Dick Rusteck (1964) Nolan Ryan (1966) "Slim" Sallee (1907) Amado Samuel (1964) Bobby Sanders (1962, 1964) John Sanders (1967) Jack Sanford (1956) Ted Savage (1960) Don Savidge (1927) Dutch Scheesler (1931) Jay Schleuter (1968) Al Schmeltz (1967) Bob Schmidt (1965) Jerry Schpynski (1953) Ossie Schreckongost (1897) Charlie Scott Jimmy Sebring (1905, 1906) Dwight Seibler (1959, 1960) Don Shaw (1966) Jeff Shaw (1987, 1988) Chris Shelton (2001) John "Monk" Sherlock (1926) John Schockley (1962) Josh Sharpless (2003) Ron Shoop (1952) Year 1886 1887 1888-96 1897 1898-01 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911-22 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 W 42 20 L Pct Att. 35 .545 N/A 21 .488 N/A N/A 34 48 .415 N/A N/A 5 6 .455 N/A No team 61 46 .571 N/A 78 46 .629 N/A 72 55 .567 N/A 86 38 .694 N/A 82 45 .646 N/A 61 53 .535 N/A 60 50 .545 N/A No team 82 42 .661 N/A 87 46 .654 N/A 77 55 .583 N/A 69 65 .515 N/A 56 80 .412 N/A 69 71 .493 N/A 79 60 .568 N/A 74 65 .532 51,660 76 64 .543 N/A 63 76 .453 N/A 64 73 .467 N/A 78 60 .565 N/A 64 69 .481 N/A 78 62 .557 N/A 67 69 .493 50,836 65 74 .468 95,317 71 69 .507 91,889 60 74 .448 57,260 82 55 .599 111,734 76 63 .547 71,316 No team 64 75 .461 63,574 52 85 .381 51,440 59 80 .424 71,514 66 74 .471 87,011 73 68 .518 102,714 66 74 .471 91,848 61 77 .442 76,703 55 84 .396 62,739 Avg. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 743 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 748 1,371 1,313 855 1,631 1,026 915 751 1,029 1,243 1,457 1,312 1,112 903 1952 48 90 .348 52,737 764 1953 65 85 .433 64,572 861 1954 63 77 .451 73,974 1,057 1955 71 66 .518 98,827 1,443 1956 60 78 .435 78,853 1,143 1957 No team 1958 67 65 .508 75,867 1,150 1959 81 60 .574 91,819 1,302 1960 76 62 .551 100,298 1,454 1961 79 61 .564 79,183 1,131 1962 83 57 .593 77,595 1,109 1963 No team 1964 56 84 .401 51,002 729 1965 67 73 .479 65,189 931 1966 68 72 .486 61,873 884 1967 73 66 .525 55,704 801 1968 40 35 .533 28,562 762 1969 39 36 .521 41,581 1,109 1970 28 42 .401 43,599 1,246 1971 30 39 .435 41,875 1,214 1972 22 47 .319 19,038 552 1973-75 No team 1976 48 91 .345 53,757 773 1977-86 No team 1987 60 79 .432 77,140 1,110 1988 66 73 .475 100,586 1,447 1989 63 77 .451 66,767 954 1990 61 79 .436 76,779 1,097 1991 60 79 .432 96,711 1,392 1992-93 No team 1994 26 49 .347 61,233 1,750 1995 37 39 .487 63,192 1,663 1996 43 32 .573 65,089 1,808 1997 29 46 .387 58,795 1,633 1998 39 36 .520 60,718 1,641 1999 32 44 .421 57,548 1,644 2000 29 44 .397 67,220 1,769 2001 48 26 .649 72,258 2,007 2002 48 28 .632 82,006 2,216 2003 46 30 .605 83,346 2,253 2004 34 40 .459 75,785 2,165 2005 44 32 .579 79,253 2,085 2006 28 47 .373 69,510 1,931 2007 34 42 .447 70,884 1,916 Total 4486 4560 .496 3,778,280 Williamsport short-season records Williamsport professional alums in the majors Don Aase (1972) Dick Allen (1962) Tony Alvarez (1999) Wayne Ambler (1939) John Anderson (1958) Larry Anderson (1976) Craig Anderson (1966) Fred Applegate Fred Archer (1937) Orrie Arntzen (1941, 1942) Jim Asbell (1935) Bill Baker (1934) Dave Baldwin (1959, 1960, 1962) Babe Barna (1938) Clyde Barnhart (1918) Dick Barone (1955) Tracey "Dick" Barrett (1925, 1926) Tony Bartirome (1956) Harry Barton (1909) Ed Bauta (1967) Jose Bautista (2001) Bill Bayne (1936, 1937) Chris Beasley (1987) Al Benton (1935) Boze Berger (1932) Jim Bethke (1966) Larry Bettencourt (1938, 1939) Babe Birrer (1949) Jim Bishop (1923) Max Bishop (1918) Brian Bixler (2004) Bud Black (1987) Ron Blackburn (1956) Walter Blair (1904, 1905) Tim Bogar (1991) Joe Boley (1933) Jim Bolger (1952) Frank Bolling (1952) Mark Bomback (1971) Chris Booker (1996, 1997) Ken Boswell (1966) Ossie Van Brabant (1968) Al Brancato (1938, 1939) Tom Brennan (1976) Bernardo Brito (1987) Terry Bross (1991) Adrian Brown (2001) Earl Brown (1932) Joe Brown (1932) Lloyd Brown (1925) Oscar Brown (1968) Paul Brown (1961) Clay Bryant (1932) George Bullard (1952) Jim Bunning (1952) Dave Burba (1989) Bill Burich (1942) Mack Burk (1959) Jeromy Burnitz (1991) George Burns (1927) Ed Butka (1945) Ralph Buxton (1938) Wayne Cage (1976) Fred Caliguiri (1945) Hank Camelli (1938) Joe Campbell (1966) Paul Campbell (1952) Virgil "Rip" Cannell (1909, 1910) Matt Capps (2004) Don Carlsen (1954) D.J. Carrasco (1999) Edgar Carroll (1930) Solly Carter (1931) Danny Cater (1960, 1961) Bill Chamberlin (1934) Jim "Tiny" Chaplin (1927) Chappy Charles (1906) Walt Chipple (1948, 1949) Harry Chozen (1942) Joe Christopher (1955, 1956) Joe Cicero (1934) Stuart Clarke (1933) Gowell Claset (1929) Otis Clymer (1906) Alta Cohen (1936) Oren Collier (1925) Kevin Collins (1966) Adam Comorosky (1926) Bert Conn (1909) Bill Conroy (1936) Dale Coogan (1955) Pat Corrales (1962) Bill Coughlin (1909, 1910) Doc Cramer (1932) Sam Crane (1909) "Birdie" Cree (1907) Pat Creeden (1932) John Crowley (1884) Ray Culp (1962) Tony Curry (1959) Pat Darcy (1970) Hal Daugherty(1949, 1950) Brandy Davis (1956) Harry Davis (1946) Jacke Davis (1959) Rajai Davis (2001) Bobby Del Greco (1954) Joe Delahanty (1906, 1907) Tom Delahanty Rich Delucia (1989) Chris DeMaria (2002, 2003) Gene Desautels (1948) Frank Dessau (1906, 1907) George Detore (1947) Bo Diaz (1976) Steve Dillon (1965) Art Doll (1941) 11 Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Friday, June 20, 2008 John Shovlin (1910) Harry Shuman (1936) Jose Silva (2001) Curt Simmons (1959) Joe Skalski (1987) Jack Slattery (1904) Joe Smaza (1950) Bernie Smith (1964-1967) Carr Smith (1929, 1930) Edgar Smith (1935, 1936) Jason Smith (1997) Ian Snell (Oquendo) (2001) Bill Sorrell (1962) Danny Sothern (1933) Glenn Spencer (1933) Justin Speier (1995) Bob Spicer (1953) George Staller (1953) Eddy Stanky (1936, 1937) Craig Stansberry (2003) Bill Steineke (1936) Bobby Stevens Bill Stewart (1953 Harry Stovey Gabby Street Ralph Stroud (1909) John L. Sullivan (1924) Russ Sullivan (1948, 1949) Bill Swift (1990) Ron Swoboda (1964) Doug Taitt (1937) Wally Tauscher (1925-1927) Joe Taylor (1953) Scott Taylor (1989) Dick Teed (1962) Dave Telgheder (1991) Jim Tennant (1932) Nate Teut (1997) Luther "Bud" Thomas (1934) Otis Thornton (1968) Mike Tiernan (1884) George Turbeville (1936) Bill Tuttle (1952) Johnny Tyler (1942) Bob Unglaub (1906, 1907) Rogelio Valdes (1944) John VanBenschoten (2001) Ozzie Van Brabant (1953) Fred Van Dusen (1958, 1959) Hy Vandenberg (1934) Ismael Villegas (1996) Bill Virdon (1966) Phil Voyles (1927-1930) Bill Wakefield (1966) Mike Walker (1987, 1988) Bucky Walters (1930, 1931) John "Montgomery" Ward (1877) Jack Warhop (1908) Jim Waugh (1956) Dick Welteroth (1944, 1945) Tony Welzer (1931) Buzz Wetzel (1925) Woody Wheaton (1936, 1937) Ernie Whitt (1972) Kevin Wickander (1988) David Williams (1999) Dewey Williams (1941) Mike Wilson (1924) Bobby Wine (1959) Andy Woehrs (1923, 1924) Harry Wolfe (1910) Roger Wolff (1940, 1941) Harry Wolverton Kerry Wood (1995) Mike Wuertz (1998) John "Weldy" Wyckoff (1923) Al Yates (1965, 1966) Rich Yett (1987) Jr. (Walter) Young (2000, 2001) Pep Young (1933) Russ Young Eddie Yount (1937) Joe Zapustas (1934) Jose Zardon (1944) Sam Zoldak (1941, 1942) Julio Zuleta (1996, 1997) PITCHING RECORDS WINS No. Courtney Duncan 11 (t)Steve Foran 10 (t)Josh Shortslef 10 Mike McFarland 9 (t) Juan Rodriguez 8 (t)Jim Vosk 8 (t) Roberto Novoa 8 LOSSES No. (t) Barry Fennell 10 (t) Don Aase 10 Dave Weber 9 Fernando Navas 8 George Wolger 7 EARNED RUN AVG. No. Ian Oquendo 1.39 40+ innings Landon Jacobsen 1.41 Antonio Santiago 1.55 Russ Rothermell 1.81 Alex Hart 1.85 GAMES PLAYED No. Roark Birsner 31 (t) Jairo Diaz 30 (t) Justin Speier 30 Kevin Miller 29 (t) Dustin Craig 28 (t) Chris Brown 28 (t) Len Hart 28 GAMES STARTED No. Steve Foran 16 (t) Nick Gravelle 15 (t) Felix Montilla 15 (t) Courtney Duncan 15 (t) Ron Licciardi 15 (t) Elvis Polanco 15 (t) Chris Rojas 15 COMPLETE GAMES No. Steve Foran 7 (t) Jeff Beattie 6 (t) Jim Vosk 6 (t) Bill Fewox 6 (t) Kim Hillstrom 6 SHUTOUTS No. Steve Foran 3 (t) Kim Hillstrom 2 (t) Bill Schwar 2 (t) Larry Sheanshang 2 (t) Dan Evans 2 SAVES No. Jeff Miller 15 Justin Speier 12 Olivo Astacio 11 Dustin Craig 11 (t)Jason Kelly 10 (t) Felix Montilla 10 INNINGS PITCHED No. Mike McFarland 120 Steve Foran 117 Dan Evans 104 Tom Lehman 101 Jim Vosk 96 STRIKEOUTS No. Steve Foran 138 Mike McFarland 101 Drew Naylor 97 Courtney Duncan 91 Jim Vosk 87 TEAM RECORDS SHUTOUTS No. 9 9 9 8 8 COMPLETE GAMES No. 35 28 19 19 19 TEAM ERA No. 2.64 2.91 3.24 3.38 3.43 TEAM SAVES No. (t)23 (t) 23 21 21 21 TEAM WINS No. 48 48 46 44 43 Year 1996 1971 2002 1968 2001 1971 2002 Year 1997 1972 1994 1972 1970 Year 2001 2000 1997 1969 2002 Year 1996 1995 1995 2005 2004 1998 1996 Year 1971 2002 2000 1996 1996 1997 1999 Year 1971 1968 1971 1972 1969 Year 1971 1969 1972 1970 1968 Year 2001 1995 2006 2004 1997 1999 Year 1968 1971 1968 1969 1971 Year 1971 1968 2007 1996 1971 Year 1971 1968 1969 2002 2003 Year 1969 1968 1970 1971 1972 Year 2003 2001 2006 1995 1998 Year 2001 2007 2002 2003 2005 Year 2002 2001 2003 2005 1996 BATTING RECORDS AVERAGE (100+ AB) No. Marty J. Gazarek .376 Lambert Ford .368 Ron Walker .349 Oscar Brown .346 Nyjer Morgan .343 GAMES PLAYED No. Jerry Salzano 75 Dominic Brown 74 Mike Moreno 73 (t)Saul Bustos 72 (t)Brad Eldred 72 (t)Nyjer Morgan 72 (t) Steven Pearce 72 AT BATS No. Mike Moreno 286 Dominic Brown 285 Jerry Salzano 283 James Boone 278 (t)Jose Nieves 276 (t)Brad Eldred 276 RUNS SCORED No. Mike Moreno 51 (t)Donnie McLaughlin 50 (t) Chris Duffy 50 (t)Terry Joseph 49 (t) Nyjer Morgan 49 HITS No. Nyjer Morgan 92 Lambert Ford 88 Dominic Brown 84 Jorge Cortes 83 Steven Pearce 82 DOUBLES No. Steven Pearce 26 Mike Cockrell 23 Brad Eldred 22 Eric Hinske 20 (t)Chris Bass 19 (t) Tyler Mach 19 TRIPLES No. Terry Joseph 10 Alex Presley 8 Manny Ravelo 7 (t) Gerald Connell 6 (t) Oscar Brown 6 (t) Anthony Bocchino 6 (t) Brad Corley 6 HOME RUNS No. Larry Mansfield 21 Junior Young 13 (t)Jack Baker 12 (t)Chet Lucas 12 Brad Eldred 10 RUNS BATTED IN No. Marty Cott 58 Eric Hinske 57 Marty Cott 52 Steven Pearce 52 Larry Mansfield 51 WALKS No. Jim Johnson 53 Lambert Ford 49 Larry Mansfield 48 Scott Viera 46 Jorge Cortes 44 STRIKEOUTS No. Henry DeLaCruz 90 James Boone 85 Jon Pagan 75 Brad Eldred 74 AJ Johnson 73 STOLEN BASES No. Tony Alvarez 38 Chris Duffy 30 Jermel Lomack 29 (t)Manny Ravelo 28 (t) Domingo Cuello 28 ERRORS No. Jose Nieves 33 Les Roos 31 Jerry Salzano 28 Derrik Mitchell 26 Angel Gonzalez 25 Year 1994 1970 1997 1968 2003 Year 1994 2007 1998 1994 2002 2003 2005 Year 1998 2007 1994 2005 1995 2002 Year 1998 1969 2001 1995 2003 Year 2003 1970 2007 2002 2005 Year 2005 2003 2002 1998 2002 2007 Year 1995 2006 2000 1997 1968 2003 2005 Year 1969 2001 1971 1972 2002 Year 1969 1998 1970 2005 1969 Year 1969 1970 1969 1995 2002 Year 1998 2005 2000 2002 2004 Year 1999 2001 2004 2000 2001 Year 1995 1968 1994 2007 2006 An investment this good... should be on the financial page. 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