Former Wild Things manager John Massarelli was named today as the manager of the new club that will begin play in Avon, ON in 2009.
Massarelli led the Wild Things to four consecutive division titles from 2004-07, and was FL Manager of the Year in 2004 and 2006. He has the highest career winning percentage of any manager in league history.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
ThunderBolts Win Championship
Last night the Windy City ThunderBolts beat the Kalamazoo Kings 6-5 to sweep the Kings and win The Fl Championship. The 'Bolts thus become only the second team in the history of the FL to win consecutive titles, the first being Richmond in 2001-02.
Congratulations to the T-Bolts, the organization and their fans on a great 2008 season.
Congratulations to the T-Bolts, the organization and their fans on a great 2008 season.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
New Photo Page added to website
I've just added a fifth page of player photos to the Frontier League History Website.
http://flhistory.gofreeserve.com/photogallery5.htm
http://flhistory.gofreeserve.com/photogallery5.htm
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Playoff game 1 rained out
Tonight's scheduled start of the Frontier League playoff finals was rained out. Games one and two will be played Sunday and Monday in Kalamazoo, with the series moving to Windy City on Tuesday.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
MLB Transactions
Last week former Rascal Josh Kinney was activated from the DL by the Cardinals.
Today former Otter George Sherrill was activated from the DL by the Orioles.
Also today, former Grizzlie Scott Patterson was claimed on waivers by the Padres.
Today former Otter George Sherrill was activated from the DL by the Orioles.
Also today, former Grizzlie Scott Patterson was claimed on waivers by the Padres.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Mike Breyman's Finale
In the last home game of his Frontier League career, Mike Breyman moved to the pitcher's mound and struck out former teammate Manny Paula. Mike was then lifted and play halted for a brief ceremony honoring one of the league's greats.
Richard Austin
Former Capital and RiverHawks Richard Austin had an outstanding summer for the Bologna Hawks in Italy. Austin led the league in home runs (10), RBI (50) and slugging (.652), tied for the lead in runs (43), and was second in doubles, third in hits and third with a .366 batting average.
Bologna finished on top of the standings with a 34-8 record.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Morgan Burkhart Should Manage the Rascals
It's no secret that River City Rascals manager Toby Rumfield was informed recently that he will not be back in 2009. While In rarely offer my opinions on this blog and stick to reporting news, I am going to opine here, so be warned.
While I don't have any say in the matter, I think Morgan Burkhart should be given consideration as the Rascals' new manager.
Burkhart, 36, is from the St. Louis area and attended Central
Missouri State. He played four years in the Frontier League with the
Richmond Roosters. He was the MVP runner-up in 1995, and won the award
in 1996-97-98. The league's MVP award is now named for him.
Burkhart was played in the majors with Boston in 2000-01 and Kansas
City in 2002. He also played two seasons in Japan and three in Mexico.
His career average was .307 and he hit 243 homers, including a
Frontier League record 86.
Burkhart has the credentials to be a successful manager in the FL. He
played four years in the league, reached the majors, has international
experience, and for the last two seasons has been the hitting coach
for Calgary in the Northern League/Golden League. Last year the club
led the Northern League with a .307 average, and this year's club hit
.318.
While Morgan has no managerial experience, last season Andy Haines led
the Windy City ThunderBolts to a league record for wins and a FL
championship in his first season as a manager, after a few years
coaching in indy ball. Phil Warren has been a manager for two seasons
and the Grizzlies have made the playoffs both years. I believe that
while a background in independent baseball is vital for a successful
manager, experience is less so.
Everyone I have talked to about Morgan mention his intensity, character and teaching ability. And let's face it, Morgan Burkhart belongs in the Frontier League.
While I don't have any say in the matter, I think Morgan Burkhart should be given consideration as the Rascals' new manager.
Burkhart, 36, is from the St. Louis area and attended Central
Missouri State. He played four years in the Frontier League with the
Richmond Roosters. He was the MVP runner-up in 1995, and won the award
in 1996-97-98. The league's MVP award is now named for him.
Burkhart was played in the majors with Boston in 2000-01 and Kansas
City in 2002. He also played two seasons in Japan and three in Mexico.
His career average was .307 and he hit 243 homers, including a
Frontier League record 86.
Burkhart has the credentials to be a successful manager in the FL. He
played four years in the league, reached the majors, has international
experience, and for the last two seasons has been the hitting coach
for Calgary in the Northern League/Golden League. Last year the club
led the Northern League with a .307 average, and this year's club hit
.318.
While Morgan has no managerial experience, last season Andy Haines led
the Windy City ThunderBolts to a league record for wins and a FL
championship in his first season as a manager, after a few years
coaching in indy ball. Phil Warren has been a manager for two seasons
and the Grizzlies have made the playoffs both years. I believe that
while a background in independent baseball is vital for a successful
manager, experience is less so.
Everyone I have talked to about Morgan mention his intensity, character and teaching ability. And let's face it, Morgan Burkhart belongs in the Frontier League.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What A Run It Was
Florence 5, Chillicothe 3
Where do I begin?
Well, for starters, this was it. This was the last game that the Chillicothe Paints would ever play in the Frontier League. How fitting it was that at the opposing dugout for the Florence Freedom, former Chillicothe Paints player and skipper Jamie Keefe would experience the last few games as well. You see, as he would explain during a ceremony for Marty Dunn, Jamie got to where he was because of the help from Marty, Paints owner Chris Hanners, and the late Roger Hanners. Surely, this was emotional for someone like Jamie.
Now if you talk about the home team, the Paints, well, this was clearly emotional as well, because a good chunk of these guys will not be teammates with each other come next summer, and you have to understand why it's so emotional to begin with. Although last night sure felt like the last night, as I got to say goodbye to Travis for the time being, this night was it, and it hit everybody after the game was over.
Here are the final stats. Mike Rocco made the start for the Paints. He pitched for 7 innings on the mound, giving up just one run on 5 hits allowed, while recording 5 K's. Rocco was in the lineup and had alittle fun. Jeff Michael pitched in relief of Rocco, and pitched an inning, giving up 3 hits and a run. Joe Brown pitched some relief and gave up 3 hits and a run. Jeff Vincent, normally an outfielder, got some work on the mound as a pitcher.
The offense went like this; Josh Blackstock had a single. Jeff Vincent had a single and a stolen base. Drew Saylor had two singles and an RBI. Joe Spiers had two singles and an RBI. Sean Anderson went out with a bang, as he had three singles. Gerardo Verastegui had two doubles and an RBI.
I guess the best way that I could sum up the 16 year run in the Frontier League would be this; people here in Ross County really did enjoy having the team around. The diehard fans are always doing their best to make V.A. Memorial Stadium a fun atmosphere and a reliable place to go to. So what if it's near not too desired facilities? This ballpark is our gem, and I am honored to be calling this ballpark our gem. I'm glad we have it here in Chillicothe. For the people that miss out on this experience, it's their loss.
I can't say it enough, the players that you have seen here are great people to be around with and to hang out with. I said goodbye to the other players on this night; Drew Saylor, Stephen Spragg, Marty Wiesler, Ryan Flanigan and all the others. Flanny did one last breakdance at the ballpark during a belated Chicken Dance segment. Hey, it's just like Flanny to be putting on a show for the fans, right?
In these 16 years, it's amazing how far we come, in more ways than one, watching the hottest game on dirt, and then on FieldTurf for as long as we have. The Paints will be back, they'll just be different from these bunch of guys. For sure, you can see me and other fans being right back at the VA, because that's how we are, rooting for the home team.
This is Steven Vitte, blog correspondent and soon to be newspaper article writer, signing off.
Where do I begin?
Well, for starters, this was it. This was the last game that the Chillicothe Paints would ever play in the Frontier League. How fitting it was that at the opposing dugout for the Florence Freedom, former Chillicothe Paints player and skipper Jamie Keefe would experience the last few games as well. You see, as he would explain during a ceremony for Marty Dunn, Jamie got to where he was because of the help from Marty, Paints owner Chris Hanners, and the late Roger Hanners. Surely, this was emotional for someone like Jamie.
Now if you talk about the home team, the Paints, well, this was clearly emotional as well, because a good chunk of these guys will not be teammates with each other come next summer, and you have to understand why it's so emotional to begin with. Although last night sure felt like the last night, as I got to say goodbye to Travis for the time being, this night was it, and it hit everybody after the game was over.
Here are the final stats. Mike Rocco made the start for the Paints. He pitched for 7 innings on the mound, giving up just one run on 5 hits allowed, while recording 5 K's. Rocco was in the lineup and had alittle fun. Jeff Michael pitched in relief of Rocco, and pitched an inning, giving up 3 hits and a run. Joe Brown pitched some relief and gave up 3 hits and a run. Jeff Vincent, normally an outfielder, got some work on the mound as a pitcher.
The offense went like this; Josh Blackstock had a single. Jeff Vincent had a single and a stolen base. Drew Saylor had two singles and an RBI. Joe Spiers had two singles and an RBI. Sean Anderson went out with a bang, as he had three singles. Gerardo Verastegui had two doubles and an RBI.
I guess the best way that I could sum up the 16 year run in the Frontier League would be this; people here in Ross County really did enjoy having the team around. The diehard fans are always doing their best to make V.A. Memorial Stadium a fun atmosphere and a reliable place to go to. So what if it's near not too desired facilities? This ballpark is our gem, and I am honored to be calling this ballpark our gem. I'm glad we have it here in Chillicothe. For the people that miss out on this experience, it's their loss.
I can't say it enough, the players that you have seen here are great people to be around with and to hang out with. I said goodbye to the other players on this night; Drew Saylor, Stephen Spragg, Marty Wiesler, Ryan Flanigan and all the others. Flanny did one last breakdance at the ballpark during a belated Chicken Dance segment. Hey, it's just like Flanny to be putting on a show for the fans, right?
In these 16 years, it's amazing how far we come, in more ways than one, watching the hottest game on dirt, and then on FieldTurf for as long as we have. The Paints will be back, they'll just be different from these bunch of guys. For sure, you can see me and other fans being right back at the VA, because that's how we are, rooting for the home team.
This is Steven Vitte, blog correspondent and soon to be newspaper article writer, signing off.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Playoff Picture Set
Gateway beat Southern Illinois tonight, so the Grizzlies have clinched the final playoff spot. The Miners' loss, combined with the ThunderBolts' win over Rockford, drops them two games back, meaning Windy City has clinched the West Division title. (Traverse City also won, but the Grizzlies hold the tie breaker.)
The regular season ends tomorrow. The playoffs begin Friday, with Gateway at Kalamazoo and Southern Illinois at Windy City.
The regular season ends tomorrow. The playoffs begin Friday, with Gateway at Kalamazoo and Southern Illinois at Windy City.
For A True Friend
Florence 3, Chillicothe 2 (12 innings)
If you want to talk about the game that was played, well, it was one of those close ones that just got away in the later innings. Brian Gartley made the start for the Chillicothe Paints, and this would be his final start for the team. Throughout this season, Gartley has had a rough go at it, though he has gotten some wins under his belt lately. In this game, he pitched pretty well, going 7 innings deep and gave up just one run on 5 hits allowed, while giving up just one walk. He recorded 8 K's.
Jeff Michael, Stephen Spragg and Edwin Walker all made relief appearances in the game. Unfortunately, I didn't write down what they did, because I was down there near the Paints' dugout for the last few innings, including the extra innings. I'll explain why I was down there in a minute.
Now for the offense, Josh Blackstock had a single and an RBI triple. Drew Saylor had two infield singles. Adrian Cantu had a single. Zach Rodghero had a single. Sean Anderson had a single and a stolen base.
Travis Garcia had two singles, an RBI, and a stolen base in his final game as a Chillicothe Paint. Undeniably the best shortstop in the history of the Frontier League, Travis has indeed set the bar for those wanting to play at the type of the level that he was at. Not only that, but he is a true leader, and a true friend. Every single day, I have been going out to the Party Deck over near left field to talk to the Paints players. I haven't made a bigger connection than I have with Travis Garcia.
I spent some time during the last moments of this game to talk with him as he was sitting on the bench past the Paints' dugout. That's all that matters if you really think about it. Sitting down and chatting it up with a true friend of yours. I could say all I want about Travis Garcia, the baseball player, and how he does on the field is great, but it is so much more of an honor when I can talk about Travis Garcia, the person.
You see, Travis and I know each other real well now, and to think that it only took 2 seasons to become true freinds and reliable buddies to talk to. I appreciate the fact that Travis is moving on to the South Martland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League, (he will be there shortly), and just like everytime before a Paints game, I still wish him well for the Blue Crabs, and I truly hope that this is the break he needs to have one more shot in affiliated ball and beyond. You never say never.
The thing is, this is hard for me, because I watched him play for my hometown for these past 3 seasons, dating back to 2006, and I have gained so much respect for him in that time. I enjoy seeing him do what he does on the field, and you can tell that he gets it. To think that he started his indy baseball career on that bus for the Ohio Valley Redcoats in the 2005 FL season, and to see where he will be...in a truly fantastic looking ballpark in South Maryland, it really is hard, and absolutely near impossible, I might add, not to root for a guy as pure as Travis Garcia.
It is a shame we can't have more guys like him in sports in general.
If you want to talk about the game that was played, well, it was one of those close ones that just got away in the later innings. Brian Gartley made the start for the Chillicothe Paints, and this would be his final start for the team. Throughout this season, Gartley has had a rough go at it, though he has gotten some wins under his belt lately. In this game, he pitched pretty well, going 7 innings deep and gave up just one run on 5 hits allowed, while giving up just one walk. He recorded 8 K's.
Jeff Michael, Stephen Spragg and Edwin Walker all made relief appearances in the game. Unfortunately, I didn't write down what they did, because I was down there near the Paints' dugout for the last few innings, including the extra innings. I'll explain why I was down there in a minute.
Now for the offense, Josh Blackstock had a single and an RBI triple. Drew Saylor had two infield singles. Adrian Cantu had a single. Zach Rodghero had a single. Sean Anderson had a single and a stolen base.
Travis Garcia had two singles, an RBI, and a stolen base in his final game as a Chillicothe Paint. Undeniably the best shortstop in the history of the Frontier League, Travis has indeed set the bar for those wanting to play at the type of the level that he was at. Not only that, but he is a true leader, and a true friend. Every single day, I have been going out to the Party Deck over near left field to talk to the Paints players. I haven't made a bigger connection than I have with Travis Garcia.
I spent some time during the last moments of this game to talk with him as he was sitting on the bench past the Paints' dugout. That's all that matters if you really think about it. Sitting down and chatting it up with a true friend of yours. I could say all I want about Travis Garcia, the baseball player, and how he does on the field is great, but it is so much more of an honor when I can talk about Travis Garcia, the person.
You see, Travis and I know each other real well now, and to think that it only took 2 seasons to become true freinds and reliable buddies to talk to. I appreciate the fact that Travis is moving on to the South Martland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League, (he will be there shortly), and just like everytime before a Paints game, I still wish him well for the Blue Crabs, and I truly hope that this is the break he needs to have one more shot in affiliated ball and beyond. You never say never.
The thing is, this is hard for me, because I watched him play for my hometown for these past 3 seasons, dating back to 2006, and I have gained so much respect for him in that time. I enjoy seeing him do what he does on the field, and you can tell that he gets it. To think that he started his indy baseball career on that bus for the Ohio Valley Redcoats in the 2005 FL season, and to see where he will be...in a truly fantastic looking ballpark in South Maryland, it really is hard, and absolutely near impossible, I might add, not to root for a guy as pure as Travis Garcia.
It is a shame we can't have more guys like him in sports in general.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wild Card Update, Sept. 1
Today's winners: Gateway, Windy City, Traverse City
Today's losers: Rockford, Southern Illinois
Windy City takes sole possession of first place in the FL West, one game ahead of Southern Illinois.
Gateway remains in the wild card lead, a game ahead of Traverse City.
Rockford is two games out and eliminated, since the best they can do is tie Gateway and the Grizzlies hold the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series 7-5.
The Grizzlies also hold the tiebreaker with the Beach Bums, winning the season series 5-1. That means unless the Miners beat the Grizzlies the next two nights and the Beach Bums beat the Kings twice, the Grizzlies will be the final wild card team.
Today's losers: Rockford, Southern Illinois
Windy City takes sole possession of first place in the FL West, one game ahead of Southern Illinois.
Gateway remains in the wild card lead, a game ahead of Traverse City.
Rockford is two games out and eliminated, since the best they can do is tie Gateway and the Grizzlies hold the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series 7-5.
The Grizzlies also hold the tiebreaker with the Beach Bums, winning the season series 5-1. That means unless the Miners beat the Grizzlies the next two nights and the Beach Bums beat the Kings twice, the Grizzlies will be the final wild card team.
A Win Is A Win
Florence 3, Chillicothe 4
This was a game that was played pretty solid by the Chillicothe Paints, and only during the ninth inning did things begin to get pretty shaky. Still though, the game was won in the end as the Paints hung on. The ninth inning had drama, and the visiting Florence Freedom provided that.
Andrew McCormick made his final start in a Paints uniform in this game, and he didn't hold anything back. He pitched the best he could and it was what anyone would've asked for. McCormcik went 8 and 1/3 innings deep and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits allowed, while giving up 3 walks. he struck out 4 batters.
He ran into trouble in that ninth inning, and would give way to Edwin Walker, who had alittle trouble of his own, walking a couple batters. Two more runs were given up on a defensive mistake. In came the lefty veteran Joe Brown, and even though he gave up a walk, he managed to close the game out and get his team the victory.
For the offense, Josh Blackstock had a single. Travis Garcia had a double. Drew Saylor had an RBI single. Adrian Cantu had a 2-RBI double and a single. Jeff Vincent had an infield single and a stolen base. Zach Rodeghero got an RBI off a groundout. Bubba Garcia had a single.
Overall, this was a good game. It went by fairly fast, and the Paints' defense played pretty solid until the last couple innings. They got in enough offense, and the pitching was for the most part superb. You can't really ask for anything else other than a less shaky ending.
This was a game that was played pretty solid by the Chillicothe Paints, and only during the ninth inning did things begin to get pretty shaky. Still though, the game was won in the end as the Paints hung on. The ninth inning had drama, and the visiting Florence Freedom provided that.
Andrew McCormick made his final start in a Paints uniform in this game, and he didn't hold anything back. He pitched the best he could and it was what anyone would've asked for. McCormcik went 8 and 1/3 innings deep and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits allowed, while giving up 3 walks. he struck out 4 batters.
He ran into trouble in that ninth inning, and would give way to Edwin Walker, who had alittle trouble of his own, walking a couple batters. Two more runs were given up on a defensive mistake. In came the lefty veteran Joe Brown, and even though he gave up a walk, he managed to close the game out and get his team the victory.
For the offense, Josh Blackstock had a single. Travis Garcia had a double. Drew Saylor had an RBI single. Adrian Cantu had a 2-RBI double and a single. Jeff Vincent had an infield single and a stolen base. Zach Rodeghero got an RBI off a groundout. Bubba Garcia had a single.
Overall, this was a good game. It went by fairly fast, and the Paints' defense played pretty solid until the last couple innings. They got in enough offense, and the pitching was for the most part superb. You can't really ask for anything else other than a less shaky ending.
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