Baseball America announces All-Independent Leagues Team
Edinburg, TX; October 12, 2007 - The United League of Professional Baseball (ULB) today announced that shortstop Nelson Teilon of the Edinburg Coyotes, as well as, pitchers Justin Dowdy and Adam Cox both of the Alexandria Aces have been named to Baseball America's All-Independent Leagues Team.
Teilon, the 2007 ULB Player of the Year was named to the first team. Teilon lead all of United League Baseball in batting average (.364), runs batted in (92), doubles (30), and slugging percentage (.617), and was just two homeruns shy of winning the triple crown with 21 homeruns. Teilon set new single season league records for RBIs, doubles, and slugging percentage. His offensive numbers in 2007 were all career highs for the 27 year old infielder.
Justin Dowdy joins Teilon as a first team selection. In 2007, Dowdy set a new ULB record for saves in a season with 24. He ended the season with a 2-3 record to go along with a 1.37 ERA. In 48 appearances this year, Dowdy threw 52.2 innings, striking out 102, walking 23, while opponents hit .119 off him. Following the conclusion of season, Dowdy had his contract purchased by the Oakland Athletics.
Named to the second team was Adam Cox, who had his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox. Even though he was picked up during the season, Cox was tops in the league with a 12-2 record and an ERA of 2.38. Adam's 12 wins this season set a new ULB record. He also recorded 117 strikeouts in 105.2 innings, while issuing only 46 walks. For his achievements, Cox was also named the ULB's 2007 Pitcher of the Year.
"Congratulations to these three individuals," said United League President Craig Brasfield. "They have all been a big part of the overall success of the United League; and we wish them all continued success next season and beyond."
United League Baseball is an independent league of six professional baseball teams located in Texas and Louisiana. The United League is preparing for their third season this summer with teams located in Amarillo, Edinburg, Laredo, Harlingen, and San Angelo, Texas; and Alexandria, Louisiana.
All-Independent Leagues Team
First Team
Pos. Player, Team (League) AVG OBP SLG AB R H HR RBI SB
C Luis Alen, Winnipeg (Northern) .333 .396 .453 285 43 95 3 44 2
C: Kelley Gulledge, Fort Worth (American Association). 1B: Mike Breyman, Gateway (Frontier). 2B: Rob Watson, Kansas City (Northern). SS: Travis Garcia, Chillicothe (Frontier). OF: Jon Armitage, Gateway (Frontier); Carl Everett, Long Island (Atlantic); Jeremy Pickrel, New Haven (Can-Am). DH: Sandy Madera, New Jersey (Can-Am). SP: Brian Adams, (Atlantic), Adam Cox, Alexandria (United); Pat Mahomes, Sioux Falls (American Association). RP: Derrick DePriest, Lancaster (Atlantic).
The United League announced today, that they have named Dave Kost as General Manager of their team located in Harlingen Texas. Kost comes to Harlingen after spending the last two seasons in Amarillo (TX) as the Assistant General Manager of the Amarillo Dillas. During his tenure with Amarillo, the Dillas set United League attendance records in both 2006 and 2007. "Dave was an integral part of the success we have enjoyed here in Amarillo", stated Amarillo Dillas' General Manager Mark Lee. "He brings with him a great deal of leadership, professionalism, and baseball experience", added Lee. "Harlingen's gain will certainly be our loss".
The Amarillo Dillas began play in the United League at the same time as Kost's new team; however the results have been at both ends of the spectrum. The Harlingen club has struggled under previous leadership and it will be Kost's chance to turn the club around. "I'm both excited and honored to be named as the General Manager in Harlingen", said Kost. "League ownership and management certainly had many options available to them to fill the vacancy here, but they chose me to lead this organization and I am extremely humbled that my name was at the top of their list", added Kost. "Dave has done an outstanding job for our league in his previous capacity and we are confident that his knowledge, leadership, and love for the game, will lead to great things under his watch in Harlingen", said United League President Craig Brasfield.
Baseball is no stranger to Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley, with professional baseball having been played here since the early 1920's. Over the decades, Harlingen has been host to both affiliated and independent baseball and has witnessed some of the games greats stroll inside the hallowed grounds of Harlingen Field. "Baseball has a rich tradition not only in the Rio Grande Valley but equally, if not more, right here in Harlingen", said Kost.
Over the years, teams that have played in Harlingen have had great success including the WhiteWings recent battle with the Alexandria Aces for the United League Championship in late August. The best of seven series didn't end the way that WhiteWings fans would have liked it to, with Alexandria sweeping the post season with four straight victories, but for the most part, it can be categorized as a good year. Despite the competitive play on the field and a trip to the "World Series", if you will, something was missing at the ballpark during the season resulting in lackluster attendance, at least by United League standards.
That missing piece of the puzzle will be the challenge for Kost and his staff to figure out. "We have a great ballpark, loyal fans, and a beautiful city", said Kost. "We have to put together a game plan that centers on affordable family entertainment", added Kost. "Minor league baseball isn't about baseball it's about the fan experience, the game is going to be played at 7:05 regardless of how many people are in the ballpark", said Kost. "Our mission has to be to create an atmosphere that is conducive to fun and inclusive to families, we have to get families back to the ballpark, it's just that simple and we will", added Kost.
The atmosphere of baseball is the staple of its very existence and most everyone can identify with the smell of freshly popped popcorn, the smell of freshly mowed grass and the crack of a wood bat, but what really does make baseball special, one might ask themselves that very question. "What makes baseball unique is, that a ballpark is a place where kids can run around and it's ok, it's that place where people come together to form relationships with a common ground. That - is the very fiber of baseball", exclaimed Kost.
Now, does winning help? Without a shadow of a doubt because everyone likes a winner but, there is more to minor league baseball than winning. "Our goal is to be competitive every year not one out of five or two out of ten, we want our fans to see the best baseball possible every time they take their seats, without question", said Kost. "But more importantly, we need to give our fans a reason to come out and watch such as, lower ticket prices, a clean stadium, friendly staff, and family oriented entertainment", added Kost.
The WhiteWings were in the bottom two for attendance in the United League for the 2007 season, a mark that Kost and his front office team will have to improve upon going into 2008. "There are no secrets here, we underachieved tremendously last year and the year before, for that matter, but the good news in all of this is, we have time on our side to piece this thing together right", said Kost. "You can write all the press releases you want and talk about it all you want but the fact of the matter is, we have to provide our fans with affordable family entertainment", added Kost.
"Now, how well we do that will be reflected in our attendance at the end of next year and with that, I would like to personally invite everyone in the City of Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley, to come to a WhiteWings game next year for an exciting and fun season of baseball and let the voice of our fan base be heard", said Kost.
Stay tuned...
The Harlingen WhiteWings Baseball Club is a member of United League Baseball, an Independent League of six professional baseball teams located in Texas and Louisiana. The United League is preparing for its third season in 2008 with teams located in Amarillo, Edinburg, Laredo, Harlingen, and San Angelo, Texas; and Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings have been playing professional baseball since their inception in 1994, as a member of the now defunct Texas-Louisiana League. Their identity has been synonymous with the valley that encompasses the most southern part of the state.
WhiteWings General Manager Dave Kost announced today that the team has embarked on a complete overhaul of the organization's identity, starting with changing their name. "We are changing the name of this team so that it is more appropriate to the community in which we reside", said Kost. At one time, the only professional baseball team to play in the Rio Grande Valley was always located in Harlingen but over the decades, a variety of teams have called the RGV home including United League teams in Edinburg, Laredo, and eventually Brownsville.
"In my short time in Harlingen, I've had many conversations with my staff, season ticket holders, and people around town", said Kost, "and it became very clear very quickly that there is a enormous amount of pride in this community, so it only made sense to make this team Harlingen's team", added Kost.
Under the direction of the newly appointed regime, change seems to be inevitable. "As of today, we will be known as the "Harlingen WhiteWings" and it is our hope that the great people of this city will grab this team and take ownership", said Kost. "We will be rolling out new team logos, uniforms, and a more fan and kid friendly mascot", added Kost. So, it appears that even the ever popular WildWing, will get a fresh look as the organization moves toward the upcoming season.
"All you have to do is drive around town to see how involved this city is with their local sports teams, especially at the high school level", said Kost. "We have to form relationships with local businesses, charitable and non-profit organizations, youth programs, and the school system so they fully understand that our goal is to help this city grow".
The Harlingen WhiteWings Baseball Club is a member of United League Baseball, an independent league of six professional baseball teams located in Texas and Louisiana. The United League is preparing for its' third season this summer with teams located in Amarillo, Edinburg, Laredo, Harlingen, and San Angelo, Texas; and Alexandria, Louisiana.
SAN ANGELO, Texas - The season may be over, but the Colts are still busy. Three new players have been added to the Colts roster. Former ASU Ram infielder John Beal is back with the Colts after splitting last season between San Angelo and the Rio Grande Valley White Wings. The Colts received catcher Adam Miller from the Fort Worth Cats of the American Association for a player to be named later. Outfielder Javier Lopez has been acquired from the Laredo Broncos to complete the trade that sent infielder Greg Kealy and pitcher Kyle Gibson to Laredo. The Colts released catcher Josh Allan, pitcher Neomar Flores, and infielder Jamie Miller to make room for the new arrivals.
O'Fallon, MO - The River City Rascals are proud to announce the hiring of Jeffery Bittiger as their new Director of Player Procurement for the 2008 season.
Bittiger has had overwhelming success working for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks in the Independent Northern League as the Assistant of Player Personnel. With the franchise since 1993, Bittiger has helped put together teams that have made the NL playoffs 14 times, appeared in eight league championship finals and won four league championship crowns.
Bittiger was awarded the honor of Independent Player of the Decade in the 1990's when he played, coached and assisted with player personnel for Fargo.
"This is going to really pay big dividends for us," Rascal President Steve Malliet said. "Jeff knows how to win in Independent baseball. The Rascal fans deserve a winner and we believe Jeff can help us with that."
A former seventh round draft pick back in 1980 by the New York Mets, Bittiger made his Major League debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1986. Bittiger is the owner of a World Series ring with the 1987 Minnesota Twins and has 100 AAA victories to his credit.
"Jeff brings credibility to this organization," Rascal manager Toby Rumfield said. "He's won and he's going to help us win a Frontier League Championship in the near future."
Along with his new duties as Director of Player Procurement, Bittiger still works with the Redhawks in their player personnel department as well as working with the Oakland Athletics as a scout.
Bittiger currently lives in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Alicia and their four children Amber, 18, Brett, 15, Bria, 10 and Jamie, 6.
Already joining the Rascals field staff this season was former pitcher Steve Brook who will take over the reigns as pitching coach. Both Brook and Bittiger will work closely with the returning Rumfield for his season as manager.
The Gateway Grizzlies are looking to make way for the newest "Baseball's Best" concession item and need your help.
In order to keep Baseball's Best Grand Slam in tact, the Grizzlies will remove one item from the current menu.
A vote will take place on the Grizzlies website, Gateway Grizzlies to choose which one of the four items will be removed. The poll will run from Wednesday, October 17th until Monday, December 10th.
"Baseball's Best" items started in 2004 when "Baseball's Best Hot Dog" was introduced. It consisted of a 1/5 pound Farmland 8 inch All Beef Black Angus Hot Dog, topped with two strips of freshly cooked bacon, 1 oz. Sautéed Onions, 1 oz. Sautéed Sauerkraut and ½ oz. Cheddar Cheese Sauce, all on a fresh baked bun.
In 2005, the "Swiss Brat" was added to the lineup. The "Swiss Brat" was made up of a Landshire Bratwurst with a slice of Swiss cheese in the middle of it. The cheese was then melted and 1oz. of Sautéed Sauerkraut was placed on top.
The following year, "Baseball's Best Burger" arrived and quickly made a name for itself. The item consisted of a thick and juicy burger topped with sharp cheddar cheese and two slices of bacon. The burger was then placed in between each side of a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut.
Lastly, came "Baseball's Best Slider". "Baseball's Best Slider" utilizes a thin-sliced, steam-grilled, square-shaped burger topped with cheese and grilled onions that is then breaded and deep-fried.
The Grizzlies will unveil their newest concession item shortly after the completion of the poll. If you have an idea of what the Grizzlies should create for the 2008 season, click the "Ask the GM" button on the Grizzlies website and email Tony Funderburg with your thoughts.
The Grizzlies were West Division Champions in 2007. They will play their eighth Frontier League season in 2008. Season tickets are currently available by calling the Grizzlies at 618-337-3000, or visiting the GCS Ballpark ticket office.
Slippery Rock, PA - The Slippery Rock Sliders professional baseball team, presented by Dollar Bank, has announced that two pitchers from their inaugural season, right-handed reliever Jared Simon and left-handed starter Dan Schwartz, have been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Simon and Schwartz join right-handed pitcher Pete Parise (who was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in June) as players moving to affiliated baseball this season.
Jared Simon signed with the Sliders following his career at Wichita State University. He appeared in 20 games for the Shockers this spring, posting a 0-2 record and 4.29 ERA, striking out 23 batters while walking only two in 27.1 innings. Simon notched six saves for the Sliders this summer to go with a 1-1 record in 22 relief appearances. He held opponents to a .193 batting average while striking out 28 batters against only five walks.
Dan Schwartz saw action in 12 games (11 starts and the continuation of a suspended game), posting a 2-5 record and 4.17 ERA, striking out 41 batters in 69 innings. For Northwestern University this spring, Schwartz compiled a 4-4 record and 5.24 ERA in 12 starts with 53 strikeouts in 68.2 innings.
"Simon was one of the top relievers in the Frontier League this summer," commented pitching coach Adam Shafer. "His control both at Wichita State and in Slippery Rock foreshadows a good professional baseball career. Dan Schwartz consistently topped 90 mph as a left-hander, and his starting experience in both the Big Ten Conference and the Frontier League makes him an attractive prospect.
The Slippery Rock Sliders recently concluded their inaugural Frontier League season as part of a unique partnership with Slippery Rock University, where students composed the front office staff and were responsible for the day-to-day activities of the club.
The Sussex Skyhawks announced today that Vernon Township High School Varsity Football will no longer call Skylands Park its home field. The Vikings went 1-2 at Skylands Park this fall. The Vikings posted the win against the Newton Braves 33-14 on 9/7/07, lost 19-20 to Jefferson Falcons on 9/20/07 and lost 0-27 to the Kittatinny Cougars on 10/5/07.
The Vikings will play their next game at Wallkill Valley on 10/20/07 at 1:00PM and will step onto their newly renovated field for the first time to face Lenape Valley on 10/26/07 at 7:00PM. The Vikings close out their season at home on 11/2/07 against Sparta.
Minor leagues news 10/18
Minor leagues news 10/18
