FORT MILL, S.C. - October 22, 2007 - With the 2007 World Series set to begin on Wednesday between the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox, Charlotte baseball fans should be able to recognize some familiar faces. There will be five players in this year's fall classic who earned their stripes in Charlotte.
The Rockies lone representative of Charlotte baseball is starting pitcher Josh Fogg, who played with the Knights in 2001. During that year Fogg had a role as a starter and was used out of the bullpen. He appeared in 40 games for the Knights, and had 89 strikeouts in 114.2 innings.
The Red Sox are loaded with former Charlotte talent, the most notable being outfielder Manny Ramirez and starting pitcher Curt Schilling. Ramirez played in 40 games for the Knights in the 1993 season when the club was affiliated with the Cleveland Indians. During his brief time in Charlotte, Ramirez showed off his talent at the plate hitting .317 with 14 home runs and 36 RBI's.
Schilling goes back to the Charlotte O's days playing for the then Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Schilling went 5-2 in 7 starts for Charlotte in the 1988 season. He struck out 32 batters in those 7 starts. Schilling recently returned to Charlotte in a rehab start for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2005.
Julian Tavarez was the leader of the Knights pitching staff in 1994 going 15-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 26 starts. Tavarez also had 102 strikeouts that season. Tavarez was on the Red Sox disabled list for the American League Championship Series.
The most recent former Knight to be in this years' World Series is left handed reliever Javier Lopez. Lopez was a member of the Knights' 2006 Southern Division Championship team. Lopez went 2-1 with 0.55 ERA in 26 games for the Knights that season and earned 12 saves. He was acquired by the Red Sox midway through the 2006 season.
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at Welcome to charlotteknights.com for more information.
Bisons Receive Gold 2007 Commitment to Education Award
The Buffalo Bisons today were a Corporate Gold Award recipient of the 2007 Commitment to Education Award as presented by the Buffalo Alliance for Education. The award was given to the Bisons in recognition of the team's dedication and commitment to education.
Bisons Vice President/General Manager Mike Buczkowski accepted the award on behalf of team owners Bob and Mindy Rich at a luncheon earlier today at the Hyatt Regency Downtown.
"Bob and Mindy Rich have made a strong commitment to improve the high school baseball program in our area," said Buczkowski. "Their adoption of the city's program allows the Bisons to use their valuable resources to help our kids compete for valuable college scholarships."
In April of 2007, Bob and Mindy Rich unveiled a multi-year adoption of the City of Buffalo's high school baseball program. The Bisons hired a high school baseball coordinator and formed the Junior Bisons, a team that competed in the County of Erie Baseball Association. The team also helped fund the hiring of assistant coaches and the purchase of equipment, uniforms and transportation costs.
With the success of the Junior Bisons, the team also formed the Buffalo Middle School Developmental Fall Baseball League with the New Era Cap Company and the law firm of O'Brien & Boyd. For the first time ever, seventh and eighth grade Buffalo Public School and Charter School students were able to participate in a fall baseball league.
FORT MILL, S.C. - October 23, 2007 - The Charlotte Knights have announced the clubs 2008 regular season schedule, with the Knights playing their first home game on April 11 at 7:15 p.m. against the Columbus Clippers. That will be the first game of an eight game home stand that goes from April 11-18.
The Knights will welcome the defending International League Champion Richmond Braves for a four game series from May 30 - June 2. The new Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, the Philadelphia Phillies affiliate, will make their first visit to Knights Stadium for four games from June 19 - June 22.
Knights Stadium will continue the annual July 4th game, as the Knights host the Durham Bulls at 7:15 p.m. In 2007, Knights Stadium recorded the largest crowd in stadium history on July 4th with 15,427 in attendance.
The Knights will begin the season on the road starting April 3 with an eight game road trip starting at Columbus. This years' home schedule also features five Sunday evening games slated to begin at 5:15 p.m. and back to back 11:15 a.m. games on April 29th and 30th. The longest home stand of the year for the Knights will be 10 games, running from July 4th - July 13th.
The Knights will conclude the 2008 season with a brief two game series against Durham from August 31 - September 1.
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at Welcome to charlotteknights.com for more information.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Twins announced today that their Minor League managerial and coaching positions have been filled for the 2008 season.
Stan Cliburn will begin his third year as manager of the Twins' Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings (International League). Cliburn, 48, spent the five seasons managing the Twins' Class AA New Britain Rock Cats (2001-05). He has a 850-837 (.504) record during his 14 years of Minor League managerial experience, 587-543 (.519) with the Twins. Stuart Cliburn will return for his third year as pitching coach and Riccardo Ingram will begin his first Triple-A season as coach, after spending the last two seasons as the manager of Double-A New Britain. Rich Miller, who spent the last four seasons as Rochester's hitting coach, will begin his first season as a Roving Instructor between Rochester and New Britain, specializing in outfield play, bunting and baserunning. Tony Leo will return for his fourth season as trainer for the Red Wings.
Bobby Cuellar will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Double-A affiliate New Britain Rock Cats (Eastern League), after spending the past two seasons as the Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen coach. Cuellar was the Twins' Triple-A pitching coach from 2002-05. Cuellar, 55, has a 130-149 (.466) record during his two years of managerial experience with Wausau (1986-87). Steve Mintz will begin his first year as pitching coach, after serving in the same capacity for Single-A Beloit last season and for the GCL Twins from 2002-05. Floyd Rayford returns for his fourth season as a coach at the Double-A level, his ninth season in the Twins' system. Chad Jackson will return for his fourth season as trainer for the Rock Cats.
Jeff Smith will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Single-A affiliate Ft. Myers Miracle (Florida State League). Smith, 33, spent the past two seasons as manager of the Beloit Snappers, the Twins' Single-A affiliate (Midwest League). He has a 153-125 (.550) record during his two years of Minor League managerial experience. Eric Rasmussen will begin his 10th season as pitching coach and Jim Dwyer will begin his third year as a coach at Ft. Myers, after spending the previous nine as minor league hitting coordinator. Larry Bennese returns for his ninth season as trainer for the Miracle.
Nelson Prada will begin his first year as manager of the Twins' Single-A affiliate Beloit Snappers (Midwest League). Prada, 31, spent the previous four seasons as manager of the GCL Twins. He has a 91-72 (.558) record during his three years of Minor League managerial experience. Gary Lucas will begin his second stint (2005) as pitching coach after spending the past two seasons as pitching coach for Double-A New Britain. Rudy Hernandez will begin his fourth season as a coach with Beloit. Alan Rail will return for his fourth season as trainer with the Snappers.
Ray Smith returns as manager for the rookie level Elizabethton Twins (Appalachian League). Smith, 52, who will be in his 22nd season on staff for Elizabethton, has a career managerial record of 579-365 (.613), with eight first place finishes in 14 seasons guiding the Twins. Jim Shellenback will begin his 13th season as pitching coach, his 31st year in the Twins' system, and Jeff Reed will return for his seventh season as a coach. Ryan Hedwall returns for his third season as trainer for Elizabethton.
Jake Mauer will begin his first season as manager of the rookie level Gulf Coast League Twins and will also run the Twins' extended Spring Training. Mauer, 28, spent the last two seasons as a coach for the GCL Twins after playing five seasons in the Twins' Minor League system. Ivan Arteaga will begin his third season as pitching coach. Milt Cuyler returns for his sixth season as a coach, specializing in baserunning and outfield play. Chris Johnson returns for his third season as trainer for the GCL Twins.
In addition, Joel Lepel, returns for his third year as the Twins' minor league field coordinator. Rick Knapp returns for his 12th year as pitching coordinator and Bill Springman returns for his third season as hitting coordinator. John Kertis returns for his second season as minor league strength and conditioning coordinator and Lanning Tucker returns for his 10th season as the club's head minor league trainer and rehab coordinator. Jose Marzan returns for his third season as the Twins' Latin America coordinator, overseeing Latin America scouting and international field coordinating. Also, former Twins' great Tony Oliva will continue in his role as hitting coach, as well as various duties involving community relations, former Manager Tom Kelly will continue in his role as Special Assistant the the General Manager, and Hall of Famer Paul Molitor will continue in his role as Minor League Infield/Baserunning Coordinator.
FORT MILL, S.C. - October 23, 2007 - The Chicago White Sox named Charlotte Knights pitching coach Juan Nieves their new bullpen coach. Nieves leaves the Knights after spending the previous three seasons in Charlotte as the teams pitching coach.
"I'm excited. I've been working towards this for a long time. I'm just going up there to help the team and to help Coop (White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper) as much as I can," said Nieves.
Nieves' work was crucial in helping the Knights win the International League South Division in 2006. That season the Knights had a 3.66 team ERA and opponents hit just .244 against them.
"Charlotte was awesome, this has been a great experience for me and my family. The people have been great and we had a great group of core fans," said Nieves.
Nieves has also supervised the development of several White Sox pitchers through his tenure in Charlotte including Ehren Wassermann, Heath Phillips, Lance Broadway and Boone Logan. Nieves is also credited with teaching all-star closer Bobby Jenks a sharp breaking curve ball in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 2004.
Nieves pitched in the major leagues with Milwaukee from 1986-88, going 32-25 with a 4.71 ERA (257 ER/490.2 IP) and 352 strikeouts. The left-hander threw the only no-hitter in Brewers history on April 15, 1987 in a 7-0 victory over Baltimore at County Stadium.
Nieves joined the Knights in 2005 after spending the previous six seasons with the White Sox Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. Prior to joining the White Sox organization, he was a pitching coach in the New York Yankees organization from 1992-1996.
The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at Welcome to charlotteknights.com for more information.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Indians first baseman/right fielder Steven Pearce is the winner of the 2007 J.G. Taylor Spink Award, which recognizes Minor League Baseball's top player regardless of level or position.
The award, which is presented by the Topps Company, has been given out each season since 1988. Major League stars such as Yankees SS Derek Jeter (1994), Braves OF Andruw Jones (1996), White Sox 1B Paul Konerko (1997), Athletics 3B Eric Chavez (1999) and Red Sox RHP Josh Beckett (2001) have all been honored in past years.
The prestigious award comes in a month when Pearce was also named Minor League Baseball's 2007 Offensive Player of the Year by Minor League Baseball: Home and a Minor League All-Star by Baseball America.
"This is another outstanding award for Steven," Indians Manager Trent Jewett says. "He had a terrific season and is very deserving of these accolades. Steven is a guy who truly believes in himself. He goes into new situations with the attitude that 'I'm the man for this job.' I think that paid off in 2007."
Pearce flew through the Pittsburgh Pirates Minor League system in his third professional season. The 24-year-old prospect started the year with High-A Lynchburg (Va.). He was then promoted to Double-A Altoona (Pa.) on May 1 and Indianapolis on July 30 before receiving his first Major League call-up on Sept. 1.
Pearce ranked third among all Minor Leaguers in total bases (303), fourth in RBI (113), fifth in extra-base hits (75), fifth in slugging percentage (.622) and tied for seventh in home runs (31).
Pearce opened the campaign with a .347 batting average, 11 home runs, 24 RBI and an .867 slugging percentage in 19 High-A games for the Hillcats. The 5-foot-11, 209-pound slugger's longest stint came with the Curve where he turned in a .334 BA, 14 HR, 72 RBI and .586 SLG in 81 Double-A contests.
Pearce moved on to the Triple-A level where he batted .320 with six HR, 17 RBI and a .557 SLG in 34 affairs for the Tribe. The Lakeland, Fla., native then hit .294 with six RBI in 23 big league tilts for the Pirates.
"Steven put up some offensive numbers that are very rare, and enjoyed success at four different levels," Jewett adds. "Steven adjusted quickly at every stop, and I'm sure that was a big part of his success."
Pearce earned the Tribe's August Player of the Month award after leading the club in BA (.314), SLG (.559), hits (37), runs (17), doubles (9), homers (6) and stolen bases (5). He was hitless in only six of 31 affairs during the month and struck out just 11 times in 118 at-bats.
Pearce became the first Indian to register six RBI in a game on Aug. 16 at Durham. He went 3-for-5 with a two-run double and a pair of two-run dingers that night.
Pearce, who was recognized by Baseball America as Pittsburgh's No. 6 prospect in 2007, owns a .302 BA, 64 HR and 263 RBI in 337 Minor League games. The former University of South Carolina star was taken in the eighth round of the 2005 draft.
Texas vs. Texas State at The Dell Diamond This Friday
ROUND ROCK - The University of Texas Longhorns continue their fall campaign at The Dell Diamond this Friday, facing Texas State at 3:00 p.m. in the final showcase before the team's annual Fall World Series.
Texas took the first game of its fall season with a 5-3 win over Baylor at The Dell Diamond on Oct. 14. Friday's follow-up against the Bobcats will be free of charge to the public. Parking will be $5. The three-game Fall World Series, also known as the Orange/White Series, will take place at The Dell Diamond at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Admission to all three games is also free.
The Dell Diamond - home of the Triple-A Round Rock Express (Houston Astros) - hosted the NCCA Division I Baseball Championship Regional in June. No. 5 Texas was eliminated from the tournament on June 4 with a 9-6 loss to eventual national championship finalist UC Irvine.
LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas 51s participated in the 5th Annual Danny Gans Run For Children's Charities And Champions Run For Life, held on Saturday, Oct. 20.
The event benefits children with cancer and their families. At the end of the event several of the children ran a champions lap around the bases at Boca Park. This annual event with a carnival atmosphere gives all of us the opportunity to recognize and individually honor these brave and valiant children who fight life-threatening illnesses daily.
As they participate in the run or walk with the community mascots, such as Cosmo of the 51s, and others, we get to know them better as we salute them. Each child proudly holds the Olympic torch replica and receives a beautiful medal placed lovingly around their neck. In the true Olympic sense, it is a day of positive recognition and a show of love and triumph.
The children are treated to many fun activities throughout the entire day. We also take the opportunity to remember those radiant children who have lost the battle in the past year with a very special lap of silence.
Minor League News 10/25
Minor League News 10/25
