Thursday, July 22, 2010

Returning from the All-Star Game

Yesterday, we returned from the All-Star game in Forest City. After a 6.5 hour trip there and back and a much needed nap, we are prepared for the final playoff run.

The Marlins represented well at the All-Star game: McAllister started for the National team, Marino started for the Americans at third base and had one hit, Carter was HBP and scored a run with two stolen bases, and lastly White had an impressive inning with two strikeouts with no runs against. Hopefully, our players had appreciated this wonderful recognition and accomplishment at the game.

I would like to congratulate the Forest City owls for putting on a wonderful event. James and his hard working staff put on a great show. I certainly had a great time. It's always nice to see many familiar faces around the league, especially the people that I worked with in the past. Maybe in the future, your Morehead City Marlins might be interested in hosting this event.

The Marlins are home tonight against a new opponent: the Peninsula Pilots out of the North division. They have been playing some terrific ball of late as well and it should be 'dog' fight. It's also Bark at the Park at Big Rock Stadium, in case anyone didn't get the above reference. This is one of my favorite promotions of the year. I certainly love dogs and it kills me that my dog is back home in NJ. I wish she were here to partake in the festivities. She would have a blast.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

National All-Stars Announced

- from mhcmarlins.com

The Coastal Plain League released the National team roster for the 2010 CPL All-Star game on Wednesday, and Morehead City Marlins right-hander Brad McAllister has been selected as the team’s starting pitcher.

A sophomore from Barry University, McAllister has anchored the Morehead City rotation in 2010. He leads the team with a 1.26 ERA that ranks sixth in the league – fourth among starting pitchers. McAllister is tied with Brent Powers for the team lead with five wins, is holding opponents to a .192 average and has struck out more than four times as many batters (34) as he has walked (8).

McAllister is the fourth Morehead City player selected to participate in the All-Star Game. On Tuesday, Steve Marino, Ben White and Justyn Carter were named to the American team.

American All-Stars Announced

-from mhcmarlins.com

On Tuesday, the Coastal Plain League released the roster for one of the two teams that will square off in the 2010 CPL All-Star Game. Morehead City Marlins Steve Marino, Justyn Carter and Ben White will each compete for the American Team in the Jul. 20 contest.

Marino will start at third base for the American team. Though he does not have enough plate appearances to officially qualify for team-leading statistics, Marino carries a team-best .319 average and has scored 18 runs in 22 games played. The junior from Stony Brook has walked more often (12) than he has struck out (7) and has committed just two errors in CPL play.
A sophomore from St. Peter’s, Carter will back up Columbia’s Chase Vergason at second base. Carter leads Morehead City in runs scored (23), walks (24) and stolen bases (17), is tied for second with two home runs and ranks third in RBIs (18).

White is one of nine pitchers on the American team’s staff. He is currently 3-2 with a 2.69 ERA in summer action. The junior from Temple has held opposing batters to a .188 average and is second in the league with 54 strikeouts.

Representatives from all 15 CPL clubs voted on the All-Star selections. The All-Star head coaches – Florence’s Russell Carter and Forest City’s Matt Hayes – then drafted the selected players into the American and National teams. The National team roster will be announced in the coming days.

Monday, July 12, 2010

All-Stars

This week the Coastal Plain League will announce its All-Star selections. This year's all-star festivities will take place in Forest City, North Carolina. They have a wonderful complex in Forest City and management does a real good job. I am looking forward to visiting Forest City again. Forest City was actually the newest team in the league until your Marlins moved to Morehead City.

I believe the Morehead City Marlins will be well-represented in this year's game. A lot of our players have put together real strong seasons thus far. The Coastal Plain League is usually a pitching dominated league, so many pitchers have had incredible seasons. If you're named an all-star as a pitcher, that certainly means something. Working in the league for four season now, I have seen many future minor leaguers play in this game.

The night before the game, the CPL will have a home run derby. That's usually fun to watch. Last year when I was with the HiToms, we were represented by Stewart Ijames from Louisville. He certainly was known for some moon shots. He didn't win it last year but he gave a great effort. Stewart was just drafted by the Yankees but hasn't signed yet. He is currently playing in the Cape Cod League this summer as a draft and follow player.

This is usually a great time to relax and talk to some of the other teams in the league. This also gives our players time to rest up for the stretch run to the Petitt Cup. They certainly need it.

If anyone wishes to know more about this all-star game or would like to attend, please call the Forest City Owls.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

In Other Sports...........

The Marlins are on the road tonight in Columbia. Our team currently sits in first place in the South division, just ahead of Fayetteville.

But to be honest, the talk around the sports world is not about the Marlins, it's about LeBron James and the "Decision" live on ESPN at 9 PM.

When I was younger, I very much enjoyed playing and watching basketball. I actually rooted for the Knicks. Then the Nets. Then no team at all. As a fan of competition I admire all athletes and sports. But I just lost the spark for basketball...until today. When LeBron James burst upon the scene a few years back, he was the player in my mind that was going to save the NBA in the post Jordan era. He was going to be the face of the NBA. And he has.

When I was in college, I saw Michael Jordan play for the first time with the Wizards at the tail end of his career. That particular game, Jordan posted 43 points and hit the game winning shot. He had more energy than any of his teammates and was literally diving on the court. Everything that I had seen on TV and everything that I read about him, well...was absolutely true. Seeing him play in person was one of the more special moments in my life.

James has that special trait in him as well, I believe. And that's why I am so intrigued by tonight's must-see television event. I don't think that I will ever become the basketball fan that I once was, but if James picks the Knicks or the Nets, there maybe hope for me at last.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

July 4th and 5th

The Marlins surely didn't disappoint their fans. The Marlins had a convincing victory over the Sharks on America's birthday and pulled out an unbelievable walk off win against the Military All-Stars the following night.

Usually July 4th is the biggest game of the year in terms of attendance and interest. When I was working in Wilson, 5153 people came out to watch the Tobs and fireworks. There were a couple factors working against us this year. Although Morehead City does have some fantastic firework shows. I hope all of our fans were able to come to the game and then check out the fireworks.

After the game I was able to catch the tail end of one such show. Working in baseball the past four Fourth of July's, I have yet to see an entire fireworks display. No worries though, I have the rest of my life to watch fireworks....and work them!

July 5th was a very special game for the Marlins and Morehead City. Once again the Marlins played the Heroes of the Diamond in an exhibition game. These players, made up of active duty military, barnstorm throughout the nation to raise money for Wounded Warriors. The pre-game ceremony was very emotional and moving. Unfortunately I was not able to focus on most of the ceremony because my assistance was required in the press box. I made sure that the Heroes of the Diamond script was followed. But I did hear many compliments. Local veteran and Military Affairs Committee member Bob Upchurch was the local Hero that was honored and presented with "Old Glory." Also, veteran Sam Sanford accompanied Bob and was also honored. Sam Sanford is well known in the area for his important work with Project We Care. For more information on how to help, please visit www.wecarevfw2401.org.

We certainly had a great crowd for the game. The Military All-Stars played hard and definitely put on a show for the Marlins fans. We all appreciate what they do for our country.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

To our Heroes

This past week the Marlins had shown their appreciation for the armed forces stationed throughout Carteret County. The Marlins held Military Monday and Salute to Heroes night during the week. Unfortunately, it rained throughout most of Wednesday's game. But the Military were well represented as three to four buses full of Heroes were in attendance. It was certainly great to see. They braved the rain and seemed to really get in the game. We certainly appreciated their support as they cheered on the Marlins. We especially appreciate what the armed forces, firemen, and law enforcement, etc. do for our country on a daily basis. To all of the Heroes out there, the Marlins salute you all.

I hold a special place in my heart for the people that put their lives on line for their country. There is nothing more admirable than that. Living in northern New Jersey, my family and friends were directly affected by the events of 9/11. Some of my friends lost brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and even parents. It's something that to this day, I will not talk about very often. It was an emotional time for everyone and it was great to see our 'Heroes' come together as one. Many of them lost their lives as well. The courage and bravery that was displayed will never be duplicated again.

The Marlins will again show their support for the Military by playing an exhibition game against the Military All-Stars this Monday, July 5th. I have never seen them play, but I hear that it is a must see event. I can't wait.