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Former Minuteman Matt Torra continued his stellar work for the Durham Bulls in his latest outing on the mound this past Sunday:
The Tides (55-87) went three up, three down six times against Bulls starter Matt Torra (5-1) in the penultimate game of the season Sunday night.
The 27-year-old acquired from Arizona in July baffled Tides batters up until the eighth inning. Torra struck out six and averaged an efficient 10 pitches per inning through seven innings as Tides batters constantly swung on the first pitch. Durham improved to 10-1 when Torra starts.
"He's got a nice little slider," Tides manager Gary Allenson said. "He gets ahead with something else and throws that slider up there, and it's a tough pitch to lay off of."
Torra retired 13 straight batters between shortstop Carlos Rojas' single in the third and Hughes' stand-up triple to start the eighth. After the triple, second baseman Brendan Harris reached first base on a hit-by-pitch and catcher John Hester doubled, scoring Hughes, before Dane De La Rosa relieved Torra.
Hester left the game with an injury following the double. He had two of the Tides' four hits against Torra, which may not be a coincidence. In 2007, Hester caught Torra when the two were with the Arizona Diamondback's Class A-Advanced affiliate Visalia.
"I would think it would help you a little bit if you caught the guy before," Allenson said. "You get an idea of how he works and what his stuff does."
UMass' own Matt Gedman had the opportunity to play the 2011 season finale with the Red Sox's double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs, last night, getting the starting nod at third base.
Gedman was 0-3 in the contest in an 8-3 loss to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats but finished his first season of professional ball with a .234 batting average (46-for-197), five doubles, one triple, three home runs, 18 runs scored and 17 RBI combined across three different teams.
Gedman began the season with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox before being promoted to the short season-A Lowell Spinners in late July.
Former UMass hurler Matt Torra pitched six shutout innings and struck out three in game two of a doubleheader against the Charlotte Knights yesterday.
The Bulls swept the Knights Sunday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, winning 4-3 in eight innings and then 3-0 in the nightcap in front of 10,015. Durham (77-57) reduced its magic number in the South Division to five and extended its lead to 3.5 games over Gwinnett, which comes to the DBAP Monday for a two-game series.
Torra started the year in Reno, where he had a 6.07 ERA before being traded to Tampa. He had a 6.86 ERA in his first four starts in Durham, but the 27-year-old righty has given up just nine runs in his last 39.2 innings and is 4-0 in his last six starts.
Torra credited pitching coach Neil Allen for making some mechanical adjustments, including moving him from the third-base side to the first-base side of the rubber and getting him more upright in his delivery. He gave up just four hits and no walks Sunday to lower his ERA to 3.81.
Read more of the recap from the Herald-Sun.
Several years before Mike Flanagan won his Cy Young Award with the Orioles in 1979, he was a riveting figure to watch on a baseball diamond.
As a student at the University of Massachusetts, I watched the Minutemen play a typically chilly April game against Maine in 1973. It was apparent that nobody really wanted to hit in the raw weather, and hardly anybody did.
Flanagan was running a 102 temperature with the flu but pitched anyway. He struck out 10 and allowed just two hits. But that wasn't the story.
Continue reading Remembering Flanagan's Glory Days, written by UMass alum Tom FitzGerald from the San Francisco Chronicle.
The two men stood side by side just in front of the Lowell Spinners dugout, longtime Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman resting his hand on the shoulder of son Matt as he passed along a few words of advice.
"It feels like old times," said Rich Gedman. "I use to drag him to the ballpark and throw him pitches, and watched all of his Little League games. Now he is following his dream."
At 22 years old and now noticeably taller than his dad, Matt Gedman still listened closely to his father's advice, just as he has done his entire baseball life.
"On the field he is coach," said Matt. "But off the field he is just dad. To see him every day, to be around him is amazing. He's been working with me since I was a little kid."
Little League has now been replaced by professional baseball, but the two Gedmans again find themselves in the same dugout, father and son donning the uniform of the Lowell Spinners.
Read more of Baseball Bond Runs Deep For Gedmans from the Eagle Tribune.
Since the news of UMass Hall of Famer and former Orioles pitcher Mike Flanagan's passing last night, there have been many tributes to the Cy Young Award winner and broadcaster throughout the media:
ESPN.com: Buster Olney Blog - Remembering the Funniest Man in Baseball
Daily Hampshire Gazette: Bergquist recalls Flanagan
MLB.com: Jim Palmer on Mike Flanagan
Chron.com: If you were lucky enough to know Mike Flanagan, you were better off for it.
MASNSPORTS.com, Earl Weaver and Scott McGregor remember Mike Flanagan
CSNBaltimore.com, Stan The Fan: Remember how Flanagan lived
BaltimoreSun.com, Flanny made his best pitch, on field and off
Union Leader - NH native Mike Flanagan recalled as top athlete
FoxSports.com: Ken Rosenthal - Flanagan will be missed
The UMass community was saddened to learn this evening of the passing of UMass Hall of Fame pitcher Mike Flanagan. He was 59.
Flanagan lettered for the UMass baseball team in 1972 and 1973, earning first team All-Yankee Conference and first team All-New England honors in 1973 before turning professional. Flanagan went 9-1 with a 1.52 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 1973, to lead the team in all three categories. His nine wins and .900 winning percentage set school single season records at the time. He received the E. Joseph Thompson Memorial Trophy as the team's MVP in 1973, after leading the team to an overall record of 21-9-1, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament and the Yankee Conference championship.
Flanagan had a career ERA of 1.19 and a career winning percentage of .923 (12-1), which are both still the best marks in school history. He also played in the outfield while at UMass, hitting .320 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 128 career at-bats.
After he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1973, Flanagan went on to pitch 18 seasons in the major leagues with the Orioles (1975-1987, 1991-1992) and Toronto Blue Jays (1987-1990). He had a career record of 167-143 with 1,491 strikeouts and a 3.89 ERA in 2,770 innings pitched, and won the 1979 American League Cy Young Award for the Orioles, going 23-9 with 190 strikeouts and a 3.08 ERA in 265-2/3 innings. Flanagan pitched over 200 innings seven times in his major league career, including four straight years from 1977-1980. He won 12 or more games in a season eight times during his major league career, struck out 100 or more batters six times, and was a member of the Baltimore Orioles 1983 World Championship team.
A native of Manchester, N.H., Flanagan received his degree from the UMass School of Education in 1975, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Since 2010, Flanagan had served as a color analyst on Orioles telecasts for Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Happy birthday to Glen Misho of UMass Baseball!
Make sure to head over to the Lowell Spinners' YouTube page and vote for former Minuteman Matt Gedman in the "2011 Favorite Spinner Election". Check out Matt's campaign video:
Former UMass left-hander Mitchell Clegg picked up the win out of the bullpen for the Potomac Nationals last night, a 4-3 victory over the Winston-Salem Dash.
Clegg allowed one run on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts in 2.2 innings of work. He is currently 4-5 on the season with a 5.22 earned run average over 79.1 innings in 25 appearances with 25 walks to 36 strikeouts.
In limited action since signing a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last month, UMass baseball alum Peter Copa has hit safely in all three games he has appeared in with the Arizona League Angels.
This past Sunday against the Rangers, he had his first career multi-hit game as a pro, going 2-for-4 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base and a run scored.
Copa is currently hitting .364 (4-for-11) wth an RBI and three runs scored.
This past Sunday against the Rangers, he had his first career multi-hit game as a pro, going 2-for-4 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base and a run scored.
Copa is currently hitting .364 (4-for-11) wth an RBI and three runs scored.
Congratulations to our own Matt Gedman, who was promoted from the Gulf Coast League Red Sox at the end of last week to the Short Season A Lowell Spinners of the New York Penn League. In 31 games in the Gulf Coast League, he hit .282 with five doubles, a triple, two home runs, 15 RBI and 14 runs scored.
Gedman, who is now playing for his father, former Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman who is the Spinners' batting coach, has played in three games since joining the team. He logged his first hit last night against the State College Spikes.
Another former Minuteman, Matt's brother Mike, was in action with his team, the Worcester Tornadoes last night, as well. Mike threw a perfect inning of relief, but the Tornadoes came up short against the Rockland Boulders, 8-2.
Former UMass right hander Bryan Leigh pitched last night as the Everett AquaSox closed out the first half of the season with a 4-2 win over the division champion Eugene Emeralds.
Leigh (1-2) pitched 22/3 innings of scoreless relief to record his first win of the season for the Frogs. He currently holds a 2.92 earned run average in 12.1 innings over seven appearances with five walks and nine strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .205.
Leigh (1-2) pitched 22/3 innings of scoreless relief to record his first win of the season for the Frogs. He currently holds a 2.92 earned run average in 12.1 innings over seven appearances with five walks and nine strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .205.
Former UMass hurler Matt Torra will again be the host for the seventh annual Conor Dillon Memorial Golf Tournament this October 1 at the Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown, Mass., with proceeds benefitting Pittsfield Little Leagues and the Girls' Softball League.
The tourney has donated over $40,000 in the past six years to fund the sandlot needs of local youth. Last fall, over $12,500 was raised and used to buy - among more traditional items like bats, balls and bases - a hot water heater and slush machine for the South Little League concession stand plus bullpen fencing, bleachers and a batting cage net for the West Little League. And, participants in the Girls Softball League this spring honed their batting eyes with the use of a new fast-pitch batting machine as well as a new soft toss system.
Besides the lights, lawn mowers, tarps, scoreboards and other initiatives to improve the local playing fields over the years, the tournament has also established a scholarship fund for students of the culinary arts - a passion of Torra's childhood friend Conor Dillon for whom the tournament is named.
Click here to register for the event and to view sponsorship opportunities.
The text message received from Matt Torra Thursday morning was written with a sense of surprise.
"Who would have thought Bateman and I on the same team. The Durham Bulls," is what the text message said.
The Bateman in question is Joe Bateman, who has returned to Durham to join a Bulls' pitching staff that Torra is a member of.
"Two kids from the same high school team pitching on the same [minor league] team -- that's crazy," Pittsfield High baseball coach Bob Moynihan said. "That's just unbelievable."
Torra was traded to the Tampa Bay organization from the Arizona Diamondbacks, and was put into the starting rotation at Durham. He is still seeking his first win. Bateman, who spent the last two years with Durham, was released by Class AA Midland (Texas League) on Tuesday and signed with the Rays on Wednesday. Tampa Bay assigned him back in Durham.
"It was a complete surprise" to see Bateman in the Bulls' clubhouse in Rochester, N.Y., Torra recalled. "We hadn't touched base yet.
"I was starting so I came to the field later. I show up and he's in the locker room. It was pretty cool to see him and now to play with another Pittsfield guy, it doesn't happen too often."
Read more of Howard Herman's Pittsfield High School graduates are members of the Durham Bulls pitching staff from the Berkshire Eagle.
A month into his professional career, UMass' Matt Gedman is among the top hitters for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.
Through 21 Games, Gedman is tied for the team lead with 18 hits, is tied for second in doubles (4) and is fourth in RBI (8) and on base percentage (.306).
The second baseman is hitting .234 in 77 at bats.
Through 21 Games, Gedman is tied for the team lead with 18 hits, is tied for second in doubles (4) and is fourth in RBI (8) and on base percentage (.306).
The second baseman is hitting .234 in 77 at bats.
Former UMass lefty Mitchell Clegg tossed two perfect innings of relief for the Potomac Nationals last night as the squad rallied from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4 in 10 innings against the Frederick Keys.
Clegg pitched the sixth and the seventh, striking out two in his 16th appearance of the season. He has thrown 55.0 innings to date and holds a 4.91 ERA with 22 walks and 22 strikeouts.
Clegg pitched the sixth and the seventh, striking out two in his 16th appearance of the season. He has thrown 55.0 innings to date and holds a 4.91 ERA with 22 walks and 22 strikeouts.
In his first outing since being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays' organization, Matt Torra started for the Durham Bulls last night against the Norfolk Tides.
Torra threw five innings and allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out four, but did not earn a decision in the Bulls' 11-5 win. All three runs came in the first as he followed up with four shutout frames.
Following this five-games stint against Norfolk, the Bulls will be making a trip to New England to face the Pawtucket Red Sox, July 14-17.
Torra threw five innings and allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out four, but did not earn a decision in the Bulls' 11-5 win. All three runs came in the first as he followed up with four shutout frames.
Following this five-games stint against Norfolk, the Bulls will be making a trip to New England to face the Pawtucket Red Sox, July 14-17.
In his first outing since being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays' organization, Matt Torra started for the Durham Bulls last night against the Norfolk Tides.
Torra threw five innings and allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out four, but did not earn a decision in the Bulls' 11-5 win. All three runs came in the first as he followed up with four shutout frames.
Following this five-games stint against Norfolk, the Bulls will be making a trip to New England to face the Pawtucket Red Sox, July 14-17.
Torra threw five innings and allowed three runs on six hits, walked none and struck out four, but did not earn a decision in the Bulls' 11-5 win. All three runs came in the first as he followed up with four shutout frames.
Following this five-games stint against Norfolk, the Bulls will be making a trip to New England to face the Pawtucket Red Sox, July 14-17.
Former Minuteman Matt Torra was traded over the holiday weekend, going from the Arizona Diamondbacks' organization to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations. Torra, who was 4-2 this season as a member of the Triple-A Reno Aces with a 6.07 earned run average in 15 games has been assigned to the Durham Bulls' (AAA).
Locally, CBS 3 had coverage of the move: Howard Herman also had a nice piece on the Pittsfield native in Sunday's Berkshire Eagle.
Happy birthday to Kyle Multner of UMass baseball!
Chad Paronto lost his first three starts for the Pittsfield Colonials, but kept on saying that things would get better. This must be what he meant.
The right-hander (3-3) won his third straight start to even his record as the Colonials rallied to beat the Newark Bears 5-3 on Tuesday.
Paronto went six innings Tuesday, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits. T.J. Wink, the fourth Pittsfield pitcher, threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his first professional save.
In his last three starts, Paronto has pitched 20 2/3 innings and has given up four earned runs on 18 hits, for an earned-run average of 1.75. That compares most favorably with the righty's first three starts, where he gave up 14 earned runs in 16 innings and had an ERA of 7.88.
On Tuesday, Paronto walked only two and struck out seven. He threw 112 pitches, 72 for strikes.
Read more from the Berkshire Eagle.
The right-hander (3-3) won his third straight start to even his record as the Colonials rallied to beat the Newark Bears 5-3 on Tuesday.
Paronto went six innings Tuesday, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits. T.J. Wink, the fourth Pittsfield pitcher, threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his first professional save.
In his last three starts, Paronto has pitched 20 2/3 innings and has given up four earned runs on 18 hits, for an earned-run average of 1.75. That compares most favorably with the righty's first three starts, where he gave up 14 earned runs in 16 innings and had an ERA of 7.88.
On Tuesday, Paronto walked only two and struck out seven. He threw 112 pitches, 72 for strikes.
Read more from the Berkshire Eagle.
The Reno
Gazette-Journal ran a nice Father's Day piece yesterday, featuring former Minuteman Matt Torra.
Torra, who took the mound in Las Vegas for the Aces against the 51s yesterday, celebrated his first Father's Day. Torra and his wife Jessica welcomed their daughter Isabel into the world nine months ago.
"Having a kid now has really put a lot of things in perspective for me," Torra said. "After a good game you go up and see your family and my daughter's like, 'Hey, let's go play. I don't care what you did on the field.' And it goes the other way, too. If you have a bad outing and you go up after the game and you see her, she smiles at you and it makes you just forget about it."
In his outing yesterday, Torra went four innings and allowed eight runs on 14 hits and struck out two. Reno rallied late, though, as the Aces went on to win 12-9 after scoring five runs in the eighth.
Chad Paronto pitched the first complete game shutout of his 16-year professional career in game one of a doubleheader as the Pittsfield Colonials defeated the New Jersey Jackals 9-0 on Wednesday.
He threw 87 pitches, on the night, 63 of them strikes. He did not walk a batter and struck out four for the win. Paronto (1-3) allowed six hits, with no walks and six strikeouts in his first complete game since July 9, 2000.
Read more of the recap from the Berkshire Eagle.
He threw 87 pitches, on the night, 63 of them strikes. He did not walk a batter and struck out four for the win. Paronto (1-3) allowed six hits, with no walks and six strikeouts in his first complete game since July 9, 2000.
Read more of the recap from the Berkshire Eagle.
Framingham's Matt Gedman, the Red Sox' 45th-round draft pick out of the University of Massachusetts and son of former Sox catcher Rich Gedman, reported to the team's minor league complex in Fort Myers yesterday and is expecting to sign today after taking his physical. Gedman, who can play several infield positions, had a .334 career average in four seasons at UMass. He was a starting third baseman in the recent New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association All-Star Game. "It's definitely exciting and now it's time to hopefully take advantage of my opportunity,'' said Gedman, who most likely will be assigned to the Sox' Gulf Coast Rookie League team.
Read the full Red Sox Notebook on Boston.com
Read the full Red Sox Notebook on Boston.com
Former UMass hurler Bryan Leigh is about to begin his second season in professional baseball and will be pitching for the Everett AquaSox this summer, the short season A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, who announced their opening day roster yesterday. He is joined by three more former Atlantic 10 pitchers: Cameron Hobson (Dayton), Cody Weiss (La Salle) and Max Krakowiak (Fordham).
Leigh, who signed with the Seattle Mariners' organization last summer as a free agent, was 2-0 with a 1.71 earned run average over 21.0 innings with the Pulaski Mariners in 2010. He registered three saves in his 12 appearances, as well, with 19 strikeouts to just six walks and an opponent batting average of .203.
The AquaSox open their season this Friday, Jun. 17, on the road against the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Leigh, who signed with the Seattle Mariners' organization last summer as a free agent, was 2-0 with a 1.71 earned run average over 21.0 innings with the Pulaski Mariners in 2010. He registered three saves in his 12 appearances, as well, with 19 strikeouts to just six walks and an opponent batting average of .203.
The AquaSox open their season this Friday, Jun. 17, on the road against the Tri-City Dust Devils.
Happy birthday to UMass Baseball's Aaron Zaleznik and Joe Popielarczyk!
Marty Dobrow has a great piece on ESPNBoston.com about the Red Sox signing UMass' Matt Gedman. Dobrow mentions the possibility of Gedman being placed with the Lowell Spinners where his father, Rich, is the hitting coach. Rich also played for the Red Sox where he was a two-time All-Star catcher.
The New England Collegiate baseball league opened last night with current UMass catcher Tom Conley helping the Keene Swamp Bats to a 7-0 win in a rain-shortened contest against the Vermont Mountaineers. Conley hit fifth in the order and was 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.
On the day his younger brother was drafted, former Minuteman hurler Mike Gedman unfortunately took the loss for the Worcester Tornadoes after walking the leadoff hitter on a 3-2 pitch in the eighth inning vs. Chad Paronto's Pittsfield Colonials. The Colonials rallied for a 6-4 win.
Finally, Matt Torra will be on the bump tonight as the Reno Aces open a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Torra will put his 4-0 record on the line against Sky Sox RHP Esmil Rogers (0-0, No ERA), who is on a Major League rehab assignment.
On the day his younger brother was drafted, former Minuteman hurler Mike Gedman unfortunately took the loss for the Worcester Tornadoes after walking the leadoff hitter on a 3-2 pitch in the eighth inning vs. Chad Paronto's Pittsfield Colonials. The Colonials rallied for a 6-4 win.
Finally, Matt Torra will be on the bump tonight as the Reno Aces open a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Torra will put his 4-0 record on the line against Sky Sox RHP Esmil Rogers (0-0, No ERA), who is on a Major League rehab assignment.
"Matt Gedman still had hope on Wednesday, when the First-Year Player Draft shifted to its final day.
The Framingham, Mass., native and senior at University of Massachusetts thought there was a chance his name might get called somewhere toward the end of the Draft. He was incredibly nervous, so he traveled down to Cape Cod with some buddies to relieve stress the best way he knew how -- playing baseball.
When Gedman got to his car and saw all the missed calls on his cell phone, he figured something had happened.
Gedman -- a 6-foot-2, 205-pound infielder -- became the 45th-round pick of the Boston Red Sox, his favorite team growing up, and one of the clubs for which his father Rich played during his Major League career." Continue Reading on MLB.com.
Matt Vautour also caught up with Gedman: Red Sox draft UMass third baseman Matt Gedman
Ron Chimelis had this piece on Masslive.com, as well.
Gedman's draft selection was mentioned by many other media outlets, including these:
NESN: Rich Gedman's Son Among Those Selected by Red Sox on Final Day of MLB Draft
CSN: Sox take three locals on day three of the draft
Portland Press Herald: Exposito called up to Boston; Sox draft a Gedman
Boston Globe
With the New England Collegiate Baseball League kicking off its season tonight, summer ball is getting underway. Several of the Minutemen will be starting action over the next few days.
In the NECBL, junior catcher Tom Conley will be returning for a second stint with the Keene Swamp Bats. They open tonight vs. the Vermont Mountaineers in Keene, N.H., at 6:30 p.m.
Freshman shortstop Josh Messier is also playing in the NECBL for the New Bedford Bay Sox. New Bedford begins its season this Friday, June 10, on the road against the Sanford Mainers.
Freshman outfielder Kyle Adie will be a part of the inaugural season of the Futures League, playing for the the Nashua Silver Knights, who open up on Friday on the road vs. the Torrington Titans.
Sophomore Aaron Zaleznik is beginning his second season with the Elmira Pioneers of the newly-formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The right hander will begin his summer with the Pioneers tomorrow night, Thursday, Jun. 9, as the squad hosts the Cooperstown Hawkeyes.
In the NECBL, junior catcher Tom Conley will be returning for a second stint with the Keene Swamp Bats. They open tonight vs. the Vermont Mountaineers in Keene, N.H., at 6:30 p.m.
Freshman shortstop Josh Messier is also playing in the NECBL for the New Bedford Bay Sox. New Bedford begins its season this Friday, June 10, on the road against the Sanford Mainers.
Freshman outfielder Kyle Adie will be a part of the inaugural season of the Futures League, playing for the the Nashua Silver Knights, who open up on Friday on the road vs. the Torrington Titans.
Sophomore Aaron Zaleznik is beginning his second season with the Elmira Pioneers of the newly-formed Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The right hander will begin his summer with the Pioneers tomorrow night, Thursday, Jun. 9, as the squad hosts the Cooperstown Hawkeyes.
CBS 3's Ezra Broder recently interviewed UMass baseball head coach Mike Stone for a feature on the use of metal bats vs. wood bats.
Watch the piece here:
Former Minuteman Matt Torra had a great outing over the weekend as he pitched the Reno Aces to a 3-2 win over the Salt Lake Bees on Saturday.
Torra (4-0) scattered just seven hits and struck out four en route to his third quality start in his last four outings. The right-hander surrendered just one base on balls.
The game was covered by kolotv.com and AZ Snakepit, as well.
Through 11 starts, Torra holds a 4.64 earned run average with one complete game. In 64.0 innings pitched, he has fanned 29 batters, while walking 16.
Torra (4-0) scattered just seven hits and struck out four en route to his third quality start in his last four outings. The right-hander surrendered just one base on balls.
The game was covered by kolotv.com and AZ Snakepit, as well.
Through 11 starts, Torra holds a 4.64 earned run average with one complete game. In 64.0 innings pitched, he has fanned 29 batters, while walking 16.
The 37th Annual New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) All-Star Game was held Thursday night at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass. UMass' Peter Copa was instrumental in helping the University Division come back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, 3-3. The game ended in a tie after the scheduled nine innings were completed.
Copa entered in the sixth inning, replacing Rhode Island's Tom Coulombe at first base and was 2-for-2 with a double. Part of the University Division's two-run rally in the eighth, Copa's double moved Garret Smith of Boston College to third, setting up a sacrifice fly by Quinnipiac's Kyle Nisson. Copa then came home for the game-tying third run on an RBI double by URI's Greg Annarummo.
Matt Gedman started for the University Division team at third base and was 0-for-2 with a walk.
Copa entered in the sixth inning, replacing Rhode Island's Tom Coulombe at first base and was 2-for-2 with a double. Part of the University Division's two-run rally in the eighth, Copa's double moved Garret Smith of Boston College to third, setting up a sacrifice fly by Quinnipiac's Kyle Nisson. Copa then came home for the game-tying third run on an RBI double by URI's Greg Annarummo.
Matt Gedman started for the University Division team at third base and was 0-for-2 with a walk.
Seniors Peter Copa and Matt Gedman will be representing UMass in the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association's (NEIBA) 37th annual All-Star Game tonight at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Mass., at 7 p.m.
Division I players from across the region will make up the University Division Team, while The College Division Team is made up of 13 Division II standouts and 16 Division III seniors all-stars.
Tickets will cost $5 and can be purchased when the gates open at 6 p.m.
Division I players from across the region will make up the University Division Team, while The College Division Team is made up of 13 Division II standouts and 16 Division III seniors all-stars.
Tickets will cost $5 and can be purchased when the gates open at 6 p.m.
Former UMass hurler Mitchell Clegg is mentioned in this piece from iberkshires.com on the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League and the team's 74 alumni who have gone on to play professionally.
Clegg, who played for the SteepleCats in the Summer of 2008, is 2-3 in eight starts for the Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League.
Clegg, who played for the SteepleCats in the Summer of 2008, is 2-3 in eight starts for the Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League.
Congratulations to former UMass pitcher Matt Torra, who hit a milestone last night as he improved to 3-0 on the season after pitching the Reno Aces to a 7-2 victory over the Round Rock Express.
Torra held the Express to two runs on seven hits in seven innings on the mound with a season-high six strikeouts and two walks. His first K of game was the 500th of his professional career.
Through 52.0 innings over nine starts, Torra currently holds a 4.67 ERA with 12 walks and 23 strikeouts.
Torra held the Express to two runs on seven hits in seven innings on the mound with a season-high six strikeouts and two walks. His first K of game was the 500th of his professional career.
Through 52.0 innings over nine starts, Torra currently holds a 4.67 ERA with 12 walks and 23 strikeouts.
Dan Hoard's, tv/radio broadcaster for the Pawtucket Red Sox, latest blog post is an interesting read on former PawSox pitcher, UMass' own, Chad Paronto, who will be making his debut with the Pittsfield Colonials this thursday night as the team's opening night starter.
"The 35-year-old pitcher, who has appeared in 177 major league games with the Orioles, Indians, Braves, and Astros, has agreed to come out of retirement to be a player/coach for the Colonials. Chad lives in Pittsfield with his wife and two children.
'I really wanted to coach-slash-teach,' Paronto said. 'I guess I'm called the pitching coach, but I just want to teach guys how to pitch a little bit, and share some of the ideologies that I've come across in the 16 years that I've played. I think it's going to be exciting...and the stadium is only about eight-tenths of a mile from my house.'
Read more on Heard It From Hoard
"The 35-year-old pitcher, who has appeared in 177 major league games with the Orioles, Indians, Braves, and Astros, has agreed to come out of retirement to be a player/coach for the Colonials. Chad lives in Pittsfield with his wife and two children.
'I really wanted to coach-slash-teach,' Paronto said. 'I guess I'm called the pitching coach, but I just want to teach guys how to pitch a little bit, and share some of the ideologies that I've come across in the 16 years that I've played. I think it's going to be exciting...and the stadium is only about eight-tenths of a mile from my house.'
Read more on Heard It From Hoard
In today's Globe South Sports Notebook, Marvin Pave highlights the crop of Quincy, Mass., natives who are currently playing Division I baseball, including UMass juniors Glen Misho and Tom Conley.
"'Quincy has never had so many Division 1 collegiate players at one time,' said Bob Griffin, a Senior Babe Ruth coach who has been active in various leagues in the city the past 15 years.
He said he believed the city had only two other Division 1 players over the past 15 or 20 years, pitchers Keith Doherty at UMass and John Folino at UConn."
Continue reading: Quincy stars shine in Division I baseball.
Jeff Reardon set major league baseball's all-time saves record. Mike Flanagan won the Cy Young. Former football recruit Ron Villone pitched in the bigs for 15 years. Matt Torra was a first-round pick in 2005.
So junior Leif Sorenson of Bradford should be proud to set the school record for career saves. Even if it is just 12.
"It was definitely a goal," said Sorenson, who has done it in just two years, as he transferred from Vermont, after the Catamounts dropped baseball. "It's not a lot so I'm trying to smash it."
Continue reading more of Michael
Muldoon's column, Our College Stars, which also mentions UMass sophomore Dennis Torres.
UMass baseball alum Matt Torra started on the mound for Reno on Friday night, but did not factor in the decision as the Albuquerque Isotopes posted their second-straight walk-off
win over the Reno Aces, 7-6, at Isotopes
Park.
Torra threw six innings and allowed three runs on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts. He is currently 2-0 on the season through eight starts with a 5.00 earned run average in 45.0 innings pitched with 10 walks and 17 strikeouts.
Torra threw six innings and allowed three runs on six hits with no walks and four strikeouts. He is currently 2-0 on the season through eight starts with a 5.00 earned run average in 45.0 innings pitched with 10 walks and 17 strikeouts.
UMass baseball's own Mitchell Clegg fired his best outing of the year and Potomac knocked off Lynchburg 6-2 from City Stadium on Friday night.
The Woburn, Mass., native improved to 2-2, only allowing four hits and never dealing with any significant jams. The one run he allowed came in the first inning when he hit lead-off man Todd Cunningham and then gave up a double to Phil Gosselin two batters later. Cunningham came all the way around from first to score, but by that point, Potomac had all the runs it needed.
Read more of the recap on MiLB.com.
Clegg's performance is also mentioned on dcprosportsreport.com and on insidenova.com.
Through seven starts this season, Clegg has thrown a total of 36.2 innings with 11 walks, 16 strikeouts and a 4.66 earned run average.
Bill Buckner won't be the only former big leaguer in town
Saturday when the Brockton Rox meet the Pittsfield Colonials in a Can-Am League
exhibition at Forest Park (2 p.m.)
Buckner's the major celebrity as manager of the Rox. As for the Colonials, they
have Chad Paronto, a former University
of Massachusetts pitcher
who spent parts of seven seasons in the majors as a middle reliever.
Paronto, 35, has a dual role as pitcher and pitching coach.
Read more o Garry Brown's article on MassLive.com
This afternoon, weather permitting, the Portsmouth High School
baseball team will attempt to win the program's 76th straight game when it
plays at Pembroke
Academy.
That would set a new national high school record for consecutive victories, one
more than Homer (Mich.)
High School won during its run in 2004-05.
Portsmouth's streak began with the 2008 season when current UMass junior hurler Ben Hart led the team to a 23-0 record and the New Hampshire Class I State Championship, going 9-0 on the mound with 64 strikeouts. Hart was named the New Hampshire Class I Co-Player of the Year that season.
Read Jim Halley's article in USA Today, which mentions Hart.
On May 17, we celebrate a trio of birthdays: senior hockey player Brian Keane sophomore swimmer Alexander Merkulov and sophomore baseball pitcher Dennis Torres.
UMass' Mitchell Clegg drew the start for Potomac on Sunday against the Wilmington Blue Rocks and though he did not get the win, Clegg kept the P-Nats in the game, yielding just a run on five hits through 5 1/3 innings.
He was helped by his defense which turned a double play and caught a runner trying to steal. Josh Smoker relieved Clegg with one out in the sixth and was helped by a spectacular diving catch in right field by Hood and a brilliant stab of a grounder and strong throw to first by Francisco Soriano.
The P-Nats won on a walk-off single in the ninth, a 5-4 victory.
Clegg scattered five hits, walked one and struck out two in his outing. He is now 1-2 on the year through six starts with a 5.46 ERA.
Read the entire game recap here: Walk-off single leads Potomac Nationals to victory
He was helped by his defense which turned a double play and caught a runner trying to steal. Josh Smoker relieved Clegg with one out in the sixth and was helped by a spectacular diving catch in right field by Hood and a brilliant stab of a grounder and strong throw to first by Francisco Soriano.
The P-Nats won on a walk-off single in the ninth, a 5-4 victory.
Clegg scattered five hits, walked one and struck out two in his outing. He is now 1-2 on the year through six starts with a 5.46 ERA.
Read the entire game recap here: Walk-off single leads Potomac Nationals to victory
Baseball picked up a come-from-behind win vs. Fordham this afternoon, downing the Rams in extra innings after scoring twice in the ninth to extend the contest. Check out the highlights and postgame interviews.
Recently had the opportunity to catch up with former UMass outfielder Nick Gorneault who spent 10 years playing minor league ball and is now a scout for the Los Angeles Angels. Check out the video interview:
Former Minutemen hurlers Matt Torra and Mitchell Clegg drew starts on the mound for their respective clubs on Monday night.
Torra threw a seven inning complete game two-hitter, collecting a win as the Reno Aces swept a doubleheader against the Salt Lake Bees. He allowed two runs, walked one and struck out two en route to the 3-2 victory. Torra is now 2-0 on the season with a 4.50 ERA, throwing 34 innings over six starts with nine walks and 12 strikeouts.
Clegg started, but did not factor into the decision for the Potomac Nationals who fell to the Winston-Salem Dash, 5-3 on the road. The former UMass lefty tossed five innings and allowed two runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out three. He is currently 1-2 on the year with a 6.29 ERA in five starts for a total of 24.1 innings with eight walks and 12 Ks.
Torra threw a seven inning complete game two-hitter, collecting a win as the Reno Aces swept a doubleheader against the Salt Lake Bees. He allowed two runs, walked one and struck out two en route to the 3-2 victory. Torra is now 2-0 on the season with a 4.50 ERA, throwing 34 innings over six starts with nine walks and 12 strikeouts.
Clegg started, but did not factor into the decision for the Potomac Nationals who fell to the Winston-Salem Dash, 5-3 on the road. The former UMass lefty tossed five innings and allowed two runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out three. He is currently 1-2 on the year with a 6.29 ERA in five starts for a total of 24.1 innings with eight walks and 12 Ks.
Former Minuteman Matt Torra is scheduled to make his fifth start of the season tonight as the Reno Aces take on the Las Vegas 51s.
Torra is currently 1-0 with a 4.29 ERA in 21.0 innings, five walks and 10 strikeouts.
Live audio is available through the MiLB.com web site.
Torra is currently 1-0 with a 4.29 ERA in 21.0 innings, five walks and 10 strikeouts.
Live audio is available through the MiLB.com web site.
With the opportunity to play in the illustrious Fenway Park, the Massachusetts baseball team elevated its game to finish off Northeastern in the heart of Boston Tuesday, as the Minutemen (13-21, 5-7 A-10) defeated Northeastern (12-25) 4-2 in the Beanpot consolation game.
UMass coach Mike Stone said after that game that while playing at Fenway "is a treat" for everyone involved, it's even more of a treat if the team plays well and gets victories.
UMass did just that, getting on the board early by plating Anthony Serino after Peter Copa reached base on a throwing error by the shortstop. The Minutemen further capitalized on the Terrier miscue with a two-out triple to right field by Kyle Multner. The triple plated Copa and Tom Conley, who reached on a single.
Read more of Eric Mansfield's Minutemen defeat Northeastern at Fenway Park
UMass coach Mike Stone said after that game that while playing at Fenway "is a treat" for everyone involved, it's even more of a treat if the team plays well and gets victories.
UMass did just that, getting on the board early by plating Anthony Serino after Peter Copa reached base on a throwing error by the shortstop. The Minutemen further capitalized on the Terrier miscue with a two-out triple to right field by Kyle Multner. The triple plated Copa and Tom Conley, who reached on a single.
Read more of Eric Mansfield's Minutemen defeat Northeastern at Fenway Park
Former Minuteman Mitchell Clegg is slated to start for the Potomac Nationals this afternoon in the second game of a doubleheader on the road against the Frederick Keys. Game one is slated to begin at noon.
Clegg is currently 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA after pitching four innings in his 2011 debut last week, a 3-2 win over the Winston-Salem Dash.
Clegg is currently 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA after pitching four innings in his 2011 debut last week, a 3-2 win over the Winston-Salem Dash.
Mitch Clegg, the former University of Massachusetts pitcher, made some
changes to his offseason conditioning program this past winter that he
hopes will pay off as he pursues his dream of playing in the major
leagues.
Instead of working out on his own, Clegg's new routine called for visiting Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning four times a week for 15 weeks. Other athletes who have sought out Boyle in the past include Nomar Garciaparra, Cam Neely, Ray Bourque and Rich Hill, a Boston native who pitched for the Red Sox in 2010.
"It is in Woburn, in my hometown, so I really had no excuse not to go," said Clegg, a minor league pitcher in the Washington Nationals' farm system. "I slimmed down and put on some muscle mass. I needed it. I feel as good as I have in a couple of years."
Read more of David Driver's Former UMass pitcher Mitch Clegg making strides in Nationals' farm system
Instead of working out on his own, Clegg's new routine called for visiting Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning four times a week for 15 weeks. Other athletes who have sought out Boyle in the past include Nomar Garciaparra, Cam Neely, Ray Bourque and Rich Hill, a Boston native who pitched for the Red Sox in 2010.
"It is in Woburn, in my hometown, so I really had no excuse not to go," said Clegg, a minor league pitcher in the Washington Nationals' farm system. "I slimmed down and put on some muscle mass. I needed it. I feel as good as I have in a couple of years."
Read more of David Driver's Former UMass pitcher Mitch Clegg making strides in Nationals' farm system
After pitching seven season in the major leagues, Chad Paronto is coming home.
The 35-year-old city resident signed a contract with the Pittsfield Colonials in dual roles as pitching coach and starter.
The 35-year-old city resident signed a contract with the Pittsfield Colonials in dual roles as pitching coach and starter.
Despite
having been invited to spring training by multiple professional clubs,
Paronto decided to hang up his professional career to be closer to his
family.
"I know that I can pitch in the big leagues but that's
the least of my concerns," Paronto said at a press conference Friday. "I
chose to retire for my family."
Last season, Paronto led the
Pawtucket Red Sox in appearances with 54 and posted a 4.22 ERA out of
the bullpen. But at the end of the year, he said he began thinking of
retiring in order to spend more time with his children.
Read more of Pittsfield Colonials Sign Former Major Leaguer
Baseball's Eric Fredette celebrates his birthday on April 17. The Minutemen finish their suspended game and take on Temple this afternoon.
The women's lacrosse team goes for the A-10 Regular-Season on Jackie Lyons Birthday at McGuirk Stadium.
Former Minuteman lefty hurler Mitchell Clegg made his first start of the 2011 season last night with the Potomac Nationals, and helped the team salvage a split of its doubleheader with a 3-2 game two victory.
Clegg did not earn a decision, but threw four innings and allowed two runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts in the seven-inning contest.
Clegg did not earn a decision, but threw four innings and allowed two runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts in the seven-inning contest.
UMass' own Mitchell Clegg is listed as the probable starting pitcher for the Potomac Nationals tonight as the P-Nats are slated to face the Winston-Salem Dash in a doubleheader tonight at 6:05 p.m.
Live audio is available via MiLB.com.
Clegg was 9-3 with the Hagerstown Suns last season and posted a 3.48 earned run average in 93.0 innings on the mound with 55 walks and 22 strikeouts.
Live audio is available via MiLB.com.
Clegg was 9-3 with the Hagerstown Suns last season and posted a 3.48 earned run average in 93.0 innings on the mound with 55 walks and 22 strikeouts.
Former UMass hurler Matt Torra earned the win in his 2011 debut for the Reno Aces last night as the squad defeated the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, 9-1. Torra threw six innings and allowed just one run and scattered five hits, striking out two without walking a batter.
Check out the recap and box score on on MiLB.com.
Check out the recap and box score on on MiLB.com.
Former Minuteman Matt Torra will make his 2011 debut tonight as he will start on the mound for the Reno Aces on the road against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at 8:05 Eastern.
Audio is available on MiLB.com and the contest will also air on MiLB.TV.
Audio is available on MiLB.com and the contest will also air on MiLB.TV.
The Minutemen will open up their home schedule this weekend with a three-game series against Atlantic 10 foe Dayton, beginning with game one this afternoon on Earl Lorden Field at 3 p.m. Games two and three are set for 1 p.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Here is Michael Counos' preview of the series from today's Daily Collegian.
Here is Michael Counos' preview of the series from today's Daily Collegian.
Best wishes for a Happy Birthday to baseball's Corey Volpicelli, who celebrates on April 7. Follow him on twitter @coreyvolp7.
Best birthday wishes to softball senior Meghan Carta and baseball sophomore Anthony Serino on April 5.
Former UMass lefty hurler Mitchell Clegg will begin his third professional season with the Potomac Nationals, the class-A advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
Clegg was 9-4 with a 3.20 ERA in 107 innings of work last season and started 16 games. He logged 63 strikeouts and 25 walks in 2010.
Potomac will open its season on Friday, Apr. 8, at home against the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7:05 p.m.
Clegg was 9-4 with a 3.20 ERA in 107 innings of work last season and started 16 games. He logged 63 strikeouts and 25 walks in 2010.
Potomac will open its season on Friday, Apr. 8, at home against the Lynchburg Hillcats at 7:05 p.m.
The Massachusetts baseball team traveled to Fordham's Houlihan Park this weekend, splitting a pair of highly-contested games to hosts Fordham and Albany.
Fordham (16-9) walked off with a victory in the first half of the doubleheader, defeating UMass (8-11), 6-5, while UMass came right back to defeat Albany (5-14), 4-2.
Read more of: Minutemen split weekend series against Albany and Fordham.
Fordham (16-9) walked off with a victory in the first half of the doubleheader, defeating UMass (8-11), 6-5, while UMass came right back to defeat Albany (5-14), 4-2.
Read more of: Minutemen split weekend series against Albany and Fordham.
With the minor league season getting underway next week, clubs have begun to announce their opening day rosters. The Reno Aces, the AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, unveiled their 2011 Opening Day roster yesterday, which includes former Minuteman Matt Torra.
Torra won 11 games for the Aces last season and set a D-backs Triple-A record with 178.0 innings pitched.
The Reno Gazette-Journal also has a position-by-position preview of the season.
Reno opens 2011 next Thursday, Apr. 7, on the road against the Salt Lake Bees.
Torra won 11 games for the Aces last season and set a D-backs Triple-A record with 178.0 innings pitched.
The Reno Gazette-Journal also has a position-by-position preview of the season.
Reno opens 2011 next Thursday, Apr. 7, on the road against the Salt Lake Bees.
Coming strong off of a 2-1 weekend series against George Washington, the Massachusetts baseball team looks to continue its winning trends in Worcester against Holy Cross on Tuesday afternoon.
The Minutemen (6-9, 2-1 Atlantic 10) have a lot of momentum going into the matchup against the Crusaders (10-10-1).
UMass has gone 5-1 in its recent six-game stretch, in which it has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 45-30
Read more of David Martin's UMass baseball looking to continue winning ways
The Minutemen (6-9, 2-1 Atlantic 10) have a lot of momentum going into the matchup against the Crusaders (10-10-1).
UMass has gone 5-1 in its recent six-game stretch, in which it has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 45-30
Read more of David Martin's UMass baseball looking to continue winning ways
A strong offensive outburst led the Massachusetts baseball team to a 2-1 Atlantic 10 series win against George Washington this weekend.
The Minutemen began the season struggling in the runs category, but have been swinging the bat well in their last two road trips. UMass (6-9, 2-1 A-10) picked up an 8-4 win on Friday before splitting its doubleheader on Saturday.
Read more of: UMass takes series from GW, 2-1
The Minutemen began the season struggling in the runs category, but have been swinging the bat well in their last two road trips. UMass (6-9, 2-1 A-10) picked up an 8-4 win on Friday before splitting its doubleheader on Saturday.
Read more of: UMass takes series from GW, 2-1
In its special baseball/softball issue, the Daily Collegian has lots of coverage of the Minutemen.
David Martin has this piece recapping the team's progress through the first two weeks of the season.
Scott Cournoyer has coverage of the new NCAA bat regulations and how it's impacting the game.
Michael Counos has a preview broken down position by position.
Eric Mansfield addresses UMass' progression offensively in the early going this year.
David Martin has this piece recapping the team's progress through the first two weeks of the season.
Scott Cournoyer has coverage of the new NCAA bat regulations and how it's impacting the game.
Michael Counos has a preview broken down position by position.
Eric Mansfield addresses UMass' progression offensively in the early going this year.
The Florida trip for the Massachusetts baseball team did not start off as expected, as the squad dropped four consecutive games over the course of last week heading into last Friday's game against Bucknell.
"We started off the season real slow, not being able to help the pitchers out by scoring enough runs," said senior Matt Gedman. "We've been able to come on now and help our pitchers out, and that's been good for us."
UMass has won its past three games, including its most recent game against University of Maryland-Baltimore County, a 9-5 victory, on Sunday.
With starting pitching giving UMass deep, quality outings to go along with the offensive support at the plate, the squad's record stands at 4-8, as Atlantic 10 play creeps closer
Read more of Minutemen Bring Streak To Three
"We started off the season real slow, not being able to help the pitchers out by scoring enough runs," said senior Matt Gedman. "We've been able to come on now and help our pitchers out, and that's been good for us."
UMass has won its past three games, including its most recent game against University of Maryland-Baltimore County, a 9-5 victory, on Sunday.
With starting pitching giving UMass deep, quality outings to go along with the offensive support at the plate, the squad's record stands at 4-8, as Atlantic 10 play creeps closer
Read more of Minutemen Bring Streak To Three
The Daily Collegian has this recap of the Minutemen's trip to the Bearkat Invitational last weekend in Huntsville, Texas, and briefly touches on the upcoming spring break trip to Florida.
A look at the team's spring break schedule:
Saturday: vs. Toledo - 9:30 a.m. - Chain of Lakes Park #1
Sunday: vs. Bradley - 5:30 p.m. - Henley Field
Monday: vs. Navy - 3:00 p.m. - Chain of Lakes Park Stadium
Tuesday: vs. Army - 3:00 p.m. - Chain of Lakes Park Stadium
Wednesday: vs. Indiana - 2:00 p.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
Friday: vs. Bucknell - 1:00 p.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
Saturday: vs. Northwestern - 1:30 p.m. - Henley Field
Sunday: vs. UMBC - 10:00 a.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
A look at the team's spring break schedule:
Saturday: vs. Toledo - 9:30 a.m. - Chain of Lakes Park #1
Sunday: vs. Bradley - 5:30 p.m. - Henley Field
Monday: vs. Navy - 3:00 p.m. - Chain of Lakes Park Stadium
Tuesday: vs. Army - 3:00 p.m. - Chain of Lakes Park Stadium
Wednesday: vs. Indiana - 2:00 p.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
Friday: vs. Bucknell - 1:00 p.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
Saturday: vs. Northwestern - 1:30 p.m. - Henley Field
Sunday: vs. UMBC - 10:00 a.m. - Lake Myrtle Park Main Field
Happy Birthday on Feb. 12 to junior baseball pitcher Ben Hart and sophomore women's hoopster Dee Montgomery.
Former Minuteman Doug Clark has been playing in Mexico this winter and helped the Yaquis club to its first Caribbean Series title on Monday beating Venezuela 3-0, capping off a 4-2 series record.
Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic play each year for the Caribbean Series championship.
Clark, who is currently affiliated with the Kansas City Royals batted .250 with six hits in 24 at bats in the six-game series.
Read more on MassLive.com
Garry Brown leads off his latest column in the Springfield Republican with an update on UMass baseball alum Nick Gorneault:
It's time for Phase Two in the professional baseball career of Nick Gorneault.
This former Cathedral and UMass star gave it his best shot for 10 years in the minors. Now he's ready to move into a new role as northeast scout for the Los Angeles Angels.
"It was a blessing that I was able to play as long as I did," he said. "I had my dream, I reached the big leagues, if only for a short time, but I got there, and not many people can say that."
Read more of Brown's column on MassLive.com
It's time for Phase Two in the professional baseball career of Nick Gorneault.
This former Cathedral and UMass star gave it his best shot for 10 years in the minors. Now he's ready to move into a new role as northeast scout for the Los Angeles Angels.
"It was a blessing that I was able to play as long as I did," he said. "I had my dream, I reached the big leagues, if only for a short time, but I got there, and not many people can say that."
Read more of Brown's column on MassLive.com
Happy birthday to a trio of UMass student-athletes on Jan. 22: baseball senior Charlie Benson rowing sophomore Tory Gordan and football sophomore Darren Thellen.
Former UMass basketball and baseball player Bob Eichorn passes away on Jan. 3, 2011 at the age of 72 in North Adams. He averaged 14.2 points as a senior basketball player in 1959-60. Eichorn was back on campus as recent as Nov. 27 for the Return to the Cage men's basketball game vs. Holy Cross. Here is his obituary.
Robert Richard Eichorn 1938-2011 NORTH ADAMS Mr. Robert Richard Eichorn, 72, of 22 Classic Ave., North Adams, died suddenly Monday, January 3, 2011 at North Adams Regional Hospital after being stricken earlier at home. He was born in Adams, MA on October 7, 1938, son of Robert F. and Ella Kosche Eichorn. He attended Adams schools and graduated from Adams High School with the class of 1956. Bob was an outstanding athlete and was All-Berkshire and All-Western Mass in three sports. Bob continued his athletic career at UMass-Amherst where he played football, basketball, and baseball until his graduation in 1960. After college, he was signed by the New York Yankees and played minor league baseball on their farm team. Bob was named one of the "Top 50 Athletes" in the history of Berkshire County by The Berkshire Eagle as number 15. He was a veteran of the Navy and later served in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander He was last employed by Morrison-Berkshire where he was vice-president of international sales and marketing until his retirement. Before that, he worked at the former James Hunter Machine Co. Bob was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his cats, "Fred" and "Bella". The first love of his life was the former Marie Patricia Canale, who died on January 9, 1991. They were married on June 8, 1963. He later shared his life with Marie Evans, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves two daughters; Kim Champagne, and her husband, Peter, of Brookfield, Conn.and Bonnie Eichorn-Lee, and her husband, Jeff, of Pittsfield; and Marie Evans' daughter, Michelle Rosier and her husband, James, of Dalton; four grandchildren, Devon and Cody Champagne, Matthew Eichorn, and Jordan Rosier; and nieces and nephews. A sister, Susan Eichorn, is deceased. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Bob Eichorn will be Friday January 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Burial will be in the spring in Southview cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Eichorn Memorial Scholarship in care of the funeral home
Best wishes for a great birthday to senior football player Woody Carter IV and freshman baseball player John McKenna.
Happy Birthday to baseball sophomore Rich Graef on Dec. 6.
UMass Hall of Famer and former All-Star shortstop for the Angels, Gary DiSarcina has returned to Anaheim as part of the organization's front office. DiSarcina, who played baseball at UMass from 1986 to 1988, was named the Angels' special assistant to the general manager.
"We are pleased to have Gary back in the Angels' family," said Angels GM Tony Reagins in a club release. "He brings a level of expertise and passion that will be critical to the advancement of the baseball operations department."
DiSarcina was in the Red Sox's farm system the past four seasons. He was manager for Class A Lowell for three years, and last year he was the Red Sox's Minor League infield coordinator.
Read more on DiSarcina's return to the Angels organization: MLB.com, ESPN, OCRegister
On Nov. 7, we wish Happy Birthday to junior baseball player Alex Fischer, track sophomore Andrew Grube and football freshman Brandon Hill.
The Springfield Republican has an obituary on the passing of former UMass baseball and basketball star John Bemben, who died at the age of 95 on Oct. 27. The Wilbraham resident graduated from Hopkins Academy in 1933 and Governor Dummer Academy in 1935 and later graduated with a B.S. Degree in Mathematics from Mass. State College (now UMass Amherst) in 1939. While at Mass. State, he was very active in sports serving on the Varsity Baseball team as Co-Captain for 3 years and the Varsity Basketball team for 3 years as Captain. He was a star basketball player in the region and was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a left-handed pitcher until he injured his arm.
Continue reading Former Baseball, Basketball Player Bemben Passes At 95 .
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer has a feature on new Cleveland Indians general manager and UMass sports management program alum Chris Antonetti. The Connecticut native started his climb into the upper ranks of Major League Baseball as an unpaid intern for the Montreal Expos. Read the full story which has quotes and information from UMass' Glenn Wong and more.
Here's a snipet.
When Dave Littlefield and Neal Huntington, former UMass sports management grads running the Montreal Expos farm system at the time, told Wong they were looking for an intern, he recommended Antonetti for his work ethic and people skills.
Continue reading UMass Alum, Indians GM Chris Antonetti Feature Story.
Pawtucket Red Sox TV/radio broadcaster Dan Hoard's latest entry on his blog, Heard It From Hoard, is entirely dedicated to former Minuteman pitcher Chad Paronto, who was a member of the PawSox this past season.
Paronto had a weekly radio segment on the team's radio broadcasts called "Hangin' With Chad" that featured him interviewing his teammates. (Listen to the segments here)
Click here to read the blog posting, which includes a link to this video, which prominently features Paronto.
Paronto had a weekly radio segment on the team's radio broadcasts called "Hangin' With Chad" that featured him interviewing his teammates. (Listen to the segments here)
Click here to read the blog posting, which includes a link to this video, which prominently features Paronto.
This past summer, seven former UMass baseball players were in action in the minor leagues, including Nick Serino and Bryan Leigh, who both spent their first summers in pro ball.
Serino and Leigh joined Mitchell Clegg, Matt Torra, Ron Villone, Chad Paronto, and Nick Gorneault as former Minutemen getting paid to play the national past time.
Check out this piece from Examiner.com, recapping the 2010 minor league season for all seven UMass baseball alumni.
Serino and Leigh joined Mitchell Clegg, Matt Torra, Ron Villone, Chad Paronto, and Nick Gorneault as former Minutemen getting paid to play the national past time.
Check out this piece from Examiner.com, recapping the 2010 minor league season for all seven UMass baseball alumni.
Wishing a Happy Birthday to decorate rower Megan Donovan and baseball pitcher Ron Wallace. They both celebrate on Sept. 20.
Space still available to participate in the fifth annual UMass Baseball Golf Tournament, which is set for Friday,
Sept. 24, 2010, at the Ledges Golf Club in South Hadley.
The cost is $150 per golfer, with proceeds to benefit the UMass Baseball Scholarship Fund. Click Here for more information and to download a PDF of the Registration form.
The cost is $150 per golfer, with proceeds to benefit the UMass Baseball Scholarship Fund. Click Here for more information and to download a PDF of the Registration form.
With the regular season winding down, the Hagerstown Suns Fan Club gave out its annual awards last Thursday night at Municipal Stadium. UMass' own Mitchell Clegg captured Pitcher of the Year honors and, at 9-3, currently leads the Suns in victories. The left-hander holds a 3.38 ERA in 19 games, including 12 starts and two saves.
Clegg, who has battled injury over the past two months, is currently on the seven-day disabled list.
Clegg, who has battled injury over the past two months, is currently on the seven-day disabled list.
Congratulations to UMass baseball alum Bryan Leigh who is a member of the Pulaski Mariners team that clinched an Appalachian League division title on Sunday.
Pulaski will play at home vs. Greeneville both tonight and tomorrow to wrap up the regular season and will await its playoff opponent.
Leigh, who signed with the Mariners in late June, is currently 2.0 with a 1.71 ERA and has thrown 21.0 innings in his first season of pro ball.
Pulaski will play at home vs. Greeneville both tonight and tomorrow to wrap up the regular season and will await its playoff opponent.
Leigh, who signed with the Mariners in late June, is currently 2.0 with a 1.71 ERA and has thrown 21.0 innings in his first season of pro ball.
Former Minuteman Chad Paronto helped the Pawtucket Red Sox to their fifth straight win over the weekend, pitching one hitless inning of relief in a 2-0 victory over the Rochester Red Wings.
Paronto is currently 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 71.0 innings pitched on the season.
Paronto is currently 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 71.0 innings pitched on the season.
Former UMass outfielder Nick Gorneault has 10 seasons of professional baseball under
his belt but is still looking for his first championship.
"I've been on teams where we were close but it was just one or two plays that made the difference," recalled Gorneault. "Unfortunately for us they went the wrong way."
He hopes this Bees team is different.
Read more of this great feature on Gorneault from the Salt Lake Bees web site.
UMass baseball alum Bryan Leigh is mentioned in this piece in The Herald News on former Atlantic 10 opponent and current Pulaski Mariners teammate, Tim Boyce (URI). Leigh pitched two scoreless innings last night in a 3-2 victory over the Elizabethton Twins and picked up his third save of the season.
Leigh is currently 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 21.0 innings pitched. Heading into the final week of the regular season, Pulaski is 35-25 and is in first place in the East Division of the Appalachian League.
Leigh is currently 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 21.0 innings pitched. Heading into the final week of the regular season, Pulaski is 35-25 and is in first place in the East Division of the Appalachian League.
Former Minuteman Nick Serino is profiled in his hometown paper, the Saugus Advertiser. Serino, who will wrap up his first season in pro baseball this week, is 2-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 21.2 innings pitched with the Gulf Coast League Nationals.
Former Minuteman hurler Matt Torra picked up his 11th win last night against the Tacoma Rainiers, despite giving up six runs, five earned, on six hits over six innings of work in the 7-6 victory. He struck out nine, a season high, while walking just one to bring his season strikeouts total to 94.
Sending Happy Birthday wishes to baseball pitcher Glen Misho and recent football tailback Tony Nelson, they celebrate on Aug. 24.
The fifth annual UMass Baseball Golf Tournament is set for Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at the Ledges Golf Club in South Hadley. The cost is $150 per golfer, with proceeds to benefit the UMass Baseball Scholarship Fund. Click Here for more information and to download a PDF of the Registration form.
Former UMass hurler Matt Torra won his fifth straight last night, helping the Reno Aces to a 5-3 win over the Oklahoma City RedHawks. Torra went seven innings in his start, scattering two runs on eight hits with no walks and six strikeouts. He is 6-1 in his last 10 starts and is 10-6 on the season.
