New York Baseball League

[Archelirion]

AN ADDRESS FROM FRANK CHANDLER JR. TO ASSEMBLED JOURNALISTS

MANHATTAN, 24 OCTOBER 2016

“Many of you will not know who I am, and in fairness, I know very few of you. In truth, who I am doesn’t really matter; our worlds have rarely crossed, my private life has remained private. The one thing I can say with confidence is that, for the 57 years that I have been on this planet, I have spent over 50 in love with baseball – and now, I have the go-ahead to make one of my biggest dreams a reality.

“As of the 1^st April, New York State will host a new, 10-team, 2 division baseball league. I have been in intense talks with businessmen and baseball fanatics alike for over a year now, and have interest from people to set teams up in the 5 boroughs, Albany, Yonkers, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. As of a week or so ago, players from all around the state have been registering their interest to play - some are veterans, some have made the decision to not play Major League until now, for reasons only they can know. Some, as likely many of you may already appreciate, are from ordinary families, who just so happen to have a talent they can do something with.

“This will be an undoubtedly manic 6 months for myself, for these businessmen and for countless New Yorkers that this will give employment to. But I believe, it will be worth it. I believe that baseball brings people together, perhaps more than any other sport, and it is my honest intention that, by the time I hang my tie up for the last time, the New York Baseball League will be the biggest independent league in the United States of America.

“There is still plenty of time for people to get involved – as players, secretaries, financial staff, groundskeepers; hell, teams are even going to need a mascot! If you’re interested, then fantastic. If not – I hope to see you all on opening day regardless. I will take further questions, but to all of you, thank you very much.”

[Archelirion]

ALBANY DRAGONS

Predicted finish: 5th in the State Division (65-79, 596/609 runs for/against)



Representing the state capital, pundits are expecting that the Albany Dragons are going to have their work cut out if they are to avoid an unwelcome first season – bottom of the State Division and even last overall on win percentage is being talked about. It’s likely that if the Dragons can make a splash, it will be on the grounds of their defensive prowess, not their batting – Dutch Antillean starter Miguel Hernandez is expected to have an excellent season, and Dominican Daniel Rijo should make a reliable second-in-order on the batting line-ups. While their batters haven’t been talked about with much vigour, it’s worth keeping an eye on 33-year-old heavy-hitter Matt Baratta, and the 24-year-old speed king Todd Morse. Albany also have reportedly the least exciting youth setup waiting in the wings, but 3rd-rotation Matt Cormier and 5th-rotation Francisco Burruel nevertheless find themselves in the pitching roster going into the season.


BRONX PHOENIX

Predicted finish: 2nd in the City Division (77-67, 627/647 runs for/against)



In line for wildcard spots in the City Division, the Phoenix are expected to give Manhattan a real run for their money for the division title. Noises are being made about 31-year-old Montreal native Quincy Kennedy, who is expected to be around the top of the clip percentages at the end of the season, alongside 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs. Keep an eye on fellow slogger Luis Ventura as well. Pitching may be a slight sticking point for the Bronx, but 24-year-old Pedro Alvarado should be a more-than-handy first choice starter, with secretive 25-year-old Bret Melgoza also being worth a watch. The Phoenix also have a very exciting prospects list, with no less than 5 outfielders (Oscar Carrera, Phil Carter, Jordan Ramirez, Zack Watkins and Adam Buckley – remember those names!) and a pitcher making the OSA Top 20; shortstop Carrera, centre-fielder Carter and 5th-in-rotation starter Steve Allen should all make their debuts this year.


BROOKLYN KNIGHTS

Predicted finish: 5th in the City Division (66-78, 587/616 runs for/against)



Despite having a respectable pitching contingent, the Knights look set to have a miserable inaugural season with arguably the weakest offensive roster of the competition. Australian third-baseman Harry ‘Tadpole’ Jolly (the club have requested not to ask about the name) should notch up a few home runs and find the gaps, but he really is all the Knights have to write home about. They do have a not-so-secret weapon in Jose Martinez, however, a sinker/curveball/changeup specialist who is reputed to be the best starter in the league, as well as handy backup in 41-year-old veteran Matt Boylston and impetuous cutter fan Arturo Lopez. Manager Jon Aguirre (with only a year to his name) must get the best out of his pitching staff this season; GM Scott Pempek (with only two) needs to find some batting talent. Brooklyn do have 16-year-old prospect Jon Silva (currently on the international roster) in their ranks, and will hope that Single-A pitcher Mike Henke continues to grow.


BUFFALO BRUISERS

Predicted finish: 1st in the State Division (79-65, 634/596 runs for/against)



With respectable talent both in their offensive and defensive ranks, the Buffalo Bruisers are expected to AT LEAST make playoffs this season, and are currently being pipped to take the State Division ahead of close rivals Rochester. Both #1 prospect Andrew Wheeler and 1B Willy Morales are expected to have great seasons with the stick – Wheeler should be round-about 0.300/0.400/0.500 and be knocking on 30 HRs, while Morales should be nudging the top of the RBI charts. Additionally, 3 of their pitching lineup are drawing interest in these early days – CL Matt Kaehr, arguably the finest closer in the league; Enrique Diaz, who should manage a sub-3.00 ERA; and Marcus Lunsford, the only knuckleballer in the competition. Outside of Wheeler, the Bruisers’ prospect list is looking a little weak right now… but what a prospect.


MANHATTAN VICTORY

Predicted finish: 1st in the City Division (78-66, 731/702 runs for/against)



TENTATIVELY being pipped for the City Division title at the end of the season, Manhattan undoubtedly have the most impressive offensive deal in the competition. Both Roger Colon and Ryan Sauer are being talked about regarding slugger of the year awards, and with contact hitter Matt Campbell and all-rounder Marty Ruvalcaba also in their ranks, the last thing Victory will be worrying about is likely runs. What will be interesting, though, is if they can keep the runs out – 36-year-old Jim Trent is perplexingly being talked about in the Pitchers To Watch list, when arguably the circle-changeup-wielding Miguel Martinez should be there instead. With a lot of middling young talent and nothing exceptional, GM Nate Payan will have to make securing Manhattan’s future a priority.


QUEENS DIAMONDS

Predicted finish: 4th in the City Division (70-74, 642/649 runs for/against)



The big financial players in the NYBL, the Diamonds nevertheless have some work to do with actual baseball if they’re going to pose a serious challenge in the City Division this year. Queens play host to TWO sumptuous power hitters, in the forms of Justin Stenke and Jeff Michaux – additionally, Costa Rican 1B Edward Sanchez is an adept gap hitter as well as with a bit of power up his sleeve. Similar to Manhattan, the choice for Pitchers To Watch this year is odd – despite having the fantastic British Columbian starter Audrey Beals, focus is instead being placed on the okay, but ageing (at 38) and definitely inferior Mike Moore, currently third in the running. Queens do have potential worldie starter Luis Suarez in their talent pool, but playing in the rookie leagues it is clear he has a long way to go before his potential is realised.


ROCHESTER UNION

Predicted finish: 2nd in the State Division (77-67, 615/552 runs for/against)



Alongside Buffalo, Rochester are the State Division’s best hopes for All New York glory this season. Despite having Keith Schmeling (predicted to dominate the RBI charts this year) and Israel Mejia (predicted to dominate everything that’s not HRs) in their ranks, the Union’s real anticipated saving grace should be their defensive prowess – as long as circumstances go their way. Assuming 40-year-old cutter specialist Victor Garcia doesn’t degrade heavily, and Cuban missile-launcher Mario Cisneros’ arm doesn’t give out (a BIG if, mind), the opposition should find the boys in blue-and-yellow caps a frustrating adversary for at least two games in five. They have modest potential in the prospect field, too: contact-hitter Andy Nichols should make his debut this year, and Justin Carter looks like a ferocious talent should he develop well, too. A little thin on the ground regarding pitchers, mind…


STATEN ISLAND BULLS

Predicted finish: 3rd in the City Division (74-70, 614/604 runs for/against)



Staten Island are expected to be the league’s safe boys this season – unlikely to push for title glory, but unlikely to embarrass themselves either. Bulls fans will likely look towards the impressive slogging skills of Gary Kindle, who should likely lead the home runs tally by the season’s closer; the controversial Mike Alton, assuming he doesn’t run his mouth off, should earn them a fair few too. Brad Bromer’s curveball is likely the best chance they have of pitching success this year, although 100mph+ closing pitcher Manny Escamilla has drawn a few eyes in preseason. Keep an eye out for rangy rookie Chris Meche this season, and #5 OSA prospect Brian Heatherly should make himself very comfortable in Staten Island’s line-up too.


SYRACUSE MAPLES

Predicted finish: 4th in the State Division (68-76, 614/691 runs for/against)



Anticipated to be let down by defensives woes this season, questions are being asked of the Maples’ offensive abilities to keep them afloat. It should be noted that Syracuse do have the brilliant, talismanic hitter Bryan DeMond on their rosters this season, but with little else to get too excited about, if DeMond doesn’t deliver it’s tricky to see where wins are going to come from. They do have the amicable Evan Everett in the pitching roster, but again, very little in the way of rotational options. Solid LF Oscar Hernandez should make his major-league debut this year, as might SS Kyle Davis should injury problems come through.


YONKERS SIXERS

Predicted finish: 3rd in the State Division (70-74, 591/586 runs for/against)



Yonkers are expected to keep their heads above water this season and sit safely in the State Division’s mid-table; this is perhaps fitting, as the Sixers have a team of solid players, with few remarkable individuals. Former 200m runner Edgar Herrera should make light work of the baserunning statistics this season, and it will be interesting to see whether 23-year-old starter Mike Lewis is able to replicate the 100mph pitches seen in the preseason. With a prospects list about a solid and unexceptional as their first team, Yonkers look to be the true underdogs this year.

[Archelirion]

APRIL 2017

BEST TEAM RECORD: Brooklyn Knights, 18-10
WORST TEAM RECORD: Bronx Phoenix/Syracuse Maples, 9-19

1st April: Opening Day saw a 9-2 win for Albany over Syracuse, which saw Matt Baratta claim the first home-run in NYBL history, with a 3-run HR, no less. Other scorelines saw 3-1 for Yonkers over Brooklyn, and a 5-4 win for Manhattan versus Buffalo, settled in the 9th. Brad Bromer recorded the first SO of the season in Staten Island’s edgy 1-0 win over the Bronx, but the game against Rochester and Queens was postponed for technical issues.

Also, Opening Day claimed not one, but two stars pitchers. Knuckleballer Marcus Lunsford’s start to the season lasted a mere inning, in Buffalo’s eventual 4-5 defeat to Manhattan today. Pitching against 1B Mike Kelly, Lunsford seemed to be in a lot of pain, and was taken off for reliever Joe Hedstrom. He will likely be out for 6 weeks with bone chips; when asked about the injury, he responded “I just hope that it doesn’t put kids off learning the knuckleball pitch. The timing looks bad, but it’s really no worse than any other pitch out there, really.”

The other casualty, arguably more serious, is the devastating blow to the Brooklyn Knights of losing Jose Martinez, pipped as a candidate for the pitchers’ award at the end of the season. Similarly to Lunsford, after only one inning Martinez shook his head violently to the bench, obviously in a lot of pain. It took several days, but Martinez was confirmed to have torn his UCL – a season-ender. “I’m gutted,” said manager Jon Aguirre, “we have a talented pitching roster, but there’s no one quite like Jose.” There was no comment about how this would affect his chances of signing an extension to his contract, due to expire at the end of the year.

3rd April: Bronx 3B Quincy Kennedy becomes the first man to hit more than one home-run in a single game, as the Phoenix cruise to a 7-2 victory over the Staten Island Bulls. “Having a man like Quincy on your team really boosts everyone,” Bronx manager Josh Simpson said. “That’s 3 games and 3 home runs now. Couldn’t be happier!”

7th April: Justin Howard batted an absolute masterclass for the Albany Dragons today, going 5-for-5, hitting 5 singles and scoring a run, going some way to helping his team to a 4-2 victory over the Bronx Phoenix – settled eventually in the 10th by a 2-man homer from Matt Baratta. “It’s nice to be recognised today but it’s not just me,” the first-baseman from Hempstead said. “Obviously everyone put a lot of work in, and it was Matt that saved the day in sudden-death hour.”

10th April: Shane Allen claims the inaugural player-of-the-week award. The shortstop for the Yonkers Sixers pulled a performance no one expected, recording a 0.520 AVG, 13-from-25, 1 HR and 4 RBIs. “I’m delighted to be recognised this way, for sure,” the Lackawanna native explained. “I barely expected it myself!” The Brooklyn Knights sit top of the power rankings on 149 points, trailed by the Albany Dragons on 148. Syracuse are failing to surprise at the bottom, on 31, after going 2-8.



14th April: Brooklyn’s Bill Williams had an almighty game against the Bronx Phoenix today, but was unable to prevent the Knights getting thrashed 11-3 at Phoenix Park. Recording 5 hits, including 4 singles and a solo home run, Williams said afterwards “I had a pretty good game out there today. The win would’ve been nice, but it is what it is I suppose. That’s baseball.” Manager Jon Aguirre later said “Bill’s a humble guy and would never say a bad thing about the team, and for that we can only thank him. But he delivered the goods today, and we let him down, and for that, I can only apologise to both Bill and the fans.” Williams is currently sat on a 0.388 batting average.

In other news, Rochester slugger Keith Schmeling becomes the first NYBL player to hit 5 home runs today – and then the first to hit 6, as his second home run was the deciding factor in the Union’s 13 inning, 6-5 death match against the Syracuse Maples. When asked about the moment, the 31-year-old workhouse said “to be honest, I’m happier to win the game than to have hit the first 5! But, I’ll admit it’s a nice accolade. What’s important now is to keep focused – there’s guys here expecting to hit 30, 35 home runs this year, and 5’s a long way off that yet!”

15th April: Oscar Carrera rightly got player of the day today, after his own 5-hitter for the Bronx over Brooklyn went a long way to helping the Phoenix come back from 1-5 down in the 7th to win 7-6. After already hitting two doubles in the game, his 2-man RBI double in the 8th propelled his team into the eventual winning position – a feat which he described as ‘just doing what I needed to do for the team’. 24-year-old Carrera, already being touted as a Bronx captain for the future, is currently on a 0.328 batting average, with 6 RBIs and 9 runs from 14 games.

16th April: Syracuse left-fielder Oscar Hernandez looked a bit sheepish today, as he watched his team lose 2-4 to Rochester Union from the sidelines, and rightly so; earlier that day, it was reported that he had an ‘unfortunate incident’ involving a coffee table. While the x-rays look good, according to Syracuse physios, he is still unlikely to be available for the rest of the week.

17th April: Manhattan right-fielder Fred Greenwood claims Player of the Week this week, after hitting .462 with 12 hits from 26, 3 home runs, and 11 RBIs. “My highlight was definitely Saturday’s game against Staten Island,” said Greenwood after hearing the news. “4 hits, 4 RBIs and a home run, and we go 14-7 in front of our home crowd. What more could a man want.”



There were more than a few concerned faces in Buffalo’s South Park Stadium today – at least, from Bronx Phoenix fans, as star man Luis Ventura was seen to grimace and start limping after throwing a ball in the Phoenix’s 4-3 win over the Bruisers. Thankfully for him (and for the Bronx) scans revealed no lasting damage to the ankle – he was placed on the DtD list as a precaution.

20th April: The Bronx Phoenix humiliated the Rochester Unions today in a 13-1 drubbing, but it was the performance of Queens Diamonds’ RF Manny Cortez that really got tongues wagging. Cortez managed a 5-from-5 in a performance that helped the Diamonds beat the Staten Island Bulls 14-6 today, scoring 3 runs and hitting an RBI single in the 6th. After the game, Cortez seemed a little taken aback by the media enthusiasm, stating that “it’s flattering, but we still would have won even without my input. Praise should really go to Jeff [Michaux] and Edward [Sanchez]; without their slugging, we’d have lost 7, 8 fine runs.” Cortez is currently hitting .392 with 12 RBIs, 14 runs and 1 home run.

22nd April: Miguel Hernandez did the damage in the Albany Dragons’ away victory over the Manhattan Victory, restricting Manhattan to only 3 hits and 2 walks in the entire game. Despite umpires called the game off in the 6th due to bad weather, Hernandez was still happy with his performance – but had something to say about his opposing number too: “Even a game that’s as short as this one feels good when you record a shutout, you know – it’s a sign that you, as a pitcher, have done your job. But we only won 1-0, and Miguel [Martinez, the Manhattan no. 1] did a fine job out there. That said, hopefully I can keep this going.”

24th April: Ten days after hitting number five, Keith Schmeling hits home-run number 10 today. However, he didn’t seem in much mood to celebrate, as the Rochester Union were beaten 3-2 in the 10th inning today by the Brooklyn Knights – funnily enough, by a number-5 home run from Brooklyn’s Harry Jolly. “Hitting home runs is great,” Schmeling said afterwards, “but I had 4 at-bats today. I could’ve done more.” Rochester manager Manuel Flores later said to press “Schmeling hit a home-run and was responsible for our only other point. I’d tell him to not be so hard on himself, but that’s the way he is.”

In other news, Bryan DeMond of the Syracuse Maples was the unanimous winner of the Player of the Week award, after slamming no fewer than 6 home runs and 7 RBIs in over the past seven days. When pressed for comment, the 25-year-old Staten Island native said, “it’s always good to be recognised, especially when you know you’ve put a good shift in.” DeMond is currently .391 with 10 home runs.



Finally, bad news for Buffalo Bruisers fans, as confirmation of Dwayne Russell’s injury came through today – cracked ribs. While his offensive contribution has been muted (0.235 with 1 HR), his defensive qualities were remarked on by manager Angel Molina, who said “he’s quick on the double play and is just generally the kind of guy you need on second base. Bryan Jergens can cover for sure, but we’ll miss him.” Russell will be out for an estimated 5 weeks.

29th April: In a league already accustomed to home-runs being hit in most games, today was unusual for its complete lack of crushers. Only Rochester (6) and Staten Island (5) managed 5 or more runs, although curiously, there were no shutouts seen either. A day for the fielders, one supposes.

31st April: Gabe Ramirez of Manhattan Victory was awarded Player of the Week this time around, seeing a .455 batting average (10 from 22), 3 home runs and 7 RBIs go his way in a surprisingly lean week for the league. Gabe was unable for comment in person, but was said to be “delighted and surprised” at the nomination.



Batter of the Month was won by the winner of Week 3’s Player of the Week award, Bryan DeMond, who over April has hit 0.368, with 10 home runs, 18 RBIs and 20 runs to his name. DeMond seemed in good spirits about his award, but was surprisingly reserved in his approach, noting that “winning the award is a wonderful thing, and I’m grateful. But we’re 9-19, last overall in the competition, and I can't rest on my laurels just because I’m supposedly doing better than anyone else.”

Ramiro Mendez of the Albany Dragons won the Pitcher of the Month award; the closer, known as ‘Skull’ among his teammates for his fondness of listening to death metal before games, managed 8 saves, an ERA of 0.54, 24 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.96 in April. “What, you mean I’m not down for Best Batter? Shame,” he said upon receiving his award, before adding “well, I suppose this is alright. We’re mid-table right now but I reckon we can change that. Just gotta keep doing my job!”

Rookie of the month went to starlet Andrew Wheeler of the Buffalo Bruisers, who managed 0.310, 10 doubles, a triple and 6 home runs, alongside 25 runs and 17 RBIs. “Getting best rookie’s nice, but in all honesty it’s even better being considered to be first-team standard,” said the 23-year-old wonderkid. “I’m knocking on the door of a 1.000 OPS and that’s my next target.”



Finally, to cap off a frustrating month for Staten Island, mid-rotation starter Rich Lee had the results back from the loud ‘pop’ heard during the Bulls’ 5-2 victory over the Albany Dragons – and it’s bad news, as he will miss the rest of the season with a torn shoulder labrum. “It’s annoying to be honest, as I might have prevented it,” said Lee, 33. “I wasn’t feeling great against Syracuse on the 23rd and gave up 5 runs in 3 innings before coach rightly pulled me. I should’ve said something then, but I just put it down to an off-day. Guess I should trust my gut.”


Standings at the end of April 



Team batting and pitching stats



Player batting, pitching and fielding stats

[Archelirion]

MAY 2017

BEST RECORD: Rochester Union, 23-6 (now 40-17)
Syracuse Maples, 19-10 (now 28-29)
Queens Diamonds, 18-11 (now 34-23)
Yonkers Sixers, 16-13 (now 28-29)
Manhattan Victory, 15-14 (now 31-26)
Albany Dragons, 15-15 (now 29-28)
Staten Island Bulls, 11-18 (now 23-34)
Brooklyn Knights, 11-18 (now 29-28)
Bronx Phoenix, 11-18 (now 20-37)
WORST RECORD: Buffalo Bruisers, 8-21 (now 23-34)

1st May: The Staten Island Bulls snatch a last-innings victory against the Bronx Phoenix, with a 7-5 win helped massively by Alex Mercado’s 2-RBI, 3-on double. “Sometimes being bottom of the pile isn’t such a bad thing,” said the 27-year-old Dominican, “because once in a while, it lets you do something like that – and even for someone like me, for a bit, you’re a little bit of a hero.” Mercado is currently on 0.304 AVG with 2 home runs.

5th May: Queens felt a little bit gloomier today, as Jeff Michaux, joint-top of the home runs leaderboard with 11 at the end of April, was confirmed to have broken his kneecap in the Diamonds’ 7-3 defeat to Albany on the 3rd. Manager Matt Neumeyer said on the news, “it’s a savage blow in all honesty to lose Jeff – it’s a blow to me, it’s a blow to the team, and it’s a blow to the fans. But mostly, it’s a blow to Jeff. He’s contracted here until 2022, so he doesn’t half to worry about that – we’ll welcome him back on his return.” Michaux is expected to be out for 5 months, effectively missing the season.

The first major trade of the year took place today, as the Albany Dragons picked up SP Evan Kilgore from the Bronx Phoenix. 30-year-old Kilgore, a slider/changeup specialist, is said to be “sad to leave The Bronx for the short time [he was] there, but looking forward to a new start in Albany.” He is contracted through until 2018, and is currently on a 3.71 ERA with a 3-2 record from 6 starts. In return for Kilgore, the Phoenix receives a long list of minor leaguers, including C Brian Muns, SS Jimmy Hatfield, SP Cody Yeager, LF Mark Preziosi, and C Matt McAlary. Etelson Daninos, the Bronx’s GM, has been quiet, but maintains he is happy with the additional prospect depth.

6th May: Young pitcher Steve Allen had something to smile about today, as he kept the Albany Dragons to 3 hits and no runs in the Bronx Phoenix’s 5-0 victory today. “It’s been an okay season so far,” said the major league rookie, currently on a 4.89 ERA, “but it just felt like everything was coming together today. My fastball, my curveball, my slider, my fork… everything worked.”

7th May: The Buffalo Bruisers have what is probably their finest day of the month, winning two away games against Staten Island – a 3-0 shutout, followed by a 14-5 thrashing. They will only win 4 more games in the final 21 of May.

Curveball-favouring Nick Russo had a great game against the Yonkers Sixers, recording only 3 hits and 8 strikeouts in their 5-0 shutout. The Suffern native, who currently sits on a 4-1 record with a 3.23 ERA, said afterwards “I’m happy with the way things turned out. 8 strikeouts is a good day for me even without the scoreline being mentioned.”

Finally, the ballot for the 2017 NYLB All-Stars game opened today! The game is currently scheduled for the 12th June, weather permitting.

8th May: Queens slugger Edward Sanchez claims Player of the Week despite questions arising over his fast-expiring contract surrounding him. He hit a 0.375 batting average (9 from 24), but managed 4 home runs, 5 RBIs and 6 runs overall from those 9 hits. “I’ve had better weeks in terms of contact, but 4 home runs in 9 hits is something I’ll always be proud of. I’ll probably tell my kids about this week, maybe even their kids.”



11th May: In a day of crushing victories (or harrowing defeats), the back pages the following morning marked it as “Bloody Thursday”. After going 4-0 up in the opening two innings, Yonkers saw themselves cut down to 5-4 in the final three; a superlative performance from Phil Williams (featuring 5 base hits and a home run) saw Albany trash Brooklyn 13-2 (the 2nd was the only innings in which Albany didn’t score); Kyle Last held Staten Island to one hit, as Rochester ran rampant over the Bulls 10-0; and Queens put 4 home runs past the Bronx in a 10-1 demolition job, courtesy of Justin Stenke, Omar Negron, Miguel Longoria, and Edward Sanchez. “Fans of the Bruisers and the Maples are probably breathing a sigh of relief that their game was cancelled,” said pundit Leonardo Totti. “One of them would have gotten crushed.”

12th May: Manhattan Victory received the expected news today that 3B Marty Ruvalcaba will be out for an estimated 7 months with an ACL tear. Ruvalcaba was on a rich run of form, having found 9 runs, 3 home runs and 7 RBIs in his last 5 games, and had a run to his name before his knee buckled in Manhattan’s 5-4 win against Yonkers yesterday. The 41-year-old Venezuelan said to reporters “I’ve been playing baseball for 35 years this year, and professionally for 20. As much as it pains me to say it, this might be the end for me. But we’ll see.” Ruvalcaba is currently contracted to Victory until 2018, and has a .255/.366/.474 clip.

Elsewhere, it was a good day for Brooklyn’s 4th pitcher Doug Frazier, as he kept his team in the Knights’ eventual 1-0 victory over the Albany Dragons. The 35-year-old managed 4 strikeouts and only relinquished 4 hits in his shutout performance.

13th May: Keith Schmeling found 2 home runs from 2 at-bats today, helping the Rochester Union trash the Syracuse Maples 12-2 in Syracuse – his home-run total currently stands at 15. Schmeling, who also aided with 4 RBIs in the game, said “the season’s going really well so far; starting to develop a lead in our division and it feels good to be a part of that.”

In other news, Queens and Yonkers slugged it out for 14 innings before the 2-2 deadlock was broken by stand-in Diamonds catcher Daniel Pace – it wasn’t pretty either, Pace having to rely on a base-on-balls call and a cataclysmic error from 3B Bobby Pines to make his way around. “I don’t get to play at this level all that much these days,” Pace noted afterwards, “but it’s nice to make a difference when I do.” He has spent most of his 14 games this season in AAA baseball, recording an overall batting average of 0.222.

14th May: In a moment of baseball poetry, the Syracuse Maples thumped Rochester Union by the same scoreline as they themselves were beat yesterday, 12-2. While it was Rochester catcher Raymond Acret who opened the scoring with a 2-man home run, 3-man home runs in the 3rd and 7th innings by Bryan DeMond and Nathan Redfern respectively went a long way to burying the home side’s woes of the 13th. Redfern, matching the single-game runs record of 4 and voted Player of the Game, said to reporters “after yesterday’s car crash, it was awesome to get some real revenge on Rochester today. I’m very glad that I was able to contribute a good part of that.”

To make matters worse for Rochester, 3rd starter Bobby Santillan will almost certainly miss the rest of the season with an apparent hyperextended elbow injury. Despite only managing a 5.15 ERA, Rochester manager Manuel Flores expressed his regret at losing him.

15th May: Buffalo rookie Andrew Wheeler was voted Player of the Week this week, after the 23-year-old third baseman chalked up a spectacular 0.652 (15-for-23) batting average – finding one home run and 6 RBIs along the way. On hearing the news he seemed reflective, stating “I’d sooner see us get some consistent form going than any personal stuff, but I’ll admit the recognition is nice.” Wheeler is currently batting 0.352 with 9 home runs and 30 RBIs.



17th May: The Queens Diamonds dealt damage to the Brooklyn Knights today, Justin Stenke’s 10th home run of the season helping them on their way to a 12-2 thrashing of April’s leaders. After a shaky start seeing the Diamonds go 0-2 down in the 1st, they soon found their stride and Stenke in particular found his killer instinct – hitting a bases-loaded double in the 3rd and a 3-man home run in the 7th. The Brooklyn-born slugger said afterwards, “I just kept finding the ball today, and finding it well. To have scored 3 and had a hand in 5 today is a great feeling, and it’s nice to get back to winning after three straight defeats.” Queens are currently 10-6 in the month May, and find themselves with a one-game lead in the City Division, on 26-18.

18th May: The Syracuse Maples beat Manhattan Victory 14-5 today, in a game rightly being described as ‘mad’ in the press. With 4 home runs hit by the Maples and 3 by Manhattan, including Bryan DeMond’s grand-slam in Syracuse’s 8-run 4th, it was the kind of match that spectators dream about. Afterwards, Player of the Game DeMond said “I had fun out there today – 2 home runs including a grand slam doesn’t come along all that much, but it feels really good when it does.” The centre-fielder hit home-run number 15 in today’s game.

19th May: The Brooklyn Knights make mincemeat of the sorry Buffalo Bruisers in a 2-13 drubbing, which saw all but one Brooklyn player claim at least a run from the game. Victor Juarez stamped his name on this match, not only recording a 2-man HR in the 3rd, but an RBI triple in the 8th and an RBI single for good measure – asked after the game about his performance, he responded “it would have been nice to have gone for the cycle! But really, by the time I realised it was on my chances were almost gone anyway. I’m delighted with the win.” The Buffalo Bruisers are now 7 games without a win.

Additionally, the Yonkers Sixers are quickly gaining a reputation as party-poopers this year – their 5-4 victory over Staten Island in the 9th is the fifth game this month alone that sees them win a game in the last innings. “The Bulls actually made a lot of errors today [note: 5] so the fact we won in the end only seems fair,” said Sixers' manager Travis Webb after the game. “As for being described as party-poopers – maybe, but I make it abundantly clear to my boys that a game isn’t over until the umpire says so. If we beat a few times like that along the way, that’s their problem.”

22nd May: The Bronx Phoenix’s Barry Tutterow (seen below in Staten Island Bulls’ colours) was awarded the Player of the Week this time around, thanks to his 0.480 batting average, 5 home runs and 7 RBIs in the last 6 games. Tutterow, 32, said afterwards “it’s not going so well at the moment for us, although our 6-game win streak a week back still gives us belief that we can do better.” Bronx Phoenix are currently bottom of the City Division on 17-31, and are currently on 8-12 this May.



In other news, the Syracuse Maples landed a press-stopping deal today in the Bronx’s 30-year-old leader, 3B Quincy Kennedy. While not performing quite as expected, Kennedy nevertheless joins the Maples with an 0.282 batting average, 8 home runs, 30 RBIs and 22 runs to his name; Syracuse GM Dave Long was enthusiastic in revealing the news, noting that “we’ve had to sacrifice some talent, but we’re confident that Kennedy will make a big difference.” Sceptics have questioned Long’s manoeuvre, noting that the pay Kennedy initially asked for will prove a stumbling block if the Maples want to keep him for longer than the end of 2017. They also query the relinquishing of 20-year-old catcher Antonio Garza, believing him to be highly promising for the future.

23rd May: Two high-profile injuries were revealed today. The first, as expected, is the extent of Yonkers CF Edgar Herrera’s elbow injury, now confirmed to have broken while sliding for base in Yonkers’ 10-6 victory over Syracuse on the 21st. He will miss 4 months, ending any chance of further competing this season (unless the Sixers manage to make the All-New York finals). The second, Manhattan’s gap-hitter Ryan Sauer, will be out for 3 or 4 weeks with a fractured thumb, which happened in today’s 3-5 defeat to the Bronx Phoenixes. Sauer, currently on 37 RBIs, urged his team to “focus in the weeks ahead” – perhaps on making up the now 5-game deficit to the Queens Diamonds.

25th May: For the second time this month, a deal between the Syracuse Maples and the Bronx Phoenixes ends with the Maples acquiring a first-team quality player, and the Bronx adding to their already-impressive youth roster. Reliever Brian Mackenzie, who had managed 18 innings from 20 games and an ERA of 5.50 (1-3 and 8 saves) for Bronx, joins Syracuse as setup reliever from 7th; in return, the Phoenixes get SP Alex Villa (23), CL Jose Gonzalez (18) and 1B Raul Garcia (17). When asked about the apparent lack of potential of his new recruits, Bronx GM Etelson Daninos said “Mackenzie was making noises about leaving pretty much from Day 1, so it’s been a long time coming. We just did what we needed to do to make it happen.” The reliever was unavailable for comment.

26th May: Queens pitcher Joey Idrizi is more used to starting out with AAA team Franklin Square White Sox, but after reports of the Diamonds’ three-man pitching rotation suggest fatigue, Idrizi has seemingly made it his mission to prove himself indispensable – and with today’s 7-0 victory over Syracuse, he may well have done just that. Allowing just 4 hits and striking out 7, the 29-year-old Queens native seemed humbled afterwards, saying “I got helped out a lot by Alex [Inzunza, the Diamonds’ catcher] and I didn’t feel I was pitching all that well. But I’m glad it ended like it did.” Having only dropped one run and recording an ERA of 0.88 in his first two major league games, manager Matt Neumeyer has something to think about.

In other news, it’s now apparent that Syracuse are on a mission to improve their relieving ability, as they announce that Japanese-American Yoshihiro Knitt joins them today from the Yonkers Sixers. Knitt, currently 2-3 with an ERA of 3.47, 20 K’s and a WHIP of 1.54, brings a sinker and a top-class curveball to the Maples’ endgame, and is reported to be excited for what play upstate will bring. The Sixers gain 33-year-old LF Jason Hartman (currently 0.253 with 7 runs from 110 PA’s) and rookie-league reliever Nick Jones as a result.

28th May: The Albany Dragons welcome 1B Matt Gilbert into their ranks today from the Syracuse Maples, who is currently batting a 0.255 with 36 RBIs from 188 AB’s. A solid, inoffensive character that goes out of his way to help those in need, Gilbert is sure to become as popular in Albany as he was in Syracuse, despite his modest baseballing ability. The interesting part of the deal, however, is the acquiring of 17-year-old hot prospect C Brett Swenson into the Maples’ youth ranks. On trading such a potential talent, Albany GM Tony Gutierrez said “we obviously want to wish Brett the very best, and it’s not to say he won’t ever return – but we need to make quick improvements to our infield, and Matt really offers that.”

29th May: Despite being 42 years of age, Player of the Week this time around went to Albany Dragons shortstop Terry Harris. Harris, born in Crompond, Westchester County, hit an excellent 11-from-20 (0.550), 2 home runs, and 6 RBIs over the past week’s play. Asked for comment, he replied “it’s been a good week for me, definitely, but we’ve been super patchy with our form and that needs to be what we’re looking at as a team going into June.” Albany have alternated between wins and losses for the past 7 games now.



30th May: In a move which is almost undoubtedly poor business from Bronx GM Etelson Daninos, 1B Barry Tutterow gets traded to the Staten Island Bulls, only 8 days after being announced as Player of the Week in the NYBL. Tutterow, at the time of writing the only Bronx player (former or otherwise) to be hitting more than 0.300 this season, is signed on at the Bulls until the end of 2018. When asked about the move, he replied “I’m a little disappointed to be leaving the Phoenixes for sure, but it is what it is. Time to make my mark somewhere else!” In return, the Bronx youth systems get 20-year-old 1B Kevin Offord and 18-year-old 3B Chris Shastid – neither are particularly notable prospects at all.

31st May: In a last-minute deal between the Yonkers Sixers and the Staten Island Bulls, the Sixers gain 97-mph reliever Larry Pioch on a deal that sees him stay for the rest of the season. Upon arriving in Yonkers, Pioch said to reporters “I understand being traded. I’ve not had a good season so far with the Bulls and the longer it goes on, the harder it is to break out from. I’m grateful to Yonkers for giving me a chance to start again.” The 26-year-old is currently on a 7.53 ERA from 15 appearances, with no saves. Staten Island gain 19-year-old RF David Watts and 24-year-old SS Jim Price.

Daniel Rijo gave Albany fans a chance to end May on a high, recording a 4-0 silencing job with 1 walk and 4 hits against the Syracuse Maples. The Dominican-born Swiss Army Knife said afterwards “I didn’t feel like I was throwing all that well today, but that’s why I’ve learned so many pitches – if my stuff’s failing, I can try and outwit batters instead. And today, it worked.” Rijo, on 6-4 with a 3.36 ERA, has thrown competent fastballs, cutters, sliders, changeups, splitters and forkballs this season.

A final anecdote for the day, as both Rochester Union’s 2B Jose Marquez and Manhattan Victory’s SS Matt Campbell become the first players in NYBL history to breach 50 runs in a season.


While perhaps overlooked last month, Rochester Union’s Keith Schmeling easily wrapped up the Batter of the Month award for May, batting a 0.336 with 7 home runs, 29 RBIs and 25 runs over the past 4 or so weeks. Rochester’s DH, 31, said upon receiving the award “as a team, we’ve had a massive month and it doesn’t look like we’re slowing down. It feels amazing to be a part of that, and I just wanna assure fans that I’ll keep putting the hours in to get the results.” Rochester are currently 40-17 (a .702) and haven’t lost in 8 games now.

Going 5-0 from 6 starts, 28 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.93 for the month, it’s no wonder that Pitcher of the Month was won by Queens’ Aubrey Beals. The 34-year-old from New Westminster, British Columbia, seemed to be happy with the accolade, saying afterwards that “I think I’ve deserved it this month, and it’s nice to get the recognition – so yeah, thank you!” Aubrey has played a direct role in 6 of Queens’ 18 win in May, although the Diamonds haven’t won a game in 3.

After his Player of the Week award earlier in the month, one might expect that Buffalo’s Andrew Wheeler would be a shoe-in for Rookie of the Month; however, consistency is the name of the game, and the award instead goes to the 24-year-old Rochester LF Andy Nichols, who managed a 0.330 with 1 HR and 13 RBIs. The #13 OSA prospects rank was unavailable for comment.




Standings at the end of May



Team batting and pitching stats




Player batting, pitching and fielding stats

[Archelirion]

12th June 2017 – NYBL All-Stars Game

Phoenix Park – 32,000 in attendance, 67 degrees, wind blowing out to centre at 11 mph


City Division


Matt Campbell - 852,391 votes

SS: Matt Campbell (USA - Manhattan) – 0.327 AVG, 0.843 OPS
DH: Harry Jolly (AUS - Brooklyn) – 0.266 AVG, 0.750 OPS
LF: Gary Kindle (USA – Staten Island) – 0.288 AVG, 0.882 OPS
3B: Justin Stenke (USA – Queens) – 0.279 AVG, 0.850 OPS
RF: Mike Alton (USA – Staten Island) – 0.303 AVG, 0.929 OPS
CF: Roger Colon (MX – Manhattan) – 0.276 AVG, 0.956 OPS
1B: Edward Sanchez (CR – Queens) – 0.233 AVG, 0.749 OPS
2B: Oscar Carrera (USA – Bronx) – 0.303 AVG, 0.838 OPS
C: Kyler Dagenais (USA – Staten Island) – 0.197 AVG, 0.583 OPS
SP: Aubrey Beals (CA – Queens) – 2.06 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 6.8 K/9

Other players: SP Rico Acosta (Bronx) / SP Ruben Duarte (Queens) / SP Joey Idrizi (Queens) / SP Arturo Lopez (Brooklyn) / SP Ed Magaora (Staten Island) / SP Jose Martinez (Brooklyn) / SP Bret Melgoza (Bronx) / SP Mike Moore (Brooklyn) / RP Cesar Carpio (Queens) / RP Ari Lichtenegger (Staten Island) / CL Manny Escamilla (Staten Island) / CL Ricardo Martinez (Bronx) / CL Mike Yerger (Manhattan) / C Gregg Marino (Brooklyn) / 1B Mike Kelly (Manhattan) / 1B Barry Tutterow (Staten Island) / 2B Ryan Sauer (Manhattan) / SS Ferdi Coolen (Staten Island) / SS Mickey Jones (Queens) / LF Ta-heng Fok (Brooklyn) / LF Jeff Michaux (Queens) / RF Manny Cortez (Queens) / RF Fred Greenwood (Manhattan) / RF Luis Ventura (Bronx)

Queens Diamonds: 11 players
Staten Island Bulls: 8 players
Manhattan Victory: 7 players
Brooklyn Knights: 6 players
Bronx Phoenix: 5 players


State Division


Bryan DeMond - 2,091,272 votes

LF: Israel Mejia (DO – Rochester) – 0.290 AVG, 0.784 OPS
2B: Jose Marquez (USA – Rochester) – 0.357 AVG, 0.958 OPS
3B: Andrew Wheeler (USA – Buffalo) – 0.287 AVG, 0.846 OPS
CF: Bryan DeMond (USA – Syracuse) – 0.315 AVG, 1.015 OPS
1B: Willy Morales (DO – Buffalo) – 0.308 AVG, 0.921 OPS
DH: Keith Schmeling (USA – Rochester) – 0.332 AVG, 1.038 OPS
RF: Matt Baratta (USA – Albany) – 0.303 AVG, 0.875 OPS
SS: Nolan Hylton (USA – Syracuse) – 0.226 AVG, 0.601 OPS
C: Chris Berrios (USA – Yonkers) – 0.304 AVG, 0.741 OPS
SP: Mike Lewis (USA – Yonkers) – 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.0 K/9#

Other players: SP Jonathan Brown (Yonkers) / SP Mario Cisneros (Rochester) / SP Victor Garcia (Rochester) / SP Miguel Hernandez (Albany) / SP Evan Kilgore (Albany) / SP Daniel Rijo (Albany) / RP Eddie Aldaco (Rochester) / RP Mike Eades (Yonkers) / RP Bobby Miller (Rochester) / CL Chris Erickson (Rochester) / CL Matt Kaehr (Buffalo) / CL Ramiro Mendez (Albany) / CL Chris Pederson (Yonkers) / C Raymond Acret (Rochester) / C Adam Lawson (Syracuse) / 1B Patrick Warke (Yonkers) / 2B Danny Gonzalez (Syracuse) / SS Terry Harris (Albany) / LF Vicente Salazar (Yonkers) / LF Curtis Walden (Rochester) / LF Phil Williams (Albany) / CF Tahir Daulat Khel (Buffalo) / RF Nathan Redfern (Syracuse)

Rochester Union: 10
Albany Dragons: 7
Yonkers Sixers: 7
Syracuse Maples: 5
Buffalo Bruisers: 4


City Division 0 – 4 State Division



LT: Leonardo Totti, live from the packed Phoenix Park here in the Bronx, where the State Division have just wrapped up the inaugural NYBL All-Stars game in style, on a 4-0, no-hitter against the City Division. I’m here with Brian Guthrie, and Brian surely, this means we’re looking at a State Division side taking the All-New York at the end of the season in September?

BG: Well I wouldn’t like to make a call like that only 66 games into a 144 game season, and reading into any All-Star Game like this is difficult because most of the players aren’t playing with those they know from their own teams – but it’s definitely not a good sign for the City Division is a selection of their finest, or, supposedly finest players can’t even get a hit between them.

LT: Well yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Shall we talk about our highlights of the game for a moment though, cos obviously this is a celebration and we should be treating it as such.

BG: Absolutely. I’d like to start off with my favourite run of the game, which came from the Buffalo youngster Andrew Wheeler in the bottom of the 5th. Reaches on an error after 2 strikes from Arturo Lopez so gets a free ride on base, and then he watches as Bryan DeMond strikes out swinging on 2-2 – expected as Lopez was pitching 98, 99 today easily. Then, this is where it gets good – Raymond Acret somehow finds a single out onto the right and Wheeler just GOES. I don’t even think the fielders had figured out what was going on and he was at second, and then he just batters round to third while Acret stays at first. Finally, he gets home from man-of-the-match Keith Schmeling but – yeah, the effort is what makes that for me.

LT: Speaking of Schmeling he’s just joined us here now for a brief word – we’ll only keep you a moment cos I know you’re a busy man, but how does it feel to be the All-Star MVP in the first ever game?

KS: First of all, I just want to thank everyone that voted for me to play here today – was very moving to be given this opportunity to play with all these wonderful players, so er, thank you. I’m a little surprised to be named MVP as I don’t think I played exceptionally, but it was a funny sort of game you know, thought we’d see a few dingers but it’s was pretty tight and pretty nervy really.

LT: 3-from-3 and 2 RBI’s is hardly shabby Keith!

KS: Yeah I know [laughs] but uh, there were some great performances out there. I saw DeMond make 4 or 5 tricky catches easily, as well as the run and the RBI; I thought Raymond [Acret] was excellent today, hit and a run with plenty of effort; Wheeler was great, he’s got a long future ahead of him; I think we’re all a little gutted for Manny Cortez on the City side as well – only got 3 innings but made some great hits well caught, and fielded superbly as well.

LT: Thanks a lot Keith, we’ll let you go have some fun now!

KS: Thanks a lot, always nice speaking.


1B/DH Keith Schmeling - All-Star MVP

BG: Lovely man. Another guy who’s got a great career ahead of him is surely Mike Eades for Yonkers, who has been on fire this season so far. He’s notching up an ERA of 0.63, WHIP of 0.84 and gaining 10.7 strikeouts per 9 innings and he showed us that today with 3 K’s in the 8th. Ta-heng Fok, good contact batter – down. The groundball against Tutterow was perfect, easy strikeout. Hits Mike Kelly with a pitch which spoiled it a little, but then gets Edward Sanchez out swinging with a filthy splitter. Yonkers have him until the end of the year and he has stated he’d like to stay on, so it’s really down to the Yonkers GM to get his name down.

[Archelirion]

JUNE 2017

BEST RECORD: Queens Diamonds, 18-7 (now 52-30)
Brooklyn Knights, 14-11 (now 43-39)
Rochester Union, 13-12 (now 53-29)
Syracuse Maple, 13-12 (now 41-41)
Manhattan Victory, 13-12 (now 44-38)
Bronx Phoenix, 12-13 (now 32-50)
Buffalo Bruisers, 12-13 (now 35-47)
Staten Island Bulls, 12-13 (now 35-47)
Yonkers Sixers, 9-16 (now 37-45)
WORST RECORD: Albany Dragons, 9-16 (now 38-44)

1st June: Two games were won in the 9th innings today, as Staten Island came back from 5-2 down with an excellent 4-run 9th to claim victory over the Brooklyn Knights. Much of the blame has been laid at the feet of closer Juan Sandoval, who pitched 23 balls including 4 hits (later 4 runs) to manage only two outs – he was eventually replaced himself with reliever Nick Clarke, but the damage was already done. Man-of-the-match and Staten Island captain Gary Kindle (who claimed 3 runs to the good today), offered some surprise sympathy to the opposition pitcher: “we’ve all had days where you just want the Earth to swallow you up, but Sandoval’s a great pitcher you know, and he just needs to dust himself off and get back to it.”

The other game in question was a thrilling matchup between eventual winners Rochester Union, and Manhattan Victory. Rochester were 4-0 up by the upper 5th, capped by a solo homerun from Robert Navarrete, but Mike Kelly’s immediate response – a 4-man home run – seemed to give Manhattan the knife-edge. A double from AAA Herbert Wilkins helped them to number 5 and a 2-man homer from CF Roger Colon looked set to ruin Union’s day, but 2 runs in the 8th and a 2-man RBI double from Allen Krausz without response gave Rochester a stunning 8-7 victory. Asked afterwards, MVP Robert Navarrete said “it was nice to win, but we sure were sweating by the end!”

3rd June: On a 0.188 average, Buffalo catcher Zach Coblenz isn’t usually associated with the attacking game, but a 3-man home run, a second run and a third RBI made all the difference in Buffalo’s 9-5 victory away at McLean Avenue, Yonkers today. “I couldn’t believe it,” said the 26-year-old born in Brooklyn. “I think I can count the amount of days like this on one hand, at least since I left school!”

Also today, Bronx Phoenix physios confirmed the injury sustained to RF Luis Ventura in their 3-2 defeat against Staten Island on the 31st May was serious… an ACL tear level of serious. The 33-year-old Dominican, currently running a 0.277 with 9 HRs, 23 RBIs and 19 runs, looks set to be out for 9 months with the tear; “looks like I’m done for the season,” he later said, “but I have a responsibility to behave myself now, to be fit for next year.”

5th June: Robert Navarrete, perhaps after his performance against Manhattan on the 1st, is voted the Player of the Week with a 0.462 batting average. The 35-year-old Rochester favourite hit 2 home runs and 5 RBIs over the week, to complete his current 8 HRs and 33 runs batted-in so far this year.



7th June: Keith Schmeling became the first man in the NYBL to hit 20 home runs this season (or indeed ever), claiming MVP with a 3-man home run, a double, and batting in 5 today in Rochester’s 10-4 home victory against the Yonkers Sixers. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Yonkers’ pitcher Roger Applen, who saw 6 runs go against him in the 2nd. “When you come up against a player like Schmeling it’s always going to be a challenge, but he seemed to be on another level today.” Schmeling sits at a 0.339 with 67 RBIs at this stage.

8th June: The Buffalo Bruisers got well-and-truly taken to the cleaners today, as they succumbed to a savage 18-2 home defeat against the Syracuse Maples today. With 3-run games from LF Manny Huerta, CF Bryan DeMond, 3B Quincy Kennedy and C Adam Lawson, there was still only one man truly in with the shot at MVP – DH Victor Lopez, who despite only managing 1 run (from his 3-man home run in the 4th), hit 4 and smashed the NYBL record for single-game RBIs at 8. “He was on fire today,” said Syracuse manager Ron Zimmermann after the game. “Every time he plays baseball, there’s nothing but maximum effort being put in, and that’s why everyone loves him.” ‘The Beast’, as he is known by fans, is currently looking at a 0.261 with 39 RBIs.

9th June: A ruthless 7-run 2nd innings from the Queens Diamonds basically ended proceedings as soon as they began, as they walked to a 13-2 victory at the Bronx’s home turf today. An excellent contact hitting display from Colt Caudle saw him pick up 3 runs, and home run no. 17 for Justin Stenke went put 3 points up in the 2nd, but it was Mike Jones, who hit 2 over the boundary that claimed MVP.

10th June: He may have given up 7 hits in the game, but Yonkers starter Jonathan Brown was still able to keep a shutout at the end of their game against Manhattan Victory, which saw the Sixers get 6 to the good. Aided by excellent performances from the likes of 3B Bobby Pines (who also managed 3 RBIs, including a 2-man HR, on top of a great defensive day), Brown was full of praise for his team afterwards, saying those fabled words “I couldn’t have done it without them.” Brown has a 6-3 record from 14 starts so far this year, and has a decent starter’s ERA of 2.74.

12th June: The All-Star Game was played today, with the State Division beating the City Division 4-0 (see above).

It may not have been one of the more spectacular weekly decisions, but Player of the Week was given to 33-year-old Queens RF Manny Cortez today, after managing a 0.577 record (15 from 26) with 4 RBIs. Cortez, who was also selected for the All-Star Game today, said to reporters “I’m having the second best week of my life right now – great team, All-Star selection and now this. If I wasn’t already married I’d say this was the best thing to happen to me!”



14th June: Manhattan fan-favourite CF Roger Colon, 27, was confirmed out for 4 weeks today with a sprained ankle injury after a botched slide to base in their 8-3 victory over Staten Island. Colon, 2-for-2 in the game, seemed to hobble back into the paddock and the team were doubtless concerned – while he will miss the next month or so of baseball, manager Richard Perry is said to be “cautiously relieved” at the news, although he made it abundantly clear that backup CF Pat Dym would have to be ready to step into Colon’s place in the meantime.

16th June: In a close game that saw 15 hits a side, Rochester fans will be doubtless gutted (and, by extension, Syracuse fans exalted) by the Union’s 13-14 defeat to the Maples today. After going 8-1 up in the bottom of the 5th (with thanks to doubles from Israel Mejia and two, including a 2-RBI, from Curtis Waldon) things were looking good for the Union. However, an impressive 7-run upper-6th innings for Syracuse levelled the score instantly, Bryan DeMond’s 2-RBI double proving to be the best hit, before Schmeling crushed a 2-man home run out of the park to keep Rochester in the lead. By the end of the 8th, the Union were sat 13-10 and looking good for the win, but doubles from Manny Huerta and Nathan Redfern did more than enough to earn Syracuse a game-stealing 4 runs in the upper 9th. “It was one of those do-or-die moments,” said Redfern, originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Despite the defeat, Rochester’s Robert Navarrete became the first man in NYBL history to hit a 20-game hitting streak, after singling in the 9th. Nevertheless, he said afterwards “the loss is the only thing that matters right now. The fact that I can hit means nothing if we’re not winning.” The Dominican is currently on a 0.286 with 9 home runs, 38 RBIs and 33 runs scored. (His run would end at 21 games, on the 18th in Rochester’s 4-3 victory to Albany. Perhaps fittingly, he said “streaks come and go, but winning meant everything to me today.”)

17th June: It took 13 innings, but Queens fans were able to go home from Brooklyn feeling very happy today, as both Justin Stenke and Jonathan Parker hit homeruns at the last to break a 7-innnings deadlock, and took the Diamonds to an 11-7 win over the Knights. With 3 runs and an RBI, Queens DH Manny Cortez was made MVP – as well as breaking the NYBL record for doubles hit in a game, finding 4. Speaking after the game, Cortez said “It was a crazy game – as soon as we equalised in the 6th it just seemed to freeze. If I’d gotten the record and we’d lost, I’d have been kinda annoyed!”

18th June: “I pitched a really good game today, but I guess it just wasn’t to be.” The words of Yonkers starter Mike Lewis probably reflected the thoughts of many a Sixers fan today, as they lost 2-1 to the Staten Island Bulls – courtesy of a C Kyler Dagenais RBI-double in the bottom 9th. After chalking up 4 hits and one run in 122 pitches, the 100-mph man would surely have done enough today with a better performance from his attack, whose only high point was an RBI triple from young shortstop Shane Allen. The game would mark a run of four one-run matches for Yonkers, including a second 9th-inning defeat to Staten Island which saw a 3-man home run from Barry Tutterow.

A happier pitcher, and one who continues to punch above his expected weight, is 30-year-old Queens starting pitcher Joey Idrizi. Having spent the first month of the season playing AAA baseball, no one would have expected him to have recorded #2 shutout for the Diamonds in game #6, but it was his arm and Jaylen Pierce’s slugging power that earned them a 1-0 victory over the Brooklyn Knights. “It’s like living in a dream at the moment,” said the pitcher, whose NYBL ERA sits at 0.84, “and I don’t want it to end.” Pundits have been at a loss to explain his continued success, but a few have pointed out his commanding control of pitches despite his low speed and poor stuff.

19th June: Drawing positive attention to himself in last week’s All-Star game wasn’t enough for Raymond Acret, who managed to win this week’s Player of the Week award after a 9-for-18 week, finding 1 home run and 6 RBIs along the way. A noted gap hitter, the 24-year-old from Adelaide, Australia said “it’s great – I’m proving to myself that I don’t need to be able to slug it to get points on the board for my team.” Manager Manuel Flores noted afterwards “what’s becoming clear is that Acret is learning his role on the team, and that’s fantastic. We believe we have the best catcher in the league right now in Raymond, and we hope to keep it that way.” Acret is batting 0.303 with 4 home runs and 27 RBIs so far.



21st June: The Buffalo Bruisers had an innings to remember today, as all 7 of their runs in their 7-4 victory away at Brooklyn occurred in the 4th innings. After an awkward start for the Bruisers, where Brooklyn left-fielder Ta-heng Fok slammed a solo home run in the first innings, Buffalo regrouped and retaliated a little while later – with spectacular effect. Willy Morales’ solo HR and Andrew Wheeler’s 2-man slug were impressive, but the most damaging was the 2-RBI double from CF Tahir Daulat Khel; while Brooklyn managed another three, including homers from Harry Jolly and Bill Williams, but were unable to close the deficit. Knights’ third-base and MVP Jolly (thanks to two runs, including a homer) said afterwards “I’m obviously disappointed, everyone here is – but I need to stress to all the fans to not get on Matty’s [Boylston] case. Everyone has a rough day, but it’s harder to come back with everyone on your case.” Boylston, 42, is on a 4.63 ERA with a 4-7 record, including 5 straight defeats.

23rd June: Queens’ 15-6 thrashing of the Buffalo Bruisers today showcased an NYBL first – a player hitting the cycle. LF Jonathan Parker is more known for his defensive capabilities than his batting talent (sitting only on a 0.248 right now), but he now owns this special piece of New York baseball history, after singling in the 2nd, hitting a 2-RBI triple in the 3rd, doubling in the 5th, and finally hitting a 2-man home run in the 8th. “I’m honestly amazed to have done it,” the 31-year-old said to waiting press afterwards, “but if it wasn’t for Jaylen [Pierce, CF], Justin [Stenke, 3B], Manny [Cortez, RF] and Omar [Negron, DH], we wouldn’t have won so resoundingly today. So I’d like more attention to go them.”

In other news, in his next game following his disappointment on the 18th, Mike Lewis pulled a remarkable shutout against the Albany Dragons in their 2-0 victory. The 23-year-old seemed delighted at the end of the game, but afterwards expressed a little regret at relinquishing a single hit. “I was so close,” he said afterwards, “but I’m young. I hopefully have time.”

25th June: The Staten Island Bulls delivered a 9th-inning assault with surgical precision today, as they overcame a 4-6 deficit to win 9-6 against their second game of the day against the Syracuse Maples. The Maples, who won the first game of the day 6-3, started positively with a 4-1 lead by the end of the 3rd innings (capped by a 2-man home run from Quincy Kennedy early in said innings). Staten Island’s two runs in the 5th put them back in contention, but after a sterling 8th which saw the Maples’ Danny Gonzalez and Victor Lopez inflict damage, it looked unlikely that the Bulls would get back into the game. However, CF Chris Meche, LF Gary Kindle and 1B Mike Gettings all had a different idea, all hitting doubles with Meche and Kindle’s in loaded base situations – catapulting Staten Island to their final position.

26th June: Player of the Month last month, MVP in the All-Star game a couple of weeks back – it’s amazing Keith Schmeling has taken this long to win a Player of the Week award, but he’s finally done just that after collecting 13-from-29, reaping 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in the process. "Looks like the sky is the limit for Schmeling" read one newspaper the following morning.



27th June: The Queens Diamonds took the Syracuse Maples fans through hell today… twice. Firstly, with Queens 8-5 down in the bottom of the 9th, Edward Sanchez smashed home run #13 of the season with two men on-base, to take proceedings to extra innings. A 2-man homerun from Quincy Kennedy in the 12th seemed like the winner, only for two homeruns in return from Justin Stenke and Alex Inzunza to level things up once more, at 10-10. Jonathan Claxton scrambled around afterwards to get run number 11, but DH Omar Negron hit a double which was converted into a run by Jonathan Parker’s sole hit of the day… and then a scrappy set of plays led to Justin Stenke eventually coming home to score the winner. Queens manager Matt Neumeyer said afterwards that “the guys showed real grit out there today. We were at the races for a while, but this probably caps an impressive month for us.” Queens have gone 16-6 this month so far, and sit at 50-29 overall, comfortably at the top of the City Division.

28th June: Matt Campbell joined the ranks of 20-streak hitters today, singling in the 3rd during Manhattan’s 3-2 defeat to the Brooklyn Knights. The 33-year-old contact specialist said afterwards “the win would have been nice, but it’s good to keep the streaking going too. I’ve got to look after my arms and legs, but for now I’m pleased to own this one.” The Victory shortstop is currently on 0.332 with 111 hits, 5 home runs, 28 RBIs, 61 runs scored and an OBP of 0.385.

29th June: Staten Island’s Shaun Delgadillo had a fantastic game against the Albany Dragons today, hitting 5 balls and contributing towards the 9-2 win with an astounding 4 runs, coming from 5 singles. Amazingly, it only took him 7 innings to achieve the feat too. “I was feeling pretty relaxed today, and that definitely helped out. Just felt right, and I’m glad we were able to take the victory at the end.” Delgadillo is currently hitting a 0.250 with 81 hits, 5 home runs, and 38 runs.

31st June: Victor Lopez seemed gracious when the news of his winning of the Batter of the Month Award was announced today, but revealed himself to be a little troubled by the performance of his team, the Syracuse Maples, as of late. The shortstop, who hit a 0.384 over June with 8 home runs, 32 RBIs and 19 runs scored, said “it’s always going to be lovely to be recognised for playing well, but this comes in the face of my team having lost not only 6 in the last 7 games, but also 5 on the go. I would trade this award for those losses to be wins any day.”

Manny Escamilla did what can be difficult for a relieving pitcher to do, and that’s get noticed – in doing so, winning June’s Pitcher of the Month Award. The 37-year-old Staten Island Bulls player, known for his vicious fastball and well-placed splitter, collected 7 saves and 19 strikeouts in 11 innings, finding an ERA of 0.82 and holding the opposition to a 0.132 batting average this month. “At my age playing day in, day out’s just not doable, but it’s great to know that I’m doing a good job.”

Collecting Rookie of the Month Award #2 this season is Buffalo’s 3B Andrew Wheeler, who over June hit a 0.320, finding 5 home runs, 12 RBIs and 12 runs along the way. Declining to ask questions about where he will be playing next season, the 23-year-old simply said “it’s good to win again, and it shows I’m on the right track. I’m a Buffalo player right now, and that’s all that’s important.”




Standings at the end of June



Team batting and pitching stats




Player batting, pitching and fielding stats

[Archelirion]

JULY 2017

BEST RECORD - Rochester Union: 16-13 (now 69-42)
Queens Diamonds: 16-13 (now 68-43)
Manhattan Victory: 16-13 (now 60-51)
Syracuse Maples: 16-13 (now 57-54)
Staten Island Bulls: 16-13 (now 51-60)
Bronx Phoenix: 15-14 (now 47-64)
Buffalo Bruisers: 14-15 (now 49-62)
Yonkers Sixers: 14-15 (now 51-60)
Albany Dragons: 12-17 (now 50-61)
WORST RECORD - Brooklyn Knights: 10-19 (now 53-58)

1st July: July opened tentatively, as all but one game today was decided by more than one run – and two required extra innings to break the deadlock. A shutout from Yonkers pitcher John McCarthy was needed after RF Kenneth Aydell’s scrappy run was the only point scored in their 1-0 win over the Brooklyn Knights; Staten Island eventually overcame Bronx catcher Albert Lopez’s 2nd-inning, 2-man home run with an 8th-inning homer from Mike Alton, and finally an 11th-inning decider from Gary Kindle to wind things up at 3-2; Manhattan’s 5-4 victory over Buffalo was only decided in the 10th after Victory shortstop Matt Campbell hobbled round following his hit-by-pitch; and Queens LF Jonathan Parker gave the only real excitement in the Diamonds’ slow 2-1 victory over Rochester, in arguably today’s highest profile game.

The only exception to the ‘one run difference’ rule today was seen in Syracuse’s 9-4 victory over the Albany Dragons, which despite the Dragons having an excellent 2nd (3 runs, including an RBI double from Todd Morse and a 2-man homer from former Maples man 1B Matt Gilbert), was exemplified by Jonathan Claxton’s wonderful 3-man home run in the 6th for Syracuse and DeMond’s 2-RBI double in the 4th.

Finally, Manhattan’s streak-king Matt Campbell saw his run of hitting games ended in the aforementioned 5-4 win against Buffalo, as he was unable to find the ball in 3 at-bats. Victory manager Richard Perry was surprisingly upbeat, however, stating that “at least now he doesn’t have a trophy over his head, and he can just focus on playing good baseball.”

2nd July: Two pitcher related stories today: one bad, one good. The bad first, as Bronx started Pedro Alvarado herniated a disc in his back today during their 2-9 defeat to the Staten Island Bulls. Known primarily for his fastball, the 25-year-old looks set to miss at least 7 opportunities in the rotation, as physios have put him out for 5-6 weeks while his back recovers. “It’s been a frustrating year for him, partially as he’s not actually played badly,” said manager Josh Simpson. “He’s one of our top players and we’ll be looking forward to his return.” Alvarado currently sits on a 3.51 ERA with 83 strikeouts.

In brighter news, Moses Adams had a fantastic game for the Syracuse Maples, as he helped his side to a 4-0 victory over the struggling Albany Dragons – including only giving up a single hit, fanning 5, and walking 0. “I’ve been replaying that hit in my head a bit,” said the 26-year-old slider/changeup specialist, “but the boss has told me to not dwell on it. It was a great game.”

3rd July: Manhattan Victory were soundly beaten at Rochester’s Irondequoit Grounds today, as the first game of their 3-game series finished 17-6 in the Union’s favour. “The rain break in the 3rd really hurt us,” said Victory manager Richard Perry afterwards. “Phil [Gesch, LF] managed to get us on equal footing immediately afterwards, but we absolutely fell to bits in the bottom 4th. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many singles in an inning.” Rochester scored 7 in the 4th, amazingly all from singles and BB calls, followed by a 2-man homer from Schmeling in the 5th and 2-man RBIs from both Schmeling and Curtis Walden in the 7th.

In other news, despite Bill Williams pulling out a masterful 3-man homer in the 9th to keep Brooklyn in it, the Staten Island Bulls claimed a 12-inning, 7-6 victory over the Knights. “I did all I could today,” said the 31-year-old LF from the borough, who managed 4 RBIs in total, “but sometimes the chips just fall all wrong.” The deciding factor was solo home run from Bulls CF Chris Meche, only his 4th of the year.

Finally, Queens heavy-hitter Justin Stenke earned a well-deserved Player of the Week award for this week, for his part in the Diamonds’ 6-1 week comprising of a 0.423 batting average, 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. Speaking to assorted press, the $5m-a-year third-baseman said “well this was a great thing to wake up to! It’s been a good week, and I’m so proud of our team keeping Rochester honest!”



4th July: Staten Island are rapidly becoming Brooklyn’s least favourite team, after another extra-innings defeat for the Knights against the Bulls ending 9-8 in the 10th. A great 3rd for the Knights, seeing a 3-man homer for Harry Jolly, and RBI doubles for both Victor Juarez and AAA-man Cortez Martinez, gave the side a 5-0 lead early on, but gritty gap-hitting from C Kyler Dagenais, LF Gary Kindle and CF Chris Meche meant that the game tied at 6-6 by the 7th. Brooklyn hit back in the 8th with another 2 runs, only for Kindle to knock a 2-man homer out in the bottom 9th, followed by a match-winning solo home run from Dagenais in the 10th. “We pulled it together superbly today” said the 30-year-old catcher, voted MVP. Dagenais is currently sitting on a 0.226 with 4 home runs this season.

Meanwhile, despite a spirited display from Buffalo’s LF Juan Elizondo and RF Synan Sheehan to claim back 2 runs in the 9th, the 3 scored earlier in the innings by C Chris Berrios’ home run and decent contact hitting saw the Yonkers Sixers claim a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Buffalo Bruisers.

5th July: Staten Island did it again! Despite home runs from 3B Harry Jolly and LF Bill Williams, it was a plucky bottom-9th run from the Bulls’ Gary Kindle that handed the island side their 4-3 victory – and importantly, a series shutout – against Brooklyn’s Knights. “I’m glad to be leaving Staten Island,” said Brooklyn manager Jon Aguirre, now 6 games without a win. “We don’t play them again until the start of August, at which point we’ll have to be out for blood.”

6th July: Rochester Union star Keith Schmeling hit home run #30 today this season, but he left the game under a raincloud following his team’s 11-5 defeat to the Yonkers Sixers today. “I knew it was on the cards today, and I’m happy to have hit 30” the 31-year-old said after the game, “but Vicente Salazar’s loaded-base home run completely buried us. Once I saw four men crossing the plate I knew our chances of victory were almost gone.” Salazar’s hit was home run #11 for him, and got him up to 38 RBIs.

Excellent pitching performances from Syracuse’s Evan Everett and Brooklyn’s Mike Moore meant that it took us 12 innings to even see a run scored today in the Maples v Knights match-up – and Jon Aguirre undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief, as it was Knights RF Koshi Matsumoto who delivered the goods with a solo home run. “It took a long time and yeah, we looked shaky out there today, but I think we’re all very grateful to Koshi for getting us in the green again.”

8th July: Errors from reliever Josh Barata and RF Synan Sheehan cost Buffalo dearly, as the Staten Island Bulls claimed yet another bottom-9th scalp in today’s 6-5 defeat for the Bruisers. Despite only hitting one double all game (courtesy of Mike Alton in the 9th) the island side were able to find 12 hits today, and notably 3 runs in the final two innings to come back from 5-3 down at the start of the 8th. “It’s pretty stressful being a Bulls fan at the moment!” one fan was heard saying after the game.

The Yonkers Sixers could consider the baseball gods to be firmly against their cause, as their 5-4 defeat to Rochester today came from two home runs for Union in the 9th – from a player that is associated firmly with contact hitting (Israel Mejia) and an AAA player (SS Scott Blair). Closer Chris Pederson attracted a lot of heat from fans afterwards, after overseeing both slugs in 20 pitches – particularly as he controversially signed a $7.2m, 2-year extension with the Sixers only last week. “It’s nice to know the team is spending money on players that matter” one enraged fan posted on social media later that night.

10th July: Now the first man to win two NYBL Player of the Week awards, Keith Schmeling is once more in the spotlight for all the right reasons; his past week saw him hit 0.400 (12 from 25), with 3 home runs and an impressive 12 RBIs from the last 6 games. It looks more and more like Schmeling will be claiming the $210,000 hitter’s award bonus in his contract, but the Brooklyn native remains focused, saying “to be nominated again is fantastic, and I’m really hoping that I can do all I can to keep Rochester ahead of Queens as we get into the business end of the season.” The designated hitter is finding 0.340 with 30 home runs and 98 RBIs, from 90 games.



Costa Rican 2B Jonathan Miranda has asked to leave the Albany Dragons as soon as possible, citing a breakdown of relationship with both the fans and the management as his reasoning. The 32-year-hold, hitting 0.238, has had his request approved, and now sits on the trading block.

Finally, the usually level-headed Albert Lopez lost his cool today in the Bronx Phoenix’s 2-4 defeat to the Queens Diamonds, and after launching a tirade at the home plate umpire over a (correct) third strike call, the catcher finds himself on a 4-game suspension. “We’re definitely disappointed with him, but we do get the pressure cooker that a game can sometimes turn into” said manager Josh Simpson. Lopez usually plays in rotation with 25-year-old Josh Hermann, who will get some regular game time over the next week.

11th July: After his opening-game injury led to him trying to extol the virtues of the knuckleball to youngsters worried about harming themselves with the pitch, Buffalo pitcher Marcus Lunsford proved the deciding factor in the Bruisers’ 1-0 victory of the Sycamore Maples today at Maples Ballpark. Despite giving up 8 hits, he made 8 strikeouts, and seemed happy with his first consummate return to form since May. Lunsford currently sits on a 4.28 ERA.

12th July: An increasingly rare moment of joy for Albany Dragons fans today, as Miguel Hernandez capped off a superb all-round performance by the state capital team in their 7-0 victory over the Brooklyn Knights. Restricting the Knights to 4 hits, while finding 9 strikeouts, manager Jon Aguirre could hardly contain himself afterwards, saying that “he played aggressively, knew where to put the ball and gave everyone a reason to smile.” Hernandez is currently sat on 11-7, with a 3.33 ERA.

13th July: 1B Angelo Morales has spent more time this season in the developmental leagues, but it was his home run in the 14th innings that broke a 7-inning deadlock, to hand a 6-5 victory to the visiting Rochester Union over the Sycamore Maples. Maples RF Nathan Redfern, MVP despite their defeat following a double, a triple, and two runs to the good, said to reporters afterwards that “we weren’t good enough to take the win today, and to take it this far was actually surprising.” Redfern sits on a 0.288 with 7 home runs and 43 RBIs this year.

43 hits, 15 innings and an incredible 10 doubles were just some of the statistics which could be pulled out of the Bronx Phoenixes 9-8 victory over the Brooklyn Knights today. Curiously, despite the attacking fervour on display from both sides, the scores remained untouched at 8-8 for 5 whole innings, before Bronx 1B Edwin Badillo thundered a home run out of the park in the upper 15th. MVP outfielder Josh Roseman, 33, noted that “everyone in the park I think was a little relieved when Edwin smashed it home. The tension was unbelievable.”

15th July: Syracuse reliever Adam Ochs received the troubling news that he’d been fearing – his elbow inflammation was going to keep him out for at least 8 weeks, effectively ending his season for the Maples. Well-known for delivering 100mph cannons (if occasionally wayward) late in the game, Syracuse management have declared his injury “a blow to us all.” Ochs finished the season with a 3.41 ERA, and a WAR of 1.9.

After finding the 15th inning winner over Brooklyn only two days ago, Edwin Badillo hit 5-from-5 – including a 2-run home run – in the Bronx’s comfortable 8-2 series ender against the Knights. Despite only batting a 0.238 this season, Badillo has found some batting form of late, saying afterwards “I started off badly but I’m finding a rhythm now. Just gotta keep it going I guess!”

16th July: Another day, another 5-5…? Today’s feat was achieved by Colt Caudle of the Queens Diamonds, whose two singles, two doubles, and a solo dinger in the 8th went some way to helping his team beat the Brooklyn Knights 6-4. “I woke up feeling good, no nerves, nothing. I think that definitely helped today.” Caudle is batting 0.308 with 3 home runs, 20 RBIs and 58 runs.

17th July: 1B Patrick Warke was the clear MVP in Yonkers’ 5-2 victory over the Staten Island Bulls today, hitting not only a home run in the 7th, but the winning, 3-man home run walkoff in the 13th to top it. Speaking to assembled journalists (with a silly grin on his face), the 27-year-old All Star pick said “everything just fell into place perfectly, and it’s a wonderful thing when that happens.” Warke is hitting 0.308 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs so far this season.

Rochester Union’s young third-baseman Jim Routh won the Player of the Week award this time around, after an astounding 0.667 week (14 for 21) saw him notch up 4 RBIs, and help his team to 6 wins in their last 7 games. On hearing the news, the 25-year-old said “considering I started this season in Triple-A baseball it’s awesome to win this award now.” Routh is finding an impressive 0.357 this season, with one home run and 12 runs.



18th July: Despite being 6-1 down after the first 5 innings, after 1st inning home runs from Edwin Badillo and Oscar Carrera, and 5th inning dingers from Josh Roseman and (once more) Badillo, a tremendous rally saw the Buffalo Bruisers cruise past the Bronx Phoenix 8-6 at Phoenix Park today. The game notably changed after the substitution of Enrique Diaz towards the end of the 5th innings, and Israel Adorno, Joe Clary, and Matt Kaehr were able to restrict the Bronx to a mere 4 hits in the last 4 innings, providing the attack enough room to surge past.

19th July: The Syracuse Maples made light work of the Yonkers Sixers today, inflicting all of the damage in their 11-1 result in the first three innings. With only one home run (a 2-man one, from Nathan Redfern) and 2 doubles from Danny Gonzalez (2-RBI) and Eric Christian in the entire game, eyes naturally drift towards Yonkers starter Nick Sullivan, whose 11 earned runs, 6 BB calls and mere 3 K’s in 6 innings made for easy pickings as far as the Maples’ arsenal was concerned.

21st July: Buffalo’s South Park Stadium roared into life after today’s game against the Brooklyn Knights, which saw the home side find 2 loaded-base doubles from C Zach Coblenz and LF Chad Reinig in the bottom 9th, overcoming the 4-2 deficit to win 5-4 at the last. “I’m gutted” said MVP Bill Williams, Brooklyn CF and the only man to hit 4 pitches today. “It was a very close game and it could’ve gone either way one feels, but to lose in this way still hurts.”

The Rochester Union may be storming the State Division right now (the division leaders are currently 15 games ahead of second-placed Syracuse), but they were utterly, spectacular embarrassed at Irondequoit Grounds today, where they lost 16-0 to bottom-of-the-pile Bronx Phoenix – a team 23 games behind. “It was like one of those dreams where you try walking, but everything you do just makes you fall over” said losing pitcher Nick Russo, who was subbed after the first 4 innings, dropping 7 runs. “I have to be happy with my performance,” said Bronx starter Rico Acosta, originally from Nicaragua, “but going 16 up on someone else’s ground almost feels wrong. It was far, far too easy.”

23rd July: Two days after their mortification against the Bronx, Rochester found themselves on the tail end of a 9-run 2nd innings, courtesy of the Brooklyn Knights – in particular, a combination of Ta-heng Fok’s 2-RBI double, an RBI triple from Armando Larreynaga, and a hefty 3-run homer from Bill Williams to finish the game before it really began. It ended 12-2 in Brooklyn’s favour, following which MVP Williams noted “I think everyone knew we’d finished them off by the end of the 2nd. To their credit, they went into damage limitation pretty well.” This is only Brooklyn’s 6th win in 21 games in July so far.

24th July: Manuel Flores cut a beleaguered figure after today’s Rochester – Brooklyn fixture, as his Rochester side slumped to a miserable 15-3 defeat to the Knights, making it defeat #6 on the bounce for the Union. Flores’ men were cut to pieces by Victor Juarez, whose 2 home runs and 2 doubles earned him 3 runs and another 7 RBIs, and slugs from Dante Benjamin and 2-in-as-many-days from Koshi Matsumoto meant that Seaview Grounds was filled with cheering blue flagholders by the game end. After storming away post-game in an obviously foul mood, it is clear that Flores will have some choice words for his team to ensure a week of this magnitude doesn’t happen again.

After holding the Diamonds to a credible 2-2 by the bottom 8th, pure hell descended upon Buffalo fans today, as they witnessed their team lose twelve – twelve – in the penultimate innings to eventually lose 14-2. Pinch hitters Miguel Longoria and Marcus LeBrun, both 38, made life unbearable for Bruisers reliever Joe Clary, who hadn’t even seen a man out before being subbed off – after having seen 7 runs go against him in the meantime.

Finally, Brooklyn Knights favourite Harry Jolly wins this week’s Player of the Week Award, after turning a 0.348 batting average into 4 home runs and 6 RBIs. “I think there’s a little more in me,” said the Australian third-base shark, “but I’m happy with how things are going right now. If we can get a few more wins as a team, I’ll be happier still.”



26th July: Despite losing today’s game 2-4 against the Bronx Phoenix, Nick Sullivan led the charge at defending manager Travis Webb today, saying to journalists that “Travis is well-respected by everyone at the club. Everyone likes him, everyone trusts him and most of all we firmly believe that he knows what he’s on about. Hell, some of us have even been over his for a barbeque. He does a mean honey-glazed rib.”

29th July: Only 5 days after winning the Player of the Week Award, Harry Jolly is now likely to miss the remainder of the 2017 NYBL season with a cracked rib. Involved in a collision with Yonkers 2B Mike Cooper, Jolly appeared to go to ground in a lot of pain – after examination, he’s been slated to be out for about 5 weeks. “It’s absolutely gutting for him” said manager Jon Aguirre. “To earn recognition and then have it snatched away in the same week is pretty galling for anyone.”

30th July: 42-year-old shortstop Terry Harris had every reason to look frustrated at the end of Albany’s 4-5 defeat to the Syracuse Maples, as despite hitting a 2-man home run in the 8th, it was his opposing number, shortstop Nolan Hylton, who cast the deciding blow with an RBI triple in the bottom 9th. Harris said to journalists waiting outside that “we’re having a rough spot right now, but everyone’s feeling good in the team and we’ll get back to the good times at the start of the season soon.” The matchwinner Hylton is currently on a 0.214 with 8 HRs and 31 RBIs.

It took a few days, but the impassioned response needed from Rochester Union came today with devastating effect – a 19-6 thrashing of their City Division adversaries, the Queens Diamonds. With 3-man home runs from both Keith Schmeling and Curtis Walden, 2-RBI triples from SS Allen Krausz and RBI doubles from Schmeling, Raymond Acret, Walden and Robert Navarrete, Rockaway Stadium felt like a very cold spot in Queens by the end of the night. Jose Marquez set the record for most runs in a game with 5, but it was Schmeling who was nominated MVP for his 6 RBIs and 4 runs, something he says “I’ve been wanting for a bit – I let my foot off the pedal and it showed.”

31st July: It took 12 innings, but Queens were able to exact a measure of revenge over Rochester today; following a 13th-hour move initiated by Colt Caudle’s double, the match at Rockaway Stadium ended 4-3 in the Diamonds’ favour. Finding 5 K’s and only 2 earned runs was MVP Joey Idrizi, who said afterwards “I’m a Queens boy through and through, and I put that into my performance today.” The result puts the Diamonds within 1 game of the Rochester Union, with 68 wins.

Player of the Week for the last week of July goes to Rochester no-nonsense contact hitter Israel Mejia, whose 0.654 (17-for-26) average, 2 home runs, 3 RBIs and 9 runs makes him a clear winner for the award. Well-liked by fans for his constant effort, Mejia wanted to reassure them about his elbow, stating that “it’s only a little sore, nothing to be worried about. It’ll be funny for a couple of weeks but if I can play, you bet your ass I will.” Mejia is currently dominating the Zone Rating charts with +18.9 Runs, an amazing +7.7 above second-placed Chris Meche of Staten Island.



Batter of the Month went to another Rochester player – Keith Schmeling, of course, whose 26 runs, 12 doubles, 43 hits, 43 RBIs, and 12 home runs put him at the top (sometimes quite considerably) of practically every available batting stat for the month. Speaking of the award, Schmeling said “I had a bit of a funny week around the 21st, but around that this was a particularly special month. I don’t wanna jinx anything, but I think as long as we’re not stupid you’ll see us in the playoffs for sure.”

Pitcher of the Month went to another repeat winner, in the form of Staten Island Bulls reliever Manny Escamilla, who continues to wow pundits with his late-game wizardry for the always-exciting Bulls. This month, he pulled 6 saves and 26 K’s in 15 innings, holding the opposition to a 0.185 average and posting a 2.35 ERA – and didn’t record a single defeat. “Winning it last month was pretty great, but now people are gonna start thinking I’m something special!” said the 37-year-old closer. Escamilla is currently sitting on 28 saves, with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.19.

Already showing signs of mental maturity and positional awareness, 24-year-old Bronx SS Oscar Carrera takes the Rookie of the Month Award for July, after posting a 0.333 this month with 3 home runs and 16 RBIs. Carrera, already recognised as one of the finest infielders in the league and a captain-like figure, said “it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way, although with things not going so great for us in the league, I need to maintain my focus – for obvious reasons.”




Standings at the end of July



Team batting and pitching statistics




Player batting, pitching and fielding statistics

[Archelirion]

AUGUST – 5th SEPTEMBER 2017

BEST RECORD - Buffalo Bruisers: 22-11 (now 71-73)
Rochester Union: 21-12 (now 90-54)
Manhattan Victory: 21-12 (now 81-63)
Syracuse Maples: 18-15 (now 75-69)
Albany Dragons: 17-16 (now 67-77)
Queens Diamonds: 15-18 (now 83-61)
Staten Island Bulls: 14-19 (now 65-79)
Yonkers Sixers: 14-19 (now 65-79)
Bronx Phoenix: 12-21 (now 59-85)
WORST RECORD - Brooklyn Knights: 11-22 (now 64-80)

2nd August: It may only have been his second game for the team since being moved up from Triple-A Scottsville, but 38-year-old Paul Bork pulled a great performance today in Buffalo’s 8-0 victory over the Yonkers Sixers. Allowing only 5 hits and no walks, the management sang his praises while 2B Dwayne Russell and 3B Andrew Wheeler inflicted serious damage with the stick in their hands. “Everyone on the team played great” said the Manhattan-born hurler, “and I’m glad I didn’t let anyone down.” Bork is on an ERA of 1.80 from 15 innings played in two games for the Bruisers. Bork would be released from the Bruisers on the 14th August, but is now on a short-term contract with the Albany Dragons as of the 31st of the month.

3rd August: Bronx reliever Shane Starling is reportedly on last warnings today – as it turns out, allowing 3 hits, 7 base-on-balls and 5 runs in the 13th-inning doesn’t tend to go down too well with anyone, and particularly not the management of the Bronx Phoenix. MVP Oscar Hernandez, DH for the game-winning Sycamore Maples, expressed sympathy for Starling afterwards, but added “I think there were 3, maybe 4 walk-round runs in that inning. After struggling for so long, it was almost too easy.” Syracuse won the game 14-9 in the end.

4th August: He put on a brave face afterwards, but it was obvious that Phil Newmark’s diagnosis of an arthritic elbow was a major blow to the Syracuse reliever. “I’m 26 years old and I’ve got the elbow of a 60-year-old!” he joked to press, before adding “doctors are recommending I take some time out, and then playing again next season. I’ve never had arm issues before so I’m hoping for a misdiagnosis and all will be well.” Newmark has made 51 appearances so far this year, making 68 strikeouts and finding a 3.49 ERA.

6th August: “It’s a blow to lose him, but I think everyone in Manhattan is glad it’s nothing more serious” said one fan after Roger Colon’s ankle injury was finally diagnosed as a sprain today, three days after the horrific-looking roll in Victory’s 3-2 defeat to Rochester on the 3rd. The Mexico-born centre-fielder, 28, said to gathered media that “it’s annoying to be out, definitely, but doctor’s think I might be back for playoffs, if we make them. Playoffs were the aim at the start of the season and they’re the aim now. I’ll be back!” Colon is hitting 0.281 with 23 home runs, 65 RBIs and 65 runs.

7th August: Bronx first-baseman Edwin Badillo hit the big two-zero on home runs today, as he sailed 2 over the boundary at Phoenix Park to help his side to a 10-2 trash-job of top-of-the-division Queens Diamonds. Badillo, who also hit a 2-RBI double and finished the game with 6 runs batted-in, said afterwards “it was pretty much a perfect day for me – knowing I had a big role in today’s win feels pretty special.” Badillo’s 20 home runs are complemented by 63 RBIs and an average of 0.262 this season.

In other news, Manhattan Victory’s Benedetto Speranza becomes the first ever pitcher to win an NYBL Player of the Week award. Over his two games this week, the 25-year-old leftie six-pitcher managed 10 strikeouts in 13 innings, leaking only one run and maintaining a perfect 0.00 ERA. “It’s fantastic to get recognised, especially as a pitcher in this league” said the Venezuelan, with an OBA of 0.259. “I only hope I can continue to impress!” He is currently pulling an ERA of 4.01 (almost dead-on league average) and has logged 110 K’s.



9th August: Losing his temper in Rochester’s 5-6 defeat to the Staten Island Bulls today cost 1B Angelo Morales more than the 2 games issued to Bulls starter Ed Magaora – it cost him his job. “We were watching him closely anyway,” said Rochester GM Mario Rojas, presumably alluding to Morales’ 0.214 batting average, “but representing the proud city of Rochester means you set a standard. We couldn’t hold Morales on after that.” His demand for any interested parties is likely to be around the $380,000 mark.

10th August: “It was nervous watching, for sure,” said MVP Mike Lewis today, as he watched the Yonkers Sixers beat the Manhattan Victory 5-4, in a 15-inning deathmatch that saw both teams score in the 13th. Lewis, who was subbed from the game at 3-2 to Yonkers after 8 innings, said “yeah, watching them score in the 9th was tough, especially so soon after I was taken off. But watching Mike [Cooper, 2B] slam that pitch out in the 15th made it all worth it. Was a good day in the end.”

11th August: Marcus Lunsford baffled batters at Albany’s Hoffmann Park today, helping his team to a 3-0 victory and recording Buffalo’s 9th win on the trot. Lunsford, 25, gave up 5 hits and 1 walk in a 4 K game, and impressively played all nine innings of the game. “He didn’t seem to be flagging and obviously wanted to go the distance,” said Buffalo manager Angel Molina, “so it seemed silly to take him off.” After a slow start to the season bouncing back from bone chips, Lunsford has an ERA of 4.31 and has 72 K’s in 119 innings.

12th August: Fans were phoning in all day to wish Staten Island reliever Ari Lictenegger a swift recovery, after news of shoulder inflammation were made public. In his famous Austrian accent, Ari said in a statement “I’d like to thank each and every person that’s sent their support to me today; to know I won’t be able to play baseball in so long is awful, but it’s been made that little bit easier by you guys.” Lictenegger, famed for his 99mph fastball and one of the best cutters in the league, will be out for a reputed 5 months.

Rochester CF Israel Mejia showed once more why he’s considered one of the finest contact hitters in the league today, after his two hits (a 2-man home run and an RBI double, no less) meant he reached that prestigious 20 game run – helping the Union beat the Syracuse Maples 9-4 in the process. ‘Bullet’, as he is known by fans, told a packed room of reporters that “I’m happy to keep it going, but I’m definitely going to relax and push it out of my head for the evening now!” The Dominican is hitting a 0.330 with 40 RBIs and 106 runs. (NB: the streak would be broken the day after, although Rochester once more beat the Maples 8-7)

14th August: Yonkers LF Vicente Salazar hit a 0.400 this week, which was enough to earn him the NYBL Player of the Week award. Hitting 12 from 30, 2 resulted in home-runs and he claimed 7 RBIs, providing a ray of sunshine for Sixers fans who otherwise witnessed a losing week for their team (going 3 for 7 in series involving Rochester, Manhattan and Queens). Salazar is currently hitting a 0.242 with 15 home runs to his name this season.



16th August: One shutout is always good for a pitcher, but two on the go is prized – yet, that’s exactly what Buffalo Bruisers knuckleballer Marcus Lunsford managed today, finding 8 strikeouts and only yielding 6 hits in Buffalo’s 4-0 victory over the Bronx Phoenix at home. “I walked a few,” said the 27-year-old Bay Shore native, recognising the three walks he gave up, “but my stuff was good and the fielders did the rest. Yeah, it was a good day.”

In other news - it had been coming for a long time many would argue, especially with a 79-47 record, but Rochester Union became the first team to mathematically secure their place in the 2017 NYBL playoffs today, after a tentative win over the Albany Dragons which ended 5-3. Speaking on Rochester radio station WROC, DH Keith Schmeling said “it’s been a great season so far and to hit playoffs is lovely, but we’re 14 games ahead of Syracuse with 24 to go so we all want to focus on winning the division first.”

21st August: Queens 2B Colt Caudle gave a spectacular contact hitting display this week to go 0.577, and claim this week’s Player of the Week award. In a week which should have all-but-confirmed Queens’ progression through to the playoffs (a win in tomorrow’s game against Buffalo would settle it mathematically), it seemed fitting to voters to award it to the 27-year-old, currently batting 0.309 this season.



22nd August: Queens pitcher Joey Idrizi delivered a playoffs-earning shutout today for the Diamonds in their 1-0 game against the Buffalo Bruisers, even if the attacking force was on their holidays. Idrizi, who pitched over 8 innings and only gave 2 hits up in the process, said afterwards “after Colt’s [Caudle] run in the 1st, I knew it was up to me to deliver the goods, and I’m so glad that, today of all days, the pressure didn’t get to me.” Skipper Matt Neumeyer said “I’m so glad we made playoffs first time around, and I’ll be damned if it wasn’t Joey that got us over the line. For a man that started the season playing Triple-A, I’m sure everyone in Queens knows his name now.”

25th August: He’s not known for his pacey fastballs or his stuff, but Yonkers starter John McCarthy’s hardworking approach and intelligent play gave him a shutout in the Sixers’ close 1-0 victory over the Bronx Phoenix. McCarthy, currently pitching a 3.55 ERA this season, said to reporters afterwards “the boss said go out there and give them hell, and I did. Hope I did you proud Travis!”

Following great showings from CF Israel Mejia (two runs) and pitcher John Zieber only giving up a single run, Rochester’s 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Bruisers today was enough to hand them the division title – with 10 games to spare! “I’ll have to try and keep everyone in check,” said a grinning Manuel Flores, whose managerial skills led them to their 84-50 scoreline so far, “we’ve got one more game against Buffalo tomorrow and I don’t want to have too many headaches in my selection!”

27th August: The 10,000-odd Albany fans leaving Hoffmann Park today looks as pleased as one can after seeing their team officially lose out on playoffs this season, as they strolled to a 12-0 thrashing over the Syracuse Maples. With 0.500+ performances from 2B Rick Jones, RF James Yearout, SS Terry Harris and LF Danny Trinidad, MVP pitcher Miguel Hernandez was full of praise for his outfield teammates – and delivered a message for fans of the Dragons: “there’s not a single person here today in orange and blue that’s not disappointed, but we’ve proven time and time again that we can – and we WILL come back stronger next year, I guarantee that.” At 62-74 with 8 games to go, manager Danny Castillo will be looking at a losing record for his first season in charge.

In Manhattan however it was smiles all-round, as their 8-4 victory over the Brooklyn Knights – spurred-on by RBIs galore from 2B Jung-ook Bark and LF Fred Greenwood – made the City Division a dead rubber for Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island, becoming the second team from their division to make playoffs. Closer Mike Yerger said after the game “I think we were sneakily hoping for the division win, and we’re only 2 games behind with 8 to go – we’re not gonna stop until it’s over.”

28th August: Mike Kelly claims the penultimate regular-season Player of the Week award for 2017, as the Manhattan left-fielder delivered a 0.452 batting average over the past 7 days. Hitting 14-from-31, 2 home runs and 9 RBIs seemed to be good enough for the title, and Kelly is reported to be delighted with this conclusion to his week. The 29-year-old is currently on 0.285 with 25 home runs, 100 RBIs and 68 runs to the good.



In today’s grudge match against the division leaders, Rochester pitcher Nick Russo gave the Queens Diamonds goose eggs, shutting the visitors out at Irondequoit Park at 6 hits. After the game, which ended 8-0, Diamonds manager Matt Neumeyer said “we have one more game against them tomorrow, and we beat them 1-5 yesterday – I’m not particularly worried. Russo pitched a great game, but he won’t be back tomorrow.”

29th August: Despite only playing one innings for the team back in April, Bronx Phoenix fans wished reliever Mauricio Santos the best today, at his forced retirement from baseball due to injury. After tearing his right labrum only 4 days into the season, the 41-year-old had a long recovery ahead of him, but as events conspired, the damage was already done. “I’m gutted for sure,” said the Cuban-born changeup fan, “but I might try and get some work in the minor leagues. Hopefully this won’t be the end for me in the NYBL, even if I’m not playing.”

30th August: Wildcard certainly fits the Syracuse Maples, who become the 4th and final team to make the NYBL playoffs in 2017. Despite their current record of 72-66 means it’s incredibly likely they will have the lowest win percentage in the postseason, confidence is high among Maples players, management, and fans alike. “We can do this,” said talismanic slugger Bryan DeMond, “on our day we can beat anyone.”

1st September: Queens closer Mike Robinson had to wave goodbye to his prospects of playing in the NYBL World Series this year, as he is required to undergo surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. Famed among Diamonds fans for his fastball and his serious expression, the 27-year-old, currently on a 3.09 ERA, is said to be “disappointed, but you bet your ass I’ll be watching from the stands.”

Batter of the Month went to, surprisingly, Keith Schmeling of the Rochester Union, who claims the award for the third time this season. It’s deserved, mind – in a crucial month for the upstate team, he hit a 0.379 with 8 home runs, 34 RBIs, and put 22 runs in for himself. “I’ve been able to get into a real good rhythm this year, and to get this award against is really, really cool. Everyone’s focus is on the playoffs now, and I hope to see Rochester on the trophy by the end.” The 31-year-old is hitting 0.352 this year, and is contracted to remain in Rochester until he is 37.

Hurler of the Month went to another Rochester player, in the form of 28-year-old fastballer, John Zieber. Promoted halfway through the season from triple-A Hamilton Warlocks, he seems to be adjusting nicely to the NYBL, finding an ERA of 2.29 from 6 starts and striking out 25. “It’s probably my best pitching month ever, really,” said the Manhattan-born Zieber, “and it’s been wonderful to be presented with the opportunity.” He is currently pitching 4.03 ERA in 11 starts.



Rookie of the Month Andrew Wheeler, of the Buffalo Bruisers, has become a familiar name next to the award listings, and this August it’s very much warranted – 0.321, 9 doubles and 4 home runs, with 22 runs and 17 RBIs to boot. “I’ll have to play well enough to get some other awards next year!” said the 23-year-old 3B, laughing.



Finally, the Queens Diamonds confirmed their taking of the City Division title today, despite losing 2-4 to the Albany Dragons on their home turf. “It would’ve been nice to have watched my guys take it with a win,” said injured closer Mike Robinson, watching from the stands, “but it still felt like a culmination of a season’s hard work coming together. I’m proud.”

6th September: The regular season ended yesterday, with wins for the Buffalo Bruisers (7-6 over the Staten Island Bulls), the Syracuse Maples (10-4 over the Brooklyn Knights), the Rochester Union (3-1 over the Yonkers Sixers), the Bronx Phoenix (a 5-0 shutout of the Albany Dragons) and the Manhattan Victory (3-0 against the Queens Diamonds).



Keith Schmeling was presented with the NYBL Batting Champion award for 2017, after finishing the season on a 0.348 – collecting 31 doubles, 2 triples, 47 home runs and an astronomical 163 RBIs (49 more than second placed Gary Kindle of the Staten Island Bulls). In doing so, he not only won the Batting Champion award, but gained a very specific prize – the Triple Crown. “It was amazing really – I just played baseball like I knew that I could and I never hit a slump. That’s all I can possibly ask for. I love Rochester, I love its people and I love its team. I may have been born in Brooklyn, but I’ll happily die here.”


Standings at the end of the regular season




Team batting and pitching statistics





Player batting, pitching and fielding statistics

[Archelirion]

NY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LT: Hi there, it’s Leonardo Totti coming to you live from the packed Irondequoit Grounds in Rochester for the inaugural New York Championship Series clash, between the Rochester Union and the Syracuse Maples. I’m joined by the ever-informative Brian Guthrie today, but not here – Brian is at the beautiful Rockaway Stadium in Queens for their clash against the Manhattan Victory, isn’t that right Brian?

BG: Hey Leo – you’re right, it’s a beautiful place to be right now. They’ve just turned the floodlights on this past few minutes which looks amazing, as the crowd are forming seas of not only the light blue of Queens but also the dark blue of Manhattan. The atmosphere is electric, and everyone is getting excited for what should be a wonderful game of baseball.

LT: Absolutely. Now, we’ve got about 15 minutes before Union pitcher Mario Cisneros gets things underway here, which just about gives us time to weigh-in on the competition beforehand – so first, Rochester v Syracuse… for me, this is Rochester’s series to lose. They’re 7 games ahead of City Division winners Queens and 15 games ahead of the Maples, and it’s largely due to that danger trio of Keith Schmeling (who of course has just claimed the Triple Crown), WAR-leader CF Israel Mejia and Jose Marquez, who has been unfairly looked over this season but nevertheless has topped the number of double hits and only has 2 fewer runs than Schmeling. What’s your take on it?

BG: If I had to choose a side on pain of death I’d agree and say it’s Rochester’s time, but I really think it’ll be a close-run thing – possibly 5th game stuff.

LT: Really? How so?

BG: In my opinion, it rests on Bryan DeMond against Keith Schmeling, and I honestly believe that DeMond will show his best colours in these playoff scenarios. Bryan has a WAR only bettered by Mejia, is margins off of the 1.000 OPS and with Mejia on the DtD list with a dodgy ankle and sore elbow, I’m honestly not sure if he’ll be playing for the next few days. Neither sides have played particularly strong defensive baseball but have topped their division regardless – 4.08 ERA for Rochester and 4.19 for Syracuse, whereas Buffalo, Albany and Yonkers have all managed sub-4’s – but Rochester have also lost starters Victor Garcia, Bobby Santillan and Luis Dominguez, and I’d say that Syracuse have been marginally better on starters this entire season. I reckon that yes, Rochester will be in the final, but if DeMond, Kennedy, Lopez are having good days and Redfern is on his game, then the Union are going to be given a tough old time doing it.

LT: Interesting. So, we’re both saying that Rochester are going to be in the final then – what about your end? Queens or Manhattan?

BG: Aaaaah… I reckon this is going to go Manhattan’s way Leo. If you’d asked me this time last month then I’d have said Queens, 100%, but the Diamonds have hit a skid of form and have only won three games in their last 10 – and even worse, haven’t won a single game in 5. Manhattan however are in good form, having won 8 games over the same period and on a 4-game winning streak, and have only looked to be getting stronger and stronger as the year has progressed. If Manhattan can get to the 9th in the lead then they’ll probably win – Mike Yerger has done a superb job as closer this year, although the Diamonds’ Roberto Sanchez hasn’t been a slouch, either. Overall though, we’re looking at Manhattan’s attacking prowess against Queens’ defensive might, and I think overall, it’ll be just enough for the Victory.

LT: The only thing I would say – and I’m sure you’re already acutely aware of this being in Queens right now Brian – is that the Diamonds have such a strong fanbase, and some say this is why they’ve got the best home record in the entire competition. And of course, the first two games of the series are being played at Rockaway Stadium, so Manhattan will have to watch out that they don’t get buried before the series moves to Stuyvesant Stadium.

BG: Yeah, that’s a pretty good point.

LT: Thank you Brian, means a lot. So, we’re lumping for Rochester and Queens, then?

BG: Rochester and Manhattan, for me.

LT: Ahaha, nearly got you there. We’ve only got a couple of minutes to go before things get underway, so let’s turn our attention to our respective games, for this inaugural, 2017 New York Championship playoff series!

[Archelirion]

GAME 1

Syracuse Maples @ Rochester Union

First innings: Syracuse took an early lead, as SS Nolan Hylton was able to make home on the back of Quincy Kennedy’s single, coming off of Mario Cisneros’ 71-mph changeup. However, a fantastic triple to the back-centre wall from Rochester’s 2B Jose Marquez was finished after CF Matt Gibbons’ flyball was caught by Bryan DeMond, and then Curtis Walden hit a single into the gap to allow Keith Schmeling through on home. C Raymond Acret ground-into-double-play, ending the innings 2-1 in Rochester’s favour.

Second innings: Syracuse 1B Jonathan Claxton gets doubled-up, ending their charge for the innings. Rochester’s innings is spectacularly unspectacular. Still 2-1 Rochester.

Third innings: Syracuse DH Victor Lopez hits a flyball out left to load the bases with two men out, but 2B Danny Gonzalez hits it into the air to be easily caught by Union RF Curtis Walden. Another unexceptional innings from Rochester. 2-1 to the Union.

Fourth innings: Nothing much regarding Syracuse this time around. With 2 men on base, Rochester 3B Jim Routh grounds a ball into double play, ending the innings. Still 2-1 Rochester.

Fifth innings: Back-to-back home runs from Nolan Hylton, who hit 429ft right down the middle, and Bryan DeMond’s 351ft slam down the left line, put Syracuse in a promising position. A single from Rochester’s Jose Marquez promotes 1B Allen Krausz to 2nd base, and a thumping double from Matt Gibbons down the right gets Krausz home. Robert Navarrete’s flyball was caught, but allowed Marquez home too, and a spectacular triple from Curtis Walden got Gibbons and Schmeling over the plate. A good start from Syracuse but an even better Union response – 6-3 to the Union.

Sixth innings: Nothing of note for Syracuse in the batting stakes this time around. Rochester’s Chris Todor scrabbles round on ball calls off of RHP Eric Mazer – improves Rochester’s position, 7-3.

Seventh innings: 7 ball calls against Rochester hurler Luis Garcia made life easy for Syracuse RF Nathan Redfern, who got across the plate after Quincy Kennedy hit a single. Nothing of interest in the bottom of the innings. Rochester’s lead is decreased by one, 7-4.

Eighth innings: Syracuse’s Jonathan Claxton floats a single through the centre of the field, and C Adam Lawson’s single allows Claxton to sprint to third. Sadly for Syracuse though, nothing comes of it. Keith Schmeling hit a double down the right for Rochester, but ditto. Still 7-4 to the Union.

Ninth innings: CL Chris Erickson’s 97-mph fastball towards Syracuse DH Victor Lopez proves the last pitch of the game, as Rochester win 7-4. Rochester Union lead the New York Championship (State Division, 1-0.

MVP: Keith Schmeling (Rochester Union) – 2 for 3, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB




Manhattan Victory @ Queens Diamonds

First innings: An extremely strong start from Manhattan Victory in the upper first. Fred Greenwood’s boundary double allowed both CF Joe Whitley and 2B Ryan Sauer to get across the plate, before Mike Kelly’s single gets Greenwood himself over the plate. Kelly finishes from Justin Weiler’s single, in similar circumstances. Slow start for Queens. 4-0 Manhattan.

Second innings: Ryan Sauer crushes a 357-foot home run out to the left off of Justin Dare’s 91-mph pitch to bring Manhattan’s lead to 5. LF Jonathan Parker is able to grab one back for Queen shortly afterwards though, after capitalising on his double with some impressive baserunning following Daniel Prickett’s single. 5-1 Manhattan.

Third innings: SS Matt Campbell’s finds a double through a gap in Queens’ infield to let both DH Mike Kelly and 1B Gabe Ramirez through to home. No reply from Queens. 7-1 Manhattan.

Fourth innings: Ryan Sauer gets to home after trying for home following Mike Kelly’s double. Queens are still struggling to get into the game. Manhattan find yet another run, 8-1.

Fifth innings: A fourth ball call from Benedetto Speranza allows Queens to load the bases in the bottom fifth. Another ball call get Justin Stenke on base, pushing DH Daniel Prickett across the plate. A 2-RBI double from 1B Edward Sanchez gets runs for 2B Colt Caudle and CF Steve Bowles, and then a spectacular 3-man home run from RF Manny Cortez (387ft) brings Queens to within a point of Manhattan. Victory still lead but severely harmed, 8-7.

Sixth innings: Queens SS Mickey Jones gets a base hit, and then capitalises on Manhattan catcher Jose Orona’s terrible throw to make it to third. Another base hit, this time from Colt Caudle, gets Mickey Jones a run and Queens a miraculous equaliser – Caudle is then able to make it to third after CF Steve Bowles is dealt with. Justin Stenke’s single gets Caudle home, and then a 341ft cannon from Edward Sanchez out left catapults the Diamonds into the lead. Now 11-8 to Queens.

Seventh innings: Another dry innings for Manhattan. Queens continue their assault as Mickey Jones slams a 424ft homer out to the right, getting himself, LF Jonathan Parker and Prickett some runs. 14-8 Queens, as Manhattan continue to slide.

Eighth innings: Jose Orona hits a single within the Queens infield, and then capitalises on Matt Campbell’s double to make it to the home plate. Manhattan still have a lot to do, but Queens make no further headway. 14-9 Queens.

Ninth innings: Mike Kelly hits a solid double out onto the right, and then gets to third after running from Pablo Aldabarran’s single. He’s then able to get to the home plate, following RHP Jose Martinez’s wild pitch which shoots straight past catcher Andy Gudmundson. Matt Campbell pushes Manhattan back into late competitiveness with a 2-RBI triple, as 3B Pablo Aldabarran and C Jose Orona are able to get across the plate. Alas, they were unable to make up the final two runs, as Joe Whitley’s groundball was tossed to Edward Sanchez on first. Queens win an epic 14-12. Queens Diamonds lead the New York Championship (City Division), 1-0.

MVP: Edward Sanchez (Queens Diamonds) – 2 for 5, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R




GAME 2

Syracuse Maples @ Rochester Union

Second innings: Chris Todor hits a decent flyball out towards the right, earning a base hit. Robert Navarrete tries for home and makes it, pushing Rochester into the lead. Rochester lead 1-0.

Fifth innings: Syracuse 1B Jonathan Claxton cracks a ball out to the boundary off of RHP Tobias Brigham’s 100-mph fastball, getting himself a double. After working his way to third, RF Nathan Redfern hits a single out to the right allowing Claxton to equalise. With two men on base, Rochester’s Curtis Walden seemed to hit a decent ball out to the right, but Redfern pulled out an amazing catch to deny them anything. Syracuse equalise, 1-1.

Sixth innings: Syracuse LF Manny Huerta hits a lovely ball down the middle for a base hit, advancing Victor Lopez to second. Sadly, quick throwing from Rochester catcher Raymond Acret means that by Jonathan Claxton’s batting, Syracuse earn nothing. Afterwards, Robert Navarrete is grounded into a double play. No change, still 1-1.

Eighth innings: Syracuse 3B Quincy Kennedy hits a 101-mph pitch off of RHP Chris Erickson straight down the centre for a single. DH Victor Lopez then asks a good catch from Robert Navarrete to prevent a 2-man home run. Afterwards, Rochester 2B Jose Marquez showed why he has the most double hits in the competition (45) this year with a smashing hit to the wall from Yoshihiro Knitt’s 95-mph, but then Robert Navarrete gets grounded into his second double play of the game. Still 1-1.

Ninth innings: Quiet innings for Syracuse in the upper 9th. C Raymond Acret gets a base-on-balls call for Rochester and advances to first, following which DH Chris Todor hits a solid single out towards the right centre. However, SS Allen Krausz and CF Phil Green get knocked out in order, taking the game to extra innings on 1-1.

Tenth innings: Rochester reliever Bobby Miller got his third strikeout in 2 innings played this playoff series, knocking a swinging SS Nolan Hylton out. Bryan DeMond held his nerve for a base-on-balls call, but 3B Quincy Kennedy had his flyball plucked out of the air by Union CF Phil Green, and 2B Danny Gonzalez hit a harmless groundball to end the 10th for Syracuse. Jose Marquez hit another double for Rochester, before RF Curtis Walden did the nasty and hit a 402ft home run, to send the Union team surging out onto the pitch to celebrate win number 2. Rochester win 3-1, meaning that Rochester Union advance ahead of the New York Championship (State Division), 2-0

MVP: Omar Borjas (Syracuse Maples) – 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3K




Manhattan Victory @ Queens Diamonds

Second innings: Queens SS Mickey Jones smashes a 353ft home run out towards the right, to earn himself and DH Manny Cortez runs and push the Diamonds ahead 2-0 in the early stages of the game.

Seventh innings: After a very tentative performance from both teams, even RF Justin Weiler’s infield hit for Manhattan was enough to raise a cheer from the crowd. C Jose Orona looked like he’d done enough to push 3B Gabe Ramirez onto home, but Mickey Jones cannoned a throw from the left flank to Edward Sanchez on first base to deny Manhattan anything this time around. Queens get nothing.

Eighth innings: Queens RHP Roberto Sanchez has a shaky start to the eighth, earning BB calls for both CF Joe Whitley and 2B Ryan Sauer. Then, with a bit of help from the wind, LF Fred Greenwood powered a 422ft hit towards the centre claiming a 3-man home run. Manhattan were ahead! In response, C Andy Gudmundson and 2B Colt Caudle both earned base hits, before an impressive hustle from Gudmundson earned 3B Justin Stenke an RBI-single. Scores tied, 3-3.

Ninth innings: Manhattan 3B Pablo Albarran was whiffed with a Queens RHP Cesar Carpio splitter, before PH Jung-ook Bark was struck out and C Jose Orona’s flyball was easily caught by Queens CF Steve Bowles. Then for Manhattan reliever Nick Bunch, disaster struck. Allowing a base hit from LF Jonathan Parker, before PH Miguel Longoria bode his time for a BB call and Bowles hit a nice single down the centre, he faced up to PH Daniel Prickett… and got smacked around the face with a grand slam finisher for the Queens Diamonds. Queens won 7-3, meaning that they double their lead over Manhattan Victory in the New York Championship (City Division), 2-0.

MVP: Ruben Duarte (Queens Diamonds) – 7.1 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K




GAME 3

Rochester Union @ Syracuse Maples

First innings: Rochester’s opener ended early, after LF Robert Navarrete hit ANOTHER GDIP in these playoff games – this time off of RHP Evan Everett’s 95-mph fastball. Nothing of note for Syracuse. Innings ended scoreless.

Fifth innings: If you thought yesterdays Victory/Diamonds clash was tentative, this was something else. Syracuse DH Victor Lopez hits a sterling double straight at the back wall, to record the Maples’ first hit of the game and only the game’s fourth overall… or at least, it was until 2B Danny Gonzalez followed it up with a 2-run homer towards the left (365 ft). Syracuse took the lead, 2-1.

Sixth innings: A massive bungle from Syracuse 3B Quincy Kennedy turns an otherwise harmless infield glance from Rochester 2B Jose Marquez into a base hit – he gets away with it though, as little else happens afterwards. Syracuse still lead, 2-1.

Eighth innings: Rochester’s Jose Marquez hits – you guessed it – a superb double out towards the right-centre boundary, but this time it actually counts for something, as RF Curtis Walden hit another double out towards the right line to put Marquez over the plate. Nothing much for Syracuse, Rochester equalised, 2-2.

Ninth innings: Rochester’s LF Robert Navarrete actually does something that’s not a GDIP, hitting a ball straight through the infield to claim a base hit. Maples RHP Yoshihiro Knitt took 3B Jim Routh out with a sinker, but C Raymond Acret advanced Navarrete and himself with a well-struck base hit. A curveball outing Chris Todor followed, but Allen Krausz’s single meant that Union had bases loaded, but 2 outs… and sadly for them, the man coming up to bat, CF Phil Green, had only hit .137 all season. Sure enough, he missed, and the Syracuse Maples won their first game of the series 2-1, meaning that they take a chunk out of Rochester’s lead and put themselves into the reckoning. Union 2, Maples 1.

MVP: Evan Everett (Syracuse Maples) – 7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, W.




Queens Diamonds @ Manhattan Victory

First innings: Queens started extremely strongly this time around – with 2B Colt Caudle and 1B Justin Stenke already on base, RF Manny Cortez met with LHP Miguel Martinez’s 89-mph forkball with effect, crushing a 422-feet homer outside of Stuyvesant Park’s boundary. Manhattan couldn’t forge a reply, despite two hits. Queens 3-0 Manhattan.

Third innings: DH Daniel Prickett makes Queens’ fans hopes of a series whitewash seem a little closer, after his 2-RBI single gets both 1B Justin Stenke and 2B Edward Sanchez over the plate – making it 5-0 in the process. Manhattan respond quickly, though – Ryan Sauer’s double is enough to advance Joe Whitley to third, and more importantly get SS Matt Campbell to home. LF Fred Greenwood then hits a single along the right line to push Whitley home, before the team is finally retired. Queens 5-2 Manhattan.

Fourth innings: RF Manny Cortez continued his one-man mission to make himself a Queens hero, after hitting a SECOND HOME RUN out towards the left of the park – allowing CF Steve Bowles and Edward Sanchez over the plate in the process. No response from Manhattan, as their chances of keeping their playoff dreams alive diminish by the innings. Queens 8-2 Manhattan.

Sixth innings: A mixture of some iffy pitching from Diamonds hurler Aubrey Beals and the batting prowess of Ryan Sauer (hitting a double) and Fred Greenwood (single) meant that both Sauer and Matt Campbell were able to claim a couple of runs back for the Manhattan Victory, to keep them in contention. Queens still lead but the gap is docked, 8-4.

Ninth innings: Carlos Linehan’s questionable pitching mean that it was all-too-easy for LF Jonathan Parker to advance around the park after his single, only cementing Queens’ position as almost certain winners of the series (and, by extension, compounding the disappointed mood circulating around Victory’s Stuyvesant Park at the time). Indeed, Manhattan went without response, and Queens win against the Manhattan Victory 9-4. The Queens Diamonds advance to the All New York Series after sweeping Manhattan, 3-0.

MVP: Manny Cortez (Queens Diamonds) – 2 for 5, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R



SERIES MVP: DH Daniel Prickett (Queens Diamonds) – .556 AVG, .636 OBP, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 R

It’s a wonderful honour, being named series MVP and collecting my first rings. I’ve had a slow season at times and I recognise that, but I’d like to show my sincere gratitude to coach for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do at this level, and to the fans who come out day after day and watch us hit balls around a park for three hours. You guys are the best!




GAME 4

Rochester Union @ Syracuse Maples

First innings: The very first pitch of the game – a 94-mph fastball from Maples hurler Brian Danner – resulted in that most Marquezian of Jose Marquez hits, a double for the second baseman (with a little help from a rare mistake by CF Bryan DeMond, who misjudged the flight as it came down). ENDED UP WITH A RUN. No response the Maples, Rochester claim a slender lead. 1-0.

Second innings: SS Allen Krausz soured the attending mood at Maples Ballpark, as he launched a 357 ft solo homerun out along the right-line and doubling Rochester’s lead over the home team. The Maples proved unable to provide anything, 2-0 Rochester.

Third innings: Some positives for the home side, as C Raymond Acret chalks up an innings-ending GDIP for Rochester. Syracuse is, however, still impotent on the plate, and the score remains 2-0.

Fourth innings: With no Rochester sighting in the upper fourth and with RF Neil Redfern and 1B Quincy Kennedy on base, DH Victor Lopez had a chance to push his team right back into things… but instead recorded a GDIP, ending the innings with two men on. 2-0 Rochester.

Seventh innings: With LHP Kyle Last pitching a worldie, 3B Quincy Kennedy’s double was music to the ears of Syracuse fans, who had just seen their team record only their second hit of the game so far. Immediately afterwards, Victor Lopez was able to make up for his previous misgivings with a base hit towards the right, allowing enough time for Kennedy to hurtle back to the plate and get the Maples on the scoreboard. 2B Danny Gonzalez immediately chalked up a GDIP, but there remained enough time for Manny Huerta to record an RBI base hit. With the scores tied at 2-2, game on!

Eighth innings: Keith Schmeling, who despite his dominating season had been unusually absent during the playoffs so far, capitalised from a BB call and RF Curtis Walden’s excellent double to cross the plate, and give the Union a slender lead once more. Cagey moments followed in the bottom eighth as Chris Erickson was rattled by SS Nolan Hylton’s repeated attempts at basestealing (eventually claiming third), but the Maples were unable to make anything more and Rochester went into the final innings slightly ahead, 3-2.

Ninth innings: Despite some last-minute sharpshooting from Syracuse 1B Jonathan Claxton, Erickson held his nerve and was able to hand Rochester a tight 3-2 victory over the Syracuse Maples, in the process ensuring that the Rochester Union advance through to the All New York Series to face the Queens Diamonds, after taking Syracuse 3-1 overall.

MVP: Kyle Last (Rochester Union) – 7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, W



Series MVP: Curtis Walden (Rochester Union) - .471, .500 OBP, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 1 R

We’re almost there now. It’s great to receive rings especially as I feel like I’ve had a good series and a good year, but letting my foot off the boil would be the worst thing to do – only gotta look at Manhattan to see what happens when you do that. Let’s go Rochester!

[gemini615]

Keep up the good work!

[Archelirion]

2017 ALL NEW YORK SERIES - GAMES ONE AND TWO

GAME ONE

QUEENS DIAMONDS @ ROCHESTER UNION
Attendance: 31441 – Irondequoit Grounds – partly cloudy (57 degrees) – wind blowing from right at 11mph

First innings: With two men out, 3B Justin Stenke rocketed a hit out onto the backwall, going over Rochester LF Robert Navarrete’s head, and was able to get to second fairly comfortably. 1B Edward Sanchez however was unable to get the ball over CF Mike Veno, who lunged well and put Queens out. Shortly afterwards, RF Curtis Walden put Rochester ahead with a well-struck RBI-double, as Navarrete cruised home. First innings done, 1-0 Rochester.

Third innings: Jaylen Pierce tied things up for Queens, as his RBI-single allowed C Andy Gudmundson to career around to the plate all the way from second. However, C Raymond Acret put the Union up once more with a tremendous RBI-double, getting Navarrete across the plate from second and Keith Schmeling who managed to get home all the way from third! Queens temporarily regain equal ground, but Acret’s slug makes it 3-1 Rochester.

Fourth innings: SS Mickey Jones’ single was enough to get DH Manny Cortez around to home from second, but Jones and LF Jonathan Parker were unable to get around, with Cisneros claiming another 2 strikeouts from Steve Bowles and Andy Gudmundson. A nothing innings for Rochester, means Queens advance, but Rochester still lead 3-2.

Fifth innings: Queens 2B Colt Caudle narrowly missed out on a home run in centre field, his carried slug narrowly going the wrong side of the wall. Nevertheless, he was able to advance to third, completing his run and tying the scores up with Stenke’s flyball being caught immediately afterwards. The Diamonds then pull off an absolutely bonkers TRIPLE PLAY from Keith Schmeling’s effort – Edward Sanchez made a sensational catch to out Schmeling, throwing it to second to out Marquez and then catching Navarrete out between first and second. A great display from Caudle and a defensive masterclass tie the scoreline, 3-3.

Sixth innings: Rochester 3B Jim Routh, who has barely managed 0.100 all post-season, grounds into double play to keep the scores deadlocked, 3-3.

Seventh innings: After another quiet innings from Queens, Rochester DH Jim Todor hits a clean single into the centre, and is immediately replaced by the pinch-runner Erik Pederson. After two outs, 2B Jose Marquez is then walked by Luis Herrera, but the two are unable to make it round, as Navarrete’s infield hit is easily gotten to first. Still 3-3.

Ninth innings: With both teams desperate to break the tie, Queens get off to a bad start, with both Jonathan Parker and Mickey Jones being called out. Finally, Union closer Chris Erickson gives up a walk, but a 74mph changeup finishes of PH Daniel Prickett. Outstandingly(!), Routh actually hits a single for Rochester early into the bottom ninth, but after Krausz notches up a GDIP the innings is over. We’re into extra innings, 3-3!!

Tenth innings: Colt Caudle immediately gives the home team something to think about, as his crack driven down the left line is enough to put him on second, very early into the 10th. With Pierce getting struck out and Stenke and Sanchez eliciting catches from both sides of the outfield, it was once more down to Rochester to take the game. CF Mike Veno immediately set to becoming out, his flimsy infield hit no match for pitcher Roberto Sanchez… who damaged his elbow in the process. Replaced by Panamanian Cesar Carpio, the game continued, at which point Jose Marquez glided into second with a beautiful hit to centre. Navarrete’s frustrating day on bat continued, collecting a simple out, but then… DH Keith Schmeling turned out, thumping a 351ft home run out left and winning the game! 5-3 overall Rochester – the Union therefore take a 1-0 lead in the All New York Series against the Queens Diamonds.

MVP: Mario Cisneros (Rochester Union) – 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K




GAME TWO

QUEENS DIAMONDS @ ROCHESTER UNION
Rochester lead the series 1-0

Attendance: 31503 – Irondequoit Grounds – cloudy (53 degrees) – wind blowing in from right at 11mph

First innings: After Queens fail to launch, Diamonds starter Ruben Duarte launches a teasing 69mph ball at 2B Jose Marquez… who promptly smashes it out right for a triple. First ball. Navarrete is then well out (3 whole steps out), but Marquez easily gets home. Later, with Keith Schmeling and RF Curtis Walden already on two and three, Aussie catcher Raymond Acret flogs a two-RBI single onto the right hand side again. With Routh batting next that effectively becomes ‘it’, but Queens stumble out the starting blocks – Rochester lead 3-0.

Seventh innings: A miraculous 5 whole innings pass with little going on, before Justin Stenke capitalises on Edward Sanchez’s double to make it over the plate, all the way from first – finally getting Queens on the scoreboard. Queens cut into Rochester’s lead slightly, but the Union still lead 3-1.

Eighth innings: Steve Bowles hits a lovely little single into the centre, but nothing comes of it – but hey, in a game this uneventful a highlight is a highlight. Incredibly, Routh then does the same, increasing his average to a whopping 0.115 in the playoffs! Allen Krausz does manage to get another single in, but ditto scoring. Rochester still lead, 3-1 going into the ninth.

Ninth innings: Opening the ninth with a Colt Caudle strikeout, courtesy of Bobby Miller, RF Jaylen Pierce is advanced to first by virtue of a ball four (also courtesy of Miller). Justin Stenke’s foul ball is caught for out #2, but Sanchez then gets another ball four, putting himself on first and Pierce on second. DH Manny Cortez THEN hits a single, meaning the bases are loaded, 3-1 down, 2 outs, top of the ninth. Then, LF Jonathan Parker does the nasty. A 3-man RBI triple blockbuster follows, catapulting Queens into the lead, 4-3.

Rochester suddenly find themselves with it all to do. Robert Navarrete’s hit is good, earning him a single off of Cesar Carpio’s 92-mph fastball. Schmeling is then struck out swinging, before Carpio pitches a ball four, pushing Navarrete to second and Curtis Walden to first. Then, Raymond Acret strikes once more! His RBI single is more than enough for Erik Pederson (pinch running for Navarrete) to get to the plate. Routh and Todor are then dealt with easily, meaning the game, for the second day running, is taken to a tenth inning - 4 a piece!

Tenth innings: CF Steve Bowles, in a moment almost insultingly like the first pitch of the game hit by Marquez, deals with Luis Garcia’s 70-mph PITCH by slamming a triple out onto the right hand side. PH Daniel Prickett’s effort was well-caught on the left, but was far enough out for Bowles to run home, giving the Diamonds a slender lead once more. With Pierce and Stenke then on base, Edward Sanchez hit a lovely RBI single to get Pierce over the plate, making it 6-4! To make matters worse for Rochester, Mike Veno, filling in for the star Israel Mejia on the DtD, had to be subbed for Phil Green after clutching his shoulder (a 5 week stay with a rotator cuff injury followed). Rochester’s turn to bat, and to his credit, Phil Green hit a stunning double up the centre-left on his first try, but with Marquez being caught out and Krausz having already batted, they needed a miracle… which came in the form of LF Matt Gibbons, who delivered a stonking 431ft, two-man home run to tie things up once more. 6-6, the game requires an 11th inning!

Eleventh innings: Doug Foley’s playoff debut for Rochester started badly, his first two recipients (Parker and Jones) claiming a single and a walk respectively. And then… it got worse. A 75-mph changeup wasn’t disguised well enough, and CF Steve Bowles ripped a 3-man home run, 379 feet out towards the left stands. 9-6 was too much for Rochester to come back from, meaning at 9-6, the Queens Diamonds equalise the All New York Series, 1-1!

MVP: Steve Bowles (Queens Diamonds) - 3 for 6, 3B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R