PRO BASEBALL: Giants,
Zito
(Grossmont/USDHS)
sweep to World Series title
AUTO RACING: For
Jimmie Johnson, it's Seventh Heaven at 'The Paperclip'
Martinsville win gives Granite Hills alum NASCAR
Chase lead; three races remaining
PRO INDOOR SOCCER: Grossmont alum Wright returns
to Sockers
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (10-27-12) — PAUL WRIGHT, a standout
at Grossmont High School more than a quarter-century
ago, will enter his 24th season of professional
soccer after signing to return to the San Diego
Sockers. Wright, 43, the only player to win both
MISL and PASL championships with the Sockers, signed
a 1-year deal after playing last season for the
Anaheim Bolts.
"It's amazing how things work out," said
Wright, "I talked to (head coach/owner) Phil
Salvagio and "Coach K" (general manager
John Kentera) and the door was still open here in
San Diego . I'm thrilled to finish out my career
here. They still feel I have a couple of good years
in me, so here we go again."
Wright is a six-time indoor champion who has scored
over 380 goals during his illustrious career. The
man known as "P3" (referring to his jersey
number 3) first appeared for the Sockers as a 19-year-old
in 1990, winning the Championship Series Unsung
Hero award as the Sockers won the MISL championship.
His career has taken him to Cleveland, Milwaukee,
LA, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Anaheim
indoors, in addition to four seasons spent with
the MLS Kansas City Wizards from 1996-99.
Wright helped restart the PASL edition of the Sockers
in 2009-10, starting at midfield and captaining
the power play en route to a 14 goal, 23 assist
season. Wright's 37 points led the Sockers in their
inaugural PASL season as the team went 13-3 and
captured their 11th indoor title. In 2010-11, Wright
finished second on the team with 27 points (11 goals,
16 assists in 14 games) as the Sockers finished
14-2 and won their second PASL title and 12th overall.
Wright signed with the expansion Anaheim Bolts in
2011-12, playing in only eight games but still managing
16 points (4 goals, 12 assists).
"I'm very excited about Paul Wright coming
back home to the Sockers organization," said
Kentera, "We always left the door open for
Paul to come back. My family enjoyed watching him
play as a 19-year-old and we will continue to enjoy
watching him play at a very high level as a 43-year-old."
Wright says his role on the team will change this
year now that the Sockers have grown into their
own as a franchise.
"My role is to be a helper. Whatever they
need, if it's midfield, the back, or helping out
leading the team when (team captain Aaron) Susi
asks for it, my role is to be a helper and continue
the amazing run they're having here," said
Wright, "It's funny to say at my old age that
I can provide fresh legs but my legs feel great
and I know I can help out. I grew up at the Sports
Arena and know it like the back of my hand."
The Sockers, the 3-time defending PASL champions,
open the 2012-13 season on Saturday (Nov. 3), hosting
the Sacramento Surge at the Valley View Casino Center
(former San Diego Sports Arena) at 7 p.m. Prior
to the contest, the team will lift its indoor record
13th championship banner to the rafters.
|
Sept.
18 Update
|
| Six days later, Draheim was cut by Seattle,
which had five O-line players on its practice
squad. He is now in New England, being looked
at by the Patriots. |
Draheim cut by Packers, yet signs with Seahawks
© East County Sports.com
RENTON, Wash. (9-12-12) — Former El Capitan
High and San Diego State standout TOMMIE DRAHEIM
has been picked up by the Seattle Seahawks and signed
to the NFL team's practice squad.
Draheim, an offensive lineman, was one of the final
cuts by the Green Bay Packers, who originally signed
him as a free agent following the NFL Draft until
being let go on Aug. 31.
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Draheim played left tackle
and center for the Aztecs. At El Capitan , the all-state
(medium schools) performer helped the Vaqueros post
a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2006, while also
making the Honor Roll.
O'Sullivan joins Phillies
© East County Sports.com
LOS ANGELES (8-21-12) — Former Valhalla High
standout RYAN O’SULLIVAN has been traded to
the Philadelphia Phillies to complete a deal with
the Los Angeles Dodgers for the Joe Blanton deal
executed earlier this month.
O’Sullivan, a 21-year-old right-hander and
younger brother of SEAN O’SULLIVAN now in the
Toronto organization, is rated the 18th best prospect
in the Dodgers’ minor league system.
The younger O’Sullivan, a hard-throwing 6-foot-2
pitcher with mid-90s speed, went 3-2 with a 3.57
ERA in 14 innings for Rancho Cucamonga in the Class
A advanced California League. Prior to that promotion
O’Sullivan posted a 2.92 ERA in 71 innings
for the Great Lakes Loons of the Class A Midwest
League.
Philadelphia chose O’Sullivan from a short
list to become the Phillies player to be named later
in the Blanton trade. But he was ineligible to be
traded until a year after he signed after the Dodgers
made him their 4th round draft choice in the 2011
draft.
O’Sullivan officially changed uniforms on
Thursday (Aug. 16).
Needy climbing Padres ladder
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (8-1-12) — In these summer
days of musical chairs conducted by the San Diego
Padres, former Santana High standout JAMES NEEDY
has pitched for all of San Diego’s top three
minor league ballclubs.
In his latest outing, Needy, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound
right-hander, gave up one run and struck out two
in 2 1/3 innings for the Fort Wayne TinCaps during
Tuesday's (July 31) 5-4 Class A Midwest League victory
over the Great Lake Loons.
Thus far this season, the Padres’ 6th round
selection in the 2009 first-year player draft has
posted a combined 4-1 record and a 1.43 ERA in 63
innings pitched in stops at Double-A San Antonio
and Triple-A Tucson in addition to Fort Wayne.
Overall, Needy is 8-6 in parts of three professional
seasons.
The man with the Golden Eye
© East County Sports.com
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (7-23-12) — Former Santana
High and Grossmont College slugger JOSH MAZZOLA,
a 26-year-old corner infielder, is swinging a hot
bat for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent
Can-Am Baseball Association.
Mazzola extended his personal hitting streak to
18 games on Sunday (July 22) as Winnipeg edged the
Sioux Falls (S.D.) Pheasants, 5-2. A one-time draft
choice of the San Francisco Giants, Mazzola raised
his season average to .301.
A year ago, Mazzola, who once hit three home runs
in a game for the Griffins, missed most of the 2010
season due to injury. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder
twice posted 10-game hitting streaks. He appeared
in 104 games for the San Francisco Giants and closed
his season with a .326 average.
His career reached the Triple-A level before further
injuries sent him soaring back to San Jose of the
Class A California League.
After signing with the Giants out of Missouri State
University in 2008 as a non-draft free agent, Mazzola
made the South Atlantic League All-Star team.
Musgrove inserted in massive 10-player trade
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
HOUSTON (7-21-12) — Former Grossmont High pitcher
JOE MUSGROVE is changing directions in his professional
baseball career. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander
was part of a 10-player trade between the Toronto
Blue Jays and Houston Astros on Friday (July 20).
Musgrove, 19, was among seven players picked up
by the Astros in the deal. He was Toronto's first
pick in the first compensation round of the 2011
draft.
In two appearances with rookie level Bluefield,
W.V., of the Class A Appalachian League this season,
Musgrove posted a 1.12 ERA with no walks and nine
strikeouts in eight innings.
In his brief pro career, Musgrove made a combined
nine appearances (seven starts) with Bluefield and
Toronto 's rookie Gulf Coast League club in 2011.
"This is a very good deal for us," Astros
general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Once again
we are adding depth to our Minor League system with
quality young players. We really feel this will
help us moving forward and are extremely excited
about the players we've added to our organization."
Ex-Foothiller helps Express advance to title game
By Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune
Special to East County Sports.com
FREMONT, Neb. (7-16-12) — Midland University
will be well represented in Saturday night's (July
21) American Professional Indoor Football League championship
game.
Five former Warriors will be competing for the
Council Bluffs Express, including former Grossmont
High School standout KHALID WATERS, as they look
to derail defending champion Sioux City at the Tyson
Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
"I think it kind of helps all of us that we
have that Midland (background)," lineman Everett
Corley said. "It is kind of like a family,
but we have guys on our team from all different
levels of football. We're all working as a cohesive
group and toward the same goal."
The 6-10, 400-pound Corley has played on the offensive
and defensive lines for the Express. He joined the
team after the Omaha Beef's season ended earlier
this summer. The Express' roster also includes receivers
Mike Jones and Waters and offensive linemen Billy
Sonnemaker and Tony Cabrera.
"It has been a fun experience," said
Waters, who finished his four-year career with the
Warriors as a running back last fall. "We've
had some ups and downs, but we all came together
when we needed to. I've met a lot of cool people
through indoor football."
The Express experienced ownership, coaching and
personnel changes this season, but carry a 10-3
record into the title game against the Bandits.
"I think the main thing was that we didn't
give up on each other," said Corley, who was
one of five players to join the Express from the
Beef.
Waters, who caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from
quarterback James McNear during a 37-32 win over
Oklahoma in the semifinals on Saturday at the Mid-America
Center , said the team has adapted to the changes.
"We signed some new players and had some coaching
changes," the California native said. "It
is just stuff that is part of the game. It is business.
The new guys came in and they have helped the team.
They are pieces to the overall puzzle."
One of those pieces is McNear, a veteran of the
Beef.
"It has been a big plus to the team to have
him come in and run the offense," Waters said.
"All the experience he has helps."
Waters' journey to the Express began through Facebook.
The team contacted him about a tryout in February.
He was soon notified he had made the team, but it
was an adjustment going to indoor football.
"It is a faster pace and higher scoring game,"
he said. "It took me a while to get used to
the carpeted field and playing on a 50-yard field
with walls. Let me tell you, those walls do hurt."
Waters' transition to the game has been easier
thanks to tutelage of veterans like Jones.
"I've had a lot of fun," he said. "Mike
Jones has helped me. I've learned a lot from Mike
and Steve Rush (former Missouri State player)."
Corley has demonstrated his versatility by playing
on both sides of the ball.
"Whether you are playing offensive or defensive
line you are constantly hitting somebody,"
he said. "Defense gives me the freedom to do
my thing and show my talents off more, but I'll
go wherever they need me."
Sioux City, 13-0, carries a 27-game APFL win streak
into the championship game. The Bandits beat the
Express 49-16 in Sioux City May 26 and won 41-29
June 8 in Council Bluffs .
"I kind of like the role of the underdog,"
Corley said. "The fun comes when people doubt
you and think they are better. As an athlete, you
know the playoffs are a different season. It is
the last game and we know what we need to do."
Sioux City also has a Midland presence on its roster.
Eddie Pertilla, who caught an 18-yard touchdown
pass in the Bandits' 61-28 semifinal win over Mid-Missouri
on Sunday, is a receiver for the defending champions.
Waters said he hopes Midland fans will make the
trek to the game.
"We'd like to have a lot of fans there to
make some noise for us and show us their support,"
he said.
Griffin making his move to
the top
© Special to East County Sports.com
FRESNO (6-15-12) — When former Grossmont
High standout and now Oakland A’s minor
league pitcher A.J. GRIFFIN jogged toward
the visiting dugout after an inning-ending
strikeout in the 8th inning of Wednesday’s
(June 13) Pacific Coast League game against
the Fresno Grizzlies, he tried as hard as
he could to avoid Sacramento manager Darren
Bush. After all, the River Cats’ skipper
had never sent a starter back out for the
9th inning during his managerial career that
spans six teams and stretches back almost
a decade.
But when Sacramento pitching coach Scott
Emerson told Griffin – Oakland ’s
No. 12 prospect – to stay loose, the
6-foot-5, 215-pound right-hander did not ask
any questions.
The 24-year-old Griffin surrendered one run
on six hits while striking out six batters
over nine innings to lead the Triple-A River
Cats to a 6-1 victory at Fresno.
In doing so, he became the first pitcher
in the history of the club to throw back-to-back
complete games and the first player to toss
a nine-inning complete game in Bush's managerial
career.
"Darren Bush just told me that in 10
years of managing he has never let anyone
come back out for the ninth, so it's pretty
cool," Griffin told MLB.com’s Ashley
Marshall. "We had a 13-inning game last
night that exhausted the bullpen, so I pitched
like I knew I was going to have a chance to
go deep into the game.
"[After the eighth] when I got to the
dugout, I blew past him, hoping I would not
get that handshake. Then my pitching coach
came up to me and told me I should go and
finish the ballgame. It is awesome when any
coach has faith in you. It's good to have
that encouragement."
Griffin allowed a first-inning run and an
RBI groundout. From there, Griffin found his
groove and retired 15 of the next 17 batters.
"Tonight I was throwing my fastball,
changeup and cutter, then sometimes my slider
and curveball. They were all working pretty
well. I went out there and attacked the zone
and kept them off balance. I just tried to
do the best job that I could; it just worked
out that I went nine."
Griffin allowed two unearned runs on three
hits during a seven-inning complete game in
Colorado Springs on Friday (June 8) in his
previous start. He is 2-2 with a 2.78 in seven
starts and owns 38 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings
for the River Cats, who are contending
Selected by Oakland in the 13th round of
the 2010 Draft out of the University of San
Diego, Griffin induced 14 ground balls and
threw 72 of 93 pitches for strikes.
"About three weeks ago, maybe after
my third start, I was throwing a bullpen [session]
and the manager pulled me aside and said to
throw the ball hard down in the zone and stop
trying to nibble at the corners," Griffin
said. "He told me to make them hit my
fastball and pitch them in to make them uncomfortable.
Across two levels this year, Griffin is a
combined 5-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 82 strikeouts
over 88 2/3 innings. That includes seven starts
at Midland of the AA Texas League.
Ashley Marshall contributed to this story.
|
Baseball Bites: Taijeron moves"on deck"
in HR derby
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-24-12) — Former Granite Hills High
slugger TRAVIS TAIJERON, an 18th-round draft pick
of the New York Mets in 2011, is flexing his muscles
in the minor leagues.
A former California Collegiate Athletic Association
male athlete of the year at Cal Poly Pomona two
years ago, Taijeron is bashing his way through the
minors as a power hitter, now aligned with the Savannah
Sand Gnats in the Class A South Atlantic League.
Chosen to the SAL All-Star team, Taijeron was a
finalist in the league home run derby contest that
began on the deck of the USS Yorktown.
Taijeron, in his second season as a pro, is batting
.291 (67 for 230) with 17 doubles, 12 home runs,
44 RBI and 46 runs scored in 64 games.
Fast start for O’Sullivan
In his first start with his new team, the Las Vegas
51s, former Valhalla High and Grossmont College
standout SEAN O’SULLIVAN blanked Sacramento
on three hits over six innings while striking out
four to pick up the victory in Saturday’s (June
23) Pacific Coast League 7-2 triumph.
Earlier in the week O’Sullivan was traded
by the Kansas City Royals’ to the Toronto Blue
Jays’ AAA farm club in Nevada .
Musgrove impressive in sophomore appearance
Former Grossmont High power pitcher JOE MUSGROVE
struck out five and walked none in a four-inning
start at Tuesday’s Appalachian League opener
in Bristol, Va.
The Bluefield , West Virginia Blue Jays right-hander
yielded consecutive singles to start the fourth
inning but induced a first-pitch double-play then
struck out the next batter to end the inning.
O’Sullivan traded to Toronto
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
KANSAS CITY (6-22-12) — Former Valhalla High
and Grossmont College standout SEAN O'SULLIVAN,
a right-handed pitcher who was a member of the Kansas
City Royals' rotation in 2010-11, was dealt to the
Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday (June 21) in exchange
for cash considerations.
The move adds depth to a Toronto pitching staff
that has been hampered by a series of injuries this
season.
After failing to make the Royals' staff in Spring
Training, O'Sullivan, 24, was optioned to Triple-A
Omaha, where he was 5-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 17 games
including five starts.
O'Sullivan's Major League record is 10-14 with
a 6.13 ERA, including parts of three seasons with
the Angels and the Royals. He was drafted by the
Los Angeles Angels in the 3rd round out of Grossmont
College in 2005.
Things are great with the Loons
At least that’s the way RYAN O’SULLIVAN
sees it. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound younger brother
of Sean O’Sullivan, is holding his own as a
21-year-old right-hander with the Great Lakes Loons
of the Class A Midwest League.
In 15 games – nine of them starts – Ryan
has compiled a 5-4 record with a 2.92 ERA in 71
innings with 43 strikeouts.
He was a 4th round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers
of 2011 draft. He also played for Valhalla and San
Diego State .
Two Vaqueros turn pro
El Capitan catcher CHARLES MOORMAN reported to his
first professional baseball camp on Thursday (June
21) at the Surprise, Ariz., minor league headquarters
of the Texas Rangers.
A four-year varsity starter, Moorman helped direct
the Vaqueros to four San Diego CIF championship
appearances. As a senior Moorman called every pitch
his senior year before he was selected in the 17th
round by the American League champion Rangers.
Six-foot-9, 235-pound MICHAEL FLORES, an El Capitan
graduate who pitched out of the Grossmont College
bullpen, has signed after being tabbed in the 24th
round by the Atlanta Braves.
 |
|
Arthur Hobbs
|
Hobbs, former Matadors standout, signs with Chargers
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LEMON GROVE (5-17-12) — Former East County
standout ARTHUR HOBBS has signed a 3-year deal with
the San Diego Chargers.
“Arthur is a true warrior,” Hobbs ’
high school coach at Mount Miguel TOM KARLO said.
“He has fought every step of the way and now
is in 'The League.' What an amazing story.”
A 2007 All-East County first team pick for the Matadors,
Hobbs advanced to Grossmont College and then rode
a scholarship to Neb.-Kearney. As a Loper, Hobbs
recorded 50 tackles, logged 8 pass breakups, intercepted
three passes and blocked two kicks.
“There is not a better story than a guy going
to JC, then Division II, then to a rookie tryout,
and signing with his hometown team,” Karlo
said.
“This couldn't have happened to a better person.
Arthur is a role model and should be looked up to
as a guy who did things the right way and made it.”
Hobbs (5-foot-11, 188) earned a berth on the Associated
Press Little All-America Team, which is the highest
honor for Non-Division I teams.
“I would bet he makes at least the practice
squad,” Karlo said of Hobbs. “The guy
has tremendous heart and is a great competitor.”
In 2011, Hobbs picked off six passes for an NCAA
Division II-leading 295 yards. A two-year Loper,
he also had 54 tackles (36 solo), 18 pass break-ups
and two fumble recoveries.
Against Northeastern State in September, Hobbs
set a D2 record for most interception return yards
in a game (214) when he picked off three passes
with two of those coming back for scores.
Lindley, Draheim (El Capitan/SDSU) headed to the
NFL
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-29-12) — A pair of former East
County high school stars who continued on to be
standouts at San Diego State earned opportunities
to play in the National Football League.
Quarterback RYAN LINDLEY, who guided El Capitan
High to an 11-1 record in 2006, was selected in
the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile,
6--foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman TOMMIE DRAHEIM,
also of the Vaqueros and Aztecs, reached a free
agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
The school's all-time leading passer, Lindley heard
his named called with the 15th pick (185th overall)
of the sixth round. He was a four-year starter for
the Aztecs, setting SDSU career records for passing
yards (12,690), touchdown passes (90), total offense
(12,415) and completions (961).
The Alpine native also holds the program record
for most quarterback starts with 49 and most consecutive
starts by a QB with 45. Lindley threw for over 2,500
yards in each of his four campaigns, including three-straight
3,000-yard seasons, which is a first for an Aztec.
He had14 career 300-yard passing games, highlighted
by a 528-yard effort against then No. 25 Utah in
2010.
Lindley is the second consecutive Aztec starting
quarterback to be tabbed in the NFL Draft, joining
Kevin O'Connell, who was picked in the third round
by the New England Patriots in 2008. This is the
also the second season in a row the Cardinals have
drafted an SDSU player with wideout DeMarco Sampson
going in the seventh round.
Draheim is a three-year starter who spent most
of his career at left tackle, earning All-Mountain
West Conference selection as a senior.
The scouting report is Draheim is a hardworking
college lineman. Displays good awareness, keeps
his head on a swivel and works well with teammates.
Stays square, makes good use of angles and keeps
defenders in front of him. Quick out to the second
level and works his hands throughout the action.
Now Draheim, like Lindley, will get a chance to
play for pay.
PRO INDOOR SOCCER: San
Diego Sockers claim record 13th title
Down 2-0, Valhalla High grad Anthony Medina scores
twice for 5-2 halftime lead
en route to another PASL Ron Newman Cup crown WATCH
& LISTEN
PRO BASEBALL
Former Norsemen X's with the O's
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (2-13-12) — Former Valhalla High pitcher
BOBBY WILKINS has signed as a free agent with the
Baltimore Orioles and will be playing in the American
League ballclub’s minor league system.
A late bloomer, Wilkins was a second-team All-East
County selection as a senior in 2007, although he
led the region with a 1.08 earned run average in 64.2
innings of work, recording 74 strikeouts while posting
a 5-5 record..
PRO INDOOR FOOTBALL: Terrell Owens upstages Staback
debut
© East County Sports.com
ALLEN, Texas (2-27-12) — Former West Hills
High standout PHILIP STABACK threw for two touchdowns
and ran for another, but was upstaged in his Indoor
Football League opener Saturday (Feb. 25).
While Staback propelled the Wichita Wild to early
10-3 lead, former NFL star Terrell Owens caught
three TD passes, allowing the Allen (Texas) Wranglers
to rally for a 50-30 triumph before a record crowd
of 5,711 at Allen Events Center.
Staback rushed for a 1-yard TD and a 10-3 lead,
then tossed for 262 yards. However, three interceptions
and a lost fumble setup two of Owens' TD receptions.
| |
PRO INDOOR
FOOTBALL
Wolf Pack drive The Chisholm Trail
© East County Sports.com
WICHITA, Kan. (11-17-11) — A pair of
East County football products will be joined
by two additional players with Grossmont Conference
roots as part of the Wichita Wild of the Indoor
Football League.
The Wild, already well situated with a pair
of West Hills High standouts, recently signed
receivers JEREMY YOUNG and ELIJAH "E.J."
BROWN.
Young and Brown were two of East County 's
top receivers in 2005. Young, an El Cajon
Valley High alum, ranked second in both receptions
(72) and yards (1,158), while Brown finished
with 43 grabs and six touchdowns.
The Wild already features quarterback PHILIP
STABACK (NAIA All-America at Lindenwood Univ.)
and defensive lineman MATT MOSS (starter at
Texas A&M after receiving JC All-America
laurels for Grossmont College).
|
PRO INDOOR SOCCER: Sockers lose Wright, claim Velez
© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (11-17-11) — The San Diego Sockers
saw 42-year old forward PAUL WRIGHT, a standout
at Grossmont High in the 1980s, bolt as a free agent
for the expansion Anaheim Bolts of the Professional
Arena Soccer League during the offseason. But they
quickly found a replacement.
This Saturday (Nov. 19), in their home opener,
the Sockers will feature the return of midfielder
Eduardo Velez, who agreed on a 1-year contract last
month.
Velez was the leading scorer in PASL-Pro play as
a member of Revolucion Tijuana last season. He registered
a league-best 52 points on 30 goals and 22 assists
in just 14 contests. He now returns to the north
side of the border; Velez once played for the ill-fated
2004-05 Sockers squad which folded mid-seasonunder
previous ownership.
“We are ecstatic to bring a player of Eduardo’s
caliber to the San Diego Sockers,” said Sockers
general manager John Kentera. “Velez is not
only a tremendous soccer player, he’s a great
leader and a great person. He’s a family man
whose numbers speak for themselves in the indoor
game.”
Velez is also a member of the Mexican National
Indoor Soccer Team and the founder/director of operations
of Revolucion Tijuana. Velez played the past two
seasons for Los Revs.
“It’s great for me and I’m excited
to be here,” said Velez after his introductory
press conference, “I never thought I would
get the chance to come back to San Diego, but once
I got the opportunity my family and I talked about
it and it was an easy choice to come here.”
“Eddie,” a Tijuana native, rose through
the amateur ranks of the outdoor game, eventually
earning selection to the Nacional Tijuana first-division
team. After his Sockers career was cut short, Velez
concentrated on the indoor game to great effect,
earning promotion to the Mexican National Indoor
Soccer Team in 2006 and the World United Futbol
Team.
The Sockers will host Anaheim in Saturday's 7 p.m.
home opener at Chevy Del Mar Arena, located next
to the racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The
teams opened the PASL-Pro season last weekend, with
San Diego scoring the game's final five goals to
rally for a 10-6 victory over the Bolts in their
debut appearance at the Anaheim Convention Center
Arena.
PRO BASEBALL: Griffin tabbed A's Minor Leaguer
of the Year
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (10-12-11) — Former Grossmont High
pitcher A.J. GRIFFIN has been selected the Oakland
A’s minor league organizational pitcher of
the year by MLB.com.
The 13th-round draft pick out of the University
of San Diego in 2010, Griffin made stops at all
four full-season A's minor league affiliates in
his first full season, finishing second in the system
with his 3.47 ERA and tied for the lead with 156
strikeouts. The 6-foot-5 right-hander also won a
pair of games for Stockton in the California League
playoffs.
Another award to be passed Griffin ’s way
was being selected the No. 2 minor league prospect
by area writers on OaklandClubhouse.com. In another
segment of this web site, the Oakland fans tabbed
the 6-foot-5 right-hander as the minor league pitcher
of year.
Griffin was debuted professionally as a closer
with the short-season Vancouver Canadians in 2010
and earned post-season All-Star honors by saving
15 games and posting a 2.95 ERA in 21.1 innings.
Griffin was only pitching out of the bullpen last
season to keep his innings total down after a heavy
college workload, and the A's didn't hesitate to
move him into the starting rotation in 2011. Griffin
began the year with Low-A Burlington, but after
eight starts it was apparent he was too good for
the Midwest League. He went 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA
and had a 46-to-5 strikeouts to walks ratio.
He was asked to make the jump to the hitter-friendly
California League and he did so with little trouble.
In his first five starts with the Ports, he posted
a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings.
In early June, Griffin was asked to make a spot
start for Triple-A Sacramento. He looked every bit
the part of a Triple-A pitcher in the outing versus
Tacoma, striking out eight in six innings. He allowed
three runs (two earned), but was hung with the loss
when the River Cats were unable to mount much of
an offense.
Griffin spent all of July with Double-A Midland.
He struggled with the longball, in particular, with
the Rockhounds, allowing six homers in 32 innings.
After a rough outing during which he allowed eight
runs in three innings, Griffin was sent back to
Stockton for the month of August and the playoffs.
He had a 6.47 ERA for the 'Hounds.
With Stockton, Griffin helped anchor a staff that
propelled the Ports to the California League post-season.
After returning to Stockton, he struck-out 46 over
36 regular season innings and walked only seven.
Then during the playoffs, Griffin went 2-0 with
a 28-to-2 BB ratio in 21 innings spread over three
starts.
All told, Griffin went 11-7 with a 3.47 ERA in
160.2 innings. He tied with Robert Gilliam for the
organizational lead in strikeouts with 156 and Griffin
walked only 32 while holding opposing batters to
a .238 average. He is expected to start next season
with Double-A Midland and could see significant
time with Triple-A Sacramento by the end of the
year.
PRO BASEBALL: Musgrove promoted for 'zero'
© East County Sports.com
BLUEFIELD, West Va. (9-21-11) — Grossmont High
alum JOE MUSGROVE did not log a single pitching
win in his rookie season of professional baseball
as a No. 1 draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays this
season.
That does not mean the 6-foot-5, 230-pound right-hander
failed to make an impact, however, since turning
pro in June.
Fact is, Musgrove has been rated No. 15 among the
top 20 players in the Gulf Coast Rookie League with
an 0-1 record and a 4.57 ERA in 21 2/3 innings.
That performance earned him a late season promotion
to Bluefield (W.Va.), which is the best-of-three
series of the Class A Appalachian League playoffs.
Musgrove was the only high school rookie out of
this year’s draft promoted to Bluefield, which
is dominated by two-year pros and college rookies.
PRO BASEBALL: Sean O’Sullivan rocked in Triple-A
final
© East County Sports.com
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (9-20-11) — After a quick,
seven-pitch first inning, Omaha starter SEAN O’SULLIVAN
allowed six runs on six hits over the next two innings
as the Storm Chasers fell to the Columbus Clippers
8-3 in Tuesday’s (Sept. 20) nationally televised
Triple-A National Championship game before a paid
crowd of 9,569 at Albuquerque's Isotopes Park.
The former Valhalla High and Grossmont College
standout, who has split this season between the
parent Kansas City Royals and Omaha, finished with
an 8-2 record and a 4.22 ERA for the Storm Chasers
during the regular season. He was 2-5 at Kansas
City when an injury forced him to regroup in the
minors.
A 6-foot-2, 230-pound right-hander, O'Sullivan
posted a dominating first-round start when he allowed
two runs over eight innings in the Storm Chasers'
clinching semifinal playoff win over the Round Rock
(Texas) Express.
| 12-time
North America Indoor Champions |
 |
The 2010-11 San Diego Sockers
scored an arena
soccer double for the second straight season,
capturing the team's 12th league championship,
then winning the U.S. Open Cup crown. MORE |
| |
| NASCAR |
THE
FIFTH DIMENSION |
El Cajon's Jimmie
Johnson claims record
5th consecutive Sprint Cup championship
(NASCAR courtesy photo) 11-21-10
|
PRO BASEBALL: Taijeron's huge pro debut
© East County Sports.com
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (6-20-11) — The professional
playing career for former Granite Hills High standout
TRAVIS
TAIJERON couldn't have gone better.
Opening the New York-Penn League (Class A) season
with the Brooklyn Cyclones, a 3-game series against
crosstown rival Staten Island saw Taijeron bat a
cool .500 after going 5-for-10 against the Yankees.
In his debut on June 17, Taijeron went 2-for-2
including a triple, plus a pair of walks and scored
twice in a 5-3 triumph at Staten Island. The next
night during the Cyclones' home opener, the outfielder
went 2-for-4 in front of 9,003 fans at Brooklyn's
MCU Park on Coney Island.
PRO FOOTBALL: QB
Staback lifts Wichita Wild
Former West Hills High standout goes 5-2 in IFL
Courtesy, Missouri Sports Magazine
PRO FOOTBALL: Indoor season over for Moss
© East County Sports.com
SAN JOSE (6-18-11) — The Arena Football League
season is officially over former MATT MOSS of the
San Jose Sabrecats.
Moss, a product of West Hills High, was placed
on the injured list midway through the season in
April, when the Cats were 5-2. However, Moss was
recently placed for reassigned by the last-place
team in the West Division, which has lost seven
straight contests since several key injuries decimated
the ballclub.
After earning All-Grossmont North League status
following the 2004 and 2005 high school seasons,
Moss moved on to Grossmont College, where he became
a community college All-America selection by J.C.
Grid-Wire, earning a scholarship to Texas A&M.
|
|
|
While playing for Grossmont
College, West Hills alum Matt Moss spent most
of his times in opponents' backfields, including
sacks of San Diego Mesa College quarterback
Kamy Ahmadian (left) and College of the Canyons
quarterback Andrew Miramontes in 2006.
(East County Sports file photos)
|
PRO BASEBALL: Hillers alum McCoy hits first MLB
homer
© Special to East County Sports.com
From the Toronto Sun
NEW YORK (5-1-11) — Grossmont High alum MIKE
McCOY worked a long time to get to the major leagues
so he is entitled to savour his first home run,
an impressive swat of more than 400 feet to right
field at Yankee Stadium on Saturday (Apr. 30).
 |
|
Mike McCoy
|
"It was pretty cool and to do it here was
a special moment," said McCoy who, at 30 years
old, is in just his third year in the majors.
Yankee Stadium fans always throw back opposition
home runs so McCoy got the ball. Derek Jeter tossed
it to Brian Butterfield, who relayed to Jose Bautista.
Bautista then pretended to throw McCoy's memento
into the stands before handing it over.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound McCoy also impacted the
game with his glove, making a spectacular over-the-shoulder
catch of a pop-up deep in right field, then wheeling
to double up Robinson Cano at first.
"I take a lot of pride in my defense. I think
it's probably what has gotten me to the big leagues,"
McCoy said. "I love that. But I can't give
back that homer."
McCoy has spent parts of the last three seasons
with the Rockies in 2009 and the Blue Jays the past
two years. In his latest outing McCoy reached base
three times as he was 2-for-4 with a walk.
PRO BASEBALL: Powell belongs to the Windy City
© East County Sports.com
CRESTWOOD, Ill. (4-29-11) — Former Grossmont
College standout MATT POWELL, who went on to an
All-America catching career at Southern Nazarene
(Okla.) University, has been signed off the roster
of the San Diego Stars semipro baseball team to
a professional contract.
 |
|
Matt Powell
|
On Thursday (Apr. 28) night, the paperwork was faxed
verifying Powell is now a member of the Windy City
ThunderBolts, one of 12 ballclubs in the independent
Frontier League. The T-Bolts are the defending Eastern
Division champions.
Following an All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference
season with the Griffins, Powell was signed off
the Stars roster to an NCAA Division I scholarship
with Cal State Fullerton. But when the Titans changed
coaches, Powell was signed to the NAIA program,
where he batted .451 in 2009, leading the Crimson
Storm (37-15 record) to their first-ever appearance
to the NAIA national championship.
"We are so proud for Matt – all of his
hard work is paying off," said Stars general
manager KELLY RITAYIK. "He has done so much
for the Stars and now he gets rewarded with a pro
contract."
In 2010, Stars owner-manager MICKEY DEUTSCHMAN
loaned Powell to the Heroes of the Diamond national
military touring ballclub, making appearances at
more than 40 minor league ballparks across the country,
including a stop at the National Baseball Hall of
Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The exposure landed Powell
his berth with the T-Bolts.
At Grossmont in 2007, Powell played behind the
plate for much of the season, yet was key when injuries
occurred by also playing third base or serving as
designated hitter, finishing with a .370 average.
Powell was also considered a key in aiding a freshman-dominated
pitching staff, then doing the same with Stars pitchers
en route to a Western Baseball Association crown
and a berth to the National Baseball Congress World
Series.
PRO FOOTBALL: Bush expects to depart New Orleans
“It’s been fun New Orleans,” tweeted
Bush
© East County Sports.com
NEW ORLEANS (4-28-11, 9:06 p.m.) — Former Helix
High School and USC standout REGGIE BUSH believes
his playing career with the New Orleans Saints has
ended.
On Thursday night (Apr. 28), Bush announced on
his Twitter page that he expects to be elsewhere
next season after the running back-deep Saints drafted
Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner out
of Alabama, with the 28th overall pick in the first
round of the NFL draft.
In five seasons with the Saints, Bush, 26, rushed
524 times for 2,090 yards and caught 294 passes
for 2,142 yards. He scored 29 touchdowns combined
on offense, as the Saints captured Super Bowl XLIV,
31-17, over the Indianapolis Colts.
PRO BASEBALL: Griffin scores with bunny
© East County Sports.com
BURLINGTON, Iowa (4-17-11) — A.J.
GRIFFIN, the 2006 East County pitcher of the
year for Grossmont High, sat alone in his corner
of the Burlington Bees dugout, except for a new
friend.
Accompanying Griffin was a large chocolate Easter
bunny, complete with a big gold chain around its neck,
found during a late-night shopping binge to Wal-Mart.
Oddly, Griffin purchased the confection because he
thought it looked like Bees teammate Tyreace House.
"It looks just like Tyreace," Griffin
told TheHawkEye.com.
"It's a bunny dude!"
The rabbit turned into Griffin's good luck charm
for Thursday's (Apr. 14) Class A Midwest League
game at Community Field.
The right-hander carried a no-hit bid into the
8th inning against the Peoria Chiefs, finally surrendering
a base hit to Sergio Burruel with one out. An out
later, Grififn yielded to the bullpen as he collected
his first victory of the season following a 5-1
decision.
"I came into the clubhouse and looked up there
and I said, 'That's me?' He said, 'Yeah, that's
you,'" House recounted. "I said it was
a good-luck charm, so at the beginning of the game
I told him to put it right next to him when he pitches.
It worked for us."
Griffin – who struck out 10 in a no-decision
at Clinton last week – mowed down the Chiefs
in his second start.
He needed just 16 pitches in the first two innings
as he struck out three across the frames. The first
runner reached base against Griffin in the fourth
when Matt Szczur reached on a fielding error by
third baseman Nino Leyja. Pierre LePage followed
that with a walk.
The no-hitter was still intact, but not for long.
Burrell ended the suspense with a ground ball through
the right side.
Griffin was drafted in the 13th round of the 2010
draft out of the University of San Diego. He split
last season between the Oakland A's rookie team
in Arizona and Vancouver. He led the Northwest League
and ranked third among all A's minor leaguers in
saves with 15 in 20 games.
But Griffin – a starter his junior and senior
years of college – had never come this close
to a no-hitter.
"I've had one through five or six but never
all the way through seven and a third like that,"
Griffin said. "I'm having fun getting back
out there and throwing the ball around."
PRO BASEBALL
Penn pitching professionally in Japan
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-19-11) — Santana High graduate HAYDEN
PENN has been pitching professionally since 2002.
Originally a 5th round draft pick of the Baltimore
Orioles, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-hander has
toiled for the Orioles, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh
Pirates in parts of four major league seasons.
The past two years, Penn has been hurling for the
Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Baseball League.
A year ago, Penn’s lone pitching victory in
The Orient came in the Nippon Championships when
he worked 5 1/3 innings allowing, 2 runs and 5 hits
while striking out three in the Marines 10-4 victory
over the Chunichi Dragons. Chiba Lotte went on to
win the Japanese version of the World Series.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan.
It was introduced to Japan in 1872 by Horace Wilson,
who taught at the Kaisei School in Tokyo. The first
baseball team was called the Shimbashi Athletic
Club and was established in 1878. Baseball has been
a popular sport ever since.
In eight minor league seasons in the U.S., Penn
posted a mark of 42-37. When he made his Major League
debut on May 5, 2005 with Orioles he was the youngest
player in the Major Leagues at 20 years and seven
months. His career record in MLB is 4-6.
In his first Japanese season, Penn recorded 27
strikeouts and a 3.69 ERA.
PRO FOOTBALL
Notebook: Former Matadors lineman re-signs with Chargers
© East County Sports.com
MUPRHY CANYON (3-3-11) — Former Mount Miguel
High defensive lineman OGEMDI
NWAGBUO, who played collegiately for Michigan
State, accepted a tender offer and signed a 1-year
contract extension with the San Diego Chargers.
 |
|
Ogemdi Nwagbuo re-signs
with Chargers.
(San Diego Chargers courtesy photo)
|
Nwagbuo, who will enter his third season with the
Chargers, played in 15 games this past season, adding
depth to the defensive line as a reserve nose tackle.
He recorded a season-high five tackles Week 12 against
the Oakland Raiders, then posted a fumble recovery
in Week 16 at Cincinnati.
Nwagbuo rose from obscurity in 2009. A practice
squad player in 2008 who was likely destined for
the same role in ’09, he made the opening day
active roster with the help of a solid training
camp and a rash of injuries along the defensive
line and put up some impressive numbers.
Nwagbuo’s background made him one of the more
interesting stories to watch in 2009. His parents
were born in Lagos, Nigeria, and even though “OG,”
as he is referred to by teammates, was born in San
Diego, he was given a Nigerian name, which translated
to English means “my time will come.”
Nwagbuo is the family’s surname.
Although he only played three games of high school
football, he transformed into an All-Foothill Conference
performer at Southwestern College, gaining the chance
to play for Michigan State. Following graduation,
Nwagbuo signed as an undrafted free agent with the
New York Giants in 2008, but got cut before the
season started, then was signed to the Chargers
practice squad.
 |
|
Defensive back Trey Young's
runback
with a 2009 interception for the Locos.
(Las Vegas Locomotives courtesy photo)
|
Young going Loco
LAS VEGAS (3-3-11) — Former Helix High standout
TREY
YOUNG, the final cut by the Canadian Football
League's Calgary Stampeders three years ago, has planned
to play a third season with the Las Vegas Locomotives
of the United Football League.
Young, 30, a defensive back, led the UFL in interceptions
in 2009, including a 75-yard runback for a touchdown,
helping the Locos (as the team is called for short)
win the UFL Championship Game over Florida.
In college, Young was team captain for Montana
when the Grizzlies captured the 2001 NCAA Division
I-AA national championship. He was a first-team
All-America selection in 2002, when he was Big Sky
Conference defensive player of the year.
Staback gets to stay
GREEN BAY, Wis. (3-3-11) — Former West Hills
High quarterback PHILIP STABACK, a two-time NAIA
All-America performer at Lindenwood University won't
play, yet wasn't cut by the Green Bay Blizzard of
the Indoor Football League, which opens its season
this Friday (Mar. 4).
Staback was placed on the "RTR" (right
to re-sign) list, the IFL's form of practice squad
so a player may stay with a team and develop, and
giving the team the first option to claim the player
back to the main roster.
PRO BASEBALL
Strasburg's
elbow ahead of schedule
GIBBY
Award goes to Strasburg
 |
|
Celebrating their 2009-10
PASL-Pro North America championship are
(l-r) the Sockers' Paul Wright, Scott Martin,
Aaron Susi and Dan Antoniuk.
(San Diego Sockers courtesy photo)
|
PRO SOCCER
Wright still gunning at 41
In third stint with 11-time indoor champion San
Diego Sockers
© East County Sports.com
DEL MAR (12-17-10) — During the tail end of the
San Diego Sockers dynasty of the 1980s, when the franchise
captured 10 arena soccer (then simply called "indoor
soccer") championships over a 12-year span, one
of the team's leading scorers was former Grossmont
High standout
PAUL
WRIGHT.
"It seems every one in San Diego still has great
memories of the Sockers from their glory days,"
said Wright. "Those were great teams."
 |
|
Paul Wright
|
More than a decade later, Wright, who turns 42 this
season, is still plying his trade with the latest
incarnation of the Sockers, which is coming off an
11th North American indoor title last winter.
"I feel like I can still contribute and keep
the team winning," added Wright. "Playing
for the Sockers still ranks among my favorite moments
in soccer."
Still contribute? Wright is known among the top free
kick specialists – the David Beckham of indoors
– finishing seventh in the PASL-Pro league in
scoring. Placing the ball into the net is something
Wright has been doing for a long time.
In fact, thanks to a 4-point night against the Louisville
Lightning recently, Wright shared player of the week
honors with defender Diego Rovira, as announced by
Sockers general manager John "The Coach"
Kentera.
"When I came to the States, I was 10 and began
playing for Derek Armstrong of the La Jolla Nomads,"
said the native of England. "At Grossmont (High),
we were known for scoring a lot of goals."
However, the Foothillers never climbed the mountain
to capture CIF crowns, while Helix (1983), Granite
Hills (1985) and Valhalla (1986-88) took titles, while
Monte Vista was a section runner-up (1989) after falling
in a memorable double-overtime thriller to Bonita
Vista.
Wright eventually turned professional with the Cleveland
Crunch in 1989, then was traded to the Sockers in
1990, taking the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League)
trophy that season.
Wright, now in his third tour of duty in San Diego,
credits his training regiment which he continues as
founder/operator of Speed To Burn, which provides
speed training for enhanced athletic performance.
"We train people to increase their speed,"
noted Wright. "We handle youngsters, high school
and college players, and adults.
Wright's next opportunity to showcase his skills comes
Wednesday (Dec. 29), when San Diego (6-1) hosts the
Southwest final of the U.S. Open Cup series. Kickoff
is at 6:15 p.m. from Del Mar Arena (located next door
to the racetrack on the Del Mar Fairgrounds). The
winner advances to the Open Cup national Final Four.
The contest will feature a ceremony honoring the Sockers
MISL championship team from 1985-96, plus honor
former
head coach Ron Newman.
 |
|
Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif
Barnes / Raiders.com courtesy photo
|
Former Matadors O-lineman Barnes
makes key TD catch for Raiders, beat KC in OT
© East County Sports.com
OAKLAND (11-7-10) — Former Mount Miguel
High and University of Washington offensive lineman
KHALIF
BARNES scored a rare touchdown Sunday (Nov.
7), keying the Oakland Raiders in a 23-20 overtime
victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Midway through the third quarter, Barnes
hauled in a 2-yard TD pass from Jason Campbell on
a tackle-eligible play, giving the Raiders a
14-13 lead after the team was shutout in the first
half.
In his second season with Oakland, Barnes garnered
just two previous starts in 14 appearances after
moving to the Bay Area following four seasons as
a full-time starter with Jacksonville. The catch
was his first career NFL reception for the Jaguars'
second round (52th overall) pick in the 2005 draft.
By winning its third straight game for the first
time since that season, Oakland (5-4) heads into
its bye week just a half-game behind Kansas City
(5-3) in the division.
Harvey signs with NFL Falcons
© East County Sports.com
ATLANTA (7-27-10) — Passing the ball has never
been a strong trait at Monte Vista High School.
However, as a senior, wide receiver BRANDYN HARVEY
caught 21 passes for 459 yards and five TDs, averaging
21.9 yards per catch for the Monarchs.
Upon entering Villanova University, Harvey became
more of a primary receiver, pulling down 53 aerials
for 694 yards and 5 TDs during his senior season
when the Wildcats captured the Division I-FCS (formerly
I-AA) championship.
Harvey’s numbers turned out to be proof that
professional scouts can find talent – no matter
where the school is. The number of catches don’t
seem to matter. It’s more a case of whether
the receiver can make the big-time catch.
The Atlanta Falcons apparently viewed the 6-foot-4,
205-pound Harvey, liked what they saw and are willing
to gamble on his future as they signed him to a
summer camp contract.
Snyder ready to give UFL his professional
service
© East County Sports.com
SACRAMENTO (7-21-10) — Former Monte Vista
High and Stanford University linebacker-defensive
end CLINTON SNYDER has signed his first professional
football contact with the Sacramento Mountain Lions
of the United Football League.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Snyder figures to make
an immediate impact for the Mountain Lions in his
rookie season.
Snyder started 42 of 44 games during his Stanford
career (2006-2009). He recorded 298 tackles, 14
sacks, 25.5 tackles for losses and logged one interception.
He tarted 11 of 12 games as a freshman in 2006
and registered 83 tackles and 2 sacks. He dded 96
tackles and 8 sacks while starting 11 of 12 games
as a sophomore in 2007. The former Monte Vista captain
started all 12 games as a junior in 2008 and notched
58 tackles and 3 sacks. He also started the first
eight games of his senior campaign in 2009 and was
leading the school with 61 tackles and 1 sack before
suffering a season-ending knee injury. Snyder once
recorded a career-high 16 tackles in a game against
Washington on November 3, 2007.
Sacramento also signed former Castle Park High
linebacker ZEKE MORENO, who also figures to step
into the starting plans.
 |
|
The Atlanta Braves bounce
following a walk-off grand slam by
former Monte Vista High standout Brooks Conrad
(second from right).
(Courtesy, The Atlanta Journal & Constitution,
by Curtis Compton)
|
WATCH BROOKS CONRAD'S GRAND SLAM MLB.com
|
Similar: Bobby Thomson's
"Shot Heard 'Round The World" HERE
1951 NL Playoff (Game 3), Giants vs. Dodgers,
Polo Grounds |
Braves' Conrad: PH walk-off slam
© East County Sports.com
ATLANTA (5-21-10) — Nothing has come easy in
the long professional baseball career of former
Monte Vista High product BROOKS CONRAD.
It took eight long years toiling on bus trips through
the minor leagues before Conrad finally advanced
to "The Show," breaking in with the Oakland
A's in July 2008.
Two years later, Conrad gained an opportunity to
do something he had never done in baseball, although
the odds were against him.
Batting just .167 without an RBI as a pinchhitter
this season, all Conrad could do was grab his helmet
in disgust when his long fly ball seemingly landed
in the glove of Cincinnati Reds left fielder Laynce
Nix in front of the 380-foot sign.
"I hit it and I was kind of talking to it
to get out of there and I saw (Nix) jump up, Conrad
told MLB.com. “From my angle, it looked like
he kind of brought it back. I put my hands no my
helmet and said, ‘No way he caught that.”
Lamenting while rounding first base, Conrad suddenly
heard the crowd roar and his teammates pour from
the dugout – the ball deflected off Nix' glove
and went over the wall for a walkoff grand slam,
capping an amazing 7-run rally in the bottom of
the 9th to stun the Reds, 10-9, Thursday afternoon
(May 21) at Ted Turner Field.
It was the Braves' third straight victory in their
final at-bat. They had trailed early, 8-0, thanks
to a grand slam by the Reds' Joey Vetto.
"BRETT FAVRE AND
THE JETS" SONG
(2008)
|
Hurdle: One 'Jam' away from the NBA
© East County Sports.com
BAKERSFIELD (11-7-09) — Former Helix High standout
LANCE
HURDLE has been drafted by the Bakersfield Jam
of the NBA Development League. Hurdle, a product of
Miami
(Fla.), was the Jam’s No. 5 selection in
an 8-round draft.
A 6-foot-1, 183-pound point guard, Hurdle was among
200 NBA prospects available to the 16 teams in the
NBA D-League. Drafted players will join a group
of returning and allocated players in NBA the various
D-League training camps on Sunday, Nov. 15.
The Bakersfield franchise is affiliated with the
Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers.
“These are real exciting times,” Hurdle
said. “I’m looking forward to playing
professional basketball.”
Upon graduating from Helix in 2005 after averaging
24.1 points and 4.8 assists as a senior, Hurdle
was bound for UC Santa Barbara. When that didn’t
work out, he transferred to San Bernardino Valley
Community College for his freshman season.
He spent the final three collegiate seasons with
the Hurricanes, where he was a starter his final
two years. Hurdle was primarily more of a playmaker
than a big scorer playing in the Big East Conference,
scoring a career-high 9 points during his senior
season.
Ex-Foothiller joins Rockies
© East County Sports.com
DENVER (9-22-09) — Former Grossmont High and
USD infielder MIKE McCOY has been promoted to the
Colorado Rockies for their stretch run for a wild
card berth in the National League playoffs.
McCoy hit .307 with five triples, 102 runs and
40 steals for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the
Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 132 games prior
to his recall.
A 34th round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals,
McCoy reached the Triple-A level as a middle infielder
with the Memphis Red Birds in 2007. He’s spent
the past two seasons in the Rockies ’ organization.
Former El Cap standout joins Blue Jays
© East County Sports.com
| Bellatti
signs with Rays
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (6-26-09) — ANDREW BELLATTI,
a 12th round pick of the American League champion
Tampa Bay Rays, has signed a pro pact.
Bellatti posted a 13-9-1 record with 172
strikeouts in 140 innings in his final two
seasons at Steele Canyon.
Also stationed as a corner infielder, Bellatti
batted .407 (70-172) with 14 home runs and
53 RBI in his last two prep campaigns.
Bellatti had the option of remaining an amateur
athlete as he turned down a baseball scholarship
to Cal State Fullerton.
|
TACOMA, Wash. (6-27-09) — It was pregame warm-ups
as usual for KYLE PHILLIPS, the leading hitter for
the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League
Friday night (June 26) in Tacoma.
That is, until pitching coach Andy LaRoche hollered
to Phillips that Las Vegas manager Mike Basso wanted
to see him.
“Since I hadn’t played for eight days
I thought it could be one of two things – either
I was going home or being dropped to Double-A,”
said the 25-year-old El Capitan High graduate.
He was wrong on both accounts. Basso informed Phillips
that he’d been called up to the major leagues
by the Toronto Blue Jays. He was ticketed for a
“red-eye” flight that would allow him
to get to the Rogers Centre in the Canadian city
in time for Saturday’s (June 27) game against
the visiting American League champion Tampa Bay
Rays at 10 a.m. (PT).
“It was an out of body experience,” Phillips
said. “I thought he was kidding me, and I started
looking for hidden cameras inside his office.”
A 10th round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins
in 2002, Phillips was batting .338 with three home
runs and a dozen RBI for Las Vegas. He is filling
a void created by Rod Barajas, who was placed on
the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring pull.
Phillips and backup Raul Chavez will serve as Toronto
’s catchers for the time being.
Phillips, whose older brother, Jason (now a coach
with the Seattle Mariners), played for the Jays
in 2006-07, is getting his first chance to play
in the big leagues.
“Kyle had a really good (spring training)
camp," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi
said. "The pitchers like throwing to him. He's
one of those guys that's kind of like a lifetime
Minor Leaguer – they hang around long enough,
they get a chance. I'm happy for him. He's got to
come up here and help us hold the fort down."
During his 7 ½ seasons of playing minor
league ball, Phillips has had more highs than lows
despite being released by the Twins after four seasons
and then again by the Milwaukee Brewers after two
seasons.
Not to be denied Phillips hooked on with Toronto
and batted .306 at New Hampshire of the Double AA
Eastern League in 2008 after registering a .306
average with 10 home runs and 60 RBI in the Class
A Florida State League the year before.
“When you get released by an organization
it’s like being fired,” Phillips said.
“Since it happened to me twice I was ready
to go back to selling cars at Marvin K. Brown.”
When Toronto pitched him an offer he decided to
hang on a little longer.
“Now I’m one of the top 60 catchers in
the world,” Phillips said. “A lot of people
said I’d never reach the major leagues, but
I never gave up and here I am. As long as they have
a jersey with my name on the back and a paycheck
I need to sign, I’ll be happy no matter how
long it lasts.”
An ironic twist to Phillips’ trek to The Show
was John Leavitt – a major league scout for
the Twins who originally signed the versatile Vaquero
– gave him a ride to the airport Friday night.
“Everybody from Little League on up lives
for this moment,” Phillips said. “I can
tell you all the work you put into it as a kid is
worth it. There is no better feeling.”
Former Norsemen/Griffin cornerback Jones signs
with af2 football team
