NYSL players signed to pro teams

Name / Pos / Team
• Matt Acevedo / INF / San Angelo (ULB)
• Felix Adamkiewicz / SS / Evansville (FL)
• Khalid Afify / RHP / Lincoln (AA)
• Andre Alvarardo / INF /Chico (GBL)
• Mark Alvarez /RHP / Lincoln (AA)
• Adam Amar / INF / Blue Jays/ Auburn (NYP)
• Chris Antonides / RHP /
Gateway (FL)
• Jose Aquino / RHP /
Quebec (Can-Am)
• Andrew Barbaro / C / Traverse City (FL)
• Alex Bardequez / INF / Sioux Falls (AA)
• Josh Barney / RHP / Kalamazoo (FL)
• Arthur Barone / C / Worcester (Can-Am)
• Dan Bertolini / SS / Midwest (FL)
• Chris Bielski / OF / River City (FL)
• Ryan Boelsen / C / Sussex (Can-Am)
• John Bonifacini / RHP / Oakland (FL)
• Matt Britt / OF / Texarkana (CBL)
• Jono Brooks / INF / Rockford (FL)
• Pat Burgess / C / Yuma (GBL)-Texarkana (CBL)
• Jon Burke / LHP / Quebec (Can-Am)
• Maurice Butler / INF / Coastal (CBL)
• Philip Cahill / C / Rockford (FL)
• Brian Campbell / RHP / Lincoln (AA)
• John Campbell / RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Ryan Crespi / OF / Sussex (Can-Am)
• Pat Cummins / OF / Orange County (GBL)
• Matt Dahlin / RHP / Edmonton (GBL)
• Billy Davis / RHP / Coastal (CBL)
• Frank D'Aversa / LHP / Rockford (FL)
• Joe Dempsey / C / Lincoln (AA)-Rockford (FL)
• Ray Devaul / LHP / Yuma (GBL)
• John Ducey / RHP / Evansville (FL)
• Greg Dumouchel / OF / Ottawa (Can-Am)
• Fred Duquette / LHP / Kalamazoo (FL)
• Neil Forsyth / RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Anthony Franco / C / Sioux Falls (AA)
• Jesse Fuller / INF / Sussex (Can-Am)
• Louis Gabel / RHP / Brockton (Can-Am)
• Sean Gildea / LHP / Gateway (FL)
• Nate Ginsberg / LHP / Yuma (GBL)
• Adam Gordon / INF / Gateway (FL)
• Sean Gottschalk / RHP /
Coastal (CAL)
• Ryan Grant / INF / Sioux Falls (AA)
• Sean Gregory / RHP / Quebec (Can-Am)
• Adam Harazenda / LHP / Reno (GLB)
• Will Hassett / RHP / Oakland (FL)
• Ben Hildreth / RHP / River City (FL)
• Dennis Jones /OF / Midwest (FL)
• Jimmer Kennedy / RHP / Gateway (FL)
• Steffan King / RHP / Coastal (CBL)
• Kyle Kowalowski / INF / Texarkana (CBL)
• James Kukucka / RHP /
Quebec (Can-Am)
• Dan Kupec / RHP / Coastal (CBL)
• Grant Ledbetter / RHP / Edmonton (GBL)
• Andrew Lihotz /LHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Josh Likens / LHP / Reno (GBL)
• Andrew Long /RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Jim Ludwig / LHP / Florence (FL)
• Andrew Martirano / INF / Sussex (Can-Am)
• Brian Mason / OF / Reno (GBL)
• Adam Matos / OF / Lake Erie (FL)
• Dan Maycock / OF / Gateway (FL)
• Rob Maxwell /RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Matt Mazurek / OF / Rockford (FL)
• Steve Mazzurco / OF / Traverse City (FL)
• Ryan McArdle/ INF / Rockford (FL)
• Ross McCoy / OF / Rockford (FL)
• Joe McGhee / C / Brockton (Can-Am)
• Greg McKeown /RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Brad McLaughlin / RHP / Quebec (Can-Am)
• Josh McLeod / C / Bay Area (CBL)
• John Molyneux / OF / Fort Worth (AA)
• Michael Mondesir / RHP/ Washington (FL)
• Eric Morrison / OF / Texakana (CBL)
• Boo Morrow / RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Kyle Obal / C / Washington (FL)
• Corey O'Neill / 1B / Texakana (CBL)
• Joe Orgovan / RHP / Pensacola (AA)
• Mark Pappas/ SS / Sussex (Can-Am)
• Lonnie Patterson / RHP / Schaumburg (NL)
• Marcus Pearson / OF / Coastal (CBL)
• Ryan Pembroke / INF / Big Bend (CBL)
• Chris Petrie / OF / Grand Prarie (AA)
• Kevin PiccIrillo / LHP / Brockton (Can-Am)
• Marcus Porchia / OF / (GBL)
• Scott Porter / RHP / Midwest (FL)
• Jamie Quinn / C / Windy City (FL)
• Shawn Ravenscraft / RHP / Reno (GBL)-Midwest (FL)
• Jon Reed / OF / Texarkana (CBL)
• Josh Regits/ RHP / St. Paul (AA)
• Nick Riker/ RHP / Texarkana (CBL)
• Trumaine Riley / WR / Erie (AIFA)
• Vince Rizzi / RHP / Worcester (Can-Am)
• Fraser Robinson / LHP / Brockton (Can-Am)
• George Rohan / LHP / Gateway (FL)
• Brian Rzepka / OF / River City (FL)
• Rob Savarese/ LHP / Lake Erie (FL)
• Nolan Shaffer / RHP / Florence (FL)
• Mark Sikora/ RHP / Yuma (GBL)
• Zack Staniewicz / RHP / Alexandria (CBL)
• Vincent Stanziani / INF / Austrian National League
• Shane Sveda / RHP / Midwest (FL)
• Michael Tansey / OF / Rockford (FL)
• Joe Walentin / RHP / Reno (GBL)
• Danny Wansley / INF / Coastal (CBL)
• Pat Warfle / INF / Atlantic City (Can-Am))
• Ryan Weber / RHP / Reno (GBL)
• Zack Welsh / C / Texakana (CBL)
• Dave Whigham / RHP / El Paso (AA)
• Paul Wilson / RHP / Reno (GBL)
• Andrew Wong / IF / Amarillo (ULB)
• Kent Wright / C / Fort Worth (AA)
• Nick Vadaro / IF / Sussex-Brockton (Can-Am)
• Ozain Valoy / C /Quebec (Can-Am)
• Scott Vanes / RHP / Somerset (ATL)
• Justin Young / RHP / Witchita (AA)

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Take Me Out to the Ball Game

In 1858, the first known baseball song was written, "The Base Ball Polka!" It was not quite as famous as Jack Norworth's 1908 classic, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", which was written on some scrap paper on a train ride to Manhattan, New York. Norworth then provided those paper scrap lyrics to Albert Von Tilzer who composed the music which in turn was published by the York Music Company and before the year was over, a hit song was born.

Jack Norworth was a very successful vaudeville entertainer / songwriter and spent fifteen minutes writing this classic which is sung during the seventh inning stretch at nearly every ball park in the country. In 1927, he changed some lyrics and a second version appeared.

1908 Version

Author: Jack Norworth
Composer: Albert Von Tilzer
Published on: 1908, 1927
Published by: York Music Company

Katie Casey was base ball mad.
Had the fever and had it bad;
Just to root for the home town crew,
Ev'ry sou Katie blew.
On a Saturday, he young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go,
To see a show but Miss Kate said,
"No, I'll tell you what you can do."

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names;
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song:

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, your out,
At the old ball game."
(courtesy: Baseball Almanac)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBL, NYSL SET UP HISTORIC AFFILIATION

The Continental Baseball League, a professional independent baseball league headquartered in Texas, has joined with the NYSL to stock and manage two pro teams for the 2010 season. the two teams will be based in West Texas and will be called the Desert Valley Mountain Lions and the West Texas Roadhogs. Tryout dates for the teams will be announced shortly. The 60 game CBL schedule will run from the first week in May to the middle of August. Players who want to tryout should go to www.myroadhogs.com and see how to leave their information.

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Official New York State League photos by Lauren Rose

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HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS!

Phil Cahill, C, Rockford (FL):
After you graduate college and still have the dream to play professional baseball, it’s important to come into the presence of the right people. That’s what the NY State League is all about. Not only is the NY State League fun and competitive but they work with you in getting you to the next level. Professional teams are constantly in contact with Jay and the coaching staff here looking for players. Not only does the NY State League offer good exposure but it is also a good stepping stone into professional baseball. Often players find themselves overmatched jumping straight from collegiate to professional baseball. The NY State League offers a step in between that can help mentally and physically prepare a player. I would have never had the chance to sign a professional contract if it were not for the NY State League. I had Tommy John surgery my junior year and rehabbed all preseason into my senior year. I struggled my whole senior year trying to get comfortable and not to overuse my arm. Most people would have given up at this point but I still wanted to play professional ball. When Jay saw me play he ignored my numbers, and listened to my story. Because of Jay’s careful consideration and dedication to this league, I got the chance to sign a professional contract and play in on a professional team. So far in the first couple years the NY State League has signed hundreds of players, as the League becomes more known I would expect even more players to be signed each year. Because of their experience that they have in this business I would definitely recommend the NY State League to anyone serious and committed to playing professional baseball.

Adam Gordon, INF, Gateway (FL): During the summer of 2009 I was afforded the opportunity to play in the New York State League. During that time I was able to hone in on my skills and learn to grow as a baseball player, picking up new skills along the way. Through the New York State League I was able to go to several different workouts in which I gained exposure -- getting my name out there and playing before a number of scouts. In addition to the play on the field, my experiences contributed to my personal growth. The value of being on time and being personally accountable was emphasized and continuously promoted. I am very thankful that I was able to play in the New York State League and I would recommend it to any player out there that may have been overlooked or feel they have something to still offer the game of baseball. It is a great stepping stone to the next level and this organization will certainly do whatever it takes to make sure you get there. Thanks again to Jay and Skip for helping me move closer to my goal.

Marcus Porchia, OF, Fort Worth (AA): The NYSL was an awesome league to be in because it gives you a chance to play baseball at a high level. The competition was great and it prepares you for baseball at a professional level.

Jimmer Kennedy, RHP, Gateway (FL): Playing in the New York State League is easily one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Being out of college and unsigned, it is a very difficult road to get into professional baseball, especially without any help. I learned this quickly as I found out that many of the people whom I was counting to help me out, turned out to be little to no help at all. However, once I got into the NYSL, I could tell that it was different. It was very easy to see how committed Jay and the rest of the staff were to helping us players not only developing our skills, but also to helping us reach the next level. I knew right away that the that going to the NYSL was the right move and I trusted that everyone would help me get to where I wanted to be. My trust was rewarded shortly after the summer when I signed my first pro contract with the Gateway Grizzlies. I give the NYSL the highest recommendation because, if anyone finds themselves in a similar situation to mine, I can't think of a better way to get the help you need to keep moving forward and reach your goal of playing pro ball.

Steve Mazzurco, OF, Traverse City (FL): "Mazzurco had an outstanding college career but what really caught our eye was the level of success he had in the New York State League, " said Beach Bums Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel. "He showed he can put up numbers with the wood bat and comes highly recommended from some Major League scouts we know and trust."

James Kukucka, RHP. Quebec (Can-Am): I can’t thank Jay and the coaching staff at the NYSL enough for providing me with the opportunity to keep putting on a uniform after I exhausted my collegiate eligibility. The NYSL allows undrafted, unsigned and overlooked players to keep working towards their dream of playing professional baseball. Jay and the coaching staff are committed to helping NYSL players sign a professional contract. After gaining experience and exposure playing in the NYSL against talented players from all over the country, I was able to sign a professional contract with the Quebec Capitales, join the team’s starting rotation and win a championship ring during my first season of pro ball.

Will Hassett, RHP, Oakland (FL): Upon finishing my collegiate baseball career undrafted and unsigned, the New York State League gave me the opportunity to continue playing competitive baseball. The attitude was fun, yet serious; Jay and his staff are committed to help you become a better player. They do their absolute best to make you as marketable to professional teams as possible. The exposure attained from playing in the NYSL was no doubt a large part in helping me sign my first professional contract. The NYSL helped me realize that with hard work and a love for the game, good things can happen. I would like to thank everyone in the NYSL for helping me reach my lifelong goal of playing professional baseball.

Ben Hildreth , RHP, River City (FL): I didn't get picked up during the summer, but I quickly learned that open tryouts are for people that have recommendations from somewhere already. Having pitched well in the NYSL, allowed Jay to recommend me previous to other workouts. I think that his recommendation led to my being signed at a later tryout.

Dave Whigham, RHP, El Paso (AA): "The New York State League is an oustanding place to begin your quest to the major leagues. I cannot thank Jay, Nick, and Dave enough for their help and commitment in turning undrafted free agents like myself to promising and successful prospects. I remember going undrafted the summer following my senior year of college but thanks to the NYSL, I did not have to wait long to get back on the mound. Courtesy of the things I learned from both Nick and Dave, I was named a 2009 American Association All-Star and have thrown over 150 innings as a starting pitcher with the El Paso Diablos in the past two seasons. It was my first days in the league that I often reflect upon when I'm toeing the rubber to begin the game."

Matt Dahlin, RHP, Edmonton Capitals (GBL): “You have to start somewhere and work your way up and I think the NYSL is a GREAT place to start and the best opportunity to be noticed. Especially when someone like myself has never been noticed through high school or college that much, it’s a great way to let people see the talent one has been given. And the NYSL does just that. Now I wasn’t quite sure how I’d do but if you show up and play the game, then good things happen, and I was fortunate to have that happen. And because that happened, the NYSL was able to find a professional team for me.”

Kent Wright, C, Fort Worth Cats (AA):  The NYSL provided me with a competitive atmosphere where I could showcase my talents in front of professional baseball personnel. The players were of a high caliber and the experience was an unforgettable one. New York in the summer time is a great environment for the professional baseball player.”

Grant Ledbetter, RHP, Edmonton Capitals (GBL): “Jay Acton and Nick Belmonte have created a flawless operation in the NYSL. The numbers prove it. In just two seasons over 100 college players have been given the opportunity to take their game to the next level. The NYSL is without a doubt, rhe best opportunity to showcase your skills among a high pool of competition. Along with that, Jay and Nick demonstrate the highest degree of loyalty and commitment to the success of each individual. Without the NYSL, my baseball career would have ended. Now, I am preparing for my second season of pro ball with Edmonton of the Golden League. Thanks Jay and Nick, I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Ryan Pembroke, INF, Big Bend Cowboys (CBL): “I greatly appreciate Jay Acton, Nick Belmonte And the NYSL for giving me an opportunity to play Professional Baseball. The NYSL is a great stepping stone for players who look to pursue playing Professional Baseball. Without this opportunity in 2008, I would probably still be going to tryouts looking to get picked up. Jay and Nick look out for the best interests of their players and I thank them for that. Because of them I am currently playing in  the 2009 season in the Continental Baseball League for the Big Bend Cowboys. If you are looking for a place to play I highly recommend the New York State League as a place to start off.”

Jamie Quinn, C, LI Ducks (Atl): “The New York State League is the best way for the undrafted or unsigned player to begin his professional baseball career. Jay Acton, Scott Nathanson, and Nick Belmonte all helped me by giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills and play in the NYSL. I greatly appreciate all what they have done for me in helping me sign with the Frontier League. The NYSL is by far the fastest developmental league to the professional ranks and gets my highest recommendation.”