"Home of the Athens Pirates College Summer Baseball Club: REAL BASEBALL for College Baseball Players". "The Second Best College Sports Town in America" -Sports Illustrated Magazine, Sept.2003 ; "One of the Best College Towns in America" -U.S.News & World Report. "The Best College Music Town in America" - Rolling Stone Magazine (2003).

BASEBALL FANS: Love Baseball?

Come see some of the best pre-professional college baseball talent from across North America playing minor league quality baseball.

The Athens Pirates play a 40-Game Schedule with Home Games at Smith Field (1570 Old Epps Bridge Road, 1/2 mile behind Ryan's Restaurant)in Athens, GA.

A full-service Concession Stand serving fresh food and drinks is available at moderate prices. Official team wood bats & mini-bats, League baseballs, and others souvenirs available for player autographs. Special Events for kids! For information contact: Bill Park, GM, PO Box 462 Nicholson, Ga. 30565 or call 1-706-296-4054. E mail address: wbpark@bellsouth.net or athenspirates@yahoo.com

Atlanta, Georgia

 The Athens Pirates will host the 2008 Great South League (GSL) North Division Tournament beginning on July 25th.  This is the first time in the Pirates history that they will host a league tournament and have the opportunity to win a Division Title on their Home Field.  The Pirates first game is at 7PM Friday night at Clarke Central High School.

 The Florida Legends (Tallahassee, FL) will host the GSL South Division Tournament.

1 pm  - GM 2 - Mentium (4) v. Conyers (5)

4 pm - GM 3 - W -GM 1 v. Windward (2)

7 pm - GM 4 - W -GM 2 v. Athens (1)

Saturday

10 am - GM 5 - L GM 2 v. L GM 3

1 pm - GM 6  -  L GM 1 v. L GM 4

4 pm - GM 7 -  W GM 3 v. W GM 4

7 pm - GM 8 - W GM 5 v. W GM 6

Sunday

10 am - GM 9 - L GM 7 v. W GM 8

1  pm  - GM 10 - W GM 7 v. W GM9

4  pm - GM 11 - W GM 7 v. W GM 10 (if necessary)

Baseball Lessons:

 The Athens Pirates offer individualized baseball instruction from it's all-star baseball players. The Players hail from across North America representing 17 colleges/universities, 13 States, and 2 foreign countries.

Learn from players who have a wide range of techniques and skills.

The players earn all the money from this activity which represents their summer job while in Athens. The cost per hour is just $15 compared to as much as $75/hour in our area.

Learn to be a Switch Hitter this summer!

Work on your pitching form.

Learn to slap hit.

Increase your foot speed, balance, and coordination.

At the same time, become friends with a potential Major Leaguer.

For more information write: athenspirates@yahoo.com or call the GM, Bill Park, at 706-296-4054 or 1-706-354-6789.

Athens, GA.

 Pirates Billboards Going up this Week

 Look for them around town. Hint: Atlanta Highway. The first Ten People that e mail us and identify the location will win a Team Autographed League Baseball and free tickets to the game of their choice. Write us: athenspirates@yahoo.com

2008 Athens Pirates Baseball Camp – Web Site: www.eteamz.com/athenspirates          Ages 5-17  Times: 9AM – 1PM

4  Day  Camp (June  2,3,4,5 ;  June 9,10,11, 12 ;  June 16, 17, 18, 19 ;   July 7,8,9,10); July 14,15,16,17
Camp Rate: $100 a week  or $ 30 per day.  Held at Smith Field, 1570 Old Epps Bridge Road, Athens, GA (Approx. ½ mile behind the Epps Bridge Parkway Ryan’s Restaurant.) Dates:

                Session 1: June  2, 3, 4, 5   __________
               Session 2: June  9, 10, 11, 12  ________
               Session 3: June 16, 17, 18, 19   _______

               Session 4: June 23,24,25,26 _________

              Session 5:  June 30, July 1, 2, 3 _______
.......... Session 6: July 7, 8, 9, 10   __________

              Session 7: July 14, 15, 16, 17 ________

             Session 8:  July 21, 22, 23, 24      _______

Mechanics of Hitting ** Pitching ** Defense **Base Running ** Skills
Players will be divided by Age & Skills – Hourly Rate Instruction Available

Coaching Staff:  Bill Park JR, General Manager of the Athens Pirates and College All-Star Baseball Players from across North America.
The Athens Pirates are members of the Great South League (greatsouthleague.com ).   All players are potential Major League Baseball prospects.  This camp helps college players earn money for the summer and may raise funds for the Pirates.  The camp will improve skills and knowledge of the game of baseball regardless of age.  Being involved with College players and learning from them is our goal.  Host Families still wanted for 2008 summer season.

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND TRAINING SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE  no age limit

                                                Camp Application          Amount Enclosed $__________
Name/Team _____________________________________________________________
Address & Cell Phone Number(s)________________________________________________
E Mail _________________________________________________________________ Age_____ Session 1___ Session 2______Session 3____Session 4_______ Daily__________________________               T Shirt Size ___________________ ___
                                             Release & Indemnity Agreement
I hereby give consent for my child to participate in the “Athens Pirates Baseball Camp”. I understand that injuries can occur during participation in a sport such as baseball. I hereby release and hold harmless The Athens Pirates, William B. Park, Kimberly J. Park, The Smith Family of Smith Field, the coaching staff; baseball players and/or any other affiliated companies and their respective agents, employees and players harmless of any liability claims, demands, injuries, or causes of actions which may arise by virtue of acts of omissions, or omissions of acts, negligible or otherwise. A parent or guardian MUST sign this form if the child is under the age of 18.
Parent/Guardian ________________________________    Date _________________

Please send application to: Athens Pirates, P.O. Box 462, Nicholson, GA 30565

            McCardell, a first baseman/right-handed pitcher for KU from 2004-07, made his professional debut last summer in the Twins organization.  After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, McCardell reported to the Gulf Coast League Twins. There he was 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA and had 25 strikeouts in 18 innings.   

            He was quickly promoted to the high-rookie ball Elizabethton Twins, where he had a 5-1 record and 2.00 ERA in eight starts. In 45 innings, McCardell fanned 70 batters, with opponents hitting .179 against him. Between the two levels, he compiled an impressive 102-9 strikeout to walk ratio, which includes a playoff game at Elizabethton.

             According to Baseball America, McCardell is not only the No. 18 prospect for the Twins, he also has the best curveball, which was also ruled the best secondary pitch in the entire Twins minor league organization. 

            “He’s athletic and has a pitcher’s frame, with excellent control of his fastball. His best pitch is an outstanding curveball, one he can throw for strikes or bury as a chase pitch,” scout John Wilson, who signed McCardell, told Baseball America. “His fastball/curveball combo profiles him as at least a setup man right now. He's expected to get on the fast track and jump to high class A.” 

            At Kutztown, McCardell was 7-3 with five saves and a 2.00 earned-run average in 21 appearances as a senior last year.  He struck out 86 and walked just 11 in 67.1 innings.  For his career, he finished with a 2.82 ERA, second lowest in school history.  He holds the school record for saves (21), is third in strikeouts (278), fourth in innings pitched (236.1) and fifth in wins (20).   

            McCardell was a two-time all-region pick, by both Daktronics and the ABCA, and two-time first-team All-PSAC East selection as a pitcher and infielder.  He was named the ABCA North Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year and the ABCA/Rawlings Golden Glove pitcher for the region in 2007 and was the 2006 PSAC East Pitcher of the Year. McCardell played for the well-known Athens Pirates (GA) College Summer Baseball Club for the 2005 Summer Season.

Check out the Athens Pirates on youtube!

Click on the above mini tv. 

Double click on the mini tv and go to the Youtube site directly.

(Only one package per player)

2008 Akadema Professional College Glove Program

Available only through the league's Akadema Representative, Jay Cransford

See www.akademapro.com website for details on gloves, sunglasses, and t-shirts.

Choose:

1. Any Professional or Precision Akadema Glove

2. One Pair of Akadema Sunglasses

3. One Practice T-Shirt

Retail Value: $300

Georgia Collegiate League Price: $95.

Contact the league at: greatsouthleague@yahoo.com

Athens, Georgia:

Drew Fiorenza of Clemson University, a 15th round pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2006, has been brought up to the Mariner's AAA affiliate in Tacoma, the Tacoma Rainers.  Fiorenza was a member of the 2004 Athens Pirates and 4th Athens Pirate to be drafted by the Mariners: Ben Hudson, 1999, 2000; Brandon Moorhead, 2000, 2001; and Brian Kappel, 2003.

Click on the "Stats" section on the web site for our final stats.

2007 Summery:

 Batting Leaders:

1. Cory Matticola, LaGrange College     .360

2. Cory Finley, West Liberty State         .340

3.  Danny Roderick, Middle Georgia       .333

4.  Christian Dienna , New York Tech    .323

5.  Brian Smith,  New York Tech            .319

6.  Matt Pitts, Georgia College                .316

7.   Jason Redden,  Bluefield State         .301

8.   Sean Harrell,  Georgia College         .300

9.   Evan Smith ,  Augusta State            .274

10.  Greg Gilroy,   New York Tech        .262

Team BA -          .284

Pitching (ERA)

1. Mike Eifel,  Dominican College           1.05

2. Jamie Ammons,  Georgia College      1.40

3. Clete Jessup,  Georgia College           1.47

4.  Jake Barnett, Emmanuel College      1.93

5.  Tom Dimitroff , Piedmont College    2.89

6.  Frank Ryan,  New York Tech           3.29

7.  Steve Faulkner, New York Tech    3.67

8.  Greg Hendrix,  Shelton State JC      4.02

Team ERA                                                2.86

Pitching (Wins)

1. Tom Dimitroff  6-2

2. Clete Jessup     5-1

     Greg Hendrix  5-1

     Mike Eifel        5-1

3.  Frank Ryan     3-1

                (Saves)

1. Jamie Ammons  6

                (Strikeouts)

1. Steve Faulkner  67

2. Tom Dimitroff   60

3. Mike Eifel          57

4.  Clete Jessup     52

5.  Greg Hendrix   37

6.  Jamie Ammons 24

 RBI

1. Danny Roderick   30

2.  Christian Dienna  19

3.  Cory Matticola     18

4.  Greg Gilroy           13

5.   Brent Bumgarner  11

HR

1.  Danny Roderick    6

2.  Brian Smith           3

3.  Brent Bumgarner  2

     Jason Redden        2

     Christian Dienna   2

     Cory Matticola      2

3B

1. Sean Harrell          2

2  Brian Smith           1

     Christian Dienna   2

 2B

1.  Jason Redden    8

2.  Sean Harrell       7

3.   Danny Roderick 6

4.   Cory Matticola   5

5.   Cory Finley         4

       Joby Gaudet       4

Hits

1.  Cory Finley   33

2.  Christian Dienna 32

3.  Cory Matticola   31

4.   Sean Harrell      29

5.   Jason Redden    25

      Matt Pitts        25

7.   Danny Roderick 24

8.   Brian Smith  23

9.   Brent Bumgarner 21

Stolen Bases

1.  Sean Harrell  10

2.  Brent Bumgarner 5

     Joby Gaudet          5

     Matt Pitts             5             

San Francisco, CA.

John Lannan, former left-handed pitcher with the 2004 Athens Pirates, started tonight for the Washington Nationals against the San Francisco Giants and Barry Bonds.  Lannan held Bonds in check through 8 innings allowing just one run.  Bonds popped up to the 3rd baseman; walked, hit into a doulbe play and struck out against Lannan.

 Lannan was making his third Major League start. Check the 2004 team for Lannan's stats.

 The Athens newspaper had this to say about John Lannan:

 http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/080707/sports_20070807062.shtml

LaGrange, Georgia:

 The Athens Pirates in a series of one run games, claimed the 2007 Georgia Collegiate League Championship in three thrilling games.

 Complete details to be posted later today.  The Pirates run their final season record to 29-11.

 Congratulations to everyone from the coaches and players to the host families and fans. Without you there would be NO Athens Pirates.  A special thanks to the college coaches who believe in our program and Barbara and Tommy Smith and the whole Smith Family at Smith Field.

Lastly, and most appreciatively, thanks to my family and friends, for their encouragement and love especially Kimberly Park for her invaluable dedication to making 2007 our most successful season and being the GM's right arm and guiding force.

 God Bless everyone.

The Management

Details to be added later today.

LaGrange, Georgia

The Athens Pirates came from behind, down 6-1 in the 9th inning, to pull out a thrilling 7-6 win over the upstart Windward Rangers.

 The Rangers showed little respect for the regular season champions pulling ahead 2-1 in the first inning and tacking on 4 additional runs in the 4th inning. The Windward starter, Blanton from Vanderbilt University, kept the Pirates in check for 8 full innings scattering just 5 hits.  He began the 9th inning with a 112 pitch count and promptly loaded the bases with hits by Cory Finley of West Liberty, Greg Gilroy of New York Tech  safe on an error, and Blake Allen of LaGrange singled.  Coach Ricky Jones sent Christian Dienna of New York Tech to pinch hitg for Evan Smith. Dienna smashed the first pitch from the new pitcher, Chris Carroll,  for an RBI single to start the rally. Brent Bumgarner of West Alabama hit a 3-1 pitch for a 2RBI double to bring the score to 6-4. Sean Harrell of Georgia College, the leadoff batter in the lineup, ripped a hard hit ball to the shortstop driving in the 5th run and bring the score to 6-5.  Coach Jones had Brian Smith of New York Tech bunting and quickly went down 0-2 and a K. Danny Roderick of Middle Georgia College cloppered a Chris Carroll pitch on a 2-2 count to deep left field which was barely caught by the left fielder. The runner at second, Sean Harrell, barely made it back to second base.  The man of the hour, Cory Matticola of Lagrange College, came to bat for the 5th time in the game. Matticola already had  3 hits in 4 at bats. The Pirate expected the Windward coach to walk Matticola to load the bases and pitch to Finley. The count went 1-2 on Matticola before Sean Harrell stole second base on catchers indiffference.  Cory then fouled off another pitch.  Matticola then took Carroll to deep right-center in the gap driving in 2 RBI (Bumgarner & Harrell) to complete the victory.  Tom Dimitroff of Piedmont College relieved the starter Steve Faulkner and pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. Frank Ryan pitched the 9th inning for the Pirates picking up the win allowing no hits.

Certainly in the 15 year history of the Athens Pirates, this game will go down as the most memorable comeback win in recent memory.

 The Pirates next game is today, Saturday August 4th, at 7PM versus the #2 seed, The Georgia Stars. The Stars will start their top pitcher, Mike Vitale, while the Pirates will go with Mike Eifel.  The game will be broadcast "LIVE" on Teamline. Please call us at 706-296-4054 during the game.