By: Bruce Hackett 

It is hard to believe that I was able to do it, but in just a three day span over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday I was able to play 8 games in just 72 hours. I split down the middle, 4 games of fastpitch softball, and 4 games of baseball in the 8 games, batted 22 times, played 3 different positions, tallied 51 innings in the field, and played in 4 different towns. Here is my 8 game recap: 

Saturday (Game 1 with NY Bombers) – Bombers 3, Pa Power 2

I got off to a very good start to the 2009 Cortlandville Tournament, going 2-3 with a long triple to right center field as we pulled out a close game with the PA Power. Shawn Samson was dealing on the mound for the Bombers and we got off on the right foot. 

Saturday (Game 2 with NY Bombers) - Bombers 6, Northern Merchants 1

Justin Heyman was in fine form on the mound for the Bombers and BJ Gouger and John Dry led the offense. I finished the game 1-1, with a walk and 2 runs scored. 

Saturday (Game 3 with NY Bombers) - Bombers 8, Ricola 0

This was the 4^th time this season the Bombers have played Ricola and the 4^th time a Bomber victory has occurred. Ryan Cummings was in control on the mound for the Bombers, with 9 strikeouts. John Dry and BJ Gouger again were the highlights of the Bomber offense. I had my only hitless game of this 8 game span, going 0-3 with a walk. 

Saturday (Game 4 with the Troy Storm) – Broome Dodgers 4, Troy Storm 3

I arrived late to the game after playing in Cortland earlier in the day. By the time I got to the game Troy was down 3-0 to the Dodgers. My first time up was a memorable one, a very long solo homerun and the team battled back to tie the game at 3-3 in the top of the 7^th inning, only to give the game away with balk call to send home the winning run. I finished the game 2-2 with the homerun and an infield single. 

Sunday (Game 5 with the NY Bombers) - Bombers 0, Rochester Express 8

In a phrase, the Bombers didn’t “show up to play” in this game, and managed just 3 hits and had several infield errors, scoring an early exit from the Cortlandville Tournament after being the #1 seed. I went 1-3 in the game, and finished the tournament with a .400 (4-10) batting average. The NY Bombers record on the season is now 14-5. 

Sunday (Game 6 with the Troy Storm) – Troy Storm 7, STABL Devil Rays 6

A quick ride down the highway to Kirkwood, NY after our defeat in the Cortlandville Tournament, and I was back to playing baseball with the Troy Storm. The Storm battled for a come from behind victory in the bottom of the 9^th inning. I went 1-4 in the game with a 2-run double. Troy’s record stands at 6-7 on the season. 

Monday (Game 7 with Erie-Buffalo) – Erie-Buffalo 3, Dwyer’s Pub Mudcats 1

I journeyed north to Tonawanda, NY to pitch for the Erie-Buffalo team in the AA MUNY league for baseball. I pitched well despite constant shoulder pain and low velocity. I pitched 7 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 walks, and 1 run while striking out 2 batters. At the plate I went 2-2 with 1 run scored. 

Monday (Game 8 with Erie-Buffalo) – Erie-Buffalo 12, Dwyer’s Pub Mudcats 4

This was the last game for me, the second of a doubleheader with the “EB” squad. After falling behind 4-1, the EB bats came alive and we scored an easy 12-4 win before the rain came to washout the last inning. I went 2-4 in the game with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI’s. Erie Buffalo improves to 10-6 on the season. 

Batting Totals (8 Games) – Games-8, At-Bats-22, Runs-6, Hits-11, Doubles-1, Triples-1, Homeruns-1, RBI’s-5, Strikeouts-1, Walks-2, AVG.-.500 

Up Next: I am supposed to have two games in the ESA Fastpitch League this week, but it looks like rain. This upcoming weekend, again I hit the road for a fastpitch tournament as the NY Bombers head north to Croghan, NY for an open level tournament.

By – Bruce Hackett

It has already been a busy week, so I thought I would write up a recap of my three games this week.

Monday, June 22 – I journeyed to Buffalo based MUNY league on Monday night to play for the Erie-Buffalo team as they were set to take on the undefeated Nickel Creek Chiefs. I started on the mound and through the first 5 innings we were set in a 0-0 pitchers duel. The wheels came off in the 6^th inning as I gave up 4 runs on 3 walks and 2 hits in the inning. We came back with 2 runs in the bottom of the 7^th inning, but it wasn’t enough as we lost 4-2. I pitched 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 walks, and had 1 strikeout in the game. At the plate I went 2-3 with 1 run scored. The Chiefs are now 8-0 and lead the Eastern Division of the AA MUNY league. Erie – Buffalo drops to 7-6 on the season.

Tuesday, June 23^rd – Was back to fastpitch softball on Tuesday, heading to Elkland, PA to play for Hackett’s Cubs against the Steve’s Beverage team in the ESA League. We ended up taking the loss against the Steve’s team 5-4. I played right field and with no arm left from pitching the night before Steve’s base runners were able to take a few extra bases on two plays in right field and ended up scoring two runs in the top of the 7^th inning. We battled back with one run in the bottom of the inning but it wasn’t enough. At the plate I went 2-4 with 2 RBI’s.

Wednesday, June 24^th – Switching back to baseball I was headed north on interstate 390 to Rochester to play with the Rochester Orioles in the RMSBL against the Astro’s. The game was out of hand since the first inning and the final score was a 27-5 tally win for the Orioles. I felt bad the Astro’s, they clearly didn’t have a good game overall and it can be tough for a player to sit back and take that kind of loss. At the plate I went 2-3 with 4 runs scored and 1 RBI.

Recap – One pitching loss, but was able to go 6-10 at the plate and all with severe jet lag from all the driving, but still who could pass up the chance to play these two great games.

 Up Next – I will play this weekend with both the NY Bombers in the Cortlandville Men’s Fastpitch Tournament, and will also play baseball with the Troy Storm in the STABL league. Following the weekend, on Monday I will head to Buffalo to play in a doubleheader with the Erie-Buffalo team, then on Tuesday will play in the ESA fastpitch league in Elkland with the Cubs. Grand total that is 9 games in only 4 days for me, so my next recap will be a big one for sure.

By: Bruce Hackett

“Bad Luck” on the weather front for me as I have now had 5 straight games rained out, including 3 baseball games over the weekend. This does however put me in a pinch with makeups. Starting tonight, over the next 9 days I have 14 games scheduled between baseball and fastpitch.

I spent some of the weekend updating the Baseball and Fastpitch bio pages here on the website. They are not finished, but I am plugging away at them. I also now have 22 photos from this season posted on the albums page. I am hoping to have more posted over the next week or so once I get some more games in.

Taylor Update: Congrats to my nephew Taylor on making it through the 3^rd round of the Pennsylvania American Legion All-Star Tryouts. Taylor, 16, made it through the Region 5 tryout at Connell Park as a shortstop, and will next tryout on July 1^st in Salsbury. If he is able to make it through the next round of playoffs, he will play in the Pennsylvania East/West State All Star Game. Taylor was able to run a 6.94 in the 60 yard dash, and threw 81 MPH from shortstop to first base. This is quite a feat for Taylor because of his age and he is just 4 months removed from breaking his wrist in a basketball game.

Dan Cevette Update: Dan is on the disabled list right now, and I am not at liberty to say what the injury is, but can tell you that he might not be playing baseball for quite some time. My thoughts are with him and I hope he can hang in there right now.

Facebook: With the new "choose your name feature" on Facebook, I can direct you to my page. The address is: www.facebook.com/HackettBall

By: Bruce Hackett 

Here is a recap of the last 4 days on the field in Cobourg, Ontario, Baseball in Buffalo MUNY, then finally fastpitch in Elkland, PA: 

Bombers finish 3rd in trip to Canada!
The Bombers came away with a third place finish in the 15th Annual Jim Branford Classic (18 teams) in Graphton Ontario Canada. It was a great weekend for playing fastball and although things didn't go the way the Bombers wanted, it was still a good showing for the only U.S. based team in the tourney.

June 13th
Game 1 - Bombers 8 Team Quebec Jrs 2
Shawn Sampson - 10 strike outs, 4 hits
Jeff Carr - 4-4 with a home run / Justin Cevette - home run

Game 2 - Bombers 3 Maccabi Canada 0
Ryan Cummings - 14 strikeouts, 4 hits - shutout
Justin Cevette - home run 2 RBI’s /John Dry - Hit and 1 RBI / BJ Gouger - double

for Maccabi Canada - Tom Berube 10 K’s, 3 hits

Game 3 - Bombers 7 Pickering 0
Justin Heyman - 7 strikeouts, 3 hits
Bruce Hackett 3 hits, Double, 3 RBI’s / Jeff Carr 3 hits

June 14th
Game 4 - Waterdown Hammer 2 Bombers 2
Justin Heyman 9 K’s, 7 hits
John Dry, Jeff Carr, Dan Edholm - 1 hit each

for Waterdown Hurst threw a 3 hit shutout

Game 5 - Ottawa Team Easton 3 Bombers - 2
Ryan Cummings 12 strikeouts, 4 hits
for Team Easton Cory Costello 5 innings 7k's, 1 hit relieved by Brad Porter 2 innings 3 K’s, 1 hit

Jeff Carr - 1 hit RBI / BJ Gouger - double

For the weekend; Shawn Sampson, Justin Heyman and Ryan Cummings had great outings and gave up a total of 5 runs in 5 games. The Bombers had Sunday all set with Heyman throwing the first game, Cummings the semis and then Sampson in the finals. We were two out from that scenario coming to pass. But, that is how the game goes sometimes.

Jeff Carr had another stellar weekend and seemed to be the most consistent hitter on the weekend for the team. The Bomber team, as a whole, played well and others contributed when the time was right to lift the team for our wins. The problem on Sunday was that the Waterdown and Team Easton pitching gave the Bombers team fits and seemed like they could never get on a roll to help out pitcher's excellent outings. The team wins together and the team loses together, pitching picks up the hitting and vice versa, but the Bombers are a team and that is our concept.

In the semi final game, it was a classic matchup between two Isc II powerhouse pitchers. Cummings vs Costello, and up until the bottom of the seventh inning, Cummings had only allowed 1 hit and until that point was throwing an absolute gem. Then, as easy as the Bombers thought they would steal a win, the Team Easton came out and doubled, then reached on an infield error, and with one out they took the game with a 3 run walk off home run. Now I know how it would feel to wake up on Christmas morning and look under the tree and there are no presents. It was a very disappointing way to lose the semis and have to drive back to the US thinking about it. That is why you play the game, because you just never know what is going to happen. But, the Bombers will live to fight another day. 

My Weekend Recap: I had an OK weekend on the overall, 5-16 (.312) with 4 RBI’s. I was even fortunate enough to hit a single off of Corey Costello of Team Easton, one of the best ISC II level pitchers in the game. It was a great weekend of camaraderie, fastpitch, and Cobourg night life. The Bombers are a great “team” to play on with no individuals on the squad and the type of team that makes you want to play another ten years if the body will only let you. 

Monday, June 15^th – I journeyed back north to Buffalo on Monday to play in a double header with the Erie-Buffalo team for the AA MUNY baseball league. 

Game #1 – I made the start on the mound, and though I pitched well we just didn’t hit the ball and suffered a 4-0 loss to Wheatfield (3-5). I pitched 7.0 innings, allowing 7 hits, 1 walk, and 3 earned runs while striking out 2. Our team managed only 2 hits in the game though and you can win if you can’t score. On a plus note I set a record for myself as I handled 10 assists in the game from the mound. At the plate in the game I went 0-1, with a pair of walks. 

Game #2 – The Erie-Buffalo bats came out smoking in the game, and the team rolled to an 8-1 win in the twilight game of the Wheatfield Doubleheader. I went 1-4 in the game at the plate and filled in right field. Erie-Buffalo is 6-4 overall on the season, and 5-3 in the AA Muny League on the season. 

Tuesday, June 16^th – I went back to fastpitch softball for a night as our ESA League team, The Cubs, played in the Elkland Softball League against the Beartrack Tavern. We ended up taking the extra inning loss in the game. We had our chances to win, but wheels came off defensively, and our Pitcher Sherri Thompson started to get tired after throwing 7 fine innings in the top of the 8^th inning. We did however battle back with 4 runs in the bottom of the 8^th, but came away with a 15-10 loss. In the game I went 1-4, with a walk, 2 runs scored and a solo homerun. The Cubs record now stands at 4-1 on the season, still good for first place in the league. 

My Stats Recap: Batting – Games-8, At-Bats-25, Runs-4, Hits-7, Doubles-1, Homeruns-1, RBI’s-5, Strikeouts-4, Walks-4, and AVG.-.280 

Pitching – Games-1, Starts-1, Innings-7.0, Hits-7, Walks-1, Strikeouts-2, Runs-4, Earned Runs-3, Loss-1, Complete Games-1, ERA-3.85 

Next Up – This weekend I will again be playing in Binghamton in the STABL with the Troy Storm and will also play with the Rochester RMSBL Orioles in the Rochester based league. Then on Monday I will head back to Buffalo to again pitch for the Erie-Buffalo team.

By: Bruce Hackett

It has been a hell of a start to the month of June for me as I was able to get in 5 games over the past 6 days. All of these games but one was baseball, though fastpitch softball in Canada is on the schedule for this coming weekend. Here is a recap:

Tuesday June 2^nd (Fastpitch) – I played with the Cubs in the ESA Fastpitch League, as the Cubs were able to pull out a 12-0 victory over Miller’s. I havent hit worth a damn for the Cubs so far this year, but we are 4-0, with Sherri Thompson leading the way on the mound with a 3-0 record, and Grant Sherman hitting bombs, so far 3 in 4 games. I went 0-2 in the game with a walk, but did reach base all three times and scored 2 runs.

Thursday June 4^th (Baseball) – I journeyed to Rochester to play with the Rochester Orioles as they took on the Puerto Rican based MSBL Rangers. The Rangers normally have a large audience in attendance at their games, but this was a smaller roster than normal for the Rangers. These guys love to play ball, though to be honest all the chattering I still after three years have no idea what they are saying on the field, but they are always rooting each other on. The game itself went the way of the Orioles. We were able to score a 10-2 victory and give ourselves a 3-2 record on the season. On the mound I was called into relief and pitched two shutout innings to earn the save (the score was 6-2 with two men on base and the tying run on deck in the 6^th inning), my first in 3 years. At the plate I was 2-3, with 2 doubles, 3 RBI’s and one walk.

Saturday June 6^th (Baseball) Game One – Finally I was able to get into some action with the Troy Storm after last weekend schedule change. The Storm travelled to Owego, NY to take on the Owego Tribe. The Tribe ended this past weekend with a overall league record of 1-7, but I have to say this team has a lot of talent and some good pitching, they won’t stay in the STABL cellar for long. Troy won this game 4-1 behind the pitching of Rick Marks. I was able to leg out a 2-run triple in the first inning and finished the game 1-3.

Saturday June 6^th (Baseball) Game Two - If you liked a back and forth game, then this was for you. It was Troy Storm’s second game of the day vs. the Owego Tribe and it was a battle. To the end, Troy was down 8-6 heading into the bottom of the 7^th inning. After having the first two batters reach base, Scott Ross drilled a 2-run single into centerfield to tie the game 8-8. I was up next and hit what I though was a line drive to the centerfielder. The ball however landed just in front of the fielder and rolled to the wall while Ross came chugging in from first base to score the game winner, a 9-8 win for the Storm.

Sunday June 7^th (Baseball) – Back in action with the Storm (5-3) for the second day, we didn’t far as well. We dropped a 6-5 loss to the A’s (4-4), though we did battle back from a 6-2 deficit in the 9^th inning. I was 1-2 in the game with an RBI and a walk. John Morgan suffered the loss on the mound for the Storm after picking up a relief win the previous day. The Storm were hurt by the absence of pitcher Nate Jones for the weekend.

Monday June 8^th (Baseball) – I was supposed to head to Buffalo for game with the Erie-Buffalo team, but bad weather rained out my chances and I will have to wait until next week for a chance to pitch again.

(Combined Batting) – Games-5, At-Bats-14, Runs-5, Hits-6, Doubles-4, Triples-1, RBI’s-8, Strikeouts-3, Walks-3, AVG.-.428

(Pitching) – Games-1, Innings-2.0, Hits-2, Walks-0, Strikeouts-1, Runs-0, Saves-1

Next Up: I journey north of the border for my 5^th career Canadian Fastpitch tournament this coming weekend as the NY Bombers travel to play in the Jim Bradford Classic (Grafton, Ontario).

By: Bruce Hackett

So not a lot of ball for me this past week, as I was hit by rainouts, 4 of them in all. I manage however to play with the Erie-Buffalo team yesterday and pick up my 2^nd win of the season. Here is a recap:

5-31-09- Our Buffalo based EB team played in Akron, NY to take on the Akron Merchants. It was a battle of lefties as I took the hill for the EB team, and the Akron team countered with a southpaw of their own. The game was a quick one as we came out with a 5-1 win on a very cold and windy day. I pitched 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 1 earned run, and had 4 strikeouts. It was my second win of the season, a very good start to the year and it is a pleasure to pitch with the stingy EB (5-1) defense always on hand to help you out. If I can get back my fastball to its former form I should be able to have one of those seasons to remember this year on the mound.

Notes through the first month:

Miles Travelled – 1,942

Towns Played in – 6

Baseball Games – 7

Softball Games – 12

Batting – Games-19, At-Bats-67, Runs-15, Hits-25, Doubles-8, Homeruns-1, RBI’s-16, Stolen Bases-1, Strikeouts-4, Walks-3, AVG.-373

Pitching- Games-3, Starts-2, Innings-16.0, Hits-11, Strikeouts-11, Walks-4, Runs-3, Earned Runs-2, Record-2-0, Complete Games-2, ERA-1.12

This was probably the most I have ever played in one month, when you think 67 at-bats is usually a full high school season of ball games, to do that in 31 days time is something. My pitching hasn’t really come around yet. I am not throwing as hard as the past, but with the EB team playing such good defense, strikeouts aren’t as necessary as they used to be in previous years. The Good news is my elbow is feeling good, and once my shoulder and arm get “in season” shape I should be able to continue to throw well.  

 Looking Ahead: This week I journey to Elkland and Rochester during the week for games, and then will spend the weekend playing with the Troy Storm team in the STABL league, followed next Monday pitching for the Erie-Buffalo team. All in all it will be 6 games for me over the next 7 days.

By: Bruce Hackett

It was a great weekend of ball for me. I was finally able to play in the 3^rd Annual Molly Sherman Memorial Tournament this past weekend in my hometown of Elkland, PA. The first two season injuries and being ranked as an open player cost me the chance to play in this event. Well it was worth the wait to play in it. Our squad took first place after dropping our first game of the tournament. Here were our scores:  

Game #1

Busters 8 NY Bombers 7

WP-Bill Kaslavick LP-Chuck Smith Save- Jeff Tombs 

Game #2

Bombers 7 Ormrod 3

WP- Sean Sampson LP- Carl Crankford 

Game #3

Bombers 6 Ricola 4

WP- Sean Sampson LP- Paul Furlong

Jeff Carr went 3 for 4 with a walk off 3 run home run to win it in the bottom of the 8th 

Game #4

Bombers 12 Knoxville/Ontario 5

WP-Sean Sampson LP-Craig Hollingsworth

 Game #5 Championship Game

Bombers 11 Ricola 2

WP- Sean Sampson LP- Paul Furlong

Bruce Hackett went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s 

Our team played well together, and I have to say havent enjoyed the (Fastpitch) game this much in quite a number of years. A relaxed squad that really gels well, we even had Minnesota Twins scout Jay Weitzel on hand giving us batting advice. Here is a look at my batting stats for the weekend: 

Games-5, At-Bats-20, Runs-4, Hits-8, Doubles-4, RBI’s-7, Strikeouts-1, AVG.-.400 

On a Sad Note - As much as the weekend was ending on a high note with a tournament championship game win, I was sad to hear of the passing of a former fastpitch player from my area that I grew up watching. Richard “Dickie” Metz passed away at the beginning of the month, but I only heard about it over the weekend. Dick or “Metzie” as he was sometimes called and my brother played together from the early 1980’s through the early 1990’s on various teams, but no team as often as the Hackett & Sons team in the mid 1980’s through the early 1990’s.

Dick was a real character of the game and in his prime was a première centerfielder and lead off batter. I remember well Dick going after 1,000 career hits in the game which he kept track of on the kitchen wall at his home. I got the idea of keeping track of my batting stats from him and to this day I still keep tabs of what I do in every single game I play in. As time goes on players from the past begin to drift away, it is sad to think Dick being taken at such a young age (54). I knew him as a player and friend to my family and I wish his family well in dealing with the loss of such a nice fella. 

Up Next – If the rain can go away, I will get in a league game in Elkland on Wednesday followed by the STABL season debut with the Troy Storm on Saturday, then head to Buffalo on Sunday.

Dan Cevette (Elkland, PA) – Cevette is off the disabled list and is pitching in relief for the AA Northwest Arkansas. Cevette has a 3.60 ERA in 5 games so far. If the shoulder can hold up he may very well have the first healthy/good season in a number of years.

Brian Stavisky (Port Allegany, PA) – Stavisky is of to a decent start for the AA Reading team this season. Not the normal .300+ average, but he is at .265 with 11 RBI’s in 31 games as a first baseman this season.

Nate Bump (Towanda, PA) – The former major leaguer has resurfaced in the INDY Atlantic league with the Camden Riversharks and is off to a great start. The 33 year old right hander has a 2.12 ERA and a 4-1 record in 5 starts this season. With a start like this it is very possible for Bump to attract interest from a major league affiliate.

Josh Kinney (Port Allegany, PA) – Kinney has been optioned back to AAA Memphis after going on the disabled list after just 3 appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals. Since his demotion though he has appeared in 11 games and has posted a nifty 3.00 ERA in 15 innings with 1 save. My guess is he will be back with the Cardinals before the all star break.

Ryan Keefer (Catawissa, PA) – Keefer is still with AA Bowie, and after a rough start has lowered his ERA to 7.00 and has made 2 starts to go along with 10 relief appearances. Keefer has bounced between starting and relief almost his entire career with Baltimore.

I thought I would answer the question to this poll that I posted a few weeks ago. First I asked if there were any players that anyone know that were left off the list I provided or left off the website. I got two responses: Kirt Manwaring and Harry Hillson. So after reading here is my feedback:

Kirt Manwaring – If you go to the Player Files Page of this website you will see Kirt Manwaring as the very first player of over 100+ that I have posted on here. Click Here to view Hackett Baseball’s Manwaring page. Kirt was one of the very first players I added to the site when I decided to have a Player Files section.

Harry Hillson – Hillson has spent many years at Mansfield University as the head coach of MU. In his MU bio it does list that he spent one season playing in the minors for the NY Yankees, but looking on the Baseball Reference and Baseball Cube pages, I found no listing for him. It doesn’t mean he didn’t play, just means they don’t have a record of it. So after thinking about it, because Hillson has in depth pages, both in his MU bio and his Career Wins Countdown page on the MU website I decided not to add another on my website at this time.

By: Bruce Hackett

It has now been 4 days straight of playing for me, which started over the weekend, then spilled into the beginning of the week, so I thought I would recap some of the highlights.

Saturday (5-16-2009) Baseball – Played a double header with the Troy Storm in an exhibition series against the Corning Legion team in Corning, NY. The team from Corning was mostly college age players getting a few games in before scattering to the wind for the summer. Our Troy team had a mix of both younger guys and seasoned veterans. In game #1 we suffered a 7-0 loss. I couldn’t buy a hit on Saturday finishing a combined 0-5 with 1 walk in the 2 games. I was able to relieve on the mound in Game #1 and scored 2 hitless/scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts.

In Game #2 we were able to survive a 4-0 deficit to come from behind with a 12-4 victory in 5 innings.  The game was shortened due to a time limit.

 Results – Batting – 0-5, 1 walk, 1 run   Pitching – 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 walks, 0 runs, 4 strikeouts 

Sunday (5-17-2009) Baseball – Back out on the road on Sunday, heading to Rochester to play with the Rochester RMSBL Orioles as we took on the RMSBL Tigers in our second game of the season.

I played some first base and some centerfield in the game and got my hitting shoes back on going 2-3, with 1 RBI and 1 walk. Unfortunately we had trouble holding the lead and eventually suffered a 13-6 loss.

 Results – Batting 2-3, 1 RBI, 1 Walk 

Monday (5-18-2009) Baseball – Once again back out on the highway heading north as I journeyed to Tonawanda, NY to play with the Erie-Buffalo team in the AA Buffalo based MUNY League. I made my 2009 debut on the mound for EB and pulled out a complete game 4-2 victory over the Kuhn Contracting team. I allowed 6 hits, 3 walks, and 1 earned run over 7 innings while striking out 3 batters. I did not hit in the game due to the large number of guys we had in attendance but that was OK, the team came through with the lead early and great defense behind snuffed out some rallies by the Kuhn team.

 Results – Pitching – Start, 7 innings, 6 hits, 3 walks, 2 runs, 1 earned, 3 strikeouts, Win 

Tuesday (5-19-2009) Fastpitch Softball – Back in my hometown of Elkland, PA to play with the Cubs in the ESA League. We were able to pull out a 4-3 win over Beartrack Tavern behind the strong pitching of Sherri Thompson (2-0) and hitting of Grant Sherman (2 run HR). I went 0-3 and looked poorly doing so. I think I was suffering from some jet lag from playing in Buffalo the previous night, but that’s what you get when you play for 5 teams per season. The Cubs are now 3-0 on the season and might be the early season favorites to capture the ESA League title.

 Results – Batting – 0-3 

4 Day Recap – Batting – 2-11, .181 batting average.

                          Pitching – Games-2, Innings-9.0, Hits-6, Strikeouts-7, Record 1-0, ERA-1.00

Only two games of ball for me in the past week, and it was well worth the time off. So here is the update:

Monday (5-11-09) – Journeyed to Buffalo to play with Erie Buffalo in the AA Muny League game vs. Home Run Derby. I played right field in the game and went 1-3 with a run scored. I warmed up to throw with the score at 4-1, but an EB outburst of runs cut short the chances of an appearance on the mound as we won 12-1 via the ten run mercy rule. EB improves to 2-0 in the MUNY AA League and 3-0 overall.

Tuesday (5-12-09) – From Damn near Canada one night, to PA the next I saddled up the Charger and headed down for my second game of the season in the ESA Fastpitch Softball League. My team, The Cubs, had our other pitcher back in the person of Sherri Thompson. Sherri is the only girl I have ever played along side and I have to say it is an honor. She had a rough season in college softball, but we gave her all the runs a pitcher could ask for in a 12-1 win over the Kenneyville Fastpitch team in mercy rule shortened game. I went 1-4 with 2 RBI’s in the game, while playing first base. The Cubs are off to a 2-0 start on the season in the ESA League and baseball players Greg Cary and Scott Ross on loan from the Troy Storm have been welcomed additions.

Recap – (2 Games) – Games-2, At-Bats-7, Runs-1, Hits-2, RBI’s-2, Strikeouts-1, AVG.-.285

Notes- So through the first 8 games of the season I have started out with an 8 game hitting streak which is quite a way to start out the season. Though I have thrown a pitch in a game yet, all that will change very soon as I will be able to recount my innings on the hill.

By: Bruce Hackett

It was one hell of a start to the 2009 season for me, with 6 games scheduled on my opening weekend of ball. I got off to probably the best start I have ever had, with 5 multi hit games. Here is a recap:

Saturday – The 2009 season started with me suiting up on a full time basis with the NY Bombers for the 2009 8^th Annual May Elkland Round Robin Tournament in Elkland, PA. The Bombers pulled a first place finish in the 5 team event, winning their first 3 games before losing 8-6 to the ESA Belly’s. The Bombers rode the hot pitching of Justin Heyman, and the bats of Justin Cevette and Tommy Avery. I got my wish, batting up in the lineup in the number 2 hole, and responded with a .437 (7-16) batting average, including 1 double, 1 HR, and 6 runs scored. The last few seasons with teams I have batted lower and lower in the lineup and after hitting a lot in the off season felt compelled to offer to bat second this season. I even got to play against my team of last season Ricola. The Ricola squad is still going, though they had a rough first weekend going 1-2-1 in 4 games.

Sunday (Afternoon) – Another new one for me, for the first time since 2002, I suited up in another uniform for the season opener of the 2009 Rochester MSBL League. In the off season I made the decision to leave my old team the Royals and head to the Orioles. Wearing #38, I suited up for the Orioles and had a great debut, going 3-3, with 2 doubles and an RBI as the Orioles started the season with a 10-1 win over the RMSBL Astros. I had the chance to reconnect with an old teammate on the Orioles, Dave Helkenn. Dave and I have now played on 6 different teams together over the last 10 years or so starting with the old Bath Bombers, and later continuing on teams from Olean and Big Flats, to later on Rochester. It’s always good to see Dave and know he will be jawing from behind the plate with his catchers gear on.

Sunday (Evening) – After driving to Rochester for my game with the Orioles, I hoped on Highway 90 and headed west for the season opener in the Buffalo MUNY League with the Erie-Buffalo team. EB would play their first game against Amherst Ale-House at the beautiful Amherst Audubon Field. EB would get out to an early 3-0 lead before AAH would rally to cut the lead 3-2. There remained a lot of fight in the EB troops and we would later rally with 5 runs in the late innings to pull out an 8-2 victory. During the game I went 2-4, with a double, 1 RBI, and a stolen base. I originally had been slated to pitch in relief, but my help wasn’t needed on the mound as Dennis Gawronski and Alexi Figueroa combined for the victory in fine fashion.

Recap: Games-6, At-Bats-23, Runs-8, Hits-12, Doubles-4, Homeruns-1, RBI’s-4, Strikeouts-1, Walks-1, Stolen Bases-1, AVG.-.521

It was a lot of games and a lot of traveling for me this weekend, but I felt blessed to be back out on the field for another season. On Saturday on my way to the ball park I visited the grave of my former coach and friend Gordie Knickerbocker. I visit Gordie every year before I start playing and I know he still looks down on me and my ball games from time to time. And on Sunday in the first inning at Amherst Audubon Field I laced a double in my first at-bat of the year for the Erie-Buffalo team. As I slide into second base and popped up to dust myself off I looked out and saw the sun setting on the Buffalo sky line. I gotta tell you it was one of the most beautiful sights these eyes of mine have ever seen. It made me truly happy that I have been given the chance to still play ball as I trek into my mid 30’s.

I thought this was very interesting. Baseball-Reference.com has started putting in lifetime minor league stats of all players they can find. The Baseball Cube has also been a great reference to find local players. I was able to find some locals that previously have eluded me with their lifetime statistics. My Most notable find was my old Babe Ruth baseball coach Gordie Knickerbocker, who in 1942 spent time with two teams. So listed below are 25 players that have played professionally with links to the Twin Tiers. I hope to put pages up for each of them on this website when I get time.

I also have provided a space below where you can write in any names of players that may have been missed who played professionally that are missing from my archives.

Leo Milinski (Elkland, PA)

Gordie Knickerbocker (Elkland, PA)

Joe Carbone (Elkland, PA)

Michael Egleston (Elkland, PA)

Matt Machmer (Canton, PA)

Donald Lando (Corning, NY)

Ryan Fuller (Beaver Dams, PA)

Michael Fortuna (Hornell, NY)

Tom Havens (Corning, NY)

Rich Terwilliger (Corning, NY)

Derek Hmiel (Corning, NY)

Mark Williams (Minors) (Elmira, NY)

Mark Williams (Majors) (Elmira, NY)

Pete Henyan (Corning, NY)

Glen Spencer (Corning, NY) (Minors)

Glen Spencer (Corning, NY) (Majors)

Brian Strong (Elmira, NY)

Pete Graham (Horseheads, NY)

Adam Barr (Williamsport, PA)

Mike Bennett (Elmira, NY)

Scott Jeffery (Mansfield University)

Ryan Wyland (Mansfield University)

Shawn May (Mansfield University)

Brad Crills (Mansfield University)

Tim Persing (Mansfield University)

Ryan Giblin (Mansfield University)

Greg Robertson (Mansfield University)

Mike Graham and Justin Stowell each homered for the Blue Raiders (4-0). Stowell and Ernie Kirkwood each drove in three runs, with two apiece coming from Graham, Chad Force and Dylan Manwaring, who went 3-for-3.

Force, Kirkwood and Graham all had two hits each, and Kirkwood scored three times. Force, Graham, Stowell and Manwaring scored twice each.

Anthony Baccile allowed just two singles in four innings, and Matt Holling pitched a hitless fifth.

Today, Horseheads will take on Lake City, the third-ranked team in South Carolina.

* Waccamaw 7, EFA 3: Tim Early and Pat Pirozzolo each had two hits for Elmira Free Academy in its loss to host Waccamaw at the Mingo Bay Classic.

* Horseheads 6, Logan (W. Va.) 2: Horseheads beat the 2008 West Virginia state champions at the Mingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Sam Lewis pitched six innings, allowing five hits and striking out five for the Blue Raiders (4-0), Ernie Kirkwood went 2-for-3 with an RBI, Dylan Manwaring and Andrew Sampson each had an RBI, and Chad Force doubled.

* Livonia (N.Y.) 13, Corning East 3 (8 innings): Corning East scored three runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie Livonia (2-0), but the Trojans committed five errors in Livonia's 10-run eighth inning at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Travis Rosenwinkel struck out 10 and scattered four hits in six innings for Corning East (1-3). Mark Mogren was 2-for-3 with an RB,I and Nikko Foti added an RBI.

* Elkland 14, Williamson 6: Kyle Kocher went 3-for-3 and scored three runs to lead unbeaten Elkland over Williamson in a Northern Tier League West game.

Josh Magnotta was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored for the Rams (4-0), Jay Graham was 2-for-4 and scored three runs, and Brian Maloney tripled and had two RBIs.

* Mansfield 10, Galeton 4: Graeme Zaparzynski went 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs to lead Mansfield over NTL West opponent Galeton.

Winning pitcher Zach Eighmey went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs for the Tigers.

* Towanda 14, Athens 4: Dakota Roof went 5-for-5 with four doubles and five runs scored to lead Towanda over Athens in NTL East action.

Kory Foster was 2-for-3 with two doubles and four RBIs for the Black Knights. Cameron Martin pitched five innings to get the win and helped his cause by going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Cody Miller hit a three-run homer.

Jamie Seifried went 4-for-4 with a triple, double and seven RBIs, and Kevin Minchin pitched a complete game, stole five bases and scored twice to lead the Notre Dame baseball team over Northeast Bradford 16-2 Saturday in the first round of the Northeast Bradford Tournament.

Minchin and Ryan Hurley each had two hits, with Hurley driving in three runs and scoring three times for the Crusaders (1-4). Billy Spaulding also scored three times.

"It was a well-rounded effort," Notre Dame coach Chris Karam said. "The boys played fundamentally sound defense (no errors), we got good pitching and hit the ball well."

* Southside 3-6, Towanda 8-5: Southside overcame nine errors in the first game to win the second and gain a split with Towanda.

Anthony Ashford and Corey Hamula paced the Green Hornets in the nightcap by each going 3-for-4. Ashford tripled and had three RBIs, and Hamula doubled and drove in the tying run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Hamula then scored the game-winner on Ashford's single.

Zach Machmer gave Southside strong pitching over the two games. In six innings he allowed just one single and no walks while striking out six.

In the first game, Machmer went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

* Edison 11, Corning West 3: Zach Levanduski pitched a complete game to improve to 3-0, and he helped his cause by going 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs to lead Edison over Corning West in a nonleague game.

Zac Bellinger was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs for the Spartans (5-0).

For Corning West, Kevin Childs was 2-for-4 with a double, a homer and two RBIs.

1. Charley Thurber (Elmira, NY) – Thurber is getting some playing time, but has yet to start on a full time basis. He just popped his 4^th homerun of the year though in the Volunteers latest win.
2. Dan Tunison (Bath, NY) – He has to be injured still has yet to appear in a game for the Dolphins.
3. Mark Kuzma (Waverly, NY) – Kuzma is still struggling; a 15.00 ERA a third of the way through the season is tough to deal with. I hope the lefty stays strong and adjusts to this new higher brand of ball.
4. Andy Podolinski (Sayre, PA) – WVU is doing very well this season (23-6) overall, but Podolinski has yet to appear in a game since my last update.
5. Bernie Johnson (Corning, NY) – “Beaner” is starting to see some playing time again for the Mounties, but out of the bullpen, a role he flourished in last summer with the Elmira Pioneers in the NYCBL.
6. Chris Zelko (Horseheads, NY) – In a normal Mounties slugfest season Zelko might be undefeated with a sub. 3.00 ERA, but he’ll have to settle for a 3-3 record at this time, but has shown a lot of improvement over last season.
7. Tony Battisti (Horseheads, NY) – The batting average isnt climbing, but Battisti is holding his own behind the plate and has popped 3 homers with 14 RBI’s so far for the 15-23 Mounties.
8. CJ Huyett (Elkland, PA) – Huyett now has 3 wins on the season, but the ERA is still high at 5.75 through 20 innings for Gloucester.
9. Brandon Lewis (Addison, NY) – Lewis now is 1-0 on the season, and with bad northern weather might get more opportunities to throw with back to back games possible for St. John Fisher.
10. Devin Burch (Horseheads, NY) – Burch still is used sparingly for the Red Dragons this season, but has .267 average with 4 RBI’s in just 15 at-bats.
11. Mike Marsh (Elmira, NY) – Marsh has a .250 batting average in 5 games with the Keuka Storm, but this team is off to a very rough 1-9 start.
12.  Josiah DelGrosso (Montour Falls, NY) – Josiah is another victim of the rough start by the Keuka team. He has allowed 14 runs this season, but only half of them have been earned. Keep yer chin up “JD”, the Storm season is quickly approaching.
13. Alek Brown (Elmira, NY) – 5 appearances and 7.62 ERA is the bad news. The encouraging thing for Brown is his 12 strikeouts in 13.0 innings so far.

Josh Kinney (Port Allegany, PA) – It has been a long road back, but Kinney finally broke through the injury bug that sidelined his career and made the St. Louis Cardinals opening day roster.

Dan Cevette (Elkland, PA) – Cevette is in Double A with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals as a relief pitcher.

Brian Stavisky (Port Allegany, PA) – Stavisky signed with the Phillies in the offseason wanting to play closer to the east coast. He has been assigned to the AA Reading Phillies for the start of the season.

Nate Bump (Towanda, PA) – I can find no information on Bump at this time as to where he is playing if at all. He came back last season to post excellent stats at Double A Connecticut, but I will keep looking as the season begins for where he might be.

Ryan Keefer (Catawissa, PA) – Keefer is another “back from injury” guy who is sharpening his skills at AA with the Bowie Baysox to start the 2009 season.

Surprise, Arizona – Elkland, PA native Dan Cevette has been added to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals roster for the start of the 2009 minor league baseball season.

Cevette has spent much of the spring training season building up arm strength and getting used to throwing exclusively from the stretch position as he readies himself for the role of a set up pitcher.

Cevette now is enroute to Springville, Arkansas to begin practice with the Naturals on Monday. In his 7 year pro career Cevette has spent just 2 games above A ball (one game at AA Akron in 2007, and one game at AAA Buffalo in 2005).

In his 7 years of professional baseball Cevette has a 19-19 pitching record with 2 saves and a 3.78 ERA in 342.2 innings. The Naturals open their 2009 campaign on April 9^th against San Antonio on the road.

Like Gloria Gaynor I was singing “I will survive’ this week as I avoided the layoffs at work. Thankfully that keeps me in the ball playing hobby I have come to enjoy so much starting in May. So here is my weekly update on whats going on…

Dan Cevette Update – I was asked last night while I was at the batting cages; “How is Dan doing? Where is he going?” So I thought I would give you an update.

The update is that he is still in camp with the Royals has thrown in about 5-6 minor league spring games at various levels and has done quite well. I don’t have the exact stat totals since most of my chatter with DC is through text messaging, but I do know the Royals brought in a very large amount of pitchers and at this point he is hoping to have a job anywhere once the dust settles. As soon as I know more I will put out an update, but for now Dan goes to the park each day not really knowing when or if he will get cut. I can tell you his top MPH this spring has been 93 and the shoulder pain has been minimal.

OK, I had too: I said earlier that I wouldn’t be giving update this season players. But with not much going on right I decided to give an update on some guys from Twin Tiers area with how they are doing in the prospective college seasons:

Charley Thurber (Elmira, NY) – Hitting well, but not starting for Tennessee…..yet!

Dan Tunison (Bath, NY) – On Lemoyne’s roster, but has yet to appear in a game.

Mark Kuzma (Waverly, NY) – Has had a rough start to his college career, but still coming out of the bullpen for Lemoyne.

Andy Podolinki (Sayre, PA) – This kid has been hit hard early for the WVU squad, a 19.64 ERA can seem misleading though. He will have to make adjustments big time if he wants to stay in the rotation for WVU.

Bernie Johnson (Corning, NY) – Was a pitcher for Mansfield U. on their Florida trip, but hasn’t pitched in awhile for MU

Chris Zelko (Horseheads, NY) – After a dismal season last year, Zelko is off to a great start in the rotation for Mansfield U.

Tony Battisti (Horseheads, NY) – Tony is in his 4^th year with MU and is the starting catcher this season for the Mounties.

Brandyn Austin (Watkins Glen, NY) – Austin is in his final college season with Pitt-Bradford and so far has an 0.00 ERA in 4 appearances.

Greg Keagle (Horseheads, NY) – The former Major leaguer and Elmira Pioneer begins his third season with RIT as the pitching coach.

Brandon Lewis (Addison, NY) – Lewis, in his third season with St. John Fisher has appeared in 4 games so far this season.

CJ Huyett (Elkland, PA) – Gloucester CC is currently ranked third in the nation for Div III NJCAA and Huyett has twirled 15 innings for GCC this spring.

Devin Burch (Horseheads, NY) – Burch is in his second season with SUNY Oneonta and so far this spring has appeared in a handful of games for the Red Dragons.

Alek Brown (Elmira, NY) – All growing pains this season so far for Brown at Canisius. He is getting opportunities to throw though and it is a big jump from high school to Division I, he will adapt.

CCC Players (Corning, NY) – Corning Community College’s baseball roster is filled with players from the Twin Tiers area, too many to name individually so instead a link is provided to check out how they are doing.

Mike Marsh (Elmira, NY) – Marsh is playing for Keuka College this spring and has appeared in 2 of 3 games for the team. Josiah DelGrosso (Montour Falls, NY) is also on the roster but has yet to appear on the mound this season for the Storm.

By: Bruce Hackett

One day after turning 34 years of age, I decided to do an update on the website to do an update on a few baseball related items.

Dan Cevette Update – Dan has thrown in several scrimmage sessions in minor league camp with the Royals, and this past Wednesday threw in a AAA inter squad game. Throwing just 30 pitches, he allowed one hit, and one hit bats men, no walks or runs, and struck out one in 1.33 innings. The first batter Cevette faced fouled off 12 pitches before flying out, so that cut down on his amount of throwing to other batters seeing he was on a 30 pitch count.

It’s a long road for Cevette still. He is working on strengthening his shoulder area on a new program. Results are showing, but it is still a process. He remains hopeful to break camp with one of the Royals minor league teams, his hope AA Arkansas.

Note- There has been a few sites that updated Cevette signing with the KC Royals. I am not usually one to rip on a site for posting baseball related information, but yet…..One that ticked me off is this one. The site has totally ripped off my site in a page biography of Dan’s with stealing information and passing it off as it’s own. While I don’t mind if a site uses mine as a reference and cites it, this one is filled with wrong information (like citing the Olean Lumberkings were part of the Adirondack Collegiate League for one) and has even questioned (via email) the actuality of if my father played professional baseball. I sat on a response to your query for quite some time. The answer is after reading your page loaded with information that I personally posted the internet the past 8 years on Dan and my families baseball history; I found it not within my best interests to give you more information. I have photos, a copy of the contract my Dad signed with Philadelphia, and a few news paper clippings from that time, but why send copies of these to you after you bootlegged my entire site for information previously? Ok, there I am done slamming I swear. Moving on…..

Tioga County Sports Hall of Fame 2009 Entries – There are plenty of entries into the 2009 Tioga (PA) County Sports Hall of Fame, and one is the only baseball player inducted this year, my second cousin Tony Bruce. I played against Tony for years growing up, then spent 4 years playing with him in college. Tony was a “team” guy, a Derek Jeter type who did and said everything for the good of the team. Tony was no different from 2002-2007 when I played with him on the Elkland Fastpitch Team. In all I spent 10 seasons playing one form of ball or another along side of him, he’s the real deal and I am glad the Hall is inducting him.

 Other Entries of (Personal) Note – Alan Losey (Coach/Contributor) – Al wrote and still writes articles for the Star Gazette focusing his writing on PA related school sports. He takes note of what he sees’s and puts it down beautifully to paper. Kelly Mann Griffith, Wellsboro – This girl was one hell of a basketball player when I was growing up, absolutely murder on draining 3 pointers, very glad to read of her induction. 

4 Years Ago – It will be exactly 4 years ago this month that I was inducted into the Tioga County Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball. It is always a source of great pride to be recognized for your achievement in a sport. At the time I was inducted I was in the middle of a divorce, still worked in the education field, was coaching college baseball in my spare time, and wondered if I was at the tail end of my playing days. But it is truly a great game to be a part of, and I kept in the game and still have “the fire” to play. I thought it would be interesting to see I still have a little gas in my pitching arm. Take a look at the comparison below:

Closing – It’s a rough time of the year with only the World Baseball Classic to keep our baseball interests alive, along with MLB Spring Training. Hang in there, spring is on the way.

http://www.wetmtv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=17244@video.wetmtv.com&navCatId=8

Peach Tree City, GA – Elkland, PA native Dan Cevette has decided to attempt a comeback to professional baseball after a 6 month retirement from baseball following numerous injuries. Cevette, 25, who has endured many years of injuries, beginning with major shoulder surgery in the fall of 2005, has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals just three days after being released by the Cleveland Indians. Here is a timeline of the past few months of Cevette’s life:

June 30^th, 2008- retired from professional baseball following one of the shortest and worst outings of his career with the Kinston Indians (7 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning). Feeling pain in the shoulder for the third time of the year, Cevette decides to retire rather than face a third trip to the disable list.

End of the 2008 Minor League Baseball Season – Because of his retirement during the middle of the season, the Cleveland Indians retain the rights to Cevette and place him on the voluntary retired list.

Mid November 2008 – Cevette has his shoulder examined by a private athletic trainer and begins to resume pitching with a sidearm motion as a way to cut down on the shoulder discomfort. Cevette then applies for reinstatement with the Commissioner’s Office of Minor League Baseball.

Week of December 16^th, 2008 – The Cleveland Indians reinstate Cevette from the inactive players list.

Week of January 30^th, 2009 – Cevette throws for the Cleveland Indians to examine his status/progress.

Feb. 2^nd, 2009 – Unable to offer Cevette a current roster spot, Cleveland releases Cevette as an active player, and he is declared a free agent.

Feb.5^th, 2009 – Cevette signs a one year minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Cevette has been throwing now with a sidearm motion for the last 2 months, and is able to still throw in the low 90’s despite the new throwing motion.  Cevette had eight different team inquire about his status once he was declared a free agent on Monday. The Royals ended up being the most diligent in their efforts to sign the left hander.

 The signing with the Royals was triggered by Royals assistant General Manager J.J. Picollo, who has been a fan of Cevette since the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft when Cevette was drafted in the 3^rd round by Cleveland. Cleveland had the 94^th overall choice in the draft, with Atlanta (the team that Picollo worked for at the time) following with the 95^th pick. Had Cevette not been chosen by Cleveland in the 3rd round Atlanta was prepared at the time to draft Cevette with the very next selection in the draft. 

“It’s a very good feeling to be wanted”, said Cevette once he was contacted by teams following his release. “I haven’t really had a place with the Indians since my injury in late 2005.” Quoted Cevette, “I feel I have a lot left to prove in this game and throwing with this new motion could very well be the key to my staying healthy”. Cevette’s final quote was one most people who have ever played the game can relate to: “I didn’t want to wonder what if the rest of my life, I just knew I had to give this one more shot to see if I have what it takes”. 

In a seven year professional career (2002-2008), Cevette had a record of 19-19 with 2 saves and a 3.78 ERA. In 342 and two-thirds innings, he struck out 324 hitters. Cevette will now report to early spring training camp with the Royals in Arizona in three weeks.