Toby Hall's Soulpatch Calls It A Career

Former Rays C Toby Hall has decided to retire as a player.

Hall, 36, spent parts of seven season with the Rays, making his debut in 2000 and being traded to the Dodgers in June 2006. His 586 games played for the Rays are fifth most in franchise history, and the most of any catcher.

Hall spent 2007-08 with the White Sox, battled shoulder problems the next two years and played this past season with the Camden (N.J.) team in the independent Atlantic League, hitting .255 with 2 homers and 32 RBIs in 93 games, while hoping to get a shot to return to the majors.

"It's been a great journey,'' Hall said. "I'm going to hang out with the family, concentrate on my foundation and have my agents start looking into my next journey.''

In his nine big-league seasons, Hall hit .262 with 46 homers and 269 RBIs. His best season was 2003, when he hit .253 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs for the Rays.

Posted by Marc Topkin

Burgamy Keeps Eye On The Ball

BY DAVID POLKINGHORNE

Brian Burgamy has been around baseball long enough to know there's no point in looking too far ahead.

The self-proclaimed journeyman knows it sounds cliched but after 11 seasons as a professional his focus remains on getting ready for the next at-bat.

At the moment that means looking to get hits for the Canberra Cavalry against the Melbourne Aces in the ABL.

Hopefully, he can produce good enough numbers to keep the dream of being a professional baseballer alive.

''It's a definite possibility [that I'd come back to the ABL in the future], we'll see how it goes,'' Burgamy said with a slight southern drawl.

''I don't like looking too far ahead, just take one at-bat at a time and take one day at a time, that's what I'm looking at right now.''

And after a slow start, that approach has seen the switch hitter's numbers improve.

It has coincided with the departure of John Tolisano, who returned to the United States after tearing a tendon in his shoulder against Adelaide.

It meant Burgamy moved from batting third in the line-up - the three-hole - to the pivotal clean-up hitter in the four-hole.

That added responsibility has seen his numbers almost double.

His average since Tolisano left is .417, up from .227, and three of his seven runners batted in have come in that period.

The ease with which Todd Glaesmann has moved into the three-hole has also helped.

''[Glaesmann's] jumped right in there, he's done well the last couple of games hitting [in] the three-hole,'' Burgamy said.

''He's got to keep it up, and everybody behind him keep it up. He gets on base and myself and a few guys behind us keep swinging the bats like we are, we're going to score some runs.''

The 30-year-old is also the elder statesman of the team, which has an average age of 24, and will look to impart his wisdom to the young group.

''I'm the grandpa of the team. [Starting pitcher] Tristan Crawford [29] he's right behind me. I'm the oldest and hopefully I can rub off some of my knowledge and my years on some of the young guys that might need it,'' he said.

Riversharks Announce 2012 Schedule

POSTED: 10/6/2011 by Megan McLaughlin

Now that the 2011 season has concluded, the first key piece of the 2012 season has fallen into place as the Atlantic League has released the schedule for its 15th season.

The Camden Riversharks will play their first four series on the road before returning to Campbell’s Field for their home opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers, Wednesday, May 9 at 7:05. Plans for the ceremony to open the 12th season at Campbell’s Field are still in the formative stages. Further details about the Riversharks Opening Night celebration will follow. The team will end the season at home on September 23rd vs. the Long Island Ducks at 5:35pm.

The Atlantic League is excited to add the Sugar Land Skeeters to the Freedom Division for the 2012 lineup. Based in the City of Sugar Land, Texas, southwest of Houston, the Skeeters will take on the Riversharks for the first time on Thursday, June 14th at 7:05pm. The Sharks will travel outside of the Northeast, and fly on a plane to travel for the first time in team history on June 22. Each of the other seven teams will make two trips to Texas during the 2012 season. This demonstrates the next phase of Atlantic League baseball.

Through the 2012 season the Riversharks will host 70 home games, with fireworks shows after every Friday and Saturday home game. Riversharks highlights will include:
• The Baseball in Education Series: May 11, May 17, May 23, and June 1. All games will be played at 11:00 AM.
• Scout Overnights Return! Scouts and their parents will have the opportunity to sleep over at Campbell’s Field on June 15th, June 29th, July 20th, and August 3rd.
• Finley’s Birthday Celebration! Sunday July 22nd will have a special start time of 5:35pm and a firework spectacular to celebrate our mascot, Finley’s, birthday!

Other special celebrations throughout the 2012 season will include Memorial Day (May 28th 7:05pm), Father’s Day (June 17th 1:05pm), and Fan Appreciation Weekend (September 21-23). The full promotional calendar including theme nights, special ticketed events, and weekly promotions will be released at a later date.

Burgamy, McGuire Go Down Under

from The Canberra Times

The Canberra Cavalry has added some young international talent to its roster for the 2011-12 ABL season.



It has signed five players from Major League clubs - three from Tampa Bay and two from Toronto - and two from from Japanese club Hanshin Tigers.

The Cavalry also boasts several players - including pitchers Steve Kent and Brian Grening - who have been released from Major League clubs. Such players can be a boon for ABL clubs because they strive to secure a new Major League deal, and face no restrictions on how many games they can play or innings they can pitch.

Pitcher Chris Oxspring was a standout for the Sydney Blue Sox last season, as was Justin Hughes for Perth. Both earned contracts in the USA after strong ABL seasons.

Cavalry assistant general manager Thom Carter said there were still five or six positions to fill, mainly offensive players, with several of those to come from Korean club Lotte Giants.

Cavalry squad - Pitchers: Hayden Beard (San Diego), Chris Morgan, Brian Grening, Steven Kent, Tim Atherton, Michael Laird, Chris Kimpton, Daiki Kiyohara (Hanshin), Mike McGuire, Alex Rogers, Mathew Fawcett, Jarrett Commane, Tristan Crawford, Nathan Crawford. Catchers: Travis Scott, Mark Thomas (Tampa Bay), Kyle Perkins, Alex Perkins. Infielders: Byron Aird, Brian Burgamy, Jean Carlos Diaz, Chris Curley, John Tolisano (Toronto). Outfielders: Ty Morrison (Tampa Bay), Todd Glaesmann (Tampa Bay), Yuhei Kai (Hanshin), Kenny Wilson (Toronto).

The York Revolution Are Your 2011 Atlantic League Champions

from the York Daily Record:

The York Revolution are Atlantic League champions for the second straight year, becoming the second franchise to win back-to-back titles.

The Revs beat the Long Island Ducks, 6-3, in front of a bundled-up but noisy crowd of 3,767 at Sovereign Bank Stadium in York. They dropped Game 1 on the road to the Ducks but won the next three games to claim the title.

York put up a four-run eighth inning to break the game open.

Third baseman Vince Harrison was named Most Valuable Player. Harrison's bat was hottest in the postseason, as he went 19-for-37 at the plate during the playoffs.

Riversharks Choose Representative for 25 Millionth Atlantic League Fan

POSTED: 9/30/2011 by Megan McLaughlin

The Atlantic League announced earlier this month that it was set to reach an attendance milestone of 25 million fans. Each team from the Atlantic League chose two fans to represent their teams in Game 3 of the Atlantic League Championship Series. Winners received a special VIP package including tickets to the game, recognition on the field in a pre-game ceremony, an overnight stay, $250 in cash and a team autographed baseball.

The Riversharks have chosen Barb Gilmore and Tony Saban, longtime season ticket holders and Riversharks fans, to represent them tonight at the 2011 Atlantic League Championship Game between the York Revolution and the Long Island Ducks.

"We are thrilled to be sending Barb and Tony to York to represent all Camden Riversharks fans. They are well known and loved by the team, staff, and many other Riversharks fans" said Adam Lorber, Riversharks General Manager.

The mission of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc. (AL) is to bring a high level of professional baseball and affordable family entertainment to selected communities not presently being served by Major League or Minor League teams. The Atlantic League began playing in 1998.

“We are excited to celebrate surpassing 25 million fans coming to our ballparks in just our 14th year,” says Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Executive director Joe Klein. “Our goal every year is to provide affordable family entertainment for all baseball fans, and their support is what keeps us going.”

Just One More Dying Quail A Week

Revs Top Stormers In Extras, ALCS Set

vs.

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
(Best of 5)
Game 1: YORK @ LONG ISLAND
Weds. 6:35 p.m. Bethpage Ballpark

Yes, This Really Happened.

Several Riversharks Headed To Panama For The 2011 Baseball World Cup

The 2011 Atlantic League season may be over for the Riversharks, but for several players from this year's team, the game continues. The 2011 Baseball World Cup will be held in Panama City, Panama from October 1st to October 15th. It is an international baseball tournament featuring 16 teams from all over the world. Riversharks Santos Hernandez, Jonel Pacheco, Carlos Vasquez, Ruddy Yan, Willis Otanez, Danny Richar and Juan Francia will be among those representing their home countries in this year's tournament.

Do You Remember The 21st Night Of September?

221 Days...

2011 Riversharks Video Tribute

From The Vault: Bale K's Everidge At The 2011 Atlantic League All-Star Game

In Which I Go After John Bale's Jersey. Hard.

Kevin Wilson Goes #00 For Charity

Riversharks hitting coach, Twitter addict, and all around good guy Kevin Wilson wore a jersey designed by Casey's Clubhouse for tonight's game against Somerset. Eschewing his traditional #30, Wilson apparently decided to honor former MLB pitching great Omar Olivares and wear #00.

I didn't get a picture of it. But I did manage to break his stones about it. Because really, that's Finley's number, Kev!!

Goodbye. Farewell. Amen.

The Camden Riversharks closed out the 2011 season with a 10-0 shutout victory over the Somerset Patriots tonight at Campbell's Field. Newly acquired pitcher Zac Cline earned his first win as a Shark throwing six innings of 2 hit ball, while striking out three.

Shortstop Jake Eigsti went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI. Eigsti also made a spectacular stop in the 4th on a hard hit ball from Pats third baseman Jeff Nettles.

Camden began the scoring in the third inning when Noah Hall singled in Lloyd Turner to make it 1-0. In the fourth, the Sharks plated three more runs when Eigsti singled in Danny Richar, Toby Hall singled in Eigsti, and Turner's sac fly scored Jonel Pacheco to make it 4-0.

But the Sharks really broke it open in the seventh. Pats reliever Ron Villone was tagged for three runs, first an Alvin Colina single to left that scored Ruddy Yan and Turner, and next Brian Burgamy's single to right that scored Colina and made it 7-0.

The Riversharks weren't done. After a pitching change for Somerset, Danny Richar's ground out to first scored Colina. Then Jake Eigsti launched a 2 run home run over the left field wall to make it 10-0.

Relievers Joe D'Allesandro and Mike McGuire combined for 3 scoreless innings innings in relief of Cline.

Sharks Three-Game Winning Streak Snapped

Chris Oxspring picked up his second win in as many starts against the Camden Riversharks as the Somerset Patriots snapped Camden’s three-game winning streak with a 7-3 victory in front of a sellout crowd at Campbell's Field.

Oxspring (5-9) did not allow a run in his final three innings as he went seven strong giving up two runs on seven hits.

Sean Jarrett (1-2) suffered the loss allowing four runs on a season-high eleven hits while striking out two batters.

Somerset took advantage of some shoddy Riversharks’ defense as Joe Holden scored on Danny Richar’s error in the top of the 1st to take a 1-0 lead.

Jonel Pacheco answered back in the bottom of the 2nd with a two-out, RBI double to plate Brian Burgamy and tie the game at 1-1.

The Pats regained the lead in the 3rd inning with back-to-back RBI singles by Josh Pressley and Matt Hagen to make it 3-1.

Leading 4-2 in the 9th, Somerset three insurance runs highlighted by a two-run double by Matt Hagen.

Hagen finished the game 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs.

Riversharks Add Three New Pitchers

POSTED: 9/16/2011 by Megan McLaughlin

The Camden Riversharks have added three righty pitchers to their roster for the final series of the 2011 season.

Mike McGuire was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 and has spent the past two seasons playing in the Phillies’ farm system. Over three years of professional ball, McGuire has established a 4.68 ERA and has left 221 batters at the plate.

Chris Rollins arrived from the Frontier League and is making his Atlantic League debut with the Riversharks. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft, but did not begin playing professional ball until 2009 with the Midwest Sliders of the Frontier League. Rollins has a 5.43 ERA and 2-2 record.

Kalen Gearhart is returning to the Riversharks after a two year hiatus. The 26 year old has a combined 4.83 ERA over five seasons of professional ball and has left 104 batters standing at the plate.

Patriot's Second Baseman Matt Hagen Records His First K

Hagen pitched the bottom of the 6th for the Pats in tonight's 10-0 loss.

NO NO YES!!!!

The Camden Riversharks completed a double-header sweep over the Somerset Patriots including a combined no-hitter by five pitchers in Game 2. The no-hitter was the 5th and the second combined no-hitter in Atlantic League history.

No pitcher went more than two innings as Santos Hernandez, Mike McGuire, Joe D’Allesandro, Chris Rollins, and Kelan Gearhart combined to throw the first no-hitter in Riversharks history.

In Game 1, Camden trailed 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 5th inning before scoring four runs off starter Jim Magrane to take a 5-2 lead.

Danny Richar hit the go-ahead RBI single to give the ‘Sharks the lead and Brian Burgamy provided them with some insurance and he followed that up with a two-run double.

Eddy Camacho (7-7) picked up his first win since August 21st going all seven innings allowing two runs on six hits.

In addition to the no-hitter, the Riversharks pounded out 18 hits in Game 2 en route to a 10-0 destruction over the Patriots.

Already leading 1-0 in the bottom of the 3rd, the ‘Sharks added three more runs to push the lead to 4-0. Jake Eigsti hit a two-run single and Jonel Pacheco hit a sacrifice fly to cap off the scoring in the three-run frame.

Camden blew it open in the 4th inning with six more runs as they sent eleven to the plate in the inning. The ‘Sharks had eight hits in the inning highlighted by a two-run home run by Brian Burgamy.

Every Rivershark had a base hit in the game and Ruddy Yan, Alvin Colina, and Brian Burgamy each had three hits.

Camden Crushes Their Enemies, Sees Them Driven Before Them, Hears The Lamentations Of Their Women...

Wilkin De La Rosa had another strong outing, and the Sharks bats came alive tonight, scoring 8 runs on 11 hits as Camden beat Lancaster 8-1 at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

De La Rosa threw six strong innings, not allowing a run and giving up only three hits while striking out six.

The game was scoreless until the sixth. Camden struck first, when Danny Richar singled in Lloyd Turner. Two batters later, a Jake Eigsti double scored Richar and Brian Burgamy to make it 3-0.

The Stormers got one back in the seventh when Gilberto Mejia singled in Tommy Everidge to cut the led to 3-1. But that was as close as they would get.

Camden came right back in the top of the eighth, when Jonel Pacheco plated Richar, and Burgamy scored on a wild pitch from reliever Jon Huber. Next, Toby Hall singled in Eigsti to make it 6-1.

The Sharks tacked on two more in the ninth when, with Richar on first, Burgamy tattooed a fastball from reliever Justin Segal over the wall for his 17th homer of 2011.

Sharks Lose Rain-ShorOMG IS THAT A PINBALL ARCADE?!?!

Poor Carlos Vasquez.

In 5 innings of work, he gives up three hits, strikes out five, and loses.

Sure, two of those hits were home runs, a solo shot from Terry Tiffee and a 2 run blast off the bat of Yaibel Tamayo. But it's not like he was getting rocked. Five strikeouts! And the Sharks plated two runs of their own, one in the second when a Jonel Pacheco double scored Brian Burgamy, and one more in the fourth when Toby Hall grounded out to score Jake Eigsti.


The Riversharks lost tonight to the Stormers 3-2. Play was called after 5 innings due to rain.



Also, WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM HAD A PINBALL ARCADE IN THE SUITE LEVEL??????? BEST. RAIN DELAY. EVER!!!!

Watch Fernando Hernandez Close Out The 9th In Yesterday's Amazing Comeback Win

Miracle Late-Inning Rally Propels Sharks To Victory

Things looked bleak early on for the Riversharks.

The Lancaster Barnstormers batted around in the second inning, scoring 6 runs on 5 hits to take an 8-2 lead and knock starter Humberto Sanchez out of the game. It looked like Sharks fans were in for a long night.

But Camden slowly chipped away. Single runs in the 4th and 5th, and two more in the 6th made it 8-6, Lancaster. No longer a blowout, it seemed the momentum had shifted. Stormers starter John Halama exited after 6, having surrendered 6 runs on 11 hits.


Meanwhile Zac Cline, on in relief of Sanchez, was cruising. Over 5 innings of work, Cline allowed just one run on four hits. He was relieved by Santos Hernandez, who struck out 3 Stormers in an inning an a third of work, allowing only one hit.

Lancaster made it 9-6 in the 7th when an Iggy Suarez single scored Travis Metcalf, and it seemed like the Sharks rally was squashed.

But Jonel Pacheco lead off the top of the 9th with a solo homer to right off reliever Jonah Bayliss, and suddenly the rally was on again.

Toby Hall singled. Juan Francia reached on an error. Lloyd Turner singled. With the bases loaded and no outs, Noah Hall grounded into a fielder's choice that scored one run. Next, Alvin Colina, who earlier had blasted his 14th home run of the 2011 season over the centerfield wall, smoked a double down the left field line that scored two more runs. The Sharks lead 10-9 going into the home half of the 9th.

Enter Fernando Hernandez, who retired the Stormers 1-2-3 in the bottom of the frame to pick up his first save and seal an incredible comeback victory for the Camden Riversharks.

Both teams gave up a combined total of 27 hits. The game took nearly four hours to complete.

The Hernandii combine for the win (Santos) and the save (Fernando).

Jake Eigsti blasted a 2 run dinger in the 6th and came up with two huge defensive stops at second later in the inning.

How To Play Baseball

Jarrett's Strong Start Wasted, Sharks Lose 3-1.

In his longest outing of the year, Sean Jarrett pitched effectively through 6 innings, holding the Long Island Ducks to two runs on five hits. But it wasn't enough. The Ducks eeked out a 3-1 victory at Bethpage Ballpark this afternoon.

Long Island scored a run in each of the first two innings. In the first a Lew Ford sac fly scored Kennard Jones, in the second Kraig Binick scored on an error by first baseman Brian Burgamy.

Camden's only run (despite numerous chances, the Sharks offense sputtered today) came in the top of the fifth, when Toby Hall singled in Burgamy to bring the Sharks to within one.

But the Ducks tacked on one more in the seventh when Dan Lyons singled in Tom Pennino to make it 3-1.

Scary moment for the Ducks in the bottom of the fifth when a Sean Jarrett pitch hit Ray Navarette in the helmet. Navarette lay on the ground for several moments before slowly getting to one knee, and eventually being led off the field by the Ducks training staff.

Shhhhh!!!!

Sharks Split Doubleheader, Sign New Pitcher

The Riversharks split a day/night doubleheader with the Long Island Ducks today, losing game one 7-2 and winning the nightcap 9-3.

The Ducks jumped all over J.R. Mathes early in game one, before the Sharks could even record an out. First Javier Colina blasted a three-run homer. Then a Matt Esquivel double score Lew Ford to make it 4-0.

Manager Von Hayes finally pulled Mathes for reliever Santos Hernandez, but the Ducks tacked on one more in the inning when Dan Lyons grounded into a fielder's choice that scored J.R. House. The inning finally ended when Hernandez got Kraig Binick to ground out to second for out number three.

The Ducks added one more in the second when Colina homered again to make it 6-0.

Camden finally got on the board in the sixth when Ruddy Yan's sac fly scored Juan Francia, but leading off the bottom of the frame, Ducks shortstop Dan Lyons homered to make it 7-1.

The Sharks one-out rally in the bottom of the ninth started when a Jake Eigsti double scored Jonel Pacheco to make it 7-2, but Ducks reliever Bubby Buzachero retired the next two batters in order.

Javier Colina finished game one going 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBI. Ducks Starter Bob Zimmerman pitched 7 innings of five hit ball, allowing one earned run while striking out seven.

Game two saw the Sharks offense explode in a 9-3 victory. Both Danny Richar and Jonel Pacheco drove in 3 runs apiece, and starter Wilkin De La Rosa pitched effectively for 6 innings, surrendering three runs on eight hits while striking out four.

Pacheco finished the game going 3 for 5 with a home run. The Riversharks beat up Ducks pitchers for a total of 17 hits.

The bullpen combo of Mumba Rivera, Fernando Hernandez and John Bale pitched well in relief of De La Rosa, not allowing a run and only giving up 2 hits.

Koplove To The Inactive List, Former Rev Cline Signed And Activated

Sharks reliever Mike Koplove has been placed on the inactive list. In 45 games this season, Koplove was 3 and 2 with a 3.33 ERA.

Former Revs pitcher Zac Cline has been added to the Sharks roster. Cline was 0 and 2 with the Revolution this year with a 7.62 ERA. Cline figured into game one of today's doubleheader, in 2 1/3 innings he allowed a run on three hits while striking out two.

The Original Title Of This Post Was "Jake Eigsti's Barehanded Smoothness", But That Sounded Too Dirty. Just Watch...

Eigsti's First HR Spoiled In Loss

Much like last night, the Riversharks jumped to an early lead. This time, it was behind the bat of Alvin Colina. The game led-off with a Jonel Pacheco walk, a Lloyd Turner single and the finishing touches were put on by Colina’s two-out single.

The scoring halted for both teams until an offensive explosion by the Revs in the 6th. Chris Nowak singled, Jose Herrera walked, and then a single by Bryant Nelson tied the game at one. That was short-lived after Vince Harrison blasted his ninth homerun of the season over the centerfield wall to extend the lead to 4-1.

The ‘Sharks answered back with a run of their own; again, off the bat of Alvin Colina. This time it was a solo shot to left field.

The bats went silent until the top of the ninth when Scott Grimes led the inning off with a stand-up triple. Some miscommunication between Brian Burgamy and Jake Eigsti led to a bloop-single by Chris Walker. A bang-bang play at the plate saw Grimes beat the throw home.

In the bottom of the ninth down 5-3 and on their last strike, the newly-acquired Eigsti delivered on his first hit as a ‘Shark. A no-doubter over the left-center field wall pushed the ‘Sharks to within one. However, it wasn’t enough and the ‘Sharks dropped the series finale against the Revs.

This. Is. AWESOME.

In This Week's Episode Of "Ask Mumba"

A few days ago via Twitter, Riversharks hitting coach Kevin Wilson let all his followers know that our own Mumba Rivera was now tweeting. Mostly about Tupac.

In fact, pretty much exclusively about Tupac.

Now, it just so happens, Constant Reader, that yours truly his his own Twitter account. And there was one question about Mumba that had been bothering me ALL SEASON. Namely, what the hell does he write on the back of the mound as he's warming up to pitch an inning or two??

You can sort of see what I'm talking about at the end of this short video. Ignore the obnoxious Ducks fans.

Turns out, it's his kid's initials: AR and HR. Muumzy, that's adorable. Kudos.

York Outlasts Camden

A dreary night started off in the Camden Riversharks favor in the bottom of the first inning. A leadoff double by Ruddy Yan was capitalized on by a sacrifice fly by Noah Hall.

The lead, however, was short-lived as the York Revolution charged back in the top of the second to take a 2-1 lead.

The scoring for the Revs started with Jose Herrera’s single, followed by the next five batters reaching base.

The ‘Sharks tied the game in the fourth when another double led to a run. Willis Otanez scored when Danny Richar’s sharp grounder was thrown away by the Revs’ second baseman, Bryant Nelson.

Again, the Revs answered back in the top of the 5th. James Shanks was hit by a pitch, left the game and Eric Eymann took his place. Followed by two consecutive hits, Eymann was able to give the Revs their second and last lead of the night.
For good measure the Revs added two in the 7th one on a Salvador Paniagua single and one on Mumba Rivera’s second wild pitch of the game.

Ugh.

Brian Burgamy Is Kind Of A Big Deal. People Know Him.

Brian Burgamy's 2 out, 2 run double in the bottom of the sixth was the difference tonight, as the Riversharks beat the York Revolution 2-1 at Campbell's Field. Burgamy went 2 for 2 at the plate, and earlier in the sixth made a spectacular sliding catch to rob Jose Herrera of a base hit.

A hot streak from Burgamy is long overdue, he's been struggling at the plate for most of the season. It also couldn't come at a better time for the Sharks, who are only a few games behind the Bridgeport Bluefish for the Liberty Division lead.

Starter Humberto Sanchez 1 hit the Revs over six innings while striking out three. He's got some control issues (as does any pitcher still on an Indy League roster in September, says Adam) but he got the job done. Also, he's kind of built like this guy. He's all shoulders and torso, which make his legs look skinny by comparison. The program has him at 6'6" and 230lbs, but I don't buy it. EDIT: I forgot to mention, he's got an absolutely filthy changeup.

Anyway he pitched effectively, and then Von left it to the bullpen. Sean Jarrett breezed through an inning in relief, allowing no hits and only one baserunner, thanks to a fielding error by shortstop Juan Francia.

Then it was Mike Koplove's turn. He let the first two Revs reach, but thanks to a heads up play by third baseman Danny Richar and an inning ending 4-6-3 double play, the Sharks managed to preserve the 2-0 lead.

John Bale came on in the 9th to try for his 4th save. After getting Herrera to fly out to center, he gave up a double to first baseman Chris Nowak. Left fielder James Shanks hit a ball to the left in the infield, and Bale, trying to get the lead runner, threw wide of second base. Everybody was safe. The Revs scored when second baseman Bryant Nelson hit into a fielder's choice that plated Nowak. The inning and the game ended one batter later, when Bale got Vince Harrison to ground out to short.

What's That? Playoffs? You Kiddin' Me?

As the 2011 Atlantic League season enters the home stretch, the Sharks sit in 3rd place in the Liberty Division, 1/2 game behind the Long Island Ducks and 3 1/2 games behind the Bridgeport Bluefish. Making the playoffs is a real possibility. But all that hinges on the success of a few key players, such as:

1. Danny Richar

In the lineup pretty much since the beginning of the season, Richar has really come on strong for the Sharks recently. In the past 5 games, he's batting a ridiculous .500, with an OPS of .823. He's OK at short, but I'd rather see Francia there. His baserunning skills need improvement. He'll be an integral part of the team's success if he stays hot.

2. Juan Francia

Another guy who's been hitting consistently well as of late, way down there in the nine hole. Francia's a guy who can steal once he gets on base, and he's improved his average by almost 10 points in the last ten games, but I think he could be a little more patient during his at bats. I've seen him make some amazing defensive plays at short this year, but he's also committed his fair share of errors.

3. Brian Burgamy

Burgamy has been something of a disappointment this season, though it's not entirely his fault. He's a versatile position player. With the departure of Mike Lamb, Drew Macias, Pedro Feliz and Raul Padron, he's been ping-ponged all over the lineup and has split time between first base, third base and left field. I think he hasn't had time to get comfortable anywhere. His average is way down, and he's prone to striking out. He can hit the long ball, and when he makes contact, it's with one of the sweetest swings on the team.

4. Ruddy Yan

Ruddy has settled nicely into the leadoff spot. He's clearly the fastest guy on the team, and should he reach base, Von's not afraid to send him under any circumstance. But good leadoff men are one thing and one thing only: patient. Ruddy's another guy that lacks patience at the plate. He's a solid outfielder who can track down fly balls better than anyone else on the Sharks.

5. JR Mathes

Mathes was a mid-season pickup who's been fairly effective, consistent and can give you a lot of innings. He's got decent stuff and I've seen him be unhittable at times. One of only two guys I'd be completely confident with on the mound, the other being...

6. Carlos Vasquez

Vasquez has the best record on the team at 10-4. He's got great breaking stuff. He'll give up a lot of hits, but he always seems to be able to pitch his way out of trouble. His 3.31 ERA is among the league's best.

7. Wilkin De La Rosa

I don't know enough about De La Rosa to form a complete opinion, I can only tell you what I saw Monday when he went 6 innings against the Bluefish. He gave up two runs on four hits while striking out six, and pitched his way, masterfully, out of a bases loaded no outs jam. Gets a lot of fly ball outs, which though effective, are not good for the old blood pressure.

Sharks/BlueCrabs Rained Out

Jake Eigsti Joins The Sharks

POSTED: 9/5/2011 by Megan McLaughlin

Today the Riversharks announced the addition of Jake Eigsti to the Riversharks Roster. The 27 year old infielder from Eureka, IL arrives from the Rockford RiverHawks in the Frontier League.

“He’ll be a welcome addition to our line-up. He plays solid defense in all of the infield positions which is what we are looking for at this stage. He will definitely see some playing time through the end of the season.” Von Hayes, Riversharks Team Manager.

Eigsti led the Frontier League with a .340 batting average, and was in the top ten for RBI with 74 on the season. The righty was also selected for the 2011 East Division Frontier League All Star Game. The sure-handed infielder had a .959 fielding percentage with Rockford.

Eigsti is a welcome addition to the Riversharks Roster as they enter their final 13 games of the season including a series next weekend vs. division rival the Long Island Ducks.

Unless A Miracle Happens, The Sharks/BlueCrabs Doubleheader Rescheduled For Tuesday Is Gonna Be A Washout...

Seriously, Who The Hell Is This Guy... Part II

...wearing Federico Baez's jersey? Anybody?

EDIT: Ask, and ye shall receive. Thanks Adam!

Despite Downpour, De La Rosa Deals.

Wilkin De La Rosa pitched six strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six in the Riversharks 3-2 victory over the division leading Bridgeport Bluefish tonight at Campbell's Field.

The Sharks took an early 1-0 lead when left fielder Noah Hall blasted his 15th home run of 2011 over the wall in left center.


The Bluefish tied the game in the 2nd when De La Rosa uncorked a wild pitch that scored left fielder Steve Moss. They threatened again in the 3rd, but with the bases loaded and no outs, De La Rosa got back-to-back strikeouts of second baseman Andres Perez and third baseman Luis Lopez, and got Wes Bankston to ground out to short to end the inning.

Camden managed another run in the 3rd when a Lloyd Turner double scored Ruddy Yan to make it 2-1.


In the 6th, Bridgeport rallied to tied the game again when Moss doubled in Bankston, but the Sharks tacked on one more in the bottom of the frame when third baseman Danny Richar's ground out scored Hall and made it 3-2.

The bullpen trio of Zach Hammes, Fernando Hernandez and John Bale shut the door on the Bluefish in relief of De La Rosa. In total, Sharks pitcher recorded 10 strikeouts in the victory.

So, I Took A Lot Of Pictures At Today's Game.

Mathes, At First Unhittable, Quickly Becomes Very, VERY Hittable

Early on, J.R. Mathes was cruising. He retired the Bluefish lineup in order through the first three innings, and looked to be well on his way to his 6th win of the 2011 season.


But in the top of the 4th, Mathes suddenly found himself unable to get ANYONE out. The Bluefish batted around, eventually scoring 7 runs on 8 hits before Von Hayes made the call to the bullpen, bringing on reliever Mumba Rivera to close out the inning.

Bridgeport made it 8-0 in the fifth when left fielder Steve Moss blasted his 15th home run of the season over the centerfield wall.


The Sharks only offense came in the bottom of the 7th when centerfielder Jonel Pacheco hit a 3 run shot that also scored Shea Harris and Danny Richar.

The Bluefish added one more in the 8th when first baseman Wes Bankston's double scored Felix Molina, making it 9-3.

Sharks Blown Out by Bluefish

The Bridgeport Bluefish pounded out five home runs and fifteen hits en route to a convincing 12-6 victory over the Camden Riversharks. Camden has now lost eight of their last nine games.

Paul Oseguera (11-3) picked up the win despite allowing six earned runs and nine hits in 6.1 innings.

Eddy Camacho (6-6) took the loss surrendering five runs on six hits in just two innings including four home runs.

Luis Lopez wasted no time giving the Bluefish the lead in the top of the 1st with a two-run home run, his 10th, to make it 2-0 Bridgeport.

Camden fought back to tie the game in the home half of the 1st. After Noah Hall drove home Lloyd Turner with an RBI triple, Willis Otanez brought him in with an RBI groundout to tie the game at 2-2.

Bridgeport added to their home run parade in the 2nd inning with three more in the 2nd inning. Prentice Redman, Luis Rodriguez, and Andres Perez all left the yard to give the Bluefish a 5-2 advantage.

The fireworks continued in the bottom of the 3rd as Alvin Colina launched a two-run home run, his 12th, to cut the deficit to 5-4.

The Bluefish added three runs in the 5th inning highlighted by a two-run double by Prentice Redman.

Bridgeport blew it open in the 6th inning with four more runs against the Riversharks bullpen. Luis Lopez collected his 4th hit with an RBI single and Steve Moss hit a two-run home run to extend the lead to 12-4.

KopRocked

Terry Tiffee hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the 8th inning as the Lancaster Barnstormers came back to beat the Camden Riversharks by the final count of 5-1. Camden is now three game back in the Liberty Division standings.

Trailing 2-1 in the top of the 8th, Terry Tiffee launched a two-run home run to right field off ‘Sharks reliever Mike Koplove to take the lead. Lancaster added two insurance runs in the top of the 9th as the Riversharks lost just their second game this season when leading after seven innings.

Riversharks’ starter Carlos Vasquez went the first six innings allowing just the one run on four hits while striking out three batters. Lancaster grabbed the lead in the top of the 2nd inning courtesy of a sacrifice fly by Yaibel Tamayo to give the Barnstormers a 1-0 lead.

The Riversharks took their first lead in the bottom of the 4th inning with two runs. Danny Richar hit an RBI double to tie up the game and Jonel Pacheco gave Camden a 2-1 lead with a sacrifice fly.

A Rare Hernandi Sighting...

Pitchers Santo Hernandez and Fernando Hernandez relax before Wednesday's game against Lancaster.

Sharks End Six-Game Skid

Humberto Sanchez had his strongest outing of the season as the Riversharks snapped their six-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory. The Riversharks are now back within two games of first place.

Sanchez (2-1) gave up just one run on two hits in his seven innings of work to pick up the win.

John Halama (5-6) took the loss pitching 7.2 innings allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out four batters.

Camden struck first and took their first lead of the series in the bottom of the 2nd thanks to an RBI groundout by Juan Francia.

Travis Metcalf tied up the game at 1-1 in the top of the 5th with a solo home run, his 5th of the season. The home run by Metcalf was the first hit of the game for Lancaster.

Ruddy Yan gave the Riversharks the lead back in the bottom of the 7th with a sacrifice fly that scored Brian Burgamy.

Camden blew it open in the 8th inning with four runs. After Danny Richar drew a bases-loaded walk and Jonel Pacheco hit an RBI fielder’s choice, Juan Francia lined a two-out, two-run double to give the ‘Sharks a 6-1.

Francia was 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

Terry Is Sorry, Baby...

[The following is what I imagine the conversation was like in the clubhouse upon Lancaster Barnstormers third baseman Terry Tiffee's return to the club, after being cut by the AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees earlier this week]

by Terry Tiffee

Hey. How you doin? Uh...look, this is tough for me to say. So I'm just gonna say it.

Terry is sorry, baby.

I didn't mean to say all those things. You know that. I'm not like that.

I know. I know. I hurt you. I'm sorry. I was excited. I was going to THE SHOW!! It was going to be great!! I was finally getting out of this shitty town!! I was...

Wait.

Wait...you know I didn't mean that. I mean to say, I was finally going to realize my dream of playing for an MLB club. Of course I love it here. I do. You guys...you guys are like family.

Everidge, you fat fuck, c'mere!! I love you, man. Believe it. Terry LOVES you. Family!! I would never knowingly hurt my family. Even if they are a bunch of no-talent has beens like you, Suarez. Ha-ha! Noogie!!! (Tiffee gives Lancaster shortstop Iggy Suarez a "noogie")

Wait...where are you going? Come back!! WAIT!!

Look, I'm really sorry. Terry is so, sooo sorry, baby. I said some awful things. I just want you to forgive me. I promise this won't EVER happen again. Please. I'm begging you. I've got nowhere else to go. Seriously. After I got the call from the Yankees, I called my wife and said, "Pack your bags, honey, I just hit the jackpot!!" When she asked whether she should pack for warm or cold weather, I said "I don't give a fuck, just be out of the house when I get home!!"

She didn't take that too well. She changed the locks. So seriously, I've got nowhere else to go.

HEY!! Is that my old locker? AWESOME. I've got all my stuff here, so I can move right in!!

I'm so glad to be back, guys. You have no idea.

So...we're cool, right? No harm, no foul?

Guys?

OMG, GI(4)DP WTF? FML...

Starter Wilkin De La Rosa battled control issues, and the Riversharks just couldn't plate enough runs to overcome the Lancaster Barnstormers early onslaught. The Stormers piled on the runs early and held on to beat the Sharks 7-5.

Lancaster batted around in the 2nd, but tallied just three hits, in what was really a nightmare inning for De La Rosa. A combination of walks, errors and timely hits, including a bases clearing RBI double from Lancaster first baseman Tommy Everidge eventually plated six runs for the Stormers.

The Sharks got one run back in the bottom of the frame when designated hitter Alvin Colina absolutely CRUSHED a J.D. Durbin fastball over the left field wall.

Camden cut the deficit to 6-4 in the 3rd, but caught a really bad break in the process. With the bases loaded and no outs, first baseman Willis Otanez grounded into a 4-6-3 double play that scored shortstop Juan Francia. Next, Colina singled in Lloyd Turner, and finally a Danny Richar triple scored Colina. The inning ended when left fielder Brian Burgamy struck out swinging.

In the 4th, Wayne Lydon scored on a double from left fielder M Watson to make it 7-4, and the Sharks added one more in the 9th to again cut the deficit to 2, but Otanez grounded into another 4-6-3 double play, and two batters later Richar lined one right to shortstop Iggy Suarez to end the game.


The Sharks outhit the Stormers 17-7, yet they scored only 5 runs. Part of the problem was Otanez grounding into THREE rally killing double plays (combined the Sharks grounded into four. FOUR. IN ONE NIGHT), and Burgamy narrowly avoiding the titanium sombrero, going 0 for 3 with three K's.

If you want to look for a silver lining in all of this, look no further than the Sharks bullpen. In four innings of relief, the combination of Zach Hammes, Fernando Hernandez and Mike Koplove allowed just two hits and no runs, while striking out five.

Also Colina, who apparently was so thrilled he didn't have to squat for 3 hours he went 4 for 5 with a homer and two RBI's.

Best. Story. Ever. "My First Day with the Yankees" by Matthew McGough