Atlantic And Golden Leagues Played Sizeable Roles In Jose Lima’s Life

The tributes have been pouring in regarding the tragic loss of life by Jose Lima, who was only 37. I was on my way to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT Sunday when I heard the news on the radio. It seemed like everyone I encountered at the York-Bridgeport Atlantic League game had […]

Houston Suburb Only First Link as Atlantic League Develops a Western Division

Sugar Land, TX city officials called their agreement to place an Atlantic League team in the upscale Houston suburb “historic”, and they might as well have been speaking for the heretofore Eastern-based league itself because this market seems destined to be the first step toward establishing a Western Division for the 13-year-old league. Peter Kirk, […]

Bierbrodt Puts Fire-Fighting on Hold to Pitch; Pulsipher, Padilla Have Double Roles

It is easy tracking Atlantic League players when they have their contract picked up directly by a major league organization.  But what happens to everyone else who was in the league a year or two or three ago and is neither with an organization nor still in the league?  Sure, some give up playing and […]

Parity Exists, But Injuries and Player Losses Make the Challenges Tougher

Parity appears extremely strong three weeks into the Atlantic League season with every team within two games of the division lead, but the challenge to managers and player personnel bosses to keep it that way is certain to build now that the expected roster-juggling has started. It seems every person this typist talks to has […]

Somerset Nears Lead for Graduates Getting to Majors; St. Paul Has 15, Patriots 14

Michael Ryan’s recall to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim brings Somerset, NJ within reach of tying for the all-time (1993-2010) record of the most alumni from one Independent team reaching the major leagues. The St. Paul (MN) Saints, who got a five-year jump on the Patriots since they started play in the Northern League […]

It Is Easy to Tell How Much Sparky Lyle Loves Managing and the Atlantic League

It only takes a few minutes with Sparky Lyle to understand how much the Somerset manager thinks of the Atlantic League.  It is equally impressive that the 65-year-old, who was a major league star as early as the late 1960s, still has fire in his belly for his job, which has to be part of […]

Major Leaguers Ponson, Spiezio Stand Out in Openers

Two of the most seasoned former major leaguers were among the opening night stars in the Atlantic League Thursday.  Sidney Ponson would have had an unblemished six-inning stint in leading Long Island past Lancaster 8-5 if not for a three-run, second inning blast by Joe Gaetti, the son of former big league star Gary. And, […]

Half of ’09 All-Stars Return, Some in New Uniforms; As Incentive, Former Players Setting a Hot Pace

Fans anxiously awaiting Thursday night’s season openers in the Atlantic League can look forward to the return of half of last season’s 14-man All-Star team although seven of the eight managers may not be quite so happy that three of them will be wearing the uniform of the back-to-back championship Somerset Patriots. In addition to […]

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