Forensic Career Bypassed as Indy Grad Jason Cooper Takes on New Opportunity With Pirates
December 2, 2011 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
Stanford University professors may not want to hear it, but one of their anthropological science graduates has given up an admitted “passion” for forensics to start on Phase 2 of a professional baseball career, this time as a front office rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jason Cooper could see the handwriting on the wall within […]
Another Independent Player Gets to Major Leagues
September 2, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
     It was not such usual candidates as Michael Ryan or Scott Richmond or John Lindsey or Randy Williams, but Independent Baseball has had one interesting promotion in the first couple of days since major league teams started taking advantage of the opportunity to expand rosters in September. This ranks right up the excitement level […]
Michael Ryan Had ‘A Blast’ With Angels; Could Aldridge, Mastny Be on Deck?
June 19, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
This has to be a frustrating day for Michael Ryan, one of the bright alumni lights for the Atlantic League, since the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim designated him for assignment Thursday. Ryan, who turns 33 in a few days (July 6), had battled his way through four other major league organizations and a 65-game […]
Pitchers Not Always the Priority for Major League Clubs; Stavisky Retires While Phelps Is Out
June 11, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
It often seems like pitchers are the top priority when major league teams go shopping in the Atlantic League or any of the seven other Independent leagues for talent. As a prime example, only four of the 16 former Indy players currently active or on disabled lists with any of the 30 teams are position […]
With 38 Players Used Already, Bears ‘Continuing to Build’; Perkins May Help
June 2, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
It is highly advisable for anyone going to a Newark Bears game to pick up a program. This goes for regulars at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium as well as the casual fan or someone watching the Bears on the road. Thirty-six games into the campaign or just past midway in the first half of […]
Who Will Be Next to Majors? Lindsey Stays Hot, Weber Warming Up
May 14, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
Michael Ryan had not been in the majors since 2005 until joining the Angels last weekend, and Cuban-born Raul Valdez had never been there until the New York Mets added the onetime Can-Am Leaguer (New Jersey Jackals and Nashua, NH) a few weeks ago. And, it is anyone’s guess on where lightning will strike next, […]