Scheppers, Coello Added to Indy Roster in Majors While Stu Pomeranz’s Season Is Interrupted
June 8, 2012 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
It was just a week ago when we projected that Tanner Scheppers, who started his professional career with the St. Paul Saints in the American Association, could well be one of the next Independent players to reach the major leagues. It happened Thursday when the Texas Rangers added the right-hander to their roster. Scheppers was […]
Independent Baseball Season Fires Up Next Week With Three More Leagues Starting Play
May 11, 2012 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
Joe Calfapietra is one of the real veterans among the 32 Independent Baseball managers preparing teams to open the season in one week (May 17) when the Can-Am League, American Association and Frontier League hear the “Play Ball” cry. The 42-year-old New Jersey Jackals skipper has had time to develop a plan for building a […]
What Fabulous Match-Ups in Major League Games
September 16, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
The influx of Independent Baseball players into the majors this month has been exciting, and it is much more than a pure numbers game. Think about these feats, which should have every non-affiliated player, executive and fan jumping for joy: When Bobby Cramer made his debut in a start for Oakland his mound opponent was […]
Newest LA Dodgers’ 16 Years Pay Off
September 9, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
It was raining in Quebec and the first Can-Am League playoff series was being delayed by 24 hours, but New Jersey Jackals Manager Joe Calfapietra did not seem at all distressed. In fact, his mood was clearly that of a happy man. Joe’s year already was a success, and only in part because the veteran […]
Those Who Dominated the Mexican League in Offense Now Back in Indy Leagues for Late-Season Run
August 26, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
It is not uncommon early in an Independent Baseball season to see a number of quality players opt to play in Mexico or an Asian league where they can make more money. But the Mexican League ends early so some of those who have been prominent do an about face and come back to the […]
Daubach Has Pittsfield Overcoming Obstacles
July 29, 2010 by Bob Wirz · Leave a Comment
The Pittsfield Colonials faced a monumental uphill task when they joined the Can-Am League this season because they got a very late start in putting together the remnants of Owner Buddy Lewis’s ill-fated team from Nashua, NH. The Berkshire Mountain area in Western Massachusetts is renowned for its summer culture, which does not necessarily include […]
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, […]