Dion Soskin, Atlantic League Autograph Collector

I've met many different people in my blogging over the last year, but no one is better than providing information concerning autograph collecting than Dion Soskin of Dion's IP Auto Only. 

Dion is a collector of autographs of all Atlantic Leagues teams, but primarily does York and Lancaster games. After each autograph outing he gives a nice report of the cards he got signed, and his overall experience.

I highly suggest that all collectors check out his website!

His two latest posts are about the York and Lancaster Fan Fest's!

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2012 Lancaster Barnstormers Pocket Schedule

Here are some pictures of the Lancaster Barnstormers 2012 Pocket schedule. It's hard to read the promotional schedule but the front is a great picture. Pictures provided by Dion Soskin

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Kristen Simon Named 'Stormers GM, and Lisa Riggs Named President

Jim Seip of  Revs' Inside Pitch has reported on his twitter account that Kristen Simon has been promoted to general manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers, and Lisa Riggs named team president

 You can follow Jim on twitter @JimSeip

 

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Barnstormers Fan Fest Today

The Lancaster Barnstormers will having a fan fest today prior to their game against the Camden Riversharks.

The event is FREE to the public and will feature an autograph session, face painting, a kids' workshop from Home Depot, charity sports memorabilia auction.  As well as free samples of new product lines from concession suppliers, including Turkey Hill ice cream. Families will also been able to play catch in the outfield prior to the game. 

The gates for this event will open at noon.

After the festivities, the Barnstormers will face the Camden Riversharks in an exhibition at 1:00p.m.

Visit the Barnstormers website for more information!

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Beau Vaughan On First Couple Of Days With 'Stormers

Here's what Beau Vaughan told us about his first couple of days with the Lancaster Barnstormers.

"I didn't want to comment about playing for the Barnstormers until I got a feel for the town, the organization, and the team. But after the first few days of workouts, I will say this. One of the hopes for players in this league is to be seen by scouts. And after seeing the guys on our team play a little bit, I don't think getting scouts in the stands is going to be a problem. There is quite a bit of talent on this Barnstormers team."

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'Stomers Finalize Roster Sign Halama, Tiffee and Frostad

The Lancaster Barnstormers have announced the signings of pitcher John Halama, infielder Terry Tiffee and catcher Emerson Frostad for the 2012 season.

John Halama was originally drafted in the 23rd round (640th overall) by the Houston Astros in the 1994 MLB Amateur Draft. From 1998 to 2006, Halama pitched in 262 major league games for the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. He has a 56-48 record with a 4.65 ERA in 911 innings pitched in the big leagues. This will be his sixth season in the Atlantic League and second with Lancaster. Last season, he was 6-6 with a 5.33 ERA for the Barnstormers.

Terry Tiffee was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 26th round (779th overall) of the 1999 MLB Amateur Draft. In 2003, Tiffee has his best minor league season, hitting .315 with 14 home runs with 93 RBI for New Britian (AA). From 2005 to 2006, he played in 91 major leagues for the Minnesota Twins. In 2008, Tiffee played in 6 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a career .226 batting average with 5 home runs and 29 RBI in his major leagues. Tiffee started the 2011 season with the Barnstormers but had his contract purchased by the New York Yankees only 52 games into the season. Prior to being signed by the Yankees Tiffee was hitting .293 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI. He finished the 2011 season with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and hit .345 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI.

Emerson Frostad was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 13th round (376th overall) of the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft. He played seven seasons in the Texas Rangers organization. He enjoyed his best season in 2005, with Single-A Clinton. That season season he hit .269 with 16 home runs and 62 RBI. Frostad started the 2011 season with the Barnstormers, but has his contract purchased by the Houston Astros organization only 15 games into the season. He split the rest of the 2011 season between the Astros Double-A affiliate Corpus Christi, and their Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City. He he has a career .257 batting average with 68 home runs and 336 RBI.

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Ross Peeples On Upcoming Season

We got a chance to catch of with Barnstormers pitcher Ross Peeples and ask him about the upcoming season and here's what he had to say.

"I'm looking Forward to another good year here in Lancaster. I am excited to get things underway. We have a lot of new faces this year so it will be interesting to see how we all mesh together . You always have to trust Butch because he always has good teams and brings in good talent."

 

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Lancaster Signs Former Big League Pitcher Bennett, And Two More

The Lancaster Barnstormers announced on Friday that they have signed former major league reliever Jeff Bennett, as well as infielders Eduardo Perez and Jaime Pedroza.

Jeff Bennett was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round (658th overall) of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft. He played five seasons in the Pirates organization, before being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2003 Rule 5 Draft. On April 6, 2004, Bennett made his major league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing no runs and two hits over 1.1 innings. Bennett would go on to pitch in 179 major league games for the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Rays from 2004 to 2009. He posted a 8-17 record with a 4.30 ERA in his major league career. Bennett started the 2011 season with the Lancaster Barnstormers, but had his contract purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 15, 2011. Bennett was released by the Diamondbacks on August 30th, after going 3-0 with a 4.29 ERA in 35.2 innings pitched. He returned to Lancaster for the end of the 2011 season. He finished with a 4-0 record and 0.82 ERA in 33 innings for the Barnstormers.

Eduardo Perez signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005. He played all six of his professional seasons in the Dodgers organization. He had his best season in 2007 with Great Lakes(A), when he hit .311 with 14 home runs, 60 RBI, and 8 stolen bases in 116 games. He's a career .289 hitter with 51 home runs and 312 RBI in 611 games. 


Jamie Pedroza was a 9th round selection (296th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft out The University of California - Riverside. He played all five of his professional seasons in the Dodgers organization. He had his best seasons in 2009 with Great Lakes(A), when he hit .260 with 15 home runs, 78 RBI, and 36 stolen bases. Last season, he split time between Rancho Cucamonga(A+) and Chattanooga(AA). 

Bennett is a great addition to the 'Stormers bullpen. Last season he was lights out for them. He'll most likely be use a set-up guy, but will also close some games. Perez and Pedroza will be used primarily off the bench but could also get some spot starts. Especially Pedroza, who is a threat to steal bases when he gets on.  Lancaster has such a stacked lineup, so it's tough to see where they'll actually fit in, but I'm sure Butch will utilize them.

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Jerome Williams On ESPN Sunday Night Baseball

Former Lancaster Barnstormer pitcher Jerome Williams will be making his first start for the Los Angeles Angels Sunday against the New York Yankees on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. (photo from ESPN.com)

According to Dave Collins, the "Voice of the Barnstormers," ESPN will be doing a feature on him that will include mentions about Lancaster.

"ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball this week will feature one of the Lancaster Barnstormers from early last season, Jerome Williams, who is making the start of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Yankee Stadium. There will be Lancaster mentions in a feature that ESPN will be doing on him." - post on Dave Collins Facebook page.

Williams had a 6-0 record with a 2.91 ERA with the Barnstormers last season before he had his contact purchased by the Los Angeles Angels. Williams continued to succeed at the Angel's Triple-A affiliate Salt Lake, and was eventually called up to the major leagues. This was a return to major leagues for Williams, who pitched 76 games in the big leagues from 2003 to 2007. In 10 games for the Angels in 2011, Williams posted a 4-0 record with a 3.68 ERA.

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Kody Kirkland Interview

Kody Kirkland was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round (894th overall) of the 2001 MLB Amateur Draft.

After signing with the Pirates in May of 2003, he was assigned to their Gulf Coast League team where had a .306 batting average in 46 games.

Kirkland played only one season in the Pirates organization. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers as part of the Randall Simon trade in 2003.

In 2004, Kirkland had one of his best seasons playing for the Oneonta Tigers (A-) in the New York-Penn League. That season he hit .304 with 11 triples, 4 home runs, 49 RBI, and 14 stolen bases.

The following season he was promoted to West Michigan(A), and his power numbers continued to grow. He hit 30 doubles, with 11 triples, 10 home runs and 61 RBI in 129 games for the White Caps that season.

Kirkland had another great season in 2005, hitting .266 with 16 home runs and 65 RBI for Lakeland(A+) in the Florida State League.

In 2006, Kirkland was promoted again, this time to Double-A Erie. He continued to excel, putting up 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 119 games. He was called up to Triple-A Toledo toward the end of the sseason.

Kirkland started the 2007 seasons back in Erie. While his batting average slumped, his power numbers continued to be strong. That season he hit 15 home runs with 51 RBI.

In 2008, Kirkland split time between the Double-A Erie, and Triple-A Toledo.

Kirkland signed with the Atlanta Braves organization in 2009, and hit .211 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI in 105 games between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett.

In 2010, Kirkland signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. In his first season in the Atlantic League he went on a tear, hitting .303 with 6 triples, 10 home runs, 39 RBI and 10 stolen bases in only 63 games. His fast start didn't go unnoticed. On July 23, 2010 he had his contract purchased by the Houston Astros organization and was assigned to Double-A Corpus Christi. Kirkland finished the 2010 season, by hitting .286 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI in 19 games for the Hooks.

Kirkland came back to the Blue Crabs in 2011, and hit .245 with 6 home runs and 20 RBI in 46 games.

On March 13, 2012, Kirkland has his rights traded from Southern Maryland to York, and then to Lancaster in a three-way trade.
 
Kody took some time to answer some quetions for us.  

CM: Growing up in Idaho, what was your favorite baseball team? Favorite player? 


KK: I grew up being a braves fan, I assume because that's who was always on television and I loved the tomahawk chop. The "Iron Man," Cal Ripken Jr. is my favorite player.

CM: In 2001, you were drafted by the Pirates in the 30th Round (894th Overall) of the 2001 MLB Draft. Do you remember where you were when it happened? What was your reaction?

KK: I was sitting in my basement waiting for that phone call. At the time our house phone had a different ring for when it was a long distance call. When I heard the phone ring I just knew. It was one of the best days of my life...... Not every day you get drafted and get to graduate high school on the same day. 

CM: In 2003 you were traded to the Tigers organization. How did you feel being traded so early in your career?

KK: Being traded was a very bitter sweet feeling. I was just getting comfortable with the organization and my teammates and really feeling at home. Then all of a sudden you are back to square one with not only another team but a whole organization. I felt good that someone liked me enough to trade for me, but then again someone also let me go.

CM: After the trade you had one of your best seasons in Oneonta. What was it like playing in Oneonta which is so far from Idaho at such a young age (20 years old)?

KK: I had a great time in "O" town. The New York-Penn League was one of my favorite leagues with all the cities. It was nice eating free lunch every day. They pretty much gave away the key to the town if you hit an extra base-hit.

 CM: You worked your way up through the Tigers organization and in 2008 made it to Triple-A. What was your favorite memory being in the Tigers system?

KK: One of my favorite memories with the Tigers was winning a ring on 2004 in the Midwest League, then being put on the 40-man roster and getting to play with and against players I have looked up to since I was young.

CM: Did you think you were going to get your opportunity to play in the majors? Were you disappointed that you didn't?

KK: Of course I thought I was going to get my chance and I still do. I was as close as could have been to the big leagues and was in a great place, but mentally I tried to control things that you can't and that was hard. I've  bounced back after a long road.

CM: Was there a favorite team you or city you played for?

KK: I liked playing in Toledo with the great fans and a beautiful stadium.

CM: In 2010, you signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. What were you first thoughts of joining the Blue Crabs and the Atlantic League?

KK: I thought "indy ball"...has it really come to this. I knew nothing about independent baseball and the Atlantic league. But what a place to play when you are trying to get back! In 2010 I believe I played on one of the best teams I have ever been apart of. We played to win and that is a very easy thing to loose when you are with an organization.

CM: Who's your favorite teammate?

KK: I have way too many favorite team mates to name just one, but Eric Rodland and Kelly Hunt were two teammate of mine that helped me find the Lord and I can never thank them enough. 

CM: What was it like the first time you saw yourself on a baseball card?

KK: The first time I saw myself on a card I was so proud. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. 

CM: If you could play catch with on person dead or alive who would it be?

KK: I would love to play catch with Ted Williams and just take baseball.

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York Signs Three

The York Revolution announced the signings of Michael Hernandez, Stephen Douglas and Joe Spiers on Wednesday. Hernandez was acquired in a trade from the Somerset Patriots for future considerations. While Spiers who had signed with Lancaster in late February, was traded York for future considerations.

Michael Hernandez returns to the Atlantic League for his fourth season. He previously played for Newark in 2009, and Somerset in 2010 and 2011. Hernandez has a career a .293 batting average with 35 home runs and 152 RBI in the Atlantic League. Last season, he put on a show at the Atlantic League All-Star game, going 2-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI in a Freedom Division win.

Hernandez was drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers in the 45th round (1344th overall) of the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft out of Oklahoma State University. He played two seasons in the Detroit Tigers organization in a 2006 and 2007, and one season for the New York Mets organization in 2008.

Stephen Douglas was a 16th round selection (491st overall) by the Cleveland Indians in the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft. He played two seasons in the Indians organization posted a .252 batting average between the GCL Inidians(RK) and Mahoning Valley(A-). From 2008 to 2011, Douglas played across the independent landscape, including stops in Amarillo (United Baseball League), Traverse City (Frontier League), Gateway Grizzles (Frontier League), El Paso (American Association), Grand Prairie (American Asssociation) and Lancaster (Atlantic League). He has a .324 batting average with 17 home runs, 186 RBI and 76 stolen bases in his independent career.


Joe Spiers signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Braves in 2007 after a successful career at the University of Hawaii and San Diego State University. He played one season in the Braves organization with the GCL Braves in 2007. In 2008, he signed with the Chillicothe Paints of the Frontier League. Spiers has also played for the Grand Prairie (American Association), Washington (Frontier League), Wichita (American Association), and Evansville (Frontier League). Last season, he hit .323 with 5 home runs, 40 RBI, and 50 stolen bases in only 73 games. All of which were career highs.

York continues to build a contender. Hernandez is familiar with the Atlantic League and has posted three consecutive solid seasons, and will compete for a starting position. While Douglas is only 27 years old and his hitting the prime of his career. His batting average has gone up each of the last two seasons. Spiers also seems to be hitting his stride, and at 26 year old the ceiling could be pretty high for him in the Atlantic League. Last season, he had career highs in almost every offensive category. He'll be an interesting player to watch. 

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Lancaster Signs Three

The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed right-handed pitcher Alan Johnson, left-handed pitcher Mike Johnston and infielder Brad Boyer for the 2012 season.

Alan Johnson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Colorado Rockies in 2005, after a successful career at Mississippi State University. He played seven seasons in the Rockies organization. He had his best season in 2007, when he posted a 16-7 record with a 2.78 ERA between Modesto(A+) and Tulsa (AA). On April 17, 2011 he was called up to the major leagues and pitched in one game for the Rockies, allowing 4 runs in 4 innings. He finished the 2011 season in Triple-A with Colorado Springs, where he was 5-11 with a 7.43 ERA.

Mike Johnston was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 20th round (598th overall) of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft. He pitched 25 games in the major leagues from 2004 to 2005 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 0-3 record with a 5.71 ERA. He last pitched in the United States in 2009, when he split time between the Chicago White Sox's Double-A affiliate Birmingham and their Triple-A affiliate Charlotte.

Infielder, Brad Boyer was a 13th round (386th overall) selection by the San Fransisco Giants in the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft. He played five seasons in the Giants organization, advancing to Triple-A in 2010. Last season, he hit .348 with 10 home runs and 68 RBI for the Gary SouthShore in the American Association.

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Great Article On 'Stormers Assistant GM Kristen Simon

Here's a great article that Dan O'Connor from Lancaster Online wrote about Lancaster Barnstormer assistant general manager Kristen Simon, and being a female baseball executive.

Here's a sample of the article:



"Simon is a mix of enthusiasm, outgoing friendliness and good old-fashioned hard work, and those are traits that make her perfect for the job, Barnstormer officials say.

Anyone who watches Simon go about her job can "identify how passionate she is, and how great she is at paying attention to the details," said Barnstormers' radio announcer Dave Collins, also the team's baseball information manager."

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Lancaster Signs Walrond, Doolittle, and Vaughan

The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed left-handed pitcher Les Walrond, and right-handed pitchers Todd Doolittle and Beau Vaughan for the 2012 season.

Les Walrond was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round (378th overall) of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft out Kansas University. In 2000, he had a 10-5 record with 3.34 for the Potomac Cannons in the Carolina League (A+). In 2003, he pitched in 7 games in the major leagues for the Kansas City Royals. Walrond also pitched 10 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2006, and 6 games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. He started the 2011 season with Lancaster but was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies on May 27th. Prior to being picked up by the Phillies he had a 1-0 record with a 1.38 in 13 innings pitched. Walrond finished the 2011 strong, splitting time between the Phillies Double-A affiliate Reading, where he posted a 4-1 record with a 2.08 ERA, and their Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley where he was 0-1 with a 1.23 ERA.

Todd Doolittle signed with the Florida Marlins as an undrafted free agent in 2005 out of Mississippi State University. He pitched seven seasons in the Marlins organization including two stints at Triple-A in 2010 and 2011. He has a career 36-25 record with a 2.73 ERA and 44 saves.

Beau Vaughan was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round (84th overall) of the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft out of Arizona State University. He pitched eight seasons in the minor leagues with the Red Sox, Rangers, and A's organizations. He played at the Triple-A level in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He has a career league record of 26-23 with a 3.58 ERA and 37 saves.

The Barnstormers added some more help to their bullpen today with the signing of Walrond, Doolittle and Vaughan. Walrond is a veteran who started off last extremely well for the Barnstomers and finished strong with the Phillies organization. His success should continue in 2012. Doolittle and Vaughn do a little of everything, they can't start games come in relief and close games.

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