SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Salt Cats and Onondaga Community College will host when the finest of the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) meet on July 14th for the 2016 NYCBL All-Star Game.
“Our annual All Star Game has given the NYCBL a chance to showcase its talent for Major League Baseball for many years,” said league president Steve Pindar. “This year will be no different. We look forward to holding our event at such a beautiful facility as Onondaga Community College.”
All-Star game proceedings start early in the day with the annual luncheon for players, coaches, league personnel and media. The day continues with the Skills Competition coordinated by Major League Baseball. Players will take part in the 60 yard dash, infield/outfield and batting practice. Scouts will also evaluate catchers and bullpen work.
The 2016 Home Run Derby will begin at 6 p.m. Modeled after the MLB Derby, each of the participants will get 10 swings or two and a half minutes – whichever comes first. The top performers will move on to the next round.
First pitch for the All Star game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
“This is the college’s first time hosting such a prestigious event, and we hope that your experience visiting our campus and the city of Syracuse will be nothing short of exceptional,” Onondaga Community College Vice President L. Rebecca Hahn said.
As part of the event, local little leaguers will have the exclusive opportunity to receive individualized instruction from NYCBL players at the 2016 NYCBL Little League camp. The camp will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 13th, and the $25 registration fee for players 10-12 years old includes an autograph session, refreshments and ticket to the following night’s All Star game.
Select little leaguers will have the chance to shag fly balls during the Home Run Derby. Syracuse Salt Cat Tom Nagy (Bentley) claimed the 2014 NYCBL Home Run Derby crown. Corey Andrade (Genesee Rapids/Anna Maria) won the 2015 derby.
New Era, the Official Cap of Major League Baseball, will again provide All-Star game hats as the NYCBL and the Buffalo-based company continue a partnership which began in 2014. This season all NYCBL teams will be fitted with New Era caps.
The Salt Cats, together with McKie Sports of Syracuse, will provide all-star shirts to all players and coaches.
Founded in 1978, the NYCBL is funded in part by Major League Baseball. More than 75 former NYCBL players dotted the rosters of MLB and minor league rosters last year. MLB All Stars J.D. Martinez (Saratoga/Oneonta ’08) and Hunter Pence (Schenectady ’02) both spent a summer playing in the NYCBL as did Rajai Davis (Hornell ’00), Jason Motte (Rome ’01) and Rob Scahill (Allegany County/Wellsville ’06).
Former Salt Cat Dan Fiorito is in his fourth year in the New York Yankees system. The 2011 and ’12 All-NYCBL performer recently saw action for the Yankees during MLB Spring Training games.
Auburn native and current Los Angeles Dodger Tim Locastro earned post-season Most Valuable Player honors for the 2012 NYCBL champion Syracuse Jr. Chiefs. Locastro also recently appeared in MLB Spring Training games.
The NYCBL, sending players to the pros since 1978.
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