By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Rayson Miller’s Sam Cestra lifted his leg for the 1-2 pitch and fired. Fastball, right over the plate, and right past a swinging bat and into Jourdan Plaisted’s glove. Plaisted pumped his fist in sync with his battery-mate. Rayson Miller had looked in control for five innings. Then in the sixth, it looked like a blown chance. Then in the top … [Read more...] about ‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states
Legion
Maxx Countryman, one of Avon’s best, chases another state title
By BILLY HEYEN Beginning when Maxx Countryman was 3 or 4 years old, he and his father, Mike, developed a routine for each evening after Mike got home from work. They’d roll out the little, red wagon that held all their baseballs and tennis balls and head to the backyard. There, Countryman would hit, pitch and field. “I can’t remember a time I didn’t play baseball,” … [Read more...] about Maxx Countryman, one of Avon’s best, chases another state title
In 45th year as Rayson Miller head coach, Sapienza seeks a state title
By BILLY HEYEN Mike Krzyzewski has been head coach at Duke since 1980. Jim Boeheim has been head coach at Syracuse since 1976. They’re two of the longest-tenured active coaches with one team in sports. Tom Sapienza, Rayson Miller’s head baseball coach, has them both beat. He began coaching Rayson Miller in 1974, making this his 45th year at the helm. Those two collegiate … [Read more...] about In 45th year as Rayson Miller head coach, Sapienza seeks a state title
Preview: Rayson Miller faces Clinton County in game one at states
By BILLY HEYEN What: New York state American Legion baseball tournament When: Rayson Miller's first game: Saturday, July 28 at 12 noon; double-elimination with one game each day for RM until two losses ends tournament; championship on Wednesday, August 1 Where: Murnane Field in Utica, New York Who: District 7 champions Rayson Miller v. District 4 champions Clinton … [Read more...] about Preview: Rayson Miller faces Clinton County in game one at states
Bocklage walks it off to send Rayson Miller to the state tournament
By BILLY HEYEN EAST IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — Bases loaded. Two outs. Bottom of the seventh. Winning run on third. Rayson Miller couldn’t have asked for a better spot for the hottest hitter in District 7, Jason Bocklage, to come to the plate with a chance to send his team to the state tournament. “J Bock has been clutch all season,” said Rayson Miller first baseman Owen … [Read more...] about Bocklage walks it off to send Rayson Miller to the state tournament