By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA First things first: Even though Byron Buxton has an uncanny propensity for slamming into stationary objects, he has not asked groundskeeper Gene Buonomo or any member of the Frontier Field staff to add extra padding to the stadium's outfield walls. "Don't worry about the fences, they're my best friend, as you can tell," Buxton said with a big smile on … [Read more...] about If nothing else, Buxton has learned the importance of his big toe
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Jim Thome speaks on baseball, LeBron, Cooperstown and dreams
By BILLY HEYEN ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Soon-to-be inducted Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Thome is in Rochester to receive the Coca-Cola Sports Personality of the Year Award at the 69th annual Day of Champions Children’s Charity dinner. He spoke to the media at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center in a press conference on Monday afternoon. Thome hit 612 home runs in his major … [Read more...] about Jim Thome speaks on baseball, LeBron, Cooperstown and dreams
Pal-Mac’s Eckerson signs with the Los Angeles Angels
By PAUL GOTHAM Palmyra-Macedon graduate Cody Eckerson signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. During his senior season this past spring with the Niagara University Purple Eagles, Eckerson struck out a team-high 87 batters in 74.1 innings of work. The left-hander set the Niagara program career mark with 264 strikeouts. While at Niagara, Eckerson … [Read more...] about Pal-Mac’s Eckerson signs with the Los Angeles Angels
Greg Cullen’s ‘love of the game’ allowed him to reach his pro baseball dream
By BILLY HEYEN ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Niagara baseball coach Rob McCoy knew that he’d only have Greg Cullen for three years the moment the Penfield-native stepped on campus as a freshman. Wednesday, when Cullen was selected in the 15th round of the MLB Draft, McCoy was proven correct. “My assistant and I, he and I talk all the time about trying to get players that years down … [Read more...] about Greg Cullen’s ‘love of the game’ allowed him to reach his pro baseball dream
Victor Cavalieri, Northstar grad and Houghton lefty, drafted by Atlanta Braves
By BILLY HEYEN Houghton senior Victor Cavalieri will be joining another Section V alumnus and draftee in the Atlanta Braves organization. Cavalieri, who starred at Northstar, was picked in the 36th round by Atlanta after former McQuaid star Greg Cullen was picked by the Braves in round 15. Cavalieri is the first ever Houghton player to be selected in the major league … [Read more...] about Victor Cavalieri, Northstar grad and Houghton lefty, drafted by Atlanta Braves