By Paul Gotham ROCHESTER, N.Y. – It didn’t take long for Dave Brust to arrive at an important realization. Less than one month into his first season as head coach of the Webster Yankees, Brust watched his top reliever, Patrick Urckfitz, sign a minor league free agent deal with the Houston Astros. The departure created hole in Webster’s bullpen. During 14.2 innings of … [Read more...] about Brust brings NYCBL experience to Monroe
Casey's Clipboard
Carroll enjoys staying on his grind
By Paul Gotham ROCHESTER, NY – More than a decade has passed since Brett Carroll roamed the fields of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Time hasn’t erased the memories. The veteran of ten years in professional baseball, including parts of six seasons in the majors, has played 180 games in the bigs, hit a home run off a future hall of famer, but still keeps a memento … [Read more...] about Carroll enjoys staying on his grind
Fiorito maintains perspective while on the fast track
By Paul Gotham ROCHESTER, NY -- Fifty-five minutes remain before first pitch of Wednesday night’s International League game at Frontier Field between the visiting Scranton /Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the Rochester Red Wings. Dan Fiorito relaxes in the dugout leaning back on his elbows thoughtfully answering questions. The 22-year old rookie just finished taking batting … [Read more...] about Fiorito maintains perspective while on the fast track
Urckfitz and Lancaster claim California League crown
By Paul Gotham Patrick Urckfitz knows how to save his best for last. As a junior college player, he came out of the bullpen for Monroe Community College and helped the Tribunes finish third in the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series. Four years later, the left-hander hurled a pair of scoreless frames in the deciding game of the 2012 … [Read more...] about Urckfitz and Lancaster claim California League crown
Springsteen: Reflections from the Vernon Downs pit
By Paul Gotham It was one of those "happy accidents" which The Boss likes to refer. That is the only way to explain standing in the "pit" and staring up at a column of speakers. Ending up in front of the stage seemed out of the question when the "better two-thirds" (better-half doesn't measure up) and I headed out shortly after two o'clock to "drive that dusty road from … [Read more...] about Springsteen: Reflections from the Vernon Downs pit