By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Jason Bocklage tossed his bat to the side, then his helmet. Colin Smith chucked his helmet behind him, as well. The Rockland Pirates, just 60 feet, six inches away, piled atop each other near the pitcher’s mound. Minutes later, Rayson Miller posed for pictures with a runner-up trophy, with not many smiling faces in the shot. When Rockland got … [Read more...] about Rayson Miller’s best season ever ends in state finals
Rayson Miller baseball
Kevin Sheppard wins twice on same day to send Rayson Miller to state finals
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Before Rayson Miller’s game at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Kevin Sheppard was warming up to start on the mound. That wouldn’t have normally been unusual, as he’d already started four games this season for Rayson Miller before Tuesday. It was unusual on Tuesday, though. That’s because Sheppard started Rayson Miller’s game at 4 p.m. and threw five innings. … [Read more...] about Kevin Sheppard wins twice on same day to send Rayson Miller to state finals
‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states
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
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