IL1 Columbus Clippers

Notes from the Coop

Published on May 19, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Columbus Clippers News Release


When Harry Stevens opened baseball's first concession stand at The Recy in German Village, he would stand outside the park in his bright red vest and hawk his scorecards by yelling, "Get your scorecards here! Can't tell the players without a scorecard!"

In his wildest dreams, I don't think Harry would have envisioned the players comings and goings the Clippers have experienced in the past road trip. When the team returns home to The Coop on Saturday, you really might need a program to tell who is who.

Let me see if I can help.

Gone are outfielders Melky Cabrera and Kevin Reese, along with pitcher Scott Erickson to the Yankees. Shortstop Felix Escalona, pitcher Jeff Karstens and outfielder Todd Self were sent to Double-A Trenton. Self was with the Clippers for three days but didn't appear in a game. Catcher Dave Parrish was released and signed with the Pirates Double-A club in Altoona, PA.

The Clippers now have pitchers Jorge DePaula and Tommy Phelps, plus outfielders Jason Conti, Terrence Long and Rob Stratton.

Jorge DePaula returns to the Clippers from Trenton. For the past four years Jorge has bounced between New York and Columbus as he has battled injuries. In 2003, he led the Clips in wins and strikeouts before being called up by the Yankees and pitching well in New York. Last season, with Columbus, DePaula posted a 4-2 record.

Tommy Phelps was born in South Korea. The 31-year-old lefty is a fourteen year minor league veteran and has major league experience with Florida and Milwaukee. Originally a starting pitcher, most of Phelps appearances in the past six years have been in relief.

Jason Conti (30) is a veteran outfielder with major league time with Arizona, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Texas. He has a .302 lifetime batting average in nine minor league seasons. Last season, with Okalahoma (PCL), he had 26 doubles, 15 home runs and 73 Runs Batted In.

Terrence Long (29) for the six seasons has been the regular left fielder for Oakland, San Diego and Kansas City. He also had a cup of coffee with the Mets in 1999. He has a lifetime .274 average in the bigs with a solid bat.

Rob Stratton (28) has good power number throughout his ten year minor league career. He has spent the last six seasons in Triple-A. With Louisville in 2004, Stratton hit .353 with 12 home runs in just 34 games. He was hurt in Louisville again last season, hitting .308 and four home runs in just eight games.

A few more notes from The Coop...

For the fans who like to listen to the game on radio while at the game, you can dial to 91.3 FM to hear Scott Leo's broadcast. This will be broadcasted on a transmitter at the stadium and can only be heard for about a mile radius. Work is continuing on replacing WVKO, which went off the air last month. At home, you can tune into the webcast on the computer at clippersbaseball.com.

The Clippers return home this Saturday vs. the Toledo Mud Hens at 7:05. The first 2,000 fans receive FREE Victory Bells and Curious George will be here for the kids!

On Sunday the game starts at 1:05 against the Mud Hens (I love that nickname name!)

It is the Columbus Dispatch/10TV/ThisWeek Papers "Family Day at The Coop"

The whole family (2 adults & 4 youth 18 & under) is admitted to general admission seating for only $10.00. What a great deal!

Clippers Retro Cap Giveaway to the first 2,000 fans of all ages! These are the original Clippers caps worn in the 1980's and are pretty cool!

We are going to try and give away a new 2006 Hyundai to someone in the "Hyundai Inning". I wish I could be eligible for this sweet ride!

For the animal lovers out there...

It is Columbus Zoo "Family Day". View the Zoo animals up close.

Make sure you check out the American Bald Eagle. In never realized how huge these birds are!

Columbus Zoo Members can present their Membership Card at the ticket window and admit their Family to General Admission seating for only $5.00. Limit of one family per Membership Card.

Also it is Student ID Discount Day

Students show their school ID and are admitted to General Admission for just $3.00. (Regular price $6.00)

Finally it is Kid's Fun Run Day. Kids of all ages get to run the bases after the game! This is for kids of all ages. One of these Sundays I am going to sneak down and run the bases myself. I hope they have an oxygen machine at the plate. After the Fun Run join in the Weight Watchers Walk around the warning track!

Hope to see you at The Coop this weekend!

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International League Stories from May 19, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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