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Excitement Aplenty for The Yuma Scorpions

July 10, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Yuma Scorpions News Release


Lake County, Illinois -- Jose Canseco picked up the win tonight for the Yuma Scorpions (13-27). It was just another day in Minor League Baseball and to peak interest, the Fielders placed all listed pitchers in positional spots for the game. The Scorpions manager, Jose Canseco, in return honored this feat and did the same thing. This means, you guessed it, positional players took to the mound. The game, maybe surprisingly, recorded 11-runs in all as the Scorpions won 8-3.

This could possibly be one of the most bizarre games this year in all of Minor League Baseball. You can't seriously tell me you wouldn't have wanted to see something like this. When was the last time you heard about a "switch" in all positions in regards to pitchers and players changing roles? Especially when you keep in mind, the pitchers from both teams actually hit the ball with some power. This should be a rule every Saturday to keep interest across all of baseball. You want scoring to go up in the Majors this year? Fine, problem solved. Pitchers hit and field while the positional players throw off the mound. I can only fathom Bud Selig taking this on, but I digress.

If I needed to pick an MVP of the game I would have to pick two. How can you not respect RHP JJ Leaper going 3-3 including 2-walks, 2-runs scored, and an RBI. The other you ask? Jose Canseco. He pitched 6-innings striking out 3, walking 1, and giving up 1-earned run. Honestly, the whole team deserves the MVP. The Scorpions have finally dropped all preconceived issues about what each player needed to bring to the field each night. They actually had fun for the first time all season and didn't worry about if they won or lost. That is definitely one scary thought for the rest of the league. It may have taken the Scorpions 40-games to finally gel and play as a team who genuinely wants to be playing together, but they aren't too far from a playoff spot. This is easily the most dangerous team in the league and I'm sure they are pleased with this Saturday's outcome.

I can only imagine what Sunday's game will be like. If the team stays relaxed and plays like they don't have to live up to anyone's standards, they may actually rally together and win a few games in a row. After being a part of the Scorpions for almost half the season, I am not surprised at anything that happens anymore. Fans have seen brawls, ejections a plenty, a reversal of roles by players, a dog on the field, police officers, and almost any other scenario one can think of not involving baseball. Some purists may see this game on Saturday as the downfall for any league, but I'm not so sure. This may be one of the most exciting leagues in baseball. You never know what will happen and anything that does happen you have to be at the field to experience it. You can never explain what you saw to a friend the next day that wasn't there.

I was recently having a conversation with a buddy a few days ago. He was explaining to his brother in law, who was visiting, about how exciting the Scorpions are at home. He went on about how he had only been to one-game this season due to work, but had one of the best times at a baseball game. He claimed it had all the makings of a television show and a great dramatic movie, except he was part of the action, watching live as the story unfolded. It was incredible to see the excitement in his eyes as he told his story about the Scorpions to his relative. His brother in law was in awe listening to this story. As I was listening I could only imagine how the visiting fans felt at each game. The visiting fans only get to experience this a few times all season and it will never be replicated again in the history of sports. The Scorpions road trip has seen thousands of Canseco fans show up to see him, not knowing how entertained they would be. It has been one crazy season, one that isn't even half way over and I for one am glad to be involved with the team.

If you haven't seen or heard a Scorpions game this year, tickets start at $5. You can listen to the Scorpions live at Scorpions TV powered by goliveyuma.com. The Scorpions take on Lake County on Sunday before taking their talents to South Beach, that is Hawaii, the true South.



North American League Stories from July 10, 2011


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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