Four NELers on World Cup Team
October 13, 2003 - Canadian American League (Can-Am) News Release
(Durham, NC â October 9, 2003) Four players from Northeast League teams this season were selected by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) to participate in the XXXV Baseball World Cup in Havana, Cuba, from October 12-25.
Daktronics Northeast League Player of the Year Vic Davilla (Allentown Ambassadors), who came one homer and three batting percentage points shy of the league's first Triple Crown, headlines the players invited. Davilla finished the 2003 season with a .338 batting average 20 homeruns and 74 RBI.
Team USA also selected Elmira's catcher Brian Jones, Rox closer Conor Brooks and centerfielder Darren Blakely to round out the league's representation in the World Cup. Brian Jones anchored the Elmira Pioneers from behind the plate and added some pop with a .306 batting average and 10 homers in 83 games.
Conor Brooks, selected as a Northeast League All-Star reliever, led the league in saves with 21 while striking out 44 batters in 50 2/3 innings. Darren Blakely led the league in extra-base hits with 49 and was in the top 5 in homeruns (15), Doubles (15), RBI (66) and slugging percentage (.561).
The 23-man roster also includes former Quebec shortstop Robbie Kison who played last season for both Quebec and the pennant winning Jackson Senators of the Central League.
This is the 10th time that the tournament will be held in Cuba, but the first time since 1984. Cuba has won 23 World Cup Championships in the 35-year history, including winning each year that they have hosted the event.
Canadian American League Stories from October 13, 2003
- Ed Ott and Vic Davilla to Return in 2004 - Allentown Ambassadors
- Three Northeast Leaguers in action - Can-Am
- NELers on Canadian World Cup Team - Can-Am
- Four NELers on World Cup Team - Can-Am
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