Jacob Isaac's Spring Training Report
Published on April 16, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Atlantic City Surf News Release
By Jacob Isaac
Surf Play by Play Broadcaster
ATLANTIC CITY _ We couldn't have asked for a better day in Atlantic City to begin this year's spring training for Atlantic City Surf baseball. Can you please thank the man upstairs for this 70-degree weather and sunshine because it wasn't baseball weather two days ago?
Surf director of player personnel Jeff Ball and Surf general manager Mario Perrucci have spent hundreds of hours this off-season compiling a team worthy to take the field and winning the 2003 championship in the Atlantic League. Even though we are only into day-one of spring training, give those men respect. They brought in players like Kim Batiste and Trey Beamon, Shane Monahan and others that still have plenty of juice in their bats, but not enough faith in them from Major League organizations.
Hopefully this will be the year they can prove they have what it takes to play this great game at any level. I think we saw a glimpse into that today. Batiste hasn't even played baseball in over a year and a half after repairing his injured knee. He was out there making perfect throws from third base and lined shots through the outfield gaps Beamon was slicing away during batting practice and Monahan showed his leadership by advising the younger guys to smile and enjoy the game. Both Ball and Monahan were joking away during BP and infield practice; trying to break the ice for a team full of new players.
Lucas Taylor, who just last year was playing for Shepard College in West Virginia, can't wait to learn from all the veterans and great coaching staff.
"I've got a lot to learn, but it's going to be fun,'' Lucas said.
Ric Johnson is excited to be back with the Surf this season and looks forward to playing with this group of guys. "It's was pretty quiet in the clubhouse this morning but give it a couple days and all you'll hear is laughing and guys loving baseball." Johnson said.
Johnson started last season with Camden but batted only .210 for the first half. After coming to Atlantic City last July, he exploded and hit .376 in nearly 200 at bats.
Canadian American League Stories from April 16, 2003
- Black Bears Sign Righthander Hall - Berkshire Black Bears
- Jacob Isaac's Spring Training Report - Atlantic City Surf
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