NYPL Vermont Lake Monsters

Lake Monsters Home For Twelve of Next Fourteen Games

Published on August 22, 2007 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Vermont Lake Monsters News Release


The Vermont Lake Monsters are finally back at historic Centennial Field after a nine-game, 12-day roadtrip. The Lake Monsters begin a six-game homestand tonight with the Staten Island Yankees and then host the Brooklyn Cyclones. After a two-game roadtrip to Tri-City, Vermont will have another six-game homestand against the Oneonta Tigers and Lowell Spinners August 30-September 4.

The return home to Centennial Field will also mark the home debuts of four new Lake Monsters who joined the team during the roadtrip. Vermont fans will get their first chance to see pitcher Randy Matias, outfielder Michael Burgess (Washington's 3rd first-round pick and 49th overall in 2007 draft), outfielder Stephen Englund (2006 second-round pick) and infielder Stephen King (2006 third-round selection).

Wednesday vs. Staten Island, 7:05 pm Unicel Night! 750 Uncut Baseball Card Set

Thursday vs. Staten Island, 7:05 pm McKenzie Hot Dog Heaven! 25-cent Hot Dogs all night

Friday vs. Staten Island, 7:05 pm Sugarbush Night!

Saturday vs. Brooklyn, 7:05 pm New England Federal Credit Union Night! 1,000 Folding Seat Cushion Giveaway

Sunday vs. Brooklyn, 5:05 pm Shaw's Stars and Stripes Night! 1,000 Rally Towel Giveaway

Have A Catch on field following game

Monday vs. Brooklyn, 7:05 pm USA Today Sports Weekly Night!

Interview with Bill Rhinehart

By Justin Kopacz

The Lake Monsters continue to impress their toughest critics and are sitting strong at the All-Star break. The success has been credited to solid all around play. The rotation has been solid and the offense has been steady. One of the main components to the consistency at the plate has been first basemen Bill Rhinehart.

Rhinehart was drafted as an outfield prospect but was converted to first base before the season began. After playing high school ball in California, he made the short move to Arizona, where he went to college. After being drafted by the Nationals, Rhinehart not only had to switch positions, but also had to go across the country. Both transitions have gone flawlessly.

How has your experience been so far in Professional Baseball?

It's been pretty good. I have been enjoying my time in Vermont. The guys are great. Most of all it is good to be able to go out and play every day and come together as a team. The season wears on and it has been a good experience so far.

You were a two time captain of your high school team, do you find it advantageous to already have leadership experience? Are you a leader in the club house?

I don't think we really have team leaders. Guys just step up by showing it on and off the field. I think that everyone's a leader. We came back earlier this year from a 10-1 deficit and it was a total team effort. I think that all thirty of us are captains and as long as we do our part we will be fine.

You were named as the city player of the year in 2003 and also were the MVP of the North-South game in California, which accomplishment means more to you?

Both of them were pretty nice. I did not expect to be MVP. I just went out and played every day and everything just fell into place. I got it but I have a long way to go still.

Throughout your college career you were able to consistently improve with each season, what did you have to do to get to where you are today?

I just try to be consistent each year. If I have a bad game I try to go out the next day and be better. Baseball is a game of streaks and I just want to have more good ones than bad ones. As long as it balances out and I play hard everyday things should be fine.

What was your thought process leading up to the MLB draft?

We just got done loosing the regional and I was driving home as the draft was going on. A couple people were telling me that I was going to get drafted but you don't actually know until your name is called. I just took it like a grain of salt and did not really worry about it. The Nationals called and told me that I got drafted by them.

What was your initial reaction after being drafted by the Nationals?

I was very excited. It is a good time to be in this organization. It is on the rise.

How do you feel about your season to date?

Here you play everyday. Just playing every day and using the wood bat is different. Playing in college there is about three games a week and practices. That is a little adjustment. It is a long season so just to get through it will be a good accomplishment.

How has the transition to the wood bat been for you?

It has not been that big a deal. I have played in a couple of summer leagues using wood bats. It is a little bit of an adjustment. It is nothing that I have not seen. The biggest difference is if you get jammed, you're not going to get a base hit. You are going to have to find another spot on the bat to get knocks.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

It seems like forever since I have watched TV. I like the way Jim Edmonds plays. Since I have been an outfielder I have liked to watch him. I have not really had time to watch first basemen and see how they play the game but pretty soon I will start watching some videos. I got to see what they do to make it as a major league player. I still got some outfield love but first base is becoming the position I see myself at.

What was it like to be drafted and then switch from the outfield to first base?

It was not hard. It was more of a familiarity thing. After you get comfortable at a position it is hard to switch. I will try my best at first and get better every day. I still have some outfield in me but I just want to play everyday. It does not matter if it is first, outfield, or wherever as long as I get the opportunity to play.

What position do you see yourself going forward at?

I am getting more comfortable at first. It would be nice to play there. Where ever they have me in the future is where I will end up at.

What do you think you need to work on the most to make it to the big leagues?

Being a better hitter. Drawing better counts. My speed. All the little things that will make me better. I just need to work hard everyday and I should get where I need to be.

What are your individual goals and expectations for the remainder of this season?

I hope to make the playoffs and continue to get better as a team. It has been a while since we have made the playoffs. That is where we are looking to be at the end of the season.

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New York-Penn League Stories from August 22, 2007


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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