News in the coop
July 27, 2004 - Frontier League (FL)
Richmond Roosters News Release
Roosters Ace Signed By Yankees
Richard Barkley wasn't sure how to feel on Monday night. He struggled in a start against the Evansville Otters and lasted only three innings while allowing five runs and seven hits. However, the news soon came that he had been picked up by the New York Yankees organization. "He's a great guy and works hard all the time" said Roosters Manager Chris Mongiardo, "He deserves this opportunity." Entering his start on Monday, Barkley had the third lowest ERA in the Frontier League and he leaves Richmond with a 4-3 record and a 2.97 ERA. Barkley struck out 64 batters and walked just 16 in nine starts. His best outing came on May 27th in a complete game shut out of Washington. Barkley allowed just five hits against the Wild Things in a 4-0 Richmond victory.
The Yankees have assigned Barkley to the Battle Creek Yankees of the Midwest League. The class A affiliate in competing for a division championship in the second half of theis season and Barkley is expected to jump into the rotation immediatley. Barkley, a native of Sumter South Carolina, was named to the 2004 Frontier League All-Star team. He pitched one scoreless inning during a 10-2 win for the East Division last Wednesday.
Roosters shine at All-Star Game
The Richmond Roosters had the best night of any team represented at the 2004 Frontier League All-Star Game on Wednesday. The four players from Richmond all played and contributed to a 10-2 win for the East Division. Roosters first baseman Kevin Brown stole the show with his bat and his glove and earned the All-Star MVP honors. Here's how the Roosters faired against the best of the league:
Kevin Brown finished 2 for 5 with a solo homer and two runs scored. Brown crossed the plate in the first inning as part of a four run first for the East. Brown also made two exciting defensive plays. The first was on a diving catch near first base on a line drive and the other was on a grab while falling into the front row seats in foul territory. Brown also participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby, but fell just short of reaching the final round.
Mike Reese was 1 for 2 with a 2 RBI double and a runs scored. Reese also got credit for a diving catch, but television replays later showed the Reese trapped the ball on a shallow fly to center. Reese did not start, but came in to pinch hit and then took over in center field. "This was a great opportunity" said Reese, "I had a lot of fun."
Richard Barkley pitched a scoreless second inning and allowed only one hit. Barkley also walked a batter, but the diving catch by Kevin Brown helped him get out of the inning.
Chad Sosebee not only pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh, but he also got to the plate and drilled a ball into the gap for a double to finish 1 for 1.
The Roosters combined to go 4 for 8 (.500) with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. It was the first All-Star appearance for each of the Roosters. Two players (Reese and Barkley) are in their first full season of professional baseball. Meanwhile, Chad Sosebee is playing his final season in the Frontier League because of the league's age restrictions.
Q & A With Mike Reese All-Star Outfielder Mike Reese took a few minutes to discuss his season and his weekend in St. Louis for the Frontier League all-star game. Reese went 1-2 with a double, RBI, and a run scored and made a great catch in center field during the game.
Q: What are your feelings on your performance in the first half of the season? MR: I am a little surprised at how well I have played so far. Being named to the all-star team in my first season is an honor and a great achievement.
Q: What were you doing when you found out about being selected to the all-star team? MR: I was in the locker room and Mong (Roosters Manager Chris Mongiardo) told me I had a meeting with Deanna, and then said, "By the way, you're on the all-star team."
Q: What was the best part of St. Louis? MR: Interacting with other guys and seeing how their team is run and seeing everyone have a good time.
Q: Did the game live up to your expectations? MR: Yeah definately. The crowd was really into the game and I was surrounded by a lot of really talented players. I was just hoping to compete with everyone. It was a great experience.
Q: Were you surprised to be selected or did you feel you had a good shot at the team? MR: I was a little surprised. I felt I had a good shot, but I wasn't sure how everyone in the league felt about me and how I have played. I was glad to get that kind of respect from the rest of the league.
Q: What are your goals and expectations for the second half of the season? MR: Individually I want to put up some of the same numbers I have so far and maybe even improve on them, especially my power numbers. As for the team, I would really like to see us climb back into the playoff race and string some wins together.
Still upcoming for 2004 are:
July 28th Hoosier Lottery Ticket Giveaway July 29th Budweiser presents Dale Earnhardt Jr. #8 show car. Get your picture taken with the car. Sodas are $1 all night. July 30th Rally Towel Giveaway sponsored by VFW Post 1108, Kids in Uniform Get in FREE August 4th Kentucky Speedway Night, chance to win tickets to a race. Hoosier Lottery Giveaway Night. August 5th Dollar Sodas all night, Guns n' Hoses Night â Fireman vs. Policeman August 6th Guarantee Win Night â If Roosters win, fans get FREE admission to August 10th game. August 10th Kids in FREE w/ Kids Pass August 11th Hoosier Lottery Ticket Giveaway August 12th Dollar Sodas all Night â Blood Drive August 16th Meijer Monday â 2 for 1 admission with Meijer Credit Card August 17th Kids in FREE w/ Kids Pass August 18th Hoosier Lottery Ticket Giveaway August 28th Fireworks Extravaganza â Fan Appreciation Night August 29th Family Day 4 people $4 August 30th Meijer Monday â 2 for 1 admission with Meijer Credit Card. Nottingham Automotive Van Giveaway â must be present to win.
Thanks for joining us for this edition of News In The Coop. We will be bringing you more news as the season progresses. We would love to hear your comments and suggestions for future articles. Send them to us as staff@RichmondRoosters.com.
Frontier League Stories from July 27, 2004
- Mid-Missouri Completes Sweep Of RiverHawks - Rockford RiverHawks
- Kings come from behind, sweep Otters - Kalamazoo Kings
- Wild Things Break Out the Lumber - Washington Wild Things
- News in the coop - Richmond Roosters
- Grizzlies hammer ThunderBolts in series finale - Gateway Grizzlies
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.
