Roosters at home for three with Mavericks
August 3, 2005 - Frontier League (FL)
Richmond Roosters News Release
The Roosters continue the home stand at McBride Stadium tonight with the first of three games with the Mid-Missouri Mavericks. The Mavericks make the trip from Columbia, Missouri, where the Roosters took two out of three in a series at the end of July.
Wednesday, August 3rd - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)
The first game of the series against the Mid-Missouri Mavericks is another Baseball Card Night. Subway presents the fourth Baseball Card Collector's Strip of the season. The first 1,000 fans will receive baseball cards of their favorite Roosters players. A card strip with Roosters players Nate Gravley, Adam Varteressian, O.J. Garza, and Gerald Miller will be given out to all fans entering the ballpark. It is also Seton Catholic School Night.
Thursday, August 4th - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)
It is National Trail (Ohio) Elementary Night. In addition, kids that participated in the Roosters pitching camp earlier today will be at the game.
Friday, August 5th - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)
A group of area girl scouts will be at the game and then will be having a sleepover at McBride Stadium. Pitching camp participants will be recognized on the field prior to the first pitch.
Q&A with Nate Gravley
Nate is in his first year with the club. He began the year in a utility role but has found a home at the shortstop position after the signing of Josh Hollingsworth. His numbers have steadily improved over the past few weeks and have been a huge boost to the team in the stretch run. He is batting a solid .309 on the season but is batting .450 in his last 10 games and .500 in his last five.
Q: The roster says you're from Cartersville, GA. Are you a big Atlanta Braves fan?
A: Oh yeah! I grew up around it. My dad's a big fan of the Braves so I just became a fan because of that.
Q: Your were an All-American at Carson-Newman College, which has produced several professional ball players. Did going there help you to improve?
A: It was a great four years for me under great coaches. They were like workaholics and that rubbed off. They were always at the field and expected us to be there as well. We were being pushed everyday to get better and I think that's a big reason why Carson-Newman has produced some good talent.
Q: You've already played seven positions in the field this season. Do you like the variety?
A: It's nice to move around a little when you're playing a 100 game season. It keeps you focused on every game because you can't get too comfortable in one spot. I think it helps to mix things up.
Q: What did you think about Josh Hollingsworth being signed by the New York Yankees organization?
A: I think it's great for him and he deserved it. He's a great player and it's good to see a guy get a shot at playing affiliated ball. He gets to go to Tampa and play near his hometown, so his folks probably get to see him about everyday. I wish him the best and hope it goes well.
Q: With Hollingworth gone, you've become the everyday shortstop. Are you enjoying the fact that you get to play every game and know where you'll be?
A: As a ballplayer, you love to play everyday. It's always fun. It's been a little tough because I haven't played shortstop in a long time, but Josh helped me out before he left and I can see some of that paying off already. The transition is much easier when you get help from a guy like that.
Q: The club has definitely seen a more consistent lineup the last couple of week. How much of the team's success has to do with that consistency and has there been anything else that has effected the team's play of late?
A: We didn't feel like the first half of the season was very successful for us. We got together right before the All-Star break and decided that everyone should just take the three days off and clear our heads and forget about the first half. We just tried to come out in the second half, get focused and take it one game at a time.
Q: You are technically the third string catcher and sometimes the bullpen catcher. Have you ever played the position and is that some place we might see you playing this year?
A: When I wasn't playing everyday, I would catch in the bullpen so I could see pitches. I don't know if I'd ever do it in a game, but it would be fun if I had to do it. Hopefully we'd have a sizable lead if I ever went in to play catcher. I'd be willing to do it cause I think it would be fun.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat on the road?
A: To be honest, there's a Denny's in Evansville that we always go to. We all got hooked on the breakfast bowls they serve there. It didn't matter what time it was, that's what we liked to order.
Probable Starting Pitchers:
Roosters vs. Mavericks
Wednesday - RHP Mike Cervera (0-0, 4.63 ERA) vs. RHP Pete Eberhardt (0-0, 6.38 ERA)
Thursday - RHP Tony Casoli (7-2, 3.57 ERA) vs RHP Damien Dantibo (2-0, 4.00 ERA)
Friday - LHP Matt Schweitzer (5-5, 3.41 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Renault (6-4, 4.43 ERA)
Frontier League Stories from August 3, 2005
- Grizzlies win second straight - Gateway Grizzlies
- Former Otters recalled by Mariners for second time - Evansville Otters
- T-Bolts thunderstruck by Otters - Evansville Otters
- Wild Things defeat River City Rascals - Washington Wild Things
- Homer dooms 'Hawks in series opener - Rockford RiverHawks
- There are 1,000 reasons to attend Paints' game on Friday, August 5th - Chillicothe Paints
- Mavericks update - Mid-Missouri Mavericks
- Roosters at home for three with Mavericks - Richmond Roosters
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