Roosters news

July 30, 2005 - Frontier League (FL)
Richmond Roosters News Release


BACK TO McBRIDE WITH A BANG!

The Roosters come back home after winning two out of three at Mid-Missouri against the Mavericks. This home stand starts against the River City Rascals with a fireworks night on Saturday, July 30th and after an off day on Tuesday, continues with another three games against the Mavericks as they make the trek to Richmond and McBride Stadium.

Saturday, July 30th - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

The Roosters return home to face River City and its a busy day at McBride:

The 5K trot sponsored by the Richmond Parks Department will be taking place just prior to the game. The 5K race begins at Cordell Municipal Pool at 5:30pm and ends at home plate at McBride Stadium. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall and male and female finishers. Prizes will also be given to those who finish in first place in each age group. Everyone who participates will get a t-shirt and two tickets to tonight's Roosters game. In addition, we will have a wedding on the field before the game.

There will be a Fireworks Show sponsored by Reid Hospital and Health Care Services immediately after the game's last out. It is the 100th birthday for Reid Hospital and all fans will be treated to cupcakes to celebrate. It is also Junior Achievement Night and Eaton/Preble County will be at the ballgame to celebrate Eaton/Preble County Chamber Night.

Sunday, July 31st - (GAME STARTS AT 4:35 PM, GATES OPEN 4:35 PM)

It's Hawaiian Tropical Day! Lays will be given to all fans entering the ballpark.

Pal-Item Family Day. Check out the Paladium-Item for the Roosters coupon (four tickets for $10).

Monday, August 1st - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

Meijer Monday. Bring your receipt from Meijer to the game, and you will be qualified to win prizes from Meijer.

Come and watch Guns n' Hoses! Richmond policemen and firemen will participate in on-field promotions and games.

It is also Richmond Academy School Night.

Q&A with Tony Sanguinetti

Tony Sanguinetti is in his second year with the Roosters. He is currently leading the team in both home runs and RBI, not to mention triples. Tony took the time during a recent home stand to answer a few questions about his experience in baseball, the leaving of friends, and where the best food can be found.

Q: After only four home runs last season, you lead the team this year and are tie for second in the Frontier League. What has brought on the surge of power?

A: I had good power numbers at Oklahoma City, but last year I came to Richmond after already playing an 80 game college season. My body couldn't take that, so I just concentrated on catching a good game and adjusting to a wooden bat rather than hitting home runs.

Q: Speaking of Oklahoma City, a lot of talent had come through there in the past few years. What has made it such a dominant NAIA school?

A: A lot of talented guys go there because they'd rather play every day and work under good coaches than be a back-up at a Division-1 school.

Q: You lead the team in triples this season with two. Do you give the other guys in the clubhouse a hard time because of that?

A: A little bit, but not too much because this will probably all the triples I get this season. I got lucky that when I hit them because the ball knocked around a bit in the corner and I was able to get to third. I'm not that quick from home to first, but I'm much quicker from first to third or home.

Q: You've split time this year at catcher and as the designated hitter. Which do you prefer?

A: None of the catchers in this league really catch every day, or even up in the majors. It's almost impossible to play that position every day, and the fact that I can DH is something that I like. I like to be out there, but I'm used to the role of designated hitter.

Q: Does the fact that you were snubbed for the All-Star game drive you to play better and prove to the voters that you should have been on the team?

A: I was disappointed at first, but I'm not really worried about it now. I'm always out there trying to play hard, but it does give me a little extra.

Q: What part of your game have you improved the most from last season to now?

A: Adjusting to a wooden bat has been a big change for me. Also, working with pitchers and how to call games is something that I've worked hard to learn.

Q: Josh Hollingsworth was recently picked up the New York Yankees organization. What was your reaction to it?

A: It was definitely bittersweet. We were real close, he was one of my best friends here and I could always talk to him. I hate to see him go, but he going to do what we are all here for, which is to get picked up by affiliated ball. I wish him the best because I know he's a great ballplayer and that's what's best for him.

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat on the road?

A: Hollingsworth and I joke around that we always go to Denny's to get the Lumberjack Slam because it seems like we play well after we eat one of those. So I'm gonna have to say the Lumberjack Slam from Denny's is the best.

ROOSTERS STREAKING SINCE ALL-STAR BREAK

The Roosters are one of the hottest team in the Frontier League after sweeping Washington to conclude the most recent home stand. Richmond has won every series except one in the second half of the season and climbed out of last place in the Eastern Division for the first time since May 28th. Going into the final game at Mid-Missouri, the Roosters are 9-5 since the break, taking two of three games from Chillicothe and Evansville and a sweep of the Wild Things.

One reason for the recent success is that Richmond has managed to win close games. The Roosters won four straight games decided by two runs or less, two of which were decided in extra innings. The Roosters have played 34 games this season that have been one or two run games.

Offense has not been a problem. Despite losing Josh Hollingsworth to the Yankees organization, the team leader in several offensive categories, Richmond has seen its run production increase. The Roosters were averaging just shy of six runs per game this season, fifth best in the Frontier League, but after Hollingsworth's departure, that average has risen to almost nine per game!

Inter-divisional play continues around the Frontier League with the River City Rascals of the West Division in town for this home stand. The Rascals are currently in first place, just ahead of Kalamazoo and Rockford. These three games are another chance for the Roosters to gain ground on the Eastern Division leaders. Currently the Roosters are seven games behind the Florence Freedom for first place and six back of Washington for second. The top two teams in each division will qualify for the playoffs, which begin September 7th.

Probable Starting Pitchers:

Richmond Roosters vs. River City Rascals

Saturday - RHP Tony Casoli (7-2, 3.52 ERA) vs. RHP Gary Hogan (1-0 4.70 ERA)

Sunday - LHP Matt Schweitzer (4-5, 3.54 ERA) vs. LHP Brian Keating (1-5, 3.21 ERA)

Monday - RHP Danny Bonilla (0-0, 3.60 ERA) vs. RHP Steve Brook (6-2, 4.15 ERA)



Frontier League Stories from July 30, 2005


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.

OurSports Central