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Roosters take on Freedom at McBride

July 21, 2005 - Frontier League (FL)
Richmond Roosters News Release


The Roosters come back home after winning two out of three at Chillicothe, Ohio against the Paints. They have three each against the Florence Freedom and Washington WildThings, both of whom sit atop the east division standings. Let the fun begin for everyone at McBride:

Thursday, July 21st - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

The first place Florence Freedom come to town for the next three nights. Thursday is Health Safari Night sponsored by New Horizon Healthcare. Fans will have the opportunity to give blood as part of the Roosters Community Blood Drive.

Friday, July 22nd - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

The second game of the series against Florence is Girls Incorporated Fundraiser Night. It is also another school night. Students from Centerville Elementary will be at the game to cheer on the Roosters as part of Centerville Elementary Night. Kids that attended the Roosters hitting camp on Thursday and Friday will be in attendance.

Saturday, July 23rd - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

It is New Castle/Henry County Fundraiser Community Night. Also, 84 Lumber sponsors Builders Association Night.

Sunday, July 24th - (GAME STARTS AT 4:35 PM, GATES OPEN 3:35 PM)

The Washington WildThings come to McBride Stadium for the first time this season and it is Penny a Pound Night night. Members of St. John's Greenville Church will be at the game to celebrate their night. It is also another Palladium-Item Family Day.

Monday, July 25th - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

Today is another night of Rowdy Factor! Contestants will compete in a tournament that will test their stomach. They will have to eat challenging food created by the fine people at O'Charley's. The person who eats the least amount of the food will be eliminated. One participant will be eliminated each and every Monday home game until a victor is crowned Rowdy Factor winner on August 29th. In addition, its Meijer Monday where fans get a chance to win a gift bag from Meijer and two pick-a-tickets from the Richmond Roosters. To enter a chance to win, sign the back of any Meijer receipt and place it in the box provided at the information center in the stadium. Students from Community Christian School that achieved honors in attendance and academics will be honored on the field before the game.

Tuesday, July 26th - (GAME STARTS AT 6:35 PM, GATES OPEN 5:35 PM)

Don't miss out on the final game of this six game homestand. Come root on the Roosters at Orange Crush Night. The first five hundred fans through the gate get a free t-shirt. Tuesday is also Westview Elementary Night and Union City (Indiana and Ohio) Little League Community Night.

Q&A with Tony Casoli

Tony Casoli has been Richmond's top producing pitcher this year, leading the league in strikeouts and making his first trip to the Frontier League All-Star Game. This is his second year with the Roosters and he is already proving to be a leader on the team.

Q: You were one of four Roosters selected to the All-Star game this year. What was that experience like for you?

A: Anytime you can be honored by mangers and coaches around the league and make the All-Star game, it really makes you feel like you're doing something right and that people really appreciate it. They really put on a nice celebration over there in Washington and it was a great experience for me.

Q: When you entered the game, the East was pitching a perfect game. Was there any pressure on you to keep it going?

A: It wasn't because I was kind of oblivious to it. I didn't really look at the scoreboard because I just wanted to get my inning in and throw up a zero. I did that and I was happy with it.

Q: You have led the league in strikeouts for most of the season. Have you typically been a power pitcher in your career?

A: I had a good number of strikeouts in college, but its not really a big deal to me. I don't focus on getting strikeouts. I just concentrate on getting guys out and helping the team get wins.

Q: What type of pitches do you normally throw in game?

A: I throw a four-seam and two-seam fastball, a changeup and a slider. The slider is my out pitch to right-handers and I've worked on my changeup this year to get it to where its a consistent third pitch to throw against lefties.

Q: You coach at Gloster County College in New Jersey in the off-season. What is your position there and do you thing it helps with your game here in Richmond?

A: I'm pretty much the right-hand man of the pitching coach and now I work with the outfielders too. As longs as you can stay involved with the game all year long, I thing it benefits you. I get to work out with the guys and stay fresh. It really comes in huge when you need to get your throwing in before the start of the season and you need to get your throwing in.

Q: My sources have told me that not only do you chart pitchers, but that you are really good at it. Is that a true statement?

A: I just think its really beneficial for a pitcher to know what you can get these guys out on. Its not the most fun thing in the world to do, but once again, it keeps you in the game. Knowing a batters tendencies will help you get these guys out.

Q: What do you do on your off days between starts?

A: Every day is running. Every day is running. Running after a start helps get the lactic acid out of the arm. I do some band work and stretching plus we throw a bullpen session on the third day between starts. You can't take days off. If you do, the baseball Gods will see it, and they'll make you pay for it. Working hard is part of the reason why I'm here.

Matt Schweitzer On The Verge Of Frontier League History

Roosters veteran pitcher Matt Schweitzer is one victory away from becoming the all-time winningest pitcher in Frontier League history. With his win on July 16 against Evansville, Schweitzer is currently tied with Phill Kojack and Pete Buck at the top of the League record books with 26 career wins each.

The Richmond lefty is in his sixth season in the Frontier League, all with the Roosters, and currently holds the franchise records for career wins (26), appearances (185), strikeouts (385), and innings (373.1). In his final season of Frontier League eligibility, Matt already holds the league record for games pitched (185). With six more strikeouts, he will surpass Phill Kojack's mark of 390 for that career record.

Conceivably, Schweitzer could break two highly regarded Frontier League records on Thursday night at McBride Stadium. He needs a win over Florence and at least six strikeouts. When it happens, it will add to a baseball resume that already includes two Frontier League Championship rings with the Roosters. There is no doubt that Matt Schweitzer is leaving his legacy on Frontier League baseball for many years to come.

Probable Starting Pitchers:

Roosters vs. Freedom (Thursday - Saturday)

Matt Schweitzer (3-4, 3.02 ERA) vs. Joel Posey (4-0, 3.25 ERA)

TBA vs. Jason Brunke (1-3, 5.39 ERA)

Jared Howton (3-2, 4.78 ERA) vs. Mark Harris (4-1, 5.88 ERA)

Roosters vs. Wild Things (Sunday - Tuesday)

Dan Caldwell (1-3, 3.15 ERA) vs. Brendon Davis (3-1, 4.60 ERA)

Tony Casoli (7-2, 3.47 ERA) vs. TBA

Matt Schweitzer (3-4, 3.02 ERA) vs. Ryan Douglass (6-1 3.46 ERA)

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Frontier League Stories from July 21, 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.

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