Flintoff & Dunn's NEWS ARCHIVE
JUNE 2006

It is intended that this page will maintain a historical record of previous news published on this site. From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages. It may interest some people to read the developments in chronological order right here.

ARCHIVED NEWS FROM JUNE 2006 BEGINS BELOW:

ARCHIVE
JUNE 2006

To make things easier for our loyal suscribers we will adopt a new format of
providing news involving AUSTRALIAN Players in yellow text, while 
news about former AMLB IMPORT Players will be in white text.

 

  30 JUNE 2006 - WELLS & MATTHEWS STILL HOT!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells

 

 Still making his considerable presence felt for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 8-4 win over Washington was VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 2-4 (.315).

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) remains the hottest of all former ABL hitters in the US major leagues this year and having a "career year", batting 1-4 (.324) for the Texas Rangers in their 1-2 defeat by the San Francisco Giants.

The mighty Boston Red Sox may have sent the New York Mets packing with a 4-2 win in the third game and a series sweep, but not without one more contribution from Mets' catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 1-4 (.282) today and he was by no means the worst of a New York lineup that was shackled by 'Bosox' pitching. 


Gary Matthews

 
  29 JUNE 2006 - PARONTO TRIES HIS BEST FOR BRAVES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Chad Paronto

 

 In the Atlanta Braves heartbreaking 3-4 loss to the New York Yankees, reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) could not be blamed for the Braves' late innings demise after pitching a tidy 1.1ip 0h 0er 2bb 3k (3.57ERA). Team mate RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) has struggled lately with 0-4 (.239).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) and his high-rolling New York Mets were once again man-handled 10-2 by the beasts of the American League East, the Boston Red Sox. 'Paulie' still found a way to contribute, batting 1-3 (.283) and being hit by a pitch. 

After some better outings recently, MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) crashed back to earth again today, pitching 0.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 0k (4.64ERA) for the Florida Marlins as one of the villains in their late innings 1-3 defeat by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.


Paul LoDuca

 
 

28 JUNE 2006 - WILSON STELLAR FOR ASTROS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Preston Wilson

 

 PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) continues to run hot with the stick lately, batting 3-4 (.285) for the Houston Astros in their 0-4 shutout loss to the Detroit Tigers.

The New York Mets have been the "bullies" of the National League East this season, but it was their turn to face one of the American League heavyweights today when they were pummeled 4-9 by the powerful Boston Red Sox. Catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) did his best to create some on-base action for the Mets batting 2-5 (.282) but, while they might look like scorching line drives in the scorebook, viewers of today's ESPN game will tell you a different story. His first knock was a "jammed shot" bleeder that barely cleared the second baseman's head and the second was a hard-hit groundball that was knocked down by the short stop who could not complete the play! Still, you take whatever you can get in this frustrating game of ours... we'll take two hits of ANY kind!

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) seems to have ridden through a really bad patch lately and he was OK again today, pitching 1.2ip 2h 1er 0bb 1k (4.41ERA) to help the Florida Marlins to win the battle of the "Florida expansion teams" 8-4 over Tampa Bay.

Clearly the best hitter among the Cincinnati Reds platoon of catchers this season is DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who batted 1-4 (.320) for the Reds in their tough 8-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals who have notched a few rare "W's" lately.

Finding the end of his recent superb winning streak was Texas Rangers ace starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who took some punishment today pitching an uncharacteristic 6.0ip 12h 5er 3bb 6k in their 1-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants, to weaken his record to 8-4, 4.47ERA. Millwood's team mates GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-5 (.330) with a RBI and RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k (1.93ERA) in middle relief.


Matt Herges

 
  26 JUNE 2006 - WELLS GOES DEEP FOR 19 & 20!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells


Vance Wilson

 Not much action from former AMLB players in the US big leagues today, but there were a few highlights yesterday...

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) continues to challenge the leaders in the home run race by adding his 19th and 20th "jacks" for the 2006 season while batting 2-4 (.321) with 4 RBI's for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 7-4 win over the New York Mets. PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) had a much quieter time for New York batting 0-2 (.280).

Also leaving the yard for the third time this season for the Detroit Tigers is backup catcher VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) who batted 2-5 (.306) in their 7-6 win over the St.Louis Cardinals.

TIM WORRELL (Brisbane Bandits 1991) collected his third win of the year, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k to help the San Francisco Giants to snatch a late victory over the Oakland Athletics. Evergreen Tim improved his record to 3-2, 7.32ERA.

Not to be outdone during his most productive big league season to date is GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who blasted his eighth round-tripper of the season while batting 2-5 (.337) for the Texas Rangers in their 6-11 loss to the steadily emerging Colorado Rockies.


Gary Matthews


Tim Worrell
  24 JUNE 2006 - STOCKMAN HELPS BRAVES TO WIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Phil Stockman

Aussie giant PHIL STOCKMAN was back on the mound again today, doing a very important job to help his Atlanta Braves to snap a long losing streak in their 11-innings 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Our Phil was given the task of pitching the ninth frame of the deadlocked game and he produced everything that venerable manager Bobby Cox would have asked of him. He started by walking Damon Hollins on a full count, then got an out when Julio Lugo moved Hollins over to second on a sacrifice bunt. Under instruction, he then issued an intentional walk to the dangerous Carl Crawford. With the winning run poised in scoring position, Stockman held his nerve to strike out Rocco Baldelli swinging and then he induced Jorge Cantu to fly out to right field. Stockman played a vital role in the eventual victory after pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 2bb 1k (2.25ERA)... way to go big fella!!

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) had one of his better days this season when he provided three scoreless innings of relief for the Florida Marlins in their tough 5-6 loss to the New York Yankees. He pitched 3.0ip 3h 0er 0bb 1k (4.35ERA). 

Also running hot for the high-flying New York Mets is feisty catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted a terrific 3-4 (.282) with a RBI to help his team to crush the Toronto Blue jays 6-1 today. For the 'BJs' SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 2-4 (.321) and VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.319) as they continue to almost match averages so far this season.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 1-4 (.283) for the Houston Astros in their 4-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox. This follows his 2-2 game in yesterday's 2-4 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Twins.

Still doing his best for the Detroit Tigers is backup catcher VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) who batted 1-2 (.299) in their 10-6 win over the St.Louis Cardinals.


Paul LoDuca
  22 JUNE 2006 - VERNON WELLS WHACKS No.18!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) "went yard" for the 18th time this season while batting 2-3 (.325) with the RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. Team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-4 (.323) with a RBI, while reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (3.54ERA) for the Braves.

Continuing his run of tremendous starts for the Texas Rangers, but having to settle for a no decision today, was KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) when his team fell 2-3 in a tough loss to the San Diego Padres. 'Big Kev' pitched a splendid 8.0ip 6h 2er 2bb 3k (4.29ERA) to prove the adage that wins do not always adequately indicate the value of a pitcher. Rangers' team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.339) while utility infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) played defensively, but did not bat for San Diego. 

VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) batted 1-4 (.292) for the Detroit Tigers in their 3-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.


Kevin Millwood
  21 JUNE 2006 - STOCKMAN BLUNTS BLUE JAYS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Phil Stockman

Australia's latest major league player PHIL STOCKMAN made his third big league appearance today and he found out how difficult life can be in 'The Show' with a most adventurous inning for the Atlanta Braves during their 5-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. 'Big Phil' pitched the seventh inning of the game at Turner Field and he did very well to limit the damage to just one run after facing the tough part of a hot-hitting Blue Jays lineup. Stockman was immediately greeted with a double to centrefield by Reed Johnson on a 1-2 pitch, then a single to right field from Alex Rios on a 2-2 count that saw runners at the corners with none out. He then induced Vernon Wells to ground into a force on a fielder's choice, having Rios out at second base, while Johnson scored to saddle him with his first earned run for quite some time. Wells then took advantage of our rookie pitcher by stealing second and then third bases. However, Stockman had the last laugh when he struck out the dangerous Troy Glaus swinging on a full count. Then, after intentionally walking Lyle Overbay, he induced Shea Hillenbrand to hit a "come backer" that gave him an assist to end the innings. Stockman pitched 1.0ip 2h 1er 1bb 1k (3.00ERA) today. 
Stockman's bullpen team mate CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) also pitched 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (3.66ERA) while the abovementioned former ABL stars VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) and SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) found Phil Stockman tougher than some of the other Braves' hurlers. Wells batted 1-5 (.321) with a RBI, while Hillenbrand batted 2-3 (.325) with a RBI for the Canadian team.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) was again a solid contributor for the New York Mets, batting 2-4 (.280) with 3 RBI's in their 9-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) also batted a handy 2-4 (.279) with a RBI but it was not enough to save the Houston Astros from a 5-6 defeat by the Minnesota Twins.


Paul LoDuca
  19 JUNE 2006 - STOCKMAN BAFFLES BOSOX!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Phil Stockman

 Giant Aussie hurler PHIL STOCKMAN made his second big league appearance out of the Atlanta Braves bullpen during his team's 3-5 loss to the visiting Boston Red Sox. Phil was asked to pitch the sixth inning of the game with his team already in a 2-5 hole and he faced the bottom and top of the powerful 'Bosox' lineup. He started by getting feisty short stop Alex Gonzalez to fly out to left after battling to a full count. Then he had star Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett called out on strikes from five pitches. Stockman then pitched very carefully to 2006 star Kevin Youkilis before allowing him a five-pitch walk, but he did not allow anything to develop when he had experienced quality hitter Mark Loretta called out on strikes from just four pitches. He pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k (0.00ERA); 15-25 strikes.

VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) continued his recent hot streak with the bat, clouting his second home run of the year to help the Detroit Tigers to plunder the Chicago Cubs 12-3. Wilson batted 1-3 (.295) with two runs scored and two RBI's.

Former ABL import namesake PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) also connected for his seventh "big fly" of the season while batting 1-4 (.275) for the Houston Astros in their 4-7 defeat by the Kansas City Royals.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-5 (.344) to help the Texas Rangers to overrun the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-7. Also doing his job with his sixth hold of the campaign was converted outfielder RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched a most useful 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (2.08ERA). In yesterday's game, won by the Rangers 8-4, Matthews launched his seventh home run, while Mahay pitched a typically solid 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k.

Not able to do enough to help the Atlanta Braves who lost a slugfest 7-10 to the visiting Boston Red Sox were RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) who batted 1-2 (.249) as a pinch hitter, or reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who ran into a 'Bosox' buzz-saw today pitching 0.0ip 3h 3er 0bb 0k (3.79ERA).

TIM WORRELL (Brisbane Bandits 1991) continues to find the going tough in his veteran years, pitching 1.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 1k (8.00ERA) for the San Francisco Giants at the end of their 1-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners.


Vance Wilson

 
Preston Wilson
  17 JUNE 2006 - KEVIN MILLWOOD NAILS HIS 8TH WIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Kevin Millwood

 KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) continues to stake a pretty good claim among the greatest players ever to appear in our beloved Australian Baseball League as he is in the process over compiling yet another outstanding season as a starting pitcher with the Texas Rangers. The recent "journeyman" has proven himself a remarkably reliable and durable anchor in the bullpens at Atlanta, Philadelphia, Cleveland and now in Texas. After a shaky start in his new home 'Big Kev' has now collected his eighth win of the season underpinning the Rangers' 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched 7.1ip 7h 3er 2bb 4k to further improve his record to 8-3, 4.47ERA. Millwood's team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) also continues to have one of his best seasons, batting 2-5 (.340) in today's .

A guy who could have caught Millwood if he had played a season earlier with the Melbourne Monarchs is VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) who remains a useful big league back-stop. Vance pinch-hit today with 1-1 (.298) for the Detroit Tigers in their 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs in Inter-League play.

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-3 (.341) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 4-12 hammering at the hands of the World Champion Chicago White Sox. It ended an amazing streak of home run hitting by the former IBLA catcher.


Gary Matthews
  16 JUNE 2006 - PHIL STOCKMAN BECOMES OUR MLB No.23!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Phil Stockman

 



Gary Matthews

 Australia salutes its 23rd player to reach the pinnacle of world baseball in the US major leagues with the debut of Queensland's 6'8" pitching giant PHIL STOCKMAN for the famous Atlanta Braves. Stockman, who arrived at Atlanta from the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, has earned his call-up to the struggling Braves' big league roster after his outstanding form at 'AAA' Richmond and 'AA' Mississippi this season. Stockman made his debut pitching the bottom of the eighth inning for the Braves in their 2-3 loss to the Florida Marlins in front of a paltry 7,162 hard-core fans at Miami's Dolphins Stadium. 
'Big Phil' did not allow any further damage to the scoreboard, even after the first batter he faced, Jeremy Hermida slapped a double to right field on a full count. He then got an assist for fielding a sacrifice bunt from Alfredo Amezaga for his first major league out. Stockman tidied up the inning by leaving Hermida stranded on third when he induced Miguel Olivio to fly out on a 3-1 pitch and then pinch-hitter Joe Borchard lined out sharply to centrefield. In all Stockman threw 9 of his 17 pitches for strikes in a quite impressive debut performance of 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (0.00ERA). Nice job "big fella"!

In the same game MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) collected his seventh hold for the 'Fish' pitching 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k (5.00ERA). In yesterday's game, won 6-5 by Atlanta, Herges pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k while CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) recorded his first hold for the Braves with 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (2.50ERA)

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) is enjoying decent success with the Houston Astros lately, batting 2-4 (.279) today in their 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. This follows his 1-4 effort with two RBI's in Houston's 5-4 win over the 'Cubbies' yesterday and his 3-5 with three RBI's in their 9-2 win in the series opener.

Making a rare start at short stop today was journeyman utility GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-4 (.278) for the Sand Diego Padres in their 3-7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

... and from other MLB games over the past few days:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) may be on one of his customary hot-streaks again after nailing his 16th and 17th home runs over the past two days. Wells hit No.16 yesterday while batting 1-3 with three RBI's for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 7-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, then he added No.17 today in a 2-3 (.328) performance with two RBI's contributing to Toronto's 6-3 win over the O's. Still pacing his average is team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who was much quieter batting 1-3 and 0-3 (.329) in the same fixtures.

Also connecting for his 6th 'jack' of the year was the productive GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 3-5 (.341) with the RBI to help the Texas Rangers to blank the World Champion Chicago White Sox 8-0

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) went yard for the fourth time in three games while batting 1-4 (.342) with a RBI coming via his 10th homer of the year for the Cincinnati Reds who were still short in a 4-6 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) did his bit for the New York Mets batting 2-5 (.290) with two RBI's in their 9-7 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.


Vernon Wells

 



David Ross
  12 JUNE 2006 - DAVID ROSS RUNNING RED-HOT!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


David Ross
  


Gary Matthews

 As mentioned below, the red-hot hitting DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) teed off for his seventh 'dinger' of the season yesterday, but not to be content with this he added long balls number eight and nine today as he continues his "breakout season"! Ross batted 2-4 (.347) with three RBI's and he could not be blamed for the Cincinnati Reds 5-6 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers.

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

In the split double-header between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers, two former ABL imports improved their records with the Rangers. In game one, won 5-4 by Boston, GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-4, but he caught fire in the Rangers' 13-6 win in game two, batting 4-6 (.332) with two RBI's. RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) picked up his fourth and fifth holds of the year, pitching 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k in the opener and 1.0ip 4h 2er 1bb 2k (1.93ERA) in the nightcap.

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) mashed his 11th home run of the season yesterday while batting 1-5 (.335) with the RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 5-10 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Team Mate VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.329) on a relatively quiet day for him.

Also going deep for the seventh time this season was DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who batted 1-2 (.338) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 3-9 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 1-4 (.269) with a RBI to help the Houston Astros to pillage the Atlanta Braves 14-4. For "Cold-lanta" RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-1 (.246) and reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 1.2ip 0h 0er 2bb 3k (2.65ERA). 

Not enjoying such a good time of it lately is veteran reliever TIM WORRELL (Brisbane Bandits 1991) who copped his second blown save and his second loss of the season pitching 0.1ip 3h 2er 0bb 1k for the San Francisco Giants in their 5-7 loss to the modest Pittsburgh Pirates. Tim's record slumped to 2-2, 8.10ERA.


Shea
Hillenbrand
Tim Worrell
  10 JUNE 2006 - HILLENBRAND HAMMERS No.10!  
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Shea Hillenbrand

 It is becoming almost redundant to mention the offensive contributions of the Toronto Blue Jays' former ABL import stars VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) and SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998). It was Hillenbrand's turn today to capture the headlines with his tenth home run of the year coming while he pinch-hit with 1-1 (.340) and he also supplied two RBI's in the Blue Jays 10-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. Wells could hardly feel outdone, batting 3-5 (.336) with two RBI's of his own!

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) continues to cement his place at the top of the Texas Rangers' batting lineup with 2-4 (.330) in their narrow 3-4 defeat at the hands of the Boston Red Sox.

Helping the Houston Astros to secure a 7-2 win over the slumping Atlanta Braves was PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) who batted 2-4 (.273) with two RBI's. For the struggling Braves RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 0-2 (.246) and reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.2ip 1h 1er 1bb 1k (2.93ERA). 


Vernon Wells
  9 JUNE 2006 - DAVID ROSS GOES DEEP FOR No.7!  
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


David Ross

 GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) has tormented the Kansas City Royals as the leadoff hitter for the Texas Rangers over the last couple of days. Today he batted 3-5 (.327) with two RBI's and two runs scored in their "wild" 12-16 loss, while yesterday he batted 2-5 with two RBI's in the Rangers' 4-2 win. Also taking some rare punishment in today's "run fest" was Texas reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who suffered his first loss and his first "blown save" of the season with 0.2ip 2h 4r 0er 1bb 0k to take his season record to 0-1, 1.06ERA.

Swinging the heavy lumber again today was catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who launched his sixth round-tripper of the year while batting 1-2 (.344) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 7-1 win over the hapless Chicago Cubs.

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) closed the past inning of a losing cause today, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.45ERA) for the Atlanta Braves in their 4-7 loss to Houston. 

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) had another hot-hitting day with 4-5 (.336) and a RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 0-3 (.339) in the same game as the former ABL "bash brothers" continue to pace each other for batting average! 


Gary Matthews
  9 JUNE 2006 - DAVID ROSS GOES DEEP FOR No.7!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


David Ross

 GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) has tormented the Kansas City Royals as the leadoff hitter for the Texas Rangers over the last couple of days. Today he batted 3-5 (.327) with two RBI's and two runs scored in their "wild" 12-16 loss, while yesterday he batted 2-5 with two RBI's in the Rangers' 4-2 win. Also taking some rare punishment in today's "run fest" was Texas reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who suffered his first loss and his first "blown save" of the season with 0.2ip 2h 4r 0er 1bb 0k to take his season record to 0-1, 1.06ERA.

Swinging the heavy lumber again today was catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who launched his sixth round-tripper of the year while batting 1-2 (.344) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 7-1 win over the hapless Chicago Cubs.

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) closed the past inning of a losing cause today, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.45ERA) for the Atlanta Braves in their 4-7 loss to Houston. 

... and from yesterday's MLB games:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) had another hot-hitting day with 4-5 (.336) and a RBI for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Team mate SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 0-3 (.339) in the same game as the former ABL "bash brothers" continue to pace each other for batting average! 


Gary Matthews
  7 JUNE 2006 - MILLWOOD WINS 7TH FOR TEXAS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Kevin Millwood

 After a slow start with another new team in 2006, former ABL import and starting pitcher KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) is once again on track for another fine season with the Texas Rangers. He picked up his seventh win of the year pitching 7.0ip 7h 2er 1bb 5k in the Rangers' 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. 'Big Kev' suddenly finds his record looking quite respectable at 7-3, 4.65ERA. His bullpen team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) did little to help with 0.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (1.10ERA), while GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-5 (.316) for Texas.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) was just one of the former AMLB imports to wield some hot lumber today when he batted 3-4 (.272) for the Houston Astros in their 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

In the Atlanta Braves 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals, improving outfielder RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 2-3 (.255).

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) continues his productive season batting 3-5 (.326) along with SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-3 (.344) as both helped the Toronto Blue Jays to top the Baltimore Orioles 6-4. 

Contributing to the Cincinnati Reds 7-0 shutout win over the St.Louis Cardinals was backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who is having by far his best time with the bat, adding 2-5 (.339) today.


Preston Wilson
  5 JUNE 2006 - WILSON BACKS UP FOR TIGERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vance Wilson

 Back-up catcher VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) didn't let anyone down when given the opportunity to start today, even though his Detroit Tigers were trumped 3-8 by the visiting Boston Red Sox. Wilson batted a very useful 2-4 (.295).

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) continues to run hot with the stick batting 3-4 (.352) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 5-10 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His former ABL import team mate VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-5 (.324).

Another player to be given a rare start today was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-4 (.318) to help the San Diego Padres to sneak past the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-6 (.321) for the Texas Rangers in their 10-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.


Shea Hillenbrand
  4 JUNE 2006 - AMLB IMPORTS DELIVER POWER!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


David Ross
Gary Matthews

 DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 2-3 (.333) to help his Cincinnati Reds to top the Houston Astros 5-3. This continued his form from yesterday when he provided some ninth inning icing on the cake with his three-run homer for the Reds in their 13-4 over the Astros. Ross, a backup catcher, pinch-hit with 1-1 with three RBI's coming via his fifth long ball of 2006. For Houston PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) also hit his sixth 'dinger' of the year while batting 2-4 (.270).

The "bash brothers" were back in action for the Toronto Blue Jays today as stars in their 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) slugged his ninth home run of the year while batting 1-4 (.343) and VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-5 (.327) with a RBI. This followed Hillenbrand's eighth "long ball" yesterday when he batted 3-5 for the B-Jays in their 13-4 smashing of Tampa Bay.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted a brilliant 3-5 (.320) with two doubles for the Texas Rangers in their 6-8 defeat by the Chicago White Sox. In this game his team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 1.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (1.10ERA). Yesterday Matthews batted 2-4 with a RBI to help Texas to top the White Sox 4-3.


Shea Hillenbrand
  1 JUNE 2006 - WELLS THE BOSTON STRANGLER!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Gary Matthews


Kevin Millwood

 GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) supplied four of the five runs scored by the Texas Rangers in their humiliating 5-14 loss to the Seattle Mariners... and all with one swing of his bat! That's right, 'Junior' connected with his fifth home run of the season... A GRAND SALAMI... while batting 3-4 (.308) with the four wonderful RBI's.

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 2-5 (.337) today but it was not quite enough to secure his Toronto Blue Jays a series sweep when they were topped 6-8 by the visiting Boston Red Sox.

However, in yesterday's MLB action:

Hillenbrand's illustrious team mate VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) continued to torment the powerful 'Bosox' with THREE home runs yesterday while batting 3-4 (.325) with four RBI's as a major contributor to the Blue Jays' 8-5 victory over Boston. Wells took his season tally to 15 'jacks' while Hillenbrand batted 1-4.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 2-3 (.255) as one of the better performers for the Atlanta Braves who went down 3-8 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Contributing to the Texas Rangers 6-4 win over the Seattle Mariners were starting pitcher KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) and reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996). 'Big Kev' Millwood is on a roll lately with his sixth win of the year, pitching 6.0ip 9h 3er 1bb 4k to take his record to 6-3, 4.85ERA. Mahay earned his third hold by getting the one out requested of him with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.20ERA). Not so hot for the Rangers yesterday was Gary Matthews who batted 0-4 on this occasion.


Vernon Wells

 

If anyone takes the trouble to contact us with any reasonably substantiated news of interest to AMLB supporters, we will publish this news on this site! Click these to contact Adrian Dunn or Peter Flintoff.