Flintoff & Dunn's NEWS ARCHIVE
JULY 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 From time to time we will archive old or outdated news on our "WHAT'S NEW" & "AUSSIES IN THE US LEAGUES" pages.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 JULY 2006 BEGINS BELOW:

ARCHIVE
JULY 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.

 

  31 JULY 2006 - LoDUCA BATS 4-4 FOR METS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Paul LoDuca

VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) continues to do a fine job as the backup catcher for 'Pudge' Rodriguez with the Detroit Tigers, today batting 2-5 (.291) in the Tigers' 4-6 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Still riding the "ups and downs" of big league baseball is reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched 2.2ip 4h 0er 1bb 1k (3.88ERA) for the Florida Marlins in their 5-11 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

... and from yesterday's ML action:

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) was the star of the day, batting 4-4 (.311), even though he rode a little luck for the New York Mets in their 11-3 hammering of the Atlanta Braves. For Atlanta RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.246) while reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) pitched 0.1ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k (3.03ERA) after being greeted by his first batter Carlos Beltran lifting him out of the park!

Unable to do enough for the Texas Rangers who went down 3-5 to the Kansas City Royals were starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who pitched 5.1ip 7h 4er 5bb 2k or GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 2-5 (.320). Millwood's record fell to 10-7, 4.62ERA.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-4 (.326) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their  4-7 defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics.

Continuing to do a tidy relief job for the Washington Nationals is MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (1.26ERA) in their 5-7 loss to the LA Dodgers.

NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-1 (.183) as a pinch hitter for the New York Yankees who were ambushed 6-19 by the feisty Tampa Bay Devil Rays.


Vance Wilson
  28 JULY 2006 - LANGERHANS 3-3 FOR BRAVES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Ryan Langerhans

Although he could only manage 0-1 today, RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) was a star for the Atlanta Braves yesterday, batting 3-3 (.250) with a RBI in their 6-5 win over the Florida Marlins. In that game, MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k, while in today's game, won 6-1 by the 'Fish', Herges pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.11ERA). Also trying his best for the Braves today was reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (2.84ERA).

MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) collected his third hold for the year, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (1.35ERA) for the Washington Nationals in their 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants.

... and from yesterday's ML action:

VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) batted 2-3 (.300) for the Detroit Tigers in their 4-1 win over the Cleveland Indians.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 3-5 (.325) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their  4-7 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners.

Making a rare start at short stop was utility GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 2-5 (.263) for the San Diego Padres in their 10-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.


Micah Bowie
  26 JULY 2006 - LoDUCA CATCHES FIRE FOR METS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Paul LoDuca


At a time when the grind of catching for a long season usually starts to take its toll, PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) continues to battle hard for the league leading New York Mets, batting 2-5 (.303) in today's 6-8 loss to the Chicago Cubs and 2-5 with a RBI in yesterday's 7-8 loss to the 'Cubbies' 

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) did his utmost to keep the Atlanta Braves rolling today, but it was not quite enough when he batted 2-3 (.240) but the Braves were "squeaked" 1-2 by the Florida Marlins

Helping the Washington Nationals to top the San Francisco Giants 8-6 was comeback reliever MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who recorded his second hold of the season, pitching 1.2ip 1h 1er 0bb 0k (1.59ERA). New Giant SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-5 (.296).

... and from yesterday's ML action:

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) saw his recent run of success come to an end when he took his sixth loss for the Texas Rangers who went down 2-6 to the New York Yankees. 'Big Kev' pitched a pretty good 6.0ip 7h 2er 2bb 2k to change his record to 10-6, 4.53ERA. His bullpen team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) closed the losing cause with 0.2ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (2.90ERA) while outfielder GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-5 (.325).


Ryan Langerhans
  24 JULY 2006 - WELLS WHACKS No. 25 & 26!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells


Shea Hillenbrand


 

 Former No.1 overall draft selection VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) continues to hog the limelight lately, not just for former ABL imports, but among ALL major league players. The Toronto Blue Jays slugger is in stunning form recently and today he moved two steps closer to the lead in the home run race with his 25th and 26th 'round trippers' of the season in the Blue Jays 13-5 massacre of the slumping New York Yankees. Wells batted 3-4 (.322) with four RBI's, while for the Yanks NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) was not their worst, batting 2-4 (.172) with a RBI.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) also left the yard for his 9th 'big fly' of the season yesterday while batting 1-4 for the Houston Astros in their 3-4 loss to the New York Mets. In today's game, won 8-4 by Houston, Wilson batted 1-4 (.276) with a RBI while Mets' catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-5 (.300).

Unable to help the Texas Rangers in their 0-5 shutout loss to the Chicago White Sox was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997).

SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) has found himself a new home with the San Francisco Giants after his "strange departure" from Toronto. Over the weekend he batted 1-4 in the Giants 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres and then 1-6 (.297) in their 5-6 loss to the same opponent.

Still enjoying his return to the 'Show' is MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who pitched 1.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (0.93ERA) to collect his first hold of the season for the Washington Nationals in their 7-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.


Nick Green


Micah Bowie
  
  21 JUL 2006 - JARRAD EACOTT JOINS 'AUSSIE TWINS'!


Jarrad Eacott

 'Flintoff & Dunn' congratulate Australia's recent professional baseball signing, 17yo Country NSW LHP prospect JARRAD EACOTT who is the latest to sign with what we will soon be referring to as the "Aussie Farm System", otherwise known as the Minnesota Twins organisation. 

Obviously we wish him every success in his professional journey.

The following story was transposed incomplete from the BASEBALL AUSTRALIA web site:

After inking the deal last Saturday, Eacott, 17, became the third member of his extended family to sign with a Major League organisation, following in the footsteps of his cousins Adam Morrissey (Texas Rangers) and Mitch Denning (Boston Red Sox). 
When asked about what set him on the path towards a professional baseball career, Eacott, a left handed pitcher, says he has a lot to thank his cousin Morrissey for. “He was definitely the star in the family growing up,” said Eacott. “Everyone thought he was great… and when he asked me if I wanted to play it was an easy choice… I definitely wanted to follow in his footsteps.”  

Those footsteps are pretty big ones to fill as Morrissey, 25, is an eight year minor league veteran - formerly with the Cubs and Athletics and now enjoying a great year with Texas ’ AAA affiliate the Oklahoma RedHawks.  

But Eacott is in the midst of a good year himself.  After several outstanding performances pitching for NSW Country at the U/18 National Championships in January (3-0, 0.95 ERA) and a dominate outing against New Zealand at the Oceanic Play-Offs in April, Eacott didn’t think his year could get any better.  

That was until Twin’s scout Howie Norsetter came along and gave Eacott the opportunity he had waited for since he was six years old. “He just kept improving every time we saw him pitch,” said Norsetter. 

“We have had our eye on him for a while, and once we saw him pitch at the Academy, everything just fell into place.”  
  21 JULY 2006 - WELLS A WALKOFF HR WINNER!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells


 

 The shock revelation that his team mate and former ABL slugger SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) has walked out of the Toronto Blue Jays club has obviously not affected VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who continues to put together another outstanding season. The former No.1 overall draft selection is certainly playing like one lately and he was the hero today with his walkoff home run capping a 4-5 (.318) effort in the Blue Jays 5-4, 11-innings win over the New York Yankees.

... and from yesterday's ABL action: 

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) racked his tenth win of the season with a strong 7.0ip 6h 3er 0bb 5k performance for the Texas Rangers in their 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. 'Big Kev' improved his record to 10-5, 4.61ERA. His team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) certainly helped, batting 2-4 (.330) with two RBI's, while Vernon Wells batted 1-4 with a RBI for the Canadians.

Once again solid in relief for the Washington Nationals was MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k (1.12ERA) in their narrow 1-2 defeat by the Florida Marlins.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 2-4 (.280) with two RBI's for the Houston Astros to help them to overcome the Chicago Cubs 4-2.


Kevin Millwood
  19 JULY 2006 - MOYLAN GOOD FOR BRAVES AGAIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


 

 In those immortal baseball words of Yogi Berra, it was virtually "deja vu all over again" for Australia's side-arm hurler PETER MOYLAN today when he was again asked to close out the final inning of the Atlanta Braves "blowout" 14-5 victory over the slumping St.Louis Cardinals. Once again 'Big Pete' warmed to the task for the resurgent Braves pitching a decent 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (7.04ERA) when he was able to work around a leadoff double to right field by Hector Luna, the same batter he faced first yesterday. He followed by inducing both Gary Bennett and So Taguchi to fly out to right field. Things may have turned ugly for Moylan when pinch-hitter Juan Encarnacion scuttled an infield single to short stop, advancing Luna to third base. However, he got out of the jam when Chris Duncan lined out sharply to short. Peter Moylan continues to live his major league dream!

The underrated NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) was again an unlikely hero for the New York Yankees, batting 3-3 (.157) in their 11-innings 5-4 comeback win over Seattle.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 2-5 (.329) for the Texas Rangers, reversing their fortunes with a 5-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays today. VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.312) for the 'B-Jays'.


Nick Green
  18 JULY 2006 - MOYLAN CLOSES OUT CARDS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Peter Moylan


 

 Nice to see that the Atlanta Braves retain some faith in Aussie flame-thrower PETER MOYLAN who returns to the 'big leagues' with an Atlanta team suddenly emerging from the darkest performance period it has suffered for nearly 15 years. 'Big Pete' was all business today, requiring only EIGHT pitches to work around a hit and an error for a scoreless inning. Pete had the luxury of closing out a huge 15-3 win for the Braves over the St.Louis Cardinals, but he could hardly have been more efficient with eight straight strikes. He started by getting Hector Luna to fly out to right field before the dangerous Scott Spezio singled to right field. Spezio moved over to second when Chris Duncan grounded out to short stop, then So Taguchi reached on an error by short stop. He made sure that there would be no further on base activity when John Rodriguez grounded out to second base. In all Moylan pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (8.10ERA) for a good outing!

Toronto Blue Jays slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) "went yard" again for his 23rd long ball of the year. He batted 2-4 (.313) with four of the many RBI's posted by the 'B-Jays' in their 10-1 mauling of the Texas Rangers. GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-4 (.327) for the Lone Star State.

Doing pretty well in his return to the 'Show' is MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who pitched tidily in relief with 2.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (1.29ERA) for the Washington Nationals in their 2-4 loss to the Florida Marlins.


Vernon Wells

  17 JULY 2006 - MILLWOOD WINS 9th FOR RANGERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells



Vance Wilson

 

 Toronto Blue Jays slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) has been busy over the weekend, most recently batting 1-2 (.311) with a RBI and three walks in the 'BJ's' 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. This followed his 2-7 in Toronto's epic 7-6 win over the Mariners in a 14-inning game. The previous day Vernon crushed his 22nd home run of the season while batting 1-4 in a 3-5 loss to Seattle.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) continues to be a most productive leadoff batter for the Texas Rangers, batting 2-4 (.331) in their 0-4 loss to the Baltimore Orioles and 1-4 in the 1-8 loss to the same team. In these corresponding games Texas reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.2ip 0h 0er 2bb 1k (3.25ERA) and 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k. On Saturday, Matthews batted 2-3 to support team mate KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who earned his ninth win of the season when he anchored the Rangers 2-1 win over the Orioles. 'Big Kev' pitched another quality start with 6.0ip 4h 1er 2bb 3k to take his record to 9-5, 4.66ERA.

Enjoying a terrific season as the backup catcher to 'Pudge' Rodriguez with the high-rolling Detroit Tigers is VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) who batted 2-4 (.304) in the Tigers most recent 6-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 1-4 (.281) with a RBI for the Houston Astros in their 3-9 loss to the Florida Marlins, following his 1-3 with two runs scored in the Astros 12-0 shutout win over the Marlins. In this game Florida's journeyman reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) was "touched up" to the ugly tune of 1.1ip 6h 3er 0bb 0k (4.36ERA) as he continues his "roller coaster" season.

Having a better time with the ball is Atlanta Braves comeback-man CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who collected his fourth hold of the season with 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k (3.00ERA) in the Braves 10-5 win over the San Diego Padres.

Another former ABL pitcher returning from the major league wilderness is MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) who has made it back to the 'bigs' with the Washington Nationals. Bowie pitched 1.1ip 2h 1er 1bb 1k (1.80ERA) in the Nationals 6-7 defeat by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-5 (.304) to help his New York Mets to beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Saturday.


Kevin Millwood

 


Micah Bowie
  13 JULY 2006 - ABL IMPORTS AMONG ALL-STARS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vernon Wells


Gary Matthews

 It is often easy to underestimate the quality of our dearly departed Australian Baseball League, but every once in a while we receive a stark reminder of our glorious past. It can only be described as INCREDIBLE that our humble little "winter league" for professional US baseballers has assisted in the development of so many future major league players and so many stars that are still prominent several years after our league's sad demise.

The very fact that we had three former ABL "old boys" represented in the prestigious MLB All-Star Game in 2006 is proof enough that the ABL was a quite unique breeding ground for baseball quality. And, there were a few others who could have earned selection.

Possibly first and foremost was Toronto Blue Jays' slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who started the game for the American League after Red Sox "enigma" Manny Ramirez withdrew. Vernon not only batted 1-2, but he made a vital assist with his laser throw from the outfield cutting down a vital run at the plate. The importance of this was magnified in the result when the AL snatched a 3-2 victory with two runs in the final innings of the game!

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) also did his bit for the AL, batting 1-1 to continue his finest season in the top echelon with the Texas Rangers. New York Mets catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 0-2 for the National League.


Paul LoDuca

 

 
  12 JULY 2006 - OELTJEN FEATURES IN FUTURES GAME!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Trent Oeltjen

 Speedy Australian outfielder TRENT OELTJEN added another highlight to his baseball career that has already included Claxton Shield successes, an Olympic Games silver medal and a trip to the World Baseball Classic. The Minnesota Twins minor league star was plucked out of 'AA' ball to represent the WORLD team in the prestigious MLB FUTURES GAME as a prelude to the Major League All-Star Game. 

Not only did Trent have the honour of playing in the game that is designed to showcase the hottest prospects in the minor league systems, but he also faced the very first pitch as the leadoff batter and starting left fielder for the WORLD Team. Trent battled hard in his two plate appearances. He flied out after fighting off several pitches in his opening at bat, then he was unlucky to ground out to the first baseman who made a brilliant play on a "rifle shot" to rob him in his second. 

In accordance with the format for these games, Trent was substituted after his second at bat, but it will have left him with a memory that few Australian baseballers can boast. Let's hope that his baseball career is eventually rounded off by reaching the major leagues!

For the record, the UNITED STATES beat the WORLD Team 8-5.

  10 JULY 2006 - HILLENBRAND & MATTHEWS HOMER AGAIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Shea Hillenbrand

 


Geoff Blum

 

 Running hot again for the Toronto Blue Jays is SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 2-5 (.305) with 2 RBI's today in his team's 11-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. This coming after he smacked his 12th 'big fly' of the season yesterday while batting 1-4 in the 7-5 win over the Royals. In the corresponding fixtures team mate VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 0-3 (.311) after his 3-5 effort with two RBI's the previous day.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) is also on fire for the New York Mets, batting 3-4 (.302) with a RBI in the 7-6 win over the Florida Marlins today, following his 2-4 effort with 3RBI's in the 17-3 win over the 'Fish' the previous afternoon. In the first game of the double-header yesterday, won 3-2 by the Marlins, MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.05ERA) for his eighth hold of the season.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) connected for his tenth long ball of the year today, batting 1-4 (.328) with two RBI's to help the Texas Rangers to top the Minnesota Twins 5-2. His Texas team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) also helped the cause, pitching 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (3.46ERA) in middle relief.

Also enjoying a couple of productive days was San Diego Padres "utility man" GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who batted 1-1 (.250) with two RBI's in today's 10-9 win over the Washington Nationals. Blum also batted 1-1 as a pinch hitter in their 5-2 win over the Nationals yesterday.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) certainly helped the improving Atlanta Braves to rally 8-3 over the Cincinnati Reds by batting 3-3 (.254) with a RBI. Once again doing a solid job for the Braves was reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched in relief with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (2.93ERA).


Gary Matthews

 


Paul LoDuca
  8 JULY 2006 - VERNON WELLS JACKS No.21!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Gary Matthews

 

 

 

 GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) continues to build upon his best ever season in 'The Show' with his ninth 'jack' of the season coming in a 2-5 (.332) effort for the Texas Rangers in their 9-4 win over the rallying Minnesota Twins. Also doing his bit for the Rangers was reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) with 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 1k (3.60ERA).

Also having by far his best season in the majors is the Cincinnati Reds most productive catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who batted 1-1 (.311) with a RBI as a pinch-hitter in their 10-5 drubbing of the Atlanta Braves today. Ross also batted 1-4 for the Reds in yesterday's 7-8 loss to the Braves. In that game RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.246).

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 2-4 (.289) with a RBI for Houston Astros in their 2-8 defeat by the St.Louis Cardinals.

Former ABL catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) also pinch-hit today and, not surprisingly, he delivered with 1-1 (.294) for the New York Mets in their 3-7 loss to the always competitive Florida Marlins.

... and from other MLB games yesterday:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) left the yard for the 21st time while batting 2-4 (.312) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 2-6 loss to the Kansas City Royals. His former ABL partner in crime SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 1-4 (.305).

Doing his best for the Florida Marlins in their 7-8 loss to the Washington Nationals was seasoned journeyman reliever MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched a decent 2.0ip 2h 0er 1bb 1k (4.15ERA).


Vernon Wells

 

 
  
  6 JULY 2006 - METS GRAB GAVIN DLOUHY!


Gavin Dlouhy

 'Flintoff & Dunn' congratulate Australia's recent professional baseball signing, talented 18yo NSW pitching prospect GAVIN DLOUHY who has signed to join the New York Mets organisation. Obviously we wish him every success in his professional baseball journey.

The following story was transposed incomplete from the BJS web site:

It all happened very quickly for him at the MLB funded Academy on the Gold Coast.   He had one pitching outing in the first week and he impressed a number of the scouts who watch these games closely.  

His velocity had jumped from low to high 80's in the space of a few months and he had a split finger slider that fooled many a hitter.   A number of scouts indicated interest but the Mets were the most aggressive in their pursuit of Gavin's signature.    "I liked the improvement in his velocity since I saw him at the U18's," said Mets scout Tony Harris who is also one of the coaches at the Academy.  "He has a clean smooth action and pounded the strike zone - with his variety of pitches he has the makings of a Major League pitcher and we are delighted to add him to the Aussies we already have in our organisation."

Like so many prospects Gavin began his baseball life as a T-Baller .   First with the Condell Park Club in southwestern Sydney and then after 6 years moving to the Bankstown Club in the NSW Junior League at U16 and then onto the Major League club Canterbury for U18 and seniors where he was coached by pitching guru Barry Holland.

Gavin wasn't always a pitcher - a pivot in the U14 NSW team he moved to 3rd in the U16's and finally converted to pitching at the U18 level.   His pitching performances soon attracted the attention of Andre Desjardin, Head Baseball Coach of the NSW Institute of Sport and he gained the prestigious NSWIS scholarship for 3 years.

The 6'1" former Westfield Sports High School student didn't believe he would become a pro baseballer when he left school to commence an automotive mechanics apprenticeship 3 years ago.   "I thought that was my future - but when I was selected for the MLB Academy after the U18's in Geelong I decided to work really hard at improving my game and also started long tossing with my dad 3 times/week.   My velocity started to rise and now this", he said over dinner on the Gold Coast with his agent and Mets team mates Shaun Tabrett and Pat Maat to celebrate his signing.   "This is everything I could dream of, plus much much more."

GAVIN DLOUHY is managed by Australia's No.1 Player Agents
 BJS Player Management.
 Click their icon at left to visit their Web Site
  6 JULY 2006 - VANCE WILSON HITS HOMER No.4!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Vance Wilson

 

 Connecting for his fourth home run of the season yesterday was Detroit Tigers' backup catcher VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) who batted 2-4 (.310) with the only RBI in their 1-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics. Vance is playing a vital role to allow some rest for All-Star 'Pudge' Rodriguez as the Tigers own the best record in MLB. 

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) simply continues to produce consistent hitting at the very top of the Texas Rangers lineup. He batted 2-4 (.331) in today's 9-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays after batting 2-5 in yesterday's 2-3 loss to the same team. The Rangers have managed to cool off Toronto's "bash brothers" SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-4 (.310) and VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 0-4 (.314) yesterday, while both went 0-4 today!

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) was again to the fore for the Atlanta Braves in their 14-4 stomping of the St.Louis Cardinals, batting 2-4 (.246). Also doing his job for the Braves was reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who closed the lop-sided game with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (3.16ERA).


Gary Matthews

 

 
  4 JULY 2006 - GREEN & LANGERHANS HEROES!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


Nick Green

 

 While he was briefly a shining star with Atlanta and he had some decent moments at Tampa Bay, former IBLA import NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) had maybe his most memorable moment in baseball when he became an almost instant hero in the Bronx, playing a starring role in the New York Yankees "wild", rain delayed 16-7 win over the cross-town rival New York Mets. In the midst of the 'Bronx Bombers' piling on an eight-run second inning to erase a 0-4 deficit in the game, the little known second baseman smacked his first home run of the year to score two runs. He batted 1-3 (.095). In the same game Mets catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 2-5 with a RBI. Backing up today Green batted 1-3 (.111) for the 'Yanks' in their 2-5 loss to the Cleveland Indians while 'Paulie' batted 2-4 (.292) for the Mets in their 1-11 loss to the rallying Pittsburgh Pirates.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) has found his power stroke lately, going deep for the sixth time today while batting 1-3 (.246) for the Atlanta Braves in their big 6-3 win over the St.Louis Cardinals. Also doing his job for the Braves was reliever CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) who pitched 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k (3.28ERA).

Just managing to escape most of the damage for the Florida Marlins in their 1-9 loss to the Washington Nationals was MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched a reasonable 2.0ip 4h 1er 0bb 2k (4.38ERA).

PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) batted 2-4 (.290) with a RBI for the Houston Astros in their 7-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Not to be blamed for the Toronto Blue Jays 1-6 defeat by the Texas Rangers were VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) who batted 2-4 (.318) or SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted 1-4 (.311). Also not taking much credit for the win was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who had a rare bad day at the plate, batting 0-5 (.329) while striking out three times for the Rangers.


Ryan Langerhans


 Chad Paronto

 
  3 JULY 2006 - DAVID ROSS HITS DOUBLE-DINGERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:


David Ross

 

 The Cincinnati Reds must think that they have struck gold with the signing of unheralded "backup catcher" DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) who is having a breakthrough season with the bat this year. Ross launched two solo home runs, his 11th and 12th of the season, while batting 2-3 (.318) with the two RBI's in their 3-6 loss to Cleveland.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) also "went yard" for the fifth time this year, batting 2-4 (.245) for the Atlanta Braves in their 10-3 win over Baltimore.

Once again making his presence felt for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-11 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies was former ABL utility/catcher SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) who batted a useful 2-5 (.312).

VANCE WILSON (Melbourne Monarchs 1996) batted 2-5 (.300) with a RBI for the Detroit Tigers, helping them to earn a tough 9-8 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

... and from other MLB games over the past weekend:

Enjoying his first taste of the "Big Apple Rivalry" PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 3-4 (.286) to help his New York Mets to topple the New York Yankees 8-3.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) solid pitching effort of 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.37ERA) was not enough to prevent his Florida Marlins from being plundered 5-11 by the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Houston Astros slugging outfielder PRESTON WILSON (Hunter Eagles 1997) was in fine form again over the weekend, batting 3-4 in their 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers and 2-5 (.291) with a RBI in their 7-0 win yesterday. GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-3 (.326) for Texas in the opening game while team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 2.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.37ERA).

CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998) earned his second hold of the season, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (3.42ERA) for the Atlanta Braves in their 3-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. 


Ryan Langerhans

 

 

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