AUSSIES & AMLB PLAYERS
NEWS FROM US LEAGUES

   

 ***** PAGE LAST UPDATED - 3 OCT 2009 *****
  
 Hoping to reward the interest of our subscribers who have requested this, Flintoff & Dunn aim to bring you the latest news about our Australian players (and former AMLB imports) plying their baseball trade in the USA (or overseas).
  

 

   

 Please BOOKMARK this page (and REFRESH) as we aim to update it as often as possible throughout the Australian winter... with obvious apologies to anyone we may miss! If by some chance we do miss someone, PLEASE let us know. 
  

  

  


Trent Oeltjen

 No.27

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.27 player to reach the US major leagues on 7 August 2009 (AUS time), 26yo New South Wales outfielder TRENT OELTJEN. 26yo NSW outfielder TRENT OELTJEN today (7 August 2009 AUS time) became the 27th Australian to reach baseball’s pinnacle; the US major league. Oeltjen made his big league debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks and he was a major part of the 'D-Backs' comeback victory 11-6 over the Pittsburgh Pirates after 12 innings. In fact Trent could hardly have imagined a more exciting big league debut than he experienced in front of 17,311 fans at Pittsburgh's PNC Park. Batting in the seven hole and starting at left field, he had a dream beginning when he reached on an infield single in the second inning, then promptly stole second base. In the fourth inning he flied out to right field, followed by a pop out to the second baseman in the sixth. All of those at bats were facing Pirates' starter Kevin Hart. Oeltjen's magic moment arrived when he led off the eighth inning facing Jesse Chavez and he made himself an immediate hero for the 'Snakes' with a towering home run to right field that tied the game and gave his team the opportunity to win in extra innings. Facing Matt Capps in the top of the tenth he bunted into a fielder's choice force out and, although he failed to advance the runner, he made up for this by stealing second base himself for his second theft of the game. Trent was asked to leadoff the 12th with another bunt but it was unsuccessful when he popped up to the catcher. It didn't stop him enjoying Arizona's dramatic win, or from enjoying a wonderful debut in the major leagues. You've made it Trent!


No.28 - ML Aust

 We reserve this space to pay tribute to the next Australian(s) who will earn their way into baseball's pinnacle... 'The Show'... 'The Big League'... The obvious possibilities are  LUKE HUGHES, ADAM BRIGHT or BRENDAN WISE ... or will someone else emerge?

'Flintoff & Dunn' wish them all good luck and good health for the 2009 season.

CLICK HERE to view Australia's other current ML players.


No.29 - ML Aust

 
   

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.

 

3 OCT 2009 - RICH THOMPSON TACKLES TEXAS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Richard Thompson


Kevin Millwood


 Ron Mahay

 Unheralded Aussie reliever RICH THOMPSON was back on a big league mound yesterday, trying to soak a few middle innings for the Los Angeles Angels after starter John Lackey was given the hook after just two innings in what would be a heavy 3-11 defeat by the Texas Rangers. Richard started positively, but it all unraveled for him at the end of his 2.2ip 4h 1er 0bb 3k (5.12ERA) effort. Taking over at the top of the third inning, things wobbled a bit immediately when Elvis Andrus singled into left field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Then, after he struck out David Murphy looking, Andrus stole third before Andruw Jones struck out swinging. There was no addition to the score when Ian Kinsler popped out to the first baseman. Following a host of defensive adjustments before taking the field for the fourth, Thompson allowed a leadoff single into right by Chris Davis, before getting Omar Visquel to fly out to centre field, Taylor Teagarden to pop out to the first baseman and Craig Gentry to line out to right field. Stretching into his third inning of work with a new catcher in the fifth, he saw Julio Bourbon hammer a leadoff double before striking out Elvis Andrus on a foul tip. It all started to go pear shaped when he "plonked" Andruw Jones with a wayward pitch and Ian Kinsler followed with a shattered bat RBI double into left field. That was the end of his reasonable effort on this occasion. It was good to see him back in the majors.
On the winning end of this game was evergreen starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who went the distance for the Rangers with a mighty 9.0ip 7h 2er 1bb 10k to take his season record to a very workmanlike 13-10, 3.67ERA.

... and also from yesterday's MLB games:

RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched a brief 0.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (4.32ERA) for the Minnesota Twins to help them to hold off the Kansas City Royals 10-7 in an important victory for the 'Twinkies'. Yesterday Mahay also got just one out to capture his sixth hold of the season with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.35ERA) for the Twins in their 8-3 win over the Detroit Tigers.


Doing his job as a pinch hitter today was GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 1-2 (.252) with a RBI for the Los Angeles Angels who topped the Oakland Athletics 5-2.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 0-3 (.247) but he did deliver a RBI for the Houston Astros in their 1-7 loss to the New York Mets.

30 SEP 2009 - BALFOUR SAVES No.2 & No.3!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan

 Hard throwing Aussie GRANT BALFOUR added a couple more outs for his season today to secure his second save in two games and his third for the season when he locked down the Tampa Bay Rays' 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Grant nailed the final two outs this time with Lou Montanez struck out swinging and Cesar Isturis flying out to centre field to end the game. His pitching line today finished at 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.88ERA).

... and from yesterdays MLB games:

Things don't always go your way in our great game of baseball and sometimes you can be desperately unlucky but, on this occasion, Australia's GRANT BALFOUR would not complain about collecting his second save of the season just by claiming the last out of the game yesterday. Grant pitched a very brief seven pitches for his 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.93ERA) to put a lid on his Tampa Bay Rays comeback 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles. His only action was to get Lou Montanez to line out to left field.

Compatriot PETER MOYLAN also collected his 25th hold for 2009 with a competent 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (2.66ERA) effort as part of a combined shutout for the surging Atlanta Braves who blanked the Florida Marlins 4-0. Pete pitched the top of the eighth inning in relief of ace starter Jair Jurrjens, striking out a flailing Cameron Maybin before walking the dangerous Hanley Ramirez. Any hint of trouble was swiftly overcome when he got Jorge Cantu to ground into a double play to the short stop. It was typical Moylan!

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-3 (.262) with a walk and a run scored for the Toronto Blue Jays who preyed upon the wounded Boston Red Sox 11-5.

28 SEP 2009 - RRS, MOYLAN & BALFOUR PITCH!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Ryan R-Smith

 

 


Peter Moylan

 

 


Grant Balfour

 Australia's "hyphen" RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH was consigned to his fourth loss of the season today when his Seattle Mariners were unable to hold out the Toronto Blue Jays in a 4-5 defeat, with all of the Blue Jays runs scored in the seventh and eighth innings. Unfortunately Ryan was responsible for all the Toronto runs when he was nearing the end of his 114 pitch effort and his 7.0ip 7h 5er 1bb 3k has left him owning a 4-4, 3.91ERA record. Things started most impressively for 'RRS' when he faced the minimum number of batters through the first three innings, only to see his perfect game broken up by Jose Bautista's leadoff single in the fourth. His shutout remained intact through six frames with only one more hit coming via Travis Snider's leadoff single in the sixth. But, the steady wheels began wobbling in the seventh when Vernon Wells smoked a one out single up the middle and Randy Ruiz followed with a double. Both of these runners were plated when Rod Barajas produced a RBI with a sacrifice fly and Kevin Millar singled in a second run. Still leading 4-2 coming into the bottom of the eighth, Rowland-Smith was immediately in more trouble when John McDonald roped a leadoff double to left field and promptly scored on a Jose Bautista single. When Aaron Hill milked a none out walk, Ryan was lifted, perhaps belatedly, in favour of reliever Miguel Batista. Even though Batista struck out the next two hitters, a couple more hits in the inning made sure that the Aussie was saddled with all five earned runs. While he would not be seeking excuses, there is a genuine suggestion that Rowland-Smith may have been stretched out too far in this game and it may have ended much better for him on another occasion. Slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.262) and scored a run for the Blue Jays.

Australian star PETER MOYLAN was used in a longer than usual setup role today, pitching a most valuable 2.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 4k (2.70ERA) to help the Atlanta Braves to polish off a 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals. Pete took the ball from Braves' starter Derek Lowe to commence the bottom of the seventh in a deadlocked 3-3 game and he looked likely to surrender the lead when Willie Harris hammered a leadoff triple to deep right-centre field. But, one again, Pete called upon his customary poise to get Ian Desmond to ground out to the first baseman before issuing an intentional walk to Nats' star Ryan Zimmerman. He was able to leave Harris camped on third when he had both Josh Willingham and Elijah Dukes called out on strikes. Moylan then sailed through the eighth with Mike Morse grounding out back to the mound, followed by Jamie Burke and Alberto Gonzalez who both struck out swinging. It was another mighty effort from Moylan with the game hanging in the balance.

Aussie flame thrower GRANT BALFOUR earned his 18th hold for 2009 with a no-fuss 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (4.96ERA) performance for the Tampa Bay Rays, helping them to see off the Texas Rangers with an amazing 7-6 comeback win today. Grant was asked to take the ball in the bottom of the ninth, just after the Rays had rallied from a 0-6 deficit with three runs in the top of the eighth and four more in the top of the ninth to snatch an unlikely lead! Grant did his job in solid fashion by getting veteran Andruw Jones to fly out to left field and then Nelson Cruz grounding out to the second baseman. He handed the final out to Lance Cormier who pocketed the save.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 0-2 (.249) for the Houston Astros, but he did walk twice as a contribution to their 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

27 SEP 2009 - BALFOUR ROCKED BY RANGERS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Grant Balfour


Kevin Millwood

 Live arm Australian reliever GRANT BALFOUR had a tough time of it yesterday while attempting to close out a 3-8 defeat for his Tampa Bay Rays against the Texas Rangers. Grant saw his ERA climb just above five with his 1.0ip 1h 3er 2bb 2k (5.01ERA) in relief of Rays' starter James Shields. Balfour looked to be in cruise control when he got Elvis Andrus to ground out to the short stop and then had Josh Hamilton struck out swinging at a 93mph fastball. But, as often, disaster loomed when he issued back-to-back two out walks to Marlon Byrd and Hank Blalock. The baseball gods were true to their tradition when Ian Kinsler made him pay the ultimate price with a three run jack over left field… OUCH! There was little consolation for our guy when he fanned David Murphy to end the three run inning.

Evergreen starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was assisted by a huge 11-run fifth inning while collecting his 12th win of the season with a sturdy 7.0ip 7h 2er 2bb 2k today. His record improved to 12-10, 3.75ERA when his Texas Rangers smacked the Tampa Bay Rays 15-3.

Lefty reliever RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched a reasonable 1.2ip 1h 1er 1bb 0k (4.47ERA) for the Minnesota Twins to help them to swamp the Kansas City Royals 11-6 today. Yesterday MAHAY pitched a more impressive 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k to help the Twins to roll the Royals 9-4.

... and from other recent games:

Relief stalwart CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998)  pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (15.19ERA) to polish off the ninth inning of his Houston Astros 4-10 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) left the yard with his 15th home run of the season, spicing his 2-4 (.264) game with four RBIs that provided all the scoring for the Blue Jays who fell short 4-5 to the Seattle Mariners.

25 SEP 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS FOR 24TH TIME!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Peter Moylan


Gary Matthews

 Everyday Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN added hold No.24 for season 2009 with 0.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k (2.78ERA) to help the Atlanta Braves to secure an important 5-2 win over the declining New York Mets. Pete took over from starter Tim Hudson to start the seventh inning and he was immediately faced with a runner in scoring position when Angel Pagan lashed a leadoff double into centre field. He nailed the first out when Luis Castillo flied out to the centre fielder, then the second when star David Wright grounded out to the first baseman. When Moylan walked slugger Carlos Beltran, he was lifted in favour of left Eric O'Flaherty who shut down the inning. It may not have been his sharpest performance, but you can't always dictate terms in our great game of baseball, all you can do is compete and persist!

Doing all that he could for the Los Angeles Angels during their narrow 2-3 defeat by the burgeoning New York Yankees was right fielder GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) who batted 1-2 (.247) with a RBI and two walks.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) could only manage one walk, while batting 0-3 (.262) for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 7-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Evergreen right hander MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) walked one and struck out one while pitching 0.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (3.44ERA) for the Colorado Rockies who went down 3-6 to the San Diego Padres.

23 SEP 2009 - MOYLAN HOLDS & R-SMITH STARTS!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Peter Moylan


Ryan R-Smith

 

 

 


Kevin Millwood

 After a slow start to his 2009 season following elbow surgery in 2008, Aussie PETER MOYLAN has gradually lowered his ERA throughout the year and now has it well below 3.00 as the season nears its end. In today's 3-1 win over the New York Mets, Pete earned his 23rd hold for the Atlanta Braves with another tidy 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (2.81ERA) in relief of starter Jair Jurrjens. Moylan took good care of the eighth inning which started with Angel Pagan flying out to centre field before the cagey Louis Castillo worked a one out walk. Castillo moved over to second when David Wright grounded out to the third baseman, but he got no further when Carlos Beltran flied out to right field. As often, our man was chosen to pitch to the toughest part of the opposition lineup. Team mate DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 0-1 (.264) with a walk for the Braves.

Fellow Australian pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH was not nearly as sharp as he was in his previous outing today, but he still did a solid job starting for the Seattle Mariners and he set them up for a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. His 113 pitch effort could only take him to five completed innings with a battling 5.0ip 6h 3er 4bb 1k (3.70ERA) and he had to settle for a no decision. An Evan Longoria single and a walk to Ben Zobrist came with two out in the first and did not result in any damage, but his trouble started early with a leadoff double by Willy Aybar to open the second. Dionner Navarro moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt and the first run was posted when B.J Upton singled through the left side. Ryan then escaped a bases loaded jam in the same inning when Fernando Perez and Jason Bartlett singled, but he was able to re-group and leave them on base. He walked Zobrist again to lead off the third as the only on base action in the frame, which he followed with a neat 1-2-3 fourth and fifth innings. Once again nearing the end of his endurance in the sixth, Rowland-Smith loaded the bags before securing an out and was lifted after Pat Burrell walked, Aybar doubled and Navarro walked. It was an unfortunate end to what could have been a better day when two more of his earned runs were cashed in for the inning.

... And from yesterday's MLB games:

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-5 (.264) and he scored a run for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 9-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Showing the benefit of missing one scheduled start was veteran KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who was back near his best again, pitching his Texas Rangers to a 10-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. 'Big Kev' hurled a terrific 7.0ip 3h 0er 1bb 2k to improve his season record to a typically solid 11-10, 3.79ERA.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 1-4 (.254) and he scored a run for the Houston Astros who were topped 3-7 by the St.Louis Cardinals. In this game, inconsistent relief pitcher CHAD PARONTO (Perth Heat 1998)  returned to big league action with 1.0ip 3h 1er 0bb 1k (18.90ERA) for Houston.

21 SEP 2009 - GRANT BALFOUR HOLDS 17TH!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Grant Balfour		 Aussie ace GRANT BALFOUR earned his 17th hold of the 2009 campaign with 0.2ip 1h 0er 1bb 1k (4.66ERA) for the Tampa Bay Rays who held off the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 today. Grant was rudely greeted when he came into the game with two out in the top of the seventh by Randy Ruiz who hammered a ground rule double that hopped over the right field fence. The runner in scoring position wasn't allowed to compound when Grant had Jose Bautista struck out looking at a third strike to end the inning. He then secured the first out in the eighth when John McDonald lined out to left field but, when Aaron Hill walked, our man was lifted in favour of left-hander Brian Shouse.

Journeyman backup catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted a useful 2-3 (.268) for the Atlanta Braves who still couldn't overcome the Philadelphia Phillies in a 2-4 loss today.

GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) enjoyed his start at right field today for the Los Angeles Angels when he "went yard" for the fourth time this season, while batting a vital 2-3 (.242) with three RBIs in their 10-5 defeat of the fading Texas Rangers.

20 SEP 2009 - MOYLAN & BALFOUR BOTH STRONG!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Peter Moylan


Grant Balfour

 Australia's "Mr. Dependable" PETER MOYLAN added yet another scoreless inning of relief for the Atlanta Braves to help cement their solid 6-4 victory over the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies today. 'Big Pete' hurled a tidy zero in the top of the eighth, in support of starter Javier Vasquez with his 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (2.85ERA) effort at Turner Field. He began well by striking out John Mayberry swinging on five pitches, before getting Jimmy Rollins to fly out to left field and Ben Francisco to roll out softly to the second baseman. It was another most efficient outing for the Aussie in his terrific comeback season.

… and from yesterday:

Power armed Aussie GRANT BALFOUR was elected to close the ninth inning of a lop-sided 11-4 win for his Tampa Bay Rays over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Clearly enjoying the low pressure opportunity, Grant pounded the strike zone with 14 of his 15 total pitches thrown for strikes in a 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (4.71ERA) performance. Like his countryman Moylan, his first victim was a swinging strike out of John McDonald, before Jose Bautista grounded out to the second baseman and Aaron Hill flied out to right field to end the game. Seasoned outfielder VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 2-4 (.265) with a RBI and a run scored for Canada's team.

Australia's newest big leaguer TRENT OELTJEN made another appearance off the bench for the Arizona Diamondbacks when he was used as a pinch hitter during their 7-5 win over the Colorado Rockies yesterday. This time Trent was summoned to pinch hit for the 'Snakes' starting pitcher with two out in the bottom of the fourth. Unfortunately, Oeltjen found the task of trying to hit off the bench as difficult as most do when he was struck out swinging at a Jason Marquis changeup.

18 SEP 2009 - ROWLAND-SMITH MIGHTY IN 4TH WIN!
Here is an update of what some Aussies and former AMLB imports have been doing in the US major leagues:

Ryan R-Smith


Grant Balfour


Peter Moylan


 

 

 Australian starting pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH continues to cement his future with the Seattle Mariners with a sequence of fine performances toward the end of the 2009 season. On this occasion he scooped his fourth win of the year with a polished 8.0ip 9h 1er 1bb 2k to anchor the M's 4-1 win over the Chicago White Sox and improving his record to 4-3, 3.59ERA. After starting with a three up - three down first, he quelled a pair of singles in the second with an inning ending double play. Ryan faced the minimum again in the third when Alex Rios was caught stealing after hitting a leadoff single, then only an A.J Pierzynski single blemished his fourth. He may have allowed a run on three hits in the fifth if not for Carlos Quentin running himself out while trying to stretch a one out single into an ill-advised double. After posting a 1-2-3 sixth, Rowland-Smith was again tough enough to pitch around a leadoff walk and a none out single to preserve his shutout. Once again he was around the 100 pitch mark when Gordon Beckham finally ruined his shutout with a one out solo home run in the eighth frame. He was relieved after finishing the eighth… it was a mighty effort! Ryan's Seattle team mate RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted a useful 1-2 (.212) with a RBI, while also making a fine running catch in left field.

Aussie live arm GRANT BALFOUR set aside some recent struggles to pitch impressively for the Tampa Bay Rays in their 2-4 defeat by the Baltimore Orioles. Grant pitched a most effective 1.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (4.79ERA) after relieving Rays' starter Andy Sonnanstine with two out in the sixth inning and runners perched on first and second bases. It took 'Balf' just one pitch to end the threat with Luke Scott popping out to the third baseman in foul territory. Back for the bottom of the seventh, Balfour fanned Matt Weiters and Jeff Fiorentino either side of getting Ty Wiggington to ground out to the second baseman for the second out of the frame. He threw 14 of his 17 pitches for strikes in a precision performance.

Overworked Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN was the fourth of seven Atlanta Braves pitchers to take the hill during their dramatic 6-5 win over the New York Mets, via two runs in the bottom of the ninth. Our Pete pitched an important scoreless seventh inning with 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (2.89ERA). He started by striking out former team mate Jeff Francouer before getting Jeremy Reed to ground out to the second baseman. Speedy pinch hitter Angel Pagan got aboard with an infield single to the first baseman but their next pinch hitter, Fernando Tatis, was not so successful when he flied out to left field to end the inning.

Former All-Star slugger VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted a solid 2-4 (.264) for the Toronto Blue Jays, but again it was not enough to prevent the New York Yankees from rallying late for a 5-4 win.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) clocked his tenth home run of the season yesterday while batting 1-4 (.258) for the Houston Astros who still wound up on the skinny end of a 5-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

In the drama of the Boston Red Sox snatching a "wild 9-8 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the ninth inning, pinch hitter NICK GREEN (IBLA Internationals 2001) drew a controversial two out, full count walk with the bases juiced to tie the game. It was a critical moment when Green had the nerve to take a low pitch that the Angels thought was a strike, setting up team mate Alex Gonzalez to poke the game winning flare into left field.


  From 14 APR 2005 - MESSAGE FOR SUBSCRIBERS!
If you don't count the 2001 IBLA "boutique league" season, it is a long time since IMPORT players have appeared in AMLB, dating back to the demise of the ABL in early 1999. While we acknowledge that many former ABL fanatics, like us, enjoy reminiscing about those wonderful days and like to keep track of those foreign visitors who helped to shape our league, we can no longer justify the time required to account for every move they make in the majors.

From now on we will devote our time to bringing only the HIGHLIGHTS and important updates about former IMPORT players while we will, of course, try to bring you every move made by any AUSTRALIAN players in the big league. We will continue to maintain our stats for both Australian pro players and former imports in the major league as we have in the past. We hope you understand the reason for this small change in our service to subscribers.
  
The latest list of Australian and former AMLB Players currently on  US Major League 40-Man Team Rosters.
  
To find out the latest statistics recorded by Australian players in the US leagues... just click this button at left. ** UPDATED 28 SEP 2009 **
  
Click here for the latest list of Major League Statistics for Australian
 and former AMLB Players, including imports. ** UPDATED ML STATS **
  
From time to time we will "archive" our NEWS items from this page. You can find our old news items on this page... just click the button at left.
  

Our other US Major League Players:

No.1 - ML Aust
Joe Quinn		 No.2 - ML Aust
Craig Shipley		 No.3 - ML Aust
David Nilsson		 No.4 - ML Aust
Graeme Lloyd		 No.5 - ML Aust Mark Hutton No.6 - ML Aust Mark Ettles No.7 - ML Aust Shayne Bennett

No.8 - ML Aust
T. Durrington		 No.9 - ML Aust
Jeff Williams		 No.10 - ML Aust
Cam Cairncross		 No.11 - ML Aust Luke Prokopec No.12 - ML Aust Damian Moss No.13 - ML Aust Brad Thomas No.14 - ML Aust Grant Balfour
No.15 - ML Aust
Chris Snelling		 No.16 - ML Aust John Stephens No.17 - ML Aust Micheal Nakamura No.18 - ML Aust Travis Blackley No.19 - ML Aust
Glenn Williams		 No.20 - ML Aust
Justin Huber		 No.21 - ML Aust
Chris Oxspring

 


Brad Harman

 No.26

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.26 player to reach the US major leagues on 23 April 2008 (AUS time), 22yo Victorian short stop BRAD HARMAN. 22yo Victorian short stop BRAD HARMAN today (23 April 2008 AUS time) became the 26th Australian to reach baseball’s pinnacle; the US major league. Harman made his big league debut as a pinch hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies during their 8-6 win over the Colorado Rockies in front of a 26,665 crowd at Coors Field, Denver, Colorado. In fact our Brad was to make the last out of the game for the Phillies when he replaced Ryan Madson as a pinch hitter with two out in the top of the ninth. Brad battled Rockies closer Manny Corpas until he popped out to short stop on his fifth pitch fastball. He was then lifted before the bottom of the ninth in a defensive adjustment when he was replaced by closing pitcher Brad Lidge. ‘Flintoff & Dunn’ CONGRATULATES Brad on making it all the way to the top and we hope that he gets plenty more opportunities to become a regular big league player.


Richard Thompson
 No.25

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.25 player to reach the US major leagues on 1 September 2007 (US time), 23yo NSW RH pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON. 
After climbing to ‘AAA’ level and performing extremely well towards the end of the 2007 season, Australian RICHARD (the Americans like to call him RICH) THOMPSON took advantage of the expanded September rosters to become our 25th major league player. Thompson was immediately thrust into action to pitch the top of the eighth inning for the Los Angeles Angels during their 6-7 loss to the Texas Rangers, witnessed by 38,342 home fans at the Angels Stadium of Anaheim. He started superbly by having Jason Botts struck out swinging on his fourth pitch which was a canny off speed offering. He followed by having young star Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out swinging on six pitches, whiffing at the last two 94mph heaters. He was then a touch unfortunate when Ian Kinsler sliced a tidy "low and away" full-count pitch for a soft floater to right field. Richard concluded his scoreless inning of work today by having Ramon Vasquez ground out to the second baseman. His debut day was done with a most satisfying and memorable 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (0.00ERA), with 12 of his 19 pitches thrown for strikes… way to go RICH!


Ryan
Rowland-Smith
No.24

 24yo NSW right-hander RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH became Australia's 24th player to reach baseball's pinnacle of the US major leagues when he pitched for the Seattle Mariners against the Cincinnati Reds on 23 June 2007 (AUS date) at SAFECO Field, in Seattle. A crowd of 46,340 were on hand to witness the latest Aussie big leaguer make his first out, and one that will be written into folklore, when he had future Hall-Of-Fame great Ken Griffey Junior struck out swinging to end the 6th inning. It could not take the gloss from Ryan's impressive big league debut that his team was already trailing by the ugly final score of 1-16 when he returned to polish off the top of the seventh inning. He had Jeff Conine ground out to the third baseman, before finding himself under a little pressure when Adam Dunn singled to left field and Edwin Encarnacion reached by the unusual route of catcher's interference. He escaped the jam by having Alex Gonzalez fly out to left field and then Josh Hamilton struck out swinging. In all Rowland-Smith threw a high-quality 15 of 20 pitches for strikes for a memorable debut of 1.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (0.00ERA).


Phil Stockman
Australia's
No.23

 

 

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.23 player to reach the US major leagues on 15 June 2006 (US time), 6'8", 26yo Queensland RH pitcher PHIL STOCKMAN 
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"!


Peter Moylan
Australia's
No.22

 

 

 

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.22 player to reach the US major leagues on 13 April 2006 (US time), 27yo Victorian utility / RH pitcher PETER MOYLAN. 
So, here's one for "Ripleys Believe it or Not?" Peter Moylan, as the commentators at the recent World Baseball Classic would constantly remind us, is the previously unknown pharmaceuticals salesman from Melbourne, Australia who somehow rose from obscurity to find a three-quarter arm fastball in the 95mph range that dazzled some of the major leagues best hitters. 'Big Pete' Moylan is not such a surprise to Australian baseball fans as a guy who has been at the forefront of Aussie baseball for some time. In fact, to explain his versatility, Peter Flintoff recently witnessed him playing at third base and smashing two monster home runs for his Victorian club team Blackburn against the powerhouse club Waverley... he also recently played at first base and pitched in relief for Victoria at the Claxton Shield... that is the type of player that Moylan is! In fact, it was the somewhat eye-catching and remarkable side-arm velocity of Moylan at Blacktown in 2006 that led legendary Australian scout and pitching great Phil Dale to sign Moylan on a minor league contract to join the famous Atlanta Braves. Fast forward to 13 April 2006 and there we find Peter Moylan summoned from the Braves bullpen at Turner Field, in front of 37,107 fans to pitch late relief against the Philadelphia Phillies who were already on their way to a 7-5 victory. Moylan pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k to become the 22nd Australian player to reach the US major leagues. Pete entered the game in the eighth inning to induce a fly out from Ryan Howard before David Bell drove a two-base hit. He then had catcher Mike Leiberthal pop out to first before halting the inning with David Delluci called out on strikes. In all he threw 16 pitches on debut and nine of them were for strikes. Way to go PETE!


Chris Oxspring
Australia's
No.21

 'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.21 player to reach the US major leagues on 2 September 2005 (US time), 28yo Queensland born RH pitcher CHRIS OXSPRING. 
Australia's 2004 Olympic silver medal star CHRIS OXSPRING has had to be patient before becoming the 21st Aussie to reach the US major leagues. In his fifth season with the San Diego Padres organisation, Chris has steadily worked his way through the minor leagues and has been a steady performer at 'AAA' level for the past two seasons. He finally received the ultimate reward with his call-up to the Padres big league roster this week and with his major league debut today.
Chris was immediately handed a daunting task, coming in after just 1.2 innings to relieve the Padres ailing starter Brian Lawrence who had already allowed five runs. However, while he was touched for a couple of home runs, he also struck out seven in what was a promising debut in the context of a game that was already out of hand for his team. Whatever, he will never forget his major league debut against the Milwaukee Brewers in front of 18,000 fans at Miller Park. Well done Chris, you have deserved it!
He pitched 5.1ip 6h 5er 3bb 7k (8.44ERA) in the Padres 12-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.


Justin Huber
Australia's
No.20

 'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.20 player to reach the US major leagues on 21 June 2005 (US time), 23yo VICT infielder JUSTIN HUBER. 
Originally a highly regarded prospect as a catcher in the New York Mets organisation, the strapping Melbourne raised Huber has also had to endure an injury hindered apprenticeship as a baseball professional. But, having been traded to the Kansas City Royals in 2004, the opportunity to make a rapid rise to the big leagues opened up for Justin after the Royals converted him to a first baseman.
Finally, in front of 28,206 opposition fans at the Chicago White Sox home park US Cellular Field, Huber was summoned from the bench in the 9th inning of a 5-1 loss to pinch hit in place of regular first baseman Matt Stairs. He was caught on a solidly hit fly ball to centre field off Sox reliever Damasco Marte to start his career with 0-1, but simply making his debut will be more than enough excitement for Justin Huber on this day! We hope he has many, many more big days in the US major leagues! Good Luck Justin!


Glenn Williams
Australia's
No.19

 'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.19 player to reach the US major leagues on 7 June 2005 (US time), 27yo NSW infielder GLENN WILLIAMS. 
Having been signed as a "golden boy" of Australian baseball, Sydney's Glenn Williams has been made to endure a tough apprenticeship, working his way up through the ranks with the Toronto Blue Jays and having established himself as a quality performer at 'AAA' level over the past few years. Maybe his career break arrived when he was traded to the Minnesota Twins for season 2005, culminating in his major league debut.
Williams made a dream start to his 'big league' career for the Minnesota Twins in their away game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Bank One Ballpark. Glenn delivered a two-out, pinch hit single to second base off the experienced Shawn Estes in the sixth inning to advance a couple of team mates on the bases. He can always say that he made his major league debut with a hit in his first at bat... Way to go Glenn!


Travis Blackley
Australia's
No.18

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.18 player to reach the US major leagues on 1 July 2004 (US time), 21yo Victorian left-hand pitching star TRAVIS BLACKLEY. 
After earning his promotion via outstanding performances in the minor leagues over the past couple of years, Blackley took the mound for the Seattle Mariners in his major league debut in front of 35,966 fans at SAFECO Field. Not only did young Travis make his 'big league' debut, but he also performed superbly to pick up the WIN as the Mariners topped the visiting Texas Rangers 8-4. Blackley, signed as a free agent in 2000, worked the first 5.2 innings, departing to a standing ovation after surrendering a three-run home run to Kevin Mench that chopped a six-run Seattle lead in half. This aside, he shackled the very dangerous Rangers lineup with a magnificent start of 5.2ip 6h 4er 3bb 4k.


Travis Blackley


No.17 - ML Aust
Micheal Nakamura

 CONGRATULATIONS from 'Flintoff & Dunn' to Australia's first new major league baseball "ambassador" in 2003.
On Saturday, 7th June 2003 (US time) Melbourne pitcher MICHEAL NAKAMURA  became the 17th Australian player to play in the US major leagues. Nakamura made his stunning debut in front of nearly 32,000 fans at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. Nakamura could hardly have been more impressive coming in with two runners on board in the top of the 8th innings, getting a HUGE strikeout to end the innings, then completing the save with a blank in the ninth innings... he pitched 1.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k... WAY TO GO!!

 


Chris Snelling
Australia's
No.15 in MLB

CONGRATULATIONS from 'Flintoff & Dunn' to Australia's first new major league baseball "ambassador" in 2002 CHRIS SNELLING who made his big league debut with.the  Seattle Mariners on 26 May 2002 against the Baltimore Orioles at SAFECO Field, in Seattle. Snelling became our 15th Australian major leaguer!

CONGRATULATIONS from 'Flintoff & Dunn' to Australia's latest major league baseball "ambassador" JOHN STEPHENS who made his big league debut with the  Baltimore Orioles on 30 July 2002 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field, in Tampa. Stephens becomes our 16th Australian major leaguer!


John Stephens
Australia's
No.16 in MLB

  
Congratulations to pitchers DAMIAN MOSS, BRAD THOMAS and GRANT BALFOUR who became the 12th, 13th and 14th Australians to reach the Major Leagues in the USA during the 2001 season.

 

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