2006

12/21/06
11 Bulls get All-County Awards

Four former Cary Bulls standouts were recently honored as selections to the 2006 All-Wake County Baseball team at the Diamond Sports Foundation Awards Banquet held December 18th in Raleigh. Seth Frankoff, Michael Rooney, Cory Tilton and David Shambley were among the eleven baseball players honored along with eleven softball players and the coaches of the year. Frankoff, a member of the Bulls from 2002-2004, went 7-2 for Apex with a 1.59 ERA and 52 Ks in 47 innings pitched last spring. Rooney, a ’03 & ’04 Bulls alum, hit .446 and scored 33 runs as the Cary High shortstop in ’06. Tilton, a Green Hope outfielder and ’04 & ’05 Bull, hit .371 and scored 32 runs this past season. Shambley, the only underclassman named to the team and a member of the Bulls in ’04 & ’05, will return to Green Hope for his final year after hitting .456 with 24 RBIs as a junior. All four played key roles on the 2004 Bulls State Championship team and Frankoff was also a member of the 2002 Championship squad. Frankoff and Rooney are now playing at UNC-Wilmington while Tilton is on the squad at UNC-Charlotte. For photos and more information on the All-County Team go to www.diamondsports.org or select this link.

Seven other current and former Bulls were named as 2006 Diamond Award Recipients by the Diamond Sports Foundation. These prestigious awards are given to the county’s top players in each class by position. Bryan Booth (’03-‘04) was named the Wake County Senior Baseball Player of the Year after pitching Cary High deep into the state playoffs last year. He is joined on the All-Senior Squad by Green Hope first baseman Chris Kott (’03-’04) and Athens Drive outfielder Rhett Miller (‘03-’04). Booth and Miller have joined Frankoff and Rooney on the UNC-Wilmington squad. Kott is attending NC State. The Bulls also had two members named to the All-Junior Team for Wake County. Cardinal Gibbons catcher Grant Richards (’04-’ 05), was named along with Green Hope outfielder Casey Cole (’05). Two members of the 2006 Bulls State Championship team were named to the All-Freshman team. Wake Christian’s Drew Woodall was named as the catcher while Green Hope’s Eric Brady nailed down an infield spot. To see the complete list of recipients select this link or go to www.diamondsports.org.

Ten of the eleven players receiving awards earned a state championship ring and 9 out of 11 played at least two seasons with the Bulls. Six of the seven graduated seniors are currently on college rosters and one of the three juniors has signed to play in 2008.

11/8/06
Powell Opening Eyes Behind The Plate At AFL

By James Renwick
FutureBacks.com
Posted Oct 30, 2006

Scouts at the Arizona Fall League are quickly learning what California League scouts saw all year - that Oakland A's catching prospect Landon Powell is solid behind the plate. One year removed from a major knee injury, Powell is working on getting his bat to catch-up with his work behind home plate. We caught-up with Powell at the AFL "Rising Stars Showcase".

Landon Powell is a defensive wizard.

Landon Powell is a beast. Listed at 6'3" and 240 pounds (don't believe it), he looks more like an offensive lineman than a baseball player when he's standing still. Watch him during the game though, and what you see is nimble feet, a quick release and a cannon arm.

In a nutshell, when he's sitting still it looks like Landon Powell is the catcher because you always put the big guy at catcher; when he's moving it looks like Landon Powell is a catcher because there is no one else in the A's system quite as good behind the dish.

"I was taught at a young age that defense comes first as a catcher," Powell said this week from Surprise Stadium where he was taking place in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Showcase.

"Like a lot of kids in little league, I was a shortstop/pitcher, but my dad was an umpire for a long time, and knew a lot about the game, and he told me if I wanted to play in the big leagues the best way was as a catcher."

Behind the plate he moves like a catcher, and when tested in infield practice he doesn't flinch. Powell plays on the Phoenix Desert Dogs, and he played for the East team in the Showcase. Tony DeFrancesco, manager of the A's Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, also coaches the Desert Dogs and the East team, and as is customary, as each player is finishing infield, DeFrancesco gives them 'one more play.'

For Powell, that meant a pop-up, straight up. It's the toughest play for a catcher, one that big leaguers regularly misjudge, but it's also the toughest play for a coach to imitate. On this day, DeFrancesco's pop up drives Powell all the way to the screen. Reporters, front office execs, media relations people and groundskeepers float around behind the plate where Powell, who is recovering from a knee injury tracks the pop up, and makes the play look easy.

It's the type of play that only comes with experience.

"I started catching when I was 10, and it was always defense, defense, defense," Powell said.

Of course as good a defensive catcher as Powell is, and one scout at The Showcase said flat-out that he is the best of the bunch in the AFL, there has to be a bat to go along with it.

"I knew I could hit, I always thought so," Powell said.

He started to show his ability to hit professional pitching this season. However, it was obvious at the start of the 2006 campaign that there was some uncertainty about his surgically repaired knee. He sustained an ACL tear before the 2005 season that caused him to miss the entire year, making this year the 2004 first round pick's first full season in pro ball.

"The knee is fine now, I struggled with it some early, but once I got over the initial humps I really felt good, and even now I still do," Powell said.

What made the A's happy was that Powell started to put up power numbers that could be expected from someone of his build. While 15 homers in the California League isn't exactly Bondsian, it's more than enough pop for a guy in his first full year in pro ball, especially for a guy who spends more time in the crouch than in the batters box.

Frankly, there aren't many positions left in baseball where being an 'outstanding defensive player' stacks up to a big league career. In this day an age it's all about offense, it's all about power, and it's all about production. Perhaps the only spot on the roster left for the 'defensive specialist' is catcher.

Still, for Powell, this season has been all about showing that the previous labels might need to be reprinted. Even though he's playing in the AFL along side a lot of players more 'advanced' than he is offensively, Powell knows where he stands.

"This [the AFL] is a step up. You look around and its a lot of guys that have already been in the big leagues, or are just a step away from it, but I know myself, and I know where I'm at in my career," Powell said.

"The knee injury hampered me a lot, it set me back, but I know I can compete with these guys, I have been this whole Fall League. I feel like I'm right there as far as competition goes."

10/25/06
Bulls receive Championship Rings

The 2006 State Champion Cary Bulls received their championship rings at a dinner at the legion post home. After-dinner speaker, JC Knowles, entertained the audience with jokes and antidotes in his natural humorous style. UNC head coach Mike Fox followed with a stirring message of responsibility and perseverance. Coach Fox then presented team members with their Championship rings. Each player was photographed with Coach Fox receiving their rings.

9/21/06
Bulls invited to Diamond Sports DugOut Club

All parents and coaches of this years Cary Bulls are invited to come as guests to this months Diamond Sports DugOut Club meeting. This meeting will be held Tuesday, September 26, at 7:30 at the Legion Post Home. We will have a social with food and drink followed by a brief program. Dress is casual, admission is free.

8/29/06
Mangini wins Cape Cod League Batting Title from THIS WEEK IN THE CAPE LEAGUE

8/21/06
Bulls make a big splash with annual car wash

The Cary Bulls raised nearly $4000 with their annual car wash held on August 27. The proceeds, as tradition allows, goes to purchase state championship rings for the players and coaches. The players and their families sold tickets since their season concluded a month ago with their 3^rd championship in the last five years. Saturday, the players, coaches, moms, dads and some little brothers and sisters chipped in to wash cars for more than 4 hours. “ They have quite a setup here” said one patron as he watched his car get a thorough cleaning in a matter of minutes. “I was glad to help the boys raise money but I never expected this. They really do a great job!” said another customer.

One Legionnaire waiting for his car to go through the assembly line described it this way. “This is about more than raising money. These kids earned the right to wear championship rings by winning on the field and now they are earning the money to pay for them. This is the type of philosophy the American Legion tries to instill in today's youth. All of our programs are aimed at the positive development of our youth. They are our future.”

8/2/06
Bulls rally to win a third title
from the Cary News

8/2/06
Mangini shining in Cape Cod
from the Cary News

7/20/06
Cary Bulls have high hopes
from The Cary News

7/25/06
Cary Bulls start championship with two wins
from The Cary News

7/25/06
Darrus Evans steps up to the plate, sets tone for Cary Bulls
from The Cary News

 

2007

3/31/07
DIAMONDHAWKS' FRANKOFF EARNS CAA ROOKIE HONORS

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Freshman righthander Seth Frankoff became the second UNC Wilmington Seahawk to be named Colonial Athletic Association Baseball Co-Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday after earning his first collegiate win last week in a non-conference tilt against Campbell.

Fellow rookie righthander Daniel Cropper was named Rookie-of-the-Week on Mar. 12, for his effort against Virginia Commonwealth.

Frankoff (1-1), who was making his second collegiate start, held Campbell to two unearned runs on five hits and a walk in a 6-2 win over the Seahawks' long time rival. The 6-4 right-hander from Apex, N.C., struck out a career-high eight while working a career-long seven plus innings.

Frankoff allowed three base runners in the first two innings before settling down. Following a two-out single, Frankoff retired the next 12 batters in order before a two-out walk, his only free pass of the game, in the sixth. He held Campbell hitless for 5 1/3 innings before consecutive singles to open the eighth knocked him out of the game.

The Apex High School product will look to build upon his accolade Wednesday night when he gets the starting nod against nationally-ranked East Carolina. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville, N.C.

 

3/21/07
Matt Cossa Memorial Baseball Game

April 14, 2007 at 5 p.m. the Green Hope High School varsity baseball team will host Southeast Raleigh HS in the 1st annual Matt Cossa Memorial Baseball Game. The game will be held at Green Hope High School located at 2500 Carpenter Upchurch Rd. in Cary at the baseball field located behind the school with the gates opening at 4 p.m.

Matt graduated in 2003 and anchored the varsity baseball team for four years as a starter and was a three-time All-Conference selection. While attending UNC-Chapel Hill he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and passed away in the spring of 2006. There will be a banner dedication prior to the start of the game in Matt’s memory.

All proceeds from this event will be donated in Matt’s name to the Eastern NC Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

There will be a $5 donation collected at the gate, and in exchange attendees will receive five raffle tickets for chances to win many individual door prizes having a total value of $2,000.

There will be an exhibition softball game at the conclusion of the baseball game consisting of former players, along with Matt’s family and friends. Also included are many on-field spectator events for chances to win other prizes.

There will be several items included in a silent auction, such as: golf packages from Prestonwood, Chapel Hill, & MacGregor Downs Country Clubs, $250 Kroger gift certificate, 2007 UNC football tickets and memorabilia, Silpada Jewelry items and Croscill comforters. Food will be provided by Danny’s Bar-B-Que. Other contributors to this event include Heritage Pines, Carolina Surgical Inc., Performance PC, and FSD.

Rain date for this game will be April 21, 2007 with events commencing at 11 a.m.

2/13/07
Two Years Later, Powell Gets Another Chance

By Melissa Lockard
Senior Editor, Scout.com
Posted Feb 13, 2007

It's every player's worst nightmare: an off-season workout designed to get a player ready for the season results in a season-ending injury. Oakland A's 2004 first round pick Landon Powell had to deal with that set of circumstances back in the off-season before the 2005 campaign.

 

 

 

Powell will catch A's pitching this spring.

The 2005 major league spring training camp was supposed to be a chance for Landon Powell to showcase his talents to the Oakland A's major league staff. The 2004 first round draft choice was a non-roster invitee to camp in 2005 and as a polished collegiate player, Powell was expected to race through the A's system. Unfortunately, an off-season workout interrupted those plans.

Powell injured his knee just weeks before the start of spring training. The injury put him on the shelf for the entire 2005 season and opened up his spot on the A's non-roster spring invitee list to fellow 2004 catching draft pick Kurt Suzuki. Suzuki took advantage of his opportunity in big league camp, impressing the A's coaching staff with his defense and his presence at the plate. After a strong 2005 campaign with the Stockton Ports, Suzuki was firmly planted as the A's top catching prospect.

Powell returned in 2006 as a major question-mark. Knee injuries are usually devastating to catchers, so it was unclear how Powell's body would respond to the rigors of catching day-in and day-out. However, it didn't take long for Powell to answer those questions, as he quickly established himself as the top defensive catcher in the California League while playing for the Stockton Ports.

Powell spent the majority of the season with the Ports, hitting 15 homeruns in 90 games. He was named to the California League All-Star team (both in-season and post-season) and was later tabbed to play in the prestigious Arizona Fall League, where he was named to the Rising Stars Showcase. Powell even earned a late-season promotion to Double-A Midland, where he hit .268 in 12 games.

Between Stockton, Midland and the AFL, Powell proved that he was able to handle the rigors of playing every day by participating in 118 games.

Now Powell will have a chance to prove himself in front of the big league staff once again. The Oakland A's confirmed this week that Powell has been added to the non-roster invitee (NRI) list for major league spring training camp. He will join Suzuki and John Baker as non-roster invitee catchers in camp. The other catchers in camp will be Jason Kendall, Adam Melhuse and Jeremy Brown (all of whom are on the 40-man roster).

The addition of Powell to the NRI list likely means that A's DH Mike Piazza will not see much time behind the plate this spring. Piazza has played as a catcher for his entire career, but the A's will be asking him to transition to the designated hitter role this season.

Powell is expected to be at Double-A Midland at the start of 2007, while Suzuki should start the year at Triple-A Sacramento.

2/13/07
21 Bulls Playing College Baseball in 2007

Front Row -(L-R) Matt Holt, John Willard, Brian Booth
Back Row Seth Frankoff, Michael Rooney, Rhett Miller

The 2007 college baseball season is underway and 21 former Cary Bulls are playing for 15 different colleges and universities in 4 states. The Bulls are represented at 12 schools in NC including 5 players at UNC-W and 2 at Louisburg College. Sophomore Tim Federovich starts behind the plate for 2nd ranked UNC and senior Jon Willard is playing left field for the 3rd ranked Gamecocks of South Carolina. Junior third baseman Matt Mangini is playing for 22nd ranked Oklahoma State after transferring from NC State.

8/17/07
2 Bull meet in High A Ball

Matt Mangini and Mickey Hall are playing against each other in High-A ball in Lancaster, CA this weekend. Mickey is in center for the Lancaster JetHawks and Matt is at third for the High Desert Mavericks. Two Bulls, different paths, coming together in a professional baseball game in a far away place.

Matt's dad, Steve, just spent a week in Adelanto, CA to watch Matt play. As luck would have it, he got to see the High Desert Mavericks play twice against the Lancaster Jethawks and Mickey Hall. "Both guys are looking great." This game they had 6 hits between them!

8/2/07
2007 Jr Legion State All-Tournament team named

Team	Player
Hibriten	Matt Edwards
Cherryville	Chris Melton
S.W. Brunswick	Pat Kamfoit
Wilson	Jake Strickland
Mocksville	Matt Leonard
	Zach-Russell Meyers
Southern Wayne	Mike Douglas
	Taylor Allen
Cary Bulls	Houston Hawley
	Hunter Carr
	Drew Woodall
	Grant Shambley
Kernersville	Kelly Surface
	Landon O'dell
	Garrett Martin
	Brandon Harrison - MVP

8/1/07
Brady Set for USA Spotlight
(from the Cary News)

7/25/07
Bulls to face USA Youth National team August 13

The Cary Bulls, including Bulls Alumni, will play the USA Youth National Team at the USA National Training Center in Cary, NC on August 13, game time 6:30 PM.

7/18/07
Bulls Alumni game set for Sunday, July 22 at 6PM at Cary HS

The Cary Bulls will have a double header Alumni game on Sunday, July 22 at 6 PM at Cary HS. Former players and coaches are invited to attend. A $5 fee will be charged to all attendees and proceeds will be used to offset expenses for the State Tournament. All players will be able to participate in batting practice, starting at 5 PM. Come join the Bulls family reunion.

7/14/07
Bulls burst through to states
(from the Cary News)

7/14/07
Kennedy relishes chances to learn with Bulls
(from the Cary News)

6/29/07
Eric Brady selected for USA Youth National Team Trials

Members of the USA Baseball Youth National Team are selected exclusively from the pool of more than 2,500 players that participate in the USA Junior Olympic Baseball Championships.

USA Baseball conducts both a Junior Olympic East Championship in Palm Beach County, Florida and a Junior Olympic West Championship in Peoria and Surprise, Arizona. Both tournaments are held simultaneously in June and through the course of the week-long tournaments, players are evaluated and invited to attend the Youth National Team Trials in Cary, N.C.

At the end of the tournament, USA Baseball selects 36 players to attend the Youth National Team Trials. After a week of trials, the final 18-player roster is picked. This year, the East Coast Junior Olympic Championships and the West Coast Junior Olympic Championships were conducted June 22-30. Youth National Team Trials in Cary, N.C., run from Aug. 4-10, and the Youth National Team Training runs from Aug. 11-14.

Eric Brady participated in the 64-team tournament in Jupiter, FL and has been selected as one of 18 players from the Junior Olympic East Championship, along with 18 players selected from the Junior Olympic West Championship to attend the Youth National Team Trials in Cary, N.C.

USA Baseball unveils Youth National Team trials invitees

6/27/07
Success makes Bulls the hunted
(from the Cary News)

6/27/07
Mariners sign supplemental first-round pick Matt Mangini
(seattle.mariners.mlb.com)

Excerpts taken from 10 First Half Heroes In The A's System

By Melissa Lockard
Senior Editor, Scout.com
Posted Jun 26, 2007

With the first half of the 2007 minor league season completed, it is a good time for us to look back and recognize the players who have really shined so far this season. Inside we list 10 players who are having memorable seasons thus far in the Oakland A’s system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Powell has an OPS above 1300  for June.

Landon Powell, C
Stats To Date: .292/.391/.502/893 9 2B/2 3B/11 HR/39 RBI/1 SB/0 CS

Comment: Like Barton, Powell got off to a slow start to the season before busting out in June. He recently had a 20-game hitting streak come to an end. That streak helped raise his average nearly 60 points. His power has been on display in June, as he has hit eight of his 11 homers, as well as three doubles and two triples. Powell’s 1318 OPS in June is the best the A’s system. Defensively, Powell continues to be one of the best catchers in the minor leagues. He was named to the Texas League All-Star team in early June before his bat was really hot, in large part because he commands so much respect around the league for his defense. Powell is the Texas League’s leading catcher in fielding percentage and he has allowed only two passed balls all season. He also leads the league in caught-stealing percentage with a 55 percent caught-stealing rate.

Based on his outstanding defense alone, Powell was likely to have a major league career regardless of how well he hit, provided he stayed healthy. That he is hitting at an All-Star level now makes him one of the elite catching prospects in all of baseball. Powell has shown no ill-effects from the serious knee injury that cost him the entire 2005 season. That injury allowed Kurt Suzuki the chance to move ahead of Powell in the A’s minor league catching depth chart. However, if Powell continues to play as he has thus far this season, he will challenge Suzuki in the near future for playing time in Oakland.

6/18/07
Father’s Day a Big “Hit” at the Park

The Bulls’ invited dads to take part in pre-game batting practice and ground balls on Father’s Day. Turn-out was tremendous, as players “dished out” some good natured ribbing. “99% go under your glove”, “let the ball get to you” and “hit it on the barrel” were favorites, as players enjoyed their dads during pre-game drills. Flashes of the past shined as Dads’ knocked off the rust of yesteryear’s baseball skills. Dads then joined their sons “on the line” and sang the National Anthem.

Grandfathers Homer Powell (Landon, 97-98) and Louis Woodall (Drew, current) were also at the park. Others in attendance were former dad, Gerald Pollard (97-98) and former Bull, Cory Shackelford (05-06). The Bulls were honored to have former players and their dads in attendance including Rhett Miller (03-04) (Kevin), David Shambley (04-05) (Clay) and Matt Mangini (01-02) (Steve). Matt Mangini, a junior at Oklahoma State University, the 52nd pick in this year’s MLB draft, took part in pre-game workouts and threw out the first pitch for the double header.

Current player dads are:

Dave Bouton (Ryan a.k.a. Bobby)
Dave Brady (Eric)
DeWayne Carlyle (Derek)
Paul Carr (Hunter)
Percy Evans (Percy)
Ken Hawley (Houston)
Herman Honeycutt (Ross)
Roger Lush (Travis)
Joe Milinichik (Jake)
Marty Nusbaum (Matt)
Bruce Olson (Cory)
Kevin Poythress (Nolan)
Tim Rhino (Brian)
Mike Ruth (TJ)
Clay Shambley (Grant)
Craig Smith (Will)
Spook Snotherly (Ross)
Robert Stephenson (Bryan)
Jim Todd (James)
Neil Woodall (Drew)

6/7/07
Two former Bulls drafted in Major League Baseball

Two former Bulls were drafted yesterday in the Major League Baseball Draft. Matt Mangini ('01-'02) was taken by the Seattle Mariners with the 52nd overall pick and Brett Eibner ('04-'05) was taken by the Houston Astros with the 141st pick.

There have been a total of six drafted players from the first 8 Bulls teams. Congratulations to Matt and Brett on their hard work to achieve their baseball dreams. You never know where your talent and hard work can carry you.

5/9/07
Cary Jr American Legion Try-out scrimmage moved to May 10 @ Cary HS

Post # 67 has re-scheduled tryout scrimmage, due to rain, for Thursday May 10th at 5:00 PM at Cary High School.

4/30/07
Cary Jr American Legion Try-outs May 5 @ Cary HS

Post # 67 will be holding tryouts on Saturday May 5th at 10:00 AM at Cary High School. Sign-up begins at 9:30 AM at the field.

This will be a testing session where players will be timed and evaluated. This tryout should last approximately 2 hrs. The tryout process will continue an Wednesday May 9th at 5:00 pm with a scrimmage.

Selected players will be notified no later than May 11th. Both teams, the Colts and the Bulls, will practice on May 15th & 16th and will open their seasons against each other on May 17th. The Bulls will play 7 games per week and the Colts 4 games per week.

The Bulls will carry a roster of 17-20 players and the Colts will carry 14-17. The amount of pitching will be the main difference in the team rosters. Both teams will follow a predetermined process for player selection. DO NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. Every year there are several players selected that are surprises. We are selecting teams not individuals.

The selection process will be:
Bulls:

1. 15U Catcher
2. 15U LHP
3. 15U RHP
4. 15U Middle Infielder
5. 15U Outfielder
6. 15U Hitter
7. Catcher
8. LHP
9. RHP
10. Middle Infielder
11. Outfielder
12. Hitter
13. P/Inf
14. P/OF
15. P/Inf
16. P/OF
17. P/Utility
18. Utility
19. Utility
20. Utility

Colts:

1. 14U Catcher
2. 14U LHP
3. 14U RHP
4. 14U Middle Infielder
5. 14U Outfielder
6. 14U Hitter
7. Catcher
8. LHP
9. RHP
10. Middle Infielder
11. Outfielder
12. Hitter
13. P/Inf
14. P/OF
15. Utility
16. Utility
17. P/Utility

In order to be considered for the first six spots on either team the player and his parents must be willing to make a 2-year commitment to the Cary American Legion Baseball Program. These spots are dedicated to development and we implement a 2-year process. This is a big commitment from our program and we expect the same from the player. If you are not comfortable with this commitment, DON'T make it. Both of our teams will offer outstanding opportunities for individual development. We are aware that there are several summer baseball options for area players.

We feel both our teams are outstanding options. We encourage you to make the choice that is best for your personal development. Your best chance for future success is to become the best player you can be. Our program is committed to assisting you in this process.

4/11/07
Cary Jr American Legion Information

Cary Jr American Legion will have an information meeting on April 22 at 6 PM. The meeting will take place at the American Legion Home at 8523 Chapel Hill Rd in Cary.

The Cary Jr Legion program will have 2 teams (Colts-15U and Bulls-16U). The Colts will play a regular-season schedule of approximately 30 games and the Bulls will play a regular-season schedule of approximately 40 games. All players and parents interested in opportunities in the Cary Jr American Legion program are invited to attend.

8/20/2008
6 Bulls Named to All-Tournament Team

6 players from the State Champion Cary Bulls were named to the All-Tournament team for the 2008 NC Jr American Legion State tournament held in Kinston.

Grant Shambley, tournament MVP

Grant “set the table” for the Bulls batting .450 (9/20), with an OBP of .521. The Bulls counted on Grant to command the opponents’ attention and he did so by executing great bunts, slash hits and even driving the ball in the gaps, driving in 3 runs. While on base Grant also contributed 2 SB. Grant scored 9 runs in the tournament, none bigger than reaching home safely on a dropped 3^rd strike against Rocky Mount. The Bulls trailed by 1 run late in the game when Grant avoided the tag in the top of the 6^th inning. The Bulls went on to win and move to Championship day. Grant continued his strong anchor in Center Field throughout the tournament.

Nolan Poythress

Nolan batted .333 (6/18) with an OBP .454. He led the Bulls in the tournament with 6 RBI, while also scoring 3 runs and stealing 1 base. Nolan was a key to the Bulls pitching staff, pitching 6.2 innings, many of which came in critical situations to stop a rally. Nolan faced opponents’ toughest hitters and shut them down, allowing only 1 unearned run and recording 7 Ks on his way to an ERA of 0.00.

Jake Milinichik

Jake led the Bulls pitching staff with 11 IP and 13 Ks, allowing only 1 run on his way to an ERA of 0.63. Jake came up big on Championship day, throwing a complete game against Cherryville, propelling the Bulls into the Championship final. Jake shutdown a Cherryville squad, who had previously not been shutout all season. The next to the last pitch of the game was an 87 MPH fastball, low in the zone for a strike. The final pitch of the game was a fly ball to center field to end the game. Jake also contributed 1 RBI for the tournament.

James Todd

JT continued his hot hitting in the tournament with two key hits on the way to batting .500 (2/4), with an outstanding OBP of .777. He drove in 1 run, while scoring 2 more himself. During one stretch, JT reached base 7 times in a row. JT pitched 6.1 strong innings for the Bulls, striking out 8 batters and allowing only 2 unearned runs, while compiling an ERA of 0.00.

Blair Betts

Blair provided 10 strong innings on the mound, in important situations. He struck out 13 batters and allowed only 2 runs, with an impressive ERA of 1.40. Blair was able to get batters out when it counted most. He also scored a run, batted .200 (2/10) with an OBP of .333.

Wade Woodworth

Wade elevated his game on the biggest of stages. He came through with hits in key situations, batting .454 (5/11), scoring 5 runs and driving in 2. Wade compiled a very impressive OBP of .600. While his bat was important, his solid defensive play at 3^rd base was key to the Bulls success.

7/30/2008
Bulls recapture Jr. Legion title

Read at The Cary News

7/30/2008
Cary Legion Legend pitches in 2008 MLB HR Derby

I did not personally interview Clay for this article, I left that to others. I have seen and been around Clay for 30+ years, since I played American Legion Baseball. The following are just a few of my experiences.

I saw Clay around the ballpark when Raleigh Post 1 played Cary Post 67 in the 70's. I didn't give it much thought, until I joined the Bulls coaching staff in 2004. There again was Clay. The man was amazing. He was throwing batting practice almost every day, but what struck me was his dedication to baseball and his desire to give back to the game he loves through countless hours of advice to kids. Clay not only works with the ones who play in the Cary legion program, but any who want to listen. The numbers are too great to count.

Clay never relishes the spotlight and many times players forget to say "thank you". Former Bulls' alum and current Oakland A's top catching prospect, Landon Powell presented a big "thank you" to Clay when he gave him new Ford Explorer in 2005. "It is the nicest vehicle I have ever had" Clay said before being overcome with emotion.

Cary, Post 67 Senior Legion coach, Clay Council got another big "thank you" 3 weeks before the 2008 MLB HR Derby, when Josh Hamilton called. The Cary Legion "family" was thrilled. The anticipation was akin to Super Bowl Sunday. Many gathered together around television sets to watch Josh, but the focus was again on Clay. Clay, once again "pounded the zone". I will never forget the group's emotion for Clay at our gathering . Many an eye was misty for Clay's reward that night. There was no more deserving man. Clay, from all your Cary Legion family and the countless young men you helped along their way, THANK YOU!!

Harold Kelly, Coach, Cary Bulls

Read more at DugCentral.com and The Cary News.

 

6/20/2008
Tim Federowicz hits the College World Series' first grand slam since 2001 for the game winner.

Read more at Tarheelblue

6/9/2008
Former Bull Drafted in 2008 MLB Draft

Former Cary Bulls, Tim Federowicz (UNC-Chapel Hill) was drafted in the 2008 MLB Draft. Tim was the 5th-ever Bull drafted at # 232 by the Boston Red Sox.

5/29/2008
Former Bulls set for NCAA Regionals

Twelve former Cary Bulls players will participate in this weeks NCAA Regional Baseball tournaments. These Bulls will play for six different teams in three different regional.

The Cary Regional will have the most Bulls with nine and three of the four teams participating will have at least one former Bulls in uniform. UNC-Wilmington, coached by former Post 67 player Mark Scalf, will have six Bulls, Bryan Booth, Matt Holt, Rhett Miller, Michael Rooney and David Shambley as they take on Elon in the first round on Friday. Elon will also two Bulls,including Cory Harrilchak, who was named as the Southern Conference Tournament MVP this past Sunday. Tim Federowicz wil represent the host team, the # 2 seeded UNC Tarheels. This tournament will be played at the USA Complex Friday through Sunday.

The Raleigh regional also has a couple of teams with Bulls on their roster. Trevor Kaylid is in his final season for JMU and Cory Tilton is in his second season for UNC-Charlotte. In Palo Atlo, California, Brett Eibner will represent the Bulls on the Arkansas roster.

5/25/2008
Elon’s Harrilchak: This guy picks his spots — everywhere

Read at TheTimesNews.com

5/17/2008
Bulls win # 350

The Cary Bulls began their 12th season by earning the 350th win in program history. After sweeping a doubleheader from the Cary Colts the Bulls have now won 351 games against 96 losses for a winning percentage of .785. The 3-time state champs are also the winningest team in NC Jr. Legion history.

5/11/2008
Scrimmage moved to Monday, May 12 at 5PM, due to weather @ Green Hope HS

Cary Jr American Legion's scrimmage, originally scheduled for Sunday May 11 has been rescheduled due to weather. The scrimmage will now be held Monday, May 12 at 5 PM at Green Hope High School. Players should be prepared for the first pitch of the scrimmage at 5 PM sharp.

5/1/2008
Cary Jr American Legion announces 2008 schedule and Information Meeting

Cary American Legion Post # 67 will be fielding summer baseball teams for young men for the 35th consecutive year. These programs are fully funded by the American Legion and there are no costs to the players. This year will be 12th season for the 3-time and 2007 State Runners-Up Cary Bulls. They will be joined the Cary Colts. The Bulls will be made of players born in 1991 and later and the Colts will consist of players born in 1992 and later. Both of these teams focus on the development of the individual player and play aggressive schedules beginning in mid-May and ending with the State Tournament in mid-July.

Any player who resides in Wake County and was born in or after 1991 is eligible to participate on these teams. If you feel you have the ability and desire to play a demanding schedule at the highest level, we encourage you to consider these programs as a summer baseball option. Interested players and parents are invited to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm at the Cary Legion Post Home located at 8523 Chapel Hill Rd. in Cary. The coaches will be on hand to meet the prospective players and answer questions. Refreshments will be served.

There are many options for baseball players during the summer. Players and parents should weigh these options carefully and choose the one that is best for their personal development. Cary American Legion Post # 67 is committed to the development of young men through the sport of baseball.

4/20/2008
Cary Jr American Legion Try-outs May 10, 11 @ Green Hope HS

Post # 67 will be holding tryouts on Saturday May 10th at 10:00 AM at Green Hope High School. Sign-up begins at 9:30 AM at the field.

This will be a testing session where players will be timed and evaluated. This tryout should last approximately 2 hrs. The tryout process will continue an Sunday May 11th at 2:00 pm with a scrimmage.

This year the Bulls will be made up of players born in 1991 and later and the Colts will consist of players born in 1992 and later. The Bulls will carry a roster of 17-20 players and the Colts will carry 14-17. The amount of pitching will be the main difference in the team rosters. Both teams will follow a predetermined process for player selection. DO NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS. Every year there are several players selected that are surprises. We are selecting teams not individuals.

Both teams, the Colts and the Bulls, will practice on May 13, 14 15th and will open their seasons against each other on May 17th.

The selection process will be:

Bulls:

1. 15&U Catcher
2. 15&U LHP
3. 15&U RHP
4. 15&U Middle Infielder
5. 15&U Outfielder
6. 15&U Hitter
7. Catcher
8. LHP
9. RHP
10. Middle Infielder
11. Outfielder
12. Hitter
13. P/Inf
14. P/OF
15. P/Inf
16. P/OF
17. P/Utility
18. Utility
19. Utility
20. Utility

Colts:

1. 14&U Catcher
2. 14&U LHP
3. 14&U RHP
4. 14&U Middle Infielder
5. 14&U Outfielder
6. 14&U Hitter
7. Catcher
8. LHP
9. RHP
10. Middle Infielder
11. Outfielder
12. Hitter
13. P/Inf
14. P/OF
15. Utility
16. Utility
17. P/Utility

In order to be considered for the first six spots on either team the player and his parents must be willing to make a 2-year commitment to the Cary American Legion Baseball Program. These spots are dedicated to development and we implement a 2-year process. This is a big commitment from our program and we expect the same from the player. If you are not comfortable with this commitment, DON'T make it. Both of our teams will offer outstanding opportunities for individual development. We are aware that there are several summer baseball options for area players.

We feel both our teams are outstanding options. We encourage you to make the choice that is best for your personal development. Your best chance for future success is to become the best player you can be. Our program is committed to assisting you in this process.

2/27/2008
Whole lotta Bull on the College diamond

The Cary Bulls had six former players take the field in last night's game between Elon and UNC-Wilmington. UNC-W started three former Bulls, Rhett Miller, Michael Rooney and Matt Holt, and they combined to go 4 for 10 at the plate and scored all of their team's 4 runs. All three collected hits with Rooney getting two and Miller scored two runs for the Seahawks. Elon countered with Cory Harrilchak who collected two hits, including a 3-run HR, and scored two runs for the Phoenix.

Both teams sent former Bulls to the mound as Greg Jones pitched one inning and allowed only one run by way of a RBI double from another former Bull, Michael Rooney. Brian Booth pitched two scoreless innings for the Seahawks and got his former Bulls teammate, Harrilchak to fly out. Two other Bulls, Seth Frankoff and David Shambley, were in uniform for UNC-W but did not see action.

1/31/2008
Oakland A's Prospect Q&A: Landon Powell, C

By Melissa Lockard Senior Editor, Scout.com Posted Jan 28, 2008

The injury news has rarely been good when it comes to players in the Oakland A's organization over the past few years. Good news may be in the offing for one of the A's best catching prospects, however. Landon Powell, whose break-out 2007 season was interrupted by an ACL tear, is making good progress in his recovery from the injury. We spoke to Powell while he was en route to Phoenix.

Landon Powell's 2007 season should have ended with accolades. Instead, it ended with surgery. The Oakland A's catching prospect was in the midst of an eye-opening campaign when he was felled by a torn ACL in early July. At the time of his injury, Powell was batting .292 with 14 homers and a 910 OPS in 64 games, mostly with Double-A Midland. Powell, a switch-hitter, was playing his fourth game with Triple-A Sacramento when he injured his left knee. He had homered three times in those four games, his first stint at the Triple-A level.

It was the second time in his brief pro career that Powell had torn his ACL. He missed the entire 2005 season after tearing his ACL during an off-season workout. The A's 2004 top pick has been productive when he has been healthy, however, and he has developed a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in the minor leagues.

Powell, who turns 26 in mid-March, is optimistic that his latest injury won't keep him on the sidelines this spring and that he will have a chance to challenge for a spot on the A's Opening Day roster.

We recently spoke with Powell as he was traveling from his East Coast home to Phoenix in preparation for spring training.

OaklandClubhouse: First of all, I wanted to see how the rehab was going and how your knee was feeling?

Landon Powell: Great. I’m feeling really optimistic about it. I had the surgery around July 10th or 12th or something like that, so I think it has been a little more than six months. I think right now, I am where I was at with my last surgery at about 10 months. This is a much more accelerated rehab process. I am catching bullpens and hitting full speed and running and that sort of thing. My goal is to be ready for Opening Day of Spring Training on February 13th and have no restrictions. I’m sure the A’s will want something different. I’m guessing that they will want to take it slow with me and make sure that everything is alright, but I’m hoping to prove them wrong in that regard.
OC: What did it mean to you to be added to the 40-man roster this off-season?

LP: It was great. It was a huge moment in my career. It meant a lot that they wanted to protect me and to keep me from being selected in the Rule 5 draft and they wanted to keep me in the organization. It feels like even though I have had these two injuries, they have plans for me in the future. That meant a lot to me and gave me some good motivation

OC: How did this injury happen exactly? Was it during a game or was it just a freak accident?

LP: It was both. It was a play during a game and it was also kind of a freakish thing. I hit a flyball to centerfield and when I turned to run to first base, I pushed off of my left leg in the batter’s box and it just tore. There is kind of no explanation for it. It just sort of happened.

OC: Was it easier to approach this rehab having gone through it once before?

LP: Yeah, in that regard, I knew what to expect so it was easier this time going into rehab, knowing what it was going to be like and what it was going to take and the challenges that were involved and the time it takes. You have to pretty much go [to rehab] every day. So that was easier in that regard.

But it was probably tougher this time because having already done it once and never wanting to do it again and having a great season last year and getting to Triple-A and feeling like I was getting really close to getting the call up, it kind of felt like I had my life-long dream of getting to the major leagues ripped away from me. So in that sense, it was mentally and emotionally a lot harder to have the injury. But once I started the rehab process, it wasn’t that big of a deal.

OC: Obviously, you had a great season last year while you were healthy. It started off a little slow at Double-A and then really picked up. Were there adjustments that you made to get out of that slump?

LP: I’ve always been a little bit of a slow starter in college and everything. I’m one of those guys, the more I play, the more at-bats I get, the better I feel and the better I usually play. My best months in college were always towards the end of the season. This year, April was pretty tough for me in Midland. Part of it was just a slow start and part of it, I think, was as catchers, you don’t get as many at-bats in spring training because you are always catching and things like that. When I went into the season, I was still trying to get a little bit of the rust off, hitting-wise.

But, yeah, I made some adjustments. Webby [Webster Garrison], the Double-A hitting coach, really worked hard with me. And [manager] Todd [Steverson] really worked hard with me. I was in a really good grove there for a couple of months.

OC: You had an amazing month in June [Powell had a .425 BA and a 1318 OPS]. Have you ever had a month like that in your career? What was it like to be in a groove like that?

LP: Yeah, I think in Stockton, I had a month like that where I really tore it up a little bit. [laughs] That was my first really extended great run in pro ball. Obviously in college, things like that happened a lot. It’s funny, as a player, when you get into those grooves like that or you are really hitting the ball well, you feel like that is who you are as a player. I felt like finally I was playing like I was supposed to, whereas before, I always felt like I was underachieving.

I think as a player, you have a little bit higher expectations for yourself. When I started playing well there in late-May and into June, I was like, alright, finally I am playing like I need to and like I am supposed to. I felt like I was reaching my ability level.

OC: You had a lot of success in a limited amount of time with Sacramento. I know you probably weren’t there long enough to really tell the difference between the two levels, but what was it like to reach Triple-A?

LP: It was great. I think I played four or five games and one of them was a 16-inning game. Once you get into it, the speed of the game is a little bit better [at Triple-A]. Everyone has a little bit more experience and has been around a little bit longer. It’s a little bit more of a thinking man’s game, I think, at the Triple-A level. That was the difference that I saw. At Double-A, guys have a lot of ability and great stuff, as far as pitching goes. The pitchers maybe aren’t refined as much as they are in Triple-A. In Triple-A, their stuff may not be as great – their stuff is still great – but sometimes they are beating you with their mentality and things like that. That was kind of the difference. It was a little bit more of a chess game at Triple-A. I felt that way in terms of being a hitter and in terms of calling pitches as the catcher, I think it was a little bit more of a chess match.

OC: You’ve gotten a lot of praise for your defensive work behind the plate. Is that something that you take a lot of pride in? What kind of work goes into it?

LP: I think it is something that I have definitely taken a lot of pride in. My dad was a long-time ACC umpire and being an umpire, you get to mingle a lot with the catchers and things like that. He also played a little bit of catcher when he played ball. He always felt like defense was the way that catchers made it. That was the reason that I started catching in Little League at a young age. I played some shortstop and second base, as a kid. When I was 10 years old, I told my dad, ‘I want to play in the major leagues. That is my dream.’ He said, ‘if you really want to do it, the best way is to be a switch-hitting catcher.’ [laughs] He honestly believed that. I went out that winter and I started switch-hitting and I started catching. We have a batting cage in my backyard and I spent countless hours working out there – catching, blocking balls and starting to hit left-handed, things like that.

In college, Jim Toman was our assistant coach, and he was an All-ACC catcher at NC State. He really spent a lot of time working with me defensively. They always sort of figured that I would probably end up being a pretty good hitter, but they wanted to make sure that I was a pretty good defensive catcher first. So I have always prided myself on my defense and defense has always come first for me. There are a number of guys on the team who can hit, but you are the only guy who can control the game back there behind the plate as a catcher. You can save a lot of runs for your team, both calling the game and blocking balls.

OC: Did you pick up any new pointers last spring in big league camp when you were with all of those veteran catchers?

LP: Oh, definitely. Big league camp was a really great experience for me last year. Just to be able to watch Jason Kendall and Adam Melhuse. Obviously, Kendall has had a really great career. He’s been an All-Star and things like that, so getting to watch him was great. And we also had Mike Piazza there and he’s a Hall of Famer. He didn’t get to spend a lot of time with the catchers and things like that because he was a lot more focused on DHing, but it was still great to pick his brain. Talking with those guys and getting to watch them in action, it was a definite learning experience for me. You always try to be a sponge and learn from those around you, especially when those guys have had such great careers.

OC: Is there going to be a different feel at big league camp this year? The catching corps is really young with the veteran guys like Kendall, Melhuse and Piazza gone. Have you spoken with Kurt Suzuki or Rob Bowen about what it will be like this year?

LP: No, I haven’t gotten the feel for what it will be like yet. I was drafted with Kurt and Kurt and I played in Vancouver together our first year, so I know what kind of player he is and I have been around him. He has definitely made a lot of strides and gotten a lot better as a catcher, especially defensively. He could always hit, but he’s gotten a lot better as a defensive player. I don’t really know Rob Bowen. We have the same agent, actually, so I’ve gotten to know him through my agent, just some things about him, so I am looking forward to actually meeting him and Justin Knoedler. Just going out there and breaking a sweat with all the guys and getting ready for the season.
I’m just really excited about Spring Training. Having the injury last year, flashes of your career in front of you, not knowing if you are ever going to play again when you first get hurt, I’m just really optimistic about my knee now. I’m excited and ready to start spring training. My goal is to make the team out of camp. I know that people don’t expect me to do that, and people aren’t really thinking that is a possibility, but my goal is to go camp and make the team out of camp.

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