Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

Brent Honeywell, Beau Wright Recall Minor League, High School Memories of Jose Fernandez

Tampa, FL- Fifteen pitches.

That’s how many pitches Rays prospect Brent Honeywell throws in the bullpen, before starts.He started doing that after meeting Jose Fernandez.

“To this day, that’s all I throw,” Honeywell said. “Because he did.”

Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez lost his life on September 25th, in a boating accident in Miami, and along with his family, the baseball world has mourned the 24-year old beloved superstar.

Honeywell was still in high school when he met Fernandez. He was throwing a bullpen at Fernandez' alma mater, Alonso High, in Tampa in the off-season, prior to making his major league debut. Landy Faedo, Alonso’s head coach was a close, college friend of Honeywell’s father.

Fernandez noticed something about Honeywell that he wanted to offer him advice about.

“He ran over because my tempo was really high. And he told me that I didn’t have to do that, to work on locating fastballs and throwing everything for strikes,” Honeywell said.

He did as Fernandez instructed and every pitch went where it was supposed to. Fernandez laughed, as he watched this transpire.

During that time, Honeywell learned about Fernandez story of escaping Cuba. It left a lasting impression.

“I realize what guys go through to play this game,” Honeywell said.

Beau Wright was a pitcher in the Marlins organization when he met Fernandez.

“When he first showed up in GCL, [he was] a typical eighteen-year old riding that fine line of cocky and confident,” Wright said. “During a game, he would tell me how he would strike each hitter out. And after, he told me how successful he wanted to be in the major leagues.”

Fernandez, a 1st round pick by the Marlins in 2011, shot his way through the minor leagues, making his major league debut in 2013. He was named 2013 Rookie of the Year. From there he connected not just with Marlins fans, but to the hearts of the people of Miami, and to those around the world with similar aspirations, and similar stories of coming to America, to live a better life and pursue the American dream. His childlike spirit and enthusiasm made him a favorite of baseball fans everywhere. He represented many things, to many people. For two guys getting to know him in the minor leagues, he was a guy with an incredible ability to inspire and connect.

When asked whether there was a game he saw him pitch that stood out, Wright said, “Probably every spring training game he threw. I remember one outing he struck out eight of nine Cardinals players. I was convinced he would be great.”

Wright talked about the things Fernandez was known for, a guy always smiling, always in a joking mood, that he was simply a fun person to be in the presence of.

But it was that devotion to greatness that was so clear in Fernandez.

“It was just the incredible determination he had. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how he was going to do it,” Wright said.

Honeywell sums it up.

“He will still go down in the books as one of the best ever,” he said. “What a person.”

Focus on...Montgomery Biscuits: Who's Leading and a Look Back

Tampa, FL- The Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays is inching closer to a Southern League playoffs spot. No surprise, when they’ve been consistent up and down the board. The Double-A test is a jump considered by many to be the hardest in the minor leagues. And they’re passing that test as a team in several key areas.

Here’s a review of the season’s best, as well as a flashback to seasons past with a few and what they did to get here.

OFFENSE: Bauers Power

Jake Bauers- In his first full season in Double-A, rightfielder Bauers has exhibited his mix of skills, with consistent contact and solid power numbers. While his .278 average is third on the team, he’s leading the club with 13 home runs and 72 RBI. His 130 hits are good for 2^nd on the team, and 7^TH overall in the league. He finished 2015 hitting .271/.368/.413 between Montgomery and High-A Charlotte.

What he said in 2015: “I’m working on approach this year. Sometimes I get a little too aggressive…I’m definitely one hundred percent now. It just takes some time.”Bauers also leads the league in walks with 71.

Willy Adames – Leading the team in just about every category, Adames is living up to the ROUND status. The shortstop’s .279 average is the highest on the team, as are his 132 hits. He leads the league in runs scored (87), and he’s second in walks (70) to Bauers in the league.

Granden Goetzman- The leftfielder leads the team with 23 stolen bases. RF Cade Gotta is 2^nd on the team with 19.

PITCHING: Hu and Kirsch K the Competition

Chris Kirsch- After spinning a 7-inning 5-hit shutout gem, lefty Kirsch now leads the team with 114 strikeouts, good for 5^th overall in the league. That also stretches his scoreless run to 13 innings. His 3.38 ERA through 25 GG is the league’s 4^th best. He’s the only pitcher on the team with a complete game shutout, and Thursday’s outing was his 2^nd 7 inning game in five starts. True to past form, he’s eating innings, leading the league in innings pitched (138). He’s proven a lot at every level he’s pitched.

What he said in 2015: “I think what’s been the biggest key to my success has been the mental part of the game. I’ve been able to clear my head and not worry about other stuff. I used to have trouble with that. But now I’m able to focus from pitch to pitch, and it’s been huge for me. “

Chih-Wei Hu – Through a league-leading 24 games, 2.59 ERA is lowest in the league. He is second on the team in K’s with 107. His 1.15 WHIP is 2^nd overall in the league.

Jaye Chapman’s 19 saves are 3^rd in the league.

Taylor Guerrieri – His 12 wins is tied for first in the league, and his 1.22 WHIP is 4^th overall.

What he said in 2015: “The consistency is really just coming from being healthy.” He continued that thought, saying the goal was to, “Make every start. Stay healthy.” Guerrieri was tough on himself the last time I saw him pitch for High-A Charlotte, but he wasn’t overly down about one difficult start. He’s a more disciplined person and pitcher than when I covered him in 2012 in Short-A Hudson Valley. And his devotion to learning and growing has helped him every step of the way.

EXCLUSIVE: Top Rays Pitching Prospect Brent Honeywell Talks About Promotion to Double-A

RHP Brent Honeywell had to overcome injury and the requisite growing pains this season, and now he's headed to Double-A Montgomery. He finishes his time with the High-A Stone Crabs with a 2.41/0.98 ERA/WHIP through 10 games with 63 strikeouts.

He spoke with 'HOTF' a few hours after receiving the promotion:

Biggest Key to First-Half Success with High-A Charlotte: "Not trying to do too much and just let the game play. One thing at a time. And putting my guys in a spot to win every time is what I try to do."

Working with Pitching Coach Steve 'Doc' Watson: "We just discussed a ton of stuff. Quieting the head down through delivery. Little sharpening and polishing. And location of the cutter was a big help."

On Lessons Learned in High-A: "The more fun you have playing and especially with the group of guys is awesome. I learned a lot about knowledge of the game. Hanging around Doc, MJ [Manager Michael Johns] and Zek [Hitting Coach Joe Szekely] in the dugout."

"The ball is coming out good right now. I just [have to] get guys out."

Charlotte Stone Crabs Report: Rays 2013 1st Rounder Nick Ciuffo Faces Injury with Personal Plan

Tampa, FL- Nick Ciuffo got the news that he’d been selected to the Florida State League All-Star Game. 24 Hours later he was placed on the DL. The injury, to his left pinky finger, means he misses the opportunity to play in the All-Star contest in Fort Myers.

"I've been better," he said. But later he added humorously, "I never knew how important the pinky finger was!"

Keeping his spirits high is just one part of the process for the catcher. Ciuffo has a plan that he's committed to in order to return in top form.

"The biggest thing is, once it heals properly, get the range of motion back," Ciuffo said the day he went on the DL. "My plan, and I haven't talked to our training staff yet, but I'm just not going to get out of shape. Or, I'm just going to try and stay in playing shape the entire time. I can still run. I can still lift weights. I can still do lower body. Really, just staying in good playing shape, and keeping my legs under me."

Until that moment, he'd gotten into the comfort zone at the plate. Something that hadn't come easily in adjusting to a more advanced league. Florida State League tends to favor pitchers, and hitters swing pretty freely. In High-A, pitchers, if they're getting the hang of things, are starting to use their off-speed stuff more and doing so effectively. Ciuffo, 21 benefited from the challenge.

"Early in the season, I was struggling to get a lot of off-speed, mostly change-ups in advantage counts, which I didn't get in the Midwest League. It's a lot of fastballs because guys are younger. I struggled with getting changeups in those counts in the beginning, but I settled in and started waiting for more pitches. I'm still not walking a ton, but I'm walking more than I did last year," he said.

He'd hit .289/.306/.325 with 8 RBI and 6 doubles, and tacked on 5 walks in those 41 games. The Rays 2013 first round pick, drafted out of high school, had been commited to attend the University of South Carolina, but decided to go pro. He made his minor league debut with the Princeton Rays, a Rookie-level league, following that up with a season in the Midwest League, with Bowling Green.

With the success he's been enjoying, it's easy to see it as a major interruption to a season of strong development. But there's the alternate view.

"You could look at it a lot of ways," said Stone Crabs manager Michael Johns. "It stinks he's going to miss the All-Star Game. He deserved to be there. Any kid who's had a year like that should be able to go and represent us. However, he did play in Australia half a season. He played almost everyday in the heat. So, if you want to try and look at it in a positive way, at least it'll give him a little bit of a breather. When he comes back, his legs and arm will be fresh."

When he began the season, he was already prepared for more difficult terrain. "It gave me a good idea of what I needed to do to keep my body in shape for a full season."

He'd played in the highly competitive Australian Baseball League, which allows players to face more experienced competition. And gives the added advantage of more playing time outside of the regular playing season in the United States. He played there for two months before fracturing his right index finger. He returned home for a short time, then headed to the Spring Training complex in Port Charlotte in January. It was there that he locked in to one specific area of focus.

"I just ran. I ran a ton. I gained just a little bit of weight being home for 2-3 weeks not doing anything, so I tried to drop a couple pounds and wanted to be in shape for what's one of the toughest leagues to play in in the minor leagues," he said.

And up to this disappointing moment, he'd been rising to the challenge of the very tough league. Yes, he was clear, this is some bad timing. But in the midst of talking about that genuine frustration, he made a lighthearted point.

"I'm kind of upset, because I had some really nice cleats."

Keeping that sense of humor, and playing form, in tact.

You can follow him on Twitter @nciuffo14

Florida State League Notebook: Tigers Ben Verlander Talks Twitter Fun and a Guy Named Justin

Clearwater, FL- There’s always one area of a player’s game that he begins the season focused on improving. Sometimes it’s a number of mechanical issues. Sometimes they talk about not getting too emotional when things don’t go right. But Ben Verlander has his eye on one thing he needs to do to be successful this year.

“Just being consistent,” the Lakeland Flying Tigers outfielder said before a game against the Threshers. “I think I’ve proved myself in where I’ve been, so it’s more so just about consistency now. I was before the All-Star break last year, but it’s also something this year that I’d like to be post-break.”

Verlander, 24, spent all of 2015 in High-A Lakeland, playing in 126 games, and finishing with 97 hits, 52 RBI, 5 home runs, and 41 walks. He was also selected to the league All-Star Game.  Detroit’s 2013 14^th pick out of Old Dominion University began his Tigers career in Short Season A-Ball, in the New York Penn League, playing in 9 games. He split 2014 between there and Low-A Michigan, and was named a NYPL midseason all-star.

He’s begun this season hitting .273/.333/.364 in three games.  

In a game of adjustments, Verlander is already feeling at ease.

“I’m more comfortable. I’ve been to every stadium in the league. Last year, I started off really well. I didn’t think the jump was too big. Things were going well. This year it’s just about proving what I can do,” he said.

This spring, he proved something he’d thought about since childhood. He showed his brother, Tigers pitcher Justin, that he could take him deep.  At the end of March, the younger Verlander had a shot at his brother, 33, in a minor league intra-squad game and hit a home run that the brothers joked about in the press afterwards. However, this has been a long time coming. A little dream young Ben had against the seemingly always victorious Justin.

“I’ve been competing against him since I started playing sports. I’ve never won in anything; be it basketball, Whiffle ball, video games, whatever it may be, he’d never let me win. Never. So, I always said, since I started playing baseball, ‘If I ever get to face you, I’m going to hit one off you.’ That turned out to be right,” Verlander said.

You can often find him on Twitter joking with his brother and girlfriend, actress Kate Upton. He pokes fun at them and himself.

“I love it. I love the interaction on Instagram and Twitter. I’m enjoying the ride.”

He’s looking at this season without applying added pressure to reach a statistical goal. That’s not the point, he says. There’s a plan, just one that helps him stay the course.

 “I set personal goals, like consistency. That’s not something that the outside person can maybe see in the numbers,” he said, “but I know inside the goals I have.”

Game Notes on Flying Tigers: Lefty Tyler Alexander made the start for the Flying Tigers in the series opener against the Tampa Yankees. He started off Jorge Mateo with three quick strikes, including a fastball up in the zone that Mateo couldn’t catch up to, swinging through strike three. Alexander worked quickly and mixed in a commanding fastball with sinking off-speed stuff. His defense got to work and he wasn’t afraid of contact, inducing a grounder for the final out of the first inning. The Tigers scored early to give him slight breathing room. He continued to induce groundball out. He also continued to punch out hitters with his breaking pitches. He’d get Mateo again with an 80 mph pitch that the Tampa shortstop flied out on. This was my first time seeing Alexander and he was impressive with every pitch he tried, keeping Yankees hitters guessing and swinging often… I had a chance to see, and talk to Tigers prospect Christin Stewart in Gulf Coast League last season, and he put together a solid, smart at-bat in the 4^th inning of that night’s contest. The outfielder swung at an 86 mph first pitch from Ian Clarkin, but hung back on a pitch that dropped down on the radar to 73 mph for a ball. Clarkin tries to locate a 91 mph fastball at the corner but that missed for a ball. In the 2-2 count, Stewart doubled to right field…the Flying Tigers will return to Tampa in May for a three-game series.

 

Greg Legg on the Philly Kid with a Dream of Being the Phillies “Future” Closer

In Matt Hockenberry’s Twitter bio, he describes himself in a distinctly Philly way: ‘Temple University alum’ and a pitcher in the Philadelphia Phillies organization who’s ‘Trying to find my way to Citizens Bank Park in the future.’

Hockenberry, 24, was the Phillies 9^th round pick in 2014 and went on to finish 2^nd in Saves in the South Atlantic League. He closed out 2015 with a seven-game scoreless streak.

Greg Legg, manager of Hockenberry’s current team, High-A Clearwater Threshers, sees in him the kind of devotion it takes to accomplish what he hopes. Upstairs, he’s got it.

“He has a great work ethic,” said Legg. “The way he goes about his business is totally off the charts. It’s what you dream of as a manager. Like, I don’t have to stay on him; he’s going to do what he’s supposed to do.”

While there’s plenty of opportunity for him to get the final out of the game, Legg points out that there are “at least four or five arms” that will be given a chance to do the job. Hockenberry really just has to stand out, in order to prove what he envisions for himself.

“He’s going to tell us and the Phillies how far he goes. It depends on how he pitches,” Legg said. “We’re just going to give him the opportunity and whatever he does is up to him. I know he’s got the mentality to pitch late in the ballgame. He’s got a lot of confidence and he pays attention to detail.”

Legg is also confident that the Philly kid could wind up on the mound in the ninth for the big league club.  

“It wouldn’t surprise me if his dreams come true.”

Quick Thoughts on....Charlotte Stone Crabs- The Rays affiliate visited later that week, and Manager Michael Johns spoke at length about pitcher Brent Honeywell and the young players he tries to guide in the social-media era. Johns has been in the Tampa Bay Rays organization for several years, including as manager of the Class-A (Short Season) Bowling Green Hot Rods. He’s seen a lot of guys mature and exceed expectations, including pitcher Jacob Faria. Honeywell, 21, has also proven more than perhaps was expected, after scouts were late to notice him in a community college program before the Rays drafted him in the 2^nd round in 2014. Johns returns to manage the team after leading the 2015 team to the FSL Championship. He spoke about the difficulties of helping them to be smart and responsible off the field. You can read that conversation and more with Johns in an upcoming story on Honeywell for Baseball Prospectus.

Also look for a report on Tampa's Jorge Mateo on BP.

 

Checking in with Yankees Cale Coshow Spring Training

Cale Coshow arrived in Tampa in January, to participate in Captain's Camp, following a watershed 2015 season. The pitching prospect split time between High-A and Double-A, making his debut for the Trenton Thunder, a major proving ground that's sprung many of the best Yankees young talent, including Dellin Betances. Coshow is most focused on improving his changeup and cited former Tampa Yankees pitching coach Tommy Phelps and Trenton Thunder pitching coach Jose Rosado for helping him with consistency with the pitch.

Here's what Coshow, ranked by MLB as the 18th best prospect in the Yankees organization, said from Yankees camp.

"Physically I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm stronger than I was last season and I really focused on what I eat and my conditioning because instead of throwing into the 5th/6th inning, I want to push it to at least go 7 innings."

"My habits certainly changed this off season, instead of just waking up, working out and relaxing I stayed more active. I would wake up, workout/cardio, then head to work (worked on a tree farm), and then try and get some cardio in after work. I also changed my eating habits and can see the results. I can see the results in how I feel, how I perform on the field and in the weight room."

"Coming in, I knew I had the fastball to compete in the majors, but I needed to really focus on my off speed to become more of a complete pitcher."

"I really haven't spoken to the Yankees often but the plan is simple, go compete everyday and when the time is right I really hope I get that shot at the major leagues at some point this season!"

My off speed has made strides into becoming quality pitches for me. Just have to stick with my personal strengths and compete!

 

 

SF Giants Matt Paré Creates 'Homeless Minor Leaguer' Universe with Blog, YouTube

The minor league player experience, with all it's stark, working-class reality-checks mixed with a realization of a childhood dream and playing a game for a living, is difficult to fully capture. Perhaps living it is the only way to truly understand the heady highs and murky lows, the physical and emotional toll, not to mention the financial one. Really, only those guys on that team know exactly what it took for them to get to the end of the season, whether it was a success or not.

San Francisco Giants minor league player came up with a creative idea to present the MiLB player world with an equal dose of humor and realism. His blog, now accompanied by a vlog, 'Homeless Minor Leaguer' is everything you want in observing the minor league experience: he shows the hard-grind reality with acidy humor, letting readers/viewers into the day-to-day struggles, while also finding the fun in it all.

Paré played 14 games with the High-A San Jose Giants in 2015, spending the bulk of his time (45 games) with Class-A Augusta . The catcher, drafted out of Boston College in 2009 by the Houston Astros, hit .217/3.22/.337 combined for the season.

Here's our conversation:

HOTF: I'm always interested in minor league players who really work to up their profile. The blog is a mix of heart & humor. Did you start out knowing what you wanted to say and how?

MP: Thanks for the kind words! I started off having a few topics I wanted to write about, but the site has obviously evolved since then.

HOTF: Ok, so the videos. You've come up with some great ideas. Satirical, smart, really creative. What sparked the idea? 

MP: I had a friend who's on YouTube- she's actually in the next video, which is why I {was just] in L.A. - and she encouraged me to start vlogging as a way to start out. Then I realized I could take written content that I thought was somewhat preachy, and dry, like 'Life Hacks for the Minor Leaguer', and make them more engaging in video form.

HOTF: So, the blog is what put you on my radar. What was the motivation? Once you began, did writing come easy?

MP: Motivation, I felt like I had some quality stories and information to share with others. And I feel like other players do too. That's why I'm having more guest posts this season. [As for the writing it] comes pretty easy, but I've found that the video creation process feels a lot less like work and is more enjoyable.

HOTF: Tell me a little about the one you just posted. And, if you can, a little about the one you're working on.

MP: Well, 'Out of Left Field' is where I interview a player about very surface level stuff. Nothing too deep and I try to keep it very casual. The new one is an eHarmony parody called 'Minor League Love.'

HOTF: (NOTE: The question took a minute to make sense, and our wires got crossed, but here's the gist about both staying committed to his goals despite MiLB life struggles, what helps him, and where the title of the blog originated]

MP: I love playing baseball and I have great people around me that support what I'm trying to accomplish. For example, I live at my cousin's apartment in San Diego for free. That gives me time to train during the off-season, write posts, and make videos. He and I always made the joke that I was a homeless minor leaguer when he'd let me crash on the couch in his office.

HOTF: Oh awesome. That's sort of what I was getting at. You guys figure out how to be able to do this with your life.

'Homeless Minor Leaguer Links':

'Help a Minor Leaguer' @MiLB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV7IFUgUMyM …

'Minor League Love' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0ZAFHWtA3E&feature=youtu.be …

'Out of Left Field' with Ty Kelly https://youtu.be/b38nB7gBhiQ  

The blog http://homelessminorleaguer.com/

You can follow Matt Paré on Twitter @HipHip_Pare.

Dustin Fowler "Shocked" by Yankees ST Invite, Talks 2016 Focus

Outfielder Dustin Fowler spoke last week about 2015 season, as well as areas he worked in the off-season and 2016 goals.

"I worked on getting stronger and it will help me be able to drive the ball more and I really worked on my speed foot work to help me steel more bases and be quicker in the outfield."

"The Yankees and I both wanted me to gain weight, strength and speed. Just trying to gain more and more every year. I worked with Reggie Willits a lot in the outfield, and a mix between all the hitting coaches and trying to clean up everything we can."

"Yes, I was shocked about getting the invite this year. I'm excited about the experience and going to try and learn as much as I can with the big guys and take it all in."

You can search the archive for more 2015 coverage on Dustin Fowler and the Tampa Yankees.

Yankees Prospect Cale Coshow Talks about Nicaraguan Mission to Teach Baseball

The off-season is still about baseball for Cale Coshow, but  with new meaning.

The pitcher, the Yankees 28th best prospect as ranked by MLB.com, traveled to Nicaragua, in the city of Susuma with his church mission group, in part, to give kids a chance to learn baseball from a professional.

Coshow split his time in 2015 playing with High-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton, after being drafted in the 13th round by the Yankees out of Oklahoma Christian in 2013. He’s often shared bible verses and uplifting thoughts on Twitter, so it’s likely no surprise to those that know him that he’d choose to participate in a faith-based endeavor.

Coshow spoke about his mission experience so far (he arrived Monday and leaves Saturday), as well as what the driving factors were in making his decision:

 

How Trip Transpired: The head of missions at my church had been wanting to do something that involved baseball here in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. I prayed about it and thought it would be a fantastic place to serve. Really an eye opening experience.

"The main focus of the work is to just spend time with the people and share love. My church is helping with a church and school here in Susuma, Nicaragua and I got to spend hours just hanging out with the kids and parents, walking through their streets in the mountain, playing catch and ground balls with them and even doing a little dancing with the girls."

Baseball-Motivated: That's why I was brought here. Baseball is the national sport and the professional team in Matagalpa actually just won the championship for their league. And sports is one of the easiest ways to reach kids.

Winter Workouts: Yes, I am still able to keep up with my off season program. Still keeping the arm fresh, and I got to run around with Manny and Rolando, 2 and 10 year old boys and they wore me out.

"What I hope with my time is to simply show the love that God has shown me. I'm not forceful with it, but all these people in tough countries are looking for one thing, and that's love. I strive to make at least five people smile or laugh a day, and here it's the exact same principle. People no matter was race, ethnicity, background, rich/poor deserved to be loved."   

 

You can follow Coshow on Twitter @c_coshow

Find past stories on this blog about Coshow by searching his name in the archive.

EXCLUSIVE: Scouting Documentary 'Scouting for Diamonds' Director Molly Secours on Production and Wade Boggs Involvement

"I never thought about how these players were found, who breathed life into them."

The tireless efforts of scouts and the impact they have is the subject of the new documentary 'Scouting for Diamonds', set for a 2017 release.

The film's directed by independent filmmaker Molly Secours, a lifelong baseball fan. Secours spoke Thursday about the project, which is still currently in production.

Production: We are about 60% finished with the interview phase. We will be following key characters and shooting through July of next year looking at a premiere date of spring of 2017, but that obviously is not an exact date. I can Share more later about that. Will be going to Latin America and possibly Asia.

The Idea and Inspiration: A couple guys came to me a year and a half ago and told me about a scout named George Digby, who lived in Gallatin, Tennessee, very near me, who signed Wade Boggs and many others. It was a Thursday when they came to me and I was supposed to meet Mr Digby the following Monday, but he died just a couple days later and I never got to meet him. What is strange is that I've felt his presence the entire time nudging me forward.. (and yes I know how strange that sounds but it's true) We started interviewing guys like Wade Boggs and Mike Greenwell and Jody Reed etc.,. And after several months I realized the story was even bigger and deeper and that were other scouts who had made a profound effect on major players like Wade. So we shifted the focus from Digby and Boggs to scouting in general and focused primarily on a few key scouts but telling a story with many voices.

Wade Boggs Involvement: Wade is a passive producer. He lent us his name because he feels strongly in what we are doing but he is completely un-involved with the creative process. But he and his wife Debbie were very generous with their time and are great supporters as is George Brett and Willie Mays.

Female Scouts Included: Female scouts are DEFINITELY part of our story. And other women in baseball for sure...but that's all I can say right now.

Getting to Know the Scouts Life: what's surprised me is how absolutely devoted and passionate every scout we've interviewed thus far--regardless of what type of scout, their territory etc. Although I grew up in a hockey house; my dad was a hockey player. We lived less than 80 miles from Montreal but in addition to being a fanatic Boston Bruin fan--Bobby Orr was pasted on the wall above my bed until I was...well too old--I also followed baseball. The [now defunct Montreal] Expos were my team and Rusty Staub was my favorite player. But until a year and a half ago I never thought about how these players were found, who breathed life into them. And I never understood baseball at the level. I do now and I have scouts to thank for that. Guys, and of course women, that most people have ever heard of like Don Pries and Luke Wrenn and Joe McIlvaine and many, many more. In the last year and a half they have opened up with us in a way that goes way beyond generosity. To be honest some days I feel like I've got about two dozen boyfriends that I look forward to hearing from everyday. (laughs) I have a feeling once people see our film that there are those whose love for baseball will be re-ignited. I know that.

Release Dates and Distribution: I can't give you specific details now. We have deliberately kept this an independent film (so there are no studios) which of course means no big money (and that's why next Monday we are doing the crowd funding) but it also means that no one is swaying the story one where the other. The story we are following has unfolded and continues to unfold beautifully and organically.

 

For more information: http://scoutingfordiamonds.com/

And to follow the progress on Twitter: @Scouting4Dmnds