Dans Spring Training Report

Wow!   There are a lot of Dans participating in 2013 spring training!    Just a quick count at 30 to 35 at all levels.   In MLB camps are - Chris McGinnis (Cleveland), Zach Walters (Nationals), Ryan Schimpf (Blue Jays), Dan Black (White Sox, AJ Griffin (Oakland), Louis Coleman (Royals), Mitch Moreland (Texas), Neil Schenk (Tampa Bay), Danny Worth (Detroit), Chris Coghlan (Marlins), Matt Daley (Yankees), Randy Ruiz (White Sox), and Jon Papelbon (Phlliadelphia).  13 Dans!  Some of these alumni have already made major league clubs.   Others are minor league players on the way up.  Being invited to the Major League camp for spring training does not insure you will begin the season with the major league club, but it does provide a chance to continue upward movement, and to make a statement.

I recently returned from watching a few spring training games in the Sarasota area and had a chance to watch several play.   A special treat to see Ryan Schimpf play left field for the Blue Jays at Baltimore's home stadium.   I didn't realize he was in the MLB camp, so when he came to the plate (yes he got a base hit!) it was a great surprise.   We had a few minutes to visit after the game and he sends a big hello to his host family and friends here in Danville.

Dans open at home on May 30th against the Quincy Gems!

DANS NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

Under the radar! 2007 Danville Dan, Chris McGuiness (The Citadel), has been named the Arizona Fall League’s Joe Black MVP (Rangers-Surprise Saguaros) leading the fall league with 27 RBI. He authored 6 three-RBI games and seven multi-hit games. On Oct. 10, he went 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and three RBI. In the 13 Saguaro home games, he hit .340 with 18 RBI and six of his nine extra-base hits. In his 4 year minor-league career, McGuiness hit for a .260 batting average with 51 homes and 212 RBI. The 24 year old lefty from Charleston, SC is known for his strong left handed swing, his ability to get on-base, and his good approach at the place. Now the Big News! Chris McGuiness has been selected in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft by the Cleveland Indians, which places him on their 40 man roster, making the 1st baseman the 21st Danville Dan to appear on a major league roster. Under the Rule 5 draft, he must remain on Cleveland’s major league roster for this coming season or be sent back to the original club for $25,000. McGuiness was coached in Danville by Pete Paciorek.

Congratulations Coach McNickle!

The Dans have worked with Coach Russ McNickle, who was to start his fifth season at the helm of the Saint Leo University baseball team in February, since his days as an assistant to the legendary Ron Polk at Mississippi State. He is also the father of 2012/2013 Danville Dan, Trey McNickle. This week, he submitted his letter of resignation to take a position in Major League Baseball within the San Diego Padres organization. "A few times throughout my career I have been approached about working on the professional side of the game," McNickle said. "I was honored about those discussions and very humbled to have even been asked. This fall, I was approached again about the opportunity of working with Major League Baseball. I have been offered and just accepted a position with the San Diego Padres organization." In addressing his players, McNickle stated, "I am very excited about the development of the Saint Leo University baseball program and the strides we have made since our arrival on campus in July 2008. I strongly believe in this team, the experience of this team, the senior leadership of this team, and the successes that are waiting for them." Congratulations Russ! Go Padres!

Dans Rule 5 Watch

Dans fans may remember Chris McGuiness (Dans 2007- The Citadel). Baseball America has listed him as one their top 6 Rule 5 players that stand out as likely additions to major league rosters. Rule 5 is complicated, in addition to giving recent draftees, injured and suspended players an opportunity to log innings and at bats, the Arizona Fall League also gives organizations a chance to evaluate players with regards to filling out 40-man rosters. According to the collective bargaining agreement, players must be added to the 40-man roster by November 20, 2012 four years after they signed, if they signed at age 19 or older (most college players) or after 5 years, if they signed at age 18 or younger (most high school and Latin American players). Those that are not added will be subject to the Rule 5 draft, held on Dec. 6 this year. Selected players must remain on the team's 25-man roster for the entire duration of the following season or they are returned to the previous team. This year, 76 players in the Arizona Fall League will be Rule 5 Draft-eligible unless "protected" or added to their 40-man rosters. According to the publication, these Arizona Fall League players stand out as likely additions due to prospect status within their organization: 1. Jarred Cosart, rhp, Houston Astros 2. Hak-Ju Lee, ss, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Minnesota Twins 4. Grant Green, if/of, Oakland Athletics 5. Travis Witherspoon, of, Los Angeles Angels 6. Chris McGuiness, 1b, Texas Rangers If Chris is added to the Rangers Club, he will join Dans alumni Mitch Moreland (Dans 2005)

Daniel brings in more awards

A 2012 Danville Dan continues to bring in the postseason awards from the spring season. Shortstop Andrew Daniel from the University of San Diego was named a Freshman All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Daniel burst onto the scene as a true freshmen for the Toreros, hitting .339 on the season with 18 doubles, a pair of triples, four homers, and 45 RBIs.

Louisiana State shortstop Austin Nola was the first of three former Danville Dans selected on Tuesday in the Major League Baseball draft. Nola, a member of the 2009 Danville Dans, was chosen by the Miami Marlins in the fifth round. The next former Dan to hear his name called was Arkansas State pitcher Jacob Lee, who was chosen by the Cleveland Indians in the ninth round. Rounding out Tuesday’s portion of the draft, Justin Amlung from Louisville was taken in the 12th round by the Chicago Cubs. On Wednesday, 2010 Danville Dan Bryan Haar (San Diego) was taken in the 34th round by the Minnesota Twins, completing the 2012 draft for the Dans. Good luck Dans!

Two Dans named All-American!

A 2012 Danville Dan, freshman shortstop Andrew Daniel of the University of San Diego baseball team, has been tabbed a freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger. Daniel, a 6-1 freshman short stop from San Diego, exploded onto the scene as a true freshman, hitting .339 with 78 hits, 18 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 45 RBI. In WCC action, Daniel continued to have a hot stick, as he hit .323 with 32 hits, nine doubles, two home runs and 21 RBI. Daniel becomes the third Torero to earn a Louisville Slugger All-American nomination, as both sophomore third baseman Kris Bryant and another Dans alumni, sophomore closer Michael Wagner (2011) were both named third-team All-American's last week by the publication. After playing in the 2012 NCAA Regional, Daniel is expected to report to the Dans at the end of this week. Congratulations Andrew & Michael!

TACOMA, Wash. - Brandon Moss went deep twice and former Danville Dan, A.J. Griffin (2007)and two relievers combined on a two-hitter Sunday afternoon, leading the Sacramento River Cats (AAA-Oakland A's) to a 4-2 win over Tacoma at Cheney Stadium. Recently moved up from AA, Griffen has a 3.99 era with 24 Strikeouts and 6 base on balls. Griffin took a hard-luck no decision, limiting Tacoma to just a pair of hits and two earned runs in seven innings. The big right-hander struck out six and walked one .

Dans take on NCAA Tournament by storm!

At current count (sorry if I missed anyone), 34 Dans-past and present- will take the field for their respective teams in this year's NCAA Regional Tournament. Best of luck to (San Diego) Andrew Daniel, Brian Haar, Austin Green, Ryan Keller, Max Homick, and Michael Wagner! To (LSU) Mason Katz, Austin Nola, Jackson Slaid, Alex Edward, Evan Powell and Nick Rumbello. To Pat Gannon (Purdue). To Coach Jon Moore (Creighton). To (UAB) Harry Clark & Sam Kelly. To (Missisippi State) Sam Frost, Wes Rea, Tyler Fullerton, Brayden Jones, Matthew Britton, Chad Girado, and Evan Mitchell. UML...Coach Cory Barton, Will Browning, and Logan Fiasco!) Last, but not least, from Pepperdine, Andrew Alvarez, Drew Hacker, Nate Johnson, Bryan Langlois, Miles Silverstein, Mat Snider, Michael Swanner and Ryan VanAmburg Dan's fans will be cheering you on!

Dan Alumni Abe Bobb Throws Jewel in critical WCC Game

MALIBU, Calif. - Efficiency was the name of Abe Bobb's game Friday afternoon at Eddy D. Field Stadium. A 2011 Dan, the San Francisco right-hander threw just 98 pitches en route to his first career complete game, allowing only four hits to propel the Dons (23-26, 9-7 WCC) to a convincing 7-2 win over Pepperdine (24-18, 7-6 WCC) in the series opener of a crucial three-game West Coast Conference set. After allowing a leadoff single in the bottom of the first, Bobb (6-4) retired 18 straight Waves before allowing a single and an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh. "I really tried to stay loose today," Bobb said. "I've been working on getting on top of the ball to get my sinker going. I moved my fastball on both sides of the plate and separated between pitches." Entering the ninth inning, the Denver, Colorado native had allowed just two hits and one unearned run. Bobb increased his team-lead in wins to six and now owns sterling 2.46 ERA in addition to a 55-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio. "Abe was phenomenal," Head Coach Nino Giarratano said. "Today was probably the best executed game from one of our starting pitchers that I've ever seen here as a coach. Abe executed 68 out of 98 pitches, which is a tribute to the work he puts in."

Katz on Fire!

Mason Katz, (Danville Dans 2010), has been selected as the Greater New Orleans Amateur Athlete of the Month for March. Katz, a native of Harahan and a graduate of Jesuit High School, was selected over two other standout local products in balloting by the Greater New Orleans Sports Selection Committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. During the month of March, Katz batted .304 (21-of-69) with four home runs, 15 runs batted in and 17 runs scored as he helped the Tigers to a 14-4 record. On March 5, the first baseman/outfielder was named a National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball after batting .684 (13-for-19) with five doubles, three home runs, eight runs batted in and 12 runs score, as well as a 1.421 slugging percentage and a .760 on-base percentage. Katz also set an all-time LSU and SEC record by reaching base in 17 consecutive plate appearances, one appearance from matching the NCAA all-time record (set by Shaun Larkin from Cal State Northridge in 2002). During his 17 consecutive times on base, he tallied three doubles, two homeruns, nine runs scored, seven walks and one stolen base. On the season to date, Katz leads the third-ranked Tigers in home runs (8), runs scored (50, also leads the SEC) and doubles (12), while ranking second in hitting (.350), on-base percentage (.450), slugging percentage (.592), hits (55), runs batted in (36) and walks (25). Keep it up Mason!

Dans Season Nears

I just went to You Tube (or is it Youtube?), searched for Danville Dans (you can also go to www.danvilledans.com), and am enjoying videos from seasons past. Relive fireworks,breast cancer, or sports announcers camp nights! See your favorite Dans player again and watch some great action!

Two Dans named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List

Congratulations to Danville Dan alumni, Brett Huber (Ole’ Miss) and Michael Wagner (San Diego). Both have been named to the midseason watch list for the eighth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. While with the Dans in 2009, Huber, in a relief role, sported a 1.69 ERA, allowing 9 walks against 34 strikeouts. This college season, Huber has posted seven saves for Ole’ Miss, currently fourth in the Southeastern Conference. The seven saves gives Huber 23 saves for his career, third all-time for the Rebels. Michael Wagner led the Dans in 2011 with a 2.74 ERA, striking out 67 and walking 9. Wagner leads the nation with 18 saves in 22 appearances. He has pitched 35 innings for San Diego, with 31 strikeouts and is 1-1 with a 1.03 ERA. Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relation contacts and more than 90 nominations were received. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 6, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2012 College World Series.

Dans help propel LSU over Alabama

Two Danville Dans helped collect 9 hits for the LSU Tiger 10-2 win over Alabama last. Night. Outfielder Mason Katz (Dans 2010) started things off with a three-run homer in the first inning and shortstop Austin Nola (2009) followed with a grand slam in the fourth.

Dans Alumn Bobb Garners Award

RAWLINGS WEST COAST CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE WEEK
ABE BOBB, RS-SO., RHP, SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco's Abe Bobb is the Rawlings West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Bobb blanked No. 24 San Diego over 7.1 innings in leading the Dons to a 1-0 victory over the Toreros, who had won seven straight. Bobb struck out six and scattered six hits without issuing a walk in the victory, while lowering his ERA to 2.33 for the season.

Dans Alum Abe Bobb Shines in Dons Win over Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. – San Francisco starter Abe Bobb (Dans 2011) "spun a doozy" Saturday night at Beiden Field, leading San Francisco past Fresno State, 6-3. Bobb (3-1) earned his team-leading third win of the season, pitching a season-high 7.2 innings.

Bobb allowed just two runs, striking out six and walking only one. The sophomore right-hander now owns an impressive 21-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Denver, Colorado native maintained his velocity into the eighth inning, working in the upper 80s all evening long.

Bobb Pitches Four-Hit Gem To Lead San Francisco To Second Win

Danville Dans alum, Abe Bobb (University of San Francisco)was masterful in his second collegiate start as he led San Francisco past San Jose State, 5-1, Saturday afternoon at Blethen Field. Bobb went seven strong innings striking out four, and walking only one. The Denver, Colorado native settled in nicely in the later stages of the game, mixing location well, and getting first pitch strikes all afternoon.

"It was exciting to get back on the bump after redshirting last year," Bobb said. "Once I got going I was aggressive and my stuff felt really good."

Bobb is coached by former Danville Dans player and coach, Greg Moore, currently assistant head coach at the University.

COLLEGE BASEBALL IS HERE!

Yesterday’s Danville Dans’ game notes: Dan Jackson Slaid went 1-3 with a double, Mason Katz 1-1, and Austin Nola 2-4 in an LSU 10-1 win over Air Force.

2012 Danville infielder, Dan Matthew Britton, went 1-3 in his college debut in a Mississippi State 6-2 win over Washington State.

Dans 2011 pitcher, Michael Wagner, closed out the game for San Diego throwing 3.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, and recording 5 strikeouts in their 5-3 win over Sam Houston State.

Charlie White’s(CF) Maryland Terps began the year with a nail biting 2-1 win over UCLA.

2012 Dans open at home May 29th! Get your 30 game ticket book before March 1 and save!

For those that love the game!

I just picked up a copy of the Dickson Baseball Dictionary - sound kinda' dull? All 957 pages of it. Think again - it is a great read for those who love the game.

Do you know what a "raisin game" is, or a "mush bag," or a "looney joe?" Ever heard of a "do-fer pitch?" It was a term used by Terre Haute, IN MLB pitcher, Tommy John, for a pitch that will work ("do-fer-awhile") until the pitcher gets something else going.

John is also known, of course, as the first player to come back and play in the majors after innovative ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction. The procedure was dubbed "Tommy John Surgery."

Back to words. If your interest has not yet been peaked, how about: a "needle nose," the "Rouge Hose," a "sliding dolly," or the guy who is "under the willow." I've thrown out some of the historic or unusual terms, but the book includes thousands of words from today's game as well.

There are over 18,000 individual entries and over 250 photos, providing a comprehensive history and fascinating incite into the world of baseball.

AND NOW WE KNOW!

Special thanks to Dave Murphy and his family for providing Danville Stadium memories and showing us a part of it's history not recorded or seen by anyone I know of for the last 65 years.

I just finished scanning 12 very special pictures that look to be postcards and are most certainly original pictures of the building of Danville Stadium. We now know that the "boss" of the project was Ernie Hayworth, that his crew included Joe Rodgers and Freemont Rodgers. We even know what they look like. We know that the picture we have, which we thought was the building of the stadium, is really a renovation to replace wooden beams with steel.

What a gift to the community and it's baseball fans and historians! Everyone come out tomorrow night and help us celebrate!