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| Goodwill Series Recap by Bob Williams | |
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Brewers Recap Overall Record 7 wins 5 losses The Brewers Goodwill Series was a major success. Coached by Rob Williams, Corey Rodriguez & Dan Floyd, the emphasis of the two week trip was dealing with the mental side of playing the game at the next level. With the experience factor of the Brewers coaches as well as group talks from the opposing Australian coaches former Major Leaguers Shane Bennett of South Australia & Greg Jelks of Western Australia. Our players learned first hand what the opposing coaches thought of each players strengths and weaknesses. In this "development-first ; winning-second" method, the players were pushed to the next level playing 12 games in 14 days. Dan Floyd a 19 year old 3-year minor league prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization demonstrated the differences of the high school & professional aspects of mental preparation. As he would tell the players, "I'm only 1 or 2 years older than you, it's part of my survival of professional baseball to pick up on the little details such a picking up a pitchers tendencies or seeing if a catcher is tipping of a specific pitch." Top Performers Chris Golik CF, Santa Rosa, CA. Played every inning of every game in CF. Played good defense and was a solid presence in the line up. Louie Romero, SS, Phoenix, AZ. Played all but one game at SS. Played exceptional defense, making the routine plays - routine, & making some very tough plays look effortless. LHP's Austin Witt, Jasonville, IN. & Matt Murphy, St. Charles, MO pitched & competed against very good competition. Both pitched and shut down a very strong South Australian Claxton Shield Team, comprised of both professional & US College players. Though we lost that game 3-0, they gave up 0 earned runs. They also combined a shutout in a key win over South Australia Metro. Blue Jays Recap Overall Record 9 wins 6 losses Led by Blue Jays Scouts Charlie Aliano and Joey Davis the Blue Jays competed in 15 games in 15 days. With the quality competition of the opposition (State teams from South Australia, New South Wales, New South Wales Country, ACT) The objectives of all the teams were met. The Australian State teams need and want strong outside competition to prepare themselves for the Australian National Competition. The American objectives by playing the strong Australian teams challenge oneself by playing every day in a professional atmosphere. Top Performers Tyler Stevens, SS/2B, Lake Worth, FL. Played every inning of every game, stabilizing the infield as well as being the lead off batter, setting the tone with a high on base percentage. JT Unumb, C/OF, Arlington, TX. Was the team leader both on and off the field, Unumb was the cleanup batter throughout the trip & had the knack to get key hits with runners on base. Philip Hann, RHP, Competed strong with a fierce desire, pitching consistently 5/6 innings per outing. Pitchers Nick Vaughn (Sacramento, CA) & Jeff Shumate (Sadsburyville, PA) Mike Merdin (Fresno, CA) all pitched effectively in key victories. The Blue Jays "Goodwill Series of Australia" was a success because the players accepted the roles one would have to when playing 15 games in 15 days. It also showed first hand what it takes to play at the next level of competition. We are proud of this team's efforts. |
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| Report by Bob Williams. Email: rwilliams@goodwillseries.org | |
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