It was a total team effort to revamp the ball fields at National Little League of Albany, Green Island Little League, Hudson Valley Little League in Ravena and Menands Junior Baseball. They all had their pitcher’s mound and home plate areas rebuilt, new sod placed on the infield, base paths straightened and new bases put in.

The ValleyCats front office staff was divided into four teams, and along with volunteers, began work at 8am on Sunday tearing up the old infield sod.

Old sod being cut out and taken away at the Menands Junior Baseball field.

Old sod all removed from Hudson Valley Little League in Ravena.

New sod being laid at Hudson Valley Little League in Ravena.

The old pitcher’s mound and home plate were removed, re-measured and replaced with brand new ones:

Rebuilding the mound at Hudson Valley LL.

Brand new plate.

The base paths were then measured to the correct specs and new bases were put in.

All of the sod lining the base paths, home plate and the pitcher’s mound was cut squarely.

National Little League of Albany completed base paths

Now for the before/after photos!

National Little League before:

National Little League after:

Before:

After:

Green Island Little League before:

Green Island Little League after:

Hudson Valley Little League before:

After:

Before:

After:

Menands Junior Baseball before:

After:

Before:

After:

More photos of the renovations:

Sod in Albany had to be removed with heavy machinery due to the mud and weeds.

SouthPaw put in some time as well!

Menands Junior Baseball field

Coffee kept everyone going!

The crew at Hudson Valley!

National Little League, Albany.

Thank you to all the media who covered the ’4 in 24′! We’re glad the Capital Region community was able to see the great things going on at these local fields! It’s all about the kids!

When it was all said and done 11 1/2 hours from when the project began, everyone was exhausted! But the entire project was worth it, and we look forward to seeing all the smiling faces on the kids when they have their Opening Day!

‘Cats Care!

Each of those four fields will be renovated in under 24 hours, seeing their pitcher’s mound and homeplate areas rebuilt, new sod being placed in the infield, new bases and more!

All the renovations were originally scheduled for Friday, but of course weather had to throw us a curveball! The good thing is, we are used to that.

On Wednesday and Friday we were able to get some work done in advance of Sunday. We rebuilt the mound and homeplate areas at the Menands Junior Baseball field and at National Little League. (With pop-up tents shielding the rain and sleet.)

Here are some photos:

National Little League of Albany (Albany’s original Little League).

Menands Junior Baseball

Making sure the measurements are correct at Menands.

The pop-up tents were key!

Our brand new Community Grounds Crew Ford pickup truck! BlueShield of Northeastern New York a huge key to our success!

Preparing to put in a new pitching rubber at Menands.

SouthPaw loves our new ‘Cats Care trailer!

The full rig! Now you can’ t miss us when we’re out in the community. Don’t forget to honk and say hello!

YNN’s Megan Cruz talking with Assistant General Manager Matt Callahan, explaining the process of rebuilding the pitcher’s mound at National Little League in Albany.

Megan Cruz interviewing Bryan Viggiani, National LL President.

Working on putting in a new homeplate at National LL.

Clay bricks are placed under the plate to give it a solid foundation.

Clay also around the sides.

ValleyCats groundskeeper Eric Westervelt helping to measure the distance from the plate to first base.

Admar Supply Company has graciously donated equipment to be used during these renovations!

None of these renovations would be possible without the support of BlueShield of Northeastern New York. They have been an outstanding partner, and hold the same values as us when it comes to helping out the local youth. With their help, we look forward to a long future of assisting youth baseball/softball leagues throughout the Capital Region.

Although we were only able to select four fields for the ’4 in 24′, we truly appreciate all of the leagues who sent in applications. In a matter of time, we hope to one day be able to assist each league in the Capital Region. Unfortunately we can’t do it all in one year, so please keep the applications coming.

The Community Grounds Crew Program will accept applications throughout the spring and summer, and we will try as best we can to help as many leagues as possible.

Click here to apply>>

Triple-A Oklahoma City:

P- Dallas Keuchel (’09)

P- Jordan Lyles (’08)

C- Chris Wallace (’10)

OF- Jake Goebbert (’09)

Double-A Corpus Christi:

P- Jake Buchanan (’10)

P- Jorge De Leon (’09-’10)

P- Bobby Doran (’10)

P- David Martinez (’10)

P- Andrew Robinson (’10)

P- Alex Sogard (’10)

P- Nick Tropeano (’11)

C- Rene Garcia (’09)

C- Ryan McCurdy (’10-’11)

IF- Erik Castro (’09)

IF- Enrique “Kike” Hernandez (’10)

IF- Ben Orloff (’09-’10)

OF- George Springer (’11)

OF- Austin Wates (’10)

Class-A+ Lancaster:

P- Travis Ballew (’12)

P- Jonas Dufek (’11)

P- Carlos Quevedo (’10)

P- Brady Rodgers (’12)

P- Tommy Shirley (’10)

P- Aaron West (’12)

C- M.P. Cokinos (’12)

C- Tyler Heineman (’12)

IF- Matt Duffy (’11)

IF- Zach Johnson (’11)

IF- Rafael Valenzuela (’11)

OF- Andrew Aplin (’12)

OF- Chris Epps (’11)

OF- Brandon Meredith (’11)

OF- Andrew Muren (’11)

OF- Preston Tucker (’12)

Class-A Quad Cities:

P- Joe Bircher (’12)

P- Kyle Hallock (’11)

P- Brian Holmes (’12)

P- Mitchell Lambson (’11)

P- John Neely (’12)

P- Vincent Velasquez (’12)

C- Jobduan Morales (’12)

IF- Chase Davidson (’11-’12)

IF- Ryan Dineen (’11)

IF- Joe Sclafani (’12)

IF- Jesse Wierzbicki (’12)

OF- Jordan Scott (’11)

Following the storms on Sunday, a cold front moved through the Orlando area and brought with it very windy and cool conditions (my inner meteorlogist at work again!), as evidence by Jorge De Leon all bundled up.

On Monday the Astros were hosting the Washington Nationals in a night game, a rare occurrence during spring training. Before the game I was able to catch up with Bud Norris and Brandon Barnes, two former ‘Cats looking to make an impact with the big league club this upcoming season. Norris has been named the Astros number one starter, and Barnes just found out that he has made the team. I’ll be posting my interviews with both of them before the end of the week. Bud is excited to get the nod in the Astros home opener, a nationally televised game on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball to open the Major League season. Barnes attributed his success to hard work, resilience and his faith.

ValleyCats fans should know that Bud is a huge ‘Cats fan, and even went so far as to call them “my ValleyCats!”. So be proud when you all watch him throw the biggest game of his short career, and remember that he began his professional career at “The Joe!”

For Bud’s final tune-up, he threw in a minor league game on Tuesday. Jason Castro caught him during the outing. Norris gave up some hits and a couple of runs, but you can’t read much into it. I’m sure he wasn’t throwing at 100%, as he wants to save his stuff for when it really matters.

Right after Norris threw, 2012 ‘Cats pitcher Brady Rodgers took the hill with ’12 teammate M.P. Cokinos behind the plate.

On the other field, Erik Bedard was getting his work in. Bedard has just been named the Astros number five starter.

I mentioned the weather became much cooler, and by that I mean MUCH cooler. It was actually downright freezing! Wind gusts of 50mph and temps in the 50′s created tough playing conditions, and viewing conditions.

Astros Manager Bo Porter and Director of Player Development Quinton McCracken watch Bud Norris make his final tune-up before Opening Night.

The Astros are traveling to Tampa to face the Yankees in another night game on Tuesday, so Porter was one of many from the big league club who stopped over to watch the minor league action.

Former ‘Cats, David Martinez and Jose Altuve.

As my trip wraps up and I prepare to head home to get ready for the ValleyCats 2013 season, let me leave you with a few more photos from my last day, some great photos of your former ValleyCats!

Catfish Elkins

Carlos Correa

Jason Castro

Joel Chimelis instructing Carlos Correa

Dan Gulbransen, M.P. Cokinos and Catfish Elkins.

Mark Bailey, Morgan Ensberg and Tony DeFrancesco.

Gulbransen, Cokinos, Elkins

Joel Chimelis and Justin Gominsky.

The major league game ended up being called in the fifth inning, an official game with the Astros on top 4-1. The winning pitcher? None other than 2010 Tri-City ValleyCat David Martinez. He was making his first start ever for the major league squad during spring training. Martinez had made one relief appearance earlier this spring. He gave up one earned run on eight hits over four innings of work. Most importantly, he didn’t walk a batter and struck out Justin Ruggiano and Nick Green.

Since it was a camp day for the minor leaguers, they finished early enough for many of them to catch Martinez’ start. That list included good friends and former ‘Cats Carlos Quevedo and Juri Perez.

The Astros were hosting the Miami Marlins, and it was nice to see their new hitting coach, “Bam-Tino” Martinez. I grew up a huge New York Yankees fan and Tino was one of the biggest stars during their incredible run between 1996-2000.

Meanwhile, the minor league camp day featured an interesting storyline in Jordan Lyles.  He started during one of the intersquad scrimmage games and an intriguing matchup came versus Carlos Correa. He looped a ball into left center during his first at-bat and hit a triple down the right field line during his second. I can see how Correa was a number one pick, as he just looks like a big leaguer. Although it does help that he can really smack the ball and play great defense.

VIDEO:

Following the short scrimmage games, I was able to snap a great photo of five ValleyCats from the historic 2012 season:

(Lance Day, Brady Rodgers, Travis Ballew, Catfish Elkins and Joe Bircher)

The full day in photos is below. I will try and post parts of my interviews with Stubby Clapp, Jesse Wierzbicki, Andrew Aplin & Catfish Elkins before I leave on Tuesday.

Jordan Lyles on the bump

Non-starters watching all the action, along with ValleyCats 2013 pitching coach Doug White.

‘Cats 2013 hitting coach Russ Steinhorn, and manager Ed Romero also catching the game action.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond speaks with the media.

Tino Martinez, the new Marlins hitting coach.

Houston Astros mascot, Orbit poses with a Braves fan.

Pitchers that threw at the complex today included Jorge De Leon, Jonas Dufek, Carlos Quevedo and Jake Buchanan. Also in action was George Springer, Jake Goebbert, Austin Wates, Ben Orloff, Enrique “Kike” Hernandez, Erik Castro, Mike Kvasnicka, Drew Muren, Tyler Heineman, Chris Epps, Rafael Valenzuela and Andrew Aplin.

I mentioned yesterday the fact that walking through the halls of the minor league clubhouse, I’m constantly saying hello to dozens of old familiar faces. Something that’s hard to miss are the new motivational wall decorations. The major league clubhouse features these same signs.

Today I was able to catch up with Murilo Gouvea to talk about what it was like growing up in Brazil, playing for his country in the World Baseball Classic, and his success last season at Lexington. I also spoke with Jesse Wierzbicki and Andrew Aplin about the ‘Cats memorable 2012 season and more. I’ll be posting those interviews upon my return north.

One thing that I’ve learned over these past two days is that Carlos Correa and George Springer are very entertaining individuals with outgoing personalities. For example, while I was watching the first four minutes of the UAlbany/Duke game during lunch, he asked who I liked, then how to pronounce “Albany” and he immediately said “Go Duke!” He later asked me what the final score was and said he doesn’t really pay attention to college basketball, but just wanted to root for the opposite team.

Then while walking through the clubhouse, I was trying to move out of the way for a group of players to pass by, but Springer kept pushing me into the wall as if I wouldn’t budge. I’ve also noticed that they are always joking around with their teammates. It’s attitudes like that, that get these guys through the grind of spring training. At this point, they are all ready to begin the season.

How many times have you been to a baseball game and seen batted balls come close to hitting the lights? You’ve probably never witnessed it actually happen, but it did today. A foul ball hit a light bulb on the top of the light tower, sending a loud popping noise throughout the complex and glass falling onto the field of play. Play was halted while the the grounds crew made sure all the pieces had been picked up.

Tomorrow the Astros major league club will host the Miami Marlins. Giancarlo Stanton, Juan Pierre and Justin Ruggiano will be making the trip. One guy who will not is Troy native Joe Mahoney. He is out with an oblique strain.

Below are photos recapping my day in Kissimmee. Tomorrow’s post will feature bits from the Astros vs. Marlins, and camp day on the minor league side (intersquad scrimmages).

-CC

Tyler Heineman behind the dish

Lancaster hitting coach Darryl Robinson speaks with Drew Muren.

Field Coordinator Paul Runge talking to Quad Cities Outfield/Baserunning Coach and two time MLB All-Star, Vince Coleman.

Fans line the outside of the clubhouse.

Corpus Christi catching coach/2012 ‘Cats hitting coach Mark Bailey alongside Lancaster infield coach/former Astro, Morgan Ensberg.

Jake Buchanan on the hill.

Carlos Quevedo and Roberto Pena.

Andrew Aplin.

Chris Wallace.

Tom Lawless, Adam Everett and Mark Bailey.

Aplin awaiting his at-bat.

All former major leaguers: Lawless, Everett, Ensberg, Bailey.

Two of them include Catfish Elkins and Dan Gulbransen, the “It’s Gatorade” dynamic duo. (See video…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLhNJOX_ccA).

Today I spent the majority of my time over at the major league side, as the Astros were hosting the St. Louis Cardinals. Former ‘Cats pitching coach Gary Ruby and ‘Cats 2013 manager Ed Romero, were both on the bench. Ruby handled the pitching coach duties and Romero exchanged lineup cards. Meanwhile the Astros coaching staff was on the minor league side for the Class A games. (Minus Bo Porter, who did manage the major league game).

This was an idea Porter came up with in order to get the major league coaching staff more familiar with the minor leaguers. They don’t get to see much of them in action because most of the time the games are going on simultaneously.

Former ‘Cat Bud Norris was on the mound for the Astros in his last spring start before Opening Night on March 31. Norris will toe the rubber in front of a national television audience on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, as the Astros host the Texas Rangers to kick-off the 2013 MLB season.

Out of today’s nine starters, five were former ValleyCats. Norris on the mound, Castro catching, Altuve at second base, Barnes in left and J.D. Martinez in right. It’s great to see!

Below is my day in photographs. I must mention that longtime ValleyCats usher and valued employee Dan Carubia, spent the day with me at the complex and it was a pleasure to show him around. He is also a very talented photographer and took many great photos during the day. I will post them as soon as I’m able to.

Here’s Dan taking some photos during the major league game:

Below is my day in photos. Stay tuned for the next recap tomorrow night!

-CC

Bud Norris warms up with Jason Castro

Manager Bo Porter speaks with the position players following the half inning.

Jose Altuve

Lance Day throwing to Cristian Moronta on the minor league side.

Spring officially arrived on Wednesday, but the weather sure didn’t portray that. The Capital Region got hit with a “winter” storm, and depending upon where you live, some received over a foot of snow. “The Joe” was covered with about six inches:

You could imagine how relieved I was to touch down in Orlando on Thursday morning. Green grass, blue sky, warm weather and spring training baseball! Arriving early made it possible for me to drive about two hours west to Dunedin. The main reason for the visit was to speak with Stubby Clapp. He led the ‘Cats to a franchise record 51 wins last season, but unfortunately fell just one game short of a championship.

Luckily for me, Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and his father Sandy were both in attendance. They serve as special assistants for the Blue Jays.

Robbie & Sandy Alomar posing for a photo with a fan.

The Blue Jays minor leaguers have their daily workouts and scrimmage games at Englebert Complex. This is also where the Gulf Coast Blue Jays play their home games. It is located just about 10 minutes away from Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, where the major league club holds their spring games and also where the Dunedin Blue Jays call home.

On this day, the Jays were hosting the Pirates minor leaguers. It’s very hard to see, but Stubby is in the first base coaching box below.

A few more photos:

Convenient location for Blue Jays staff and media to check out each game going on at the complex.

A decent sized crowd wandered the complex.

Players charting the pitches.

Robbie Alomar showing a baseball that had been ripped apart during the game.

I was able to speak with Stubby for about 20 minutes and will post the interview when I return to the Capital Region next week. I can tell you one thing, he enjoyed his time in Tri-City and appreciated all the fan support.

I’ll be in Kissimmee for the rest of my trip, speaking with a bunch of former ‘Cats at the Astros spring training complex. Stay tuned to Twitter for daily updates including photos, and I will also be posting another recap on Friday night. Meanwhile, try to stay warm!

-CC

Freshly painted Astros dugout in Kissimmee, FL. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Can you believe that two weeks of spring training is in the books? There is just over a month left until Major League Baseball begins their season, starting with the Astros vs. Rangers on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, March 31.  It’s a rare national television appearance for the ‘stros, but it comes with one of the more interesting story lines for the new season.

Since the Houston Astros inception in 1962, they have played in the National League. This season they will compete in the American League west division, one of the most competitive in baseball. When Astros owner Drayton McLane sold the franchise to Jim Crane and his group of investors, Major League Baseball required that the Astros move to the AL in 2013. The reason behind this was to balance the leagues, with each now having fifteen. Due to this change, more interleague games will be played each season. You can read more about the Astros switch to the AL and it’s consequences in this article.

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While we’re on the subject of spring training, as the Major League team wraps up their second week, a select number of Astros prospects are reporting for the start of a Minor League mini-camp. The list includes many former ValleyCats including pitchers David Martinez, Brady Rodgers, Nick Tropeano, Vincent Velasquez, Aaron West and Brian Holmes. Catchers include Tyler Heineman and Jobduan Morales, and infielders include former ‘Cat Chase Davidson. Although no outfielders have officially been invited, 2010 ‘Cat Telvin Nash will be involved in some capacity.

Full Minor League camp for pitchers begins on March 3 and position players on March 7. Minor League games begin on March 14.

Be sure to follow Houston Astros MLB.com beat writer Brian McTaggart as he chronicles Astros spring training in his Tag’s Lines MLBlog.

ValleyCats Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes will be making his annual trip to Kissimmee from March 22-26 wandering the back fields of Osceola County Stadium. He will be talking with some former ‘Cats, taking lots of photos and will post daily recaps right here on ‘Cats Corner.

Here’s the ValleyCats 2013 calendar for the month of March featuring Brady Rodgers:

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Meanwhile, here at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in chilly Troy, NY, the entire ‘Cats front office is working diligently to put together a very exciting promotional schedule for the 2013 season. We’re still putting the final touches on a few things, and are now expecting to release the full schedule in the beginning of March.

Prior to that, we have a two special announcements that we’ll be making. One involves a bobblehead, and the other is in regards to high school baseball at “The Joe!”

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This past Wednesday, SouthPaw spent the morning at Crossgates Mall for the B95 Kids Club. SouthPaw helped lead kids of all ages in music, dancing and games. They spun the ‘Cats prize wheel for cool prizes and took part in crafts, facepainting and more!

Here are more photos from the event:

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We’ll conclude the blog by mentioning our continued partnership with American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Almost all of us have been touched by cancer in some way, so we’ve decided to make a difference by walking and raising money in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event at “The Joe” on September 20-21.

Click here to visit the ‘Cats team page and see how you can help in the fight against cancer!

The newest member of our team is Jason Lecuyer, recently hired to serve as Business Development Manager. Jason is a Colonie, NY native and comes to the ValleyCats after serving in the financial services industry.

He is an avid Yankees, New York Giants and Syracuse basketball fan. He’s excited to become a member of the 2013 ValleyCats 5th Inning Drag Team and show off his great dance moves! Welcome Jason!

Now that we’ve introduced you to the newest member of our team, let’s introduce you to some new ideas that we’re thinking about for the 2013 season at “The Joe.”

As more and more former members of the ValleyCats reach Major League Baseball, it’s increasingly becoming important to honor all of those who began their professional baseball careers in Troy. From “The Joe” to “The Show” has been our catchphrase, with a dedicated page on our website and nightly reports during the season.

In 2013 we are going to expand this by creating a wall dedicated to all of the ValleyCats alumni who have reached Major League Baseball. We’re thinking about putting it right outside of the main gates to the stadium:

The exact design is still up in the air, but the above gives you an example. We’d also think about putting action shots of former ‘Cats in the windows above the wall. All thoughts regarding this project are welcome.

Promotional planning for the 2013 season is coming along well and we should be releasing our schedule within the next two to three weeks. We’re very excited about what we have planned, and can’t wait to reveal our 2013 Bobblehead Collection.

For those of you who don’t know, we will draw our 1.5 millionth fan this summer! We’ve projected the 4th of July as that special date.

Aside from our in-season promotions, we have some exciting things planned for the months leading up to our season. Once the details become finalized, we will release more information. If you’re a local high school baseball fan, be sure to stay tuned!

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Time to catch up on a few recent community events the ValleyCats took part in. First, on Saturday, January 26, SouthPaw and the ValleyCats mayors spent the night at the Times Union Center in Albany for the Mayor’s Cup hockey game between local rivals RPI and Union.

This was the first opportunity that the real mayors and ‘Cats mayors had to get together as a group. The real Albany Mayor Jennings  was in attendance, but not available for the photo below:

SouthPaw, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia and Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

More photos:

The ValleyCats mayors even took part in an on-ice edition of the mayors race:

Albany Mayor Jennings was the winner!

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On January 28, the ValleyCats were asked to perform their Anti-Bullying Mascot Skit at Castleton Elementary School. This was their second performance, and it was a huge success.

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We’ll cap off this post with a classic photo from 2011. ‘Cats Assistant GM Matt Callahan is an avid skier, and following a big snow storm, decided to build a ski jump in right field.

He got serious air!

Here’s the video:

Be safe in the snow!! Think Summer!