Roger Dean Stadium, home to the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Marlins affiliate, and the Palm
Beach Cardinals, the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, recently commenced its Advanced Class
A season. Last week we saw the Hammerheads take on the
Lakeland Tigers, winning the game 6-2.
Here’s the exciting part, as of this date the Hammerheads have jumped
off to a 14-3 record. The Marlins have
some real talent in their minor league system.
That night Dan Straily pitched for the Hammerheads. He’s on a rehab assignment with a right
forearm strain from the Marlins and he did a credible job allowing only 1 run
in 5 innings with 5 strikeouts. He’s
pitching another rehab game in AA and probably with rejoin the Marlins if that
goes well.
A good sign for the Marlins’ future: the five pitchers
with the most innings pitched on the Hammerheads are averaging a not too shabby
1.15 WHIP.
Their hitting is strong with three players in the middle infield hitting more than .300 to date,
John Silviano (.333, 3HR)
Joe Dunand (.328, 2HR)
Riley Mahan (.304, 2HR)
So, all is right with the world right now with baseball
underway both in the majors and the minors.
I’ve always said that I enjoy our minor league games even more, sitting
right behind 3rd base each Weds. night as “Silver Sluggers,” the
cost of a ticket, FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON of Weds. night games, 30 bucks which
includes a hot dog and a soda! Try to
beat that at any ballpark. Maybe that
would cover a couple of beers at Yankee stadium.
Only sad part of the night was former First Lady, Barbara
Bush, had just passed away with the Flag at half mast and a tender rendition of
the National Anthem played on a wind instrument.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, and following
the Hammerheads and the Cards!
