Jesse Hoorelbeke hit a two-out double off the right field wall against Zimmermann to score Tyrone Pendergrass.  The closer then got Luis Rodriguez to foul out to right field to end the game.

The Revolution jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after Matt Rogelstad led off the frame with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Goleski.  Rogelstad finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Ryner Bautista responded in the third with a solo home run off starter Dave Gassner (4-7).  It was the only run charged against Gassner, who went six and one-third innings for the win.  He struck out three, walked one and gave up four hits.

Bautista went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI for the ‘Fish.

York answered in the bottom of the frame when P.J. Rose hit his second extra-base hit in two nights with an RBI double.

Esteban Yan (6-3) suffered the tough loss after going the distance, striking out six and giving up three runs on eight hits in eight innings of work.

Rose was the fisherman on Saturday, hooking the ‘Fish with their second loss of the second half when he blasted a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning off Bluefish closer Andy Cavazos.

It was the first run and hit surrendered by Cavazos in eight innings.  The righty walked the first three Revs before Rose’s heroics.

Jesse Hoorelbeke paved the way at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two doubles and five RBI.  The first baseman’s three run double in the third inning was the turning point against Revs starter Dan Foli. The righthander exited at the end of the frame, finishing with four runs on six hits and three walks.

Daryl Harang did damage control for the Revs, tossing four innings of scoreless ball.

Gary Knotts did his part for Bridgeport on the mound, striking out seven in seven innings and allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks.

Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut with a scoreless eighth.

Adam Greenberg had a nice night at the dish as he tied a season-high with three hits while stealing two bases.

Zimmermann earned his first save of the series Friday night in York’s 2-1 victory.  Bridgeport could not capitalize in the eighth and ninth innings with runners on base and dropped the first game of the Atlantic League second half.

The Bluefish struggled against starter Tim Harrikala (5-1) in Willie Upshaw’s 2009 managerial debut.  Harrikala pitched five scoreless innings to open the game, giving him 13 straight against the ‘Fish, before Enohel Polanco scored on a wild pitch.  The righthander earned the win by striking out four and giving up a run on four hits.

Josh Johnson’s two-run homer was all the Revs needed to provide Harrikala with his fourth straight victory.

Starter Corey Lee left after one pitch for the ‘Fish with an apparent right side injury.  Matt Pike replaced Lee and pitched a solid five innings. Pike suffered the loss despite allowing just two unearned runs on four hits and two walks.

Tommy John walked off the field at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the last time with a victory on July 8.  The Bluefish responded to the sudden news of John’s resignation with a 12 hit performance to defeat the Somerset Patriots 6-4 in the final game of the Atlantic League first half.

Luis Lopez’s two-run homer to left field proved to be the difference maker, as the Bluefish used a three-run fifth inning to break a 3-3 tie.  Adam Greenberg scored on Lopez’s blast off Brian Adams after dropping down a leadoff bunt and stealing second and third base.

Adams (8-5) suffered the loss after striking out three in five innings while giving up six runs on 10 hits and three walks.

Andy Cavazos pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season for the ‘Fish.

Atlantic League strikeout leader Dan Reichert (9-6) earned his league-leading ninth victory of the season by lasting eight innings and striking out five while being tagged for four runs (one earned) on eight hits and two walks.

The Bluefish finished the first half with a record of 33-37.

The Patriots jumped out to an early 5-0 lead against starter Kyle Jackson on June 7 as the Pats went on to defeat the ‘Fish 6-4.  Jackson recovered to hold Somerset hitless over his final six innings pitched, but suffered the loss by giving up  six runs on six hits and four walks.

Brandon Sing highlighted Bridgeport’s eight-hit performance by going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Sing led the Bluefish to a 4-1 victory on June 6 by smashing two solo home runs in Esteban Yan’s complete game three-hitter.  Yan made quick work of Somerset, breezing through the game on 100 pitches.  At one point, Yan retired 13 straight Somerset batters.

Bridgeport finished the week 2-4 and will look to earn their first victory of the second half tonight in the final game of a four game series against the York Revolution at 7:00 p.m.

Tonight’s Matchup

Kyle Jackson (14 GS; 5-6, 5.11 ERA) vs. Shane Youman (5 G, 4 GS; 0-2, 2.26 ERA)

The Week Ahead

June 14-16 at Camden Riversharks

Player to Watch: Starting pitcher Tom Davey is 8-2 with a league-leading 2.31 ERA and his 66 strikeouts are tied for second in the league.  Davey is 2-0 against the ‘Fish with 10 strikeouts and Bridgeport has only scored one run off him in two games.

June 17-19 vs. Newark Bears

Player to Watch: Catcher Salomon Manriquez is the league-leader in batting average (.367) and his .444 on-base percentage is ranked second.  Manriquez is batting .276 against Bridgeport in six games with five walks and three runs.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Outfielder Brandon Sing and first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke have made themselves a threatening presence in the middle of the Bridgeport lineup.  Sing is 17-for-37 (.459) with 10 runs, nine RBI and two home runs in the last ten games.  Hoorelbeke has a team-high 14 RBI in the last ten games by going 13-for-32 (.406) with eight runs and three home runs.

Who’s Not:  Outfielder Tyrone Pendergrass is 3-for-18 (.167) with three runs and one RBI over the last five games…Enohel Polanco struggled in his first week back from a hamstring injury, going 3-for-14 (.214) with two runs and two RBI.

Scoreless Debut: Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut on Saturday by pitching a scoreless eighth inning.  The 26-year-old joins Bridgeport after appearing in 16 games (eight starts) with West Tenn (AA, Mariners) of the Southern League earlier this year.  Ryan was 2-5 with a 6.62 ERA in 50 innings pitched.

On and off the Disabled List: The Bluefish placed Todd Davison on the disabled list with a knee injury and infielder Wilson Batista was reinstated to the active list yesterday.  Batista had three hits in six games for the ‘Fish earlier this year.

Streak Snapped:  Brandon Sing’s 10-game hitting streak was snapped on Friday against the York Revolution.  The outfielder’s streak is tied for the team-high with ex-Bluefish Henry Mateo.

Upshaw takes over John: With the sudden news of Tommy John’s resignation as manager of the Bluefish, Willie Upshaw will take over for his second stint as manager of the team.  Upshaw managed the team from 1998-2000, winning the 1999 Atlantic League Championship.  The 1998 Manager of the Year left the team in 2000 to coach in the affiliated ranks of the Cleveland Indians and then the San Francisco Giants.

With the sudden news of Tommy John’s resignation, the Bridgeport Bluefish will begin the second half of the Atlantic League season without their jovial manager by their side.

John will be leaving the team to join Sportable Scoreboards, a scoreboard manufacturing company, as a sales consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“I didn’t want to leave the team but we have two or three things happening right after the All-Star break, and I have to be there for that,” said John.  “It was either take it now or not take it at all.”

The 66-year-old manager broke the news with the team before Wednesday’s game and told general manager Todd Marlin and Bluefish owner/CEO Frank Boulton Tuesday night.

“It was shocking.  We never expected anything like that,” said Marlin.  “The team was really coming together under his leadership and we were looking forward to going into the second half.

“We completely understand the situation.  Whenever there is an opportunity to make yourself better or put yourself in a better place in life you have to take that opportunity.”

John managed Bridgeport for two and a half seasons, leading Bridgeport to a 160-176 record with no playoff appearances.

“When he came into the clubhouse today you could kind of tell in his voice that something was going on,” said starting pitcher Dan Reichert.  “In his first couple of sentences you couldn’t get the jist of what was going on; but then he let the cat out of the bag.  You could definitely tell by the crackle in his voice that he was sad and that he is going to miss 25 great men.”

Reichert pitched Bridgeport to a 6-4 victory in John’s last game as manager, but it won’t be the moments on the field that Reichert will remember.

“He has always been a positive guy regardless of what happened on or off the field,” said Reichert.

“Every manager you play for, you take away something and with Tommy it was how to hit a good driver or how to read a green,” said a laughing Reichert.  “I’m happy for him.  He will make some other people smile, crack up and think ‘wow, this guy is kind of a goof ball.”

It has been the unforgettable and numerous stories that John has told that have made such an imprint on his players.

“Playing for Tommy is a relaxed situation.  He keeps it loose,” said Luis Lopez, one of the first players to embrace John after the game on the field.  “He’s always telling jokes and I think that’s the way you have to be.  This game is a lot of pressure.  It’s a game of failure.  You just have to be relaxed.”

In his last game, John looked quite relaxed as he trotted out of the right field corner in the end of the third inning dressed as Watson in the hot dog race. The manager finished in an honorable last place.

“I was a smoked wiener,” a smiling John said.

John always brought a smile to The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and wherever he went on behalf of the Bluefish.  Wednesday night, the Bluefish teamed up with Rita’s Ice of Bridgeport for a players scoop night.  No one was sure if John would still show up, and at 7:45 p.m. John brought one last set of smiles to Bluefish fans as he rolled on in.  With a big grin on his face, he asked, “So what should we do first, scoop or sign autographs?”

Participating at these community outreach events was one of John’s favorite memories from managing in Bridgeport.

“Every day was a special moment here, but doing the Channel 12 Scholar Athlete dinner was really neat,” said the former Major League pitcher.  “I was a valedictorian in high school and I enjoyed talking to the kids about how tough it is to be an athlete and keep your grades up.”

Relief pitcher Andy Weimer hopes to have a similar impact next season at Utica College.

“I hope to develop a jovial relationship with the players like he had here,” said Weimer.  “Everyone loved him as a person and a coach.  It’s hard to dislike a guy like that.”

Bench coach Willie Upshaw will take over the managerial duties for the rest of the season with John’s departure.  Upshaw, the first manager in Bluefish history, spent three years in Bridgeport from 1998-2000.  The former Major Leaguer led the ‘Fish to the team’s lone championship in 1999 with a record of 78-42.

After hearing the news, Upshaw said, “I’m not a reaction guy, so it was almost like I went right into combat mode.  I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m just going to try and work at it every day.”

“I’m sure I have my own stamp.  What it is, I just can’t put into words right now,” said Upshaw.  “I want the players to be aggressive, but it depends on if they can do it.  That’s what I want to do and I’ll let them know.   Hopefully, they go out there and do it.”

Flashing their brand-new Bluefish baseball caps and t-shirts, the kids lined up patiently at the batting cage, jostling for position to be first in line.  The anticipation to touch the coldness of the aluminum baseball bat ran wild among the young players.  One by one they stepped inside the batting cage and were once again greeted with a cheek-to-cheek smile from Lopez.

Michael Lau played for the Giants at camp and during the home run derby in right field he blasted two home runs on five pitches.  One of which sailed onto the train tracks behind the rightfield wall.  The 7-year-old credits Lopez and the rest of the Bluefish players with helping him hit the ball better.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Lau.  “It landed all the way on the train-tracks!”

“As long as they get one thing out of camp then we know that we have done our job,” said Lopez.  “We just try to give them something from the great coaching that we have gotten during our careers.”

Lopez has coached in many baseball camps during his career and back home in Nebraska he’s done a lot of one-on-one lessons.  He really enjoys the interaction with the kids and sees the importance in it.

“I want the kids to realize that we’re [the players] regular people just like them. We are just grownups,” said Lopez.  “We are always put on a pedestal, especially when were playing in the big leagues.  We’re sometimes viewed as untouchable and I want them to realize that I’m just a regular guy.”

Lopez has taught this message to many Major League players during his days in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.  The Bronx native developed a good connection with the young Latin-born players in the system.  Some of those players included Alex Rios, Felipe Lopez and Cesar Izturis.

“I tried to help them out as much as I could,” said Lopez.  “I told them to be good citizens and to not get caught up in all of the temptations out there.  I knew they were going to be big league players.  I saw that the talent was there.”

In 1997, Lopez met current Bluefish teammate Luis Rodriguez when they played for Hagerstown (A, Blue Jays) of the South Atlantic League (SAL).  If it were not for Rodriguez, Lopez may never have developed such good friendships with the Latin players as he did not know how to speak much Spanish.

“I remember for the first couple of months he didn’t speak Spanish,” said Rodriguez. “Coming from South America, I didn’t know much English so he would help teach me English and I would teach him Spanish.”

During the same year, Lopez broke onto the scene for the Blue Jays as he was named the Southern Atlantic League’s Most Valuable Player.  The then first baseman/designated hitter led the league with 180 hits, a .358 batting average, a .430 on-base percentage and was named a SAL all-star.

It was a huge year for Lopez, being an undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina University.  The 35-year old continued his steady ascent through the Blue Jays organization until finally reaching the top of the mountain on April 29, 2001, making his Major League debut.

“When I finally got called up to the big leagues all of my teammates started hugging me.  It was a different kind of reception for a call-up,” said Lopez.  “Everyone knew what I had been through.  Me not being a draft pick and how I started off in the independent league.  I didn’t sign with Toronto for money.  I signed for a glove and two pairs of spikes.  I just wanted a chance.”

“I was excited for him,” said Rodriguez.  “This is our job.  You want to see your friends go higher and higher.  He called us, and was like ‘the stadium is awesome!”

Lopez played in a total of 41 games for Toronto that year and then made one last stint in the Major Leagues in 2004 as a member of the Montreal Expos, appearing in 11 games.

Tuesday night, Lopez showed off what he was teaching the kids in the batting cage by hitting the eventual game-winning RBI against the Camden Riversharks when he drilled a Josh Brey two-out pitch down the left field line in the bottom of the fifth inning to score Adam Greenberg.

As Lopez stepped on first base, he once again flashed that confident smile.

“All we want is strikes,” says Plefka.  “It’s like a telescope [your elbow].  Point the telescope right at the catcher.  There we go! That’s what I like!”

After about three minutes of advice, Ryan is throwing strikes right across the plate to Bluefish catcher Shea Harris.  Ryan was one of many kids and adults who were able to participate in the June 14 Lenox Advisor’s Fantasy Day Camp at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

“It was pretty cool.  He was really helpful.” said Ryan.  “I also really enjoyed the hitting part of the day too.”

Plefka easily could have been somewhere else instead of at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard that early Sunday morning.  After averaging 20.3 minutes, 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in two seasons at Texas Tech playing basketball under Bobby Knight, Plefka was offered an opportunity to play basketball overseas in Germany.

“I always grew up playing basketball.  It was in my blood” said Plefka.  “Yet I preferred to play baseball.  It was my love and dream to be drafted for baseball.”

That dream came true for Plefka when he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 47^th round (1214^th overall) in the 2006 Major League Baseball entry draft.  Instead of signing with the Angels, Plefka went on to stay at Texas Tech for his senior year and got a degree in human development and family studies.

Even though it was a difficult decision, Plefka chose to sign with the Angels after the 2006 season, this time as a free agent, instead of playing basketball overseas.

The opportunities in baseball seemed more promising to Plefka.  Even though he attended four different colleges in five years, Plefka’s numbers still showed the Angels potential.  The right hander pitched a total of 62 and two-third innings in three seasons at Vermont, Santa Fe Community College and Texas Tech.  In 2005, he posted a 3.66 ERA and 41 strikeouts at Santa Fe.

When manager Tommy John found out that the Bluefish had signed Plefka, he knew he was getting a tough and gritty relief pitcher.

“When he first arrived here I knew immediately that if he played for Coach Knight then he must be a tough son of a gun,” said John.

This season with the Bluefish, the opportunities have been slim to none for Plefka.  With a 2.20 ERA in ten games this season, the 24-year-old has done all he can to try and impress scouts.  Plefka has not appeared in a game since June 7 against the Somerset Patriots when he pitched 1.2 innings of shutout ball.

The New Britain native has used a fastball that ranges from 87 to 91 miles an hour, a slider and a changeup to get batters out this season.   His still-developing three pitch arsenal has held opponents to a .186 batting average in 16.1 innings.

“We don’t get the chance to use him as much as would like,” said John.  “Unfortunately you don’t get a chance to pitch that much here because the starters are going six or seven innings and he isn’t a closer.  He is more of a four-five-six inning kind of guy.”

Last year for the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League, Plefka posted a 7.81 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 27.2 innings. Even though he was not as successful as he would have liked, Plefka isn’t ready to rush back to basketball just yet.  He understands that this is just his third season of professional baseball, and his second year focusing on baseball full-time.

“I was never the best player in any sport I ever played,” said Plefka.  “I always had to work hard to get anywhere.  I’m going to keep working hard to become the best pitcher possible.”

Tyrone Pendergrass was part of the sixth inning Bridgeport barrage when he hit a one out single to left field, scoring Todd Davison (2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI) and Ryner Bautista.  Pendergrass finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Bautista (1-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI)  put the only smudge, a three run home run, on an other wise fine debut by Newark starter Matt Melody (0-0) out of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Melody finished with one strikeout in four innings of work while getting tagged for four runs on five hits and one walk.

On the mound for the ‘Fish, Corey Lee (3-5) got his third win of the season behind Bridgeport’s offensive attack.  Lee allowed five runs on seven hits and five walks in six innings while striking out four.

After tossing a 1-2-3 sixth inning, Lee was relieved by Andy Cavazos, who struck out two while retiring six straight.  Jon Plefka appeared in his second game of the series, pitching a scoreless ninth.  The Bridgeport trio retired 13 of Newark’s final 14 batters in the game.

The Bluefish won the five game series against Newark this weekend, three games to two, and double digit scoring was the path to victory for Bridgeport as the ‘Fish were 3-0 when scoring 10 or more runs.  On Saturday, the ‘Fish split a doubleheader with the Bears.

The ‘Fish defeated the Bears 12-7 in game one by ambushing Newark starter Shane Komine (2-2) for 11 runs (10 earned) on 11 hits in 3.2 innings.  Seven of the 11 runs Komine allowed came in an eleven batter first inning highlighted by Adam Greenberg’s bases-clearing double in his second at-bat of the inning.

Luis Lopez went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Davison chipped in for the ‘Fish with a 3-for-4 performance with two RBI and a run scored.

Dan Reichert (7-6) earned his team leading seventh victory, despite allowing a season high three home runs.  The righthander struck out eight, but gave up seven runs on nine hits including three two-run homers from Carl Everett, Jacque Jones and Felix Martinez.

Keith Foulke avenged the Bears game one loss, with a dazzling spot start in the Bears 9-1 victory in game two.  Foulke struck out five in five innings and gave up just two hits, one run and no walks to earn the victory.  It was Foulke’s first start since August 6, 2008 when the former Major Leaguer gave up three runs in two innings for the Sacramento River Cats of the Pacific Coast League (AAA, Athletics).

Jesse Hoorelbeke was the only Bluefish to find the slightest bit of success, hitting a solo shot off of Foulke.  The home run was Hoorelbeke’s second of the day and third of the series.

Reliever Corey Willey finished the lockdown pitching performance by the Bears, retiring the final six Bluefish batters in the last two innings.

Bridgeport starter Kyle Jackson (5-5) was not as lucky with the run support as Reichert endured his worst outing of the season.  Jackson gave up a season high four home runs and also got tagged for eight runs on 12 hits, both of which are season highs as well.

The Bears walked the ‘Fish to victory on Friday, issuing the Bluefish a season-high 13 walks.

Despite trailing by scores of 2-0, 4-1, and 8-6 the ‘Fish scored four unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings to win the game 10-8.

The Newark bullpen walked 10 Bluefish batters after starter Edgar Martinez (4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR) left the game in the fourth inning with a leg injury.  Eight of nine Bridgeport hitters drew at least one walk, with five of those batters accepting two free passes.  Jesse Hoorelbeke even walked twice in the fifth inning.

Davison led the way offensively by hitting his first home run and first triple of the season in a 2-for-4 performance with two runs and an RBI.

Jon Plefka earned his first win of the season in his first appearance since June 7 by tossing a scoreless eighth inning.  Plefka allowed one hit and struck out two.

Despite scoring seven runs for the second time against Bluefish starter Esteban Yan (5-2), the Bears just could not outhit the ‘Fish to victory.  Yan got shelled for eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits and two walks, while striking out one in 4.2 innings pitched.

Newark opened the series on June 25 with a 5-4 victory.  Hoorelbeke went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored and a two home run to left field in the 2^nd inning to do all he could to try and lead the Bluefish to a series opening victory.  Charlton Jimmerson responded by blasting a two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Bears the series opener.

Gary Knotts (1-4) suffered the loss after striking out three and giving up five runs on ten hits and three walks in 7.1 innings.

The Bluefish finished the week 3-2 and trail first place Southern Maryland by 10.5 games.  The ‘Fish take on the Camden Riversharks tonight at 7:05 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

Tonight’s Matchup

RHP Nate Bump (11 GS; 8-2, 1.90 ERA) vs. RHP Franklin Perez (3 GS, 10 GP; 0-2, 10.80 ERA)

The Week Ahead

June 29-July 1 vs Camden Riversharks

Player to Watch: Designated hitter Vito Chiaravolloti has a team-high .444 batting average against the Bluefish in seven games this season with a team high two home runs and nine RBI.  Chiaravolloti’s .889 slugging percentage and .583 on-base percentage are team highs as well.

July 2-5 at Long Island Ducks

Player to Watch: Third Baseman Ray Navarrete has a team-high five RBI and six runs scored against Bridgeport.  Navarette is 9-for-26 (.346) in six games against the ‘Fish this year.   

Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot: Todd Davison connected for his first home run and triple of the season in Friday’s 10-8 victory.  Davison has been hitting .433 (13-for-30) in his last nine games with six runs and four RBI…Jesse Hoorelbeke launched three home runs in the series against Newark and went 6-for-18 with seven runs and eight RBI. 

Who’s Not: Luis Rodriguez has gone 2-for-13 (.154) with one home run and four RBI in the last five games…Adam Greenberg is 3-for-18 (.167) in his last five games with four runs and four RBI.

‘Fish Walk off With Series: On Saturday, the Bluefish were issued a season high 13 walks by the Bears.  It was just the beginning for the ‘Fish, as Bridgeport went on to tally 30 walks for the entire series.  The Bluefish won the five game series 3-2.

Bats and Arms need to Improve for Second Half: The Second Half of the Atlantic League season will begin on July 10 and the Bluefish are hoping to gain some momentum at the plate and on the mound before the second half begins.  Currently, the Bluefish are ranked sixth in the league in hitting (.260) and pitching (4.50 ERA).  Bridgeport’s pitchers have given up the second most home runs in the league with 52 and have issued the second most walks with 222.

New ‘Fish in the Tank: The Bridgeport Bluefish acquired outfielder Ron Davenport from the Long Island Ducks for future considerations on June 24.  Davenport appeared in 28 games posting a .219 batting average with 10 extra base hits, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored for the Ducks this season.  The 27-year old made his Bluefish debut on Saturday, going 0-for-2 in game two of the doubleheader against Newark.

Bray Swimming Well in the South: Former Bluefish Steve Bray (2009) has pitched well this season at Double A West Tenn (AA, Mariners) of the Southern League. Bray is 1-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 games.  The University of New Haven product has struck out 43 batters in 59.1 innings while holding his opponents to a .242 batting average.

On June 12, athletic director Jim Spartano named Weimer the head baseball coach of Utica College.  Weimer, now in his fifth season of professional baseball and second with the Bluefish, is ironically amidst the best season of his career.  In 13 games, Weimer is 1-0 with a team-best 0.98 ERA and 10 strikeouts.  The new head coach has held opponents to a .217 batting average and has given up just two earned runs.

It was a tough decision, but he is confident that he has made the right choice.

“Obviously I want to keep playing because I’m pitching so well,” said Weimer.  “But at the same time, if I can’t get picked up with the numbers I’m putting up and the success I am having now then I guess it’s a good sign that the time is right.”

Coaching was something that Weimer always planned on getting involved in after his baseball career.  Despite playing professional baseball for the past five years, he has found time to be the assistant coach at Mohawk Valley Community College from 2004-2009 and he has been an instructor at the Field of Dreams athletic facility in Utica since 2003.

The Pioneers certainly can use Weimer’s pitching knowledge, as the team compiled a 7.10 ERA and a 5-27 record this year.  Junior captain and starting pitcher Chris Pallas is excited to play for the current Bluefish next year.

“I am extremely excited,” said Pallas.  “During the interview I felt he had a world of baseball knowledge and experience.  He is a great candidate for the job and I am 100% positive that he will help our pitching staff in every aspect.”

Weimer believes that his professional baseball experience is one reason why he was chosen for the job and he plans on basing his baseball philosophy on a strong pitching staff with a good defense behind them.

“I believe that if we turn the blowout games into competitive games then that’s a matter of two or three wins instead of losses next year,” said Weimer.  If we build at that rate every year then we should be a good program in the next few years.”

Assistant Coach Chris Parkinson has been in constant contact with Weimer since he took the position nearly three weeks ago.  Parkinson met with Weimer this past Monday and came away with a “great vibe.”

“He has a very calm and collective, intelligent demeanor,” said Parkinson.  ”He doesn’t seem like he is going to be overly taken back or surprised by anything.”

The six-foot-two inch relief pitcher has been accustomed to getting out of jams or troublesome situations throughout his career.  Weimer was selected out of Le Moyne College in the 15^th round (428^th overall) by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2003 Major League Baseball draft.

At Le Moyne, Weimer was 20-7 with a 2.13 ERA with 22 saves in 85 career appearances.  As a senior, he went 7-1 with a 0.74 ERA and seven saves as the Dolphins won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and earned a bid to the NCAA tournament.   Part of his success was a result of his sidearm pitching style on the mound.

Growing up, Weimer always threw sidearm when he played baseball at the park or on the playground.  It just felt natural to him.  When he arrived on campus, Weimer was not sure if he would be a shortstop or a pitcher after playing varsity baseball at New Hartford High School.

“I was a shortstop growing up so I would always throw the ball across my body,” said Weimer.  “When I pitched, I would throw more of a three-quarters angle.  The coach convinced me to throw sidearm and I picked it up immediately with instant success.”

The sidearm approach helped Weimer become a powerful closer for the New Haven County Cutters of the independent Can-Am League in 2006 and 2007 as he racked up 20 saves both years.

With the season-long struggles at the back-end of the bullpen, Weimer may begin to see more save situations the rest of the season.  For now, Weimer is just focused on finishing his last season the best he can and possibly getting one last shot at affiliated baseball.

“I never got the opportunity to play at Double-A or Triple-A which is something I really wish I had done,” said Weimer.  “But who knows, maybe in the next few months something might happen and I will definitely pursue the opportunity if given.”

Parkinson is assured that the experience Weimer is getting this year on the mound for the ‘Fish will gain him immediate respect in Utica’s clubhouse next year.

“I can assure you that he will be respected immediately just by in the way I saw his presence during the interview process, from meeting and talking to him daily and from seeing the letter he wrote to every player,” said Parkinson.

Yan’s (4-2) streak of five consecutive quality starts was snapped as he gave up five runs (four earned) and five hits with two walks while striking out six.  He has now pitched a total of 48 innings in his last six outings and has allowed a combined 10 earned runs.

Despite getting ten hits off of knuckleballer Joe Gannon (5-5), Bridgeport could only manage three runs on the day.  All three came from the bat of Ryan Radmanovich in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Bluefish attempted to make a late rally.  With the bases loaded, Radmanovich hit a blistering double off of the right field wall to score Ryner Bautista, Todd Davidson and Enohel Polanco.

In the eighth inning, the Bluefish had the tying run at third with two outs after Tyrone Pendergrass advanced to third on a passed ball; but Enohel Polanco grounded out to third to end the rally.

Pendergrass led the Bluefish to victory in Yan’s previous start on June 9 in Bridgeport’s 4-1 victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers.  Pendergrass went 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored while Yan blanked Lancaster for seven innings allowing only three hits while striking out eight.

Even though Polanco could not deliver Sunday, he had a huge impact in Bridgeport’s 9-6 victory on Saturday against Southern Maryland in front of a season-high 4,552 fans at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  Polanco finished 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI.

Brandon Sing (3-for-4, four RBI, one run scored) joined the Bluefish home run fest, launching a 2-2 Jimmy Serrano pitch out of the ballpark for his team leading 10^th home run of the year.  The Bluefish had four home runs in the game, one shy of their all-time single-game record.  Bridgeport and Southern Maryland combined to hit eight total home runs in the game.

Corey Lee (2-4) benefited from Bridgeport’s nine runs on 14 hits, earning the win after pitching five and two-thirds innings.  Lee gave up six runs on eight hits with one walk while striking out five.

Sing (2-for-4, 1 RBI) had another monstrous home run in Friday’s 6-2 loss to Southern Maryland.  The first baseman drilled a 2-1 pitch from Blue Crabs starter Ryan Bicondoa in the sixth inning that bounced off of the nearby Arena at Harbor Yard.

James Shanks (2-for-3, 5 RBI) may not have hit the farthest home run in the game, but his grand slam in the sixth inning off of Kyle Jackson (5-4) proved to be the difference maker in the game.  Jackson finished with six innings pitched and five runs against on six hits and two walks, while striking out four.

On June 11, Dan Reichert battled through a 125 pitch count to deliver Bridgeport a series clinching victory in the rubber game of a three game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers.  Reichert pitched eight innings and was tagged for just one run on seven hits.  The righty also set a team season high with 10 strikeouts.

Reichert had plenty of run support as the ‘Fish exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Four of the runs were unearned as the Barnstormers got sloppy in the field resulting in two errors.  Polanco and Pendergrass combined for five runs and five hits in the game.  Polanco finished 3-for-5 with one run scored and three RBI while Pendergrass chipped in with a 2-for-3 performance and a run scored.

Ryner Bautista tied a single-game season high with three runs in the game.

On June 10 the Bluefish participated in their longest extra-innings game of the season, a three hour and 27 minute affair against the Barnstormers.  Matt Pike avoided trouble in the ninth inning, but proceeded to load the bases in the 10^th, and Michael Campbell drove in the winning run with an RBI single.

Luis Rodriguez sent the game into extra innings when he connected on a two run double in the bottom of the eighth inning, plating Sing and pinch-runner Todd Davidson.

Luis Lopez was the only member of the ‘Fish to have a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with one run scored and two walks.

The Bluefish finished the week 3-3, and after dropping this weekend’s series against Southern Maryland, they now trail the Blue Crabs by 8.5 games for first place in the Liberty Division.

Up Next: The Bluefish travel to Lancaster (24-25) today to begin a four-game series with the Barnstormers before returning home on Friday to take on the York Revolution (15-34). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.       

Tonight’s Matchup

Gary Knotts (1-3, 3.77) vs. Eric Ackerman (2-3, 2.91)

The Week Ahead

June 15-18 at Lancaster Barnstormers

Player to Watch: L.J. Biernbaum has only played in one game against the Bluefish this season, but is currently ranked fourth in the Atlantic League with a .320 batting average and 32 RBI.  In his one appearance against the ‘Fish, Biernbaum went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.

June 19-21 vs. York Revolution

Player to Watch: Matt Padgett has a team high seven RBI against Bridgeport this season.  He is 10-for-24 against the ‘Fish in seven games.

‘Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot: Tyrone Pendergrass has made a huge turnaround from his prior 4-for-44 hitting slump in late May.  Over his last ten games Pendergrass has a .407 batting average with 11 hits in 27 at-bats.

Power Outage: Slugger Jesse Hoorelbeke has struggled to find his power stroke this season.  He has posted a .143 batting average in the past ten games and has just one home run and 14 RBI on the year.

Good First Impressions: Enohel Polanco has made an immediate impact for the Bluefish since joining the team on June 4.  In ten games with Bridgeport, the second baseman has posted a .357 batting average and has knocked in nine RBI…Outfielder Colin Roberson made his Bridgeport Bluefish season debut yesterday going 2-for-4 with a stolen base as the designated hitter.

High Sailing: In Saturday’s game against the Blue Crabs, Bridgeport and Southern Maryland combined for a total of eight home runs.  The game also featured a leadoff home run (John Ramistella), an inside the park home run (Patrick Osborn), and a grand slam (Brandon Sing).  The Bluefish’s four home runs were one shy of their all-time single-game record.  It was the first time the Bluefish hit four home runs in one game since September 2, 2008 at York.

Youman Moving on to Starting Role:  Bridgeport traded relief pitcher Shane Youman to the York Revolution on June 12 for outfielder Colin Roberson. Roberson joins the Bluefish after appearing in 19 games for York. Youman was 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in five games for the ‘Fish.

Former Bluefish part of Japanese record: The Chiba Lotte Marines set a new Japanese Professional Baseball record with 15 runs in the sixth inning on June 11.  The Marines sent 20 batters to the plate and had 12 hits, 11 of which were singles.  Former Bluefish player Gary Burnham is a member of the Marines and has a .247 batting average with 11 RBI.  The previous record for runs in an inning was 14, and the modern Major League record is 17, set by the Boston Red Sox against Detroit in 1953.

It was all easy going for the ‘Fish in game one as Luis Lopez connected for his second home run in five days after Adam Greenberg reached base on a single. The two run cushion was all Jackson (5-3) would need as he cruised towards the victory.

Greenberg crossed the plate again for Bridgeport in the seventh inning when Enohel Polanco hit an RBI triple.

Lopez was the hero in Bridgeport’s extra inning walk off victory on June 3 against the Long Island Ducks.  Lopez hit a walk off home run to left field on the first pitch he saw from Robert Paulk in the bottom of the tenth inning.  With a flip of the bat and a loud eruption from the Bluefish bench, the ‘Fish escaped from a possible Ducks sweep in the second series of the season-long battle for the Ferry Cup.

Esteban Yan was fantastic on the mound, allowing only two runs on eight hits and one walk, while striking out one on just 81 pitches.  Yan has now had four straight quality starts.

Andy Weimer entered in the ninth inning, and was just as good, throwing two innings of scoreless ball to earn his first victory of the year.  The righty only gave up two hits and a walk.

Though in the second game of the doubleheader, Sean Smith led off the bottom half of the first inning with a home run and turned Bridgeport’s ignition right off.  Corey Lee got tagged for his fourth loss of the season, giving up a season high seven earned runs on six hits in his shortest outing of the year, lasting two and one-third innings.

On Saturday night, Bridgeport erupted for a season high 17 hits and defeated the Patriots 8-7.  Brandon Sing jumped out of his hitting slump in a big way, going 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two walks.  Sing’s night was capped off with his eight home run of the year, a solo blast in the seventh inning.

Yet, Sing was not the only Bluefish to contribute, as the entire lineup had at least one hit and six players had two or more base knocks in the victory.

Dan Reichert (5-4) had a season high seven strikeouts in six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits.

Matt Pike earned his first save of the season, coming into the game in the eighth inning with two outs and two on.  Pike retired the next two batters in order, striking out Travis Anderson to end the inning.  Another strike out in the ninth inning by Matt Pike, this one to Anthony Granato, granted the Bluefish the victory.

It was a good rebound victory, as the ‘Fish got stomped on by the Pat’s the previous night, 11-2.  It was Somerset’s seventh straight victory.

Bluefish starter Gary Knotts could not survive a troublesome fourth inning, getting chased after three and two-thirds innings pitched.  The former Major Leaguer gave up nine runs (four earned) on nine hits and one walk, while striking out one.

The beginning of the week was no better when Bridgeport took on Long Island.  The Ducks took the first game of the three game series 9-1.  Starter Kyle Jackson suffered the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits, one walk and three strikeouts in six and two-thirds innings.  Three of the runs given up were with two outs in the seventh inning.

Franklin Perez made his first appearance since a stint on the disable list and Long Island slugger Ray Navarrete welcomed him back with a two run home run on Perez’s first pitch.

Bridgeport’s 3-2 loss on June 2 to the Ducks was just as painful, losing a 3-2 heartbreaker in 11 innings.

Bluefish starter Corey Lee excelled in his first Ferry Cup Series start of the year, allowing only two runs on nine hits, while striking out six over eight innings of work. Casey Hoorelbeke added two shutout innings of relief to keep the game within reach, before Matt Pike (1-2) suffered the tough loss in 11^th

The ‘Fish had an opportunity to win it in the bottom of the tenth when the Ducks loaded the bases by intentionally walking Luis Lopez with one out after Todd Davison walked. Adam Greenberg proceeded to sacrifice bunt him to second base and Tyrone Pendergrass then reached base on an error.  With the bases loaded, Brandon Sing struck out swinging and Jesse Hoorelbeke struck out looking to end Bridgeport’s chances.

In an up and down week, the Bluefish failed to finish above .500 and now find themselves with a record of 17-25. The ‘Fish trail first place Southern Maryland by eight and a half games in the Liberty Division.

Up Next: The Bluefish begin a six game home-stand at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard Tuesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers at 7:05.

The Week Ahead

June 9-11 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

Player to Watch: Ryan Mulhern had five RBI in three games against Bridgeport earlier this season.

June 12-14 vs. Southern Maryland

Player to Watch: Travis Garcia led the Atlantic League in hits going into Sunday with 58 and is batting .276 against Bridgeport.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Luis Lopez now has two home runs in his past five games.  Lopez is hitting .350 over his past five games with four RBI and three runs scored.

Who’s Cold: Corey Lee has been lights out at home this season with a 1.47 ERA but on the road Lee has struggled and after yesterday’s tough outing Lee’s road ERA has now risen to 7.09.

Polanco Swimming in New Tank: On June 4 the Bluefish acquired Enohel Polanco from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for future considerations.  Polanco is currently hitting .467.

Mateo making a Splash in Durham:  Henry Mateo ‘s hot hitting as a member of the Bluefish has now carried over to the Durham Bulls (AAA, Tampa Bay).  Mateo is batting .315 with nine runs in 15 games. The former Bluefish was also named the Atlantic League Player of the Month of May.  Before being signed by Tampa Bay, Mateo led the league with a .416 batting average, while scoring 25 runs, stealing seven bases, and posting a .473 on-base percentage.

Caligiuri Earns himself a Pair of Wings: The Anaheim Angels purchased the contract of infielder Jay Caligiuri on June 4.  Caligiuri reported to Arkansas (AA, Angels) of the Texas League.  Caligiuri had a team leading .404 on base percentage and was batting .289 with 19 RBI in 37 games.

Rogers off to Reno: On June 1 the Arizona Diamondbacks purchased the contract of shortstop Ed Rogers.  Rogers has been assigned to Reno (AAA, Diamondbacks) of the Pacific Coast League.  The 30-year old played in 33 games for the ‘Fish and had a .299 batting average.

Laughing like a kid in a candy store, Yan moves his arms in a swinging motion in front of teammate Luis Lopez with a gloating smile from cheek to cheek.  His pearly whites gleaming, Yan moves his legs up and down in a running motion to show how he kept running at full speed towards second base, continuously laughing about the first at bat of his career.

It was June 4, 2000 when Yan became the 77^th Major Leaguer to homer in his first at-bat and the first pitcher since Don Rose of the 1972 Angels when he blasted the first pitch he saw from New York Mets pitcher Bobby Jones in an interleague matchup at Shea Stadium.  Yan became the fourth AL pitcher all-time to homer in his first at-bat.

“I didn’t realize I had hit a home run until I got to second base,” said Yan.  “When I got to second base, I asked myself, ‘What am I doing? I have to slow down.’  I felt very excited after that.”

Yan went on to win the game as well, striking out three and giving up four runs and five hits in five innings pitched.  In his only other at-bat in his major league career, Yan hit a single in 2003 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

His ability to split his personality from an intimidating pitcher to a jolly-minded teammate has helped Yan make his first season of Atlantic League baseball an enjoyable and successful one.

When asked about what Esteban Yan brings to the Bluefish, manager Tommy John jokes, “Weight. Girth. Smiles.”  John, now more composed after a good minute’s worth of laughing, says, “He’s just a hilarious guy.  He is always laughing in the clubhouse with the rest of the guys.”

Yan has been on a tear as of late, recording his fourth straight quality start in yesterday’s 3-2 extra innings victory over the Long Island Ducks.  On just 81 pitches, Yan allowed two earned runs on eight hits and one walk.  After giving up two runs in the first inning, Yan settled down and easily handled the Ducks lineup, the best hitting team in the Atlantic League.  Yan allowed just four hits over his last six innings.

“I’m feeling very good right now,” said Yan.  “I’m trying to do my best, and pitch as best I can to get back to the big leagues.  The only way you can do that is by pitching as much as you can.”

With the performance, Yan now has a 2.68 ERA in 47 innings pitched this season.  In his previous outing on May 29 at Southern Maryland, Yan pitched a complete game shutout on 99 pitches.  Against Lancaster on May 24, he fanned a season high eight batters in eight innings.

“He has a good fastball, maybe one of the better fastballs in this league,” said John.  “I think he would be a great closer because he is a two pitch pitcher.”

Yan has been both a starter and a reliever during his major league career.  In 217 major league games (118 starts), Yan has recorded 33 victories, 51 saves, and 553 strikeouts in 695 innings of work.

Even though he is set on being a starter for now, Yan has not shot down the opportunity of returning to the show as a reliever.

“Well, why not? I can get another opportunity to be perfect,” said Yan.

The last time baseball fans saw Yan at the highest level was in 2006 for the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a 3.60 ERA in 14 games.  The following season, Yan played for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League.  In Japan, Yan set the Nippon Pro Baseball record for balks in a season with 12.

“Those umpires are terrible.  They like to really key on foreign pitchers for balks.  He [umpire] tried to make me get out of games early by calling balks” said Yan.

Yan’s claim may be true, as in his 217 major league games he has only been called for two balks and hasn’t had a balk on American soil since 2002.

Now with the Bluefish, Yan is trying to catch the eyes of scouts to give him another shot at baseball’s highest level.

“To tell you the truth, but every day I had in the Major Leagues was the best moment in my life,” said Yan.

If no scouts find him, maybe Matt Groening will just put him in another episode of The Simpsons.

With another smile, Yan says about his appearance in the cartoon, “It was very nice.  It was good.”

The unlikely duo of Tyrone Pendergrass and Rick Asadoorian led the way for the Bluefish.  Pendergrass entered the game batting just .138 with four RBI in his past ten games, before having a season high three hits and three RBI. Pendergrass finished 3-for-4 while also scoring a run for the ‘Fish.

In just his third game of the season as the designated hitter, Asadoorian went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.  The batter’s box is nothing new for the pitcher as the former first round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox has plenty of experience behind the plate when he played as an outfielder early in his career.

In the fifth, the ‘Fish broke open a 2-2 ballgame, sending seven straight batters to the plate at one point and scoring seven runs.  Bridgeport used a double by Luis Lopez, a triple by Adam Greenberg and five singles to propel themselves in an explosive inning.

The 13 hits and 10 runs gave starter Dan Reichert (4-4) the victory after he allowed four runs and struck out two while scattering seven hits.  Blue Crabs starter Kenny Baugh got roughed up for eight runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings of work.

Reichert became the third Bluefish starter to earn a victory after former Major Leaguers Esteban Yan and Gary Knotts pitched back to back complete games for the ‘Fish on Friday and Saturday.

Knotts surrendered just one earned run on seven hits while striking out seven in Bridgeport’s 5-2 victory Saturday night.

Ed Roger’s gave Knotts just enough run support as the shortstop went 3-for-5 with three doubles and two runs scored.  Tyrone Pendergrass helped out at the plate once again with an RBI single.

Brandon Sing launched his seventh home run of the season and is now tied for second in the Atlantic League.

On Friday, Esteban Yan pitched the first complete game shutout of the season for the ‘Fish, using just 99 pitches.  Yan gave up eight hits, one walk and struck out five on a soggy night in Southern Maryland that included a 51 minute rain delay.  It was Yan’s third straight quality outing.

Tommy John shuffled the infield as Jesse Hoorelbeke returned to the lineup after missing 14 games.  Jay Caligiuri (0-for-3, 1 R) moved to second base, a position the Bluefish have struggled to find production from, for the first time this season and 31^st of his career.

Back at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, the Bluefish struggled against the Somerset Patriots earlier in the week.  A common theme for the Bluefish this year has been an inconsistency at the back of end of the bullpen.  That inconsistency continued on May 28, as the ‘Fish fell 4-3 in the rubber game of the three game series.

After getting a three run blast in the first inning from Ed Rogers, Corey Lee handled the Pats for six innings, striking out four and allowing just one run on five hits and five walks.  Andy Cavazos entered in the eighth inning after a perfect seventh from Andy Weimer.  Cavazos once again showed a lack of command, walking two and allowing two runs to score on one base hit.

Rick Asadoorian could not hold on in the ninth inning, and surrendered the game-tying and winning runs.  Matt Hagen hit a game-tying single to left field that scored Sean Smith, but an overthrow by left fielder Brandon Sing scored Jeff Nettles for the eventual game winner.

Joe Nelson hit a monstrous bomb to left field that landed on the front corner of the Arena at Harbord Yard in the top of the fourth inning, and the Patriots defeated the ‘Fish 10-7 on May 27.  The Pat’s delivered Bluefish starter Kyle Jackson (4-2) his second loss of the season as he gave up four earned runs on six hits and three walks.  Jackson struck out six over five innings of work.

On May 26, the Bluefish recorded their only win of the series against the Pats, 7-2.  Dan Reichert allowed one run on five hits and three walks, while striking out three over eight innings.  Luis Rodriguez paved the way for the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

The Bluefish lost their eighth game of an eight game road trip, 3-2 to the York Revolution on May 25.  In a make-up game from May 14, Gary Knotts went eight shutout innings, surrendering just four hits and one walk while fanning two before handing the game over to the bullpen.  Andy Cavazos and Casey Hoorelbeke could not get the job done as the Revs rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to take home the victory.

Up Next: The Bluefish continue their quest of the Ferry Cup, taking on the Long Island Ducks in the first game of a three game series tonight at 7:05.

Tonight’s Matchup:

Kyle Jackson (4-2, 3.57) vs. Julio Mano (0-1, 6.48).

The Week Ahead

June 1-3 vs. Long Island Ducks

Player to Watch: Johnny Hernandez batted .417 in three games against the ‘Fish in the first series of the Ferry Cup.  Hernandez is eighth in the league with a .330 batting average.

June 4-7 at Somerset Patriots

Player to Watch: Matt Hagen leads the league in batting average (.368), hits (46), doubles (12) and slugging percentage (.560).

‘Fish Facts:

May Batter of the Month: Brandon Sing.  Sing leads the ‘Fish with 23 RBI so far this season and hit .280 in the month of May.  Sing is also tied for second in the league with seven home runs.

May Pitcher of the Month:  Esteban Yan.  Yan posted a 2.94 ERA and a 2-1 record over 33.2 innings while striking out 22 in the month of May. Yan has had three straight quality starts for the ‘Fish.

Who’s Hot: Ed Rogers is batting .350 over his past ten games and has five RBI and five runs scored.

Who’s Cold: Shane Youman is the latest member of the Bluefish bullpen to struggle in the set-up role.  Youman gave up three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.1 innings pitched yesterday against the Blue Crabs.

From Batista to Bautista: The Bluefish have placed Wilson Batista on the disabled list with a broken wrist and have signed and activated infielder Rayner Bautista.  Bautista had just one hit in eleven at-bats in four games for the York Revolution earlier this year.

Another New ‘Fish in the Tank: Bridgeport has signed and activated outfielder Ryan Radmanovich.  Radmanovich compiled a .267 batting average with 19 extra base hits and 38 RBI in 55 games with the Somerset Patriots last year.

Back in the ‘Pen: Franklin Perez was reinstated to the active list on May 29.  Perez has a 9.77 ERA in five games (three starts). With the move, Ryan Dipietro was placed on the inactive list.

From Sea to Land: The Bluefish traded Charlie Lisk (.288 and seven runs in 20 games) to the Gateway Grizzlies (Frontier League) for future considerations on May 28.  Lisk had asked to be traded to a team closer to his home in Ft. Mill, South Carolina.  Lisk appeared in 87 games for the Grizzlies last year and posted a .313 batting average and knocked in 64 RBI.

Placed back in the ‘Fish tank: With the Lisk trade, Shea Harris was reinstated to the active list.

He can be seen sometimes wearing his navy Bluefish jacket leaning against the fence inside the dugout on game day.  He can also be seen flashing a jovial smile talking to players about old time baseball.  If he’s not on the field, you may just be able to find him inside his office.  With all kinds of tools, golf clubs, shafts, club heads, and a rainbow of polos inside, it can easily be mistaken for a GolfSmith.   With 26 years of Major League experience and 288 career wins, Tommy John has brought a “hands on” approach to this year’s staff in hopes of bringing the Bridgeport Bluefish to the next level.

“Tommy has talked about arm angles, release points and the whole philosophy of pitching this year,” said relief pitcher Matt Pike.  “With his hands on approach you can see it in the numbers that we have a pretty decent staff.”

This year’s pitching staff has been the backbone of the Bluefish.  With an ERA of 4.41, Bridgeport sits fifth in the league.  This is a vast improvement from last season’s ERA of 6.03 and 2007′s 5.23.

“The last two years we have had team ERAs of about six.  That’s horrible,” said John.  “My whole thing is that you have to be able to throw strikes.  If you can’t throw strikes you can’t pitch in this league, college ball or any place.”

John is looking for his first winning season with the ‘Fish since joining the team in 2007.  After going 35-28 and finishing one game back of the division crown in the first half of 2007, the ‘Fish have yet to finish a half above .500.  Overall, John has a career record of 144-159.

John knows that for any team to have success, it begins with pitching.

“Everything goes with pitching.  We’re going to score runs but our pitching and defense has to be able to carry us,” said John.

Regardless of the coaching record, his impact in the clubhouse is what makes John so respected by his players.  Whether it is telling his entertaining stories or giving a helping hand, John has certainly left his mark in Bridgeport.

Pike’s brother was in town during a game and Matt asked John if it was possible for his brother to sit in the dugout and wear a uniform with the team.  John replied, “Sure, he can even coach first base.”

“My brother is a pilot and says that one of the greatest things in his life was to wear a uniform and coach first base; Tommy made that possible,” said Pike.  “When a manager goes out of his way for a player to get his family involved and does things to create special memories for them, it’s something you will always remember and forever be grateful for.”

For John, some of his best memories in Bridgeport have come from interacting with the vast variety of guys and personalities that he has met.  “You get to find out what they like to do and what they’ve done in the minor or Major Leagues,” said John.  “Managing is just making the guys feel comfortable so that they can play at their best.”

When he isn’t telling one of his many entertaining stories from his golfing adventures or Major League days, John is always offering a sense of understanding and an openness to player’s who are trying to make their way back into affiliated ball.

“He understands what we’re doing here and he allows us to do what we need to do to get better and move on to the next level,” said Adam Greenberg.  “I think what’s most important to him is to see his guys individually do well enough to get noticed by a Major League organization, and of course for the team to do well.  He genuinely wants that for all of us.”

It is fitting that John wants to help his player’s make a comeback as the 66-year-old is best known for coming back from the injury that was supposed to end his career.  After missing the entire 1975 season, John rebounded from surgery, now known as Tommy John surgery, on his permanently damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm.  In 1976, John was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year and the game’s most victorious pitcher not in the Hall of Fame went on to win 164 of his 288 career victories after the surgery.

John pitched his most memorable game in the 1977 National League Championship series.  In game four, John out dueled Philadelphia Phillies’ Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in a torrential downpour at Veteran Stadium to lead the Dodgers to a 4-1 victory and the National League Pennant.

“I went nine innings and why we even played is beyond me,” said John.  “Both teams had to play in it and I was better than Steve Carlton.”

With Tommy John at the helm, the Bridgeport Bluefish will look to build off of a good pitching core to make a steady climb up the Atlantic League standings the rest of the season and possibly return to the postseason for the first time in three years.

Yan pitched a season high eight innings, allowing six hits and three runs, while striking out eight Barnstormers.  In the ninth, Shane Youman (0-1) walked L.J. Biernbaum (2-for-3, two RBIs, one run) to lead off the inning.  Aaron Herr followed with a single to center field and Youman than issued another walk, this one to Jed Morris.

With the bases loaded, Casey Hoorelbeke entered in crisis mode only to falter.  Ryan Mulhern nailed a one strike pitch over the head of shortstop Ed Rogers for the Barnstormers victory and series sweep.

This was Youman’s third appearance for the ‘Fish after making his season debut on May 18 against Southern Maryland.  The Bluefish lost 4-2 but received a tremendous effort from their bullpen.  Youman, Andy Weimer and Rick Asadoorian combined to pitch four and 1/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Yan has been on fire recently.  In his previous start on May 19, the righty pitched seven innings in a pitcher’s duel against Southern Maryland’s Kenny Rayborn.  Yan struck out three while allowing just three hits, two walks and one earned run.  Rayborn was just as good, going seven innings allowing just one run as well.

The Bluefish could not find a way to reward Yan for his outstanding effort, losing 4-3 in 11 innings.  Brandon Sing’s fifth homer of the year in the eighth inning tied the game at two apiece.  In the 11^th, Sing (2-for-3, two runs, one RBI) scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice bunt by Ed Rogers which was thrown into right field by Blue Crabs’ pitcher Jimmy Serrano.

Southern Maryland rallied in front of the home town crowd in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on Bluefish closer Andy Cavazo’s lack of control.  Cavazo’s walked Jeremy Owens and then after a sacrifice by Mike Conroy, he walked James Shanks.  Richard Giannotti was the hero for the Blue Crabs, plating both Owens and Shanks on a two-out single to right field.

Jonathan Plefka continued to be lights out in relief, pitching two innings of scoreless ball along with striking out three.  Plefka’s ERA now sits at 0.77; opponents are hitting just .146 off of the righty.

The following day, the ‘Fish dropped game three of the four game series 3-1.  Gary Knotts was the next Bluefish starter to get victimized by the lack of clutch hitting.  Knotts got credited with a hard-luck loss, tossing six and 2/3 innings and striking out a season high nine batters.  The former Major Leaguer allowed six hits, three walks and three earned runs.

In the last game of the series, the Bluefish were swept out of town by the Blue Crabs 5-4.

Dan Reichert got off to a rough start, getting tagged for four runs on five hits in the second inning.  He would recover, retiring the last eight batters he faced.  Yet despite back-to-back RBIs in the seventh from the newest member of the Tampa Bay Ray organization Henry Mateo and Jay Caligiuri, Bridgeport’s rally was to no avail.

The game represented a series trend for the Bluefish, scoring only four runs in the loss and ten for the series.  Bridgeport lost all four games of the series by a combined six runs.

Up in Lancaster, the ‘Fish fared no better, getting swept by the Barnstormers.  On Friday, Kyle Jackson gave Bridgeport another quality start, lasting seven innings giving up four hits, one earned run, and three walks while striking out three.  The bats were dormant though, and the Bluefish fell 2-1.

David Housel became the first player in Lancaster history to homer from both sides of the plate on Saturday and the Bluefish fell 10-2.  Andy Weimer’s five game scoreless streak of seven innings was snapped when he gave up back to back home runs to Housel and Michael Woods in the sixth inning.

Up Next: The Bluefish finish their eight-game road trip by taking on the York Revolution tonight in a Memorial Day showdown at 6:05 before returning home tomorrow for a three game series against the Somerset Patriots.

Player to Watch: Matt Esquivel. Esquivel is batting .417 against Bridgeport this season with 11 runs and six RBIs on 10 hits.  The outfielder has a total of 14 runs so far this year.

The Week Ahead

May 26-28 vs. Somerset Patriots

Player to Watch: Matt Hagen.  Hagen leads the league in slugging percentage (.567) and is second in the league with 36 hits.  The slugger also sits in third in batting average (.371) and fourth in on-base percentage (.431).

May 29-31 at Southern Maryland

Player to Watch: Jim Ed Warden.  The closer converted on three save opportunities in four games during last week’s sweep of the ‘Fish.  Warden struck out four batters and allowed just one hit in five innings pitched.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Ed Rogers. The shortstop is batting .306 over his past ten games and .353 during the last five.

Stuck in a Slump: Tyrone Pendergrass. Pendergrass is amidst a seven-game hitless streak.  Over his past ten games he has just one hit in 32 at-bats. 

Strong out of the ‘Pen: Matthew Pike extended his scoreless streak to six and one-thirds innings pitched.  This week, Pike pitched two and 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit.  The relief pitcher now has a 0.87 ERA.

Run Support, Please? In his last two starts, Esteban Yan has pitched 15 innings, struck out 11, and has allowed only four runs in two no-decisions. 

Reeled in by the Rays: Henry Mateo’s contract was purchased by the Tampa Rays on May 23. Mateo was assigned to Durham (AAA, Rays) of the International League.  Mateo played in 24 games for the Bluefish this season and was an offensive stall worth, leading the league with a .416 batting average. In 154 career games with Bridgeport, the 32-year-old owns a .333 batting average with 47 extra-base hits, 125 runs scored and 42 swipes.

It was the first of three fantastic grabs in the outfield for the 28-year-old.  Now almost four years later, Greenberg is still anticipating a return to the big leagues after his ten minutes of fame on July 9, 2005.

The Bridgeport Bluefish starting center fielder’s head sinks down and a slight smile appears when asked about this infamous day in his baseball career.  He knew the question would eventually come up.

It was a “dream come true” for Greenberg when he got the call to make his first major league at-bat as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning against the Florida Marlins.  Batting against lefty Valerio de Los Santos, Greenberg would get hit just underneath his right ear by a 92 m.p.h. fastball that sent him instantly to the ground and away from the Major Leagues ever since.

“I felt everything from the pain of being hit to the fear of being scared for my life,” said Greenberg.

Greenberg continues to work hard, pushing himself every day through one pitch, one at-bat, and one moment at a time.  It hasn’t been easy for the ballplayer, and it certainly has been frustrating.  Originally diagnosed with post concussion syndrome, the 1998-1999 Connecticut Male Athlete of the Year would eventually be diagnosed with positional vertigo.  Positional vertigo is normally an inner ear problem that can cause severe feelings of uncontrollable spinning.

After struggling in 2006 at West Tenn (AA, Cubs) and Jacksonville (AA, Dodgers), Greenberg received the help of Dr. Barry Seiller, a vision trainer in Chicago through a company called Vizual Edge.  Greenberg took some tests that revealed that his depth perception and vision was off.  It took him until the second half of the 2007 season for Greenberg to finally feel close to 100 percent.

Last year, Greenberg was released by the Kansas City Royals on the last day of spring training.  A short stint of 13 games with Bridgeport landed him with the Arkansas Travelers (AA, Angels).  In Arkansas, the long-traveled Greenberg regained his stroke and was having his best season of professional ball.  In 70 games, he finished with 16 stolen bases and a .271 batting average.  Both exceeded his numbers from 2005 when he played in 95 games for West Tenn (AA, Cubs).

“I was playing as good of ball as I ever had to the point where they even told me I was competing for a big league job,” said Greenberg.  “I was like ‘ok, this is great.’  I was playing great defense, stealing all the time, hitting the ball on the ground, running and putting the ball in play consistently.”

Though, once again the third-team College All-American from the University of North Carolina hit a stumbling block in his bid at another Major League opportunity.  The hustling Greenberg ruptured his cyst in his right knee running out a triple on a line drive to left field for the Travelers.

Trying to grasp that opportunity to finally get back up top, he rushed backed.  He struggled in his return and eventually pulled his hamstring, all but ending his season.

“As has happened often, it’s been a huge rollercoaster of situations and emotions,” said Greenberg’s father, Mark.  “He tries to put as much of a positive spin on it as he can, but to say it hasn’t been incredibly difficult and frustrating would be lying.”

Now back in Bridgeport, Greenberg once again is anticipating another opportunity to play affiliated ball.  Despite struggling at the plate, Greenberg continues to work towards his dream.

Hitting coach Willie Upshaw has been working with Greenberg on his balance and the direction of his swing.  Upshaw sees the outfielder’s determination on a daily basis.

“Oh, he will work,” said Upshaw.  “He isn’t afraid to work.  He goes out there during batting practice and the game and takes it all in.  That’s all you can ask for.”

Last Sunday, Greenberg had a tough day at the plate, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.  The frustration was evident as Greenberg tossed his helmet in disgust against the dugout wall. Instead of leaving his batting helmet on the ground at the end of the game, he picked it back up and went to work.

For another hour and a half, Greenberg tried to regain his swing by practicing in the batting cage.  “That’s the only way to get out of it; to work at it,” said his father.  “He was there until almost eight at night working with Brandon Sing.  He’ll do whatever he needs to do and he certainly is committed to getting back to where he has been.”

Throughout his “rollercoaster” career, Greenberg has developed a strong sense of perseverance.  He has learned to stop worrying about who’s watching or what may have been.  Instead, he is focused on what he can do, and what he will do.

“I can really benefit a team and help them in a variety of different ways.  I’m confident in that.  I’ll get my chance again and I’m ready for it.”

Mateo currently sits atop the Atlantic League in a slew of batting categories.  The slugger leads the league in batting (.457), hits (37), runs (25) and on-base-percentage (.522).

On the mound, Kyle Jackson (4-1) outdueled Bears’ strikeout artist Bobby Brownlie to record his league-leading fourth win of the year.  Jackson tied a Bluefish season high, pitching seven innings and allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk.  Andy Cavazos earned his second save of the season the hard way.  After striking out Michael Sandoval looking, Cavazos loaded the bases with three straight walks before getting Kevin Thompson to strike out swinging.  With two outs, Bobby Hill hit a blistering grounder to first baseman Jay Caligiuri. Caligiuri made a diving snatch and toss to Cavazos to end the game.

Sunday’s win was Bridgeport’s second-straight over the Bears after dropping the series’ opener on Friday 9-4.  On Friday, Gary Knotts struggled to find a rhythm in his first start of the year.  Knotts was tagged for nine runs (eight earned) on eight hits in just three and two-thirds innings of work.

Jonathan Plefka gave the ‘Fish a lights out three innings of work in relief.

After getting in an early hole, the ‘Fish could not recover and stranded 14 runners on base.  Mateo finished 1-for-2 with two runs and three walks while Brandon Sing went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a walk and a triple.  Former Major Leaguers Keith Foulke and Armando Benitez closed the door for the Bears in the eighth and ninth innings respectively.

Mateo and Sing then helped the ‘Fish rebound in Saturday’s 10-6 victory over the Bears.  Sing batted in the clean-up spot for just the second time this season and drew three walks while going 1-for-3 with a solo home run.  Mateo was solid as usual from the plate, going 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs.

Dan Reichert (2-2) pitched Bridgeport to victory with five strikeouts and two earned runs over six innings of work.  It was Reichert’s second victory of the year.

Earlier last week the Bluefish took on the struggling York Revolution (4-16) at Sovereign Bank Stadium.  On May 12, the ‘Fish fell to the Revs 4-3 behind the work of York’s Matt Esquivel.  Esquivel scored all four runs, including a solo blast in the 8^th inning off of Casey Hoorelbeke, to deliver Bridgeport pitcher Kyle Jackson his first loss of the season.

Jackson pitched five and one-third innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out three.

Prior to Esquivel’s blast, Bridgeport tied the game on consecutive run scoring singles by Luis Lopez and Sing.

The following day, Lopez led the Bluefish on a fifth inning bombardment of York pitcher Mike Smith.  Lopez’s two-run shot was the exclamation point on a six-run inning for the ‘Fish, who went on to win the game 6-2.

Lopez and fellow teammate Brandon Sing currently are tied for fourth in the league in RBIs with 16.

Pitcher Corey Lee (1-1) earned his first victory of the year by holding the Revs to two earned runs on seven hits while striking out three over seven innings of work.

Bridgeport finished the week 3-2, and now just sit two games back of division leading Southern Maryland.

Up Next: The Bluefish travel to Southern Maryland (11-9) tonight to battle the Blue Crabs for the first time this year in a four-game series before heading up to Lancaster to take on the Barnstormers in a three-game weekend series.

Tonight’s Matchup:

Corey Lee (1-1, 2.70) takes to the mound to take on Southern Maryland’s John Halama (4-0, 1.67) at 7:05 p.m.

Fish Facts:

Who’s Hot:  Henry Mateo: Mateo is currently batting .611 over his past five games. Mateo crossed the plate for the ‘Fish on 10 out of his 11 hits during the week.

Who’s Cold:  Tyrone Pendergrass: Pendergrass struggled during the week going 3-for-22 from the dish.

Strong out of the ‘Pen: In his last three appearances, Matthew Pike has pitched four scoreless innings and has allowed just three hits.

Web Gem of the Week: In Friday night’s game against Newark, Adam Greenberg made a head first diving catch in shallow center field to rob Kevin Thompson of a base hit to end the top of the seventh inning.  Greenberg then made another sliding catch on a rip by Salomon Manriquez to end the top of the ninth inning.    

New to the ‘Fish tank: Bridgeport signed lefty Shane Youman on May 16.  The 29-year-old split time last season between the Reading Phillies (AA, Phillies) of the Eastern League and the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Independent League.  In 2006, Youman appeared in five games for the Pittsburgh Pirates and posted a 2.91 ERA.

In the Shop for Repair: On May 13, Bluefish-righty Franklin Perez was placed on the disabled list with an undisclosed injury.

Rainout Makeup Date Announced: The Bluefish will travel back to York on May 25 to take on the Revolution in a makeup game from May 14.  First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Sing’s first two homers were two-run shots in the fourth and sixth innings off of Long Island’s B.J. LaMura.  The slugger’s final tune of the night came in the seventh inning when he hit a grand slam to leftfield off former Major-Leaguer Julio Manon, scoring Jay Caligiuri, Jesse Hoorelbeke and Luis Lopez.

After the Bluefish dropped game two of the weekend series, Sing led the ‘Fish to a series win on May 10 by going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a double.  The outfielder batted .545 during the series and knocked in 10 runs against the top team in the Liberty Division.

Sing is now in his 11^th season of professional baseball that has included stints in the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles organizations.  The 28-year-old spent eight seasons in the Cubs system after being selected in the 20^th round of the 1999 draft straight out of Joliet Township (Joliet, IL) High School.  Sing’s best season came in 2004 as a member of the Daytona Cubs (A, Cubs) when he led the Pacific Coast League with career highs in home runs (32), RBI (96), runs scored (86) and slugging percentage (.571).

Sing reached his highest level of professional baseball in 2006 as a member of the Iowa Cubs, appearing in 33 games.  To begin the season, Sing was joined by current teammate Adam Greenberg.  Sing would finish out the year at West Tenn (AA, Cubs) of the Southern League with 39 RBI while Greenberg appeared in 75 games for Double-A Jacksonville (Dodgers).

The six-foot-five-inch, 210-pounder brings the Bluefish 928 games worth of minor league experience and over 500 RBI in his career.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.