I’m talking about a Yankee roast!
Our beloved Boys of Summer the Brooklyn Cyclones kick off their 15th season tonight with the first of three in an away-home-away set against the hated Staten Island Yankees — the Evil Empire of the New York–Penn League.
Manager Tom Gamboa, who extended the Cyclones playoff drought to two season while leading the team to a 42–34 record in 2014, hopes that time in professional ball for the handful of returning players will help take the team further this year.
“There is no substitute for experience,” the skipper said. “Particularly in Brooklyn where there are more than 6,000 people at a game.”
Gamboa says some of the battle-tested Clones, like right fielder Michael Bernel, who hit .240 while driving in 36 runs last season, could have an even bigger impact this season — if they learn to lay off pitches outside of the strike zone.
“Michael didn’t hit near his capabilities,” Gamboa said. “Lay off pitches that are balls, now you’re hitting 1–0, 2–0, 3–1. The pitcher has no choice but to throw strikes. Then the batting average and home runs go up.”
Gamboa added that an experienced college pitcher can get hitters to swing at pitches outside the zone.
“If a pitcher sees it, the pitcher knows he doesn’t have to throw strikes,” Gamboa said.
This year’s pitching staff has Gaither Bumgardner (two saves) and Carlos Valdez (2–2, 3.99) returning. Gamboa says he’ll preach to his hurlers to importance of hitting the right spots.
“It’s about location,” he said. “A well-located 89 miles-per-hour fastball is better than down-the-middle at 93.”
The Division I college leaders in home runs, earned-run average, and batting average might be coming to Coney Island as well.
Selected in the fourth round, David Thompson led the nation in dingers while playing for the Miami Hurricanes. Seventh-round selection Corey Taylor had a miniscule ERA of 0.31 at Texas Tech. Kevin Kaczmarski hit .465 for Evansville and was selected in the ninth round.
The Cyclones home opener is Saturday night at MCU Park. Jump!
Brooklyn Cyclones home opener vs. Staten Island Yankees. 6:30 pm at MCU Park [Surf Avenue between W. 16th and W. 19th streets in Coney Island, (718) 449–8497, www.brook
