The Saratoga Phillies NYCBL baseball team is looking to rebound after
Tuesday's 0-6 loss against Amsterdam as they travel back to their home
field at the East Side Recreation Field for a rematch this Thursday.
The Phillies, who were put together by Keith Rogers and Dan Scaring during the offseason, have introduced a whole new set of faces to this year's team, save for one.
"There is no one who's been here for two years. All the players are new," head coach Greg Zackrison said, who for the past two summers has coached for organizations in the Cape Cod Baseball League. "Our first base coach, Louie Bernardini, was part of the team [that won the 2006 NYCBL Championship,] and I believe he was named NYCBL pitcher of the year that season."
The NYCBL (or the New York Collegiate Baseball League) is a development league for professional baseball hopefuls, giving unsigned college players the chance to hone their skills during the summer months.
"They come from all over the country," Zackrison said. "These guys learn what they learn at school, and the skills they have there they bring with them to the summer leagues."
The Phillies, who began the season strong with a 4-1 win against Glens Falls during their opener on June 4, have struggled to remain consistent over the last two weeks, their record falling to 5-8 on Tuesday.
"Offensively we need to start swinging the bats a lot better. We're struggling," Zackrison said. "We strike out a lot, and we need to start driving the ball a lot more. That's what we've really got to start doing."
But Zackrison, who is in his first year as head coach for the Phillies, indicated that the team is far from being down and out.
"Our bullpen is our strongest area. It's very deep, and our defense, at times, plays fantastically," Zackrison said.
Joining the pitching staff this season are several local boys, including sophomores Paul Burgdof and Tommy Kahnle from Latham, freshman John Shippee from Waterford, and sophomore Zach Hartman from Ballston Spa. Joe Stilphen, the 6-foot-7 lefthander from the University of Louisville, has additionally provided some excellent power during his time on the mound.
Shortstop Miles Silverstein from Pepperdine University has also played a noteworthy role with the Phillies, and according to Zackrison is without a doubt the player to watch as the season progresses.
"He's very good defensively and comes from a very good school. I expect big things from him this summer," Zackrison said of Silverstein.
Another player to keep an eye on is Dan Fran, a catcher from Vanderbilt University.
"He's only played four games and he's already got four hits with a home run," Zackrison said. "He's going to be pretty good."
After Thursday's game against Amsterdam, the Phillies are looking at a three game series against Glens Falls beginning 7 p.m. on Friday, located on Glens Falls' home-turf at East Field.
For more information on the Saratoga Phillies, visit them on the web at www.saratogaphilliesbaseball.com, where you can find in-depth states, scores, game schedules and rosters.
"There is no one who's been here for two years. All the players are new," head coach Greg Zackrison said, who for the past two summers has coached for organizations in the Cape Cod Baseball League. "Our first base coach, Louie Bernardini, was part of the team [that won the 2006 NYCBL Championship,] and I believe he was named NYCBL pitcher of the year that season."
The NYCBL (or the New York Collegiate Baseball League) is a development league for professional baseball hopefuls, giving unsigned college players the chance to hone their skills during the summer months.
"They come from all over the country," Zackrison said. "These guys learn what they learn at school, and the skills they have there they bring with them to the summer leagues."
The Phillies, who began the season strong with a 4-1 win against Glens Falls during their opener on June 4, have struggled to remain consistent over the last two weeks, their record falling to 5-8 on Tuesday.
"Offensively we need to start swinging the bats a lot better. We're struggling," Zackrison said. "We strike out a lot, and we need to start driving the ball a lot more. That's what we've really got to start doing."
But Zackrison, who is in his first year as head coach for the Phillies, indicated that the team is far from being down and out.
"Our bullpen is our strongest area. It's very deep, and our defense, at times, plays fantastically," Zackrison said.
Joining the pitching staff this season are several local boys, including sophomores Paul Burgdof and Tommy Kahnle from Latham, freshman John Shippee from Waterford, and sophomore Zach Hartman from Ballston Spa. Joe Stilphen, the 6-foot-7 lefthander from the University of Louisville, has additionally provided some excellent power during his time on the mound.
Shortstop Miles Silverstein from Pepperdine University has also played a noteworthy role with the Phillies, and according to Zackrison is without a doubt the player to watch as the season progresses.
"He's very good defensively and comes from a very good school. I expect big things from him this summer," Zackrison said of Silverstein.
Another player to keep an eye on is Dan Fran, a catcher from Vanderbilt University.
"He's only played four games and he's already got four hits with a home run," Zackrison said. "He's going to be pretty good."
After Thursday's game against Amsterdam, the Phillies are looking at a three game series against Glens Falls beginning 7 p.m. on Friday, located on Glens Falls' home-turf at East Field.
For more information on the Saratoga Phillies, visit them on the web at www.saratogaphilliesbaseball.com, where you can find in-depth states, scores, game schedules and rosters.
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