The Empire League is proud to announce the moving of New Hampshire Wild Closer and former big league pitcher Jorge De Leon to the Gary Southshore Railcats of the American Association.

The move sends De Leon, who pitched In 10 games with the New Hampshire Wild, had 11 strikeouts, a 1-0 record and 3 saves, to join the team when they return from a Canadian road trip to Texas. The New Hampshire Wild will put original closer Tony McClendon back on the role.

“I am very happy for Jorge, We talked about him getting back to big leagues from day one and this is a big step into the right direction. He is leaving us after hitting 95 mph last night. His work ethic proves he should be back in the bigs and I have no doubt in my mind that he will get back there soon. We thank Jorge and wish him the best of luck!” – Jerry Gonzalez

 

The New Hampshire Wild are out of the race for the first half but manager Gonzalez did mention that he is rebuilding his pitching staff to prepare for the second half.

The Wild finish up a series with Watertown on Thursday in which Jorge will still be a part of the club, but come last game of the series, De Leon will be in Railcats uniform.

Tickets to Wild vs Bucks are just $5. Game time is at 630pm at the Alex T Duffy Fairgrounds.

Another one on the go! NY Sullivan Explorers catcher Parker Franklin gets sent up to the Atlantic League.

The York Revolution of the Atlantic League get the rookie catcher after promoting both their catchers to affiliated organizations, such as Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins. Parker is the first player selected by Baseball Director Eddie Gonzalez to the highest level of Independent Minor League Professional Baseball this 2016 season.

“When these organizations at such high level ask for players, it’s not all about statistics but the quality of the individual that they want in the club house. I don’t send guys up to those opportunities if they don’t please my quality of individual character that is desired. Character and attitude is always above statistics.” – DB Eddie Gonzalez

The Empire League is hosting post draft tryouts for second half of season for all teams in the league. To all rookie players that are college graduates interested in breaking in to the professional baseball industry, here are your tryout chances.

TRYOUT DATES

Old Orchard Beach Surge – July 10, 2016 – 9:00 am @ The Ballpark at OOB – Cost: $75

Sullivan Explorers – July 6, 2016 – 9:00 am @ Generals Park – Cost: $75

Watertown Bucks – July 8, 2016 – 11:00 am @ Alex T Duffy Fairgrounds – Cost: $75

 

To register for a tryout, please fill out form below and follow by making payment. Only those who have made payment will be allowed to tryout. Tryout will begin on time. No Walk-ups.

The Empire professional baseball team has announced the All Star Selection. The players selected for the All Star game were chosen based on statistics per position. The League would like to recognize and congratulate those players selected to take a trip to Old Orchard Beach!

The West team will be represented by the Watertown Bucks and the Sullivan Explorers while the East team will be represented by the New Hampshire Wild and Old Orchard Beach Surge.

WEST TEAM

PITCHERS: SP – Zachary Breen (WT), SP – Harrison Lee (SUL), SP – Jameson McGrane (SUL), RP – Matthew Novak (WT), RP – Paul Perez (SUL), RP – Matthew Eshelman (WT)

POSITION PLAYERS: C – Brian Brademen (SUL), 1B – Eddie Malone Jr (WT), 2B – Javier Marticorena (WT), 3B – Nicholas Grady (SUL), SS – Nathaniel Coronado (SUL), LF – Patrick Jones (WT), CF – Gevon Jackson (SUL), RF – Adrian Gonzalez (SUL), DH – Kevin Putkonen  (SUL)

OTHERS: DH – Elliot Armstrong (WT), OF – Bryan Hoover (SUL), C – Manny Reyes (WT)

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East TEAM

PITCHERS: SP – David Ernst (OOB), RP – Ryan Oglesby (NH), RP – Rich Baerga (OOB), RP – Tony McClendon (NH), RP – Josh Martinez (OOB), RP – Jorge De Leon (NH)

POSITION PLAYERS: C – Ken Matsuzaka (NH), 1B – Chris Allen (OOB), 2B – Richard Colla (NH), 3B – Luc Pomales (OOB), SS – Mark McCouch (NH), LF – Brandon Cooksey (OOB), CF – Jacob Fabry (OOB), RF – Karl Kapinos (NH), DH – Joshua Wong (NH)

OTHERS: INF – Chris Jacobs (NH), C Jordyn Van Atta (OOB), OF – Shaun Cooper (OOB)

 

Home Run Derby Participants

WEST: Kevin Putkonen (SUL), Patrick Jones (WT), Gevon Jackson (SUL), (WT), Adrian Gonzalez (SUL), (WT)

EAST: Zach Mathieu (NH), Luc Pomales (OOB), Joshua Wong (NH), Chris Allen (OOB), Chris Jacobs (NH),

 

The Home Run Derby is set to begin at 330pm  followed by the All Star Game. Gates will open at 230pm and tickets are only $10. Game is to be held at The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

With Only 20 games in to the Empire League season, the productivity of players continues to show as promotions are on the rise.
Steve Sulcoski of the Watertown Bucks gets the call on Thursday and is headed to the Ottawa Champions of the CanAm League. Batting .343 with 3 Home Runs was good enough for the CanAm League to make the call. Manager Simon Walters has now had to replace both of his rosters catchers as both have been promoted.
“That’s what we are here for and what this league is about” says Simon “When the teams or other leagues are in need we are here to provide them with the many options of players. We show them our rosters and ultimately those managers do their research, and make the final decisions on who they call up.”

“We are proud that to have guys that are ready and worthy of a call up to those higher professional baseball federation leagues.
The Bucks who in 2015 did not have any guys promoted, have now been able to send off a record 4 players in 20 days!” – Eddie Gonzalez

A great accomplishment for the Bucks new front office CEO Eddie Gonzalez, GM Matt Snyder and Manager Simon Walters.