wieters' gift is giving norfolk a first glimpse at a rising star | The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET
NORFOLK

  &n bsp;      Happy Birthday today to Matt Wieters, 23, of the Norfolk Tides. The personification of the little-boy baseball dream. The model, at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, of what they call "strapping." On the doorstep, presumably, of a long and prosperous major league career.
 But when he blows out the candles, Wieters could wish for world peace as easily as just a little personal quiet time. Both authentic Yadier Molina jersey Red are as likely.
"I played with Yastrzemski . Same thing," Tides manager Gary Allenson said. Customized Giants Jersey "Four o'clock in the morning, we'd get in somewhere, New York, there'd be people. He'd walk right by them, or else he'd be there till 5 signing! I'm sorry, I'm tired."

 Wieters isn't Yaz yet, although there does always seem to be people waiting for him. Orioles fans in Baltimore, for instance, are counting the Aaron Rowand official jersey days. They peg Wieters as a large piece of the very difficult puzzle the O's have wrestled with for years - how to field a contending team.
Tides watchers, though, first get to discover Wieters, Baseball America's reigning minor leaguer of the year, as the biggest celebrity prospect to intern in Norfolk since David Wright.
They see a switch-hitting catcher with power, keen game-calling instincts and such a strong right arm that, while at Georgia Tech, he would often catch eight innings, shed his gear and finish games as a gas-throwing closer.
"That was an authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Black adrenaline rush," Wieters said with a smile after Tuesday's game at Harbor Park, "but I like being behind authentic Vince Coleman jersey White the plate too much to try that again."
     & ;nbsp; Good times pretty much define most things these days with the Tides, who, in case you haven't noticed, are for once a really good authentic Yadier Molina jersey White team. They have the best record, 26-12, in all of Triple-A baseball, as well as the longest current winning streak at eight games.
Every word you hear, though, is that Wieters won't be Yadier Molina official jersey around much longer to enjoy the fun. Baltimore will beckon, and the Orioles by all accounts will gain themselves a budding icon in a Ripken-esque mold; unassuming, diligent, wise to the special demands placed upon special talents.
Dealing with the latter, fan-interaction especially, is a significant part of Wieters' Norfolk apprenticeship. More than ever, blogs and boutique baseball Internet sites can be intrusive on a prospective star's already transparent life.
The hotel alias Wieters sometimes uses counters that buzz a bit, nor is he the first on his path to linger in the clubhouse after games. He says he has stopped using the Facebook account he set up in college. Doesn't Twitter. Likes nothing more than to "leave baseball at the park" and hang out with Maria, his wife of five months.
"It's hard when it's not your personality," Wieters says. "I like my privacy."
But don't think Wieters is running from fame, nor its daily chores. If he knows the side exits on the way up, Wieters isn't inclined to use them.
"We authentic Willie McGee jersey Blue went to Gwinnett (near Atlanta), there were 300 people outside, and they didn't want anybody's autograph but his," Tides pitcher Chris Waters says. "We're like, 'You can go out through the field or out the home side if you want, you don't have to. ...'"
No big Customized San Francisco Giants Jersey deal, Wieters claims.
"It's when you have that rough game and you want to get on the bus," Wieters says. "Sometimes, you just have to go through it and sign and try to get on the bus as fast as you authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Grey can.
"Signing for kids is always a fun thing to do. It gets to be a little tough when you get guys bringing 10 or 12 baseballs or bats to sign. One per person."
Another game tonight, another chance for Willie McGee official jersey Wieters to make someone else's day. Even on his own day.
Tom Robinson, (757) 446-2518 tom.robinson@pilotonline.com

 All Zeros | Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass. Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET
You name it. Chances are, at some point during his Plymouth North High School baseball career, Joe Flynn has done it.

   &nb sp;     Over the course of his 31 victories, the senior right-hander's experiences on the mound have been a consistently growing scrapbook of honors and accolades.
But there was one omission. For all his success, Flynn had yet to throw a no-hitter.
That changed Thursday, as Flynn dominated Duxbury to the tune of 14 strikeouts in a 4-0 victory.
"He spotted every pitch," said coach Dwayne Follette. "He mixed pitches well, threw fastballs and curveballs wherever he wanted to. He hit the catcher's mitt every time."

 In almost-fictional fashion, the senior finally got his no-no in his final regular-season start, with Customized San Francisco Giants Jersey Franklin Pierce University coach Jayson King in attendance. Flynn plans to attend the Rindge, N.H., school.
"It was the only thing he hadn't done Yadier Molina official jersey as a baseball player at Plymouth North, and he did it in his last game," Follette said. "It's storybook, and he did it against a great team."
The day started normally enough for Flynn, who got through the first inning on three routine groundouts.
He kicked it up a authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Black notch the rest of the game, however, getting all but four of the remaining 18 outs one strikes, and allowing only two baserunners, via Customized Giants Jersey a walk and a hit-by-pitch in the seventh.
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The victory dropped Duxbury to authentic Willie McGee jersey Blue 14-6, while improving Plymouth North to 12-8. Both teams are heading into the Div. 2 South Sectional tournament.
Flynn improved to 7-1 on the season, reached an even 100 strikeouts and walked only his sixth batter on the year.
Now, the man who won 12 games a year ago, won the Division 2 South Willie McGee official jersey Sectional championship on three days rest and won the state championship in a 10-inning shutout has the last remaining place on the mantle filled.
authentic Yadier Molina jersey Red /> "He was dominant, just phenomenal," Follette said. "I've said it, and I'll back it, he's the authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Grey best player to ever wear a Plymouth North uniform."
Drew Bonifant may be reached at posted by tulowitzki at 10:01 | in: Unspecified
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 James O. West | The Virginian-Pilot and The authentic Albert Pujols jersey Blue Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET
CHARLOTTESVILLE - James O. West, 76, died peacefully May 20, 2009, surrounded by his family. Born in authentic Albert Pujols jersey Grey Suffolk, Nov. 6, 1932, he was the son of the late Olan Joseph and Erma West. He was also predeceased by his wife, Delores Ann West.

   & nbsp;     Mr. West served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and spent 15 months in Korea. On a G.I. Bill, he entered the University of Virginia in 1955 and majored in education. Mr. West earned his doctorate in 1975.
 Mr. West's career at the University Rod Carew official jersey of Virginia started in 1959 and lasted Customized Cardinals Jersey until 1993. His love authentic Rod Carew jersey Blue for baseball landed him a position as head coach for Tony Oliva official jersey 20 years. He finished up his employment as the associate director of the University Athletic Program.

  He is survived by one daughter, Andra Tarleton and her husband Michael of Spotsylvania, Va.; one son, Olan Joseph West and his wife Customized St. Louis Cardinals Jersey Corinne West of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; four grandchildren, Kelli and Zachary Tarleton and Emily and Hanna West; one sister, Albert Pujols official jersey Pauline Modlin of Suffolk; one brother, Tom West and his wife Betty West of Suffolk.
 Mr. West was a devoted father, coach and friend to all who crossed his path. He enjoyed fishing, trips to the beach, baseball authentic Michael Cuddyer jersey White and spending time with his friends and family. He spent a great deal of time supporting Virginia Athletics. He may be gone, but he certainly isn't forgotten - and never will be. He was from an era when a handshake or his word was a bond and his friendship was everlasting.
 A graveside funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Monticello Memory Gardens with the Rev. Barry Penn Hollar officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Hill and Wood Funeral Home.
 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the James West Fund for University of Virginia Baseball, Office of Development and Public Affairs, Gift Accounting, P.O. Box 400807, Charlottesville, VA 22904.
 Friends may sign the authentic Tony Oliva jersey Blue guest book at posted by tulowitzki at 09:55 | in: Unspecified
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 Kay W. 'Kate' Watson, 93  May 21, 2009 | Daily Review, The; authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Black Towanda, Pa. | Find Articles at BNET
On the morning of Thursday, May 21, 2009, longtime Canton, Pa., resident Kay Winifred Madigan Watson passed away quietly at Bradford County Manor. She was 93 authentic Yadier Molina jersey White years of age.

   &n bsp;     Born in Towanda on March 3, 1916, she was the daughter of Michael and Ellen (Scully) Madigan. While she was still authentic Yadier Molina jersey Red a young girl, her family moved to Grover.
Known to her friends and family as "Kate," she authentic Vince Coleman jersey White was married to the late Aaron Rowand official jersey Alfred Watson, and together they raised a son and two daughters.
She was Customized San Francisco Giants Jersey a former member of the Canton Women of The Moose. She also was an avid fan of professional sports, especially baseball and boxing.

 Kate was an unpretentious, independent woman with strong convictions and decided opinions. She told it Yadier Molina official jersey like it was, and you always knew where she stood on an issue.
One of her strongest convictions was her faith in the Lord. She embraced the Roman Catholic faith and was a devout communicant of St. Michael's Church in Canton.
Kate was a great lover of animals and always had a house full of pets. Most of all, Kate loved her family and found great joy and pleasure in the company of her grandchildren.
Kate is survived by her son, Frank (and Glenda) Watson, and daughters, Willie McGee official jersey Gale Kelley and Ellen (and Evert "Aif") de Knecht, all of Canton; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Ellen Madigan; husband, Alfred Watson; brothers, Thomas, William and Robert Madigan; sisters, Cornelia Phinney and Josephine Meredith; and son-in-law, Larry S. Kelley.
In accordance with Kate's wishes, there will be Customized Giants Jersey no public visitation. However, all are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial, authentic Willie McGee jersey Blue which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael's Church, 24 N. Washington St., Canton. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
The family will provide the flowers and suggests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Michael's Building Fund, 24 N. Washington St., Canton, or the Green Free Library, 14 N. Center authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Grey St., Canton, PA 17724.
Professional services have been entrusted to Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, Canton.
 

 Tide turns quickly on Hockinson | Columbian; Vancouver, Wash. | Find Articles at BNET
CHEHALIS  Unfortunately for the Hockinson baseball team, the first inning set the tone Saturday.

   & amp;nbsp;     The Hawks had two strikeouts and a caught stealing in the top of the first inning, and then allowed a first-pitch homer in the bottom of the frame.
That triggered a 7-2 Burlington-Edison victory in the first round of the Class 2A state baseball playoffs, but it could not diminish all that Hockinson accomplished in reaching the 16-team tournament.
We had some goals coming into this year, coach Rick Skinner said. One authentic Yadier Molina jersey White was to win our league, and we did that. One was to make it to state for the fourth year in a row, and we did that.

 Hockinson (15-7-1) won 12 of 14 games heading into state, qualifying for the one-day, four-team regional in Chehalis. W.F. West defeated Burlington-Edison for the regional title, earning a berth to next weeks final four in Yakima.
On Saturday, Burlington-Edison scored in each of the first five innings, building a 7-1 lead. Dylan Boe belted the first pitch from Hockinson starter Casey Sawyer over the left-field wall, and Zach Livingston added a two-run homer in the third.
Hockinson, meanwhile, was being hamstrung by Ian Capron, who allowed only an unearned run in six innings of work.
It was really a big learning experience for a lot Aaron Rowand official jersey of the young guys who had never been in a big game like this, said Hockinson catcher Jody Robertson, one of three seniors in the lineup. We Yadier Molina official jersey really did a lot this season with a bunch of young guys.
Robertson had a double and single, accounting for two of the Hawks seven hits. Hockinson scored one run in the fifth, when Cameron Crawford singled and later scored on an error. The Hawks scored again in the seventh, Willie McGee official jersey when James McDonald doubled and Sawyer singled him home.
Weve been through a lot this year, Skinner said, and we accomplished more than any team Customized Giants Jersey in our league.

  Russell C. 'Hezzie' Batdorf | News - Item, The; Shamokin, Pa. | Find Articles authentic Vince Coleman jersey White at BNET
SHENANDOAH -- Russell C. "Hezzie" Batdorf, 82, of Ashland, died on Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Trinity Mission Health & Rehab Center in Shenandoah.

    ;      Born in Mowry, on May 10, 1927, he was a son of the late Frederick F. and Sarah (Love) Batdorf.
He graduated from Ashland High School with the class of 1945.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 until 1946.
He was married to the former Charlotte Mason, who preceded him in death in 1994.
Russ was well-known and highly regarded as a baseball player in the 1940s and 1950s, playing on several professional and semi- professional baseball teams. For over 60 years, he owned and operated Batdorf Cleaners in Ashland until his retirement. He was a member of the North Schuylkill School Board from 1987 until 1991 and from 1993 to 1997. He was treasurer of the school board from 1990 until 1991.

 He was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church of Ashland, Ashland Lodge No. 294 F&AM, American Legion Post of Ashland, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post of Ashland and the Good Fellowship Club of Ashland.
Surviving authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Grey are two sons, Theodore and Ann Batdorf of Ashland, and William and Louise Batdorf of Arlington, Va.; three brothers, Frederick and James, both of Ashland, Harold of Customized San Francisco Giants Jersey Glouchester, N.J.; one sister, Lois Smith of Fountain Springs; three granddaughters, Amanda S. and Lindsey Ann, both of Ashland, and Charlotte L. of Arlington, Va., and nieces and nephews. He authentic Aaron Rowand jersey Black was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Batdorf, in 2003.
BATDORF -- Russell C. "Hezzie" Batdorf, 82, of Ashland. Funeral services will be held at the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland, at noon on authentic Yadier Molina jersey Red Wednesday, with Rev. Daniel DeSchoolmeester officiating. Interment is in Sunnyside Cemetery, Lavelle. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday in the Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until authentic Willie McGee jersey Blue the time of service in the funeral home. Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements. posted by tulowitzki at 09:16 | in: Unspecified
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