Williamsport alums dot spring rosters
In all, 45 former Williamsport players and 2 former coaches are listed on 15 Major League Spring Training rosters as of February 23.
The alumni go as far back as Kerry Wood, who went 0-0 with a 10.38 ERA for the Williamsport Cubs in 1995, and date as recent as Cesar Hernandez & Lendy Castillo who appeared for Williamsport in 2010.
"It's a testament to what we say every year", said Gabe Sinicropi, Williamsport's VP of Marketing and Public Relations. "You never know who you will see when you come out to Historic Bowman Field. Many of our former players go on to great stardom in the major leagues and we are honored that Williamsport was one of their first stops along the way. They always remember our great fans and most especially their host families".
The alumni list also includes Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista, winner of the 2010 and 2011 American League home run title, who helped Williamsport to the 2001 NY-P League Co-Championship.
In all, over 500 players who have worn a Williamsport professional baseball uniform have gone on to appear in the Major Leagues including Hall-of-Famers like Bill Mazeroski, Jim Rice and Nolan Ryan. The full list can be found on Crosscutters.com.
The Williamsport Crosscutters open the 2012 season on June 18, hosting the State College Spikes. Season ticket and Bonus Book mini-plans are available online at Crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389.
Williamsport Alumni on Major League Spring Training Rosters
Listed by organization / as of February 23, 2012 / Year(s) with Williamsport in ( )
Philadelphia Phillies - Domonic Brown (2007), Justin DeFratus (2008), Jacob Diekman (2008), Freddy Galvis (2007), Cesar Hernandez (2010), Austin Hyatt (2009), Steve Lerud (2004/2005), B.J. Rosenberg (2008), Joe Savery (2007), Michael Schwimer (2008), Mike Stutes (2008), Sebastian Valle (2009), Vance Worley (2008)
Pittsburgh Pirates - Mike Crotta (2006), Jared Hughes (2006), Andrew McCutchen (2005), Steve Pearce (2005), Alex Presley (2006), Ray Searage/Coach (2003/2004), Neil Walker (2004)
Toronto Blue Jays - Jose Bautista (2001), Travis d'Arnaud (2008), Rajai Davis (2001/2002), Kyle Drabek (2008)
Chicago Cubs - Lendy Castillo (2010), Paul Maholm (2003), Brian Schlitter (2007), Kerry Wood (1995)
Houston Astros - Sergio Escalona (2007), Jonathan Villar (2009), Josh Zeid (2009), Bobby Meacham/Coach (2009)
Minnesota Twins - Matt Capps (2004), Ryan Doumit (2000)
Washington Nationals - Brian Bixler (2004), Tom Gorzelanny (2003)
Atlanta Braves - Eric Hinske (1998), Todd Redmond (2005) Chicago White Sox - Brent Lillibridge (2005), Will Ohman (1998)
Oakland A's - Michael Taylor (2007), Mike Wuertz (1998)
Milwaukee Brewers - Nyjer Morgan (2003)
NY Mets - D.J. Carrasco (1999)
Los Angeles Angels - Scott Downs (1997)
Colorado Rockies - Dustin Molleken (2006)
Miami Marlins - Juan Oviedo a.k.a.Leo Nunez (2003)