NOTEBOOK Scrappers vs. Crosscutters

Rapping with the all-star: Isaias Velasquez was one of the Scrappers selected for the recent New York-Penn League all-star game. “I started in the game and that was an emotional moment for me. It was very exciting for me,” he said. He was also asked what he would be doing if you wasn’t playing pro ball. “I would probably be with my family, doing something with the church. I have a strong belief in Jesus and I might even be a pastor in my church.” Velasquez also played Little League baseball. “I played for Panama and it was a really great experience for me. I represented my country in 2004 and later Latin America. That is where they (the Indians organization) signed me.”

Proud of them: For Scrappers pitcher Kaimi Mead and Crosscutters shortstop Troy Hanzawa, last weekend was a time to be proud of their native Hawaiian Little League baseball players. Hawaii defeated Mexico to win the 2008 Little League World Series and both Mead and Hanzawa had smiles on their faces when reflecting on that moment. “I was pretty excited about them winning the title,” said Mead. “I got a chance to rag on everybody else because Hawaii is the best Little League team in the world. When I was younger, Little League [in Hawaii] was that big so I didn’t play. But with them winning, although it isn’t as competitive as say in California, Florida and other places, there is a bright future in Hawaii baseball.” While Mead and the Scrappers were not in Williamsport last weekend, Hanzawa had a chance to see at least one game. “It really excited me because it is always good to see Hawaii kids progress and do good in baseball,” he said. “I got to see them in one game, but that was it because of my schedule here [with the Crosscutters]. As for me, I played a little Little League ball when I was younger, but then I moved on to Pony League and Mustang. It [baseball] is definitely progressing a lot and becoming much better now than it was before.”

Trading places: During the 2006-07 seasons, Marc Means was visible around Eastwood Field as the Public Address announcer of the Scrappers. However this season Means assumed a full-time position with the club that included being the play-by-play radio announcer. “The opportunity presented to me by the organization was too good to let pass by,” explained Means. And what does he like about his current position? “I really enjoy the opportunity to interact with the players and members of the coaching staff,” Means said. “There is a lot more work with my new situation such as preparing game notes for members of the media, working with host families for the players and scheduling interview opportunities for both players and coaches. It is a lot more work for me, but is also a lot more rewarding.”

Bill Albright