St. George RoadRunners News

ROADRUNNERS BACK IN 2010!

Thu, January 21, 2010, 12:00 AM

San Ramon, Calif. - The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced that the league has approved a new ownership group that has reached an agreement to acquire the St. George Roadrunners from Triple Play Baseball LLC. Triple Play had announced in December that due to economic issues and financial struggles in ancillary businesses that the Roadrunners would not be playing this coming season. The new group, Hot Corner Baseball, LLC will take over immediately and returns the Roadrunners to the slate of GBL teams for 2010. The 10-team GBL for 2010 will be at its largest size in terms of teams and geography with the addition of Maui and Tijuana to the league as well.

"I am very pleased to see a new ownership group that is committed to continuing the Roadrunners as a member of the league and in St. George," said GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "St. George is a great baseball town and the fan base and business support has grown every year for this team that brings affordable family fun and an exciting brand of baseball to the community. I'm sure the new owners will see even more support as a return for their investment in the team and efforts in continuing to provide this entertainment option to the people of southern Utah."

The St. George Roadrunners have been a member of the Golden Baseball League for the past three seasons. From the lovable losers of 2007 where they set the GBL mark for worst record to the powerhouse playoff juggernaut of 2009, the team has improved every year and has had five of their players acquired by major league organizations. The team has also climbed steadily in attendance each year and has become a favorite summer activity for fans in St. George. Economic impact studies done by the league estimate that the Roadrunners provide economic impact of $4M - $5M annually to the city of St. George.

The Hot Corner Baseball, LLC group is headed by San Diegobusinessman Will Joyce and has southern Utah ties as well, including current Roadrunner General Manager Rick Berry. A press conference is scheduled for next week in St. George to introduce Hot Corner Baseball and discuss their plans for the 2010 Roadrunners, community activities, and marketing partnerships.

VALENTINE HONORED BY BASEBALL AMERICA

Sat, October 24, 2009, 12:00 PM

ST. GEORGE, UTAH – The St. George RoadRunners announced today that 1B A.J. Valentine was one of the prestigious Baseball America All-Independent selections for 2009.

Named to the First Team were St. George Roadrunners' 1B A.J. Valentine and Calgary shortstop, also named GBL 2009 MVP, Nelson Castro. Named to the Second Team were two players from the Victoria Seals: second baseman Wilver Perez and outfielder Sergio Pedroza who was also the GBL Championship Series MVP this year. With four selections the GBL trailed just the veteran-laden Atlantic League that had six players named and the Can-Am League that had five players selected. Both the GBL and Frontier League had four players selected, the American Association League and Northern League had three players recognized apiece, the United League had two players named, and the Continental League had none.

Valentine, 26, 6-6, 220, went undrafted out of Cal State Stanislaus after putting up extraordinary power numbers. He has been a prolific slugger in the GBL for two years as he was signed by the Yuma Scorpions part way through 2007 and hit 22 home runs and drove in 106 runs in 129 games in Yuma over the last two seasons. Joining St. George this year, his power numbers continue to climb and his batting average has soared as well. He led the league in RBIs with 82, was third in home runs with 17 and posted a .359 batting average as well. In addition, he is considered one of the top defensive first basemen in the league and was key to his Roadrunners' winning the first half South Division title and advancing to the playoffs for the first time.

XnE, Inc. (parent company of the RoadRunners) CEO Michael Cummings stated, "This is a very exciting honor for A.J. and the entire organization would like to congratulate him on a great year and a very exciting future."

"It's exciting to see the recognition of the Golden Baseball League players in these yearend awards," said GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "It reflects the continually increasing attractiveness of GBL teams for top players to showcase their skills. I expect most of these players named to be signed by MLB organizations during the off-season and join the 16 players who were acquired by big league clubs during the year from the GBL as they advance their careers."

About XnE, Inc.

XnE, Inc. is part of the "FASTEST GROWING FAMILY SPORT IN AMERICA and that is MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL." Over 50 million people attend minor league baseball games each season. In 2004 through 2008, minor league baseball drew more total fans to their games than the NBA, NFL and NHL combined and minor league teams are now in or near 100% of the top 50 US cities.

Minor league baseball appeals to families who appreciate its ability to entertain at a reasonable price. A family of four can go to the game including tickets, snacks and parking for around $40. Minors' average ticket price is $6, Major League Baseball is $18, NBA is over $41 and the NFL is over $50. In a recent survey, 81% of respondents said they want to spend more time with family and 51% said baseball is the way to do it.

About Golden Baseball League

The Golden Baseball League, presented by Safeway, Inc., is dedicated to bringing professional independent baseball back to Western North America. Within the next few years, Golden Baseball plans to expand to a 16 team league in North American markets.

The League will play in a combination of City and University owned stadiums and work collaboratively to market professional baseball in each of our communities. The League will allow communities to experience the wonder of America's pastime and give children of all ages their first exposure to the great game of professional baseball.

The League plays in fan-friendly facilities that will provide a fun and safe environment for families. Players will be well integrated into the community and will spend time at schools, camps, business lunches, and local events. With the League's support and encouragement, players will be given the opportunity to improve their skills and move up to the Major Leagues.

THANK YOU FANS!

Fri, September 11, 2009, 12:00 PM

Thanks to you, our great RoadRunner fans, the broadcasts from September 1-5 received the most listenership on Network1Sports.com.

The following is from Gregg Hitchcock, president of Network1Sports.com: The month of September got off to an outstanding start as almost 8,000 listeners logged on to listen to games streamed on Network1Sports Sept. 1st - 5th. The broadcasts of the St. George Roadrunners led the way with 1,084 listeners. Congratulations to John Potter and the St. George Roadrunners on having the most successful streams for the first week of September.

TOROS END ROADRUNNERS SEASON IN 11th INNING

Mon, September 07, 2009, 12:00 PM

Lino Garcia's RBI single scoring Skip Adams in the bottom of the 11th inning broke a 4-4 tie and gave the Tucson Toros a berth in the GBL Championships. Tucson beat St. George 5-4 in the deciding game five after winning game four 5-1 earlier in the evening.

Lorenzo Barcelo tried to become the first GBL pitcher to win two playoff games in the same day. He won game four pitching four innings of shutout ball. Barcelo then started game five and allowed just one run on four hits in five innings.

The Toros had built a 4-1 lead when Barcelo left. The RoadRunners cut the lead to one with two run sin the sixth and tied the contest with an RBI single by Cody Nowlin the seventh. Both teams had multiple opportunities to take a lead, but the Toros were the first to capitalize in the 11th inning.

Tucson won the series three games to two and will host the GBL North champs, the Calgary Vipers beginning Wednesday night at Hi Corbett Field.

The RoadRunners season comes to an end after a 48-34 regular season and winning two playoff games.

On behalf of the entire RoadRunner Family, we would like to thank you the fans for supporting the team. We will be back in 2010 - looking to complete the quest for the GBL Championship.

TOROS FORCE GAME 5

Sun, September 06, 2009, 12:00 AM

Game four of the Southern Division Finals went to the Tucson Toros 5-1 upon completion of Sunday's suspension after three and half innings. Lorenzo Barcelo (2-0) three four shutout innings allowing only two hits.

The Toros scored the go-ahead run in the sixth on an error by Gary Harris. RF Andre Marshall capped off a three-run insurance seventh inning with a two-run double off VIc Darensbourg. Justin Abbott (0-1) was dealt the loss in relief surrendering four runs in 3.1 innings.

Game five is Monday night from Hi Corbett. Listen to all of the action on the RoadRunners Radio Network.

ROADRUNNERS NEED ONE MORE WIN

Sat, September 05, 2009, 12:00 PM

TUCSON, ARIZONA – In a classic pitcher’s duel, David Seccombe and Julio Castro combined to throw a four-hit shutout Saturday night in a 1-0 St. George RoadRunners victory over Tucson in game three of the Golden Baseball League’s Southern Division Finals.

The RoadRunners take a two-game-to-one series lead over the Toros. The series winner will host GBL North champion Calgary next week in the GBL Championships.

Seccombe threw eight shutout innings allowing four hits and striking out four. The right-hander won his first decision since August 3 at home against Victoria. Seccombe (1-0) allowed only two baserunners after the fourth inning. Julio Castro (2) matched his performance from game two with a perfect ninth frame striking out two.

St. George scored the game’s only run in the fifth. Ryan Stevenson led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Henry Calderon. Gary Harris hit a comebacker to Tucson starter Vince Davis who decided to attempt a play on Stevenson at third. Davis tossed an errant throw past third-baseman Skip Adams allowing Stevenson to score an unearned run.

Stevenson was the only player on both teams to have a multi-hit game.

Davis (0-1) scattered five hits in eight innings to end up on the wrong side of the pitcher’s duel ledger. Cibney Bello allowed one hit and struck out two in his lone inning of relief.

Game four of the best-of-five series is Sunday night from Hi Corbett Field at 8:05pm Mountain. The RoadRunners will start Mike Martin (2-1, 2.74 ERA) in St. George’s first attempt to win the series. If necessary, game five will be Monday night in Tucson.

Listen to all of the live action on the RoadRunners Radio Network with John Potter. You can access the live internet feed at StGeorgeRoadRunners.com.

GAME DATE: 09/05/2009
St George Roadrunners  1 AT Tucson Toros  0

                                 YTD                                   YTD
STG                AB  R  H BI   AVG  TUC                AB  R  H BI   AVG
R.Yan LF            3  0  0  0  .250  S.Adams 3B          4  0  1  0  .167
Y.Almario RF        4  0  1  0  .231  J.Spivey 2B         3  0  1  0  .400
A.Valentine 1B      3  0  0  0  .417  D.Yount DH          4  0  1  0  .300
J.Rodriguez C       3  0  1  0  .545  L.Garcia CF         3  0  0  0  .091
R.Stevenson CF      4  1  2  0  .417  J.Rushford LF       4  0  0  0  .385
H.Calderon 3B       3  0  0  0  .000  C.Miaso RF          4  0  1  0  .167
G.Harris 2B         4  0  0  0  .273  M.Santana 1B        2  0  0  0  .200
E.Pringle SS        3  0  1  0  .364  L.Apodaca C         3  0  0  0  .143
A.Sanchez DH        2  0  1  0  .143  R.Priddy SS         3  0  0  0  .273
TOTALS             29  1  6  0        TOTALS             30  0  4  0      

STG                  0 0 0   0 1 0   0 0 0 -  1  6  0
TUC                  0 0 0   0 0 0   0 0 0 -  0  4  2
SB--R.Stevenson (1). CS--E.Pringle (1). E--L.Apodaca (1), V.Davis (1). 
LOB--STG 6, TUC 6. 
                                                                YTD
                                 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR     ERA
 STG
D.Seccombe (W,1-0)              8.0   4   0   0   3   4   0    0.00
J.Castro (S,2)                  1.0   0   0   0   0   2   0    0.00
 TUC
V.Davis (L,0-1)                 8.0   5   1   0   3   4   0    0.00
C.Bello                         1.0   1   0   0   0   2   0    0.00
SO--A.Valentine, H.Calderon, G.Harris 2, E.Pringle, A.Sanchez, S.Adams,
L.Garcia 2, C.Miaso, R.Priddy 2. BB--A.Valentine, J.Rodriguez, A.Sanchez,
J.Spivey, L.Garcia, M.Santana. 
T--2:35.  A--1237

ST GEORGE EVENS SERIES WITH 6-3 WIN

Mon, August 24, 2009, 12:00 PM

TUCSON, ARIZONA – The St. George RoadRunners pulled even with the Tucson Toros in the Golden Baseball League’s Southern Division Final on Friday night defeating the host squad 6-3 in front of 3,429 fans at Hi Corbett Field.

After two games, the series is tied 1-1.

Jesse Smith, who went 10-5 this season with the Orange County Flyers, tossed 7.2 quality inning allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven. Smith received ample offensive support to earn his first post-season victory of 2009 (1-0).

Jose Rodriguez blasted a two-run home run in the first inning off Toro starter Dustin Glant (0-1). Tucson cut the lead in half when Junior Spivey lifted a solo homer to left in the home half of the frame.

A.J. Valentine’s single in the third brought home Ruddy Yan and a subsequent error at third base allowed Yosvany Almario to score on the tail end of the play. Ryan Stevenson tripled down the right field line to plate Valentine later in the three-run inning.

Leading 5-1 in the fourth, Gary Harris lined a long ball to right field to push the lead to five. The Toros would respond with another solo shot, this time by Jim Rushford to cut the St. George lead to 6-2.

Rushford would plate the game’s final run in the Toro eighth with an RBI double off Eude Brito.

Julio Castro retired the side in order with two strikeouts to mail down the save.

The RoadRunners knocked 13 hits – Valentine paced the club going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Rodriguez, Harris and Eric Pringle each added two hits. Tucson had seven total hits with Rushford contributing three of them.

Tensions escalated in the Tucson third when Spivey was tagged out by Smith on a comebacker near the first base line. Spivey responded to the tag with some aggression that led to both benches clearing. Spivey and manager Tim Johnson were ejected for their roles in the scuffle and arguments after the fact.

Game three of the best-of-five series is set for Saturday night at 8:05pm Mountain in Tucson. St. George is expected to start RHP David Seccombe while the Toros counter with LHP Vince Davis.

Listen to all of the playoff action on the RoadRunners Radio Network with John Potter.

Valentine named GBL June Player of the Month!

Thu, July 09, 2009, 12:00 PM

The Golden Baseball League announced that the Players of the Month for June are St. George Roadrunner 1B AJ Valentine and Victoria Seal LHP Isaac Hess. Both players have also been named GBL All-Stars and will be performing at the GBL All-Star game in St. George, Utah next Tuesday on July 14th.

Valentine, 26, 6-6, 220 went undrafted out of Cal State Stanislaus after putting up extraordinary power numbers. He has been a prolific slugger in the GBL for two years as he was signed by the Yuma Scorpions part way through the 2007 and hit 22 home runs and drove in 106 runs in 129 games in Yuma over the last two seasons. Joining St. George this year, his power numbers continue to climb and his batting average has soared as well. During the first month of this season he led the league in home runs with 8, RBIs with 46, and Slugging Average at .678. He was also second in doubles with 13 and second in runs scored with 42 as he went 45 for 121 and posted a batting average of .372. In addition, he is considered one of the top defensive first basemen in the league and was key to his Roadrunner's winning the first half South Division title.

Hess, 23, 5-11, 180 went undrafted out of South Mountain Community College after leading his team to the junior college world series. He signed with the pro independent Frontier League where he had two stellar seasons as he was named the 2007 Frontier League Championship Series MVP and threw a no-hitter during the 2008 season. He joined the Victoria Seals this year and has been dominant from the start. During the first month of the season he started 8 games and led the league in wins as he went 5-0 for a Victoria squad that struggled early in the year. He was second in E.R.A. at 2.45 for the month and second in strikeouts with 46 as he pitched 51 innings and only walked 15 batters.