Your 2015 Biloxi Shuckers

[Mass Haas]

The Shuckers are indeed becoming rock stars, as this ESPN video special illustrates (filmed about two weeks ago).

 

This video is just a preview, there will be more to come, nice...

[homer]

Article detailing how the Shuckers new stadium is funded using oil spill reparations:

 

https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/biloxis-crude-deal-oil-spill-reparations-are-funding-a-baseball-stadium-in-mississippi/?utm_vicesportstwitter

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO: The latest from ESPN is another three and a half minutes of quality nuggets, and captures Tyler Wagner and the clubhouse getting his big news

[Mass Haas]

ARTICLE: Via @sportslogosnet, awesome article on the Shuckers logo and its development; we learn the Bilox mascot will be named "Shuck Norris". My life is complete.

[Mass Haas]

Excellent (and free) write-up on Orlando Arcia's game smarts via Baseball America

[Mass Haas]

Offseason work turns Shuckers' Ramirez into complete hitter

By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY AT THAT LINK

 

Nick Ramirez has always hit the long ball and played a slick first base, but the Milwaukee Brewers farmhand needed to add one more facet to his game.

 

Following a .231 batting average at Huntsville last year, the Biloxi Shuckers first baseman started the 2015 campaign hoping that off-season adjustments would help him become a tougher out at the plate.

 

After a 4-for-5 effort in a 6-3 win at Birmingham on Wednesday, the former Cal State Fullerton star is batting .303 this season.

 

"I think if anything, it's more of a mentality," Ramirez said of the reason for his improvement. "It's just knowing I'm not going to give up at-bats. I grind out every at-bat. In the long run, every at-bat is important. That's one of the things I didn't realize before. If you give away 20 at-bats, that's 20 possible hits you don't have. If you just gave away a walk, that's going to hurt the team."

 

The Shuckers will play their first home game at MGM Park at 7:10 PM Saturday.

 

With his batting average on the upswing, Ramirez has become one of the more complete batters in the Brewers' system this year. He leads the Shuckers in homers (eight) and RBIs (35) and ranks second behind Orlando Arcia in doubles with 10.

 

Along with the healthier mental approach at the plate, Ramirez tweaked his stance in the offseason.

 

"I've widened out a little bit and really worked on staying through the ball," he said. "I'm not worried about pulling the baseball. I'm not telling myself what I want to hit. I'm going to hit what's pitched to me."

 

Ramirez has a .253 career batting average as a pro and his top season was a .271 campaign split between the Rookie and Class A levels in 2011.

 

A wide stance has shortened Ramirez's stride and allowed him to be much more consistent with his swing.

 

New confidence

 

"Now with the way I think, I don't really worry about power," Ramirez said. "I know if I put a good swing on the ball, it's going to go over the fence."

 

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Ramirez has always had pop in his bat. He had back-to-back seasons of 19 homers at High-A Brevard County (Fla.) in 2013 and Huntsville in 2014. He has a career total of 73 homers as a pro.

 

At Cal State Fullerton, he had 35 homers in three seasons before he was picked by the Brewers in the fourth round of the 2011 Major League Draft. Ramirez was also an outstanding pitcher in college, registering 34 career saves.

 

Southern Miss baseball fans may remember Ramirez as part of the 2009 Cal State Fullerton team that swept the Golden Eagles in a three-game series in Hattiesburg by a combined score of 37-11. In that series, Ramirez went 6-for-14 with two homers and five RBIs.

 

Ramirez is just one piece of what has proven to be a potent lineup for the Shuckers.

 

He ranks third in batting average on the team among Shuckers with at least 151 at-bats this season. Right fielder Michael Reed leads the way at .331 and shortstop Orlando Arcia checks in at .328.

 

"I think it's a good lineup," Ramirez said. "If you look at our starting lineup up and down there are some impressive numbers in there. There's not really an easy out. We just have guys that are going to compete and battle and try to win."

 

Ramirez has made a strong case for promotion and he's confident that day will come as long as he keeps up his current pace.

 

Long term goals

 

"I think if I continue to do what I'm doing, it will pay off dividends in the long run," Ramirez said. "I believe in myself a lot. It's a matter of staying consistent and showing them I can handle the bat. I feel like I play a pretty good first base. I just have to continue to be dependable."

[rarjake]

question out there for you guys. Michael Reed continues to just dominate and hit everything, and he just steals it seems everytime he is on base. Now he has added some power to his profile. His BABIP is still a bit high, so his numbers will come dropping down, but what do you think of his overall prospect value now. Do you see him as a starting OF?

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO: Here's the final ESPN installment as they check in again with the Shuckers

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers pace Southern League with eight All-Star Selections

Four pitchers and four positon player selected to the circuit's mid-summer classic on June 23 in Montgomery

Biloxi Shuckers

 

Congratulations, gentlemen!

[CheezWizHed]

Do you see him as a starting OF?

 

I think most people that have followed his career saw starting potential in him. But it was more a question of if he could fulfill it. Most prospect lists are simply ranking the probability of hitting a ceiling.

 

Reed's knock was that he wasn't quite good enough defensively to be an everyday starting CF and not quite enough power to be an everyday LF/RF; At least as "prototypes" go.

 

But when it comes down to it, if you can have an OPS that is greater than 800 and strong defense to go with it, you can start as a LF/RF. His 800 OPS might come with a heavy OBP and light SLG, but it still good enough to start.

 

In the past, Reed has done "ok" but not enough to break out of the "4th OFer" projection. He just needs to continue around this level of play to get his chance at the MLB level. And not pull a Hunter Morris...

[Mass Haas]

Yee-hah! Biloxi Shuckers tweet and photo --

 

Southern League just announced that C Adam Weisenburger and RH starter Jorge Lopez have been added to the South Division roster! That makes TEN All-Stars.

 

 

[Mass Haas]

Brewers No. 1 prospect Taylor getting hot for Shuckers

Center fielder became 1st Shucker to hit homers back-to-back nights

By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Tyrone Taylor photos at link

 

BILOXI - Shuckers manager Carlos Subero couldn't help but flash a smile Wednesday night when conversation turned to the recent play of his center fielder Tyrone Taylor.

 

The Torrance, Calif., native became the first player in Shuckers history to hit homers on back-to-back nights with a solo blast on Tuesday and a two-run shot on Wednesday.

 

Through his first 53 games of the season, Taylor had no homers. He now has a pair to go with 23 RBIs and a .264 batting average for the Shuckers (36-23).

 

"He has a little upper cut in that swing," Subero said with a grin Wednesday. "(Hitting coach Sandy Guerrero) is doing a good job working with him. It's good to see him hitting the ball the way he is right now."

 

Entering the final two games of the series with the Mobile BayBears, Taylor had one hit in his last 14 at-bats.

 

In Tuesday's and Wednesday's games, Taylor was a combined 4-for-7 with two homers, two doubles and four RBIs.

 

Taylor describes himself as a "gap-to-gap" hitter and it's obvious he has potential as a power hitter at 6-feet, 185 pounds.

 

That same potential landed Taylor the No. 1 spot on Baseball American's preseason ranking of the top prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers' minor league system.

 

He was followed on the list at No. 2 by a teammate, shortstop Orlando Arcia, who was named a Southern League All-Star this week.

 

While Arcia has been a sensation at shortstop for the Shuckers this season with a .321 batting average and 17 doubles, Taylor is still adjusting to life at the Double-A level.

 

Defensively, Taylor has been outstanding in center field. At the plate, he's working to get back above his career batting average of .279 as a pro and his four stolen bases are short of his 20 steals-a-season pace.

 

"Where he is in his career, we want him to get his feet wet in Double-A and start making adjustments, and he has," Subero said. "You're seeing him hit the ball hard, which is a great sign. Early on, he was struggling. He had a great month of May, hit .280. He's been off and on starting in the month of June. He's making some adjustments and you're definitely seeing him square the ball up."

 

Taylor admits he's still in the adjustment phase, but it appears he's picking up the pace following back-to-back big games.

 

"I feel like I'm just grinding it out," Taylor said. "I'm trying to stay positive and get better and better every day. I know there's going to be down times in baseball. I've just got to keep battling through."

 

Taylor batted .273 with six homers and 68 RBIs with 23 stolen bases last season at High-A Brevard County, Fla.

 

While he is still developing as a player, Subero is pleased with the progress of Taylor, who is one of the youngest players in the Southern League.

 

"He's only 21. You can see his body is still going to gain some pounds," Subero said. "You see the play he made (Monday), it was a great play. He put his head down, ran and got it and threw the runner out at the plate. He can steal a base, but he only has three or four. He might be one of those guys that needs a little time to get used to the Double-A level. As a 21-year-old, he's got different tools."

[LouisEly]

This is Nick's second-straight Southern League All-Star selection. The Anaheim, CA native was also a Florida State League All-Star in 2013 with Brevard County.

 

For the most part, we don't think much of Nick Ramirez, and probably rightfully so. But if he has been an All-Star the last three years... what does that say about the state of 1B prospects in those leagues?

 

And can Michael Reed play 2B or 3B? (In case you can't tell by your screen, that font is half blue. Seriously, they need to find a place for him and his OBP.)

[Mass Haas]

Three Shuckers announced as starters for Southern League All-Stars

By PATRICK MAGEE, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

The middle of the batting order for the Southern League South All-Star Team will likely have a distinct Biloxi flavor.

 

The Southern League announced a tentative starting lineup for the South Division squad on Friday and it features three Biloxi Shuckers.

 

Orlando Arcia, who bats third for the Shuckers, will also step into that role for the South All-Stars.

 

As of Friday, Arcia was batting .315 with four homers and 30 RBIS. He also has 17 doubles.

 

Shuckers first baseman Nick Ramirez is listed as the cleanup hitter in the order. He is batting .279 with eight homers and 35 RBIs.

 

Michael Reed is the third Shuckers starter and he is listed as the five-hole hitter. He is batting .309 with five homers and 31 RBIs this season.

 

Reed typically plays right field for Biloxi, but he is listed as a left fielder in the lineup.

 

The Shuckers have nine all-stars on the team with former Biloxi reliever Jaye Chapman being replaced by Jake Brigham of the Mississippi Braves. Chapman was called up to Triple-A Colorado Springs on June 4.

 

Joining the three starters as All-Stars for the Shuckers are outfielder Kyle Wren, starting pitcher Tyler Wagner, starting pitcher Hobbs Johnson, relief pitcher Damien Magnifico, catcher Adam Weisenburger and starting pitcher Jorge Lopez.

 

The tentative starting lineup for the South:

 

1. CF Mallex Smith, Mississippi Braves (unsigned Brewers 2011 13th round pick)

 

2. 2B Brandon Drury, Mobile BayBears

 

3. SS Orlando Arcia, Biloxi Shuckers

 

4. 1B Nick Ramirez, Biloxi Shuckers

 

5. LF Michael Reed, Biloxi Shuckers

 

6. RF Kyle Waldrop, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

 

7. DH Matt Juengel, Jacksonville Suns

 

8. 3B Zack Cox, Jacksonville Suns

 

9. C Sharif Othman, Jacksonville Suns

[Mass Haas]

Big league dreams closer to reality for Hall

Scott Adamson, Anderson (SC) Independent Mail

 

http://mediaassets.independentmail.com/photo/2015/06/16/Hall_19958583_ver1.0_640_480.jpg

 

CRISTINA COCA/BILOXI SHUCKERS PHOTO Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Brooks Hall prepares to pitch during opening day in the Southern League in April.

 

The ultimate goal of any professional baseball player is to reach the big leagues, although the majors might seem too far off in the distance when he first becomes a farmhand.

 

For Brooks Hall, the reigning Southern League Pitcher of the Week, the big leagues are getting closer every day.

 

The former T.L. Hanna standout and Milwaukee Brewers bonus baby sports a 7-3 record (tied for most wins in the SL) and a 3.05 ERA in 12 starts for the Biloxi Shuckers. The pitching prowess of the 6-5 righty is a big reason the club is the league's South Division first-half champions and assured a playoff spot at the end of the season.

 

"It's been a great season so far," Hall told the Sun Herald newspaper in Biloxi on Monday. "Hopefully we can keep this thing going and win the Southern League."

 

Inexplicably, Hall did not make the Double-A circuit's all-star team, which is voted on by Southern League managers, GMs, broadcasters and print media and announced last week.

 

Whether it was a lack of homework by some voters or an oversight is anyone's guess, but Hall is certainly one of the league's best.

 

Still, a head-scratching snub is nothing compared to what Hall has gone through since he began to play for pay. It has been anything but a smooth ride for the 2009 fourth round draft pick.

 

Just look back at his high school career.

 

With no point of reference, one would assume the fireballer must've been a dominant pitcher throughout the entirety of his time with the Yellow Jackets.

 

Nope.

 

During his junior year he threw just five innings and as a senior he wound up being taken off the mound due to a forearm strain and did most of his work as a third baseman and designated hitter.

 

MLB scouts, though, realized how effective he could be when healthy, which led to a big signing bonus courtesy of the Brew Crew.

 

However, there were more obstacles to overcome.

 

His maiden voyage into minor league ball was delayed due to shoulder inflammation, which kept him at extended spring training much longer than he anticipated.

 

Aside from the arm woes, he even had a health scare when an electrocardiogram test came back with troubling results — suggesting he could have a heart condition.

 

Fortunately that was an anomaly and subsequent tests were normal, but he could've certainly been forgiven for feeling jinxed.

 

Yet pitchers — the good ones, anyway — battle through adversity on the mound so it stands to reason they'd have enough grit to battle adversity off it.

 

After he made it through rookie league, A and High A ball, it appeared it was full speed ahead for Hall once he reached the Southern League as a member of the Huntsville Stars, the forerunners of the Shuckers.

 

The 2014 season began with great promise but ended much too soon, as Hall pitched just 26 innings after being shut down with bone spurs in his right elbow.

 

He finally got the all-clear to pitch fall ball in Arizona earlier this year, and hasn't slowed down since.

 

"I think fall ball was a great time for me to get my feet wet again and pitch," he said. "Missing the whole season is tough to deal with so it was nice to throw in the Arizona Fall League and compete again."

 

Success can certainly pave the way for happiness, and Hall is clearly having fun.

 

While the finishing touches were put on the Shuckers' sparkling new stadium, Biloxi spent the first 55 games of the campaign on the road.

 

Hall said he and his mates used the nearly two-month road trip to bond.

 

"Yeah, the whole 55 games on the road was pretty tough but we managed it well," Hall said. "I have my golf clubs with me so I golf as much as I can. But the best thing about it is our team has great chemistry and we pretty much do everything together. We bought TVs for the bus so we play video games while we travel on the road late at night."

 

A couple of years ago Hall was asked if he had set a personal goal of when he wanted to make "The Show."

 

He said he never locked himself into a timetable; the only goal was to get better and once he got good enough, the other stuff would take care of itself.

 

Right now he's pitching as well as he ever has — pain free and maybe even a little carefree.

 

Reaching the big leagues is no longer a matter of distance for Hall — it's just a matter of time.

[Mass Haas]

Orf and running: Shuckers utility man becomes fast fan favorite

Baylor product played all 9 positions in 1 game last year

By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY at link (It's an Orf-bonanza from prior galleries)

 

A dissonant cheer rang out in the stands the first time Nathan Orf stepped into the batter's box during a game at Biloxi's new MGM Park.

 

"Orf ... Orf ... Orf ... Orf ... Orf."

 

It may have been the first time Orf heard the odd chant in Biloxi, but it's far from the first time he's been welcomed to the plate with the cheer.

 

"Normally, I hear it on the road and they're making fun of me for being little and my last name and all that stuff," Orf said. "It's nice to have them on my side here."

 

The man with an odd last name has become an early fan favorite among the Biloxi Shuckers' supporters. Orf has also played some of his best baseball since the team had its June 6 home opener at MGM Park to end a 54-game road trip to start the season.

 

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Orf has improved his batting average by 13 points to .278 and he hit his first homer of the season in an 11-5 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits on Thursday night at MGM Park.

 

In the field, he's been outstanding. Orf often switches between second and third base, but seems at ease in both spots. He has made plenty of athletic, diving stops and difficult throws.

 

For Shuckers manager Carlos Subero, Orf is a player who can fill multiple roles in a variety of areas.

 

"That type of player is going to have a chance to play in the big leagues," Subero said. "He can play second base and third base. He can even play some shortstop. He can play in the outfield. He's a utility in the lineup. He's a one hole, two hole, three hole. He's in the five hole, six hole, seven hole. That's pretty much what he is on both ends, from an offensive standpoint and a defensive standpoint."

 

Orf has played in 63 games this season and that's a testament to his ability to adapt to whatever is asked of him that day.

 

"I want to be in there every day," Orf said. "I don't care what spot in the lineup or where I'm at on defense. I'm glad to get the at-bats and have a chance to make plays."

 

Orf's versatility was on full display in his final game last season at Advanced-A Brevard County, Fla., when he played all nine positions in the same game. Each inning, he changed spots on the field. In the ninth, he took the mound to face one batter and retired the one man he faced.

 

In the bottom of the ninth, he served as the Manatees' first base coach.

 

After the game, he was informed that he would be promoted to Huntsville, the Milwaukee Brewers' Double-A team that moved to Biloxi in the offseason.

 

While Orf has played every position on the field, he has one spot where he thinks he fits best.

 

"Athletically, probably second," Orf said. "I feel pretty comfortable at third. It doesn't really matter. I've got to prepare the best I can to play whatever position I'm at that day."

 

At the plate, Orf has done a good job of getting on base all season. He is tied with outfielder Michael Reed for the team lead in walks with 30.

 

Orf's on-base percentage stands at a solid .378 and he could soon see time in the leadoff role following the promotion of Kyle Wren to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

 

"I try to have a quality at-bat every time I'm up there," Orf said. "I always try to respect the pitcher and at the same time, never give into him no matter what the count it is. I like to compete out of tough counts." Orf, a native of Wentzville, Mo., started his college career at Illinois-Chicago before transferring to play his final two seasons at Baylor, where he was named 2012 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2013.

 

In keeping with his reputation for doing all things possible to get on base, he set the Baylor record for most times hit by a pitch in a career, 48, even though he only played two seasons at the Waco, Texas, school.

 

Despite his standout career at Baylor, he was wasn't selected in the 2013 MLB Draft -- further proof of his underdog status as an undersized player.

 

Orf was picked up as a free agent by the Brewers and he's proven himself worthy of the opportunity with a .289 batting average as a pro.

 

Even though he wasn't drafted out of college, Orf looks back on his transfer to Baylor as a big step forward in his career.

 

"A single prayer, and about three weeks later I was in Waco, Texas," Orf said. "(God) kind of led me down that way and he continues to lead me today. Hopefully, I'll be able to tell a pretty cool story some day."

[Mass Haas]

Weisenburger proves a steady hand at catcher for Shuckers

Catcher proves his fellow Shuckers can count on him

By Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

For a Biloxi pitching staff that stands out as one of the best in the Southern League, Adam Weisenburger has been a steadying force behind the plate.

 

His input matters to the pitchers and there was a good example of the staff's confidence in Weisenburger's opinion during Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Mississippi Braves in 10 innings.

 

M-Braves center fielder Matt Lipka hit his first homer of the season off Shuckers starting pitcher Tyler Wagner in the sixth inning.

 

In the eighth, Wagner faced Lipka again with runners on first and second with one out in the top of the eighth.

 

"Pitchers trust him," Biloxi manager Carlos Subero said. "You could see it when he went out there and talked to Wagner and persuaded him to go back with the fastball in that Lipka had hit a home run earlier. He fouled it off and he went back in and got the ground ball double play.

 

"(Weisenburger) comes to the dugout and he said, 'See, I told you.' That gives him credibility because he's gutsy when he makes his calls. If they hit them, he takes responsibility. He means a lot to our pitching staff."

 

Weisenburger shrugged off the moment with Wagner as just another day behind the plate.

 

"When you're facing a guy in a situation where he has already hit a homer off you with runners in scoring position. you've got to be careful," Weisenburger said. "If a guy is seeing it well, you might want to go a different route. We executed there. He did a good job of putting him away."

 

Through 74 games, the Shuckers' starters compiled 31 quality starts. The bullpen has also come through in late situations, helping the team earn seven consecutive extra-inning victories.

 

As a staff, the Shuckers rank second in the Southern League with a team ERA of 3.26.

 

Weisenburger has been the man at catcher for much of the season with 51 starts through 74 contests. His backup, Parker Berberet, has also been solid when given the opportunity.

 

"There's not a better mentor (for Berberet) than seeing how Adam goes about his business," Subero said.

 

Weisenburger has an obvious gift in how he manages the pitchers.

 

"It's his staff," Subero said. "He takes ownership. Any time he's out there, it's let him run his game and let him deal with 'my staff.'" Baseball America labeled Weisenburger as the best defensive player in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization.

 

The 26-year-old has seen time at Double-A and Triple-A over the last three years and he has the approach of a veteran behind the plate that any big league manager would appreciate.

 

"I take a lot of pride in what I do," he said. "I see it as I'm trying to make (the pitcher) better no matter what. That's what wins ball games. Pitching and defense wins ball games. You see it in the big leagues and minor leagues. I have to help these guys get better. That's how I approach it. I need their trust in me and what I see. They need to trust me and what I see. It kind of goes both ways there. If you build that relationship, you can get rolling with a guy and win ball games."

 

Weisenburger is a native of Minnesota who played his college baseball at Miami-Ohio.

 

He is batting just .237 this season, but his on base percentage stands at a solid .364.

 

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound catcher may not have the same pop at the plate as some of his teammates, but he has a sound approach and seems to do all the little things right.

 

In Wednesday's 2-1 victory, Weisenburger moved Nick Shaw into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt to set up Josh Fellhauer's game-winning RBI single in the 10th.

 

Weisenburger believes he'll get his chance in the majors if he continues on his current path.

 

"I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing, keep grinding," he said. "The minor leagues is a grind. I've got to keep working hard and keep being consistent. If I keep showing consistency, I'll get my shot."

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers' Fellhauer plays for his 'angel in the outfield'

Outfielder's mother died in May following leukemia battle

Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY: Includes images provided by the Fellhauer family, located at the article link

 

Josh Fellhauer was all smiles Wednesday night following his walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning to give the Biloxi Shuckers a 2-1 victory over the Mississippi Braves.

 

What Fellhauer described as his "highest moment of the season" served as a brief reprieve from what has been an extremely difficult period for the California native.

 

Fellhauer is grieving the death of his mother, Julie Fellhauer, who died at age 52 on May 11 after battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

 

When she died, there was no evidence of the cancer in her body. Her death was the result of an infection that followed chemotherapy treatment.

 

Some days are better than others, but Fellhauer's thoughts often wander back to his mother.

 

"At times after the game I just want to come in (the locker room) and have a text message from her or call her and tell her I miss her," he said "I know that I can't do it. It's something I have to live with. I know she's right by me every step, every day."

 

Baseball serves as a welcome distraction for Josh Fellhauer with his teammates often serving as part of his support group.

 

"My teammates are a huge help," he said. "It's like having 25 brothers in there. I come to the yard with my brothers every day, have a good time and try to win a baseball game."

 

After a brief period of unexplained illness, Julie Fellhauer was diagnosed with leukemia on March 2.

 

Fellhauer didn't report immediately to spring training so he could be at his mother's side a little longer while she endured chemotherapy.

 

After a brief delay, he reported for spring training and played in the Shuckers' season opener at Pensacola on April 9.

 

After doing his best to hang in and help the team, an emotional Josh Fellhauer walked into manager Carlos Subero's office and told him he couldn't focus on baseball with his mom fighting for her life.

 

He returned to California to be with his family and was placed on the temporary inactive list on April 18.

 

During his absence, Josh Fellhauer's No. 7 jersey was put on display in the Shuckers' dugout as the team wandered around the Southern League on a 54-game road trip.

 

It's obvious that Josh Fellhauer's teammates have developed a fondness for him and it was on full display following his walk-off hit Wednesday with players rushing from the dugout and bullpen to congratulate him.

 

"I see (the support from teammates) and honestly it puts me to tears," said Jessica Iannotti, Josh Fellhauer's girlfriend. "It all happened so quickly and I worried he wouldn't have the support he needs from the people he is around every day. Since the minute he left in April, teammates were texting him. He received social media support. They hung his jersey in the dugout. The support they've given him is mind blowing. It's so comforting. They've made it a brotherhood."

 

A GoFundMe site, which is now inactive, raised nearly $11,000 to help pay for the family's medical expenses.

 

Shuckers catcher Adam Weisenburger was among those players offering kind words to Josh Fellhauer while he was almost 2,000 miles away in California.

 

"You can never measure a guy's heart, but that kid's got a big heart," Weisenburger said.

 

Following his mother's death on May 11, Josh Fellhauer returned to the team later that month and played his first game on June 1. "He has handled everything from the beginning with a lot of grace and class, and that comes from his mom," Iannotti said. "He's the spitting image of her. I told her all the time that she raised such an amazing young man. She instilled great characteristics. She's the strongest person I've ever known and she was so strong when she was sick. Julie took the definition of strength to an entirely different level."

 

Subero said that he's seen the left-handed outfielder pick up his play in recent weeks and he's impressed by how he has managed to compete while dealing with his mother's death. Josh Fellhauer is currently batting .279 as the team's fourth outfielder.

 

"With what he's gone through, it's unbelievable how mentally tough and resilient he's been through this period," Subero said. "He's been swinging the bat well and playing good defense.

 

"I went through it myself, the same exact thing when I lost my dad (in 1995). It's not that easy. He's playing with an edge. I saw him last year. This year, he's a different player. It's really good to see. I know everybody has his back and wants to see him succeed. We're all happy he is doing well."

 

That "edge" comes from an obvious source.

 

"It's for my mom," Josh Fellhauer said. "She always wanted the best for me and the only thing I can do is give her my best every single day."

 

Iannotti has also seen a difference in her boyfriend on the field in recent weeks.

 

"He looks at the sky a lot and I know why," she said. "I know what the edge is. He has an angel in the outfield and she'll never miss an at-bat. She's there all the time. He knows all he has to do is look up just have that reminder."

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers' Fellhauer plays for his 'angel in the outfield'

Outfielder's mother died in May following leukemia battle

Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

VIDEO via WLOX: Tastefully done news story follows up this previously posted article

[TheCrew07]

Southern notes: Reed follows his own route

Brewers outfielder breaking out with Biloxi after bypassing Ole Miss

By Guy Curtright / Special to MiLB.com

 

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Michael Reed has five homers and 40 RBIs in 72 games for the Double-A Shuckers. (Kevin Pataky/MiLB.com)

 

Michael Reed didn't follow his father's athletic path or end up at his dad's college.

 

The Milwaukee Brewers are thankful for both.

 

Reed bypassed attending the University of Mississippi, where he had a football legacy, for an over-slot bonus of $500,000, and the fifth-round choice in the 2011 Draft is working on a breakout season with Biloxi.

 

The strong-armed right fielder started in the Southern League All-Star Game and had a .288 average and 22 stolen bases through 72 games while accumulating 22 extra-base hits and 40 RBIs.

 

Reed, 22, had also walked 37 times, giving him a .376 on-base percentage to go with his .434 slugging mark.

 

The Brewers' No. 17 prospect is having his best year so far, and there's a simple reason for it -- he's been able to stay healthy.

 

Reed had hamstring issues in 2013, then missed time last year with an oblique strain before playing through a stress reaction in his left foot.

 

"I put in a lot of work over the winter with a trainer and I think it has paid off," he said. "Sometimes you forget about working your soft tissue and small muscles. That is something we concentrated on."

 

Reed doesn't have the height or bulk of his father. Benton, who is 6-foot-5 and played at 265 pounds, was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1986 out of the University of Mississippi and started three games at defensive end for the New England Patriots the next season.

 

"I stopped playing football after my sophomore year in high school," said the younger Reed, who carries 200 pounds on his six-foot frame. "I knew my future was baseball."

 

He looked like he was headed to his father's alma mater, though, until the Brewers convinced him otherwise.

 

"I wanted to get started in pro ball as long as the offer was there," said the graduate of Leander High School in Cedar Park, Texas.

 

Reed had always drawn a lot of walks and he led the Class A Advanced Florida State League with an on-base percentage of .396 last year. But his real breakout came this May, when he hit .380 with three homers, 17 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 23 games.

 

That was while the Shuckers were still wandering through the Southern League on an eventual 54-game road trip that didn't end until June 6, when MGM Park in Biloxi finally opened.

 

The Shuckers ended up winning the first-half South Division title anyway.

 

"It's nice to finally call some place home, but we really bonded on and off the field those first two months," he said. "The chemistry on this team is like no other team I've ever been on."

 

Milwaukee views Reed as a potential five-tool player, although the power has yet to come.

 

"I think the doubles will eventually become homers," the right-handed hitter said. "The Brewers want me to stay with my line-drive approach."

 

Milwaukee certainly likes his selectivity at the plate. Reed drew 71 walks in 2013 while in the Class A Midwest League and 78 last season with Brevard County.

 

"I've always had a good eye at the plate," he said. "I think it came naturally, and it's a big part of my success."

 

Although he didn't end up in the SEC, Reed finally is playing in Mississippi -- although at the opposite end of the state from Oxford.

 

"This ballpark is great and I've got a ton of family in the state," he said. "There has been someone here almost every series. It's been a lot of fun."

In brief

 

Moving up: Chattanooga won the North Division first-half title with four of Minnesota's top seven prospects, but none remained with the Lookouts by the Fourth of July. Shortstop Jorge Polanco, batting .301 with 14 stolen bases, was the most recent to leave, joining right-handed pitcher Jose Berrios at Triple-A Rochester. Center fielder Byron Buxton and third baseman Miguel Sano -- the Twins' top two prospects -- made the move all the way to Minnesota. Berrios, the Twins' No. 3 prospect, led the Southern League with eight victories and 92 strikeouts. Polanco is ranked as the No. 7 prospect for Minnesota.

 

Still streaking: Right-hander Steve Janas blanked Biloxi for 5 2/3 innings in his debut with Mississippi on July 3 to extend his scoreless streak to 28 2/3 frames. He allowed three hits, walked none and struck out three in the no-decision. Atlanta's No. 27 prospect was 5-0 with a 0.49 ERA in six starts for Class A Advanced Carolina but missed seven weeks after being shaken up in the Mudcats' bus crash in early May. Janas, 23, was a sixth-round pick by Atlanta in the 2013 Draft out of Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

 

Canada bound: Tennessee will be without center fielder Albert Almora Jr. and first baseman Dan Vogelbach for much of July as they play for Team USA at the Pan Am Games in Toronto (full roster). Almora, the Chicago Cubs' No. 3 prospect, was hitting .249, while No. 13 prospect Vogelbach had a .284 batting average. The Pan Am competition is July 10-19, but players left their Minor League teams over the Fourth of July weekend. The other Southern League players on Team USA are pitchers Brian Ellington of Jacksonville and Jake Barrett of Mobile.

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers' Jorge Lopez keeps faith as son, 2, battles genetic condition

Pitcher stays upbeat

Patrick Magee, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

PHOTO GALLERY: 12 images

 

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Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez’s son, Mikael, now 25 months old, has multiple medical issues that has kept him in the hospital for all but two weeks of his life. PHOTO COURTESY JORGE LOPEZ

 

The grind of a long baseball season never seems to get to Biloxi Shuckers pitcher Jorge Lopez. He is quick to flash a broad smile and offer a warm tap on your shoulder.

 

Lopez claims that sunny disposition is the result of his upbringing in Puerto Rico.

 

"I always smile," he said. "When I was a kid, I always smile. I think where I come from, it's humble people. That's where I learned it from, my family."

 

Lopez keeps his upbeat approach to life despite the fact his young son, Mikael, has only spent two weeks of his 25 months of life outside of a hospital.

 

"When I have Mikael, that's more reason to keep smiling," Lopez said. "Life provides a lot surprises, but we have good faith in God."

 

A little more than two weeks ago, Mikael was given four diagnoses: familial Mediterranean fever, renal Fanconi syndrome, osteoporosis and early-onset inflammatory bowel disease.

 

The 2-year-old is undergoing treatment at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as doctors do their best to keep his fever at bay.

 

Lopez left the Shuckers a month ago to take part in two days of tests in Cincinnati as doctors tried to determine if what Mikael was dealing with is the result of a genetic condition. The results came back as doctors suspected, with the Lopez family genetics playing a role with the familial Mediterranean fever.

 

For Lopez, it was a relief to finally find out what was causing his son's problems after more than two years of uncertainty.

 

"I don't want to hear, 'He doesn't have anything,'" the 6-foot-4 right-hander said of the early response from doctors in Puerto Rico. "It was frustrating, because I can't do anything."

 

After he was born premature, Mikael spent his first four months in the hospital. He left the hospital for a couple of weeks, only to return.

 

He was moved to a Miami hospital to be closer to his father, and then to Cincinnati.

 

While he was in Miami a year ago, the doctors believed the best course of action for Mikael was an intestinal transplant.

 

"While he was in Miami, he got an obstruction in his intestine," Lopez said. "They thought he needed a transplant. They were looking for that. But when they sent him to Cincinnati, they did every analysis and every test. They say he will probably need a transplant, but not now. They're trying to look to see how they can take out that fever. So he just waits."

 

Progress in his smile

 

At the moment, Mikael is doing well and Lopez can see the progress in the smile of his son.

 

"He's doing good. He is stable," Lopez said. "He keeps fighting his condition. I'm glad every day, because he's a good fighter. No matter what, he shows a smile all the time. That's big for me."

 

With Lopez 800 miles away in Biloxi and often bouncing around different towns in the Southern League, the two see each other the most through iPhone's FaceTime feature.

 

"I'm always in FaceTime," Lopez said. "I try to see him every day. I try to see that smile."

 

Lopez is popular in the Shuckers' clubhouse and manager Carlos Subero admires how he has put together an outstanding 2015 season despite dealing with the uncertainty of his son's health.

 

Popular player

 

"He's a great kid with good character," Subero said of Lopez. "He's a kid that's very well liked. He's been able to put his off-the-field stuff off the field and concentrate. He's definitely enjoying a great season."

 

Lopez entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the No. 15 prospect in the Brewers' system. He has likely helped his stock with an 8-4 record and a 2.70 ERA in 17 starts this season.

 

"He's been able to become a pitcher and recognize what pitches to throw and when to do it, instead of just throwing those pitches he's got," Subero said. "He knows when to do it and against who. He's following better sequences."

 

The Brewers have afforded Lopez whatever time he has needed away from baseball to be there for his son. Last season, when he was a member of the Class-A Brevard County Manatees, a golf tournament was held in Florida as a fundraiser to help Lopez with the overwhelming expenses.

 

"I'm glad they helped me a lot and support just not me, but my son," he said. "I really appreciate it."

[Mass Haas]

Moeller’s Suter still shucking for the Brewers

Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com

 

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Brent Suter of the Biloxi Shuckers uses his 6-foot-5 frame to stretch toward home. Suter played high school baseball at Moeller and in college at Harvard. (Photo: Thanks to Ed Gardner)

 

KODAK, TENN. – As the bus pulls up to load the Biloxi Shuckers after their 9-2 win over the Tennessee Smokies, Brent Suter retreats to his personal car, complete with the Moeller High School license tag holder.

 

The former Crusader and Anderson Township resident has his fiance, Erin Shafer, with him for the summer and the pair will make the eight and a half hour overnight drive to Biloxi with an off day ahead.

 

It’s a luxury the Shuckers allow the players with wives, fiances or girlfriends. For a AA baseball player, the miles and towns are a blur. Because Brewers affiliate moved from Huntsville to Biloxi, where the stadium was not yet finished, the Shuckers played their first 55 games on the road.

 

“It was actually a lot of fun,” Suter said. “It was just baseball and hanging with the guys. A lot of video games and cards. Everyone was in the same spot, so it was a team building experience.”

 

Suter’s fiance is an elementary school teacher, so she’s had the recent weeks off and has been able to share rides with the reliever who turns 26 Aug. 29. In places like Tennessee, that may mean a side trip to Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge or other such tourist attractions.

 

“She gets a nice little tour of the South and meets a lot of new friends and enjoys it,” Suter said.

 

The lanky lefty has had stops in Helena, Wisconsin, Brevard County, Huntsville and now Biloxi. The Shuckers play in MGM Park, one of the newest facilities in minor league baseball.

 

“It’s modeled after Pensacola’s stadium,” Suter said. “It’s right next to the water and by the casinos. The fans are kind of right on you. If it’s not a sellout, it feels like a sellout and the fans have been bringing it every night.”

 

At presstime, Suter had the second-best ERA in the Southern League. A starter last season, he has pitched in the bullpen this year and spot-started effectively. He has been pitcher of the week in 2013 for Brevard County and again this season with Biloxi. He was an organization All Star for the Brewers two seasons ago and a mid-season All Star with the Huntsville team last year.

 

“The biggest thing for me is being ready to throw the day after pitching in a game,” Suter said. “As a starter, I hardly even picked up a ball the day after I started. The arm conditioning is a little different.”

 

Though known by many in Cincinnati as a Moeller man, his Harvard education often catches the eye of his teammates and opponents.

 

“A lot of guys tease me,” Suter said chuckling. “I don’t know if I fit into the Harvard stereotype or not. I’m just goofy me.”

 

Suter is one of several Moeller players currently looking to make the “show” including Alex Wimmers, David Whitehead and Tom Belza. Eric Surkamp recently got a call-up from the Dodgers.

 

This off-season, Suter and Shafer have a December wedding planned. She will have the holiday break off from school and he will be awaiting the spring in Arizona for the chance to pitch next to or with the Brewers’ big-leaguers.

[Mass Haas]

Give yourself enough time to enjoy the final version ESPN the Magazine feature article on the Biloxi opening-season mega road trip.

 

NOTE: Here's the digital documentary as well, so well done, kudos Will Cain.

 

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Also enjoying Jeff Levering's media-attachment friendly recap of his trip to Biloxi and meetings with various Shuckers via his Minor Details Blog.

 

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From our old friend Mark McCarter in Huntsville, more good takes:

 

How Biloxi got what Huntsville had -- and how Huntsville could get it back some day

 

and

 

Stars fell on Biloxi: A look at the new park where Huntsville's old team plays

[Mass Haas]

Jeff Levering's latest edition of his "Brewers on Tap" podcast, Episode 30 includes an enlightening and honest interview with OF Tyrone Taylor, recorded a few weeks ago but still very interesting (around the 14:00 minute mark, although the entire podcast is chock-full and worth your while).

[Mass Haas]

AUDIO Discussion: Championship Wrap-Up Entry for the Shuck Dynasty Blog