Preparations Ongoing for MLB Little League Classic

The 2019 MLB Little League Classic will take place on August 18 at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. This year’s event will feature the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs. Preparations outside the ballpark are ongoing for the event. As in past year’s this will mean some minor inconveniences, mainly involving parking, for fans attending Cutters games through August 23. The Williamsport Crosscutters appreciate fans patience and understanding during this period.

New York Penn League Announces 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

The following individuals comprise the New York‐Penn League’s 2019 Hall of Fame Class:
Gene Baker- A man of firsts, Baker played a significant role in the history of the New York-Penn League and baseball in general when he broke the managerial color barrier by becoming the first African-American manager in organized baseball, when the Pittsburgh Pirates named him skipper of the Batavia club in 1961.

In 1963, he became the second black coach in the major leagues following Buck O’Neill by a half -season. He can also be credited with being the first black manager in Major League Baseball when he took over for ejected Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh on September 21, 1963.

After his coaching days, Baker spent many years as a scout for the Pirates organization. He spent 8 seasons in the majors with the Cubs and Pirates and was the first African-American player to ever make the Chicago Cubs roster in 1953.
Jane Rogers‐ As the first person hired by the Staten Island Yankees in 1999, Jane Rogers has been with the club for the entirety of its twenty-year history in New York City.

Originally hired as the organization’s office manager, Jane has progressed through various roles, including that of General Manager, and her current position as Senior Vice-President, Baseball Operations.

Her tireless efforts leading the organization, and in particular the club’s relationship with the New York Yankees, have led to strong relationships with players and front office administrators alike.

Over the past two decades, she has mentored and led countless former SI Yankees employees who have gone on to become executives throughout organized baseball. In addition, Rogers has been an important contributor to the Staten Island community and the New York-Penn League as a whole.
Josiah Viera‐ Viera captured the hearts of baseball fans around the country during his life, but it was in the New York-Penn League, with the State College Spikes, that his impact was most directly felt.

Josiah was born with Hutchinson-Guilford progeria, a rapid aging condition. His joyous spirit and enthusiasm was a source of inspiration for players, coaches, staff and fans. During his time as the Spikes’ honorary bench coach, Josiah helped propel the club to three Pinckney Division titles and New York-Penn League championships in 2014 and 2016.

His presence created an unforgettable moment at the 2018 NYPL All-Star Game, held at his home field, in State College. As he made the final pitching change of the game, he left the field to a standing ovation from both teams and every fan in attendance.

Late in 2018, Josiah passed away at the age of 14. While he is greatly missed by every member of the Spikes and the New York-Penn League family, Josiah’s spirit remains as a shining example of determination and perseverance in the game of baseball and the game of life.
Bernie Williams‐ Williams hit .344 as a member of the 1987 Oneonta Yankees playing in 25 games before a promotion to Ft. Lauderdale. He made his Major League debut with the N.Y. Yankees on July 7, 1991 and would go on to play his entire 16 year MLB career in pinstripes. In his 16 seasons he collected 2,336 hits, 449 doubles, 287 HR and 1,257 RBI to go along with a lifetime batting average of .297. He is a four-time World Series champion and the all-time leader in postseason RBI with 80. He also ranks second all-time in postseason HR (22), hits (128), doubles (29), total bases (223), and runs (83).

A 5-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glove winner, Williams won the 1996 ALCS MVP, 2002 Silver Slugger and 1998 AL Batting Title. He joined Yankee immortals by having his number 51 retired in 2015.

Inductions are scheduled to take place on August 21, during pregame ceremonies at the 2019 New York‐Penn League All‐Star Game at Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees.

Crosscutters Roster Moves

July 30 – C Juan Aparicio promoted to Lakewood (A). C Mitch Edwards assigned to Williamsport from GCL Phillies West

UPCOMING GAMES & PROMOTIONS

Sunday, August 11 vs. State College Spikes -5:05 p.m.
Phillie Phanatic Appearance. Presented by River Valley Transit & Bill 95.
Baseball Bingo. Presented by Albright Life & Rogers Uniforms.
Kids Day. $1 Stadium Reserved tickets for kids age 12 & under courtesy of WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News plus kids run the bases after the game in Boomer’s Mad Dash presented by Commonwealth Charter Academy.

Monday, August 12 vs. State College Spikes – 7:05 p.m.
Cutters Team Photo Giveaway. Presented by Bayard Printing, Concepts Design Group & Fox Sports Williamsport. All fans.
Military Monday. Free stadium reserved ticket for all active & retired military personnel presenting a Military ID at the box office. Tickets courtesy Montoursville American Legion Post 104, MSG Sean Thomas Foundation & Panda Patriot.