Miracle’s stars, park showcased
The top players from around the Florida State League – which includes several Major League Baseball prospects – converge on Hammond Stadium at the Lee County Sports Complex Friday and Saturday for the 2009 Florida State League All-Star Game.
Fort Myers Miracle fans won’t have a difficult time recognizing many of the stars on the South Division squad.
The division-leading Miracle had nine players selected to the team. Eight of them will participate in Saturday’s game, which begins at 7:05 p.m.
“That’s a bonus,” said Miracle general manager Steve Gliner, “to have that many of our own players on the team and the coaching staff for winning the Western Division last year.”
The Miracle, led by manager Jeff Smith, finished 45-24 overall in 2008. They won the first-half West Division title and advanced to the FSL championship series.
The FSL realigned this season, splitting into North and South divisions, but the Miracle have continued their winning ways.
Smith, a Naples native, has compiled a 116-83 (.582) record since taking over at the beginning of last year. He is joined at the All-Star Game by pitching coach Steve Mintz, hitting coach Jim Dwyer, trainer Larry Bennese and strength coach Mike MacDonald.
Players representing the Miracle are pitchers David Bromberg, Steve Hirschfeld and Spencer Steedley, catcher Danny Lehmann, infielders Chris Cates and Steve Singleton, and outfielders Ben Revere and Chris Parmalee.
Hirschfeld was added to the South roster Wednesday as an injury replacement for St. Lucie Mets pitcher Brant Rustich.
Pitcher Carlos Gutierrez was selected, but will not participate after being promoted to Double-A New Britain.
The 5-foot-3 Cates has emerged as a fan favorite with his combination of offense and defense. Revere leads the team with 35 runs, 26 stolen bases and a .311 batting average. Parmelee has smacked a team-high eight home runs.
Bromberg, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, and Steedley have helped lead the strong Miracle staff. Bromberg is 5-0 with a 2.22 ERA (5th-best in the FSL), Steedley is 4-0 with an 0.86 ER, coming out of the bullpen.
Bromberg was named Thursday to start on the mound for the South. The right-hander will be making the second All-Star appearance of his career.
The All-Star festivities begin with the Friday Night Fan Fest, which runs from 6-10 p.m. It includes live music, food, games and autographs.
A home-run derby will be held prior to the All-Star Game Saturday at 6 p.m. Fireworks follow the game.
Eight players will participate in the home-run derby, including the Miracle’s Parmelee.