By Paul Casey Gotham

Pat Urckfitz makes a habit out of being successful in baseball. For the past two seasons, the Houston Astros farm hand accepted a variety of roles from Rookie ball to Advanced A minor league baseball. Each time, Urckfitz proved worthy of moving on to the next level. This season is no different.

After nearly doubling his innings pitched and averaging almost a strike out per inning in the Advanced A California League,  the former Monroe Community College star earned a call-up to the Corpus Christi Hooks and a spot in the prestigious Arizona Fall League.

Late season call-ups have become routine for Urckfitz, but the Penfield, New York native is taking nothing for granted.

Urckfitz went to the mound Thursday night like he has so many times in the past. This outing, Urckfitz led the Hooks against the Frisco RoughRiders in Texas League action at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas. The left-hander threw 85 pitches (55 for strikes) over five innings in his first start in Double-A.

“He’s exactly where he is supposed to be,” said MCC head coach, Mike Kelly. “Pat is playing professional baseball because he loves the game.”

Pitching nearly 110 innings for the Lancaster JetHawks, Urckfitz demonstrated his ability to strike out batters. The southpaw fanned 103 while walking just 32 for the JetHawks.

“He’s a left-hander who throws strikes,” commented MCC assistant and Webster Yankee head coach, Dave Brust. “That will keep him in pro ball.”

Urckfitz adjusted to the role of starting pitcher earlier this season. After making 23 apperances out of the bullpen (most in middle relief), he won five games as a starter.  Urckfitz got his first start on July third striking out seven over five and a third shutout innings as the JetHawks downed the San Jose Giants, 4-0.

“Pat has had good stuff his whole life,” added Kelly. “He’s just grown up. When he came to MCC he was timid. Suddenly a light went on, and he decided to not accept failure. You don’t stay in pro baseball for three years if you are afraid.”

Last season, Urckfitz led the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League in appearances (42) and saves (13). In 49 innings of work, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.57 ERA while striking out 42 and walking 13. Urckfitz earned Legends’ Pitcher-of-the-Month honors for May going 1-0 with four saves with 0.71 ERA for the month.  He finished the year hurling 57.2 innings.

If that is not enough, earlier this week, the former Webster Yankee star learned of his appointment to the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. The AFL is an annual winter league run by Major League Baseball which showcases the top talent from each team. Each MLB team sends their top seven prospects to the AFL.  Mike Sarbaugh, the current manager of the Triple-A Columbus Clippers will guide the Javelinas. Other notable managers include Don Mattingly and Ted Simmons.

“Nothing is guaranteed,” said Urckfitz. “I want to do whatever it takes to help the organization.”

Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work for the 2008 Webster Yankees of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.  Urckfitz is one of six former Webster players in minor league baseball. Marcus Nidiffer is also in the Astros system currently playing with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. Cory Brownsten and Dan Jurik both play in the Atlanta Braves system while Gary Helmick and Jason Stifler are members of the Delmarva Shorebirds – the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Urckfitz  signed as a free agent in July of 2008 and made 15 appearances for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40. The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.

Urckfitz led MCC to a third place finish in 2008 NJCAA tournament tossing 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.

Marcus Nidiffer

By Paul Casey Gotham

Major League Baseball’s 2010 amateur draft included the names of 36 players with ties to the New York Collegiate Baseball League. In the last three drafts 112 former NYCBLers have heard their names called. While modest in comparison  to the totals of the Cape Cod League, the NYCBL, in its 32nd year of existence, continues to build an impressive resume. Time will tell if names like Adam Schraeder (Hornell ’08), Jesse Bosnik (Brockport ’08) and Will Harford (Geneva ’08-’09) can climb to “The Show” like Dallas Braden (Hornell ’03), John McDonald (Cohocton ’93) and Hunter Pence (Schenectady ’02).

Among those called included the names of two former Webster Yankees. Add to that one free agent signing and the Webster organization, in just its fifth year of business, has established itself as a  proving ground for future professionals. In all, five Webster alums have received a draft day call, and seven former players currently earn paychecks from baseball.

Cory Brownsten

Cory Brownsten (’08) and Dan Jurik (’09) earned draft status. Both got the call from the Atlanta Braves – Brownsten in the 15th and Jurik in the 25th round.   Although the duo never wore Webster pinstripes together, they are teammates with the Gulf Coast Braves.

Brownsten announced his arrival to the professional ranks going 2-3 with a run scored in his first pro game. “Browny” has started three games for the GCL Braves tallying five hits in 11 trips to the plate for a .455 average.

Jurik has made two appearances out of the bullpen for the Braves tossing five innings with an ERA of 3.60.

Marcus Nidiffer wasted little time making his presence known. The free agent signee of the Houston Astros grabbed front page recognition on the team’s minor league site. Playing for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League, “KB” is hitting .438 in five starts with five doubles, two RBI and two runs scored.

Nidiffer joins Patrick Urckfitz (’08) in the Astros’ organization. In his third season of work in Houston’s farm system, Urckfitz comes out of the bullpen for the Lancaster Jethawks of the Class A Advanced California League. “Urck” is 3-2 in 24 appearances for the Jethawks. He has struck out 48 and walked 13 in just over 47 innings of work. In his last ten appearances Urckfitz has an ERA of 2.77.

Urckftz joins two other NYCBL alums on the Lancaster roster – Ashton Mowdy (Geneva ’07) and Shane Wolf (Elmira ’07).

Gary Helmick (’06-’07) and Jason Stifler (‘o6-’07) both signed as free agents with the Baltimore Orioles. The two from Towson State play with the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Class A South Atlantic League (“Sally). In 40 games, Helmick has 29 hits including seven doubles and two home runs to go with 16 RBI. The second baseman has stolen eight bases on the campaign. Stifler has played 23 games behind the plate collecting nine hits and five RBI.

The Cincinnati Reds took Bryan Gardner (’06-’07) in the 34th round of the 2008 draft. Gardner currently pitches for the Traverse City Beach Bums of the independent Frontier League.

Two other Webster alums, Jordon Herr (’06) and Jordan Petraitis (’06) heard their names called on draft day. Neither play professional baseball at this time.

Marcus Nidiffer

By Paul Casey Gotham

Good things do come to those who wait.

The 2010 Major League Baseball draft came and went. Three days and 50 rounds passed. Twelve Wildcats from the University of Kentucky heard their names called.  Former Webster Yankee, Marcus Nidiffer, waited patiently. When he did not hear his name, Nidiffer remained calm.The omission surprised a few people, but the University of Kentucky catcher knew he still had a chance to play professional baseball.

“They knew they were going to sign me because I was a senior,” said Nidiffer. “It’s like wasting a draft pick by using it on a senior. Older players don’t have any leverage. They know you can’t go back to college and play.”

Despite knowing all this, the Bristol, Tennessee native experienced some anxiety. “I was scratching my head,” mentioned Nidiffer when discussing his reaction to not hearing his name called.

“My parents were bummed at first. They started talking to me about what I was going to do after baseball.”

Nidiffer will have to postpone those plans for life after baseball.  The Houston Astros contacted Kentucky’s backstop of the last three years and signed him to a free agent deal over the weekend.

Nidiffer listens intently to Brust

“They asked me when I could be ready,” said Nidiffer. “I told them I am ready right now. We signed the deal right there. I talked to the A’s and Twins, but both those teams were beating around the bush. The Astros gave me an offer, and I went with it.”

Nidiffer will start the season with the Greeneville Astros of the Appalachian League when play starts on June 22nd. “Greeneville is only about an hour from home,” mentioned the 23-year old.  “I’ll definitely catch some home cooking and get some laundry done.”

“Everybody leaves Saturday for assignments,” said Nidiffer from Florida where all rookies reported. “I am looking forward to it. I am in the system. That’s all I need.”

Nidiffer started 121 games over the last three Kentucky campaigns hitting .284 with 25 home runs, 84 RBI and 91 runs scored. He finished his career at Kentucky with a .512 slugging percentage. In 2010, Nidiffer hit .312 with 10 round trippers and 32 RBI including a walk-off grand slam in his final home at-bat.

Combine his offensive numbers with a .987 fielding percentage and Nidiffer earned a spot on the prestigious Johnny Bench Award Watch List for the top catcher in the nation.

“Out of high school, I wasn’t that good,” noted Nidiffer who was a red-shirt his freshman season. “I was able to pass people up with hard work.”

The hours improving his game included time spent playing in wood-bat leagues such as the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

“I was out of my element,” said Nidiffer when thinking back to his arrival in New York. “They gave me an opportunity to get better. I am thankful for that. I met so many players and coaches that I still keep in touch with today. It’s a great league.”

Nicknamed “KB” (short for Kentucky Blue) by then-assistant coach and current head coach, Dave Brust, Nidiffer made 28 starts with the 2007 Yankees. After a slow start, he finished with eight extra-base hits including three home runs and 12 RBI. This after a season in the SEC where the red-shirt freshman earned just six at-bats.

“Looking back, I played a lot in summer leagues,” said Nidiffer. “That is where my game started to come together.”

Pat Urckfitz

“KB” played the Valley League in 2008 finishing as the league’s 14th best prospect of the summer. He culminated his summer collegiate career playing with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League.

Nidiffer joins Pat Urckfitz, another former Webster Yankee, in the Astro system. After making seven appearances in the NYCBL with the ’08 Yankees, Urckfitz signed with Houston.  He came out of the bullpen on 15 occasions for Greeneville fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40. The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign. In 2009, Urckfitz  led the Lexington Legends’ of the Class A South Atlantic League in appearances (42) and saves (13). In 49 innings of work Urckfitz compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.57 ERA while striking out 42 and walking 13. Urckfitz earned Legends’ Pitcher-of-the-Month honors for May ’09 going 1-0 with four saves with 0.71 ERA for the month.

Currently, Urckfitz pitches with the Lancaster Jethawks of Class A Advanced California League. He is on a roster that includes other former NYCBLers, Ashton Mowdy (Geneva ’07) and Shane Wolf (Elmira ’07).

Dustin Ramey

By Paul Gotham

The Webster Yankees have been in existence just three years, but the New York Collegiate Baseball League team has seen plenty of talent.

Add University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Dustin Ramey and Luke Wallace to the list of Yankee alums finding success after playing for Webster in the NYCBL.

Ramey and Wallace both earned Northeast-10 All-Conference honors. This came despite a disappointing season for the Riverhawks.

Ramey led the Riverhawk pitching staff in wins (7), starts (10) and innings pitched (69.2). The right-hander tossed two complete games, including a three-hit shutout at New Haven University. Ramey finished the season 7-4 with an ERA of 2.07 and nearly a four to one strikeout to walk ratio.

“You don’t want to nibble around the plate in a wood bat league,” said Ramey. “Coach (Ken Harring) encourages us to throw strikes.”

UMass-Lowell finished 27-19 with seven of the losses coming by two runs or less.

“We tied for the last playoff spot in the conference and lost on a tiebreaker,” added Ramey. “We were 9-1 on our trip to Florida. Next year is going to be pretty good.”

Wallace started 45 games in the outfield. The Yorktown Heights, New York native hit .281 with 20 extra-base hits including five home runs and 20 RBI.

The duo played with Webster in 2008. In 31.2 stanzas of work Ramey fanned 29 and walked 9. Less than a year and half removed from “Tommy John” surgery to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, Ramey went on to lead the club with four victories. Webster fans watched as Ramey pitched in a game for the first time since the procedure. Wallace led the ’08 club with three home runs.

Bryant Guilmette leads a quartet from UMass-Lowell coming to Webster this summer. Guilmette came out of the bullpen for the Yankees last season. He struck out 26 and walked six in 25 innings of work. He will be joined by teammates Monte Morrocco, Nick Bonofiglio and Taylor Robinson.

Riverhawk coach, Ken Harring, and Webster head coach, Dave Brust, played together professionally in the Atlanta Braves’ system. The two coaches played under Grady Little on the Durham Bulls.

Former Webster Yankees, Pat Urckfitz, Bryan Gardner, Adam Perlo, Steve Muoio, Gary Helmick and Jason Stifler have all gone on to success after the NYCBL. Urckfitz pitches in the Houston Astros’ system with the Lancaster Jethawks of the Class A-advanced California League. Gardner was taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the MLB draft. Perlo plays with Ponte Di Piave of the Serie A-2 league in Italy. Muoio’s Georgia College Bobcats qualified for the D2 college World Series. Helmick and Stifler play for the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Class A South Atlantic League.

Webster’s 2010 home opener is set for Sunday, June sixth when the Alfred Thunder comes to town. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Basket Road Field. Webster Athletic Association Baseball will partake in Opening Day ceremonies with the Yankees.

By Paul Gotham

When Pat Urckfitz took the mound on August 21st, the outing was not unlike many of his previous performances. The left-hander came on in relief and tossed an inning and a third of shutout ball. The difference this time was that the native of Penfield, New York did his work for the Lancaster Jet Hawks of the Class A Advanced California League. 

Urckfitz took the hill in a set up role as the Jet Hawks downed the Visalia Rawhide, 9-2. 

After a successful stint with the Lexington Legends, the Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, Urckfitz learned of his promotion while on the road with Legends. 

“I was a little surprised,” said Urckfitz. “My stuff is back in Lexington. I’ll have to take a plane back when our season is over to get my things.” 

The southpaw led the Legends’ pitching staff in appearances (42) and saves (13). In 49 innings of work Urckfitz compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.57 ERA while striking out 42 and walking 13. Urckfitz earned Legends’ Pitcher-of-the-Month honors for May going 1-0 with four saves and an ERA of 0.71 for the month. 

“I started the season struggling a little,” noted Urckfitz. “It helped my confidence to be able to contribute to the team.” 

In Lexington, the left-hander settled into the closer’s role, but he will have to wait and see what his responsibility is with Lancaster. 

“My role right now is not clear,” mentioned Urckfitz. “I came on one night to throw to a lefty, but on other nights I am in a set up role.” 

Urckfitz noticed a difference in leagues right away. 

“If you make a mistake here, they make you pay,” stated Urckftiz. “In Lexington, I could get away with hanging one over the plate. I can’t do that here.” 

The 21-year old already has his plans for the Fall. 

“When the California League ends on the seventh, I’ll have about ten days off before I head back to Florida again for the instructional league.” 

“If they don’t think much of you, they don’t invite you,” said Webster Yankee Coach Dave Brust of the invite to fall league. “It’s an investment.” 

Urckfitz led Monroe Community College to a third place finish in 2008 NJCAA tournament tossing 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15. 

Before signing as a free agent with the Astros, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work with the Webster Yankees of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty. 

From there Urckfitz made 15 appearances for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40. The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.

Photo Courtesy of the Lexington Legends

By Paul Casey Gotham

Pat Urckfitz spent last May coming out of the bullpen to help the Monroe Community College Tribunes finish third in the National Junior College World Series.

One year later Urckfitz still makes that walk from the pen.  Now the lefty does his work for the Lexington Legends of the Class A South Atlantic League.

He may have changed uniforms, and the scenery differs a little, but once again Pat Urckfitz is proving himself worthy.

Earlier this week with the Legends clinging to a one-run lead in ninth over the second place Savannah Sand Gnats, Coach Tom Lawless called on Urckfitz.  The Penfield, New York native responded by retiring the three batters he faced for his first save at the Class A level.

“He’s found a rhythm and doing a nice job,” commented Lawless.  ”His slider is starting to work for him, and he’s getting ahead in the count.”

Urckfitz has allowed one earned run in his last six appearances striking out 10 in seven and two-thirds innings.

“He’s a multiple inning guy,” added Lawless. “But we’ve also brought him in to face lefties in some situations.”

After a rough start Urckfitz has settled into his role.

“I struggled early in the season locating the ball,” said Urckfitz. “I wasn’t throwing my slider where I wanted.”

Over 13 appearances Urckfitz has struck out 18 and walked 6 for the Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

In last year’s NJCAA tournament Urckfitz tossed 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.

Before signing as a free agent with the Astros, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work with the Webster Yankees of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.

From there Urckfitz made 15 appearances for the Greeneville Astros of the Rookie Appalachian League fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40. The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.

Those numbers earned Urckfitz a spot in the Astros’ fall instructional league at Kissimmee, Florida.

“If they don’t think much of you, they don’t invite you,” said Webster Yankee Coach Dave Brust of the invite to fall league. “It’s an investment.”

For his efforts Urckfitz earned a spot in early Spring Training.

“That was a good experience,” commented Urckfitz.  ”It was a big challenge with mostly Double-A guys.”

One difference for the 20-year old has been life on the road.

“At first it was an adjustment because we go on the road for eight days at a time.  It took some getting used to.  But it’s all right now.”

Wherever Urckfitz has gone, he leaves behind a positive impression.

“You’re not going to meet a better human being than Pat,” said current MCC and former Webster Yankee head coach, Mike Kelly. “As good of a pitcher as he is, Pat is twice that as a person.”

It’s only a matter of time before Lexington Legends’ fans learn the same.

Urckfitz hurling for MCC

by Paul Casey Gotham

Pat Urckfitz has his bags packed.

On February 25^th the former Webster Yankee will head to Kissimmee, Florida for Spring Training with the Houston Astros.

When camp opens two days later Urckfitz will begin the second of a seven-year contract.

“I’m excited and trying to keep an open mind,” said Urckfitz.  “I’m looking to make the most of everything available to me.”

The Penfield native threw his last inning in the New York Collegiate Baseball League on June 26^th as the pinstripes dropped a 4-2 decision to the Elmira Pioneers.

It was on that night that Pat met with Houston Astro regional scout, Mike Maggert.

Three days later Urckfitz dropped off his uniform and headed south to Tennessee – Greeneville, Tennessee that is – home of the Greeneville Astros, the minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros.

Greeneville plays in the rookie Appalachian League – a ten-team league with a 70-game schedule from June to the end of August.

Urckfitz made 15 appearances for Greenville fanning 23 in 19 innings of work while notching an ERA of 1.40.  The southpaw finished 1-0 with three saves for the campaign.

Those numbers earned Urckfitz a spot in the fall instructional league.

“If they don’t think much of you, they don’t invite you,” said Webster Coach Dave Brust of the invite to fall league. “It’s an investment.”

Since the end of fall league Urckfitz has spent his time working out with MCC coach, Mike Kelly and keeping in touch with the Astros.

“I check in with Travis Driscoll (pitching coach at Greenville) and Britt Burns (Astros pitching coordinator) to let them know about my workouts.  I’ve been spending time over at the MCC facility working with the staff.”

“You’re not going to meet a better human being than Pat,” said current MCC and former Webster Yankee head coach, Mike Kelly.  “As good of a pitcher as he is, Pat is twice that as a person.”

Still Urckfitz knows he has his work cut out for him.

“There are no guarantees.  We have three single A teams,” said Urckfitz referring to Astro farm teams in Lexington Ky., Lancaster Cal., and Troy NY.

“I will have to earn a spot,” continued the lefty.

While with Webster, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work.  Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.

Urckfitz was part of the Monroe Community College team that finished third in the nation.   In the NJCAA tournament Urckfitz tossed 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.

The seven-year contract with the Astros includes the opportunity for Urckfitz to earn a college degree which he plans on studying sports medicine at SUNY Brockport.

Maggert was the same scout who signed Churchville native and current New York Mets star, Tim Redding.

Webster opens the 2009 NYCBL season at Webster Town Park on June 9th when 2007 league champion, Elmira Pioneers, come to town.

The New York Collegiate Baseball League, founded in 1978, is a summer wood bat development league for professional baseball.  Major League Baseball funds a small portion of the league’s annual budget. The league gives college players who have not yet signed a professional contract the opportunity to develop their skills at a higher level of play, gain experience with wood bats, and be evaluated by scouts.  Current major leaguers Brad Lidge, Tim Hudson, John McDonald, and Dallas Braden all spent time in the NYCBL.

“It is everything I expected.”

The former Webster Yankee used those few words to describe his adjustment from an amateur to professional baseball player.

“It has been a real positive experience with good fans and good fields,” continued Urckfitz. “The community is welcoming.” “When they see you off the field, they always want to talk about the game.”

Just two months ago Pat was working out of the bullpen for Dave Brust’s Webster Yankees. The Penfield native threw his last inning in the New York Collegiate Baseball League on June 26th as the pinstripes dropped a 4-2 decision to the Elmira Pioneers.

It was on that night that Pat met with Houston Astro regional scout, Mike Maggert.

Three days later Urckfitz dropped off his uniform and headed south to Tennessee – Greeneville, Tennessee that is – home of the Greeneville Astros, the minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Greeneville plays in the rookie Appalachian League – a ten-team league with a 70-game schedule from June to the end of August.

Since then the 6’ 2” southpaw has tossed 17 and a third innings in 14 appearances.

“I have been focusing on keeping hitters off balance,” added Urckfitz. “I am not relying on my fast ball as much.” “Before I would exclusively start batters with a fast ball, and my slider was my out pitch.”
“Now I am throwing more first pitch off-speed stuff and more 3-2 change ups.” I have learned to keep hitters off-balance and depend on the guys behind me to make plays.”

Urckfitz has struck out 21 and walked nine for an impressive 1.15 walks and hits to innings pitched ratio.

Those numbers have earned Urckfitz an invitation to the Astros’ instructional league this fall in Kissimmee, Florida.

“If they don’t think much of you, they don’t invite you,” commented Brust. “It’s an investment.”
And Urckfitz has proven himself worthy of the Astros’ time. The Penfield native has compiled two saves while limiting opposing batters to 11 hits and just three earned runs.

Included in those numbers are two shutout innings versus first-place Pulaski in which the rest of the Urckfitz clan – mother, Sharon, father, Jim, and younger brothers, Sean and Brendan attended. Pat struck out two of the seven batters faced that night.

While with Webster, Urckfitz fanned 25 in 14.2 innings of work. Opposing batters hit a paltry .207 against the lefty.

Urckfitz was part of the Monroe Community College team that finished third in the nation. In the NJCAA tournament Urckfitz tossed 11.3 innings of relief surrendering just one run while striking out 15.

The seven-year contract with the Astros includes the opportunity for Urckfitz to earn a college degree which he plans on studying sports medicine at SUNY Brockport.

Maggert was the same scout who signed Churchville native and current Washington Nationals star, Tim Redding.

The New York Collegiate Baseball League, founded in 1978, is a summer wood bat development league for professional baseball. Major League Baseball funds a small portion of the league’s annual budget. The league gives college players who have not yet signed a professional contract the opportunity to develop their skills at a higher level of play, gain experience with wood bats, and be evaluated by scouts. Current major leaguers, Tim Hudson, John McDonald, and Dallas Braden all spent time in the NYCBL.

Believe it or not, everyone was happy to see one of the troop get a chance to move on.

Webster Yankee and Monroe Community College standout reliever, Pat Urckfitz, has inked a deal with the Houston Astros.

Urckfitz, who spent the month of May helping MCC advance to the NJCAA DII World Series in Millington, Tennessee, will return, later this week, to the Volunteer State.

This time instead of wearing the Tribunes’ jersey, the southpaw will don a Greenville Astros uniform – the Houston Astros Appalachian Rookie League affiliate.

Urckfitz spent his Sunday morning meeting with Houston Astros’ officials firming up his contract as a free agent in the MLB supplementary draft.

The Penfield, N.Y. native worked 64 and a third innings for the Tribunes over the last two seasons. He struck out 91 and held opponents to a .219 batting average.

Urckfitz’s best work came in the last two months.

“Pat really defined his career in the last six weeks,” commented MCC Head Coach, Mike Kelly, referring to Urckfitz’s work with MCC and the Webster Yankees.

In 11 1/3 innings of relief during the JUCO World Series Urckfitz allowed just one run on four hits while fanning 15.

During his brief stint with Webster Urckfitz struck out 25 in 14 and 2/3 innings of work in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

To sum up Pat Urckfitz with numbers would be telling half of the story.

“Pat is as fine a gentleman as I have ever worked with,” added Kelly. “He is really a throw back.”
Urckfitz attributes his recent development on and off the field to the coaching staff at MCC.

“I learned a lot about discipline during my two years at Monroe,” said Urckfitz. “(Pitching coach) Pete Dawes has taught me how to handle myself on and off the field.”

Urckfitz’s deal includes three years college tuition. During the offseason the 2006 Penfield graduate plans to study sports medicine at the State University at Brockport.

Urckfitz joins former Webster Yankee reliever, Bryan Gardner, in the professional ranks. Gardner was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 34th round of the MLB draft and assigned to the Gulf Coast Reds.

STANDINGS
EASTERN DIVISION W L PCT. GB
AMSTERDAM 12 6 .667 -
GLENS FALLS 11 6 .647 0.5
BENNINGTON 9 9 .500 3.0
LITTLE FALLS 8 9 .471 3.5
SARATOGA 8 11 .421 4.5
WATERTOWN 4 11 .267 6.5

WESTERN DIVISION W L PCT. GB
HORNELL 15 3 .833 -
BROCKPORT 12 7 .632 3.5
ELMIRA 10 7 .588 4.5
ALLEGANY COUNTY 9 8 .529 5.5
GENEVA 7 9 .438 7.0
WEBSTER 7 9 .438 7.0
NIAGARA 6 12 .333 9.0
BOLIVAR 5 16 .238 11.5

Webster had three up and two down since last Monday.

Adam Curynski lowered his ERA to 1.34 as he tossed 16 shutout innings leading the Pinstripes to victories over Brockport 7-0 and Niagara 8-0.

Webster dropped decisions to Bolivar 6-0 and Elmira 4-2.

Sandwiched in between was an 8-3 victory over the Pios of Elmira.

Webster travels to Scio Tuesday for a game with Allegany County and to Niagara on Wednesday before returning home to host the Geneva Red Wings on Thursday. The league takes the 4th off.

Webster plays another home and home with Elmira next weekend. Saturday’s game takes place at the venerable Dunn Field in Elmira. Sunday the two teams play a double dip at Dugan Yard on the campus of St. John Fisher.

Fans can listen to all games by going here.

For up to date stats, box scores, standings, and schedule with game times visit the league site.

In other news: Webster relief pitcher, Pat Urckfitz, penned a deal with the Houston Astros. I’ll have a more complete article on this later.

Check out Geoff Dornes who recently appeared in SI’s – Faces in the Crowd.