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| COACH JOHN MANUEL SANCHEZ |
Welcome to the coaches log.
I believe that baseball and athletics in general, give the human self an opportunity to transform ones dreams into reality.
Baseball allows us to dream, to hope, it gives us a great opportunity to express ourselves through team work, passion and
goal setting. This great experience will serve us for a life time and its my prayer that you will enjoy my thoughts on baseball
and life, and remember, Enthusiasm is the Difference!
Back in the day, when I was starting out coaching, Jairo Giraldo then sports editor of the Spanish Newspaper Hoy! came to
visit us at Lehman College and wrote an article on his visit that he published on the 31st of December 2001.
This two page article came to be known has the 'Voice' for Lehman College, has we was so succeful that year having recruited
the rookie of the year that year in Luis Chavez and winning a total of 17 games, more then any other team has ever done in
12 years.
Looking back Mr. Giraldo was right with his title of 'Libertad' since 2 years after it got published, Lehman has won
a CUNY Championship, 6 starters have graduate and one, Edgar Lugo is playing professionaly in Venezuela and must recently
in the Dominican Republic.
But was more impressive is that the Captians, Jonathan Rojas, Chris Bowman, Mike Patrik are all teaching young kids the
game of life, has all tree of them are coaches, Jonathan Rojas the 'Landlord' is iving his dream of being a teacher and a
coach at a HS in New Jersey.
Johan
Santana ganó premio "Luis Aparicio"
El venezolano
de mejor actuación en grandes ligas en 2004
Octubre 23, 2004
Caracas, (especial). El lanzador venezolano Johan Santana, de los
Mellizos de Minnesota, ganó el premio Luis Aparicio, que desde este
año otorga la Major League Baseball (MLB) con el auspicio de Maltín Polar, al pelotero venezolano más destacado en la temporada
de las Grandes Ligas estadounidenses.
Santana, uno de los firmes candidatos para también ganar el Cy Young,
durante la actual temporada fue líder de la Liga Americana en los departamentos de efectividad (2.62), ponches (265) y promedio
de bateo de oponentes (.192), además de ocupar el segundo lugar en victorias (20).
Santana reunió el 99 por ciento de los votos de primer lugar en la
elección, en la cual participaron 90 periodistas, narradores y comentaristas de medios de comunicación social venezolanos
y de habla hispana de Estados Unidos.
Desde que en 1939, Alejandro Carrasquel se convirtió en el primer
venezolano en jugar en las Grandes Ligas, ningún lanzador de este país había ganado 20 partidos en una temporada hasta que
Santana lo hizo este año.
Melvin Mora, tercera base de los Orioles de Baltimore, ocupó el segundo
lugar en la votación, tras ser el segundo mejor bateador de la Liga Americana con promedio de 340 puntos.
En el tercer puesto arribó Bob Abreu, jardinero de los Filis de Filadelfia,
quien disparó 30 jonrones y estafó 40 almohadillas para completar la segunda temporada con 30-30 de su carrera, después que
lo había conseguido por primera vez durante la edición de 2001. La elección de Santana para este premio, se oficializaría
en Boston durante el segundo encuentro de la Serie Mundial 2004 entre los Medias Rojas y los Cardenales de San Luis, de este
domingo.
Santana recibirá el galardón en la ciudad de Maracaibo el próximo
18 de noviembre, con ocasión de celebrarse los 51 años del debut de Luis Aparicio como jugador profesional.
Santana, que está nominado para el premio Cy Young por su actuación
en la Liga Americana como abridor de los Mellizos de Minnesota con récord de 20 ganados y 6 perdidos, también fue galardonado
con el premio "Warren Spahn", que otorga desde 1999 el Oklahoma Sports Museum of Guthrie, al mejor lanzador zurdo de la temporada.
Esta última distinción sólo la tienen el lanzador de los Cascabeles
de Arizona, Randy Johnson (1999-2000-2001-2002) y Andy Pettite, quien lo ganó el año pasado. Este premio honra a Luis Aparicio,
con una impecable trayectoria del único venezolano que integra el Salón de la Fama de Cooperstown desde 1984, tras cumplir
una ilustre carrera de 18 temporadas entre 1956 y 1973 con los equipos Medias Blancas de Chicago, Orioles de Baltimore y Medias
Rojas de Boston.
Bosox make historic comeback...
October 22, 2004
Let me give major props
to the Boston Red Sox. David Ortiz and his grew gave the Bosox fans the biggest comeback in Sports history, has Manny Ramirez
and Colombian-born Orlando Cabrera stabed the Yankees pride by coming back from a 0-3 game deficit and celebrated in the House
the Ruth Built. That humiliation is enough to let the Boss know that money Can’t buy you love....
The Yankees fail to recognize the power of a Unify Team.
They did not comprehend that to win it takes more than putting 9 of the best possible players out there and allow them to
play. To be a championship club, a team needs to have alongside talented players, chemistry, a championship attitude and togetherness.
The Red Sox have this. This Bosox has had more then their share of
up's and down's, their war tested and by far the better team in the American League, maybe the majors...although, the Cardinals
might be thinking otherwise.
Venezolanos brillaron
en las Grandes Ligas
Temporada de ensueño para los criollos
Melvin fue el segundo mejor artillero de la Liga Americana con promedio
de .340 sólo por detrás de nada más y nada menos que Ichiro Suzuki, quien además de llevarse el título de bateo impuso una
nueva marca de más imparables en una misma campaña
El triunfo de Astros de Houston sobre Rockies de Colorado marcó
el final de la ronda eliminatoria de las Grandes Ligas, ya que a pesar de que restaban algunos encuentros dentro del calendario
oficial, los tejanos completaron los ocho equipos que a partir de hoy martes estarán disputando los play off.
La de este año fue sin duda la mejor performance en la historia para
los venezolanos desde que Alejandro "Patón" Carrasquel irrumpió en grandes ligas por allá en 1.939. No sólo en números, pues
de hecho tuvimos la mayor cantidad de bigleaguers (66) en una sola contienda (la mejor había sido en el 2002 con 54 peloteros)
sino también en calidad y para muestra le vamos a dar algunos ejemplos que por supuesto encabezará el lanzador estelar de
Mellizos de Minnesota, Johan Santana, quien sin duda debe ser el ganador absoluto del Cy Young de la Liga Americana.
Santana dejó constancia de que no tiene rivales para ser el pitcher
del año en el joven circuito luego de dejar récord de 20 ganados y 6 derrotas llevándose además lideratos de la Liga en strikeouts
(265) y en efectividad (2.61) además de ser nombrado "Lanzador del Mes" durante julio, agosto y septiembre cuando acumuló
13 victorias al hilo sin derrotas.
Ah!, como para que no se nos pase, Santana se unió a su compatriota
Carlos Zambrano, otro de gran actuación (16-8 y 2.75 de efectividad) para quedar registrados como los únicos criollos en ser
nombrados "Lanzadores del Mes" durante el mismo período tanto en la Liga Americana como en la Liga Nacional respectivamente.
En lo que se refiere a la ofensiva no podemos dejar de expresar admiración
por el antesalista de Orioles de Baltimore, Melvin Mora quien a pesar de estar adaptándose por primera vez en su carrera a
una posición fija, pudo mantener la concentración para convertirse (diríamos que sólo por detrás de Miguel Tejada) en uno
de los más productivos de equipo.
Melvin fue el segundo mejor artillero de la Liga Americana con promedio
de .340 sólo por detrás de nada más y nada menos que Ichiro Suzuki, quien además de llevarse el título de bateo impuso una
nueva marca de más imparables en una misma campaña. Pero Mora sumó mucho más pues se vio involucrado en casi todos los departamentos
ofensivos del joven circuito al anotar 111 carreras, dar 187 incogibles, 41 dobles, 27 jonrones e impulsar 104. Una temporada
verdaderamente redonda.
En la Liga Nacional, el jardinero de Filis de Filadelfia, Bob Abreu,
una vez más estuvo a la altura de los mejores cabilleros, sobretodo cuando el domingo alcanzó su segunda temporada con 30
o más cuadrangulares y 30 o más bases robadas.
Abreu concluyó la contienda con .301 de promedio y sumó 105 carreras
remolcadas además de sus 40 estafadas y 118 anotadas.
Jonrones a granel
De los 66 criollos que vieron acción, 34 de ellos dispararon cuadrangulares,
6 más que los despachados en la 2003.
Víctor Martínez de los Indios de Cleveland sacó tres bambinazos en
un juego el 16 de julio contra Marineros de Seattle para sumarse a Andrés Galarraga (1995), Edgardo Alfonzo (1999) y Richard
Hidalgo (2003), como los únicos de por estos lados en dar tal demostración de poder. Pero eso no es todo, porque el receptor
de la tribu superó el registro que tenía Ramón Hernández (21 jonrones en 2003) al dar 23 en el 2004.
Además dejó atrás las 85 carreras empujadas por Baudilio Díaz cuando
jugó para los Filis de Filadelfia. Martínez remolcó 108 en la recién culminada zafra para también establecer un nuevo récord
para Cleveland, Sandy Alomar en 1997 fletó 85.
Mientras que Alex González impuso una marca entre los nuestros con
23 vuelacercas para un campocorto. El récord anterior estaba en su poder porque se fue para la calle 18 veces el año pasado.
Carlos Guillén se quedó en 20 por causa de una lesión.
Santana dio cátedra de pitcheo
El zurdo Johan Santana con los Mellizos de Minnesota se embolsilló
20 victorias, y mejoró la cifra de Freddy García con 18 laureles en el 2001. Santana también se convirtió en el mejor ponchador
de Venezuela en el beisbol estadounidense con 265, García ostentaba el récord con 181 en el 2002.
Además superó su propia marca de 13 abanicados en un juego contra
Azulejos de Toronto en el 2002. El serpentinero siniestro ponchó a 14 bateadores de los Orioles de Baltimore el 19 de septiembre.
Como si fuera poco, Santana es el mellizo con más guillotinados en
un mes con 61 en julio. Por su puesto, firme candidato para llevarse el premio Cy Young de la Liga Americana.
Freddy García propinó 185 ponches, Kelvim Escobar 184 y Carlos Zambrano
abanicó a 183.
Galarraga a uno de los 400
Andrés Galarraga venció nuevamente al cáncer y volvió a las grandes
ligas para cumplir su temporada 19 y empatar a David Concepción como los venezolanos con más años jugados.
Adicionalmente, El Gran Gato al usar el uniforme de los Angelinos
de Anaheim, igualó a Fred Manrique y Jesús Marcano Trillo en vestir 7 camisetas distintas en la gran carpa. Las de Galarraga:
Montreal, San Luis, Colorado, Atlanta, Texas y San Francisco.
Sin embargo, el inicialista no pudo lograr su tan anhelada marca y
se quedó a tan solo un cuadrangular de los 400 de por vida que se había planteado como meta.
Postemporada
En la postemporada los criollos también harán su importante aporte,
en esta ocasión serán 15 los que participen en las series divisionales.
Houston: Raúl Chávez y Carlos Hernández.
Los Angeles: César Iztúris, Giovanni
Carrara y Wilson Alvarez.
San Luis: Roger Cedeño.
Atlanta: Eduardo Pérez.
Yankees: Miguel Cairo.
Minnesota: Juan Rincón, Johan Santana,
Luis Rivas, Henry Blanco y Carlos Silva.
Anaheim: Kelvim Escobar y Francisco
Rodríguez.
Pepe Rivas Jr. Diario 2001 Venezuela
 Venezuelan Youth wonder about future in times of political crisis.
Over the past 2 years and a half, Venezuela has became a nation of
political uncertainty. Clashes between opposition groups of President Hugo Chavez regime and Pro-Government supporters (Chavistas)
has cause hundreds of deaths and has left many to wonder what will became of Venezuela’s future.
The political crisis has effected everyone. From young
to old, from farmers to merchants, to students and everyday individuals. The Bolivarian Revolution of President Hugo Chavez
and his political ideology and his opposition has affected the everyday life of all Venezuelan. And the youth of Venezuela
ask whats next?
It what has became a political Novela, you can
only stop and wonder what will the future hold for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan youth who are forgotten while the political
criminals of both the Chavistas and the opposition fight for bargain rights. In the middle of this political malice stand
the youth that the hideous politician of both sides are destroying. In Caracas, Venezuelans capital, it’s apparent that
the countries political uncertainty is effecting the educational, recreational and spiritual growth of its’ youth. Venezuelan
has had a rich tradition in athletics. Having had hundreds of professional baseball players come to the USA to participate
in the mayor leagues and having had several players play in the NBA, Venezuela is a heaven for professional scouts. Its rich
educational institutions have open doors abroad as well, our youth have earned international awards and scholarships to the
must prestigious institutions in the world. While also excelling in the arts, having influential musicians and recognized
artist’s. But now days, Venezuelan youths are in the middle of a power struggle between two political chains that are
killing their dreams and extinguishing their future.
Poverty and unemployment is at a country all-time high.
Read Mondays’ newspapers and find that during the weekend there were 91 homicides. There is no school, cause either
the oppositions or the Chavistas are taking up the streets to march, for what they call, "Marches of hope". I wonder if this
leaders understand that their ego for power is destroying our youth, furthermore, our Country?
Speak to either of the evil doers and you get a political
response. Blaming the other while both sides are corrupting and tarnishing the country. No one is right in this cause, but
one thing is for sure, while unemployment and the country poverty sky rockets as the days go by, and while more violence occur,
there are millions of true Venezuelan which future their hurting.
The young are gasping for air. Some have scummed
to violence, drugs and alcohol. Frustrated and watching their dreams die, as both sides of the political spectrum lie about
a better future. But many of today Venezuelan youth are still hopeful and looking out for the light after the tunnel. A light
that will only appear if both the political assassin step aside.
Please visit: John Sanchez: Venezuela's Y Generation can only stop for a moment, imagine for more on the Venezuelan Crisis.
Venezolano Johan Santana hist órico
19 Septiembre, 2004
El lanzador venezolano Johan Santana se convirtió
ayer en la t arde en el primer venezolano en ganar diecinueve juegos en una temporada de Grandes Ligas.
El zurdo,
que además sacó a 14 bateadores por la vía del ponche, concedió siete imparables sin carreras, para bajar a 2.65 s
u efectividad de carreras limpias permitidas en la temporada regular. En su carrera totalizó 254 abanicados. Sus compatriotas,
el segunda base Luis Rivas y el receptor Henry Blanco, ayudaron a Santana en el ataque, al disparar sendos jonrones solitarios.
De esta manera el serpentinero criollo abona el camino para adueZarse del codiciado premio Cy Young.
Fall Baseball: A sense of renewal.
September 19, 2004
Its called the fall classic for a reason. Great athletes like Reggie
Jackson have gain their legacy in the Fall. Mr. October was born in the fall, having felt renewal by the excitement
of a new season, the post season with all its passion and power for the dramatic.
Baseball and the fall is a romance made in heaven. The one needs the
other to be able to embrace the emotions. The other climates such has the spring and summer have their songs and the winters
its snowflakes, but all of them yearn to be able to host the best sport event of all sports events, the World Series.
But not only major league baseball enjoys its sunny chill days of
autumn, so do we, the local amateur baseball fan who participates through fall baseball leagues and high school fall ball.
The fall ends summer and brings us a new beginning of scholastic baseball
as the coaches and player dream of a high school championship.
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| Julio Franco turn's 46 Years Old and countinues to be productive for Atlanta |
Happy 46 Birthday Julio Franco...
August 31st, 2004
Atlanta Braves Julio Franco turned 46 years old this past Tuesday and he plans to be playing in the
Majors well into his 50's. For anyone that has participated in competitive sports, what Julio has accomplished is more then
amazing.
Happy Birthday Julio and a big shout-out of support to you.
To read Julio Franco's interview with Scott Miller go to: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/fantasy/story/7606985(It’s a great article...)
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| Felix Sanchez Makes Dominican History |
'Super' Felix win's one for Dominicana
August 27, 2004
Let me take a time out on baseball and give major Props to Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic.
Felix has brought home to the island the first ever Gold Medal in Dominican Olympic history by winning in the 400 hurls event.
Felix victory represents, that by working hard and committing oneself to a goal, a miracle of hope
can be accomplish. For many young athletes that seek sports to obtain the necessary discipline to excel in both the sports
they so love and which discipline will carry forward to a more successful life off it, Felix story is a success indeed.
Congratulations to ‘Super’ Felix and the
Dominican Republic, you have made all Latin-American proud.
Youth Empowerment end of summer review.
August, 2004
I start this Youth Empowerment Baseball 2004 summer review with a joyful heart. In this our first year of
competition has a program, we have accomplished more things then we sat out to do. That is why today I would like to give
thanks to the coaches, parents, friends and sponsors who have supported us in this beginning road to making Youth Empowerment
the number#1 baseball amateur program in the Bronx, and eventuality in the city. I would also like to take this time to congratulate
our students-athletes who along with their hard work and commitment positively serve as good-will ambassadors of Youth Empowerment
on and off the field of competition.
At the start of 2004 I was delighted to introduced to the Amateur Baseball community the ‘Youth Empowerment
Genesis’ the beginning of sound fundamental baseball thought in an environment base on integrity, respect, passion
for the well being of our society, and our commitment to helping our student-athletes gain the knowledge to become successful
on and off the baseball diamond. We have sat out to accomplish this by proving a save-heaven with a support program base on
our designed year-round program that recognizes and develops the 4- A’s: Academic, Attitude, Achievement and Athletics.
Our Program was participant of an avalanche of success, must noticeable by the fast spread of recognition
and support by local MLB scouts, College and High School coaches and last but not least by parents. Our program has received
many compliments in leagues and showcases we had the opportunity to participate. We where able to set the foundation of what
our program is all about: "Building better players for life long success".
‘Youth Empowerment-Venezuela’ created.
This summer we also proudly announced the creation of ‘Youth Empowerment-VENEZUELA’ a program created with the vision of helping student-athletes who are less fortunate in the economic strained nation
of Venezuela. This partnership of good-will, will allowed our youth and YE member to give back to those who are in need of
school supplies, sports equipment and support in this South American Nation.
Youth Empowerment has joined forces with Mr. Edgar Mata, General sports Minister of the Guaira State
of Venezuela, and ordained him to lead our efforts in that region. Mr. Mata is a husband, a father and a noble
man that will carry out with great enthusiasm our efforts to give back to our society. Along with his general duty’s,
he will be in charge of making sure that all our efforts are met and that the children and youth obtain the necessary assistance
we provide.
I will be adding more information in the up coming days on how you can get involve in our efforts to alleviate
some of the problems Venezuelan youth face in their daily life.
‘2004-2005 Fall and Winter Program straight ahead’.
Has our summer season ends, another season of fundamental baseball rises in the fall. Our staff is excited
about the Fall 2004 YE-Baseball clinics starting September 12. Our weekly clinics will give our students an opportunity to
end the year in a positive note, allowing them to refresh and redefined their skills in this 4 week program.
In conclusion I want to express my thanks to all the members that make the Youth Empowerment family one of unity, mutual respect and of growth.
I’m looking forward with great enthusiasm to continue to work ,alongside you, in making Youth
Empowerment Baseball the number#1 program in our city.
Enthusiasm is the difference,
Coach Sanchez
Youth Empowerment Students making
strides in College.
Let me take a moment to congratulate Youth Empowerment Student-Athlete Emmanuel
Paula. Paula made a commitment to play collegiate baseball and earn a college education at Western
Oklahoma State University and will attend the University this spring.
Paula has being a member of the Youth Empowerment Baseball Academy family for 3 years. Paula
success both on and off the field is a tribute to his hard work and dedication to success.
Kudos go out to Jovanny Ramos as well for completing his first semester with
a 3.0 GPA at Temple University. Jovanny a graduate of Alfred E. Smith High School in the Bronx, transfer
to Temple after a great Freshman year at Hostos Community College where he had a 1.98 ERA and a .387 batting
average.
It is with great pride to update you on Youth Empowerment Student-Athletes as our main objective is to help
each program member obtain a college education. Once again, Congrats to Jovanny and Paula and continue success!!!
Coach Sanchez Corner
A Different Look at Baseball
and Life.
Click here to e-mail me your comments
Youth Empowerment Baseball, Inc.
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