Braves announce Jason Heyward as their starting right fielder

According to Espn.com, the Atlanta Braves have announced that 20 year-old rookie sensation Jason Heyward will be their starting right fielder come opening day. Manager Bobby Cox is ecstatic about his highly touted prospect, saying, "he makes us a lot better. He doesn't just hit, he can do it all. And his makeup is off the charts."
Heyward was the Braves first-round pick in 2007, and has risen quick through their minor league system. As with all rookies with that have displayed strong spring training performances, the season will reveal if he is the next Ruben Rivera or Ken Griffey Jr.

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Brooklynite Halama released by the Brewers

Last week, the Milwaukee Brewers released former Bishop Ford HS and St. Francis College standout John Halama. The 38 year-old Halama was signed to a minor league contract in the offseason and was a non-roster invitee to spring training. Halama spent nine seasons in the majors, posting a record of 56-48, appearing in the 2000 and 2001 playoffs with the Seattle Mariners. Halama is pictured left speaking at the GNYSAA Lou Demartino Baseball Clinic in December of 2009.

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Book Review: The Mandak League: Haven for former Negro League ballplayers 1950-1957

Mandak League: Haven for Former Negro League Ballplayers, 1950-1957
Barry Swanton -
McFarland Publishing, 2006.
222 pp.

In the early 1950's, with the demise of the Negro Leagues and the availability of better racial conditions, playing baseball in Canada became an increasingly viable option for younger and aging black baseball players. SABR member Barry Swanton chronicles the history of the ManDak League, which opened its doors to many fine talents including Hall of Famers Ray Dandridge, Leon Day, Satchel Paige and Willie Wells.

This work serves as a great reference for the fan that wants to know more about the history of the league and the players involved. Each season is chronicled with details on statistics, pennant races, stadiums, and franchises. The second half of the book is devoted to profiling all of the players of the ManDak League, with special attention given to the former Negro League players.

While the book itself lacks any particularly enthralling tales, it has its place as an excellent resource to connect the dots of the Negro League players that traveled north to continue their careers in relative obscurity.

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Willie Davis, 69, Los Angeles Dodgers Centerfielder, 1940-2010

Willie Davis, who was the successor to the legendary center fielder Duke Snider, was found dead at his home in Burbank, Calif. on Tuesday. He was 69.
Davis owns several Los Angeles Dodgers records, including the longest hitting streak (31 games), hits (2,091), extra-base hits (585), at-bats (7,495), runs (1,004), triples (110) and total bases (3,094).
In addition to his offensive prowess, Davis was an excellent center fielder, earning three Gold Glove awards. He was named to two All-Star teams in 1971 and 1973.
Davis spent 14 seasons with the Dodgers before being traded to Montreal in 1974 for Mike Marshall. He went on to play for the Texas Rangers, the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres and the California Angels. He also spent time playing in the Japanese and Mexican leagues before retiring in the early 1980's.

More Information on Willie Davis -

New York Times Obituary - Willie Davis is dead at 69

ESPN.com - Los Angeles Dodgers greats remember Davis

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Tommy Lasorda inducted into Cuban Sports Hall of Fame

MLB Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda was inducted into the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday in Miami. This makes for the 16th Hall of Fame of which Lasorda has been enshrined. To read the details on Lasorda's induction, click here.

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