Batter Up!  It’s Dan Bully Sr. and Angela!  The Bully family joined the Detroit Cubs Baseball family this year and have made an immediate impact on making things better for our kids.  All of our families are great, but I wanted to be sure to recognize the Bully’s and their overall commitment to our program.  Anytime we have needed anything (food, gator-aide, hotels, laundry, advice, …) you have jumped in before we even asked.  Our kids are sporting very nice jerseys with their names on the back for the first time as a result of a sponsorship that Dan secured.  I am comfortable speaking for the other parents and coaches, we love you guys and hope that your family’s experience with us has met your expectations.  PLAY BALL!

After an abbreviated 6 week season, its now time for some post season action.  The D-town Tigers are favored in the 12u division but don’t overlook the second seed Detroit Cubs.  Both teams had a bye in the first round but the preparation has continued both on and off the field by players, coaches, and even the fans.

Last year both teams played tough schedules in this division and came up short in the playoffs.  This year, the championship story is starting to write itself as the teams just finished an 8-5, 6 inning nail biter last week.  The Cubs lead the game for 4 innings, until some timely hits and a costly error tied the game.  The crowds were equally loud and supportive of their respective teams throughout the game.  After a four run fifth inning by the Tigers, the crowd booed the umpire and coach Brown of the Cubs had seen enough so he told the umpire how much he appreciated him and got himself ejected from the game.

The two teams must first win their semi-final matches before the stage is set for the championship.  The dates have not been set but the banter has begun and it will fuel the fire for one the most competitive championships in Think Detroit PAL history.  Stay tuned for more updates from www.funbaseballconcepts.com. 

Good luck Cubs and Tigers!  PLAY BALL!

Join the Inner City Exposure (I.C.E.) Program at their first Youth Baseball Combine.

Combine Purpose:

1.  To register players ages 8-14 in the I.C.E. program as a basis to track individual development through High School.  Profiles will be added to their wesite at deticebb.com.  Cumulative data will be used to support recommendations to College Recruiters & Professional Scouts.

2.  To evaluate each player’s skill level based on the 5 tools used by Major League Baseball Scouts.

3.  To gain an understanding of each players strengths and weakness as a basis for development.

Each player will perform the following activities

- Timed 60 yard dash

- Clocked arm strength velocity

- Infield ground balls and throws

- Outfield flies and throws

- Hitting

- Pitching

Combine Director:  Dwight Smith, Philadelphia Phillies Scout 313.658.5607

Combine Coordinator:  Victor Roache Sr.

Sunday June 21st 2009, Jayne Field (Conant St south of Davidson), 10am cost is $20 per player

THERE WILL ALSO BE INSTRUCTION GIVEN AS PART OF THE COMBINE!

I.C.E. is directed by Major League Scouts from the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Cleveland Indians.

Signability. It’s a word you won’t find in Webster’s Dictionary. Rather it’s a slang used quite frequently this time of year by Major League Baseball general managers, scouts, cross-checkers and those who check cross-checkers.

Baseball’s amateur draft begins Tuesday and it is possible a high school player from Michigan will be selected on the first day, in rounds 1-3. There could be two others selected in rounds 4-10 and possibly a total of five in the first 20 rounds.

It all depends on the players’ willingness to sign at a given price.

Despite the changes in baseball, one fact remains constant, and that is the amateur draft is a guessing game. First-round selections are somewhat predictable but that’s about as far as it goes. Scouts won’t show their hands to anyone but their bosses.

This leads us to Dan Fields of U-D Jesuit. His father is Bruce Fields, former hitting coach with the Tigers. Fields is a shortstop and strong hitter who likely will be selected in the first five rounds, possibly the first three. If you happened to attend one of U-D’s games this season, it’s likely you noticed 10, 15, even 20 professional scouts there.

“I’ve got a pretty good feel,” Fields said. “The scouts have called my house. They talk to my dad. I might go late first round, early second. Would I sign? It would depend on what they’re offering. If I don’t get what I’m looking for, I’ll go to U-M.”

Fields signed with Michigan in November. Call it a backup plan and it’s a good one. U-M is one of the top programs in the Big Ten. Fields wants a shot at the major leagues and he and his father know that playing collegiate baseball is one avenue, as is playing in the minor leagues.

“Some people say it’s an advantage to go into a pro system,” Fields said. “Sometimes it can work either way. It’s a win-win situation for me. If I go to U-M, I can get a good education and play for coach (Rich) Maloney.”

tom.markowski@detnews.com (313) 223-4633