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Page A8 • June 7, 2012 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers Alternatives loom for prospects By Harvey M. Kahn league open tryouts. An undrafted, undersized left-handed his book, The Ageless Arm, where he details his 30 years pitcher out of North Dakota State University, Paterson was of pro and semi-pro pitching career. espite investing millions signed as a free agent to play in Europe. He later hooked Locally, there is 62-year-old ex-Fontana High pitcher Tom in an effort to sign foreign players, there are still on with the indie Surf Dogs and with the Tijuana Benedickt, who allegedly was still pitching somewhere in alternatives for those who have not received an op - Cimarrones. A sore arm ended his playing career but at 26 city leagues. "Last I heard, he was still throwing," said for - poDrtunity at America's national past time. If you can make years old is one of pro baseball's youngest managers, albeit mer Eisenhower High School assistant Monte Skidmore. the routine plays, can hit a curveball, and have a little spend - at absolute rock bottom. Benedickt could possibly be in Arizona awaiting the next ing money to tide you over, there COULD BE a profes - In a phone interview Paterson said that independent open tryout for the inaugural Freedom Pro Baseball League. sional baseball roster spot for you. leagues are made of undrafted college, prep players and Closer to home, the Urban Youth Academy in Compton The downside is that you will probably have to travel and those released from MLB contracts. Sprinkled in are much will be hosting a free open tryout on June 12 for the Major will make about $600 per month playing for one of the hun - older players "who miss going to and can't League Baseball Scouting Bureau. "This tryout is designed dreds of professional Independent League teams. On July give up their love of the game." Paterson played independ - for kids with talent who have fallen through the cracks," 8th, the Pecos League will be holding an open tryout as part ent baseball against 52 year-old-year former big leaguer said Urban Youth Academy spokesman Ike Hampton. He of its All-Star Game festivities. There is a $50 fee, however Tony Phillips and 46-year-old . He saw said the Academy is funded by MLB, designed to provide you must travel 800 miles to White Sands, New Mexico. younger players on their way up like Kevin Youklis and inner city youth an outlet. "We have no borders. Everyone Former Redlands Valley High player Chris Paterson is Jason Jennings. can register and become a member no matter where you the manager of the White Sands . Paterson is also a Jamie Moyer, the 49-year-old who pitched a few games live." Hampton said that a top level Collegiate Summer scout for the Tampa Bay Rays and will help conduct the this season for the Colorado Rockies has created further League is played on the Academy's minor league-scale tryouts. Last season the Arizona Diamondbacks signed a motivation to those with a speck of old hope. In Paterson's field. He said that former major league players are constant player right off the field just prior to the Pecos League All- Pecos League, there is 48-year-old Rodney Tafoya who visitors. "Our complex is unlike anything around," said Star Game. pitches for the Santa Fe (New Mexico) Fuego. Tafoya has Hampton. Paterson, himself has taken advantage of independent been hanging on the fringes of pro baseball long enough to For info call the Urban Youth Academy at (310) 763- become a regional celebrity. Tafoya conducts signings of 3479. Redlands Baseball for Youth, Colt Division

American Sports University announces scholarships merican Sports University has announced they are awarding $5 million worth of scholarships to local Inland Empire resi -

IECN PHOTOS BUD BRACKEN dents for the summer and fall semesters. Programs include Pictured from left: Brody Arbeiter , batter Sage Lee , and pitcher Anthony Tejeda . BAachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Sports Education. American Sports University is proud to offer scholarships to qualifying domestic and international students based on achievement in academics, First half title hopes alive, 66ers win in HD athletics and leadership. In addition to merit-based scholarships, ASU offers a variety of other ways to finance your education. nland Empire recorded a 9-5 For more information visit our website at: www.AmericanSportsUni - win over the High Desert versity.com or call our Admissions Office at (909) 889-5555 extension Mavericks (31-27) in a must 35. wIin game for the 66ers (27-31) Monday night, keeping a 1st half title in the realm of possibilities for the High-A Halos. High Desert had an early lead and looked headed towards a sweeping knock out blow of In - land Empire in the first half race. But after staking the Mavs a 4-0 lead through four, Inland Empire started their charge RBI singles from Jett Bandy and Jean Alman - zar. In the 6th C.J. Cron’s first ca - IECN PHOTO COURTESY IE 66 ERS /F ERNANDO GUTIERREZ reer helped Inland C.J. Cron recorded his first professional stolen base, and ex - Empire make it a one game tended his hit streak to 20 games. when he scored on a single by Taylor Lindsey. 20 straight games in franchise his - day to begin a three game set with Inland Empire trailed by two tory. the Nuts. The game can be heard headed to the late innings when the Max Russell threw seven strong on the home of 66ers baseball offense really erupted. The team innings on his way to the win, and KCAA 1050 AM beginning with batted around in the 8th, with a Bryant George finished the final the San Manuel Band of Mission highlight hit from Jean Almanzar two without allowing a run for his Indians Pre-Game show at 6:55. who recorded a two run single to second save of the season. Jett For information on 66ers tickets or put Inland Empire in front. In the Bandy added a to the to schedule your next fun filled 9th C.J. Cron’s stretched his 66ers offensive haul, his fourth of group outing, contact the 66ers hit streak to 20 games, just the the season. front office at (909)888-9922, or fourth time a 66er has hit safely in The 66ers head to Modesto Tues - check out the website 66ers.com.