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Chatham A's Raring and Ready to Go for Race

06/16/2004 10:55 AM

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for immediate release: 16 June, 2004

Chatham A’s Raring and Ready to Go for 2004 Pennant Race


CAPE COD, Mass. – As perennial playoff contenders, the Chatham A’s look to a mix of outstanding young talent as well as seasoned pitching on their quest for the Eastern Division title in 2004. The A’s hope to keep North Carolina State pitcher Joey Devine, who has been invited to try out for Team USA. Devine will probably be a late comer, and the A’s hope Team USA does not lure him away from their roster all together. 

     “While we wish these guys the best, we need their talent,” said Chatham A’s General Manager Charlie Thoms. Pitcher Ian Kennedy (University of Southern California) and pitcher/first baseman Stephen Head (Mississippi) have also been hand-picked to showcase their talents for Team USA. Head was also a 3rd Team All-American selection. 

     Devine pitches with a ¾ side arm delivery, and while NC State did not have such a successful campaign in 2004, Devine has been outstanding at N.C. State, and is well-respected by his teammates and opponents. Jake Muyco, a teammate of Devine’s at N.C. State, will share the catching duties for the A’s with Zach Dillon, a product of the renowned Baylor baseball program. Robby Jacobsen (George Mason) will also help behind the plate, as well as play outfield. 

     Andrew Miller joins the A’s pitching staff after a sensational freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At six-foot-six and 210 pounds, the young lefty cuts an impressive and intimidating figure on the mound. Although he is young, Miller is highly-touted and full of potential. The Chatham pitching staff can only be bettered by his talent. Miller’s teammate at North Carolina, Marshall Hubbard, will bring his agility and speed to the Chatham outfield.

     As compared to the other teams in the Cape Cod Baseball League, the A’s have relatively fewer late-comers who are either still in the NCAA playoffs or have gotten the nod from Team USA. “We’ve got 11 players here already, so I guess that means we really stink,” joked head coach John Schiffner in front of a large crowd of CCBL affiliates at the First Pitch Brunch on Sunday, the league’s annual kick-off. 

     Of course, the colorful and legendary coach, going into his 12th year as head coach with the A’s, was only kidding. Schiffner is well known, well liked, and well respected in the CCBL and throughout the baseball world. Without a doubt, he has a plan which includes his team’s postseason play on the Cape, and his current lineup just might enable him to take home yet another league championship. Schiffner is the dean of Cape League managers and is fourth all-time in wins with 243. He needs 15 to pass CCBL Hall of Fame Red Wilson and move into third place. 

     The Chatham A’s host the Harwich Mariners at Veteran’s Field for opening night on June 17 at 7:00 p.m. --Britt Berry, 2004 CCBL Intern, [email protected]

John Garner, Jr.
CCBL Director of
Public Relations & Broadcasting
(508) 790-0394 [email protected]