21 July, 2004

Mariners Boast Five All-Stars

     It was a good start of the week for the Mariners as the team battled out a 4-3 victory over rival Y-D on Monday. They also found out five of their own were named to the Eastern All Star team. The game will be played Saturday at 6 p.m. at Eldredge Park in Orleans.

     Leading the way was catcher John Slone of Miami of Ohio who has stepped up as a team leader, and has been a factor at and behind the plate.“John Slone has been our workhorse and our team MVP, we would be lost without him,” said Harwich manager Steve Englert. He is leading the team with a .293 batting average, he also leads the team in hits (24) and is third in RBIs (10). In addition to his solid offensive numbers, Slone has been the glue that has kept the pitching staff together. “He is exceptional with handling the pitching staff and he gets the big hits and does everything for us; he’s been great,” said Englert. Slone said he was honored to be named to the All-Star squad but was sure to talk about the hard work of his pitchers. “We have a great staff and we should continue to do well. As far as being an All Star it is an honor to be judged with the elite and I can’t wait. It should be a fun time,” said Slone

     .As good as Slone has been, no one has been on a roll like Jon Aughey of the Citadel. In the last week the Mariner second basemen has been on fire and has raised his average to .290.“I haven’t seen anything in a while like John over the past two weeks; it really pole vaulted him into the All-Star game,” said Englert.

     They will be joined by outfielder Ben Copeland of Pittsburgh who has been an all-purpose threat for Englert and the model of consistency. He is batting .255 with 21 hits and has been a demon on the base paths with 10 steals, second in the league. “He has been solid for us, he deserves to be there, he plays tremendous defense and has been stealing bags,” said Englert. Copeland credits a positive attitude for his consistency.“I never got down on myself even if I went 0-4. I was so happy to be up here, it’s so much fun, and I look at all that I have here,” said Copeland. 

     On the mound, starter Dan Brauer of Northwestern and closer Craig Hansen of St. John’s will represent the Mariners. Brauer is 4-1 with a 1.76 ERA and is among the league leaders in strikeouts with 43. “He has been an exceptional starter; he has had us in every game he has been on the hill for. He saves our bullpen and he has been a real stopper for us,” said Englert.In 30 innings pitched opponents are only batting .143 off the lefty hurler. “I never imagined anything like this (All Star selection) I just hope to hang around and get through some innings but it has gone better than I expected,” said Brauer.He has been very impressed with the league and is excited about the All Star game. “When I first worked out with the team I saw all the hitters had power and all the pitchers threw gas; it was impressive,” he said.

     Rounding out the Mariner All Stars is closer Craig Hansen, who has been un-hittable. The 6 foot 6 fireballer has been one of the league’s top closers having already notched seven saves. In 14.2 innings of work he has a 0.00 ERA and 25 strikeouts. “This guy is one of the most outstanding players we have had up here in a while,” said Englert. “The kid’s 0.00 ERA, he’s hitting 97 mph, he throws hard strikes and beats bats and I am very confident when he comes out for the ninth.”“Were doing good; we are in playoff contention, and I’m glad I have had the opportunity to play up here with a lot of great players,” said Hansen. 

      Aughey will be the lone All Star starter for the Mariners but all should get a chance to make an impact Saturday.