Greg Giombarrese caught up with several of the SAL Champions after the game, here is a quote from each and a link to hear the entire podcast, enjoy:
Starting Pitcher Korey Noles:
On pitching in front of his family and friends:
“It means a lot, having all this support and all the people behind just really helps you to get over that hump and really dig deep”
BlueClaws Hitting Coach Greg Legg:
On seeing the ball hit for the final out:
“All year long, even through spring training, I told the guys that Harold Garcia was my favorite player…because he played second and so did I, so when the ball was hit to him I yelled ‘It’s my favorite player!’ it’s euphoria, and I think its the journey that makes it worth while…”
BlueClaws Third Baseman Travis Mattair:
On seeing the final out:
“I started jumping around, I was so excited that’s the moment you’ve been working for the whole season. One-hundred and forty games plus the playoffs, that’s what you grind for throughout the season to get to that moment and when it happened it was kind of surreal, but it’s a great feeling and such a great group of guys and I’m so thrilled to be a part of this team.”
BlueClaws Outfielder Anthony Gose and Catcher Travis d’Arnaud:
“It was one of the best feelings in the world” - d’Arnaud “This was my first time being part of a championship team and it was amazing.” - Gose
Korey Noles - 5′ 11″ 185 Lefty - Noles was selected in the 2008 draft in the 24th round by the Philadelphia Phillies out of Columbus State University in Georgia. Noles began his career last season with Williamsport, under the direction of Dusty Wathan, and pitched 15 2/3 innings and allowed just four runs. Noles began 2009 with the GCL Phillies and alloowed one run in 18 innings, so then he moved to Williamsport where he had a 2.34 ERA in 42 1/3 innings. Noles struck out 39 and walked just 11. The word around the clubhouse is that Noles has a devastating change up and that he could be a real impact pitcher for the BlueClaws come playoff time. He also offers another left-handed option within this pitching staff.
Austin Hyatt - 6′ 2″ 180 Righty - The 15th round selection in 2009 out of the University of Alabama has put up some stunning numbers in his first season in professional baseball with the Williamsport Crosscutters. Here they are: In 54 1/3 innings, Hyatt has allowed just four earned runs (0.66 ERA), he has struck out 81, walked just 12, and allowed only 26 hits. Opposing batters are hitting .141 off of Hyatt. In his last start, he went 7 innings, allowed three hits and struck out 11.