Posted by Chris Megginson - Sat, Jun 26, 2010 - [Where Are They Now - Baseball]
Chris Curley started at second base when the Rome Braves visited Lexington.
As the middle of the professional
baseball season approaches, two former Campbellsville University power hitters are getting their pro careers underway in the Minor Leagues.
Chris Curley, a member of the Tigers'
2009 NAIA World Series team, made his return to his home state June 24-28 as
his Rome Braves traveled to the Lexington Legends' Applebee's Park. While the
first game Thursday was a 13-2 loss, Curley singled his first two trips to the
plate, picking up right where he left off at Applebee's Park in 2006 as a member
of the All-A state champion and overall state runner-up Beechwood Tigers.
"It was really cool to step out here
and remember back then," Curley said as he waited to take the field
Friday. "My family will be here every night."
Friday, the Edgewood, Ky., native
struggled to find a hole offensively, as he grounded out twice and struck out
twice with his one RBI night. That has seemed to be the downside of the switch
from metal bats to wood - adjusting to a smaller sweet spot.
"I've been hitting the ball very
well, I just haven't had much luck lately," said Curley, hitting .221.
"I've been hitting it right at them."
Defensively, Curley collected three inning ending assists at second base, including two double
plays, and caught the final out on a line drive for 6-4 win, ending a six-game
road losing streak for Rome. He said he's enjoying the life of a utility player in the pros, rotating every few games between second, third and shortstop.
While Curley now has 33 games in his pro career through Friday, Rowland was
playing in only his third professional game as his Missoula Ospreys were
playing their home opener in Montana Friday and looking for the first win of
the season.
Richie Rowland, seen hitting a home run in the 2010 NAIA Tournament, went 6-for-8 in his first two pro starts.
Richie Rowland, a catcher/designated hitter on the 2010 Tiger club, leads the Ospreys
with a .667 batting average (6-of-9) as the Pioneer League (rookie ball)
season completes its first week.
For him, all the difference is in the wood bat.
"I love wood man," Rowland said.
"I've been using wood since the beginning, man. My pops always made me do it,
smart on his part … I think everyone should swing it, high school and college. The
game was made to play with wood, not metal."
After
flying out in his first pinch hit at bat early in the week, Rowland ripped
three singles to go 3-for-4 in his first start Thursday. Friday, he led the Osprey
again, this time starting the day with his first pro double and following with
two singles and a walk in another 3-for-4 day, this time in Missoula's first
win.
"It felt like a great dream," Rowland said of his first pro
hit Thursday. "When I got the first hit, and was standing on first base, I
felt like I was gonna cry. I mean it was a dream come true, and having three
hits in your pro debut makes it even sweeter. It was also pretty nice having
your little brother cheering you on ... You couldn't write it in a book any
better than this."
Rowland and the Missoula Osprey will play a 75-game regular season, ending
Sept. 9, while Curley and the Rome Braves are beginning the second half of
their 140-game regular season, which will end Sept. 6.
To follow the two Tiger pros this summer, follow the below links.
