Monday Alumni Update by Mike Manning

Tuesday May 4^th, 2010 

Wilmington, Delaware 

I had a chance to see one of our former players, Pete Hissey, play as a professional for the first time last Tuesday. It was an interesting experience, to watch a ball player whom I have known now for many years, in uniform as a minor leaguer. Now that I’m a parent of 2 great kids, I can imagine how proud Pete’s Mom and Dad were- watching their son take the field. 

Pete signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2008 after being drafted in the 4^th round out of Unionville High School. During the pre-game I got a chance to catch up with Jason Taylor of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Both Jason and his brother James played and participated in many ASBA events over the years. Jason was a second round pick for the KC Royals in 2007 and to my disappointment was on the disabled list due to a pulled hamstring. I was looking forward to seeing him play in the same game as Pete.  

While watching the game, I had a chance to catch up with Mark Gosik, the father of former ASBA player Chris Gosik, who is a freshman at East Carolina University. We talked about how Chris was doing at ECU and all of the former ASBA alumni who are currently in and around college baseball.

In Pete’s first two at bats he rolled over pitches to the second baseman. In his third at bat the Blue Rocks had him played perfectly as the left fielder caught a line drive two steps from the left field line.  Scouting reports pay dividends!

In his fourth at bat, Pete drew a walk and proceeded to steal 2^nd on a great jump. He advanced to third on an errant throw by the catcher to second.

Throughout the game, it dawned on me how hard it must be for Pete to perform on a daily basis- let alone with 50 friends and family members in the stands. He didn’t look nervous, but I could tell he was pressing….a little.

Thanks for checking in. Look for a full recap next Monday on how all of the ASBA college alumni are doing as their seasons draw to a close. 

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