The Cyclones’ season may only be a week old, but it is clear which player has already made his presence known to the Brooklyn fans, J.R. Voyles. The infielder from Houston, Texas has made quite an impression on the home crowd since he made his first appearance on opening day, replacing injured teammate Zach Lutz at third base in the fifth inning. The substitution proved to be a turning point. In his first at bat, Voyles hit a homerun over the left field wall that gave the ‘Clones a 3-0 lead over their rivals, the Staten Island Yankees.
J.R. Voyles: Announcing His Presence with Authority
The Cyclones’ season may only be a week old, but it is clear which player has already made his presence known to the Brooklyn fans, J.R. Voyles (left / L. Berardelli).
The infielder from Houston, Texas has made quite an impression on the home crowd since he made his first appearance on opening day, replacing injured teammate Zach Lutz at third base in the fifth inning. The substitution proved to be a turning point.
In his first at bat, Voyles hit a homerun over the left field wall that gave the ‘Clones a 3-0 lead over their rivals, the Staten Island Yankees. He continues to be an offensive gem hitting .370 with 10 hits, two doubles, nine RBI and two homeruns in eight games; he has only struck out twice in 27 at bats.
"I try not to think too much at the plate," Voyles said. "If I think too much I get myself in trouble. I just look for good pitches to hit."
The Mets drafted Voyles in the 34th round of the 2006 draft. In his first year he split his time with the Gulf Coast Mets, the team’s Rookie affiliate, and the Hagerstown Suns, the team’s former Class A affiliate.
Voyles may have a year of professional ball under his belt, but can Brooklyn baseball compare with his former experiences?
"I love Brooklyn," he said. "I love the stadium, the fans, everything. Here it is more like baseball because of the fans and the atmosphere."
Brooklyn’s atmosphere was conducive for the 2001 inaugural team where current manager Edgar Alfonzo led the team to a Co-Championship. Alfonzo’s aggressive manner and previous track record with the team doesn’t seem to affect Voyles negatively. In fact, it agrees with him.
"Edgar is really demanding but he gets results," Voyles said. "He is a smart man and I make sure I listen to him."
Voyles has proved to be a good listener so far. In his last appearance he went 2-for-4 with his second homerun of the season tacking on two more RBI leading the Cyclones to their sixth win, this time over the Aberdeen Ironbirds, keeping the team in in sole possession of first place as the season opens.
***
Before the Cyclones started their game on Sunday, June 24, two legendary Brooklyn ball players were honored for the stadium’s "1957 Night." Former Brooklyn Dodgers Joe Pignatano and Danny McDevitt (left / L. Berardelli) recreated the last pitch that was ever thrown at Ebbets Field 50 years ago. After a banner was unveiled honoring the moment with the two unforgettable names, McDevitt took his place on the mound while Pignatano set himself up behind the plate to catch the ceremonial first pitch.
"I don’t remember much from that day," McDevitt said. "This has been built up for the last 50 years and it is all very important to me now."
As most people know, the Dodgers packed up and moved to Los Angeles before the 1958 season began. Brooklyn did not have a baseball team of their own until 2001 when the Cyclones were brought into existence. Baseball’s triumphant return to the borough of homes and churches meant a lot to many Brooklyn residents young and old, but it had a special meaning to Pignatano.
"I grew up a mile from this stadium and my sandlot team was named the Cyclones so this team coming to Brooklyn means a lot to me," Pignatano said.
Of course to some fans who can remember Ebbets Field and the Brooklyn Dodgers, the loss experienced is one that not many can understand - well, except for Pignatano.
"The fans were great," he said. "The playing field was close to the stands. We were like kids to the fans so when we left Brooklyn you would have thought the fans lost their kids.
