Back in the mid 1990’s Rick Forney was a promising young arm in the Baltimore Orioles organization. He burst onto the scene as a 19 year old going 7-0 with a 2.19ERA on a GCL Orioles. Two years later he went 14-8 with a 2.78ERA for the High-A Frederick Keys. However after two seasons with the Double-A Bowie Baysox that resulted in an ERA near five and a brief stop in Triple-A, Forney’s big league dreams fizzled at age 23. From there he pitched in various independent leagues for the next five seasons before retiring from baseball at age 28 while a member of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Forney is now in his 6th season as the manager of the Goldeyes where he recently received the American Association Manager of the Year Award. The story below gives a brief look at Forney’s managerial career and the big crowds he is helping draw to Winnipeg.
Forney named top skipper — WinnipegFreePress.com
Longtime pro wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler has been a regular on the minor league baseball stadium appearance circuit this summer, signing autographs at a number of stadiums throughout the minor leagues. Wayne Carter of the Carroll County Times in Maryland conducted a wide ranging interview with Lawler ahead of his appearance Friday night when the Frederick Keys host the Winston Salem Dash in Carolina League action. In addition to his passion for baseball, Lawler talks about his start in wrestling, the Michael Cole storyline, getting to wrestle The Miz in a series of matches, the current CM Punk storyline, continuing to wrestle in his 60’s, and more. It’s a great read for the baseball fan and a great read for the wrestling fan.
Chair Shots: WWE’s Jerry Lawler talks minor league baseball, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Michael Cole, CM Punk and more — Carroll County Times
Spending parts of four seasons in the Low-A South Atlantic League is not on the resume of most major league pitchers. Cole McCurry may soon be an exception. The 6’2″ lefty out of Tennessee Wesleyan University is on the cusp of the big leagues after a season that has taken him up the Baltimore Orioles chain from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk in what has been a breakout 2011. Prior to this season, McCurry spent all or parts of the 2007, 2008. 2009, and 2010 season as a starter at Low-A Delmarva and High-A Frederick. This year, the addition of a slider, and a move to the bullpen, has opposing batters hitting just .180 off of McCurry who is a combined 6-1 with a 1.41ERA. In the story McCurry talks about his sudden success, the development of his slider, and keeping a level head as he positions himself for a shot with the Orioles. You can follow Cole on twitter @ColeMcCurry
Cole McCurry’s newest pitch turns heads — Citizen-Times.com
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