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Results tagged ' Team Canada '
Rizzo lifts spirits of believers in beating the odds
and quite possibly Rome as members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in both America and Italy.
Although Rizzo may have a long road ahead to attain the internationally recognized status that Piazza has already garnered, it isn't the first time that the 23-year-old has had to beat the odds. While a prospect in
the Red Sox organization during early 2008, Rizzo was diagnosed with limited state classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Boston front office as well as Red Sox pitching ace
Jon Lester, a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, were supportive of Rizzo in his battle against cancer. By beating this life-threatening disease, the sky was the limit
for this young man's future. Now a cancer survivor himself, Rizzo is an inspirational role model who helps cancer patients and their families through the ongoing efforts of
the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation.
Tuesday #Cubs Anthony Rizzo made a surprise pregame visit to H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. twitter.com/LurieChildrens… #CancerSurvivor
— Roberto Angotti (@ABLblogger) April 21, 2013
We're thrilled to partner with the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation for our 3 "Meet the Team" parties this season,… fb.me/JbEwE5Ba
— Kane County Cougars (@KCCougars) April 8, 2013
Andre Dawson joined Anthony Rizzo at the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Walk Off For Cancer 5K this morning: twitter.com/Cubs/status/27…
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 9, 2012
We're proud supporters of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Check out Anthony's story and foundation here bit.ly/ScGxre.
— Marucci(@MarucciSports) November 20, 2012
Hey #Cubs fans, I've got a new page for everyone to go like! Check out the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation page on… fb.me/WgBvfxqe
— Between the Vines (@CubsStories) October 1, 2012
Initially interested in playing for Team USA but eclipsed by the stacked MLB All-Star calibre roster, Anthony Rizzo was intrigued by Mike Piazza's guarantee for a prime time slot in the lineup as Team Italia's slugger. "He's just a great kid, and I think it's just wonderful he chose to play with our team," said Piazza. "As soon as we saw him walk through the door at spring training we exhaled." However, if the opportunity arose to play for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Rizzo has publicly stated that he doesn't know which jersey he would wear–which is an encouraging sign for all believers. Piazza, who in many ways serves as his Sicilian baseball mentor, prays that he will stick with his roots and play for Italy. "It is important to have an impact guy like that with not only huge size, but status to play for Italy," Piazza said. "If he's finally able to reign in and stay healthy and maintain discipline and hit to all fields in Chicago, there's no doubt he's going to be a very productive major league hitter. I think he's going to be big time for many years to come."Everyone, Cubs fan or not, should support The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. Check out his site at rizzo44.com. Thanks!Plz RT
— Anthony Rizzo-Holics (@AnthonyRi44o) September 17, 2012
After Team Italy defeated Mexico and Canada to advance from WBC Pool D play in Phoenix with Team USA to the next round at Marlins Park in Miami, Rizzo spoke proudly in defense of his team and chastised those who didn't believe Italy would compete in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. He said,
"No one scripted us to be where we are. But we had a lead in every game we played in this tournament. Every-one has written us off–we shouldn't be here, this and that. I think we've earned the respect that we didn't get at all in this tournament." Rizzo conceded that he didn't have the greatest of expectations for Team Italy, nor did he have any idea that his experience playing for Italia would be the most cherished of his career. "To be honest, I got over here, played the first couple exhibition games and thought, 'We have good hitters, decent lineup, guys who do their job,' and Mexico was the game of my life that I've ever played. It was so much fun and energetic. It was crazy." The drama began in the ninth inning when Rizzo hit a two-run double off Mexico's closer Sergio Romo to give Italy a 6-5 lead and ended when Italy's closer Jason Grilli got Jorge Cantu to ground out to second with bases loaded.
Not only was Team Italy victorious on more than one occasion with their come-from-behind 6-5 thriller over Mexico and their Mercy rule 14-4 clobbering of Canada, but the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation were also big winners. Many of the Cubs personnel pledged $500 each to the nonprofit if Italy won at least one game. Chicago manager Dale Sveum joked with Rizzo saying that it was only $50, but the team has the morning meeting and friendly wager on video. All winning proceeds collected by the young Cubbie went to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. "I made sure to text everyone with dollar signs to get their checkbooks ready," Rizzo said. Once again Rizzo had beat the odds, but this time it benefited his charitable organization and the many families of cancer patients it serves. There was greater good than a game of baseball here. The lives affected by the good fortune of Rizzo and Team Italy far exceeded the box scores. The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's race for a cure to combat this deadly disease coupled with the genetic makeup and clubhouse chemistry among Italian players and coaches made for a winning combination second to none as Team Italy moved on to round two of WBC play along with Team USA at Marlins Park in Miami.
Italy took an early 4-0 lead against the 2013 WBC Champion Dominican Republic. Rizzo contributed offensively with a walk and run scored, but the Italians fell short in a heartbreaking
5-4 loss. Facing elimination versus WBC runner-up Puerto Rico, the left-handed slugger drove a three-run double into the right center field gap to put the Italians up 3-0 in the fifth inning, but Puerto Rico came back to lead 4-3. Rizzo walked in the top of the ninth to represent the game-tying run, but he would be left stranded. Team Italy made Italian baseball history by advancing to the World Baseball Classic second round where they nearly upset the 2013 WBC Champion and Runner-Up. Baseball fans and family in Italy could not be more proud of Team Italia's performance in front of an international audience. The Rizzo family is originally from Ciminna, which about 30 miles southeast of the capital of Palermo in Sicily. Anthony Rizzo's great grandfather, Vito, came over from Italy in 1905 on
the Prince Albert and went through Ellis Island. Rizzo's father, John, remained in contact with his brother's brother-in-law in Sicily throughout the WBC tourney. John Rizzo said, "They have a small core of baseball fans. It's like a cult thing." It won't be a cult for long as baseball continues to be gain popularity among Italy's youth. Having won back-to-back European Baseball Championships, the Italian national team has attracted the country's finest athletes. Analogous to Chinese hero Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin's contributions to the growth of basketball in China, Italian-born Alex Liddi and Anthony Rizzo are now baseball icons in Europe.
With every Team Italy win came its fanaticism. It was no coincidence that the merchandise booths at Phoenix's Chase Field had sold out of of t-shirts and jerseys before Italy's game against Team USA. The onslaught of Italian youth sporting RIZZO proudly on their back has only begun. Just as he has become of the face of the Chicago Cubs franchise, Anthony Rizzo has become the backbone of the Italian baseball revolution supported by Mike Piazza. When the 12-time MLB All-Star catcher becomes the first Italian American to be inducted into both the American and Italian Baseball Hall of Fame, the stakes for Anthony Rizzo to repeat history will set the tone for a Team Italia reunion.
Team Italy's energizer Nick Punto ready to spark Los Angeles Dodgers when called upon for duty
the versatile Dodgers infielder (3B/SS/2B) played a solid second base in the 2013 WBC tournament–allowing Seattle Mariners reserve third baseman Alex Liddi (currently at Triple-A Tacoma) and former MiLB farmhand shortstop Anthony Granato to remain at their usual positions. Having beaten Mexico and Canada in Phoenix to advance to the second round in Miami, Punto led off in every one of Team Italy's five games and raked at the plate (8-for-19, .421 BA, two 2B, two BB and five runs scored). LA Dodgers infielder Nick Punto
made his first start of the season in Sunday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chavez Ravine. Playing second base and batting second in the lineup, he went 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Punto also stole a base in a 6-2 victory. The seasoned 35-year-old MLB veteran with a World Series ring (2011 St. Louis Cardinals) is 4-for-7 in limited action during two weeks of play–despite leading the team with his impressive .571 batting average. LA Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly may want take note of WBC Team Italy manager Marco Mazzieri's unconditional love for Nick Punto
as an everyday player. The recently appointed Dodgers European scout Mazzieri said, "Nick is a terrific guy. Here's a guy with tremendous experience…a big clubhouse guy trying to keep everybody up and ready." Former manager Tony La Russa started Punto in the 2011 World Series because he believed
that he made his team better.
Now it's time for Mattingly to follow suit and strongly consider including the Team Italia energizer and World Champion in the his daily lineup card. Not only would Nick Punto ignite the Dodgers offensively, but his natural born athleticism and constant hustle on the field would be documented in web gems for the world to see on nightly highlight reels. Dodgers fans and baseball fanatics alike deserve to see "the great Nicky Punto" in action just as those lucky enough to witness the magic firsthand from his beloved days in Minnesota. Forza Dodgers!
Italy calls on pitcher Alex Maestri in 2013 World Baseball Classic win-or-go-home showdown
by MLB is experiencing a renaissance. The two-time MiLB All-Star spent five seasons in the Chicago Cubs system. Alex Maestri later ventured Down Under, where he would be named 2011 Australian Baseball League (ABL) Team World All-Star and given the inaugural ABL Fan Choice Award. When I first met the 27-year-old right-hander at the Italian MLB Academy near Pisa last year, he told me that the Kagawa Olive Guyners wanted him to pitch in Japan. He took on the the role of the team's closer and was a knock out from day one. In each of the two months he played for Kagawa in 2012, he was named the indy league's pitcher of the month. On July 9, 2012, Maestri's contract was purchased by the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) League. He worked diligently to advance from the farm team to the top-ranked league in Japan. In his NPB debut for the Orix Buffaloes, the international baseball ambassador from Italy pitched 6.1 innings to earn his first victory while allowing just one run with four hits and striking out five. He went on to dominate in the NPB and made seven more starts for the 2012 Orix Buffaloes. Posting a 4-3 record with a 2.17 ERA,
Alex Maestri averaged nearly one strikeout per inning
(49.2 innings/40 K). He was equally impressive during his 2011/12 ABL campaign. The Brisbane Bandits pitcher finished third in the ABL in innings pitched (63.2) and strikeouts (53), fourth in WHIP (1.16) and sixth in ERA (3.25). In Round Eight of the regular season, he earned Australian Baseball League Pitcher of the Week honors after throwing a stellar complete game two-hitter against the Canberra Cavalry. Team Italy starting pitcher Alex Maestri faces Team Puerto Rico today at 7pm (EST) in a win-or-go-home showdown televised live on the MLB Network from Marlins Park in Miami. He and his fellow Italian teammates are ready to show the world that the defending European Champions are loaded with talent ready to lock and load in the competitive 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Roberto: Welcome back to the USA!
Alex Maestri: How are doing Roberto? It's nice to talk to you. I'm feeling good. It's been a long journey coming here. Everything is good. I'm glad to be with the Italian national team now. I'm looking forward to this WBC tournament and this year coming up.
Roberto: After your successful campaign for the Japan Professional League's Orix Buffaloes, the team has really stepped up its efforts in recruiting players from overseas.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, you know, every year the team signs foreign players. This year we got seven so we're probably going to have to rotate. That's stuff that I can't control, but it's going to be fun. The team looks very good. We have a lot of Japanese players that are pretty good and young so I think it's going to be an exciting year.
Roberto: Did you enjoy the food in Japan?
Alex Maestri: The food there is great. It's so good. I heard good things about Japanese food before I went there, and when I got there I really appreciated it. Their cuisine is not all about sushi like we think. That's what I thought too before I went there, but they actually have a huge variety of good food. It's all very, very good.
Roberto: Did you find a good plate of pasta there?
Alex Maestri: Actually, you know what, they are very good at cooking pasta too. They can reproduce everything very well. They are very good at learning about other cultures and making it theirs.
Roberto: The Japanese have the longest life span. So they must be doing something right.
Alex Maestri: They are doing a lot of things right.
Here is a postgame interview with Alex Maestri after his debut with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan! youtube.com/watch?v=snddjR… #MLB
— MLB Europe (@MLB_Europe) August 13, 2012
Roberto: Your Japanese YouTube video is amazing. Have you ever been in the spotlight like that before?
Alex Maestri: Not at all. That was like the first time. After the game, the player of the game gets interviewed in front of the fans in the stadium and put on the big screen. My debut was actually a great game. I got to do that right on the field. It was cool. This fan had this Italian flag with him, and he came all the way close to the dugout. He passed the flag to one of the reporters who gave it to me. So it was good, it was good seeing the colors of Italy in Japan.
I was very proud too to represent those colors in a good way.
Roberto: It almost had an Olympic feel to it.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, you see those gold medal runners walking around the track with their flags. I was just standing around though. It was a really a weird day. I really didn't feel uncomfortable. I really didn't know what was going on.
Roberto: It must have been an adrenalin rush.
Alex Maestri: It was during the game. Afterwards, I was just relaxed and happy. I was done pitching, and we won the game.Roberto: Tell me about what you remember most about playing Minor League Baseball.
Alex Maestri: I was here in the states for six years, and five of those six years were with the Cubs. I have a lot of great memories with that team. The game that I remember the most was a Cubs Spring Training game, and I was with the big league team against the A's. They gave me one inning, and it was pretty good.
Roberto: And you got to face Italian American Jason "Giambino" Giambi.
Alex Maestri: Actually Giambi is the only one who actually got a hit off me. I faced four guys, and three (Orlando Cabrera, Matt Holliday and Eric Chavez) of the four were strikeouts.
Roberto: Since he is Italian, were you giving him a free pass to first base?
Alex Maestri: (Laughing) Yeah, I guess so.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, I mean in Italy we have a lot of good players. It's a shame that there is not much money supporting baseball so it's not easy to develop guys. But we have the Italian MLB Academy now, and you know it's doing very good. There are some young players that are doing some really nice work. And there's more and more scouts going down there to look at them. It's a pleasure for me to represent the country all over the world. And even if I just play for myself on the team that I play with, I always play for my colors, I'm always proud of that. Roberto: Forza Italia! Forza Azzurri!
Alex Maestri: Yeah, per sempre Forza Azzurri!
Roberto: You don't take any prisoners when you pitch, and you proudly wear your colors on your sleeve. It shows that you pour your heart and soul every time you step on the mount to throw.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, I think that's what you have to do on the mound. You're not always going to succeed. But that's the attitude you've got to have to pitch.
Roberto: Italy pitching coach Bill Holmberg has changed the mindsets of many on this staff for the better.
Alex Maestri: Bill has been my pitching coach forever. He has known me since I was a kid And you know I started working with him when I was 18-year-old and started to go to the Italian MLB Academy. But even before that he was working with me. He's my main pitching coach. I always try to go the Academy during the offseason and have a few workouts with him. I really like the way he teaches pitching. I think everybody, all the pitchers that get to work with him, they appreciate his work.
Roberto: He was the one who wrote your name on a scouting report for the Chicago Cubs, and the next thing you know you were signed to MLB.
Alex Maestri: At the time he was an international scout for the Chicago Cubs, and you know I was doing pretty good. I was young and I was doing good for my team. And he said that he was going to take a chance and sign me. He said that I could make the Big Leagues. He really believed in me. He gave me a great opportunity to come over and gave me a chance to play in the states.
Alex Maestri: We really love that. It's great to have him around in the dugout. He's like doing this for fun. He enjoys working with us… That's why we appreciate it so much. I think he is positively influencing the program that we have. The fact that the team is winning and improving proves it. So that's why he keeps coming back.
Roberto: Coach Piazza helps pitchers as well, right?
Alex Maestri: Oh definitely. We always have meetings in the morning.. He comes in with Bill and always says his opinion on our pitching. He was one of the best catchers in the game so he obviously knows a lot about pitching too. It's just great having him around.
Roberto: Being the underdog, Team Italy plays like there is no tomorrow.
Alex Maestri: I guess it's kind of normal since baseball is not so developed in Italy. People don't really respect Italian baseball, but you know it's kind of like the fun part of playing. Nobody really thinks that we are strong. But I think we are a very good team actually, and we should again surprise a lot of people around the world.
Roberto: It this also an opportunity to play on the world's stage to show MLB what they missed out on?
Alex Maestri: I don't think I have to have any sort of revenge, I just want to play good for myself and my country. I was here in the states, and they gave me a great opportunity to play here. I had a lot of great experiences here so it's not like I'm mad at anybody. Things just went that way. I had a tough year in 2010 so it's normal that I got released. You know I'm still playing baseball. I've got a great opportunity now in Japan. I just love what I do so like I said before I am just going to play for my country and not for anybody else.
Roberto: You look healthy and happy. With this Italian team playing to win, I know you are going to give it your all.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, I think a few years back, the Italian national team just went out playing a few tournaments to kind of like participate. But now with manager Marco Mazzieri, you have a very good attitude and it rubs off on all the players. Now you have a very strong group that won two European Championships back-to-back. And now everybody is starting to feel confident about themselves. And in baseball that's what is about—confidence. You know we got ability so we need to be confident and just go out there and play baseball.
Alex: I've got my pitches like everybody else. I just got to keep working on them and make them as confusing as I can for hitters.
Roberto: In prior in WBC competitions, you have been stellar. I hope that you will continue to shine in the upcoming 2013 WBC.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, you know, that's the plan. We always try to do our best. And that's what I'm trying to do this time around. Right now I'm getting ready and going day-by-day. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I'll definitely give my best effort.
Roberto: Are there any players in the WBC that you know from you days in MiLB?
Alex Maestri: The only guys that I remember is catcher Chris Robinson from Canada. We were in the same organization. We never really played together. I have played against many of the USA players like Mike (Giancarlo) Stanton and Jonathan Lucroy. It's cool facing them again in the World Baseball Classic.
Roberto: Every pitch has to count with the WBC pitch limits in place.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, that's kind of like the plan every time you go out. You know it's a team sport so everybody is going to have do his own thing. I know that I will do my part with my pitching, but once I'm done with my pitches then there is someone else coming in to take over. We just all have to do this together, and it's going to be touch. We're playing the best teams in the world, and it's going to be hard work. So we're going to have to be really focused.
Roberto: You have to execute.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, you've got to be able to execute and if you don't you just lose games. That's why we play this game. You know, we enjoy that part of it.
Roberto: What does it mean to be an Italian playing baseball?
Alex Maestri: I just started to play baseball because of my brother. At the time I wasn't really watching any baseball on TV. I started doing that later on, but it was cool seeing all those guys with Italian names written on the back of their jerseys. I just grew up hoping that one day that I would be able to take their place.
Roberto: With the influx of MLB players now joining Team Italy, how will it change the personality of La Squadra Azzurri.
Alex Maestri: I think it's going to be the same. We have a good personality now. Those players are going to definitely improve the level. Because obviously they are Big League players and they have more experience than we do. It's going to make the team better, but I don't think it will change the personality of the team.
Roberto: You are representing Italy on all corners of the earth wherever you compete.
Alex Maestri: I feel like it. I always travel the world and play baseball in different countries. But my roots are always with me so I feel very proud of that. I'm sure all the other guys feel proud of that too—even the Big League players that are going to play for us. We already had a bunch of them in the World Baseball Classic, and they play as hard as we do. They want to win, and it's just going to be great to do it all together.
Roberto: Any favorites? Has the Dodgers' Nick Punto lived up to his name as the shredder by tearing the jersey off walk-off heroes after Team Italy victories?
Alex Maestri: I don't know about Punto, but another guy who had an unbelievable WBC tournament was Chris Denorfia. At the tournament, he really gave everything he had. He made some great plays defensively and had some clutch hits so it's going to be good to see him again. Jason Grilli has been with us for the first two World Baseball Classics. He's just a great guy. He loves to come and play for us. Alex Liddi, of course, is one of my best friends.
I haven't seen him in a long time. I saw him the other day, and it was just great seeing him again. He's really family. I feel like his brother. And all the other guys that are going to come are going to be very welcome.
Roberto: You will be in the capable hands of catchers Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins and Tyler LaTorre from the San Francisco Giants. Have you ever worked with them before?
Alex Maestri: Actually not. I haven't had the pleasure to work with them yet. It's going to happen in the WBC.Roberto: Since you were in the same organization as the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo, it will be sort of a Cubbie reunion with two Italians on the same team.
Alex Maestri: Yeah, I heard really a lot of good things about him. We both played for the same organization so it will be good.
Roberto: Anything else you would like to say before we sign off?
Alex Maestri: I'd like to say hi to everybody. I would like to thank the great people all over the world. I really enjoy what I'm doing now. I might not be enjoying this for the past seven years if it had not been for them. Thanks!
Roberto: I really enjoyed meeting you at the Italian MLB Academy and talking with you today here in Arizona prior to the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Thanks for your time!
Alex: Thank you very much, and thank you for the work you do for Team Italy. It's good to have somebody who really cares about this team and tries to promote the team as much as you do. Thank you for doing that.
Roberto: Thank you. It's my pleasure. I believe in you and Italian baseball. God bless Italia!
WBC Exclusive: Q & A with Italy's ace John Mariotti
Roberto: You have a knack of being a winner and landing on winning teams. Do you truly have a winning spirit and the Midas touch?
John Mariotti: A championship team is made up of a specific group of players. Each player brings something different to the table in order to fit the mold and make up what is to be a championship team. My hard work and dedication toward baseball, I believe, are the traits that Pat Scalabrini (manager of Québec Capitales) and Marco Mazzieri (manager of Team Italy) saw, which made me one significant piece of the puzzle for their team. I am the type of player that never wants to let my teammates down and always striving to be the best.
John Mariotti: I got a call in October of 2011 by Team Italy in regards to playing in the European Championship and WBC. Immediately we began the citizenship process and in August I was on my way to Italy to prepare for the European Championship in Holland.Roberto: Did you have a choice to play for Team Canada instead of Team Italy?
John Mariotti: I did not have the option to play for Team Canada.
Roberto: Will it be difficult playing against some of the players you grew up with in Canada while pitching for Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic?
John Mariotti: I know a couple of players on Canada's team, John Axford, Chris Leroux and Jonathan Malo. When I was in college, I hit with Joey Votto for two years when I would come home for Christmas break. It will be an awesome experience to play on the same field as these guys, but I think that it's understood that when its game time, all feelings are set aside.
Roberto: Does Team Canada have an edge because they have seen you pitch before or do you have an advantage because you know their Achilles' heel?
John Mariotti: In baseball, I believe the biggest advantage is experience. Most of the players on Team Canada are or have played in the Big Leagues. Nonetheless, I believe in my talent and so do the Italians and I am going to work hard so that I am able to compete at my best in order to help us win.
Roberto: Who were some of the coaches that have inspired you?
John Mariotti: Murray Marshall (Team Ontario Baseball) was one of the coaches who gave me a shot to play elite baseball. His passion to coach and love for the game was an inspiration not only to me but to all of his players. In college it was both coach Darren Mazeroski (Gulf Coast Community College) and coach Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina University) that had a great effect on my career. Battling elbow injuries for two years, both coach "Maz" and "Gilly" believed in my ability and that I was going to perform." They were two coaches that saw and believed in my talent and gave me every opportunity to succeed.
I owe them a lot.
John Mariotti: Ron Wolforth at Pitching Central in Houston, Texas, in a nutshell, gave me back what I have left of my baseball career. After suffering an injury that ultimately resulted in being released and what looked like the end of my career, I went to see coach Wolforth in Houston as a last hope. What I didn't know was that hope wasn't an option. He was going to get me back to playing, that's how good he is. He is the pitching guru. Working with coach Wolforth got me back into professional baseball: two Can-Am Championships, one European Championship with Team Italy, a Phillies Spring Training invite and now a chance play in the World Baseball Classic. He is a big reason for my success. Pat Scalabrini was another inspiration in my playing career. After being released by the Winnipeg Goldeyes, coach Scalabrini gave me a shot to prove myself.
I did not disappoint. The two years of winning two championships with Québec was the most fun I've had playing ball in a long time. It was the support and belief by coach Scalabrini that really helped me get to this point, and I can't thank him enough. These coaches were big inspirations for me.
Roberto: What are your best pitches that you have come to depend on?
John Mariotti: I throw a sinker, changeup and slider. My sinker and changeup are my two plus pitches. As a sinkerball pitcher, my job is to keep the ball on the ground and let the defense work. My changeup is a pitch that will keep hitters honest on the sinker and is one of my out pitches in certain situations.
Roberto: How good are the Italians? What are some of the strengths of the team?
John Mariotti: The Italians are very good; we have a lot of talent on our team and a great coaching staff. Aside from that, I believe it is the passion, teamwork and the will to win of the Italians that is going to help us achieve success.
John Mariotti: Bill is one of the more knowledgeable coaches I've had the pleasure of playing for. Bill and I spent a lot of time together over in Europe, and he taught me a lot about pitching. He has totally changed my mentality as far as how I approach hitters. His knowledge and ability to scout teams and prepare the pitching staff with information about our opponent is impressive. He is very passionate about teaching and coaching players.
He is a key component to the coaching staff and the success of the Italians.
Roberto: How about a few words about Team Italy hitting coach and future Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza? How has he helped you and the pitching staff?
John Mariotti: Mike's is a very knowledgeable person. His experience and knowledge for the game will definitely be a big factor in helping us succeed. Aside from this, he brings a certain character to the team, one that keeps the atmosphere on the bench very light and pressure free. He is a very knowledgeable person, who's always thinking. I think Mike has helped us pitchers by preparing the catchers. Mike prepares our catchers for competition both mentally and physically and I think that by doing so, it only helps make the pitchers better.
Roberto: With the injection of more MLB-affiliated players participating in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, can Team Italy compete in Pool D and advance?
John Mariotti: No doubt. The Americans are the favorite in our pool, but as far as the rest of the teams go (Canada and Mexico) I think we have a really good shot at advancing to the second round.
Roberto: Who else would you have liked to see join Italy in the World Baseball Classic?
John Mariotti: One name that came to mind that I thought might be on the team was Mike Napoli. I'm pretty sure he is of Italian decent.
Team Italy is thrown a curveball in the 2013 WBC
on the arms of the Italian pitching staff.
Italy manager Marco Mazzieri and pitching coach
Bill Holmberg sat down prior to a scrimmage against
a team of spirited Seattle Mariners prospects at the
Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona and provided a very
candid snapshot of their team's compromised chances
of beating the odds and advancing to the second round
of the highly-touted competition in the following interview.
Roberto: Is Team Italy ready to battle Mexico, Canada and USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic?
Marco Mazzieri: We'll be ready when the games start. We're right now just trying to tune up all the guys and waiting for our MLB players to come down and join us. We know they'll all be excited to go. So we're pretty excited about this.
Bill Holmberg: I like our team a lot.
I think we're going to have a very solid pitching staff, and our position players
of course are very good. I think we have a very, very good chance to go to the next round.
Roberto: Having to listen to a lot of disrespect from the media who consider Italy a novelty and a doormat for other teams, do you enjoy being the underdog and having to endure constant scrutiny?
Marco Mazzieri: I think it's our destiny to be the underdogs all the time. We were the underdogs four years ago against Team Canada, and we beat them. The next thing we know we didn't have hotel rooms because nobody expected us to win. We had to move to another hotel. I mean last September we were supposed to lose against the Dutch in the European Championship. They were celebrating the 100th anniversary of their federation and it was like 35 years that we had not beat them on their own soil. And we beat them! So I think we got used to being the underdog, but we don't complain. We're going to use all of this to get the guys even more excited and more ready to go. I think they will do a good job.
We expect everybody to have no fear.
already once in 2007 during the World Cup
in Chinese Taipei. They had Evan Longoria, Colby Ramus, Andy LaRoche, and Brian
Bixler. They had a great pitching staff.
They only lost that one game, but we
were the team that beat them. Again,
we respect everybody a lot, but there's
going to be no fear at all."
Here is a postgame interview with Alex Maestri after his debut with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan! youtube.com/watch?v=snddjR… #MLB
— MLB Europe (@MLB_Europe) August 13, 2012
Roberto: Former Chicago Cubs minor league pitcher Alessandro Maestri was named as the recipient of the 2011 Australian Baseball League Fan Choice Award after decimating hitters with his wicked slider pitching for the Brisbane Bandits. He has since been having a strong campaign for Japan's Orix Buffaloes, the same team that recently signed former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brandon Dickson as well as former outfielder/catcher for the Cleveland Indians/New York Mets/2009 Team Italy Vinny Rottino. Any words on Alex?
Bill Holmberg: Alex is a really, really good pitcher. And you know at times he's great.
He's shown in the past that he has been able to throw well for us, and we're looking
forward to having him on the mound real soon during the WBC series.
ROBERTO ANGOTTI — Toronto's John Mariotti will pitch for Italy in the World Baseball Classic… fb.me/1l3Y9UT5D
— Canadian Baseball (@CDNbaseball) January 23, 2013
Roberto: Former Baltimore Orioles prospect John Mariotti has been stellar for the defending Can-Am League Champion Québec Capitales for the past two years. How did you find this outstanding Canadian Italian pitcher?
Bill Holmberg: John has been around and spoke with Marco a couple years ago. He had been talking with the Italian Baseball Federation and Marco for a few years so we're very lucky to have John. John is a sinkerball pitcher that really helped us at the European Championship, and I imagine he's going to help us even more during the World Baseball Classic.
@grillcheese49Hey Grill.It's Cat.Marco Mazzieri would like yuor number.Can you send it to me so I can get it to him. Thanks. Hope ur well
— frank catalanotto (@fcat27) June 30, 2011
Fun fact while researching WBC: Jason Grilli's 0.00 ERA in '06 WBC tied … Erik Bedard for best in the tourney.
— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) February 28, 2013
Roberto: Team Italy has the luxury of having one of MLB's premier closers, Pittsburgh Pirates' Jason Grilli, ready and willing to do what he does best in shutting teams down with the lead late in any game. You must feel good about that?
Bill Holmberg: I'm very happy to have Jason and to be honest with you I'm happy to
have every one of our pitchers. I believe all of them can be situational where they come in and close the door on any team we are going to play. Of course, you are going to have to execute. We're going to try to scout as well as we can and give them the best possible plan before the game. From there, all they have to do is execute.
Former #1 MLB draft pick Matt Torra is in the best shape of his career pitching for #Italy in @wbcbaseball. gazettenet.com/sports/umasssp… #Nationals
— Roberto Angotti (@ABLblogger) January 23, 2013
Mike piazza here today to get us ready for WBC. Lets go team Italy. #italia #wbc
— Matt Torra (@TheContractor31) February 25, 2013
Roberto: Matt Torra, a former 2005 first-round draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and current Washington Nationals' MLB hopeful, is also a very capable pitcher for Team Italy.
Bill Holmberg: Matt has thrown well. We've had one live batting practice session,
and he's going to be throwing today. I was extremely happy the way he threw the BP.
He throws strikes. He keeps the ball down. He's a smart kid. He knows how to pitch.
Honored to represent Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Can't wait to join the team in Phoenix next week. #WBClassic #TeamItaly
— Pat Venditte (@PatVenditte) February 22, 2013
Pumped to join #TeamItaly tonight in AZ. #WBClassic twitter.com/PatVenditte/st…
— Pat Venditte (@PatVenditte) February 25, 2013
Roberto: The ambidextrous Pat Venditte from the New York Yankees organization is a pitching staff's best friend and a hitter's worst nightmare. Although recent surgery on his right shoulder labrum has limited him to throwing as a lefty for the World Baseball Classic,
do you think he will contribute as Team Italy's secret weapon?
Bill Holmberg: Pat threw a short side, and I think he's going to be extremely nasty. I've seen him on youtube, and if that is the same way he throws on the mound during a game then we're pretty lucky.
How does Mike Piazza not get into the hall? one of the best hitting catchers ever. @mlbnetwork twitter.com/tylerlatorre/s…
— Tyler LaTorre (@tylerlatorre) January 9, 2013
Just signed my new contract for 2013. Resigning with the 2012 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants. twitter.com/tylerlatorre/s…
— Tyler LaTorre (@tylerlatorre) November 25, 2012
A huge thank you to @ricogloves for equipping me with my glove for the WBC #TeamItaly #italia twitter.com/tylerlatorre/s…
— Tyler LaTorre (@tylerlatorre) February 15, 2013
Don't forget your roots! #TeamItaly catcher @tylerlatorre traces his Italian lineage to land in #WBCBaseball sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.j… #Azzurri
— Roberto Angotti (@ABLblogger) February 14, 2013
Excited to wear this in the #wbc instagr.am/p/WDNYSPQZpN/
— Drew Butera (@drewbutera) February 22, 2013
We're proud to announce our new website drewnews.blog.com There's a free contest for a Drew autograph waiting for you there!
— Drew Butera Fan Club (@DButeraFanClub) August 22, 2012
Roberto: Any thoughts on San Francisco Giants' Triple-A catcher Tyler LaTorre and Minnesota Twin's backstop Drew Buter?
Marco Mazzieri: We're very happy with our catchers as well. Tyler LaTorre has been
with us in the European Championship. He did a terrific job handling the pitching staff.
Drew Butera is so excited. I talked with him last night, and he can't wait to be here.
He's going to give us a pretty experienced catcher. With the pitchers that we have,
we are looking forward to it.
@tylerlatorre thanks again La Torre!! Def appreciate ur help!!
— Sergio Romo (@SergioRomo54) February 7, 2013
Roberto: Tyler LaTorre has caught San Francisco Giants' Ryan Vogelsong and Sergio Romo. Vogey is reportedly scheduled to pitch for Team USA against Italy, and Romo will be the closer for Team Mexico. Did you know that you have a built-in scouting report on your roster?
Bill Holmberg: I didn't know that. We're getting information from everywhere. We're getting information from guys that are playing in the Mexican Leagues. Of course, John Mariotti is Canadian so we're trying to get as much information as we possibly can.
We'll take it from anywhere. So Roberto if you have some information to give us, I'd be happy to accept it.
Roberto: If you put a Team Italia jersey on my back, I will happily sit in the dugout and scout on your behalf (laughter)…
@bigace22 that's great news! I'll be training with Team Italy at the Dodgers facility. Going in as a reserve in case they need a guy
— Alexander Burkard (@burky23) February 8, 2013
Got my Italian Passport! Now I'm ready to report with Team Italia in AZ for pre-tournament practices #WBClassic
— Alexander Burkard (@burky23) February 18, 2013
Surprise visit from Tommy Lasorda at practice today with Team Italia #motivational #wbc #italiano
— Alexander Burkard (@burky23) March 1, 2013
Tommy Lasorda visit twitter.com/burky23/status…
— Alexander Burkard (@burky23) March 1, 2013
Roberto: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim prospect Alexander Burkard is a reserve pitcher from Caracas, Venezuela. He is in your back pocket if you need him in a pinch.
Bill Holmberg: He's a great kid, a terrific kid. He's six-foot-eight, just a terrific kid. He threw the other day. He didn't do as well as we'd hoped, but I'm sure with a little bit of work in the bullpen as we did today he's going to be a lot better next time out.
Roberto: Bill, how does it feel being a contributing member of this eclectic Team Italy coaching staff?
Bill Holmberg: I love the guys who are on this staff. To be honest with you, I'm very privileged to be on Marco's staff. We have a great group of guys, and we just get along very well. It's tremendous to come out here. This is not work. This is coming out here and having a good time. We laugh a little bit. We work real hard, and at the end of the day we're happy with what we do.
Anthony Rizzo primed to play for Team Italy in WBC.trib.in/X90HGX
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) February 26, 2013
Roberto: When you heard that Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo was playing for Team Italy,
you must have felt like your chances to advance in the WBC had increased.
Marco Mazzieri: That was good because at one point it looked like the USA team was going to call him up. So we were kind of afraid that we couldn't get him. We're happy to have him. We're looking forward to it. But we have another guy that we really like a lot–Chris Colabello. He's in Big League camp with the Twins along with Alex Liddi (Mariners) and Chris Denorfia (Padres). I think we have a pretty good heart of the lineup.
@bbrentz7 I'm good homie… I'm over in Holland playing in the European Cup for Italy… Way to go get you a ship!
— Chris Colabello (@CC20rake) September 15, 2012
Pizza italiana e' piu' buona #italianpizzaisbetter
— Chris Colabello (@CC20rake) January 12, 2013
Roberto: Chris Colabello has been shadowing Minnesota Twins four-time all-star first baseman Justin Morneau and tearing the leather off the ball in Spring Training. His father Lou played for Italy in the 1984 Olympics.
Bill Holmberg: I've known Chris for maybe 20 years because he used to come over to Italy with his dad. His dad pitched in the Italian Baseball League. His mom is Italian. Chris is just
a great kid. He loves to come over and play for us. We enjoy having him. We like him. He's
a very energetic, tremendous kid.
'@adriangon28 and @shredderpunto shredding at @theamas: twitter.com/Dodgers/status…
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 19, 2012
Roberto: Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Nick Punto has a World Series ring after having played under Tony La Russa for the St. Louis Cardinals. How has his energy helped Team Italy?
Marco Mazzieri: Nick is a terrific guy. We met him four years ago for the World Baseball Classic. We didn't know him. We've been in touch with him throughout the years, and he can't wait to be here as well. Again, here's a guy with tremendous experience. A big clubhouse guy trying to keep everybody up and ready. But overall honestly I don't like to talk much about individual single players, single names. I think we have tremendous chemistry in the clubhouse. That's what we're about. It's important. As we showed four years ago, these guys played as a team from day one. It's not going to be like an all-star team where everybody is kind of like showcasing themselves. This is going to be about winning ballgames and be together and doing the little things. We're going to do that.
Teams Canada (Taylor Green & @jimhenderson29) and Italy (Jeff Bianchi) prepare to smile for the camera. #CactusCrew twitter.com/MikeVassallo13…
— Mike Vassallo (@MikeVassallo13) February 17, 2013
Roberto: Any feedback on the lesser-known Milwaukee Brewers/Italy shortstop Jeff Bianchi?
Bill Holmberg: I don't know him as well as Marco does. I know he's in the Big Leagues
and he can't be that bad. So hopefully he'll come to play. I know he was a high draft choice with the Royals. We also have another infielder who played with us in Holland during the European Championship–Tony Granato. He's extremely solid, a great team player guy.
He plays his ass off every time he goes out.
Roberto: Anthony Granato is the heart and soul of Team Italy. He represents La Squadra Azzurri's "Never Say Die" approach to the game.
After an eventless first at bat for the Greek, Italy takes the lead on an RBI-single by Anthony Granato, who… fb.me/28qHVrJEW
— Nederland op WBC '13 (@NederlandopWBC) September 10, 2012
Marco Mazzieri: Very much so. I think he really made a difference on our team since he joined us three years ago. As a matter of fact, we won two European Championships. We went to Chinese Taipei in 2010 and claimed the Bronze Medal. And he really made a huge difference for this team. Not only for his play, but he is a leader out on the field. And he shows it. He's not the type of guy who's going to talk a lot. He's going to show it by example and lead by example in the way he goes about his business.
Interview with @mauromazzotti Manager of the Spanish National Team #WBC – bit.ly/13WzWb0
— Baseball Spain (@BaseballSpain) January 25, 2013
El manager de Spain es italiano.. Mauro Mazzotti
— LigaDom.com (@LigaDomcom) February 26, 2013
Roberto: Italians are gaining massive respect in Europe as witnessed by Team Spain's decision to hire Italian manager Mauro Mazzotti. Could you imagine seeing two Italian managed European teams playing head-to-head after advancing to the second round?
Marco Mazzieri: It would be nice, but let me tell you that we're thinking about ourselves right now. It might be a little selfish. If they make it, we're happy for them. But at this time we're just mission focused, and we want to be the team that advances for sure. We're going to do everything possible to be there.
How Alex Liddi can help conquer Europe es.pn/YYtGd2
— ESPN.com's SweetSpot (@espn_sweet_spot) February 27, 2013
Roberto: Didn't Mazzotti sign Alex Liddi? Bill, why didn't you sign him like you did for the Italian-born Alberto Mineo as the Chicago Cubs international scout?
Bill Holmberg: I wish I would have signed him back then. Mauro Mazzotti had a hand in that, but Wayne Norton was also involved. I know that. I would have liked to have signed Alex. If he had come to our Italian Academy to work with Marco for at least a year, I think he would have gotten a lot more money. Hindsight is always 20/20. He's done well for himself in the meantime.
@wbcbaseball #Padres and #TeamItaly OF Chris Denorfia proudly represents La Squadra Azzurri in the #WBClassic. twitter.com/mundialclasico… #MLB
— Roberto Angotti (@ABLblogger) February 22, 2013
Roberto: San Diego Padres' Chris Denorfia is a diamond in the rough. What a score for Italy!
Marco Mazzieri: Again like Nick Punto four years ago, he came along and showed tremendous leadership. Won't give up. We're very proud and happy to have him back
again for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. He's a great guy. He works hard and he'll be playing a good center field. Along with those other guys, it's going to a solid lineup.
Roberto: Have you decided on the WBC pitching rotation for Team Italy?
Marco Mazzieri: We're going to decide after we play these four scrimmage games until March 3rd and then we're going to decide who's the hottest guy. Pretty much if I am allowed to say is that we are the only team in this bracket that is scheduled to play five games in a row with two exhibition games. It's not to complain, but I don't think it's fair on our pitching staff…honestly. With all the pitching limitations and everything, why are we the only team with five games in a row? Everybody else is getting a day off in the middle, and we're not. Again, we're going to use our weakness as our strength at this point. We just want to go out and prove everybody wrong.Roberto: What makes Team Italy so resilient?
Bill Holmberg: We're a hard hat, lunch pail type of team. We're blue collar from the beginning to the end. No obstacle is too great for us. We are not afraid. We fear no one. Bottom line is like what Marco said before…whatever comes, comes. We're going to play
our cards as they are dealt. And that's it, and we're going to be happy doing it.
Roberto: Let's beat Mexico, Canada and USA so that we can advance to round two in Miami.
Bill Holmberg: That's our plan.
Roberto: Thanks for your time gentlemen. Buona fortuna!
Italo-Canadese John Mariotti gives Team Italy winning spirit in 2013 World Baseball Classic
The six-foot-one right hander made his professional debut in 2007 with Orioles' Short-Season Single-A Aberdeen and posted a 2-2 record with a 1.46 ERA. He spent his entire 2008 campaign at Single-A Delmarva. Mariotti began the 2009 season at Single-A Advanced Frederick and moved up to Double-A Bowie, where he started 13 games and compiled a 3.44 ERA. The Orioles' farmhand was back at Frederick in 2010, when he made 41 appearances out of the bullpen and chalked up three saves.
The Woodbridge, Ontario MiLB expat was a welcome addition to the 2011 Québec Capitales' starting pitching rotation. Mariotti went 11-1 in the regular season with 2.74 ERA in 108.1 innings of work before going undefeated in the postseason with a 1.98 ERA. The Philadelphia Phillies came calling for Mariotti as he was signed to a minor league contract and invited to 2012 Spring Training. The hype was short-lived, and he retreated to comfy Les Capitales de Québec, where he tallied a 10-1 record in 98.1 innings with a 4.03 ERA in 2012. Under the leadership of manager Marco Mazzieri, pitching coach Bill Holmberg, hitting coach Mike Piazza, third base coach Alberto D'Auria and first base coach Claudio Vecchi, Team Italy remained undefeated (9-0) in the 2012 European Championship by outscoring opponents 45-4 during the first five games of Pool A competition and then continued with their winning ways by outscoring others 18-6 in the remaining four games of the medal round. By defeating the Netherlands twice back-to-back on their home turf during the final two days of the 2012 European Championship, Team Italy demonstrated its resilience against a squad which was the biggest surprise of the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Remember the Dutch defeated the Dominican Republic twice and moved on to the second round of play.Let's put the Italian victory over the Netherlands in the 2012 European Championship into perspective. By the Dutch winning the 2011 World Cup after upsetting a talented Cuban team in the finals, does that make Italy the new elite class of European baseball and the spoiler in the upcoming 2013 World Baseball Classic? With John Mariotti's winning spirit, Italy has got a real shot.
Toronto Blue Jays prospect Marcus Knecht brings Can Do Attitude from Canada to Canberra Cavalry
Detroit's Octavio Dotel usually wrecks havoc on right-handed hitters like Canadian-born Marcus Knecht, but on April Fools in a 2012 Jays Spring Training game Toronto's 2010 third-round draft pick had the last laugh by blasting his first Grapefruit League home run off the veteran Dominican bullpen specialist.
Originally selected in the 23rd round of the 2008 Amateur First-Year Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers after making Langley, British Columbia's Brett Lawrie their first-round pick, former Brewers scouting director and current Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik thought that a common denominator of Canadian blood would add up to two of the country's finest prospects crossing the border together as one into Wisconsin. Mathematicians would agree that the strategy was logical since Knecht was Lawrie's teammate on the Canadian Junior National Team, and the Brewers believed that Lawrie might be able to influence Knecht to sign with Milwaukee. Lawrie signed with the Brewers for a $1.7 million signing bonus before going to play for Team Canada in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games and eventually became a Blue Jay in a late 2010 trade for pitcher Shaun Marcum (who recently became a free agent and expressed interest in returning to the Blue Jays if the team is interested in having him back). Unlike Lawrie, Knecht instead passed on the offer to play professionally in the Brewers organization in favor of perfecting his game in U.S. collegiate ball while continuing to represent his country on Team Canada in international baseball competitions worldwide. After playing on Team Canada in the 2008 World Junior Baseball Championships in Edmonton and being named to the Tournament All-Star Team, Knecht was a major contributing member of the bronze medal- winning 2010 Baseball World Cup team and the gold medal-winning 2011 Pan American Games squad. Transferring from Oklahoma State University, where he struggled to get at-bats as a freshman, to Connors State College was instrumental for Knecht to develop in an everyday role in 2010. The results were off-the-charts as Knecht hit .453 with 23 homers, 20 steals and a .540 on-base percentage. He was selected in the third-round of the 2010 Amateur First-Year Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays after being followed by ex-Jays' scouting director and current assistant GM Andrew Tinnish. Accepting a $250,000 signing bonus, Knecht signed on-the-spot with Toronto and went straight to work in launching his pro career with Short-Season Single-A affiliate Auburn Doubledays (now affiliated with the Washington Nationals). After being voted the Canadian Baseball Network Player of the Year in 2010, the six-foot-one North York, Toronto native outfielder was promoted in 2011 to Single-A Lansing, where he posted a .273 average with a team-leading 16 home runs and 86 RBI for the Lugnuts. Knecht's offensive power was noticed early on, and he was named a 2011 Midwest League Eastern Division All-Star. After impressing Jays skipper John Farrell (now with the Boston Red Sox) with his powerful bat and quick feet on the field during 2012 Blue Jays Spring Training, Knecht was assigned to Single-A Advanced Dunedin Blue Jays. It was May Day everyday for opposing pitchers who could not stop the red-hot Knecht during the month of May, when he rattled off 28 hits (including 7 doubles, 1 triple, and 6 home runs) accounting for 22 RBI.The 22-year-old is hoping to continue with his offensive prowess and defensive excellence as a member of the Australian Baseball League's Canberra Cavalry. Second only to last season's ABL Champion Perth Heat in team offense and pitching, the Canberra Cavalry narrowly missed the ABL playoffs. With the injection of Knecht's "Can Do" attitude, Canberra will be charging right out of the gate for a 2013 playoff berth.
Perth Heat add bite to lineup with Canadian import and Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Carter Bell
Like Sex and the City starlett Kim Cattrall, Carter Bell grew up in the small Vancouver Island, BC city of Courtenay. Opting out of the A-Rod spotlight method with the usual Hollywood fanfare and paparazzi, the 22-year-old Bell chose a lower profile means of pursuing his professional baseball career under the radar by playing for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League.
Following the same path as Milwaukee Brewers' infielder Taylor Green, the six-foot-one Canadian third baseman played high school baseball for the Parksville Royals of the British Columbia Premier Baseball League. Upon graduation, Bell was a 22nd-round selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft but did not sign in favorof accepting a scholarship to play ball for the Oregon State Beavers.
MLB noticed Bell early on when he donned a Team Canada uniform for the first-time at age 17. Representing his country in far away competitions held in Mexico, Japan as well as on his home turf, the BC All-Star chose the 2006 and 2007 NCAA National Champ Oregon State University baseball program to further develop his craft. The decision was sound as he was selected in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft and signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks following his junior year at OSU.Hitting .270 in 41 games with eight doubles, two triples, one home run and 17 RBI, Bell's pro debut with the 2011 Single-A Short Season Yakima Bears catapulted him to Single-A Advanced Visalia Rawhide in 2012. In Cal League play, he batted .259 in 81 games with 11 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 36 RBI. The road leading Down Under to the Perth Heat originated back in Oregon, where Bell played for former Perth Heat manager and long-standing Corvallis Knights skipper Brooke Knight after his first year at OSU. In his limited 10 games of 2009 West Coast League action, Bell hit .303 (10-33) with three RBI before suffering a season-ending concussion. Brooke Knight credits his best friend since his college days in playing ball together at Oregon State University, Mike Thurman, for pointing him in right direction just north of the border to find the Victoria-born Carter Bell, who rapidly rose to prominence in the Comox Valley Baseball Association and BC Premier Baseball League before playing as a teenager for Team Canada. Speaking on the eve before departing to Australia to assist new Perth Heat skipper Steve Fish in preparing the reigning Australian Champions for next month's Asia Series against its foreign counterparts from Japan, Taiwan, China and South Korea, Knight explained how Canadian import Carter Bell landed Down Under: "To his credit, Carter took the initiative to call me and express his initial desire to play for the Perth Heat. He still considers it a privilege to take on this challenge. I told him it was the perfect winter league for him to get his body ready for spring because the ABL offers something that cannot be found anywhere else. The atmosphere and structure keeps players healthy because the league emphasizes safety first by limiting play to four games a week, which allows you to rest your body and properly heal."
Knight also read Bell the disclaimer and warned him of the Aussie side effects: "I told him that Australia was culturally different as well and when it gets hot in December one can get homesick real fast and start crying out for girlfriends." Knight feels blessed to have had the opportunity to coach such fine players as Carter Bell in Perth and Corvallis. "With guidance, I have luckily ended up with the right kids. Carter is a solid player. I'm just waiting for him to breakout. He's got gap power and can hit the ball well the other way (to the opposite field). His power numbers will bump up as they did for import Adam Melker, a St. Louis Cardinals prospect." Adam was Carter's teammate on Brooke Knight's 2009 Corvallis Knights. They will reunite under Knight's leadership on the Perth Heat in the upcoming 2012 Asia Series on November 8-11 in Busan, South Korea. Melker hit 10 home runs for Double-A Springfield in 2012 as compared to none in 2011. Knight believes in Carter Bell. "He's got a chance to make a difference. Carter has good range and can play the corners, not to mention he's a Team Canada All-Star Shortstop."


text:
Ultrasound evaluation of brain infections and its complications in Nigerian infants. | |
MedLine Citation:
PMID: 20555051 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Infantile meningitis is a clinical diagnosis. However, suspicion of its complications may warrant further investigations; and transfrontanelle ultrasound is a reliable and cheap way to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosing the complications of infantile meningitis. This is a retrospective study of the transfrontanelle ultrasound findings in 40 infants presenting with clinical indicators of complicated acute bacterial meningitis. There were 20 boys and 20 girls aged 5-115 days (mean, 42.6+/-30.1 days). The complications of meningitis detectable on ultrasound were: hydrocephalus (21[52.5%]); cerebral abscess (2[5%]); subdural empyema (2 [5%]); and ventriculitis (3[7.5%]). Twelve babies (30%) had no abnormal findings. Hydrocephalus is the most common complication of meningitis in our setting. Transfontanelle ultrasound proved to be very reliable in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of complicated meningitis. |
Donald Nzeh; Olalekan Ibukun Oyinloye; Olugbenga Timothy Odebode; Halimat Akande; Kolawole Braimoh |
Publication Detail:
Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
Title: Tropical doctor Volume: 40 ISSN: 1758-1133 ISO Abbreviation: Trop Doct Publication Date: 2010 Jul |
Date Detail:
Created Date: 2010-06-17 Completed Date: 2010-08-03 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID: 1301706 Medline TA: Trop Doct Country: England |
Other Details:
Languages: eng Pagination: 178-80 Citation Subset: IM |
Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Ilorin, Nigeria. firstname.lastname@example.com |
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
MeSH Terms | |
African Continental Ancestry Group Brain Abscess / complications, ultrasonography Diagnosis, Differential Empyema, Subdural / complications, ultrasonography Female Hospitals, University Humans Hydrocephalus / complications, ultrasonography* Infant Infant, Newborn Male Meningitis, Bacterial / complications, ultrasonography* Nigeria Retrospective Studies |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: Meningoencephalitis associated with hepatitis A infection: a case report and review of literature.
Next Document: Cause of death among people with retroviral infection in rural Guinea-Bissau.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You're explaining how things work now, if one wants to specify a "global" package-specfic parameter. Currently if I have an includelet package (for instance) and want to provide a parameter for it, I have to declare it in an existing singleton package, most likely acs-kernel. Or declare the includelet as a singleton service so it will be instantiated for the sole purpose of providing a package_id to hang the parameter value off of (which can then be broken if someone mistakenly mounts the package).
Getting rid of this kludge is the entire point.


text:
Containers and Packaging
Company Overview of MeadWestvaco Corporation
Executive Profile
Timothy H. PowersDirector, Chairman of Compensation & Organization Development Committee, Member of Executive Committee, Member of Audit Committee and Member of Nominating & Governance Committee, MeadWestvaco Corporation |
Age | Total Calculated Compensation | This person is connected to 2 Board Members in 2 different organizations across 7 different industries. See Board Relationships |
65 | $205,000 |
Mr. Timothy H. Powers, also known as Tim, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Progress Lighting, Inc. Mr. Powers served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Hubbell Inc. from July 1, 2001 to December 31, 2012 and from July 1, 2001 to June 6, 2012 respectively. From September 21, 1998 to June 30, 2001, he served as a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hubbell Inc. He served as an Executive Vice President of Finance & Business ...
Corporate Headquarters501 South 5th Street Phone: 804-444-1000Richmond, Virginia 23219 United States Fax: -- Board Members MembershipsFormer Trustee 2001-N/A Former Non-Executive Chairman 2006-Present Director, Chairman of Compensation & Organization Development Committee, Member of Executive Committee, Member of Audit Committee and Member of Nominating & Governance Committee 2015-Present Director
EducationMBA John Carroll University BA Wittenberg University
Other Affiliations |
Annual CompensationThere is no Annual Compensation data available.Stocks OptionsThere is no Stock Options data available.Total Compensation
Name | Position/ Company | Compensation |
Mark W. Kowlzan | Chief Executive Officer and Director Packaging Corporation of America | $1.0M |
Dean A. Scarborough | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Avery Dennison Corporation | $1.1M |
Graham Chipchase | Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Member of Defence Committee Rexam plc | $1.7M |
Miles W. Roberts | Group Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Chairman of General Purposes Committee and Member of Nomination Committee DS Smith Plc | $1.1M |
David Andrew Hathorn B.Com, CA (SA), CFA | Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Chairman of Executive Committee, Member of Sustainable Development Committee, Member of Social & Ethics Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Mondi Limited Mondi plc | $2.6M | Compensation as of Fiscal Year 2014. |
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text:
"Was okay."
Advertised as "stories u just can't put down". I can and I did. Okay stories, not what I consider thrillers.
"I just cannot finish listening to this book."
I don't know
I wouldn't presume to tell an author how to write a book for my enjoyment.
Not totally bad, but the "Sally's daughter" writing as well as the narration voice of this character were horrible. The character, the voice were more than I could stand listening to.
It's the entire story, not scenes.
As inexpensive as it was it was still more than it is worth. It goes on and on and on. I didn't like the book, fell asleep listening, tried again, but I cannot continue to put myself through this just because it exists as part of my library.
"Excellent performance."
A milder Stephen King, it was a nice story made better by the narrator.


text:
"My homepage" bicycle_girl's Profile
This is Garibaldi Lake, a day hike to get there. It is between Vancouver and Whistler.
This is my roommate, on my balcony at home... He doesn't pay rent and doesn't clean up after himself, eats whatever pleases him and screams when he doesn't get his way... Ouch!!!
But I love him to pieces...
By the end of the year after no holidays at all, I decided to go to Peru for a little trip... 2 weeks is definitly not enough especially if you are heading straight to Cuzco, since you need time to acclimatize to the altitude. The first week I spent in the amazonian jungle and discovered a piece of paradise. I went up the Tambopata river to a research center where they study and work to preserve the macaws (parrots). The second week I returned to Cuzco where I started a tour in the country side and met the locals. Then we headed to Machu Picchu fo rthe traditional visit. I am really glad I didn't do the Inca trail since it's soooo popular, I am sure it was not authentic as the Lares Trek. Go visit my pages, the views are spectacular!
Next, I want to volunteers. I want to serve either the animals, work in preservations of the species, or doing humanitarian work, for instance work in an orphanage or work as a nurse and help the poor.
I am thinking about South America again, but also perhaps Costa Rica.
But then I want to go bike up in Alaska... So many choices...
Comments (93)
Happy Birthday
Kati, Happy Birthday. PJ
Oh dear, I just found out why she's no longer here. Very ill is the easiest way of describing it. Cheers if you ever return, Ian
Hello Kati.....Happy Birthday...wish you all the best and success, Best Regards from Bogor Indonesia
Happy Birthday greetings from Holland. PJ
Happy Birthday Kati! Hope your not intending staying away forever! Cheers. Chris
Happy birthday Kati and many happy returns of the day. Greetings from Lisbon
happy birthday to you , greetings
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This section contains 4,530 words (approx. 16 pages at 300 words per page) |
Critical Essay by Joan Wylie Hall
SOURCE: Hall, Joan Wylie. "Treacherous Texts: The Perils of Allusion in Cather's Early Stories." Colby Library Quarterly 24, no. 3 (1988): 142–50.
In the following essay, Hall underscores the difficulties for Cather in inheriting and drawing upon a predominantly male literary canon and the ways in which she addressed this problem through fiction.
Willa Cather's recent biographer, Sharon O'Brien, suggests that the "intrusive references to male writers" in "The Treasure of Far Island" display a female author's urge to place herself in a tradition from which she feels excluded.1 Some of the same literary debts are apparent in "The Professor's Commencement," another early Cather story that also appeared in New England Magazine in 1902.2 While she does not exaggerate the dominance of such allusions, O'Brien does...
This section contains 4,530 words (approx. 16 pages at 300 words per page) |


text:
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Recipe by EAGLE BRAND®
"A cream cheese filling tops a crust of chewy chocolate fudge brownies. Garnish with mini chocolate chips."
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1 (19.5 ounce) package Pillsbury® Classic Traditional Fudge Brownies
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Very delicious. I used a 10 inch pan so the brownie layer wouldn't be too thick. I added extra mini-chips to the batter (tossed with a bit of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom) and made a glaze with chocolate chips and milk for the top. Yummo!
I was surprised that this recipe got a 5 star review as this was not edible. We had visitors in town, one of which was my dad, the biggest sweet eater I know (other than myself), and neither of us could stomach it. I would say maybe it was just me, but I made the Chocolate Cookie Cheesecake first and it turned out excellent. I think the ingredients on this one was to blame; where's the sugar? None of these ingredients sweeten the cheesecake enough to call it a dessert; it was more just like cooked cream cheese.
311 Ratings
I had to make 10 cheesecakes for a wedding, and this was one of the recipes I used. I coated the chocolate chips in flour, before adding, so they wouldn't all sink to the bottom. It was a huge hit!
Really good!!!! I didn't make mine a choco chip cheesecake though... i did buy ghirradeli dark choco chips and i put them on top of the baked brownie. then i put raspberry swirls into the cheesecake and also whole raspberries. I thought the brownie had been cooked too long but it was perfect after cooking the cheesecake. I put a pan of water on a different shelf in the oven with it. Will definitely be making this again.
I made this for Thanksgiving. I used a 9x13 baking pan and drizzled chocolate syrup on the top for a garnish. It was very, very rich but everyone loved it! My daughter who does not like regular cheesecake said it was great. The brownie bottom is a good addition for picky kids.
This cheesecake is so good but I had to bake it much longer than it said to, Almost a half hour longer.
This was my first cheesecake, and it turned out perfect the first time! I didn't even have to try! I didn't have springform pan, so I used an 8x8 square brownie pan, and just cut squares. I took out about 1/2 cup of the brownie batter so the crust wouldn't be too thick. No one can get enough of this desert!
The combination of the brownie and cheesecake works really well together and very easy to prepare. I jotted down the recipe ingredients quick and didn't realize until late in the evening when I was putting it together that the topping shown in the picture is not included in the recipe. I was very disappointed in this - wish I had known, I would have also picked up some sour cream for a topping. Luckily I did have some unsweetened chocolate in the cabinet and the box it came in has a simple recipe for chocolate frosting. I did this and then added more chocolate chips - looks great.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe Servings Per Recipe: 12 Amount Per Serving Calories: 594 Calories from Fat: 271
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Letha Prussman - January 05, 2011
Her parents were married Feb. 27, 1910. Their children were Ruby, Mildred, Gilbert, John, Gene, Donald, William and Letha. Out of eight children, Gene is now the only one still living.
Letha was born and raised with her family in Reyno, Ark., a small town in the northeast part of the state. She attended grade school in Reyno and attended Biggers High School in a nearby town. She then attended nursing school training and thereafter worked as a nurse.
Letha married Cecil M. Hurt in 1961, and after his death she married Dale J. Prussman in 1998. Dale is now also deceased. Letha did not have any children of her own.
Letha is survived by her step-grandchildren, Julie and Jim Rubadue, Donald and Julie Hurt and Charlotte and Rick McAllister; eight great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
The memorial service was held Jan. 13 at First United Methodist Church in Holyoke with Pastor Paul Sung officiating.
Baucke Funeral Home directed the services.


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FULL RESOLUTION - 968x1553
News » Published months ago
Is this Daniel Craig the Actor?
Share your thoughts on this image?
8th April 2015 @ 11:33am
Daniel Craig has been called the best James Bond ever but is he really better than Sean Connery?
3rd April 2015 @ 04:05pm
Daniel Craig is currently filming the new James Bond movie Spectre and he has admitted that he still has to pinch himself
1st November 2012 @ 08:55pm
There was quite a shock for James Bond fans when they turned up to watch Skyfall and did not see the famous gunbarrel at the beginning of the movie.


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Browns' Mack relieved free agency behind him
BEREA, Ohio - The confusing whirlwind of free agency behind him, Pro Bowl center Alex Mack says he's excited about staying with the Browns.
Mack remained with Cleveland after the team quickly matched the five-year, $42 million offer sheet he signed from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. The deal makes Mack the NFL's highest-paid center and allows him to test free agency again after two seasons.
For now, though, Mack is with the Browns and he said Monday that's looking forward to helping turn around a franchise that has endured six straight seasons of at least 11 losses. Mack disputed reports that he wanted out of Cleveland, saying "there's a business side of football, it's positioning."
Mack would like to see more stability with the Browns, who fired coach Rob Chudzinski after just one season. Mike Pettine will be Mack's fourth coach in six seasons.


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Good bet or not?
Started by
, Mar 02 2012 12:12 PM
14 replies to this topic
Posted 02 March 2012 - 12:12 PM
A few weeks ago, my friend (A White Sox fan) and I were having a conversation about the Twins and White Sox. We reminisced about a conversation we had in January of 2010. As a Twins fan, I was optimistic about the 2011 because of the strong 2010 season. He was feeling optimistic about the Sox because of their 2010 season and some off-season additions (i.e. Adam Dunn). We had a fierce debate about which team was going to win the division, and obviously it was limited to the Twins and the Sox. Obviously, we were both way off base on this conversation.
By contrast, we started talking about what would happen in the 2012 season. This year, we decided to place a friendly wager on our favorite teams. We bet on which team would have the better record at the end of the season. The loser has to buy the other person a nice steak.
My question to everyone is, would you bet a steak that the Twins have a better record than the White Sox at the end of 2012?
Posted 02 March 2012 - 12:39 PM
When it comes to sports betting, I have found it best to avoid betting for or against any team I have a rooting interest in. No matter how much you try not to, your emotions (whether positive or negative) toward "your team" cloud your judgment.
But a friendly wager of a dinner? Absolutely. Both teams are going to need a lot of things to break right for them to contend this season because things sure didn't go well last year. But while the Twins can arguably improve simply by having good players come back from injury-plagued seasons, the Sox need players who simply underperformed to perform better. In addition, both teams lost (via FA or trade) good ballplayers, but I feel pretty confident that the Twins did a better job of replacing their losses. It's a biased view, I know, but I do like the Twins' chances over the White Sox'.
I opine about the Twins and Kernels regularly at Knuckleballsblog.com while my alter ego, SD Buhr covers the Kernels for MetroSportsReport.com.
~You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant~
~You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant~
Posted 02 March 2012 - 12:42 PM
I wouldn't bet a steak (because I don't eat that stuff) but I'd bet a nice thick lobster tail that the Twins will have a better record than the White Sox in 2012
Blogging Twins since 2007 at The Tenth Inning Stretch
twitter: @thrylos98
Blogging Twins since 2007 at The Tenth Inning Stretch
twitter: @thrylos98
Posted 02 March 2012 - 01:00 PM
If everyone is healthy for the Twins, they should be able to finish ahead of the White Sox. Right now I would feel confident in betting a steak on it.
Posted 02 March 2012 - 01:29 PM
That is a tough one. Neither team will likely be over .500 in my opinion. I would take the Sox because i think they have less significant question marks than the Twins do and they also have some good young talent that will get a chance to play everyday. Keep an eye on De Aza in CF and Viciedo in RF.
Posted 02 March 2012 - 01:58 PM
I would bet my first born son that the Twins will have a better record than the Chicago White Sox....Here's why:
The White Sox lost Ozzie Guillen, Carlos Quentin, Mark Buehrle and Juan Pierre. The best player they gained was Kosuke Fukudome. They have Jesse Crain in the pen, and their fans feel the same as we felt about him (6 Blown Saves last season). Their bullpen is worse than ours.
AND the Twins will be healthy-er (knock on Maple).
Prediction: Twins 80-82, White Sox 70-92
Posted 02 March 2012 - 02:15 PM
That's a very even bet, in my estimation.
I am involved in a bet at my office between several co-workers who hail from various cities across the country as to whose team will be worst. Involved are me (Twins), and fans of the Pirates, Astros, Padres, and Cubs. The team with the best record of the five must buy the others dinner. I sure hope I lose that bet and buy the dinners.
Posted 05 March 2012 - 03:21 PM
I would bet my first born son that the Twins will have a better record than the Chicago White Sox....Here's why:
The White Sox lost Ozzie Guillen, Carlos Quentin, Mark Buehrle and Juan Pierre. The best player they gained was Kosuke Fukudome. They have Jesse Crain in the pen, and their fans feel the same as we felt about him (6 Blown Saves last season). Their bullpen is worse than ours.
AND the Twins will be healthy-er (knock on Maple).
Prediction: Twins 80-82, White Sox 70-92
Not so fast about the White Sox "losses". Pierre is on the downside of his career and Quentin is often injured and is a HR or K during his ABs. The guys replacing those two (De Aza and Viciendo) are young with a lot of upside and will likley have better seasons than Pierre and Quentin. Buehrle is a tough loss. While I will miss Ozzie in the division, I think he is a feast or famine type of manager in that he does well with a good roster, but struggles with a poor one. I don't think he gets the best out of lesser talent. Still think the Sox may finish slightly ahead of the Twins. For the Twins to improve over 15 games from last year I think will be a good season. Twins 78-84. Sox 81-81.
Posted 05 March 2012 - 03:25 PM
This should be a rolling thread on prop bets.
I bet a co-worker who hadn't heard of Josh Willingham $20 that he would hit more than 20.5 home runs this year, assuming 450 plate appearances. He's assuming the Twins will try to David Ortiz his approach. I'm assuming the fact that he hit 29 in Oakland last year makes at least 21 home runs a safe play.
Posted 08 March 2012 - 02:25 PM
Well, I'm hoping that I'm right and I end up getting a nice steak out of this. It was funny to hear how both of us went from such high expectations before 2011 to "let's see who's team sucks less" in one season. I'm still holding out hope that the Twins really put something together, but that is just my extreme optimistic view. Even though I am a bit biased against the Sox, I just can't see how they're going to do anything at all this year, unless Robin Ventura turns out to be some super coach and gets the whole team into all-caliber player. I just don't see that happening though.


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December 7, 2009 Archives
Technical Workshop
Final Project Peer Review (5-8 min, with draft of online presentation)
Online presentation of final project
Use your blog. Post the MP3, with introductory text and links your listeners would find useful. Images and a transcript are welcome, but optional.
During the final exam slot, you will present this web page in an informal oral presentation, and we will listen to the audio. Be sure to focus on making sure the listener has a clear idea of who is speaking. Explain the background audio, too -- you know where you were standing and what was happening, but your listener won't know unless you put the explanation in words.


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Mission Statement
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Financial aid consists of three basic types: loans, scholarships/grants and work study:
At UMDNJ, these three basic types of financial aid come from a variety of sources: the federal government, the State of New Jersey, UMDNJ itself, or outside agencies, organizations, and donors. For a list of major programs, click here Summary of Major Financial Aid Programs.
ARMED FORCES HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIPS (AFHPS) Scholarships are available to U.S. citizens enrolled in Medical, Dental or Osteopathic schools. In return for financial assistance, students must serve in the Armed Forces. In addition to paying for tuition, fees and required books & supplies, the scholarship pays a monthly living expense stipend. The expectation is that a student will serve year-for-year after graduation. For additional information and/or an application, call or email any of the following branches:
NJ NATIONAL GUARD (ARMY) Medical Service Corps Recruiting and Retention Office 3650 Saylors Pond Road, 2nd Floor Fort Dix, NJ 08640 Contact Person: Josephine Grey, AMEDD/Special Branches Recruiter 1-609-562-0748 (work) or 1-609-571-6576 (cell) Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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US ARMY Health Recruiting Team Building 2201, Route 38, Suite 105 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Contact Person: Sgt. David Ressler 1-877-228-1952 (cell) 1-856-414-1924 (work)
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Eligibility Criteria Must be a U.S. citizen or U. S. National and full-time in an accredited program and school.
Terms and Conditions Government pays tuition and fees. Students chosen for the scholarship must agree to one year of service commitment in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for each year of scholarship support, with a required minimum commitment of two years and maximum of four years.
UMDNJ INTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS UMDNJ administers several privately endowed scholarships. Recipients are chosen based on their financial need and academic performance after completing the first year at UMDNJ. All students with completed financial aid files will be considered.
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UMDNJ-EMERGENCY LOANS Short-term no interest loans are limited and based upon availability of funds. Financial aid must be pending with the Student Financial Aid Office to be approved for a loan. Emergency loans will be repaid as soon as financial aid becomes available so other students have access to these funds. This application is available on the web portal under the Financial Aid Tab. Funds disbursed through direct deposit or to the address on the application.
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NMF's Merit-based awards recognize outstanding minority medical students, recommended by their medical schools, for extraordinary scholastic achievement, leadership, community services and the potential for outstanding contributions to medicine. Offered primarily to third- and fourth-year medical students.
The NMF Experience-based Fellowship Program provides special opportunities for students to work hands-on to enhance healthcare delivery in underrepresented communities in local, national and international settings. These programs match students with mentors, often eminent NMF alumni, and focus on areas of critical clinical/public health need.
Application and Selection Criteria: A rigorous application process ensures that assistance is provided to students with the greatest documented need. Scholarships are granted on the basis of financial need as determined by the student's available resources (including parental and spouse support, education cost, and receipt of other scholarships and grants).
For additional information contact: National Medical Fellowships, Inc. Need Based Scholarship Program 347 Fifth Avenue, Suite 510 New York, N.Y. 10016 Phone: 1-212-483-8880 Ext. 304 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com WEB: www.nmfonline.org


text: In the spirit of early Hip Hop sampling, "Hands Up" was created in the same spirit and homage. To sample and access old footage while introducing it to the public in a new perspective are not new things in pop cultural arts. Music, movies, and commercials have all "borrowed" from the past. Anyways, we thought this was a nice combination of new and old footage.


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