With less than five days until the Hillsboro Hops home opener, players and fans in the Northwest are making sure everything is in place. Returning home from long practices in Arizona, the team reunited in Hillsboro for one last breath before playing about 75 games in 81 days.
General Manager Audo Vicente explained to media this week just how excited he and his team are. He used words such as excitement and eager, all the while fans and players are able to enjoy a newly finished state of the art stadium.
Though a short season, Class-A minor league play can provide endless opportunities for prospective young players. Accompanied by fans wishing to see exciting passion-filled play, we see baseball is at its finest. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Vicente recognizes the importance of producing good baseball at the younger level.
In the minors, you are able to see players strive for greatness till the end; pitchers may pitch full games, pinch runners may be neglected, and subs will be fewer than fans see in major league play. Many Class-A minor players are still in their teens, with this team being their first step into the big leagues.
While many players are newly drafted, the Hops will prove to be effective both defensively and offensively. The Hops supplement their batting lineup with past powerhouse hitters Jacob House and Josh Parr.
House, hailing from Texas A&M, finished his senior year as a second team All-Big 12 player. House started all 69 games for the Aggies that season. He held an average over .300 at the plate with 52 RBIs all season.
Parr, playing with the minors since 2011, has been a consistent player for the Hops since 2012. In 2012, the shortstop brought in 32 runs for his team, while batting .235 at the plate. A player full of faith, Parr has shown pristine skill and technique, filling the voids with his passion for the game.
On the mound, the Hops have a few fresh prospects. Cuban Alexander Carreras, playing with the Bears in 2012, posted an impressive 2.96 ERA. His skills on the mound granted him the NOR League All-Star honor. Vicente insists this year to be even better for Carreras.
Seventeen-year-old Jose Martinez, another Dominican player, posted an overall 2.04 ERA during minor league play in 2012. Being so young, Martinez is currently one of the most-watched young prospects in baseball.
The season is finally here for young players who have been preparing all year. Excitement, sunshine, a freshly polished stadium and some very eager fans await the new Hops team. The home opener is June 17th at 7:05pm.
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