The Observer, January 28, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 15
Indians minor leaguers use Veale for workout
Case and the Cleveland Indians announced a unique agreement on Jan. 7 according to which Case served as the workout home for the Indians' winter development program. In return, the Indians will host Case's baseball game against Oberlin College on April 20 at Jacobs Field.
In addition, according to Case interim athletic director David Hutter, there have been "preliminary discussions" that could lead to internship opportunities for Weatherhead School of Management students with the business and media relations areas of the team, as well as allowing Case's sports medicine students to work with the Indians training staff.
The partnership is one of the first player development alliances between a Major League Baseball team and its local university.
"The partnership was a result of mutual discussion," Hutter said. "The Indians were looking for indoor space, which they didn't have available and we did. Gary Pillar [Case director of national development], who is good friends with John Farrell, the Indians director of player development, discussed the idea. One thing led to another and pretty soon it became a reality."
The program, which ends today after a run of four weeks, has gone smoothly.
A typical day for the athletes starts around 8 a.m. when the players arrive at Jacobs Field, where they grab breakfast and hit in the batting cages. Later in the morning the players caravan to Veale Center, where they use the indoor track area to throw and take part in speed and agility exercises. In the afternoon they return to Jacobs Field, often hearing from guest speakers actively involved in sports and the community, such as St. Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle or players like Aaron Boone and John McDonald.
Hutter said sharing of facilities in Veale has not been a problem. "[The program] was scheduled at a time when we had no gym classes and the use of the center for recreational activities was low," he said. "We haven't had any complaints."
Two of the prospects participating in the program are first baseman Michael Aubrey and catcher Ryan Garko. Aubrey, 22, was the Indians' first-round draft pick in 2003. Last year, the first baseman hit .310 with 82 RBI while splitting the year with Class A Kinston and AA Akron. Coming from Shreveport, La., Aubrey hasn't quite developed an appreciation for Cleveland weather just yet.
"I'm definitely not used to this cold," he said on a cold and snowy day this semester. "Plus, we can't go skiing and risk getting hurt, so I haven't been able to take advantage of it."
As for Garko, 24, the young catcher won the Lou Boudreau Award last season for being named the Indians Minor League Player of the Year. During the season he hit .330 with 22 homers and 100 RBI for Kinston, Akron, and AAA Buffalo. Besides posting terrific batting statistics, Garko admirably handles the most difficult task that accompanies the catching position: handling a pitching staff.
In the minors, the duty can be even tougher, for a catcher has to work with a variety of pitchers ranging from top prospects to major leaguers on rehab assignments.
"Jose Jimenez, when he was on rehab, was probably the toughest pitcher I've had to catch," Garko said. "He had a wild motion, and his pitches had a lot of late movement."
While staying with host families – season ticket holders chosen by the Indians – the players have had the opportunity to explore the area.
"It's been fun getting acquainted with the area," Garko said. "We often go out with our host families, go to Cavs games, or some of us just hang out together."
Perhaps more importantly, the two have enjoyed their workouts at Veale. Both commented that the facilities were "excellent" and "first-class." Since both Aubrey (Tulane) and Garko (Stanford) attended powerful Division I-A athletic programs, their remarks represent high praise for a Division III school like Case.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Garko is expected to start the season at AAA Buffalo, and Aubrey plans to begin at AA Akron. However, as the game of baseball often teaches young players, things do not always go as planned.
"You never know what's going to happen," Aubrey said. "A lot depends on what the guys behind you and ahead of you do."
