Baseball in Fort Wayne

There have been a few Wizards Alumni in the news as of late and Fort Wayne native, Rob Bowen’s name has popped up a few times in recent weeks. Here’s a summary:

Torii Hunter drew a lot of attention for his giving nature. Unfortunately, it nearly cost him a three-year suspension from Major League Baseball. Here are a few links;

• Royals to return Hunter’s bubbly
• Hunter’s bubbly gift to Royals broke MLB rule
• Hunter’s bubbly brings trouble
• The Griddle: Ungifting, perhaps leading to regifting

Josh Barfield has started his sophomore season with a struggle. He’s hit just .123 (7-for-57) with on home run, six RBIs and a meager .153 OBP in his first 15 games with the Cleveland Indians after being traded from the Padres during the offseason. Both Barfield and his skipper, a Fort Wayne native, Eric Wedge are focusing on the positives and see good things in Barfield’s future. Read more here.

When Padres starting catcher, Josh Bard, was sidelined with a strained left groin earlier in the season, it gave Fort Wayne native, Rob Bowen, more at-bats. Bowen has taken the opportunity to shine. As his comfort level increased with more at-bats, so too did his average.

“He’s swinging with a lot of confidence, he’s seeing the ball better,” manager Bud Black said. “… He’s in a good place right now.” Read more about Rob Bowen and his success as a switch hitter here.

[tags]Torii Hunter, Josh Barfield, Eric Wedge, Rob Bowen, Fort Wayne Wizards, Baseball in Fort Wayne[/tags]