Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 15 August 1997 — Page 3

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15,1997

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGES

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Indians benefit from veteran leadership

By JIM NELSON Sports Writer Over the past few weeks, no professional baseball teams has been as hot as the Indianapolis Indians and for one good reason — no — make that three good reasons — Brian Hunter, Keith Mitchell and Ozzie Timmons. All three veterans have reached the highest level of their sport, all have played Major League Baseball, and all three have as their goal returning to the big leagues — soon. But until they get that call sending them back to the big leagues, they are happy now sharing their knowledge of the game with the team’s younger players and continuing to help the Indians work towards a possible American Association championship. Until the phone rings, the emphasis for the trio of skilled veterans will be to help the Indians succeed as a team, and according to the veterans, their squad’s improved play is the result of finally being able to play together. “We’ve finally had the team together for a while,” said Hunter, the team’s first baseman who hit a home run to tie Monday night’s game against Nashville at 2-2. The Indians went on to win the game 3-2, “We’re finally together for a month’s stretch and we’ve played some great defense along the way.” But the veterans add it is the entire team’s desire to contribute, no matter what the situation, which has also led to some recent victories. And one secret weapon. “We’ve been playing outstanding defense,” said Mitchell, the team’s left

fielder.

Mitchell adds winning is nothing new for the Indians. “Each year we have a good team here. Each year we have talent coming through,” he added. His teammate Timmons, who splits time as an outfielder and a designated

Brian Huntar

hitter adds that chemistry led to the winning streak. “There are a lot of good players over here,” Timmons said. “Everybody plays hard. You can always make a great play as long as you play hard.” Timmons added since coming over from the Chicago Cubs organization he has enjoyed his chance to play for a winning team. In addition to the strong defense, the veterans add outstanding pitching has also been a big part of the team’s recent success. The Indians recently tied the franchise record for most consecutive wins with a 14-game winning streak and they have climbed to within a few games of the Buffalo Bisons, who lead the Eastern Division of the American

Association.

The Indians travel to Buffalo and Nashville this weekend to take on the teams closest to them in the standings. The right mix of veterans and young players has been the key to the team’s recent success and all add they will do what it takes to help the younger guys

get better.

Mitchell said one of the biggest

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Keith Mitchell lessons he teaches the younger players is to stay focused everyday and concentrate everyday and Timmons adds he encourages the young players to try and do it both at the plate and in the field. “I always stress play hard. If you can do that everything else will take care of itself’ Timmons said. Because they know they are a phone call away from returning to the big leagues, each player has to be mentally ready to make the necessary adjustments, especially since the call could mean playing for a team other than the parent club, the Cincinnati Reds. But for now the trio plans on continuing to do the things they have done to get them in contention for a playoff spot and a possible American Association title. “I just keep on doing what I’ve been doing and hopefully I’ll get the call,” Mitchell said. “If the situation comes and they call us up, you can’t beat that.” Hunter agrees. “I’ve been playing for people to see what I can do,” he said and adds he realizes that call may not come from

Ozzie Timmons

the Reds. “They’re going with the youth movement,” he added. Timmons said he’s ready when the call comes, but until then he’s enjoying playing for a winner. “That will be great, but I’m having a good time. That’s everybody’s goal, to get back to the big leagues. The key is to produce down here. You can only control what we do down here.” Until then, the veterans will prepare for their next opponent. “Hopefully, we can go into Buffalo and show them what we can do,” Hunter said.

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Volunteer dealhie attended for Contort Classic The Brickyard Foundation, a not-for- necessary, profit organization that produces the In return for their participation, volComfort Classic at the Brickyard Senior unteers receive a week-long admission PGA Tour event at Indianapolis’ Brick- credential for themselves and a guest, an yard Crossing Golf Course has extended officials tournament uniform (golf shirt, the volunteer registration deadline to jacket and hat or visor), parking for the Aug. IS. week and meal vouchers for use on days The event will be held Sept. 15-21. worked. A special thank you party is More than 1,000volunteers assist tour- held for volunteers during tournament nament officials with all aspects of event week. Volunteers are asked to work a management, from scoring control to minimum of three four-hour shifts and * guest relations to player hospitality. Po- are required to pay a $65 registration fee. sitions are still available for committees Persons interested in participating as including course marshals, credentials volunteers in the 1997 Cbmfort Classic control and guest relations, at the Brickyard are encouraged to call Prior volunteer experience or an ex- Carla Antonelli, tournament coordihatensive knowledge of the sport is not tion at 317-484-6566 for information.

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