Former Baby Bomber Mitch Hilligoss (pictured right) has responded well to his new organization this summer.
Trades are part of sports. For many observers, it’s a different world compared to the one players live in. One in which they’re constantly on the move and don’t know if they’re coming or going.
Take former Staten Island Yankee Mitch Hilligoss, who in 2007 had an outstanding season with Single-A Charleston that featured a new South Atlantic record 38-game hit streak, All-Star MVP and honors while emerging in the Yankee organization. In fact, he was nearly packaged to the Twins in a deal that would’ve sent Johan Santana to the Bronx. Instead, the 25 year-old Windsor Illinois native the Yanks tabbed in 2006 sixth round slumped- struggling in Tampa to show the form that made the third baseman a hot commodity.
Eventually, Hilligoss fell out of favor in the organization and was finally traded this past winter to the Rangers for Triple-A outfielder Greg Golson. Thus far, the scenery change has sparked the former Purdue standout who finally moved up from A to Double-A. After hitting .293 with two homers, 19 RBI’s and a .352 on-base percentage in 45 games with Bakersfield of the California League, he was promoted to the Frisco Roughriders where the ex-Baby Bomber continued to display solid form before an injury sidelined him earlier this month.
At the time, Hilligoss hadn’t slowed down- hitting .304 (24-for-79) with five extra base hits (four doubles, triple), 10 RBI’s and 11 runs scored in 24 games, also posting a .391 OBP. On the mend, he took time out to discuss what it’s been like with his new organization along with life out West compared to home.
Hitting Back: What was your reaction to getting traded?
Mitch Hilligoss: My initial reaction was just total shock, but excitement. I was coming off the injury and really two down years. It was the farthest thing from my mind. When it sank in though, I started thinking about all of the guys I played with and really having to start over with meeting everyone from coaches, instructors, to teammates.
HB: Joining a new organization, how much did the change motivate you?
MH: A lot. I looked at it as a total positive. I assumed I would be able to come in and get a chance to prove myself for this season.
HB: You’ve had better success thus far. What do you attribute it to?
MH: Well, I’m getting consistent playing time unlike last year. But over the last two winters, I’ve made big adjustments to my swing in hopes that it will produce at higher levels.
HB: Talk about making the jump to Double-A. Any differences?
MH: It’s great. Unbelievable ballparks and there are actually fans again. Probably the biggest difference is top to bottom the pitching is better. There is better starting pitching, but definitely better bullpens. Guys run it up there at that level without a doubt.
HB: You recently had a setback. How close are you to returning?
MH: We really don’t know how serious it is. It’s one of those things that takes time and if something is needed to fix it, I’ll be ready for next year.
HB: How have your new teammates/managers helped in the transition?
MH: They have all been great. I have learned so much from all of them. This is a great organization, as are the Yankees. They both have so much talent and great staffs. I learned a lot by playing with some of the older guys in Spring training and during the season.
HB: You noted that there have been a lot of good road trips. What stands out?
MH: Well, the one that stands out is a twelve game road trip with three 4 game series, 8 hour drives in between and no off days. That was tough. I don’t care how experienced or how tough you are. That works on you. We played great, clinched the first half and started the second on a tear. So, you can’t complain about it.
HB: You played a little first last year. How did it go?
MH: First is harder than most people think, but it went well. It just makes me a better baseball player being able to play more positions with familiarity.
HB: Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?
MH: Of course. You know those guys are what make the minor leagues. I talk to a ton of guys. They are like family. We talk about good times and bad. I’m going to a couple of weddings this year and am excited to see everyone.
HB: When you see some of the success a few have had, does it serve as extra incentive?
MH: Sure. I mean you want to be at their level, no doubt. You always think you can play with anybody. And if you don’t, you are not a competitor. I’m happy for those guys, but it still drives a person.
HB: Talk about how different life is back home. More laid back?
MH: I’m from a really small town and I love it. It’s a great place to get away to in the off season. I enjoy the slow pace and no stoplights or traffic. That’s how I was raised and what I will probably always want to go back to. At the same time, I love some of the places I’ve had the advantage of playing at. The Charleston, SC and Frisco, TX. Both are beautiful and I could live there.
HB: When away from the ballpark, what do you do to clear your head?
MH: I love to hang with the guys, catch a good movie, and get my rest. It’s a grueling season and down time is important. The offseason is working on the farm, hanging out with friends and family, and deer hunting.
HB: How have the fans been?
MH: Fans are great. The last few places I’ve been have been to were tough because there is really not many. Like Bakersfield and Tampa. They are what get you going day in and day out. Even when you don’t feel your best, they give you energy.
HB: What’s in your Ipod?
MH: My Ipod is full of country. I’m big on Eric Church and have been for awhile. [Seth] Fortenberry actually introduced me to Texas country. So I’ve been listening to quite a bit of that. Bands like Randy Rogers and Eli Young.
HB: Favorite movies/quotes.
MH: I love history. So I like war movies. I’m a big fan of Varsity Blues too. As far as quotes, none really stick out. I have a couple mentioned on Facebook and I like what those mean.
Even during one of the hottest summers, Red Hot Chili Peppers can help you get through the day with their unique style.
It’s a lazy, hazy, crazy Sunday in NYC. Was that actual rain we got before?!?!?!?!?! Too bad it didn’t come down in buckets cause this town could sure use one of those cool ass storms. And no. We don’t mean the ones that cause tornadoes. But hey. If it’s gonna thunder and lighten, give me a good ‘ole fashioned downpour!
Anyway, enough of that endless summer rant. Onto bigger and better things which is what this is really about. When your down, you can always depend upon a kickass song to brighten the mood. Today well errrr tonight, I felt like some Red Hot Chili Peppers. You just can’t go wrong with RCHP, who’ve been around forever and somehow got passed up for this year’s Rock N’ Roll Hall. Are you freaking kidding?!?!?!?!?! Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante totally rock. Such a shame that the underrated front guitar man with the solid backup vocals left the band. Even if replacement Josh Klinghoffer is good, it won’t be the same.
Still, they’re one of the best bands entering its fourth decade. I can still recall discovering them at the Fairleigh Dickinson, Madison NJ campus radio station, playing renown hit Under The Bridge along with overlooked tracks off What Hits such as Fight Like The Brave, Get Up And Stay, Taste The Pain and one of my faves in good Stevie Wonder cover Higher Ground. They also ran through Jimi Hendrix’ “Fire” with less fanfare unless you consider the debacle of Woodstock ’99 positive.
Producing big albums Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, By The Way and Stadium Arcadium that featured plenty more hits including Breaking The Girl, Give It Away, Right On Time, Californication, Scar Tissue, Other Side, Around The World, By The Way, Zephyr Song, Can’t Stop, Tell Me Baby, Snow (Hey Oh), Dani California and Stadium Arcadium.
What makes RCHP so special is they’re unique style. Kiedis can sing almost any way and the rest of the band doesn’t miss a beat. You can’t account for chemistry. That’s why it’s a crime they weren’t inducted into Cleveland this year. ABBA?!?!?!?!?! You gotta be joking. They better get in next year.
Anyway, here’s another song we’ve always been a fan of called, “I Could Die For You.” Listen to the words closely and I think you’ll agree that they can be about anyone you love. It’s got H-E-A-R-T. Here’s a live version from Madrid. Love the start and funky transition.
RCHP: “I Could Die For You”
Something inside the cards
I know is right
Don’t want to live
Somebody elses life
This is what I want to be
And this is what I give to you
Because I get it free
She smiles while I do my time
I could die for you
Oh this life I choose
I’m here to be your only go-between
To tell you of the sights
These eyes have seen
What I really want to do is
Turn it into motion
Beauty that I can’t abuse
You know that I’d use my senses to
You can see that
It’s only everywhere
I’d take it all and then
I’d find a way to share
Come along and go
Along with me
Wander with me yo
It’s all for free
I could die for you
Whatchu wanna do
Oh this life I choose
Come again and tell me
Where you want to go
What it means for me
To be with you alone
Close the door and
No one has to know
How we are
Come along and go
Along with me
Wander with me yo
It’s all for free
I could die for you
Whatchu want to do
Oh this life I choose
“Flex Freestyle” D Flex My name is D Flex
And I’m here to stay
Coming at ya
Like every single day Going hard
To the extreme
Getting down
In funky ass jeans Always flowing and glowing
Like the moon above
Showing ya ‘ll love
I’m Bob Marley
Calling for peace and harmony
I’m Jimi Hendrix
Singing about Purple Haze
In a cloud of smoke
That could go on for days
Robbing Vic Wertz like Willie Mays
I’m Joe Namath guaranteeing victory
An upset for the ages
It’s Cassius Clay over Sonny Liston
Turning history pages
It’s JFK edging Nixon
Even if it wasn’t on the up and up
But the other a crook
It’s all that and more
With puffy whites staring down
Knock knock knockin’ on Heaven’s door
I’m like Ali
Raising my arms to feel the roar
Of a crowd driven insane
Raising the roof
And giving some proof
Cause that’s what it’s all about
So stand up, scream and shout
That’s how we feel
Which makes us real
It was a memorable day for former SI Yank Colin Curtis in yesterday's Yankee win over the Angels.
Imagine your team is up by two runs in the bottom of the seventh and looking for insurance with two runners on. Then, the unthinkable happens when your outfielder buddy who you know well from the minors gets ejected for the first time after falling behind 0-2.
Suddenly, the skipper calls your name and you must inherit the count before plenty of screaming Yankee fans in the Bronx. Not too much pressure, eh? Apparently, that was the case forColin Curtisyesterday after he stepped in for Gardner and hit a clutch pinch-hit three-run home run into the right field stands, increasing the Yanks’ lead to 10-5 in a game they’d win 10-6 to square the series versus the Halos. Did we mention it was the 25 year-old former Staten Island Yankee’s first major league homer? What a way to get it. Plenty of columns on the Yanks’ 25th man today, including from Cooperstown bound Bill Madden of The Daily News.
“He’s had a ton of big hits for us without a lot of starts,” a pleased Joe Girardi explained. “That’s not easy for a young man that’s used to playing and getting at-bat after at-bat. To come into that situation down 0-2 and hit a home run, that’s some kind of at-bat.”
“To take three pitches like he did … it was an amazing at-bat,” Girardi added of the scrappy player, who had a similar at bat in a great come from behind win over the Dodgers last month. “But that’s the one thing he’s shown. He’s gotten pinch-hits in key situations and puts a lot of long at-bats on people.“
Not bad for a guy who entered the batter’s box with just 26 major league plate appearances posting half a dozen hits and four RBI’s. One thing we didn’t know about the former ’06 fourth round selection out of Arizona State was that he’s overcome testicular cancer. As a matter of fact, it’s the 10-year anniversary- demonstrating the kind of mental fortitude you’d expect from a hard working player who impressed us when he helped lead the Baby Bombers to the NY-Penn League crown four summers ago.
So, what was his reaction to being an unlikely hero Wednesday? A nice excerpt from Madden’s piece on Curtis’ unpredictable adventure describes it best:
Nevertheless it was understandable if Curtis didn’t quite know how to react. Touring the bases, he said, he was trying to hold back a big smile. And after he reached the dugout, he admitted to being confused when his teammates began imploring him to heed the fans’ curtain call.
“I had no idea what to do,” he confessed. “I was high-fiving everyone and they kept saying, ‘You gotta go out!’“
A couple of minutes later, Curtis walked down the runway from the dugout and saw Gardner next to the batting cage.
“What did Gardner say to you?” Curtis was asked.
“You’re welcome,” Curtis replied, chuckling.
Later, Reggie Jackson, who has seen and hit his share of historic home runs, continued the playful chiding of the personable rookie who, 10 years ago, was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Jackson handed him a baseball with a congratulatory inscription on it.
“I’m a little behind you,” Curtis joked.
“Maybe,” said Reggie, “but you’re one closer and I’m not going anywhere.”
Pretty cool stuff which we’re sure he won’t forget. As a sidenote, they were able to retrieve the ball to a lucky fan who wound up with an autographed baseball from Alex Rodriguez. The larger than life superstar two shy of 600 homers. Or 597 more than his younger, bright eyed teammate who’s doing what he can to stick.
“Running around the bases, I think you’re still kind of in the moment of hitting it. Once you get around, the curtain call is just a lot of excitement. I’ve seen a lot of players do that in the past. To get that opportunity, it’s a thrill,” a thrilled Curtis said of the fun Stadium moment.
“That home run for Colin broke our backs,” Angels outfielder Torii Hunter lamented. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before. A guy getting thrown out and the guy hitting a home run in his spot.”
Uh…what happened to the Mets? Were they abducted by aliens during the All-Star break? Swept by last place Arizona. Ouch. And the only win they got was a gift in San Fran thanks to one of the most hideous calls.
The good news is Atlanta lost and they’re still 3.5 out of the wild card. And even Oli Perez pitched out of a bases loaded one out situation. However, they better start hitting soon or they’re ain’t gonna be a pennant race.
Wu Tang always has stayed true to its Shaolin roots. Something missing from today's game.
In today’s game filled with redundant, cookie cutter types like Drake overhyped like a WWE has been, sometimes one needs to only look back at what rap/hip hop once was.
It peaked in the 90′s due to mc’s like LL Cool J, 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Redman, DMX, Eminem, Jadakiss, Big Pun plus overlooked AZ and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, NWA, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Beastie Boys, Mobb Deep, House Of Pain and Onyx. No bs. Just telling stories that mesmerized the audience with lyrical genius. Something we rarely get today. Thanks mainstream!
There also was this kickass group from Staten Island. Everyone knows them. Wu Tangare as legit as it comes, combining a unique blend of talent featuring Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, GZA, RZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck and deceased legend Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
Wu is more than just talented rappers who lay it all on the line, collaborating on memorable hits like C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck, Ice Cream, M.E.T.H.O.D. Man, Gravel Pit, Bring The Pain, 7th Chamber II and Bring Da Ruckus. They represent their Shaolin roots, shooting hard from the street. The way rap should sound, in a style all their own. When you hear one of their songs, you know instantly who it is and that’s for the right reasons instead of the wrong.
While it’d be easy to criticize who’s being pushed in our faces, I have to put the real blame where it belongs. On the media and radio stations. This is what they want kids to listen to. Who cares about other alternatives like Meth archrival Joe Budden, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana (minus Lil Wayne), Taleb Kweli and Common. Today, everything all about bling bling. That’s not what we grew up on.
Let’s kick it back oldschool and listen/check out Wu’s “Triumph.” Just listen to the passion they bring. Oh. And the video is off the charts, shot perfectly. Gangsta! As real as it gets.
Wu Tang: “Triumph”
[Ol Dirty Bastard]
What y’all thought y’all wasn’t gon’ see me?
I’m the Osirus of this shit
Wu-Tang is here forever, motherfucker
It’s like this ninety-seven
Aight my niggaz and my niggarettes
Let’s do it like this
I’ma rub your ass in the moonshine
Let’s take it back to seventy-nine
[Inspectah Deck]
I bomb atomically, Socrates’ philosophies
and hypothesis can’t define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics
I inspect you, through the future see millenium
Killa B’s sold fifty gold sixty platinum
Shacklin the masses with drastic rap tactics
Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths
Black Wu jackets queen B’s ease the guns in
Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function
Heads by the score take flight incite a war
Chicks hit the floor, diehard fans demand more
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly
Proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock
Wu got it locked, performin live on your hottest block
[Method Man]
As the world turns, I spread like germs
Bless the globe with the pestilence, the hard-headed never learn
It’s my testament to those burned
Play my position in the game of life, standin firm
on foreign land, jump the gun out the fryin pan, into the fire
Transform into the Ghostrider, a six-pack
and (A Streetcar Named Desire), who got my back?
In the line of fire holdin back, what?
My peoples if you with me where the fuck you at?
Niggaz is strapped, and they tryin to twist my beer cap
It’s court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm
Herb got my wig fried like a bad perm, what the blood
clot, we smoke pot, and blow spots
You wanna think twice, I think not
The Iron Lung ain’t got ta tell you where it’s coming from
Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone
Rip through your slums
[Cappadonna]
I twist darts from the heart, tried and true
Loop my voice on the LP, martini on the slang rocks
Certified chatterbox, vocabulary ‘Donna talkin
Tell your story walkin
Take cover kid, what? Run for your brother, kid
Run for your team, and your six camp rhyme groupies
So I can squeeze with the advantage, and get wasted
My deadly notes reigns supreme
Your fort is basic compared to mine
Domino effect, arts and crafts
Paragraphs contain cyanide
Take a free ride on my dart, I got the fashion
catalogues for all y’all to all praise to the Gods
[Ol Dirty Bastard]
The saga continues
Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang
[U-God]
Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet
The thrill of victory, the agony, defeat
We crush slow, flamin deluxe slow
For, judgment day cometh, conquer, it’s war
Allow us to escape, hell glow spinning bomb
Pocket full of shells out the sky, Golden Arms
Tune spit the shitty Mortal Kombat sound
The fateful step make, the blood stain the ground
A jungle junkie, vigilante tantrum
A death kiss, catwalk, squeeze another anthem
Hold it for ransom, tranquilized with anesthetics
My orchestra, graceful, music ballerinas
My music Sicily, rich California smell
An axekiller adventure, paint a picture well
I sing a song from Sing-Sing, sippin on ginseng
Righteous wax chaperone, rotating ring king
[RZA]
Watch for the wooden soldiers, C-Cypher-Punks couldn’t hold us
A thousand men rushing in, not one nigga was sober
Perpendicular to the square, we stand bold like Flare
Escape from your Dragon’s Lair, in particular
My beats travel like a vortex, through your spine
to the top of your cerebrum cortex
Make you feel like you bust a nut from raw sex
Enter through your right ventricle clog up your bloodstream
now terminal, like Grand Central Station
Program fat baselines, on Novation
Getting drunk like a fuck, I’m duckin five-year probation
[GZA]
War of the masses, the outcome, disastrous
Many of the victim family save they ashes
A million names on walls engraved in plaques
Those who went back, received penalties for the axe
Another heart is torn as close ones mourn
Those who stray, niggaz get slayed on the song
[Masta Killa]
The track renders helpless and suffers from multiple stab wounds
and leaks sounds that’s heard
ninety-three million miles away from came one
to represent the Nation, this is a gathering
of the masses that come to pay respects to the Wu-Tang Clan
As we engage in battle, the crowd now screams in rage
The high chief Jamel-I-Reef take the stage
Light is provided through sparks of energy
from the mind that travels in rhyme form
Givin sight to the blind
The dumb are mostly intrigued by the drum
Death only one can save self from
This relentless attack of the track spares none
[Ghostface Killah]
Yo! Yo! Yo, fuck that, look at all these crab niggaz laid back
Lampin like them gray and black Puma’s on my man’s rack
Codeine was forced in your drink
You had a Navy Green salamander fiend, bitches never heard you scream
You two-faces, scum of the slum, I got your whole body numb
Blowin like Shalamar in eighty-one
Sound convincin, thousand dollar court by convention
Hands, like Sonny Liston, get fly permission
Hold the fuck up, I’ll unfasten your wig, bad luck
I humiliate, separate the English from the Dutch
it’s me, black nobled you Ali
Came in threes we like the Genovese, is that so?
Caesar needs the greens, it’s Earth
Ninety-three million miles from the first
Rough turbulence, the waveburst, split the megahertz
[Raekwon]
Aiyyo that’s amazing, gun in your mouth talk, verbal foul hawk
Connect thoughts to make my manchild walk
Swift notarizer, Wu-Tang, all up in the high-riser
New York Yank’ visor world tranquilizer
Just a dosage, delegate my Clan with explosives
While, my pen blow lines ferocious
Mediterranean, see y’all, the number one draft pick
Tear down the beat God, then delegate the God to see God
The swift chancellor, flex, the white-gold tarantula
Track truck diesel, play the weed God, substantiala
Max mostly, undivided, then slide in, sickenin
Guaranteed, made em jump like Rod Strickland
