Bandit Post, Vol 4.1, 1996

[aaronweiner]

The Birmingham Bandits entered the All-Star break firmly in contention. Birmingham may have a 39-42 record, but stand only five games back in the wild card race and believe they have every reason to be satisfied with their first half. Birmingham finished June as their second straight winning month, posting a 15-12 record in the month. Since starting the season 13-23, the Bandits have won 26 of their last 45 games, a .577 winning percentage.

"We feel like we started this year flat, some kind of hangover from last year, and then we started playing well and we're doing fine," said first baseman Chris Brown. "We felt like we had a lot of problems early on and now we're okay."

The Bandits have a tough stretch of games before the All-Star Break, but also a good chance to move up in the wild card race, as the team will face Atlantic City and Buffalo in their last two series before the Midsummer Classic. Currently, Buffalo leads the wild card race and Atlantic City is third, just one game back of Buffalo. Two series wins will put Birmingham right at .500 and significantly close the gap between the teams.

"We see this week as an opportunity," said Damian Bedgood, who leads the team with ten wins. "We're hoping that the team can get it done this week and really come back in the wild card race."



Notes

Bodeen an All Star

Sammy Bodeen was named as Birmingham's only All-Star representative. Bodeen leads the team with a 2.60 ERA and has a 6-5 record for the Bandits. This is Bodeen's second All-Star appearance in as many years.

"I'm honored to be on the All-Star team," said Bodeen. "I hoped that some of my teammates would make the team as well but I'm glad to be a part of this great event."


McGrevey Shines in First Start

Mike McGrevey, acquired from Des Moines last week, exceeded expectations in his first start. While he did lose the game 4-1, McGrevey threw a complete game against the Hackensack Bulls, allowing just five hits and three walks and only two earned runs.

"I wasn't thrilled to be traded from Des Moines, but I hope that I can be successful for the Bandits," said McGrevey. "Hopefully I can get the job done for them."

This is expected to be McGrevey's only start before the All-Star break for Birmingham, as the team is expected to go with a four-man rotation before the break.