Remember Danny Almonte?

It's hard to believe it's been a decade since the Little League World Series / Danny Almonte scandal.  Once again proving a point why when something goes wrong for kids an adult is usually to blame.

Almonte appeared to be destined for Cooperstown, but ultimately never got a shot at the Big Leagues.  In the spring of 2007 he did resurface with the Southern Illinois Miners (albeit briefly) of the independent Frontier League.  Alomnte made half a dozen starts for the Miners in the teams inaugural season posting a 5.28 ERA and 0-1 record.

He was taken advantage of in 2001 and probably by the Miners in 2007.
Southern Illinois gave him a shot at pro baseball. If they caught lightning in a bottle and he panned out on the mound (both benefited), if not then the Miners received free publicity for the new organization.
The got it on a national level.

Sports Illustrated (Almonte mentioned at bottom of the article)

The signing of Almonte proved to be a savvy move.

 "Where is Danny Almonte", or "What ever happened to that  former Little League kid Danny Almonte". Questions I hear often from fans at Miners home games.

USA Today story about the Danny Almonte scandal

Miners helping area youth

Talk to any Frontier League baseball player and most agree the Southern Illinois Miners organization is the class of the league. Most call them the "NY Yankees" of the the Frontier League, and most say it with a little jealousy in their voice.

From the front office staff to the coaching staff the Miners do things the right way making the baseball experience the best it can be for the players and the fans. Now you can help the Miners help area youth leagues.

By Scott Gierman / Southern Illinois Miners Director Of Media Relations

Aug. 4, 2010
MARION, Ill. – Now through the end of the month, the Southern Illinois Miners are accepting donated baseball mitts to be distributed to local youth leagues as part of the Miners Helping Hands glove donation program.

Any fan donating a new or used glove will receive two tickets for the Miners final regular season home game on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Rent One Park. Donations can be made at the Rent One Park box office during normal business hours or on the concourse at the fan assistance center and advance ticket window during Miners home games.

The gloves will be donated to local youth leagues following the season. Leagues must submit a written request to the Miners to receive the equipment.

The Miners are currently in the middle of a six-game homestand which runs through this Thursday, Aug. 5. For the latest news on the Southern Illinois Miners and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.

All-Star Team Loaded With Miners

No surprise here... The Frontier Leagues best team places eight players on the 2010 All-Star roster. I will be the last person to suggest how you should spend your dollars...but I can't recommend enough to catch a Miners game.

As unpredictable as baseball is you never know if the Miners current roster will remain intact. As well as they are playing I think it's safe to say big league clubs are paying attention and could swoop down and sign guys to deals.

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By Scott Gierman (Southern Illinois Miners)
Marion, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners are excited to announce that a league-leading eight Miners, including four starters, have been voted to the 2010 Frontier League All-Star Team. The 18th Annual Frontier League All-Star Game will be played at Rent One Park on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:05 p.m.
First baseman Brad Miller, designated hitter Todd Martin and outfielders Stephen Head and Jereme Milons have been voted starters for the West Division All-Stars, along with catcher Brendan Akashian. Pitchers Joe Augustine, Mike Damchuk and Jake McMurran have also been voted to the team. This is the second all-star selection for Miller and McMurran.

"It is a great honor to be recognized in this league," Miller said. "It is extra special being able to play in front of our loyal fans."

Miners Manager Mike Pinto will manage the West All-Stars. Later this week he will select three more players from the division to join the 24-man roster. He will also decide the starting pitcher.

"I could not be more proud of the players on our team voted to the all-star squad," Pinto said. "It is a testament to their preparation coming into the season and the tremendous skills they have shown in the first half in helping us to a great start to the season. I am thrilled that our coaching staff gets the opportunity to have so many of our players join us for the all-star festivities next week. It will be a week I am sure we will all remember."

The all-star rosters were voted on by Frontier League coaching staffs, general managers, radio broadcasters and local media representatives.

Four Miners Voted To All-Star Team

This just in....

MARION, Ill. – Four Southern Illinois Miners have been voted to represent the Miners in the 2009 Frontier League All-Star Game. Tony Roth has been named the starting shortstop. He will be joined by first baseman Brad Miller and pitchers Ryan Bird and Chris Wiman.

“I know I speak for our entire coaching staff in saying how happy we are and proud to have Ryan, Brad, Chris and Tony represent us in the all-star game,” Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. “They are all very deserving and I am sure this will be an experience that they will remember the rest of their lives.”

Tony Roth was an all-star second baseman last season for the Miners. He and former Miner Mike Scanzano are the only two-time all-stars in team history. Bird, Miller and Wiman will all be making their first appearance as Frontier League All-Stars.

The 17th Annual Frontier League All-Star Game will be played at Road Ranger Stadium, home of the Rockford RiverHawks, on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.

The all-star teams were voted by the Frontier League managers, coaches, radio broadcasters and local media members. Three more players will be added to each all-star team by the all-star manager on Thursday, July 9. The managers for each division’s all-star squad will be the manager of the team with the best record following July 8’s games.

For the latest news and information about events at Rent One Park and the Southern Illinois Miners, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.

Pinto Wins 200th Career Game

I know this is a couple of days old...But wanted to get in on the blog. Kudos to Southern Illinois Miners manager Mike Pinto

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CRESTWOOD, Ill. - Southern Illinois Miners Manager Mike Pinto recorded his 200th career victory Wednesday night with a 13-5 win over the Windy City ThunderBolts. Since joining the Miners prior to the inaugural 2007 season, Pinto has led the franchise to a 131-103 record, with a winning percentage of .560.

Pinto began his professional managerial career as the skipper for the Sioux Falls Canaries in 2005. He spent two seasons with Sioux Falls before being named manager of the Miners. Entering this season, Pinto
ranked ninth in Frontier League history in career winning percentage.
His 58 regular season wins in 2008 tied him for sixth most in a single Frontier League season.

"Mike has been great for us on and off the field," Miners General Manager Tim Arseneau said. Everyone here is excited for him to reach this milestone, and we look forward to seeing him reach more milestones with Southern Illinois. He's done a phenomenal job building this team from scratch into a contender.