Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto

 
Maier’s Promotion
Well Deserved...
He’s no longer
just an ‘A’ student

7/25/2005

On June 3rd, just 4 weeks before his 23rd birthday, Novi’s Mitch Maier was called up to the AA Wichita Wranglers. The Kansas City Royal farmhand earned this promotion after batting .336 for the High Desert Mavericks in Single A of the California League.

The California League is the toughest A League in all of professional baseball, and stars like Kirby Puckett, Rob Nenn, and Ken Griffey Jr. all made the jump from the California League to the Major Leagues in the past.

The fact that Maier has made it to AA is a huge accomplishment. Now an outfielder, the speedy left handed hitting All-American from the University of Toledo has an excellent chance to get to the big leagues.

Double-A is where the greatest scrutiny takes place, and it is a common belief that if someone can get to this level, they have major league ability. The key now will be consistent play and making the daily adjustments against the toughest competition he’s ever faced.

Maier has one big thing going for him…The Kansas City Royals have one of the worst records in the Major Leagues, and this increases Maier’s chances as player development and promotion from within are the things that will make the Royals competitive again.

He also has youth on his side. At just 23 he’s progressed nicely and has had great success at every level he’s played on.

I like Mitch Maier’s chances, a lot. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets another promotion next year right around his birthday.

He could be in-line for a call-up to the big leagues.

That would be a nice present for the former Novi Wildcat.

(c) 2005 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

___________________________________
Bernie Fratto
is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.