JetHawks trio heads East

By ED HARBOUR
Valley Press Staff Writer

The trio, along with second baseman Willie Bloomquist, was selected last month to represent the Cal League in the game, to be held today at Kinston Stadium.

Bloomquist was asked by Seattle not to participate in the game due to a nagging injury to his left hand and the threat that it could hinder his recovery.

"I'm going to spend some time with my girl and relax," Bloomquist said. "I'm going to take it easy and hopefully come back with my swing. There are a few aches and bumps that need a much deserved three days off."

Bloomquist enters the break as the leading hitter in the league with a .360 batting average.

"Coming back from the break, we need to focus on what each individual needs to improve and move on," he added.

For the JetHawks actually heading out to the East Coast for the festivities, today's game means something special and different for each one.

For Parker, his selection means back-to-back trips to the game with Lancaster in completely different pitching roles. This season, Parker is manager Mark Parent's closer. In 1999, he went as a starter.

"It feels good to be able to come back here (to Lancaster) and get the job done in another role," Parker said. "It makes me feel good, and I'm sure it makes the organization feel good that I was able to do it.

"I'm just glad to be going back again."

Of the three headed out, Silvestre will be the only starter in the group, getting the nod in left field.

The game will give Silvestre the chance to hook up with other Dominican-born players playing in the minor leagues.

"It's going to be nice," Silvestre said. "This is my first time in an all-star game and I think I'm going to have fun. I know I'm going to have fun.

"My friends from other teams are going to be there, it'll be good."

Silvestre remains the only legitimate triple-crown contender in the league. At the break, he has a league-high 16 home runs and 67 runs batted in, while batting .336, good enough for fifth.

"I think it's all going good," Silvestre said. "I want to make it to the big leagues and this is all a part of it.

"I'm looking forward to it, working hard everyday and making it."

Filling out the JetHawks' contingent is right fielder Sledge.

"This is my first all-star game since like little league," Sledge said. "I was actually born in North Carolina, and haven't been back since I was three, so I'm pretty excited about going.

"I've always wanted to see it again. It'll be pretty fun."

Sledge spent the early part of the season in Class-A Wisconsin, rehabbing an injured left shoulder. But he was eager to get to his native Southern California and a higher level of baseball.

"To tell you the truth, I never even thought about going (to the all-star game)," Sledge said. "Being hurt early, I just wanted to get healthy for my first full season. Basically to come home and play baseball."

For those local fans that want to follow the game, it will be broadcast at 4 p.m. on the Kinston Indians website, www.kinstonindians.com.

Uploaded June 20, 2000