Monday’s New Era will include a column on closer James Lira and a story about the first Lancaster-York professional baseball game in 48 years.
Lira has taken an unusual path through the minors. He quit playing for two years after he graduated high school and worked for his father’s construction company. He wanted to make money and spend time with his girlfriend.
Eventually, he got the itch to pitch again.
“There was always something there,” Lira said. “When I would see baseball I would think, ‘Man, I could be doing that.’ I guess it finally hit me that I needed to give it another chance. I’m glad I did take that chance.”
During his two-year hiatus, Lira inexplicably gained four MPH on his fastball. He was drafted after one year at Laredo Junior College.
Lira was in Double-A at age 22, but never advanced any higher. It’s a little difficult to understand considering his minor-league numbers are so good. He has a lifetime 3.09 ERA in 296 games.
“I don’t know why I never had an opportunity for Triple-A or something better,” Lira said. “I’ve talked to other guys in the big leagues and they don’t understand, either. They tell me to just keep trying.”
***
Travis Hake is looking forward to the Lancaster-York games for obvious reasons. The second baseman has played great in spring training and looks like he has something to prove.
The York County native thinks the rivalry between the Barnstormers and Revs is going to blossom.
“I could feel it just playing against them,” Hake said. “I wanted to win. I wanted to do well.”
Today was my last day in camp, so I won’t have game updates Monday or Tuesday. I’m flying back to Harrisburg Monday morning.
Some coming attractions for later in the week …
*Why did Clayton Andrews have to be put on the inactive list?
*Why is Norm Hutchins on the Road Warriors? Wait until you hear this story.
*What does Hake think about York playing its first 11 games in Camden?
*What do scouts look for when they watch the Atlantic League? I asked one of the Brewers scouts here.
Now that the season has arrived, this site will be updated frequently. So please check back.
Jason, the upcoming articles look intriguing!
…. and you must be happy you’re flying into Harrisburg. So much better than Philly and Baltimore.
PS. Sounds like Travis is out for revenge.
Yes, Harrisburg is the best. Thirty minutes on Route 283 and I’m home.
Hake looks like his 2005 self this spring. If he has a great season, it’s going to make not protecting him in the expansion draft look even worse. If that’s possible.
I may be wrong but I think we can all agree is was a marketing move over what was best for the team. The ownership wanted his York area ties to sell tickets. I hope Travis shows them (Lancaster) that they made a bad move, but also York to loose. A dream game would be for Travis to go 4 for 4 but York to loose.
Thanks for the spring training coverage and the team articles. It is the best Barnstormer information any fan could want.
Yep it was great to read all these articles and info from spring training…I enjoyed all of them! it looks like there are some interesting things coming up this week as well. Let’s get this season started. !!!! Jason ,is the newpaper planning on putting out that special section for the Barnstormers like they have the last 2 years?
Yes, there will be a special section. I believe it’s scheduled to appear in Thursday’s New Era and Intell.
Thanks Jason I always love those sections…I have to get a couple extra papers that day!
I recently moved to the Lancaster area. I have traveled on my job all ove the U.S. I have seen Lira pitch in several cities. He has a great fast ball. He should be picked up by a big league. But I’m a firm believer of dealing with any skeltons that might be in your closet. Then GOOD things will happen to you.
Huh? What are you talking about?
Yeah Ross, what skeletons? Please elaborate. (this could get good!)
Nothing, in particular… I have seen this guy pitch off and on since 2001. He is pretty good. There has to be some kind of black cloud hanging over his head,to not get the chance to get past minor independent leagues or AA leagues. In my opinion if you don’t get the chance after all these years. There’s something a person may need to deal with . I believe people make their own luck. let’s ask him…see what he says. He thinks is holding him back.
I wonder if someone put a spell on him?
LOL…. you never know…..
All I’m saying is,he’s been doing this for 6 or 7 years. Every man wants to make it big. After all this time,you wonder why he’s still in the minor leagues. That’s like being at your job 7 years,still in an entry level position.When you have done a good job and you know you should advance.
I don’t know…I just think that was kinda a strange way to introduce yourself to this blog. There are many guys who have the talent to get out of this league yet they don’t. Jeremy Todd is the prime example of this. Alot of times its simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time…there are all kinds of circumstances that happen in this game. And I feel, most of them are beyond a players control. Really all a player has control over is how he performs on the field and keeping his mental game in focus. IYou seem to have an “idea’ of skeletons in Lira’s closet….I think its very unkind of you to come here and insinuate something like that. Just my opinion.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off sounding like that. I just read ubove what he said about not understanding why he can’t make it to the big league. I didn’t intend to insinuate anything. Nor was I trying to be mean. I think the guy is good. I wish him the best. I’m just on the road alot. So I tend to think too much sometime. Sorry if I offended anyone. I’ll just read and not respond.
You really did it this time Ross. Looks like it’s back on the road again!
Just kidding
I just think people thought that by you reference the “Skeletons in the closet” you were saying he may have some sick gay past that involved multiple partners or that maybe he robbed his neighbors house when he was thirteen and stole their grandfathers urn but never returned it. You see what I’m getting at.
Am I off track by saying that Amy?
Ross,
Keep responding. The comments section is the best part of this site. Without it, Barnstormin’ is just me talking to myself.
Ross, once you have left a comment you can never leave. Plus, you’re home now. We are your new family. Jason is our father and a wise and gentle father at that. We love you Brother Ross. More than the outside world ever could.
We are currently construction a temple where we will all live. Your name is now being engraved in our walls.
You will be receiving literature soon for the next step you need to take.
Remember, you are always beautiful in the Grand Worshipful Masters eyes.
Vous êtes maintenant notre slave !
Yes Mr b…thats what I am saying. It just seems like insinuating something about him is pretty harsh. You don’t know James do you? Thats all I am saying Ross.
Amy,
YES I DO!!!!! That’s ALL I’m saying…
As I said I have watched him pitch off and on for the past 6 or 7 years. I love minor league. As I travel I catch every game I can. After all that…. how would you NOT meet some of them and get to know them. Amy, I think you are trying to see, if I do know anything about Lira. I know he is a good pitcher and deserves a break. As well as some of the others. As for ANYTHING personal. No, I don’t know. I only talk with them about baseball. I just didn’t choose my words carefully. MY FAULT!!!!! And you assume there’s something else not being said. I just hope ALL these guys get a chance at their dreams. And not give up after several years. I only talked about Lira,because,I have seen him pitch,in Roundrock,Tx. Lex.Ky. and Michigan. I am more familiar with him than the others.
Ross,anyone who has watched the Battle Cats when they were around is OK by me. Enuff of this Jerry Springer suff. 1 day, 1 hour, and abut 28 minutes to 1st pitch. I’m ready R U