The Laredo Broncos acquired a former United High standout on Wednesday, inking Andres Santos to a deal.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound left fielder played the last six seasons with the Tecolotes of Nuevo Laredo. He was also a pivotal member of the Longhorns of the late 90s under coach Arturo Contreras.
“I’ve been going after him since our first year (2006) but he always had offers in the Mexican League,” Broncos General Manager Jose Melendez said. “He’s a contact power hitter, which is very rare, and averaged a home run every eight at-bats in the Mexican League.”
The 31-year-old Santos, who also played at Laredo Community College and Northwood College, delivered 15 home runs as a pinch hitter during his first four years for the Tecos.
He is regarded as a pure hitter
“The big thing is that he’s a local kid,” Melendez said. “He’s not just a local kid, though, but he’s a local kid with great talent. He had offers to play with the Tecos this year but he turned them down to come play over here.”
“This is a great signing as we are always looking for local talent that can compete at this level. Santos fits that bill and beyond.”
Dirksen named GM in Harlingen
HARLINGEN — The co-founders of the United League Baseball have selected their original choice for general manager of the Harlingen club to again take over that operation.
Cory Dirksen, who was GM in 2006, the first season of the ULB, and again in 2007, will begin in that same capacity immediately, league executives Byron Pierce and John Bryant said.
“Cory was one of the top general managers in the league during those first two years that Harlingen operated and we have complete faith that he will again excel,” Pierce said.
In his two years as general manager of the WhiteWings, Dirksen helped put together a team that won the first-half league title in 2007.
Prior to his management duties in ULB, Dirksen spent three years as director of Sales and was a scout for the Rockford River Hawks in the Frontier League, helping to start the franchise from the ground up.
He then served as general manager of the Windy City Thunder Balls, also in the Frontier League.
Doug Leary new general manager for Coyotes
EDINBURG — A man with 30 years experience in sports and entertainment fields has been selected by United League Baseball officials to be the new general manager of the Edinburg Coyotes.
Doug Leary, whose background includes having been general manager or assistant general manager for three AAA Pacific Coast League baseball clubs, has assumed his new duties.
League officials John Bryant and Byron Pierce said that Leary was selected over a number of very good management prospects.
“After much consideration and with some solid applicants, it was decided that Doug Leary is the best fit for the Edinburg club,” Pierce said. “Doug has experience in all facets of baseball management.”
Leary, a Chicago native, is a graduate of Arizona State University. He has a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting.
His Pacific Coast League management experience includes positions at Ogden, Phoenix and Tucson.
He also managed the spring training business for the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.
In addition to his many years in baseball, Leary has held management positions with NASCAR, professional hockey and professional women’s softball.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Update
It's that time of year again, as the Broncos are getting a good start on the 2009 baseball season.
But they are not doing it in the Continental Baseball League, which, if you've only been following this blog, is where you'd seen them last.
They are back in United League Baseball after the former owners won the lawsuit to win back the league. With them came all the former teams, excluding Alexandria.
So the Broncos are back in the league which they started.
Their 2009 schedule for this year was released on Wednesday.
Here's how it looks:
2009 Broncos season schedule
June
11-14: @ Edinburg
15-18: vs. San Angelo
19-22: @ Coastal Bend
24-27: vs. Amarillo
June 28-July 1: @ Harlingen
July
2-5: vs. San Angelo
6-9: @ San Angelo
10-13: @ Amarillo
14-17: vs. Harlingen
18-21: vs. Edinburg
23-26: @ Amarillo
27-30: vs. Harlingen
31-Aug. 3: vs. Coastal Bend
August
4-7: @ San Angelo
8-11: @ Edinburg
12-15: @ Amarillo
16-19: vs. Harlingen
20-23: @ Edinburg
24-27: @ Coastal Bend
28-31: vs. Coastal Bend
Playoffs: Sept. 1-8.
Also, the new ULB entry team, Coastal Bend, has named its manager, and it's a familiar one for ULB enthusiasts.
It's Al Gallagher, formerly of the Harlingen WhiteWings. He has spent more than 40 years in professional baseball, including the majors, that dates back to 1965 when he was a first round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants.
Here's the full story on the hiring, courtesy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez is expected to name a manager within the next week. He already has his choice in, but the league has to approve it. They are currently processing all the information now.
Once the hiring is made official, Melendez said a flurry of player transactions will be announced.
But they are not doing it in the Continental Baseball League, which, if you've only been following this blog, is where you'd seen them last.
They are back in United League Baseball after the former owners won the lawsuit to win back the league. With them came all the former teams, excluding Alexandria.
So the Broncos are back in the league which they started.
Their 2009 schedule for this year was released on Wednesday.
Here's how it looks:
2009 Broncos season schedule
June
11-14: @ Edinburg
15-18: vs. San Angelo
19-22: @ Coastal Bend
24-27: vs. Amarillo
June 28-July 1: @ Harlingen
July
2-5: vs. San Angelo
6-9: @ San Angelo
10-13: @ Amarillo
14-17: vs. Harlingen
18-21: vs. Edinburg
23-26: @ Amarillo
27-30: vs. Harlingen
31-Aug. 3: vs. Coastal Bend
August
4-7: @ San Angelo
8-11: @ Edinburg
12-15: @ Amarillo
16-19: vs. Harlingen
20-23: @ Edinburg
24-27: @ Coastal Bend
28-31: vs. Coastal Bend
Playoffs: Sept. 1-8.
Also, the new ULB entry team, Coastal Bend, has named its manager, and it's a familiar one for ULB enthusiasts.
It's Al Gallagher, formerly of the Harlingen WhiteWings. He has spent more than 40 years in professional baseball, including the majors, that dates back to 1965 when he was a first round draft choice by the San Francisco Giants.
Here's the full story on the hiring, courtesy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Broncos GM Jose Melendez is expected to name a manager within the next week. He already has his choice in, but the league has to approve it. They are currently processing all the information now.
Once the hiring is made official, Melendez said a flurry of player transactions will be announced.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Broncos update
It's been awhile, I know, but here's a brief update on the Broncos if you haven't heard by now.
- The Broncos are now playing in the Continental independent baseball league. The United League was sold in January, and the Broncos quickly latched onto the Continental, which will have teams in Houston, North Texas and the Coastal Bend, as well as Louisiana.
- Dan Shwam will not be returning as Broncos manager. He accepted a deal to manage Alexandria (also of the CBL) in February. GM Jose Melendez said he hopes to have a manager by no later than early March.
- The Broncos will be playing at Veterans Field this season, but are looking ahead to 2010 for the new stadium. Right now they are producing their bid to lease the new stadium, which will be located in north Laredo by the LEC.
- Four Broncos have already been acquired from the team by higher leagues: Santo Hernandez went to the Phillies' organization, Gregorio Martinez and Edgard Clemente are playing in the Mexican Leagues, and Mickey Callaway was signed by a team in the Taiwanese league.
- Also, Ben Tinius has retired, and Andy Schon is playing in the Can-Am league.
- The Broncos are now playing in the Continental independent baseball league. The United League was sold in January, and the Broncos quickly latched onto the Continental, which will have teams in Houston, North Texas and the Coastal Bend, as well as Louisiana.
- Dan Shwam will not be returning as Broncos manager. He accepted a deal to manage Alexandria (also of the CBL) in February. GM Jose Melendez said he hopes to have a manager by no later than early March.
- The Broncos will be playing at Veterans Field this season, but are looking ahead to 2010 for the new stadium. Right now they are producing their bid to lease the new stadium, which will be located in north Laredo by the LEC.
- Four Broncos have already been acquired from the team by higher leagues: Santo Hernandez went to the Phillies' organization, Gregorio Martinez and Edgard Clemente are playing in the Mexican Leagues, and Mickey Callaway was signed by a team in the Taiwanese league.
- Also, Ben Tinius has retired, and Andy Schon is playing in the Can-Am league.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Final result: new stadium approved
The final result is in: a new ballpark/community sports complex was approved by 61 percent early Wednesday morning.
Early voting early Tuesday night had it at 60-39 approval. Either way, the Broncos now know they will have a new home.
They just have to hope they're the ones chosen as a tenant.
Anyway, here's the story on the stadium that ran in Wednesday's paper, on 9A.
Early voting early Tuesday night had it at 60-39 approval. Either way, the Broncos now know they will have a new home.
They just have to hope they're the ones chosen as a tenant.
Anyway, here's the story on the stadium that ran in Wednesday's paper, on 9A.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Another one speaks out
Another email I received from a concerned Broncos fan this morning:
==============================================
Mr. Silva,
I would to respond from the comment of a fan about the new stadium. First of, I have not heard anything about the new stadium. I did not know that on November 4th there is a vote for new stadium. The broncos need to go out and educate the public on this. If a normal person sees that the city needs to vote on a new stadium, right away they are going to think new taxes or if taxes are going up.
With everything going on right now, I will find it very difficult for this to pass because the public is not very well informed. If there are no taxes involved and the money is already there, then promote it!!!!!!!!!!!!
I firmly believe the broncos need a new stadium. they have made professional baseball work here the last three years when no other professional baseball team has been here longer.
Unless you count the tecos but they were subsidized by the city. i am sure if the city gives the broncos $300,000 a year to play only 18 games a year like they did the tecos they would survive too. So I am not counting the tecos as a stable since they were being supported by tax payers dollars and also were not part of the community like the broncos have been.
I think the broncos need to step up and promote this. This is there only chance and we the public have a right to be informed about the facts of this stadium. They defenitely have my vote but we need more people to vote yes and know the facts. No taxes, money is already there. use that money or lose it!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you
DL
==============================================
Mr. Silva,
I would to respond from the comment of a fan about the new stadium. First of, I have not heard anything about the new stadium. I did not know that on November 4th there is a vote for new stadium. The broncos need to go out and educate the public on this. If a normal person sees that the city needs to vote on a new stadium, right away they are going to think new taxes or if taxes are going up.
With everything going on right now, I will find it very difficult for this to pass because the public is not very well informed. If there are no taxes involved and the money is already there, then promote it!!!!!!!!!!!!
I firmly believe the broncos need a new stadium. they have made professional baseball work here the last three years when no other professional baseball team has been here longer.
Unless you count the tecos but they were subsidized by the city. i am sure if the city gives the broncos $300,000 a year to play only 18 games a year like they did the tecos they would survive too. So I am not counting the tecos as a stable since they were being supported by tax payers dollars and also were not part of the community like the broncos have been.
I think the broncos need to step up and promote this. This is there only chance and we the public have a right to be informed about the facts of this stadium. They defenitely have my vote but we need more people to vote yes and know the facts. No taxes, money is already there. use that money or lose it!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you
DL
Friday, September 12, 2008
Setting it straight ... somewhat
Here's the story that tells of the litigation between former and current ULB owners.
First off, it's important to realize that this is a league issue, not a Broncos issue. It's basically a story of "he said, he said."
Former league owners are claiming current owner Brad Wendt planned to move the league to the Golden League and abandon four teams - Alexandria, Harlingen, Laredo and Edinburg.
Wendt is saying that there was no such plan in place.
Anyway, much was spoken off the record but I can tell you what I think:
In regard to the Broncos' future, the league would be smart to hold off and see whether a new stadium is approved. Money is everything to owners, and a new stadium would be sure to bring in a nice dose of revenue.
I also think that in some way the league will stay afloat. I could be completely wrong tho.
I know Wendt said that this past season was the best in regard to attendance and such, but there's no doubt that there is some financial struggle.
How it's been is that San Angelo and Amarillo are the league's money-makers, and Alexandria, Harlingen and Laredo are "the bottom three", with the Broncos being the better of the three.
If the league had to make a choice, I would assume Alexandria and Harlingen would be quick to go before Laredo ever entered the picture.
No matter what, it still stands that a new stadium would certainly help the Broncos' cause.
Wendt speaks very highly of Broncos GM Jose Melendez so I know the league is fond of the Broncos' baseball and business sense.
The injunction doesn't mean much, especially if ULB's legal team has all the ammo to countersuit that I think it has.
But all the injunction is saying is the ULB cannot move its teams or go through with "cessation" of the teams. So until all of this is settled, the Broncos will stay part of the ULB for awhile...
Though if Nov. 4 comes and a new stadium is not approved, this team is all but done for. And as I've said before, if locals naively think that minor league franchises will keep coming in for their entertainment, they're silly.
Eventually, if there is no foundation of success for pro franchises, minor league teams will stop seeing Laredo as an option, and that will hurt the city far more than it will ever realize.
First off, it's important to realize that this is a league issue, not a Broncos issue. It's basically a story of "he said, he said."
Former league owners are claiming current owner Brad Wendt planned to move the league to the Golden League and abandon four teams - Alexandria, Harlingen, Laredo and Edinburg.
Wendt is saying that there was no such plan in place.
Anyway, much was spoken off the record but I can tell you what I think:
In regard to the Broncos' future, the league would be smart to hold off and see whether a new stadium is approved. Money is everything to owners, and a new stadium would be sure to bring in a nice dose of revenue.
I also think that in some way the league will stay afloat. I could be completely wrong tho.
I know Wendt said that this past season was the best in regard to attendance and such, but there's no doubt that there is some financial struggle.
How it's been is that San Angelo and Amarillo are the league's money-makers, and Alexandria, Harlingen and Laredo are "the bottom three", with the Broncos being the better of the three.
If the league had to make a choice, I would assume Alexandria and Harlingen would be quick to go before Laredo ever entered the picture.
No matter what, it still stands that a new stadium would certainly help the Broncos' cause.
Wendt speaks very highly of Broncos GM Jose Melendez so I know the league is fond of the Broncos' baseball and business sense.
The injunction doesn't mean much, especially if ULB's legal team has all the ammo to countersuit that I think it has.
But all the injunction is saying is the ULB cannot move its teams or go through with "cessation" of the teams. So until all of this is settled, the Broncos will stay part of the ULB for awhile...
Though if Nov. 4 comes and a new stadium is not approved, this team is all but done for. And as I've said before, if locals naively think that minor league franchises will keep coming in for their entertainment, they're silly.
Eventually, if there is no foundation of success for pro franchises, minor league teams will stop seeing Laredo as an option, and that will hurt the city far more than it will ever realize.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hearing from a fan
I have yet to gain a real measure as to what Laredoans think about a new stadium.
However, I received this email from fan Sotero Gamez earlier today. I'm not sure if he represents the majority, but it's got to be a breath of fresh air for the Broncos, who are stressing with each day over the Nov. 4 ballot.
===============================
I would like to say that a new stadium is what Laredo Needs. The broncos have busted there butts making professional baseball work and they deserve it. They have shown persevierance and have been great community partners. There front office is top notch and very courteous and down to earth. Being a season ticket holder for the other pro teams, I cant say that about the other pro teams. The stadium will not only be for the broncos it will be for the community.
There is no taxes involved, the money is already there so we need to vote. I dont understand why our stupid city leaders are saying that the stadium is not for the broncos when they are the only pro team here and are a great entertainment value to the city.
Who are the city thinking of bringing.
The tecos? Who the city paid 300,000 a year to play here and lost over 100,000 the last threee years operating the team. How can these city leaders thinks it is useful of our tax dollars to spend on a team to play here and incur loses when the BRoncos pay the city to play here. doesnt make sense. The tecos level of baseball is actually lower than the broncos. Mexican league baseball are just washed up players that are overweight and just have a name attached to the jerseys but no talent. When I go to broncos game, these players have talent and a future and you are watching high level of baseball and more enthusiasm. When I went to the tecos I couldnt beliieve they were classified AAA level. It was more of sunday league quality and I looked in better shape than they did and I am 59 years old.
A affilated team? COme on. An Affilated team is impossible. There is a better chance we will get a MLB team than an affilated team. The market and logistics dont make it condusive for an affilated team. They are not many out there so that is why independent league teams exist. There are cities 8 times bigger than laredo that dont have affilated baseball.
Another independent league team? how fair would that be to the broncos who have survived three years in veterans field and have been loyal and patient with the city on building a new stadium. I dont get it. Yea laredo lets screw the broncos who have layed the ground work and is the only professional baseball team in the last forty years that survived more than half a season without being subsidized by the city like the tecos were and have another independent league team call laredo home. Give me a breaK! My respect and applause go to the broncos. It all starts with there dedicated individudals that are working the team.
With the mayor ranting on and off about laredo needs a winning team that is why he gets in trouble with his mouth. The Mayor needs to support his team and stand by the team that represents his city in other markets. I cant believe he opens his mouth to the public on TV and says the things he says.
Please laredo support your team and vote yes on November 4th. It is not costing us taxpayers anything other than a beautiful stadium.
GO BRONCOS!!
However, I received this email from fan Sotero Gamez earlier today. I'm not sure if he represents the majority, but it's got to be a breath of fresh air for the Broncos, who are stressing with each day over the Nov. 4 ballot.
===============================
I would like to say that a new stadium is what Laredo Needs. The broncos have busted there butts making professional baseball work and they deserve it. They have shown persevierance and have been great community partners. There front office is top notch and very courteous and down to earth. Being a season ticket holder for the other pro teams, I cant say that about the other pro teams. The stadium will not only be for the broncos it will be for the community.
There is no taxes involved, the money is already there so we need to vote. I dont understand why our stupid city leaders are saying that the stadium is not for the broncos when they are the only pro team here and are a great entertainment value to the city.
Who are the city thinking of bringing.
The tecos? Who the city paid 300,000 a year to play here and lost over 100,000 the last threee years operating the team. How can these city leaders thinks it is useful of our tax dollars to spend on a team to play here and incur loses when the BRoncos pay the city to play here. doesnt make sense. The tecos level of baseball is actually lower than the broncos. Mexican league baseball are just washed up players that are overweight and just have a name attached to the jerseys but no talent. When I go to broncos game, these players have talent and a future and you are watching high level of baseball and more enthusiasm. When I went to the tecos I couldnt beliieve they were classified AAA level. It was more of sunday league quality and I looked in better shape than they did and I am 59 years old.
A affilated team? COme on. An Affilated team is impossible. There is a better chance we will get a MLB team than an affilated team. The market and logistics dont make it condusive for an affilated team. They are not many out there so that is why independent league teams exist. There are cities 8 times bigger than laredo that dont have affilated baseball.
Another independent league team? how fair would that be to the broncos who have survived three years in veterans field and have been loyal and patient with the city on building a new stadium. I dont get it. Yea laredo lets screw the broncos who have layed the ground work and is the only professional baseball team in the last forty years that survived more than half a season without being subsidized by the city like the tecos were and have another independent league team call laredo home. Give me a breaK! My respect and applause go to the broncos. It all starts with there dedicated individudals that are working the team.
With the mayor ranting on and off about laredo needs a winning team that is why he gets in trouble with his mouth. The Mayor needs to support his team and stand by the team that represents his city in other markets. I cant believe he opens his mouth to the public on TV and says the things he says.
Please laredo support your team and vote yes on November 4th. It is not costing us taxpayers anything other than a beautiful stadium.
GO BRONCOS!!
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