Results tagged ‘ Minnesota Twins ’
Ramon Ortiz (1997) signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays
Ramon Ortiz (Cedar Rapids Kernels – 1997) has signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes an invitation to spring training. Ortiz pitched for the Scranton / Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Triple-A) in 2012 posting a 13-6 record with a 3.45 E.R.A. in 27 starts.
Ramon Ortiz has posted a 86-84 record with a 4.93 ERA thus far during his 11 season MLB career playing for the Angels, Reds, Nationals, Twins, Rockies, Dodgers and Cubs.
Ramon Ortiz was a member of the 1997 Cedar Rapids Kernels squad that finished 62-76 under manager Mario Mendoza. Ortiz posted a 11-10 record and a ERA of 3.58. He led the Kernels with 225 strikeouts in 181 innings of work. Ortiz had recorded the only Kernels no-hitter prior to the 2010 season when he shutdown Quad City on August 7, 1997. Ramon Ortiz pitched a complete game no-hitter against the Quad Cities River Bandits as the Kernels won 12-0 at John O’Donnell Stadium. Ortiz faced one over the minimum number of batters and struck out 14 without issuing a walk. The River Bandits managed just two base runners, each reaching by errors, in the contest. Rob Sasser, Shawn Wooten and Jeff Guiel each homered for the Kernels.
This following article was published in the August 8, 1997 edition of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. It contained coverage of a Midwest League contest against the Quad Cities River Bandits held on August 7, 1997. The 1997 Cedar Rapids Kernels featured five players who played in Major League baseball after their time in Cedar Rapids (Ramon Ortiz, Brandon Puffer, Jerrod Riggan, Rob Sasser and Shawn Wooten).
This date in Kernels alumni history – December 11, 1992 – Chili Davis signs with the Angels
On December 11, 1992, the California Angels signed Chili Davis (Cedar Rapids Giants – 1978) to a two year free agent contract that would pay him $5.3 million dollars for the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Davis was coming off a World Series championship season with the Minnesota Twins. This was his second stint with the Angels where he had played previously from 1988-1990.
Chili Davis, a three-time all-star, finished his career with a .274 batting average, 350 HR and 1372 RBI during his 19 year career with the Giants, Angels, Twins, Royals and Yankees. He won World Series titles with the Twins (1991) and Yankees (1998 and 1999). Davis served as the Oakland Athletics hitting coach in 2012.
Chili Davis was a member of the 1978 Cedar Rapids Giants team that finished 53-82 under manager Jack Mull. Davis hit .281 with 16 HR and 73 RBI in 124 games for the Cedar Rapids Giants.
Baltimore Orioles claim Alexi Casilla (2004-05) off waivers
The Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder Alexi Casilla (Cedar Rapids Kernels – 2004-05) off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, the team announced. Casilla hit .241 with 17 doubles, 1 HR, 30 RBI and stole a career high 21 bases in 106 games for the Twins in 2012. The move comes exactly one year to the date when the Orioles claimed another former Kernels alum in a waiver acquisition. Darren O’Day proved to be a major addition to their 2012 playoff run after being claimed from the Texas Rangers on November 2, 2011.
Alexi Casilla was a member of the 2004 and 2005 Cedar Rapids Kernels teams. The 2004 Kernels squad finished with a record of 75-64 under manager Bobby Magallanes. The Kernels lost in the 1st round of the Midwest League playoffs to the Clinton Lumberkings. 
Casilla hit .310 with a triple, 2 doubles and 1 RBI in 9 games for the Kernels. He returned as a member of the 2005 Kernels squad that finished 65-75 under manager Bobby Magallanes. Casilla hit .325 with 3 HR, 11 doubles, 17 RBI and stole 29 bases in 78 games for the Kernels.
The Minnesota Twins had acquired Alexi Casilla in exchange for J.C. Romero on December 9, 2005 from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Casilla has hit .250 with 11 HR, 147 RBI and stole 71 bases during his seven MLB seasons with the Twins.
Watch Game 2 of the World Series at the Stadium and meet B.J. Hermsen on October 25
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are hosting a party at Veterans Memorial Stadium to watch Game 2 of the World Series on Thursday, October 25th with the doors opening at 6:00 pm. The party is FREE to the public and you can meet former West Delaware prep and Minnesota Twins minor league organization Pitcher of the Year, B.J. Hermsen.
The party will be held in the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors Grand Slam Suite. Fans may also sit outside and watch game 2 on the stadium’s LED video board and enjoy a Thirsty Thursday drink special of $2 12 oz. draft beer, bottled soda and water along with standard ballpark food (hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn) available for purchase. It’s also one of the first opportunities to purchase Kernels apparel featuring their new MLB affiliate, the Minnesota Twins.
Hermsen will sign autographs from 6:30 to 8 pm. He was drafted by the Twins in the sixth round of the 2008 draft out of West Delaware HS and spent most of 2012 at Double-A New Britain where he posted an 11-6 record and 3.22 ERA in 22 starts for the Rock Cats.
8 Cedar Rapids Kernels Alumni make MLB debut, 35 total MLB active players in 2012
There were eight Cedar Rapids Kernels alumni who made their MLB debut in 2012. Barret Browning, David Carpenter, Patrick Corbin, Miguel Gonzalez, Jean Segura, Tyler Skaggs, Will Smith and Andrew Taylor were among the 35 Kernels alumni who played in a MLB game in 2012. The number is down slightly from the 39 former alumni who played in a MLB game in 2011.
2012 was the fifth time there has been three Cedar Rapids professional baseball alumni players selected to the same All-Star game (2012, 2007, 1991, 1984 and 1966). Mike Napoli (2001-02), Mike trout (2009-10) and Mark Trumbo (2006-07) each made their first all-star teams. We have never had more than three appear in the same season.Here is the link to our full all-star selection list.
Here is the complete list of our alumni appearing in a MLB game with the teams they played for and the year designating the season they were in Cedar Rapids.
Alexi Amarista (2008-09) Angels & Padres
Erick Aybar (2003) Angels
Peter Bourjos (2007) Angels
Barret Browning (2007) Cardinals
Alberto Callaspo (2003) Angels
David Carpenter (2010) Angels
Bobby Cassevah (2007) Angels
Alexi Casilla (2004-05) Twins
Tyler Chatwood (2009) Rockies
Hank Conger (2007) Angels
Patrick Corbin (2010) Diamondbacks
Miguel Gonzalez (2005) Orioles
David Herndon (2007) Phillies
Kevin Jepsen (2003) Angels
Howard Kendrick (2004) Angels
Casey Kotchman (2002) Indians
Jeff Mathis (2002) Blue Jays
Mike Napoli (2001-02) Rangers
Darren O’Day (2006) Orioles
Joel Peralta (2001-02) Rays
Garrett Richards (2010) Angels
Fernando Rodriguez (2005) Astros
Sean Rodriguez (2004-05) Rays
Andrew Romine (2008) Angels
Ervin Santana (2002) Angels
Joe Saunders (2002) Diamondbacks & Orioles
Jean Segura (2010) Angels & Brewers
Tyler Skaggs (2010) Diamondbacks
Will Smith (2009) Royals
Andrew Taylor (2009) Angels
Rich Thompson (2003) Angels & Athletics
Mike Trout (2009-10) Angels
Mark Trumbo (2006-07) Angels
Jordan Walden (2008) Angels
Bobby Wilson (2004) Angels
This date in Kernels alumni history – October 2, 1993 – Chili Davis
On October 2, 1993, Chili Davis (Cedar Rapids Giants – 1978) went 2-4 at the plate with two HR and three RBI as the California Angels defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-2 at Oakland-Almaeda County Coliseum.
Chili Davis, a three-time all-star, finished his career with a .274 batting average, 350 HR and 1372 RBI during his 19 year career with the Giants, Angels, Twins, Royals and Yankees. Davis currently serves as the Oakland Athletics hitting coach who clinched a playoff spot last night eliminating the Los Angeles Angels from playoff contention.
Chili Davis was a member of the 1978 Cedar Rapids Giants team that finished 53-82 under manager Jack Mull. Davis hit .281 with 16 HR and 73 RBI in 124 games for the Cedar Rapids Giants.
This date in Kernels alumni history – October 2, 1992 – Chili Davis – Twins Edition
On October 2, 1992, Chili Davis (Cedar Rapids Giants – 1978) went 3-4 at the plate with two HR and four RBI as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-1 at Royals Stadium.
Chili Davis, a three-time all-star, finished his career with a .274 batting average, 350 HR and 1372 RBI during his 19 year career with the Giants, Angels, Twins, Royals and Yankees. Davis currently serves as the Oakland Athletics hitting coach who clinched a playoff spot last night eliminating the Los Angeles Angels from playoff contention.
Chili Davis was a member of the 1978 Cedar Rapids Giants team that finished 53-82 under manager Jack Mull. Davis hit .281 with 16 HR and 73 RBI in 124 games for the Cedar Rapids Giants.
This date in Kernels alumni history – October 1, 1992 – Chili Davis – Twins Edition
On October 1, 1992, Chili Davis (Cedar Rapids Giants – 1978) went 2-3 at the plate with a double, a HR, two RBI and walked as the Minnesota Twins rallied for five runs in the bottom of the eighth led by his solo HR to get things started as they defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-6 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
Chili Davis, a three-time all-star, finished his career with a .274 batting average, 350 HR and 1372 RBI during his 19 year career with the Giants, Angels, Twins, Royals and Yankees. Davis currently serves as the Oakland Athletics hitting coach.
Chili Davis remembers Jackie Robinson
Chili Davis was a member of the 1978 Cedar Rapids Giants team that finished 53-82 under manager Jack Mull. Davis hit .281 with 16 HR and 73 RBI in 124 games for the Cedar Rapids Giants.
Cedar Rapids Professional Baseball Alumni Bios – Danny McDevitt (Cedar Rapids Raiders – 1956)
Danny McDevitt was the 161st player to make his Major League debut from our list of 387 Cedar Rapids professional baseball alumni who have played in Cedar Rapids either before or after their MLB debut. McDevitt made his big league debut at age 27 on June 17, 1957, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He posted a 7-4 record with a 3.25 E.R.A. during his rookie season. The Dodgers finished in third place with a 84-70 record under manager Walter Alston during their final season in Brooklyn. McDevitt will always be remembered for his performance on the mound during that last home game in Brooklyn at Ebbets Field, where he struck out nine Pirates and allowed just five hits in a complete-game, 2-0, Dodgers victory on Sept. 24, 1957.
Danny McDevitt posted a 21-27 record with a 4.40 ERA during his six year MLB career playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Athletics. McDevitt was the first player in Cedar Rapids history to play for the Minnesota Twins. He posted a 1-0 record with a 2.36 E.R.A. in 16 games mainly working out of the Twins bullpen in 1961 as the Twins finished in seventh place with a 70-90 record under the guidance of managers Cookie Lavagetto (23-36) and Sam Mele (47-54)
Danny McDevitt played for the 1956 Cedar Rapids Raiders squad that finished 44-76 under manager George Scherger. McDevitt went 5-8 with a 3.52 ERA in 120 innings of work.
Danny McDevitt passed away on November 20, 2010 at age 78 in Covington, Georgia.
Kernels introduce Minnesota Twins as MLB affiliate
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are pleased to announce the signing of a four-year player development contract (PDC) with the Minnesota Twins. The contract will run through the end of the 2016 season.
“The entire Twins organization is thrilled to join into partnership with the Cedar Rapids Kernels and we look forward to working with the Kernels organization on the field and in the community,” said Jim Rantz, Sr. Director of Minor Leagues with the Twins.
“The Kernels have an outstanding reputation throughout professional baseball and the Twins are excited to bring our players and staff to Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium for the 2013 season. We are confident that this relationship will grow into one of the strongest affiliations in minor league baseball.”
Kernels President Gary Keoppel said, “We are very excited to begin a new chapter in Kernels baseball with our agreement with the Twins. Our fans have expressed their desires for an affiliation with a Midwest team and now that has happened.”
The announcement took place at a press conference at Perfect Game Field. In addition to Rantz, Bill Smith, Assistant to the President and GM; and Brad Steil, Director of Baseball Operations represented the Twins organization.
The announcement ends a 20-year partnership with the Los Angeles Angels that saw 89 players come through Cedar Rapids on their way to playing in the bigs and one MLB player made a rehab start (Ken Hill – 1998). There were 11 All-Star appearances made by those 89 players that appeared in Cedar Rapids between 1993 and 2012 at this point including a trio this season. (Mike Napoli, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo)
There have been 12 players who have played in Cedar Rapids throughout the years who have gone on to play for the Minnesota Twins since they moved from Washington in 1960. We had 9 players play for the franchise at its original home in Washington to bring the overall franchise total to 21 players to the best of my knowledge. Danny McDevitt (Cedar Rapids Raiders – 1956) was the first Cedar Rapids player to appear in a game for the Twins. McDevitt worked out of the Twins bullpen in 1961. John Roseboro (Cedar Rapids Raiders – 1955) was our only player to appear in a MLB All-Star game as a Twin (1969). The 1988 season saw three former Cedar Rapids players; Jim Dwyer (CR Cardinals – 1971), Les Straker (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1980) and Freddie Toliver (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1982) play for the Twins, the highest total of former Cedar Rapids alumni to be on the Twins roster in the same season. Alexi Casilla (Cedar Rapids Kernels – 2004-05) has the longest tenure of any former Cedar Rapids player with seven seasons playing for the Twins with Phil Roof (Cedar Rapids Braves – 1960) coming in second with six seasons with the Twins.
The list of Cedar Rapids alumni who have played for the Minnesota Twins
Danny McDevitt (Cedar Rapids Raiders – 1956) – 1961
John Roseboro (Cedar Rapids Raiders – 1955) – 1968-69
Phil Roof (Cedar Rapids Braves – 1960) – 1970-76
Sal Campisi (Cedar Rapids Cardinals – 1966) – 1971
Les Straker (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1980) – 1987-88
Jim Dwyer (Cedar Rapids Cardinals – 1971) – 1988-89
Freddie Toliver (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1982) – 1988-89
Chili Davis (Cedar Rapids Giants – 1978) – 1991-92
Mo Sanford (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1990) – 1995
Kevin Jarvis (Cedar Rapids Reds – 1992) – 1997
Ramon Ortiz (Cedar Rapids Kernels – 1997) – 2007
Alexi Casilla (Cedar Rapids Kernels – 2004-05) 2006-12
Seth Dohrn
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