Finally, Empire Turns to Elliott Again

2007-01-22T21:20:39Z

September 4, 1972, Bronx, New York - Brandon Elliott can still remember his last major league at-bat as if it was yesterday. He could still feel the crisp, cool October air, the lights cutting through the night, the roaring crowd. Two down in the bottom of the eighth, runners on second and third, with Empire trailing the Bashers by two runs. With New York trailing in the 1970 MLCS 3-1, it was the biggest moment in Elliott's baseball life. He had carved out quite a career in Bayside, delivering clutch hits in pressure situations, so he felt calm, sharp, focused. He could still remember the rush of crushing that 3-1 inside fastball, and the exasperation of watching it sail deep into the seats just outside the foul pole. Four pitches later, with him still battling a full count, he remembered thinking, "Here it comes again, fastball inside. He HAS to throw it, nowhere else to go..." And he will never forget that sinking feeling in his stomach, as he caught nothing but air on a mighty swing at that inside fastball, which turned out to be a beautifully thrown change-up. New York managed no more offense, and the Bashers celebrated the Mays League Championship on the Colliseum pitchers mound that night.

Since that game, Elliott has toiled away in Bayside, carrying the Legion offense while waiting and wondering if he would ever get another chance in the majors. He watched as a horde of younger players packed their bags for New York, some returning and some sticking with the big club. September 1971 came and went, with no call up, and he watched Empire make a run to the Series with pitching and little offense. Then he really began to ponder his future in baseball when, earlier this season, Empire called up journeyman Robert Mccollough to take the place of injured 2B Robert Plotkin rather than him. All the while, at 33 years old, he was having the best season of his career in AAA, surpassing the 100 RBI mark before the calendar rolled to September.

Some within the organization believe that Elliott would have been the starter for the Empire at second base for years had he provided better glovework in the field. Scouts say that he has very little range and a below-average arm. These deficiencies have relegated him to a utility/pinch-hitting role during most of his stints in the majors. This season, he has learned how to play first base for the Legion, and has done very well in fielding the position.

Says Legion manager Bobby Bowen of Elliott, "With his bat, he's done everything we've ever asked of him, and he's really carried us. He's never sulked about being passed up for a spot in the bigs, and has been a great influence in the clubhouse. He's worked as hard as anyone on his defense, but he always seems to get a late break on the ball. And he's learned not to put too much mustard on his throws - better a slow throw than a wild one. Trying him out at first base has really worked out well, and I think he can contribute there in the field. He deserves another shot with the big club."

Elliott is finally getting his chance. Last week the Empire called him up, badly in need for a productive bat in the lineup. Unlike other call-ups though, with Plotkin again injured, Brandon is expected to fill a starting role this time through much of September. And with New York locked in a heated battle with Boston for tops in the Banks, Elliott's play will be a major key to the Empire's post-season hopes.

"With Plots [2B Plotkin] going down, it really has kinda opened the door for Ellie," said Manager/GM Caelon. "I told him that I'm not expecting him to be a hero out there in the field. Just go out and play your game. I've always felt he could contribute with the bat, and we need more help there this year than anywhere else. Even when Plots is set to come back, I think we'll give Brandon some time at first if he can be productive in the lineup."

"Besides..." Caelon joked, "he's got less hair than I do, so I think I'll keep him around."

So far Elliott has collected three hits and two RBIs in seven at-bats, and has looked comfortable both at the plate and in the field. He suffered a minor injury to his elbow making a tough throw last Sunday, but is expected back any day. And he is biting at the bit to get back out there.

"I'm really enjoying my time here now" said Elliott. "Just trying to soak it all in. The elbow's feeling a lot better, so I expect to be back out there in a day or two. At 33 [years old], I don't know how many more years of baseball I have in me, but I'm going to do everything I can to finish them here."

And you know he'd love to have another chance in that crisp, cool October air. If he keeps swinging like he did in his first four games, he may just get it.

-- Sportswriter Dave Anderson

Report: Empire Locks Up Sorensen For Four Years

2007-01-11T18:49:39Z

Bronx, New York - Sources close to the team are reporting that the Empire and James Sorensen have tentatively agreed on an extension to keep the star third baseman with the team through the 1977 season. Sorensen, a four time all star, was drafted by the Emipire in 1963 in the first round (23rd overall). He earned the starting role at the hot corner for the Empire in 1967, and has been a key cog of the offense ever since. The 28 year old currently leads the team in RBIs with 65, third overall in the Mays League. Financial details of the contract have yet to be released.

This is definitely good news for a team that has struggled recently, losing ground to rival Boston in the Banks. The Empire currently trails the Digs by 4.5 games, and has struggled recently to generate runs. With Spooky Proulx having the worst season of his illustrious eleven year career, only young star Orlando Romo has provided any protection in the lineup for Sorensen. It has been rumored that GM Caelon has been exploring trade options to acquire one more productive bat for the lineup, but with virtually no room under the salary cap certainly almost any deal would require the team to move Proulx and his $16 million contract.

In other team news... young right fielder Matt Hill was injured while making a sensational catch in the 9th inning of Friday's game at Falls Church. Team doctor Doug Andrews reported that Hill suffered a fracture in his left foot after colliding awkwardly with the right field wall while making a potential game-saving catch. Andrews reported that Hill's injury did not require surgery, and the outfielder is expected to miss seven to eight weeks.

-- Sportswriter Dave Anderson

The New York Minute

Finally, Empire Turns to Elliott Again

Report: Empire Locks Up Sorensen For Four Years