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batted balls · 07-28-2006, 10:21 AM

May 9, 2007

Baton Rouge, La.--If you are a fan of Lousiana State baseball, there hasn't been much to cheer about. Albert "Joey" Belle may change that.

After splitting time between the minors and the big club bench, Belle has emerged as one of the top sluggers in the All-American Baseball League East.

"I've always been confident in my hitting abilities," said Belle. "I knew it was a matter of time before I got my shot. I'm here to make the most of it."

LSU manager Skip Bertram added, "Albert is well on his way to establishing himself as an All-Star. I foresee the day when he's a Golden Spikes winner."

Belle has backed up his manager's high praise with a strong start. Belle's six home runs and 28 RBIs are second only to Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig's East-leading totals. He leads the East with 12 doubles. After batting just .194 a year ago, Belle is hitting at a .306 clip this season. So what's the difference?

"Like I said, I'm getting my shot as a regular player," Belle said. "Skip has me in the lineup every day. I'm in a groove."

The only downside to Belle's game this season has been a high amount of strikeouts. He has fanned 29 times in 144 at-bats while walking just five times.

Bertram remains unconcerned about his left fielder.

"Continued playing time and experience will take care of that," Bertram said. "Albert will learn to cut down his swing. Pitchers will learn to walk him."

Belle (shown below) has other concerns.

"One thing I'm sure of," said Belle. "I don't want to be called Joey."

Diamond Notes: Illinois was the week's biggest mover in the standings. The Illini, 7-3 in their last 10 games, jumped to sixth place . . . Illinois starter Fred Beebe has won this last three starts to improve his record to 4-3 . . . John Fulgham of Miami was the East Player of the Week. The Hurricane right-hander notched two wins, including a shutout of Mississippi State . . . Michigan pitchers Lary Sorensen and Jim Abbott are a combined 6-1 in their last eight starts . . . Mississippi State closer Bobby Thigpen is 10-for-10 in save opportunities. The hard-throwing right-hander leads the East in that category.

Stat of the Week: Three of LSU left fielder Albert Belle's last six hits have been home runs.

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Michigan 22 14 .611 --
Ivy 21 15 .583 1.0
Mississippi State 21 15 .583 1.0
Minnesota 19 17 .528 3.0
Miami 18 18 .500 4.0
Illinois 17 19 .472 5.0
Michigan State 16 20 .444 6.0
Notre Dame 16 20 .444 6.0
Florida State 15 21 .417 7.0
Louisiana State 15 21 .417 7.0

07-28-2006, 10:21 AM	#190 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Belle Gives LSU Fans Something to Cheer About May 9, 2007 Baton Rouge, La.--If you are a fan of Lousiana State baseball, there hasn't been much to cheer about. Albert "Joey" Belle may change that. After splitting time between the minors and the big club bench, Belle has emerged as one of the top sluggers in the All-American Baseball League East. "I've always been confident in my hitting abilities," said Belle. "I knew it was a matter of time before I got my shot. I'm here to make the most of it." LSU manager Skip Bertram added, "Albert is well on his way to establishing himself as an All-Star. I foresee the day when he's a Golden Spikes winner." Belle has backed up his manager's high praise with a strong start. Belle's six home runs and 28 RBIs are second only to Ivy first baseman Lou Gehrig's East-leading totals. He leads the East with 12 doubles. After batting just .194 a year ago, Belle is hitting at a .306 clip this season. So what's the difference? "Like I said, I'm getting my shot as a regular player," Belle said. "Skip has me in the lineup every day. I'm in a groove." The only downside to Belle's game this season has been a high amount of strikeouts. He has fanned 29 times in 144 at-bats while walking just five times. Bertram remains unconcerned about his left fielder. "Continued playing time and experience will take care of that," Bertram said. "Albert will learn to cut down his swing. Pitchers will learn to walk him." Belle (shown below) has other concerns. "One thing I'm sure of," said Belle. "I don't want to be called Joey." Diamond Notes: Illinois was the week's biggest mover in the standings. The Illini, 7-3 in their last 10 games, jumped to sixth place . . . Illinois starter Fred Beebe has won this last three starts to improve his record to 4-3 . . . John Fulgham of Miami was the East Player of the Week. The Hurricane right-hander notched two wins, including a shutout of Mississippi State . . . Michigan pitchers Lary Sorensen and Jim Abbott are a combined 6-1 in their last eight starts . . . Mississippi State closer Bobby Thigpen is 10-for-10 in save opportunities. The hard-throwing right-hander leads the East in that category. Stat of the Week: Three of LSU left fielder Albert Belle's last six hits have been home runs. East Standings Team W L PCT GB Michigan 22 14 .611 -- Ivy 21 15 .583 1.0 Mississippi State 21 15 .583 1.0 Minnesota 19 17 .528 3.0 Miami 18 18 .500 4.0 Illinois 17 19 .472 5.0 Michigan State 16 20 .444 6.0 Notre Dame 16 20 .444 6.0 Florida State 15 21 .417 7.0 Louisiana State 15 21 .417 7.0 Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 08-01-2006 at 06:32 PM.