By Peter J. Pompilio

Coming into the 2007 season the Brooklyn Cyclones had one goal on their minds, and that was to win the New York-Penn League (NYPL) title. After getting swept by the eventual champion Staten Island Yankees, (who are two time champions, winning in 2005 as well) the Cyclones made a lot of changes. No more Joe Holden, Daniel Cummings, and Joe Smith, and no more of George Greer’s managing to distract them. The 2007 Brooklyn Cyclones are a completely different team this season.

As the 2006 season began, it wasn’t a happy Opening Day for the Cyclones as the Yankees destroyed them 18-0. It was the beginning of a terrible stretch for the team, as they went 1-8 in June, and were unraveling at the seams. Injuries hurt the team and a lack of pitching was not helping them either. Even an appearance from former Mets Alay Soler, and Cliff Floyd could not help the team muster up wins. After July 10th though, that all changed. The Cyclones went on a barrage, scoring runs at will. The Cyclones went on a team record 12 game win streak, and by end of August they were within striking distance of a wild card spot. Greer and his team didn’t give up, and had two huge come from behind wins, two days before the end of the season. After a loss the next game, the Cyclones faced a win and in situation. In a game for the ages, the Cyclones prevailed and clinched the NYPL Wild Card, after missing the playoffs completely in 2005. In the 1st round, they faced the Yankees, who completely owned the Cyclones all season. Game 1 was at Keyspan Park, and it wasn’t the Cyclones night as they lost 5-1 to the eventual champions, before eventually losing the series.

Coming into 2007 there were a lot of changes for the Cyclones. New players in Raul Reyes, Will Vogl, and Micah Schilling looked to rejuvenate an offense that lacked a big bat. With veterans Jake Eigsti and Jason Jacobs returning to the team, it looked like the offense could be tops in the NYPL. As far as pitching goes, Grady Hinchman and Josh Appel were the only guys left in an already shaky bullpen. But with new acquisitions, Steven Clyne and Dan McDonald it seemed like the pieces were falling into place. The team was still lacking a manager though. So who’d they turn to? Well, it was the man who led the team to its 1st ever NYPL title, and the brother of former Met Edgardo Alfonzo; Edgar Alfonzo. The team was now in place and ready to show Brooklyn what they had.

The 2007 season started with a bang as the Cyclones faced off against the champion Yankees. It was a great game with both pitchers giving it their all. But the Cyclones prevailed on this night winning 5-1, and getting revenge for last years 18-0 defeat. As June ended, the team was sitting at 8-4, and in first place in the McNamara division. So far this month the team is 17-5, and is 25-9 overall. They hold a 6.5 game lead on the Yankees, and are clicking on all cylinders. Case in point, on Saturday July 21st, they scored 11 runs on 18 hits, almost tying the season high (13).

The Cyclones have the best record in all the NY Penn League and are in the top 10 in batting and ERA. It is an exciting time to be a Cyclones fan, and one can only hope that they will keep up the pace heading into the NY Penn League playoffs, and win their 2nd NY Penn League Title.

LETS GO CYCLONES!!!