Friday, July 31, 2009
BJ's Begin Tournament Tuesday Night
The Liberal Bee Jays will play Tuesday at 7:30 in the NBC World Series. The Bee Jays don't have an opponent yet. They will play an exhibition game Saturday night at 7:30 against the Midnight Sun Goldpanners, a team they defeated 8-4 Tuesday night in Liberal. The Bee Jays are 28-18 overall and finished 18-14 in the Jayhawk. Liberal has won four NBC title with seven runner-up finishes.

Friday, July 31, 2009
Hargrove will be Inducted into NBC Hall of Fame
Mike Hargrove has brought a great amount of media attention and credibility to the National Baseball Congress. Saturday night he will be rewarded for it. The NBC will induct the second year BJ manager into their hall of fame Saturday night before the Bee Jays play the Midnight Sun Goldpanners. Hargrove played for the BJ's in 1972 and managed them to a fourth place finish at the NBC World Series last year. He joins former BJ manager Bob Cerv and former BJ pitcher Ron Guidry on the in the NBC Hall of Fame. This year's BJ's will play in the NBC World Series. The BJ's are 27-18 overall. The BJ's were rained out at Dodge City last night but invited them to play at Liberal. Dodge City didn't make the trip and Jayhawk League Commisioner Bob Considine says that makes it a forfeit which would make Liberal 18-14 in the Jayhawk League. Bee Jay General Manager Bob Carlile says the NBC told him the Bee Jays will open play in the NBC Tournament Tuesday night and would play Friday if they were able to win. Liberal's game Saturday night against the Goldpanners is part of the NBC World Series schedule, but not part of the tournament. KSCB will broadcast the game with the Dugout Show at 7:15 Saturday night on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A Night of Nostalgia at Brent Gould
From the ESPN cameras on opening night, to Bob Cerv Night, to Tanner Rindels game winning hit on the 4th of July, to a night of nostalgia with Fairbanks in town, it was a memorable summer of baseball at Brent Gould Field this summer. Liberal beat the Midnight Sun Goldpanners 8-4 in front of a near capacity crowd at Brent Gould Field Tuesday night. But the big story was the two program's meeting in Liberal for the first time since 1975. Longtime Fairbanks general manager Don Dennis and long time manager Jim Dietz have been touring the mountain and midwest states with this team since July 5. The Goldpanners won two NBC titles at Liberal's expense in 1973 and 1980. Before the game Matt Friedrich was named the BJ Director of the Year and Oklahoma State's Brett Davis was named the BJ player of the year. Friedrich just spent his first year on the board. Davis is 4-1 on the mound for Liberal. BJ manager Mike Hargrove spoke to the crowd. "During the two years Sharon and I have been in Liberal, the people we've met around town and the players are all good people," Hargrove said. "We want to thank you and the ball players for coming out and listening to coach (John) Martin, coach (Galen) McSpadden, and I this summer in hot weather screaming and hollering at them and kick them in the butt and hear the players say yes sir, yes sir, I will and they have every day. You've got a good thing here and need to keep it going." Liberal won the game 8-4 after a strong start scoring five in the first. Cal State LA's Camron Collard pitched seven innings without allowing an earned run. Louisiana Tech's Alex Williams was 5-5 with a double and an RBI. Wichita State's Mitch Caster added two hits and an RBI. Liberal is 27-18 and will play at Dodge City Wednesday night at 7:00 PM on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
BJ's Rained Out at Dodge City
The Liberal Bee Jays game scheduled for Dodge City Wednesday night has been rained out. The game will not be made up. Liberal offered to pay for Dodge City to travel to Liberal to play tonight but the A's elected not to do that. The BJ's are seeking a forfeit. Liberal sits in third in the Jayhawk at 17-14 while Hays is 17-13. Hays has a game at Dodge City and a game against league champ El Dorado which will not be made up. Dodge City finishes 16-27 overall and 5-25 in the Jayhawk. Liberal will play an exhibition game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita Saturday night at 7:30 against the Midnight Sun Goldpanners. Liberal defeated the Goldpanners 8-4 Tuesday night.

Sunday, July 26, 2009
Lutz Ranks Bee Jays #6 All-Time and Best in Kansas
Wichita Eagle columnist Bob Lutz ranked what he thinks is the top 25 National Baseball Congress franchises of all-time in Sunday's Wichita Eagle. Lutz ranked the Bee Jays sixth on the all-time list and number one in Kansas. Other Jayhawk League teams that made the list were the El Dorado Broncos at number seven and the Hays Larks at number 16. The Nevada Griffons who were in the Jayhawk League but dropped out this year due to the cost of travel rounded out Lutz’s list at number 25.

Top 7 courtesy of kansas.com

1. Fairbanks (Alaska) Goldpanners — The six championships and six runners-up speak for themselves. No team has produced more big-name players.

2. Anchorage (Alaska) Glacier Pilots — Four titles and a bunch of near misses. The Pilots won in 1969, their first season.

3. Grand Rapids (Mich.) Sullivans — Bob Sullivan, the skipper and owner, is one of the most colorful figures in NBC history and his team won four championships, including back-to-back in 1983 and '84.

4. Boulder (Colo.) Collegians — The mystique of the team and its leader, Bauldie Moschetti, was off the charts. Won in 1966, 1967, 1975 and 1978.

5. Ft. Wayne (Ind.) General Electrics/Capeharts/ Dairymen — The most powerful early franchise won four straight from 1947-50 and added a fifth title in 1956.

6. Liberal BeeJays — Now in its 55th year of operation, Liberal has been Kansas' best team over the long haul. Won championships in 1969, 1979, 1985 and 2000.

7. Hutchinson-Wichita-El Dorado Broncos — The orange-and-black dominated the late 1980s and '90s, winning in
1989, 1990, 1996 and 1998.

For the complete list go to http://www.kansas.com/sports/lutz/story/905546.html

Saturday, July 25, 2009
Bee Jays Blank Dodge City
The Liberal Bee Jays won their seventh league game in a row defeating Dodge City 10-0 Saturday at Brent Gould Field. The Bee Jays scored four runs in the third and four in the fourth. They added two more in the sixth. Don Lisi earned the win going eight innings and giving up no runs off of just five hits. Liberal was led at the plate by Mitch Caster who went 3-5 with a double, two singles, and four RBI's. Tanner Rindels was 3-4 with an RBI. Bryce Baugh was 1-1 with a two RBI double and three walks. The Bee Jays remain in second place in the Jayhawk League and are now 16-13 in the league. They will play at Dodge City Sunday at 7 p.m. The game will air on 1270 AM and kscb.net. The dugout show will begin at 6:45

Thursday, July 23, 2009
Three Run Eighth Sinks BJ's
It was a non league game but a 7-6 loss which still had to sting. The BJ's seemed to have turned their season around with six straight wins. That streak was bound to end sometime, but the way Liberal lost at Junction City Thursday night had to be frustrating for the team who traveled five hours to play. Liberal led until the eighth inning when they coughed up three runs and allowed the go ahead run on a passed ball in a 7-6 loss at Junction City Thursday night. The BJ's scored four in the first and led 6-4 going to the eighth. Chandler-Gilbert's Aaron Mees blasted his third homer and also doubled. Lubbock Christian's Tanner Rindels was 2-5 with a double. Louisiana Tech's Alex Williams was 2-4 with a double. New Mexico Junior College's Josh Reyes pitched three scoreless innings in the loss. Liberal is 23-17 overall and plays the Generals again Friday night at 7:00 PM.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Bee Jays Stay Hot with Sixth Straight Win
The BJ's most riveting win during the sixth game winning streak came Tuesday night at Brent Gould Field. Liberal scored one in the ninth to tie and one in the tenth to beat Hays 3-2 and win their sixth in a row. In the process, the BJ's move into second place in the Jayhawk League. Chandler-Gilbert's Aaron Mees delivered the game winning hit with one out in the bottom of the tenth. His sharp ground ball inside the first base bag scored Pepperdine's Torrey Jacoby. Mees entered the game in the tenth inning as a defensive replacement. "The number one key for me in that situation was patience," Mees said. "I wanted to get up their and see a few pitches because I hadn't seen a live pitch in a while. I knew that coach put me in that situation for a reason and I wanted to take advantage. I saw a pitch to hit so I swung and thank God it stayed inside the line." Liberal's pitching continued their torrid stretch. The have allowed 10 runs during the six game winning streak. With a Pittsburgh Pirate cross checker and Texas Tech head coach Dan Spencer in attendance, all eyes were on 6'6" right-hander Bobby Doran from Seward County. The Tech signee and Pirate draftee (36th round) pitched the first four innings striking out five. San Diego's Matt Hauser pitched the last six innings striking out 10 and not allowing a run. Hauser is 4-2 after the win. "We knew it was a big game," Hauser said. "I knew I needed to pitch and I wasn't coming out of the game until we won. Coach kept asking if I was good and I said yes I'm good and I'm not coming out." Hauser made the comments after the game with a smile on his face after the win. USC's Mike Greco sparked the BJ offense. He was 3-4 with a triple, double, and single. His sixth inning double drove home Liberal's first run to make the score 2-1 in favor of Hays. Greco's lead-off triple in the ninth paved the way for Lubbock Christian's Tanner Rindels to drive home the tying run in the ninth.
Liberal is 15-13 and leads Derby (13-11) by percentage points for second place in the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays are 23-16 overall. Hays falls to 19-14 overall and 12-13 in the Jayhawk. Liberal plays at Junction City Thursday and Friday night in non-league. The next radio broadcast is Saturday night when Dodge City goes to Liberal

Monday, July 20, 2009
Bee Jays Hold Down Hays
The BJ's won their fifth game in a row Monday night by beating Hays 4-2 at Brent Gould Field. The BJ's have allowed eight runs during their longest winning streak of the year. Starting pitcher Western Nevada's Logan Odom (3-2) pitched five innings for the win allowing two runs, striking out three, and walking one. Sam Houston State's Will Skelton pitched two scoreless innings while Cal State LA's Camron Collard and Emporia State's Diego Soto pitched scoreless innings. Soto picked up the save. It was a frustrating night for Hays who allowed Liberal's first run on a botched run-down in the second and beaned a man with the bases loaded on a 1-2 count to allow Liberal's fourth run in the sixth after two walks and two bean balls. In the third, USC's Mike Greco and Lamar's Stephen Tucker wacked RBI singles. Greco was and Louisiana Tech's Justin Gordey were both 2-4. Liberal is 14-13 in the Jayhawk League meaning they are over .500 in the league for the first time since a win over Hays June 16 when they were 4-3. Liberal is 22-16 overall. The Larks are 19-13 overall and 12-12 in the Jayhawk. The BJ's pass the Larks in the standings are sit in third place percentage points behind Derby (13-11). Liberal hosts Hays Tuesday night at 7:00 PM on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bee Jays Take Two in Derby
The Liberal Bee Jays swept a two game series in Derby on Saturday and Sunday to take the regular season series 5-3. The Bee Jays won on Saturday 5-2. Don Lisi earned the victory going 5 2/3 innings giving up just two runs off of six hits. Liberal trailed 1-0 heading to the fifth inning and had not reached base all game until Steven Tucker hit a single with one out in the inning. That helped spark a five run inning that included a three-run homer over the right field fence from Hugoton native Tanner Rindels. The Bee Jays then dominated Sunday's game winning 7-1. Bret Davis won his second game in a row over Derby lasting seven innings giving up just one run off of a wild pitch, and just six hits. Liberal got off to an early 1-0 lead in the first due to an error by the Twins. The Bee Jays then added two runs in the third off of a 2 RBI double by third baseman Mike Greco. Liberal added two more runs in the sixth as Rindels then hit his second home run in two days sending a two run shot over the right field fence again giving the Bee Jays a 5-1 lead. The Bee Jays added two more in the eighth as Justin Gordey scored on a wild pitch right before Alex Williams who came up for the first time all game hit a solo home run to straight away center field. The two victories inches the Bee Jays closer to second place in the Jayhawk League as Derby fell to 13-11, while Liberal is now 13-13. The Bee Jays find themselves just one game back of the all important second place in the league. The top two finishers in the league are automatic bids to the NBC World Series. The Bee Jays will host a two game series against the Hays Larks on Monday and Tuesday. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. The games will air on 1270 AM and kscb.net. Dugout show begins at 6:45 p.m. Madden Oil/Express Lane is the buyout sponsor on Monday. They will be giving away gas cards and will be having Meisenheimer's BBQ give out free sandwiches and chips to the first 100 fans.

Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bee Jays-Park City Game Cancelled Due to Rain
The Liberal Bee Jays were set to host the Park City Rangers Thursday at Brent Gould Field, but were rained out for the second consecutive night. The game was going to be a non-league game and due to scheduling conflicts will not likely be made up. Liberal has Friday off but Park City begins the Mid-west Regional Tournament in Wichita. The Bee Jays will leave for Derby Friday night as they will play at Derby in a two game series on Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Bee Jay General Manager Bob Carlile and Manager Mike Hargrove will be guests on the 'Sportsguys' on Friday at 8:30 a.m. on 1270 AM and kscb.net

Thursday, July 16, 2009
Jayhawk League Commish Rules in Bee Jays Favor
The Jayhawk League Commissioner informed the Liberal Bee Jays this morning that their game against the Dodge City A's Tuesday is an official game. The ruling gives the Bee Jays an 8-2 victory. Logan Odom now officially earns the win going seven innings giving up just two runs. One of them was unearned. Bryce Baugh led Liberal at the plate going 3-4 with a home run and 3 RBI's. Dodge City drops to 3-19 in the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays improve to 11-13 in the league.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bee Jays-A's Suspended Game Could Become Official
The Liberal Bee Jays game at Dodge City Tuesday that was suspended due to lighting could become official giving the Bee Jays an 8-2 victory. Several members of the Bee Jays board of directors reviewed the Jayhawk League rule book on Wednesday including General Manager Bob Carlile, and Manager Mike Hargrove. The rule book states that if a team takes the lead in an inning that a weather delay occurs that it must be suspended. The Bee Jays did score in the eighth inning right before the lighting delay began, however they already had a 6-2 lead heading into the inning. According to the Bee Jays they feel like by rule that the game should be ruled an official game which would give the Bee Jays an 8-2 victory. The Bee Jays informed the A's as a courtesy on Wednesday that they plan to contact the Commissioner of the Jayhawk League to ask him to make a ruling on rather or not the game remains suspended to be made up or if the game should be ruled official.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bee Jays-A's Game Rained Out
The Liberal Bee Jays matchup against the Dodge A's Wednesday has been rained out. No official make-up date has been set, however Monday, July 27 is the most likely date that the game will be played. The Bee Jays will host Park City Thursday at 7 p.m. in a non-league game. The Southwest Times will be the buyout sponsor.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Bee Jays-A's Game Suspended Due to Lightning

The Liberal Bee Jays had an 8-2 lead Tuesday in Dodge City against the A's when bolts of lightning that had been flashing all around Cavalier Field started flashing right over the field. The game went under a lightening delay for around 45 minutes before it was officially suspended. The game will remain suspended until July 26 when Liberal is scheduled to play a single game in Dodge City at 7 p.m. The teams will begin playing at 6 p.m. on the 26th to finish up Tuesday's game before starting the regularly scheduled game that evening. Technically the game could have been called a complete game since more then five innings had been played. However, both sides agreed to suspending it and allowing it to be finished on the 26th. Bryce Baugh led the Bee Jays in the first seven innings going 3-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBI's. Logan Odom pitched seven innings giving up just two runs with one of those coming unearned. The A's have not won a Jayhawk League game since June 18 when the defeated the Bee Jays in Dodge. They are 3-18 in the league. The Bee Jays are 10-13 still in league play and will host Dodge City Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Brent Gould Field. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net. Sunflower Bank will be the buyout sponsor.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Former Bee Jay to Make First All-Star Game Appearance 

Current Houston Astros player Hunter Pence was selected and will participate in Tuesday's 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star game for the first time in his career. Pence played for the Liberal Bee Jays back in 2003 under current assistant Seward County baseball coach Mike Davidson. Pence also worked out with current Saints head coach Galen McSpadden, and played college baseball with McSpadden's son Josh at the University of Texas-Arlington.

Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bee Jays Split in Derby
The Liberal Bee Jays cruised to victory Sunday in a 9-1 win over the Derby Twins. Liberal added eight hits. Brett Davis earned the win pitching 7 2/3 innings giving up just one run off of six hits. He added seven strikeouts and walked just one. The Bee Jays and Twins have split the season series thus far as they are currently 3-3 against each other. They split the four game series in Liberal and have split the first two in Derby. They will conclude their season series against each other on Saturday and Sunday in Derby. The Bee Jays improve to 18-16 overall and 10-13 in the Jayhawk League. They will travel to Dodge City on Tuesday for a league game that will begin at 7 p.m. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net

Saturday, July 11, 2009
Bee Jays Bats Stay Silent in Loss at Derby
The Liberal Bee Jays woes at the plate in league play continued Saturday in Derby as the Twins shutout the Bee Jays 3-0. Liberal only had three hits in the loss and now only has ten hits in their last three league games. Don Lisi pitched well despite the loss. He gave up two earned runs and one unearned run with ten strikeouts and just one walk. Cameron Collard came in relief and gave up one unearned run. The Bee Jays drop to 17-16 overall, and 9-13 in the Jayhawk League. They will host Dodge City on Tuesday at 7 p.m

Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tucker Hits for Cycle
Lamar's Stephen Tucker hit for the cycle in Liberal's 20-3 win over the Hutchinson Monarchs Thursday night at Brent Gould Field. The Bee Jays (17-15) scored 10 in the first in rout to the win. Tucker went 4-4 with seven RBI's. Louisiana Tech's Alex Williams went 3-6 with a homer, double, and four RBI's. Lafayette's Alex Fuselier was 3-3 with two RBI's. Tennessee's Dylan Hochevar pitched three innings. Cal State LA's Camron Collard (1 inning), New Mexico Junior College's Josh Reyes (1 inning), Pepperdine's Tyler Hess (2 innings), Sam Houston State's Will Skelton (1 inning), and Emporia State's Diego Soto (1 inning) combined on the mound. Liberal plays at Derby Saturday and Sunday nights at 7:00 PM on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sunday, July 5, 2009
Pence Makes All Star Roster
Former Liberal Bee Jay Hunter Pence was selected to the National League All Star team as a reserve yesterday. The Houston Astros outfielder will make his first All Star Game appearance next Tuesday in St. Louis. Pence played for the BJ's in 2003 when Mike Davidson coached the team. Pence is hitting .302 with 11 homers and 32 RBI's. Pence played for former BJ and Saint player and coach Darrin Thomas at Texas-Arlington.

Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hargrove's Pep Talk Works
Mike Hargrove's pep talk worked. The former Major League manager doesn't often give pep talks during games. But with Liberal trailing 1-0 in the middle of the seventh, Hargrove huddled the team in front of the dugout for a pep talk. It worked. Liberal scored seven in the seventh and beat Dodge City 7-1 Sunday night at Brent Gould Field. Crowder's Don Lisi (2-1) pitched seven scoreless innings for the win. USC's Mike Greco gave Liberal a 2-1 lead with a two RBI single to right center. Oklahoma State's Dylan Brown drove home two more runs with a triple off the center field wall. Lubbock Christian's Tanner Rindels hit a two RBI double off the wall to score two more. The BJ's are 9-10 in the Jayhawk and 16-13 overall. The A's are 12-13 overall and 3-11 in the league. Liberal plays at El Dorado Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rindels Provides Fireworks in Tenth
Tanner Rindels gapper to left center drove home Kevin Carby and gave the Liberal Bee Jays (15-13, 8-10) a 7-6 win in ten innings in front of a large and patient crowd at Brent Gould Field on the Fourth of July. Liberal's bullpen picked them up and their offense never quit in a game Liberal trailed 6-2 going to the bottom of the sixth. Liberal won despited being out-hit 13-5. Dodge City pitching walked 11 batters and beaned two. Both teams committed three errors a piece and stranded a combined 23 runners on base. A BJ bright spot was their bullpen. They didn't allow a run. Cal State LA's Camron Collard was the first to relieve starter Logan Odom who pitched four and two-thirds innings. Collard pitched an inning and one-third, OSU's Brett Davis pitched one inning, Emporia State's Diego Soto went two innings striking out four, and Bobby Doran (2-2) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win. Liberal tied the game in the seventh when Pepperdine's Bryce Baugh ripped a double into left scoring two runs to tie the game. A fly ball to center would end the inning on a double play as Alex Williams tried to score the lead run on a sacrifice fly but Dodge City's Landon Anderson threw him out for the double play. No one scored again until Rindels laced a pitch to left center to drive home the winning run and give the crowd their fireworks. Baugh went 2-3 with three RBI's for Liberal. The game lasted about three hours and forty minutes. The fireworks began about five minutes after the game. The A's are 12-12 overall and 3-10 in the Jayhawk League. The two teams play again Sunday night at 7:00 PM on Brent Gould Field. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net. Southern Pioneer Electric is the buyout sponsor.

Friday, July 3, 2009
Bee Jays Dethrone Wheat Kings
The Liberal BJ's day off Thursday must have been just what the team needed. They had just played 18 games in 18 days after their 3-1 loss in Hays on Wednesday night. Friday the BJ's pounded the Wichita Wheat Kings 20-4. Lead off batter Kevin Carby from Oklahoma Science and Arts homered to lead off the first and Liberal never looked back. Liberal scored two in the first, four in the second, two in the fourth, six in the fifth, one in the sixth, and five in the seventh. The game was stopped in the fifth due to rain and there was about an hour rain delay. Offensive heroes were abundant for Liberal. Carby was 3-6 with a homer, triple, double, and six RBI's. Pepperdine's Torrey Jacoby was 3-4. Louisiana Tech's Will Alvis, La. Tech's Alex Williams, Wichita State's Mitch Caster, and Lafayette's Alex Fuselier all had two hits a piece. Tennessee's Dylan Hochevar pitched five innings for the win. Newcomers Will Skelton from Sam Houston State and Peppedine's Hess also pitched worked one inning a piece. Liberal is 14-13 overall. The BJ's host the Dodge City A's Saturday night at 7:00 PM. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net. Fireworks will follow the game. The game and fireworks are provided by the City of Liberal, Pizza Hut, and the Community Bank. At 1:00 PM on Lady Saints Field is the Realty One Home Run Derby. First Southern Baptist Church provides a picnic for the community with food, drinks, jumpies, face painting and games from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM Saturday at Brent Gould Field.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Bee Jays drop second straight
The Liberal Bee Jays lost their second straight as they were defeated 3-1 Wednesday by the Hays Larks. The Bee Jays were outhit 9-8 and their only run came in the fifth off of a Chad Comer single rbi. Matt Hauser got the loss despite striking out eight and allowing just one walk. He drops to 2-1 on the season. The Bee Jays fall to 13-13 overall and 7-10 in the Jayhawk League. They will have Thursday off before hosting Dodge City Friday at 7 p.m. Lambert Insurance will be the buyout sponsor.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bee Jays squander lead in ninth to lose
The Liberal Bee Jays were not able to hold on to a 3-2 lead in the ninth Tuesday at Larks Park as they dropped the game 4-3 to Hays. Don Lisi ended up with a no decision as he went 7.2 innings striking out three and walking no one just giving up two runs. Aaron Mees and Tanner Rindels hit home runs for the Bee Jays. It was Mees first of the year and Rindels fourth. Hays improves to 7-7 in the Jayhawk league. The Bee Jays drop to 13-12 overall, and 7-9 in the league. Both teams will square off again tonight at 7 p.m. in Hays. The game can be heard on 1270 AM and kscb.net.

Monday, June 29, 2009
Bee Jays Defeat Renegades in Rain Shortened Game
The Colorado Renegades looked like a road weary team Monday night at Brent Gould Field. The Renegades committed four errors as Liberal won 5-1 in a game shortened due to rain. The game reached the sixth before the rain and 56 mile per hour winds reached Liberal. New Mexico Junior College's Josh Reyes pitched the distance for the win. Liberal has won three straight and is 13-11. The Bee Jays return to Jayhawk League play tonight at 7:00 PM Tuesday night at Larks Park in Hays. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sunday, June 28, 2009
Davis Shuts Down Renegades
Oklahoma State lefty Brett Davis (2-2) pitched seven shutout innings striking out six in a 7-0 win over the Colorado Renegades (7-6) Sunday night at Brent Gould Field. Newcomers Diego Soto of Emporia State and fourth round draft pick Randy Henry of South Mountain pitched the eighth and ninth respectively. Liberal scored in the first when Wichita State's Mitch Caster singled home Lubbock Christian's Tanner Rindels. In the second, USC's Mike Greco hit a sacrifice fly. Pepperdine's Torrey Jacoby blasted his second homer in the third. Jacoby added an RBI in the fourth. Lamar's Stephen Tucker drove home a run on a ground out in the fifth. Caster would also score on a double-steal. A Greco double and subsequent error would lead to another run in the eighth. The Bee Jays host the Renegades again Monday night at 7:00 PM. Scantlin's Furniture is the buyout sponsor. They will give away at 100 dollar gift certificate to the store which will double if someone hits the Scantlin's sign in the outfield. They will give away cash prizes as well.

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Bee Jays Walk Off with Win Over Bombers
Bryce Baugh's sacrifice fly to center field in the bottom of the ninth gave Liberal a 4-3 win over the Colorado Bombers Saturday night in front of a big Kids Night crowd at Brent Gould Field. Seward's Bobby Doran (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win after Western Nevada's Logan Odom pitched eight strong innings. Oklahoma State's Dylan Brown tripled off the center field wall against the wind to score two runs in the second. Midland's Reid Redman single home Brown. The Bee Jays win the series 2-1. The Bee Jays are 11-11 and host the Colorado Renegades Sunday night at 7:00 PM on Brent Gould Field. Seaboard Foods is the buyout sponsor.

Friday, June 26, 2009
Colorado Bombs the BJ's
The Colorado Bombers defeated the Liberal Bee Jays Friday 12-3. Colorado got off to a quick start scoring five runs in the first inning. They added one in the third, fourth, and sixth, and two in the seventh and eighth. The Bee Jays scored one in the second, third, and sixth Colorado out hit Liberal 18-6. The Bee Jays also had three errors in the game. Dylan Hovhevar got the loss.  The Bee Jays drop to 10-11 on the season. They will host the Bombers in the series finale Saturday at 7 p.m. Windtree Management and Leasing will be the buyout sponsor. They will be giving away gift cards and three autographed baseballs from former baseball greats Nolan Ryan, Willie Mays, and Whitey Ford. It will also be Kids Night at Brent Gould Field.

Thursday, June 25, 2009
BJ's Pile Up Numbers in 15-1 Win
The Liberal Bee Jays were dominating in a 15-1 victory over the Colorado Bombers Thursday at Brent Gould Field.  Matt Hauser earned the win for Liberal from the mound pitching seven innings and giving up just one unearned run. Brett Davis came in to pitch two scoreless innings in relief.  The Bee Jays got off to a quick start scoring five runs in the first. They added a run in the third and fourth, followed by two runs in the fifth, three in the seventh, and three in the eighth. The Bee Jays improve to 10-10 overall on the season. They remain at 7-8 in the Jayhawk League as it was a non-league game.  The Bee Jays will host the Bombers again tonight at 7 p.m. The AppleHutch will be the buyout sponsor. They will be giving away cash prizes.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Lisi Blanks Broncs
The Liberal Bee Jays earned a much needed conference victory Wednesday with a 4-0 shutout victory over the El Dorado Broncos. Don Lisi earned the win pitching 7 and 2/3 innings giving up no runs and improving to 1-1 on the season. Offensively John Haines had two rbi's in the win. Tanner Rindels and Dylan Brown each added one. Liberal scored one run in the second, two in the seventh, and added one in the eighth. El Dorado drops to 9-4 in the Jayhawk league. The Bee Jays improve to 7-8 and will host the Colorado Bombers in a non-league game Thursday at 7 p.m. There will be no broadcast as it is non-league.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Slow Start Dooms BJ's
The Liberal Bee Jays were defeated 11-4 Tuesday in El Dorado against the Broncos. El Dorado scored quickly and often in the game scoring two runs in the first, three in the second, and three in the third. Logan Odom got the loss for Liberal. The Bee Jays were led by Tanner Rindels in the loss as he went 2-4 with a two run homer. Justin Gordey was also 2-4 from the plate. El Dorado improves to 9-3 in the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays drop to 8-10 overall and 6-8 in the league. They will play at El Dorado again tonight at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on 1270 AM and on kscb.net.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Bee Jays Split with Twins
The Liberal BJ's split a four game series with the Derby Twins after losing 6-5 but winning 6-2 at Brent Gould Field Monday night. In game one, the BJ's built a 5-3 lead after RBI doubles by Lamar's Stephen Tucker and Louisiana Tech's Justin Gordey in the fifth inning. The Twins scored a run on one hit and three walks in the sixth and took a 6-5 lead after scoring two in the seventh on two walks, an error, and one hit. The BJ's led 3-2 after one inning after RBI's by Wichita State's Mitch Caster, Lamar's Stephen Tucker, and Gordey. Tennessee's Dylan Hochevar pitched five innings allowing four runs in a no decision. Tucker went 2-3 with two RBI's. Gordey was 1-2 with two RBI's. Lubbock Christian's Tanner Rindels from Hugoton was 2-4. Rindels was thrown out at home for the last out of the game trying to score on a sacrafice fly off Tucker's bat to shallow center.

In game two, the BJ's handed the ball to former Saint and OSU pitcher Brett Davis. He pitched six innings allowing one earned run, striking out five, and walking one. The BJ's scored two in the second afte an RBI single by Bryce Baugh and an RBI double by Midland's Reid Redman. Derby tied the game in the fourth with two runs. Liberal scored four in the sixth after Derby pitching walked three, beaned one, and committed one error. The only hit was Redman's RBI double. Redman who signed at Baylor, went 2-2 with two RBI's. OSU's Dylan Brown was 2-3. Liberal is 8-9 overall and 6-7 in the Jayhawk League. Derby is 7-6 overall and 6-5 in the Jayhawk. The Bee Jays play at El Dorado Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Bee Jays rally to Snap Losing Streak
Tanner Rindels hit a two run homer in the bottom of the eighth to give Liberal a 12-11 lead in their 14-11 win over Derby (6-5, 5-4) Sunday night at Brent Gould Field. The Bee Jays led 6-3 after two innings after a six run second. Derby would tie the game by scoring three in the third but the BJ's scored two in the third powered by Louisiana Tech's Justin Gordey's two run homer. The Twins would score four in the fourth to lead 10-8 until the sixth when Wichita State's Mitch Caster doubled home a run to make it 10-9 and Lamar's Stephen Tucker singled home a run to tie the game. Derby scored one in the eighth to lead 11-10 until Lubbock Christian's Rindels hit the two run homer in the bottom of the eighth. UT-Arlington's Chad Comer added a two RBI double to make it 14-11. Caster pitched an inning and a third for his first win. Cal State LA's Camron Collard pitched three and two third innings allowing one run in a game in which 18 runs were scored the first four innings. Liberal is 7-8 overall and 5-6 in the Jayhawk. The Bee Jays host Derby for a double-header at 5:00 PM Monday evening. Epic PCS is the buyout sponsor for game one and will give away a Nokia flip phone with a camera and other prizes in game one. Myriad Machine Shop is the buyout sponsor for game two and will give away cash prizes. Both games will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sunday, June 21st, 2009
Bee Jays Play Single Game Against Derby Sunday
The Liberal Bee Jays and Derby Twins play a single game Sunday night at 7:00 PM at Brent Gould Field in Liberal. The two teams will play a double-header Monday evening at a time to be announced. The Natural Health Center is the buyout sponsor Sunday. They will give away a trip to Branson and other prizes. The game Sunday and the games Monday will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
BJ's Rained Out Saturday
Rain has postponed Liberal's game Saturday night against Derby. The game will be made up as part of a double-header either Sunday or Monday night. The BJ youth clinic Saturday morning is also postponed and will be re-scheduled.

Friday, June 19th, 2009
Bee Jays Drop Third Straight
The Liberal Bee Jays woes continued Friday night as they were defeated by Derby 8-6. Derby got off to a quick 6-0 start in the game. The Bee Jays cut the lead to 8-4 and had a near grand slam by Torrey Jacoby that went a few feet foul over the left field fence. The closest Liberal got was 8-6, but were unable to complete the rally. Derby improves to 5-3 in the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays fall to 6-8 overall and 4-6 in the league. They will host Derby again Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will air on 1270 AM and kscb.net. Epic PCS will be the buyout sponsor. They will be giving away several prizes including chamber gift certificates. Liberal area summer baseball teams will also be honored at the game and will run the bases in between innings.

Thursday, June 18th, 2009
Bee Jays squander Lead Again in Loss to Dodge City
The Liberal Bee Jays again lost an early lead to lose for the second consecutive night as the Dodge City A's beat Liberal 5-4 Thursday in Dodge. The Bee Jays had a 4-0 lead going into the fifth inning, but failed to score again and gave up five runs defensively to lose. Logan Odom started the game for Liberal and pitched six innings giving up just two runs and off of five hits with five strikeouts. Odom got a no decision. Offensively the Bee Jays were led by John Haines who hit a two run homer and walked. Bryce Baugh was 2-3 along with a walk and added an RBI. Liberal scored one in the first and three in the fourth inning. The A's countered with two runs in the fifth, two in the seventh, and one in the eighth. Dodge improves to 6-5 overall, and 3-5 in the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays fall to 6-7 overall and 4-5 in the league. They will open up a four game home series again Derby tonight at 7 p.m. The game will air on 1270 AM and kscb.net. Koochel's Automotive Bumper to Bumper is the buyout sponsor.

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
The Liberal Bee Jays were not able to hold on to a 3-0 lead after one inning and a 4-2 lead after four innings in a 6-4 loss to Hays Wednesday night at Brent Gould Field. The Larks (6-6, 2-5) scored two in the fifth to tie the game and added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Oklahoma State's Dylan Brown went 3-5 with a homer. Louisiana Tech's Alex Williams was 2-2 with two doubles in the loss. OSU's Brett Davis pitched three scoreless innings with two strikeouts in relief. The Bee Jays drop to 4-4 in the Jayhawk and 6-6 overall and will play a make-up league game Thursday at 7:00 PM in Dodge City. The game can be heard on 1270 AM and kscb.net.

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Bee Jays Rout Hays 13-1
The Liberal Bee Jays had no problems Tuesday in a 13-1 win over the Hays Larks at Brent Gould Field. Dylan Hochevar earned the win pitching eight innings and giving up just one run off of five hits. He added six strikeouts. Chad Comer went 3-3 with a double, triple and two rbi's. Tanner Rindels was 2-5 with two rbi's, while Mitch Caster was 3-5 with one rbi. Liberal scored three runs in the third inning and six in the sixth. Hays drops to 1-5 in the Jayhawk League, while the Bee Jays improve to 4-3 in the league. They will host Hays again Wednesday at 7 p.m. KSCB and the Legend will be the buyout sponsor and the prizes will include 250 dollars cash. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Bee Jays Shuffle Roster
Cameron Monger says he wanted to play for the Bee Jays this summer. But after being drafted in the 27th round last week by the Padres, the senior knew it was time to sign with the professional team. The senior from New Mexico finishes 8-26 for Liberal at the plate. The Bee Jays also lost Seward lefty Austin Terhune from Perryton. He is going to help with the harvest in Perryton. The Bee Jays added Camron Collard from Cal State LA. He went 2-2 with a 3.71 ERA in thirty four innings pitched. He has 30 strikeouts and 13 walks. Outfield Michael Vinyard from Cal State LA also joins the BJ's. He hit .254 with two homers and 10 RBI's this spring.

Saturday, June 13th, 2009
Bee Jays Bullpen Steps Up in Win
The Liberal Bee Jays defeated the Colorado Sox 4-3 Thursday night at Brent Gould Field. The BJ's used four pitchers to hold the Sox in check. The BJ's got off to a decent start offensively scoring one in the first and two in the third to lead 3-1. The Sox would plate two in the fourth to tie the game. Liberal scored one in the fifth. Seward's Austin Terhune from Perryton pitched the first four innings. Tennessee's Dylan Hochevar and San Diego's Matt Hauser pitched two scoreless innings and Crowder's Don Lisi pitched a scoreless ninth for the save. Four Seward County players and one former Saint played for the Sox. Mikel Huston, Luke Campbell, Austin Roff, and Todd Glime played in the game. The two teams meet again Friday night at 7:00 PM at Brent Gould Field. Seward's Bobby Doran of the BJ's and Seward's Corey Collins of the Sox are expected to pitch against each other tonight. First National Bank is the buyout sponsor. The game will not be on the radio. Saturday and Sunday night's games at Hays will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Saturday, June 13th, 2009
Sox Double Up Bee Jays
The two Seward pitchers both pitched well and if it were a game which were an NBC World Series game, the two might have locked up for a lengthy pitcher's dual. But it was a non league game so Liberal's Doran went five innings allowing one run and striking out six and Colorado's Collins tossed six innings allowing one unearned run. The Sox beat the BJ's 4-2 to split the two game series. Louisiana Tech's Justin Gordey had two hits and a double. The Bee Jays are 4-4 and return to league play Saturday night and Sunday night at 7:00 PM in Hays.

Friday, June 12th, 2009
MLB Draft For Kersten and former BJ Keeling
The BJ's lost a player yesterday to the MLB draft. Louisiana Tech's Chris Kersten went in the 39th round to the Cleveland Indians. The Medicine Lodge graduate hit .372 with 18 homers and 58 RBI's. The 6'4" 230 pound senior hit .341 with four homers and 32 RBI's for the Bee Jays last summer. Seward's Bobby Doran who signed at Texas Tech was selected in the 36th round by the Pirates. Liberal's Cameron Monger from New Mexico was selected in the 27th round by the Padres. Former BJ Thomas Keeling of Oklahoma State went in the 20th round to the Yankees. Keeling pitched for the BJ's late last season.

Thursday, June 11th, 2009
MLB Draft For Doran and Monger
It's been a busy month for Bobby Doran.  The 6'6" righty from Flower Mound, Texas picked Texas Tech last week for his four year school.  Thursday he pitched in the BJ opener with ESPN cameras honing in.  He went back to the Metroplex area for his sister's graduation this weekend.  Thursday morning, he was selected in the MLB draft.  The Pittsburgh Pirates took Doran with the fourth pick of the 36th round.  Doran was 10-3 for Seward this past year.  He is the first Saint and second BJ to be selected in the draft.  Yesterday, Liberal's Cameron Monger of New Mexico went in the 27th round to the Padres.

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
First BJ is Selected in MLB Draft
The Liberal Bee Jays are watching the draft closely to see which of their players will be drafted and where. Liberal's Cameron Monger was selected Wednesday.  The San Diego Padres selected the New Mexico outfielder in the 27th round.   Monger played for the Dodge City A's last year and hit .333.  He was a standout at Howard College batting .446 with 12 homers and 55 RBI's.  Monger is a native of Weatherford, Texas.

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
Bob Cerv night brought a night of nostalgia to Liberal
The man who coached the Liberal BJ's to a record of 364-100 while coaching off and on between 1970 and 1982 returned to a BJ game last night for the first time since he was the team's manager in 1982. Cerv watched some of the game in the dugout with two of his former players Mike Hargrove and Galen McSpadden. Cerv briefly spoke to the crowd before the game. The game couldn't even dampen the spirit of evening. Junction City (6-2) pounded Liberal 15-5 in a seven inning run rule. The loss snaps Liberal's (3-3) three game winning streak. The Generals scored in all but one inning and led 9-2 after four innings. The Bee Jays return to league play tonight at Dodge City at 7:00 PM. The game will air on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
Bob Cerv Day in the City of Liberal
The Liberal City Commission met last night for a special meeting at 5:30pm at the City Commission Chambers. At the meeting the commission voted unanimously to proclaim June 9th, 2009 as Bob Cerv Day in the City of Liberal. On that day a proclamation will be read by the Mayor, and Bob Cerv, who will be in Liberal, will be presented a key to the city. Cerv managed the Liberal BJ's to a 364-100 record and brought home the National Championship in 1979 and also served as manager for several major league stars including Ron Guidry, Mike Moore, Steve Bartkowski, Rick Honeycut, Calvin Schiraldi, and current BJ manager Mike Hargrove. He also played 11 years with the Yankees, A's, Angels, and Astros.   He was an all star in 1958 when he blasted 38 homers for the Kansas City A's.  Cerv also played and roomed with Micky Mantle and Roger Maris during the summer of 1961.  Cerv will be in attendance at the BJ game that evening.

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Richardson will Relive First Pitch
The man who fired the first pitch in Liberal BJ history on June 4, 1955 at the Fairgrounds will deliver the ceremonial first pitch on June 4, 2009 at Brent Gould Field. Jerry Robertson who lives in Darrouzett, Texas will be in Liberal for the Thursday night opener against the El Dorado Broncos. Game time is set for 7:00 PM. Robertson pitched 17 innings in a game against Dodge City that summer. He said in an interview with KSCB that the fields weren't well manicured then and the bus rides through the Ban Johnson league weren't comfortable. He said there was a lot of excitement around the BJ's getting started in 1955. Robertson indicated the big rivalry in 1955 was Garden City and Liberal. Robertson was invited back in 2004 as well but Mother Nature wouldn't allow Robertson to toss out a first pitch. The BJ's begin their 55th summer of baseball Thursday night. Join Brock Kappelmann for the play-by-play on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
Joe is Coming to Town !
ESPN reporter Joe Disney will be in Liberal next week (June 4th and 5th) to feature Mike Hargrove and the Liberal Bee Jays.  The former Major League manager and Perryton native will arrive in Liberal Thursday and will be a guest on the Sportsguys Friday morning on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.  The first practice will be on Monday as players will be arriving to Liberal late this week into next week.  ESPN will interview Mike and Sharon Hargrove, BJ General Manager Bob Carlile, and several BJ players who return back this year after playing on last year's team.  The feature will air during a Sunday morning "Where are they Now?" segment.  Last year the Bee Jays drew coverage from the Sporting News, Rocky Mountain News, Associated Press, and KSNW.

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Liberal Bee Jays Release 2009 Schedule
The Liberal Bee Jays Board of Directors released the 2009 Schedule Tuesday to the media. The schedule will include 29 home games with 19 of them taking place in June. The Bee Jays will have 18 road games. The Bee Jays will open up their season at home with a four game series beginning on Thursday, June 4th against conference foe El Dorado. Other games headlining the schedule include the annual 4th of July game in which Liberal will host Dodge City. The Bee Jays will also host Fairbanks, Alaska on Wednesday, July 28. There will not be regularly scheduled double headers this year. They will play single nine inning games with all home games starting at 7pm.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Bee Jays Bring Back Much of Pitching Staff
Pitching coach Galen McSpadden isn't wasting any time trying to bring back pitchers from the 2008 team. Four pitchers have told the BJ's they will return next summer. Lefties C.J. Keeling and Brett Davis of Oklahoma State, righty Don Lisi of Crowder, and lefty Christian Kowalchuck of Arkansas. That already give Liberal four pitchers. In 2008, they started the season with just four pitchers leading to a 3-7 start.

Monday, September 8, 2008
Hargrove Will Return to Manage Bee Jays
Former Major League manager and Perryton native Mike Hargrove will manage the Liberal Bee Jays again next summer. He led the team to a fourth place finish at the NBC World Series this summer. Hargrove told general manager Bob Carlile Friday night that he would return. Carlile made the announcement during the Sportsguys this morning. Pitching coach Galen McSpadden and coach Bill Merrell will also return to coach the team with Hargrove. The team will also hire another assistant for next summer. Liberal went 31-21 this year. A possible hang up to his return would be if he got a Major League job. Carlile said during the Sportsguys there are two big league teams Hargrove would be interested in managing.

Thursday, September 4, 2008
Three Bee Jays are Named First Team in Jayhawk
Three members of the BJ's are named first team all Jayhawk League. The BJ's took fourth out of seven teams in the league going 20-16. Liberal saved their best for last going 5-2 and taking fourth at the NBC World Series. Shortstop Jeremiah Sammy of Lamar, catcher Clint Ewing of Louisiana Tech, and outfielder Nick Zaleski of Sam Houston State were on the first team. Second team all Jayahawk League members include second baseman Julian Pollard of Washington, Krist Kersten of La-Tech, outfielder Steven Tucker of Lamar, and relief pitcher Will Skelton of Sam Houston State.

Monday, August 18, 2008
Indians Induct Hargrove to Hall of Fame
Perryton native Mike Hargrove had a busy week last week. He managed his Liberal BJ's to fourth place at the NBC World Series and then returned to Cleveland to be inducted into the Indians Hall of Fame Saturday night. Hargrove led the 1995 and 1997 Indians to American League pennants. Hargrove discussed managing the BJ's this summer during an interview on the Cleveland web site. Hargrove said “Being around those college kids and watching how they play the game and realizing they love the game as much as the Major Leaguers do it go me going,” he said, “I realized I had not lost my competitive edge and that was a good thing to find out.”

Saturday, August 16, 2008
Three Bee Jays are All Americans
Three members of Liberal's fourth place NBC team are on the NBC All American team. Bee Jay third baseman Kris Kersten, catcher Beau Geren, and pitcher Don Lisi. Kersten hit .464 with ten RBI's in the tournament while Geren hit .374 with four RBI's. Lisi went 2-0 and didn't allow an earned run in twelve and one thirds innings. Santa Barbara beat Seattle for the title last night 2-0. It's the Forresters second title in three years.

Friday, August 15, 2008
Johnston Receives Player Sportsmanship Award
National Baseball Congress officials were paying attention to Eric Johnston's sportsmanship Monday. After crossing first base and stepping on the pitcher's foot, Johnston came back to check on the player who was down and in pain. Johnston gave the player a pat on the back. Johnston also coached first base at times during the tournament as well. He went 1-6 with the game winning RBI against Crestwood on Monday. Johnston plays at Texas-San Antonio.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Hargrove and McSpadden Will Conduct First Practice Today
Several Liberal BJ's are in town and will workout with former Major League manager Mike Hargrove and newly inducted JUCO hall of famer Galen McSpadden this evening. Only a couple BJ's are in town but more will continue to report in this week and next week leading up the the opener one week from tonight against Hays.