Local Pitcher Makes It Big
Written by Harris Rappel Friday, 15 February 2013 00:00
Former SUNY Old Westbury pitcher named to Chicago Cubs’ 40-man roster
Former SUNY College at Old Westbury right-handed pitcher Robert Whitenack has been named to the Chicago Cubs’ 40-man roster, the first Panther in school history to make a major league roster.
Since 2009, he has spent time with the Boise Hawks (2009), Peoria Chiefs (2010) and Daytona Cubs (2010-11, 2012), and the Tennessee Smokies (2011). In 2009, the Chicago Cubs made Whitenack the first Division III player selected in the draft, acquiring him in the eighth round.
“We are very proud that Whitey made the Chicago’s 40-man roster,” said head coach Rod Stephan. “With his continued hard work, we are sure that he will reach his ultimate goal to play for the Cubs.”
Whitenack was a member of the Daytona Cubs of the Cubs’ Single-A affiliate in 2012 after recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He made 15 starts and struck out 31 batters in 51.1 innings.
In 2011, he spent time on the mound between the Cubs’ Single-A and Double-A affiliates, the Daytona Cubs and Tennessee Smokies. Whitenack opened the season with Daytona, going 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 23 innings before getting promoted to Double A. During his time with the Smokies, he was recognized as an SOU Mid-Season All-Star. He finished the Smokies’ season with a 4-0 record, sporting a 2.39 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 37.2 innings while holding the opposition to a .237 batting average.
In four professional seasons, Whitenack has started in 65 of 69 games, recording 19 wins and 202 strikeouts in 309.1 innings of work.
Whitenack was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB Draft and has done nothing but impress during his time in the minor leagues. While playing a short season for the Boise Hawks of the Northwest League in 2009, Whitenack had 12 starts on the hill, working 54.1 innings with 33 strikeouts, allowing just one home run.
Before advancing to Daytona in 2010, he made 20 starts for the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League, registering an 8-7 record. He struck out 63 batters while holding the opposition to a .262 batting average in 103.1 innings. At Daytona, he posted a 3-1 record with a 2.04 ERA, striking out 28 batters over 39.2 innings.
Whitenack spent three seasons pitching for Old Westbury where he compiled 12 wins with a 3.03 ERA and 189 strikeouts in 183.1 innings. He also was named 2009 ECAC Pitcher of the Year and won back-to-back Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year honors to end his collegiate career. Whitenack was a member of the 2009 Panther squad that set the program record for single season wins (27), which now stands at 30 due in part to the 2012 squad.
With his promotion, Whitenack will be reporting to the major league camp in Mesa, Arizona.
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Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
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“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” Romandetti says. “It’s nothing anyone else wouldn’t have done.”
During Hurricane Sandy, Romandetti risked his own life to go out to Howard Beach and get his girlfriend’s family out of their flooding homes. The Bethpage Air Show recently recognized his bravery, naming him the grand prize winner of the Hurricane Sandy Community Heroes contest. Romandetti, along with nine other winners, will receive VIP tickets to the Bethpage Air Show, plus the reception, and GEICO Skytypers Planeside Meet and Greet. As the grand prize winner, Romandetti also gets the chance to fly with the GEICO Skytypers during next week’s airshow.
Sports
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
Westbury Okinawan Karate recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming to the Westbury Recreation Center. Since then, the dojo has trained 250 students, ages six and up, in the art of karate with the style of traditional Okinawan ShorinRyu Shidokan.
Founded by sensei John Power, the classes seek to instill the confidence and strength needed to obtain success in everyday life.
“A lot of kids are lacking confidence,” said Power. “We let them practice leadership in the class and this contributes to their confidence.
Friday, 10 May 2013 00:00
Members of the Carle Place Sparc/Interact club recently donated their time and talents at the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens. Working together with students from Mineola High School and Holy Cross High School in Queens, the SPARC members planted over 1,000 indigenous trees to help replenish one section of the 600-acre forest park. The group’s efforts were part of the NYC Plant a Million Trees Project in honor of Arbor Day, celebrated on Friday April 26th. The Carle Place planters were: Sarah Megiel, Kelsey Feit, Julia Powell, Sabrina Feit, Monique Slater, Matt Carr, Katie Megiel, Rob Ibos, and Lauren Powell. They are led by faculty advisor Kieran Morris.
Calendar
Johnny Mathis At NYCB Theatre - May 17, 18
Celebrations In Westbury - May 18
"Miles For Melanoma" - May 19
Columns
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Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
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