Stewart embraces Spring Breakout: 'What's not to love?'
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect. On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect.
On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between second and third base, but still beat the relay throw with a headfirst slide for a two-run triple.
Stewart, who is ranked No. 3 in the organization and No. 83 overall by MLB Pipeline, pounded his chest toward the visitor's dugout and yelled, "Let's go!"
"It means a lot to us and our organization," said Stewart, a third baseman who was the 32nd overall pick by the Reds in the 2022 Draft. "Every time I step between the lines, I’m trying to win. I’m also trying to show them that I’m ready for whatever circumstance comes.”
Stewart, who also hit a single in the fifth inning, was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. This was the second time that he’s been part of the Spring Breakout experience.
“It’s great to get out on the field with a bunch of good players," he said. "It’s awesome because the competition is great. What’s not to love?”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
In 80 games for High-A Dayton last season, Stewart batted .279/.391/.454 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. His season was cut short in July because of a right wrist laceration.
Stewart, 21, participated in his first big league camp this year and impressed manager Terry Francona.
“He’s a very advanced hitter," Francona said last Monday, after Stewart was sent to Minor League camp. "I don’t know when it is but he’s going to be a good Major League hitter. I firmly believe that."
O'Donnell matches Stewart
During a five-run top of the third inning, center fielder Ethan O'Donnell pulled a 1-1 pitch toward the right-field corner and reached third base standing up with a two-run triple of his own.
“I was talking to Cam Collier between at-bats and made some adjustments and I stuck to the plan there," said O'Donnell, who is ranked No. 18 in the organization. "He reminded me to stay through the ball and I work best looking to the other way. I give credit to Cam on that one.”
Collier, who is the No. 90 overall prospect and No. 4 in the organization, was unable to play as he recovers from left thumb surgery.
The lefty-hitting O'Donnell, 22, spent all of 2024 at Dayton and batted .269 with a .774 OPS, 10 homers and 40 RBIs in 104 games while working through a shoulder issue.
“That community in Dayton is unbelievable," said O'Donnell, a sixth-round pick out of Virginia in the 2023 Draft. "The support they have, the staff they have, let alone our organizational staff and our players in the locker room. Every day going to work was the best and to get that experience in a tough league against some good competition was phenomenal. Dealing with the ups and downs of baseball, the injuries, starting off slow, learning the mental grind of professional baseball. As much as you think you’re ready from college baseball, it’s a different beast.”
Serwinowski working on third pitch
Left-handed starting pitcher Adam Serwinowski, the Reds' No. 12 prospect, threw two innings and allowed one run, one hit and two walks with one strikeout. That strikeout came with a runner on first base when he got José Anderson looking at a strike-three fastball.
“You have to control the run game. I held the pause long and get a guy after he calls a timeout, make him wait and then he gets uncomfortable in the box and then I freeze him with a fastball," said Serwinowski, a 15th-round pick in 2022.
In his first full pro season during 2024 with Single-A Daytona, Serwinowski led the Florida State League with 25 starts and was eighth with 106 strikeouts. He posted a 3.57 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 85 2/3 innings. Most of his starts were capped at four innings.
Serwinowski is in the process of developing his changeup.
“I’ve been working on that for about two weeks so far," he said. "It’s coming along quicker than you’d think. They’re letting me feel it out when I want to introduce it in games when I feel comfortable to throw. We found a grip that we think is good and [the pitch] will contribute to my pitching depth.”
Mey hits 102
The Reds dugout thoroughly enjoyed watching No. 20 prospect Luis Mey zip through a scoreless eighth inning in relief. Mey, who struck out two, reached 101 mph multiple times and topped at 102 mph with his final pitch for the strikeout.
"That was fun to watch," Triple-A Louisville manager Pat Kelly said. "For me, the impressive thing is he threw strikes. A lot of guys throw hard but are constantly behind. He was aggressive. He went after the guys"
Senior Reporter Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05.
Taco and Margarita Festival!
TACO AND MARGARITA FESTIVAL COMES TO APPALACHIAN POWER PARK CHARLESTON, WV (May 16, 2022) – The Dirty Birds to host a taco and margarita festival on August 13th from 12pm-8pm at Appalachian Power Park. The festival will include specialty tacos, margaritas and live entertainment on the field with bands and
THE CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRD HAS BEEN NAMED DUSTY BY THE FANS
CHARLESTON, WV (April 8, 2022) – The fans have spoken and the Charleston Dirty Bird has been named Dusty via an online poll where over 2,000 fans voted to name the team’s coal dust covered mascot. The Charleston Dirty Birds announced on March 28, 2022 via social media that the
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS EXHIBITION GAMES SCHEDULE
FREE admission Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17 at 12pm CHARLESTON, WV (March 29, 2022) – The Charleston Dirty Birds will return to Appalachian Power Park for two scheduled exhibition games against the Washington Black Sox on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 at 12pm. Both exhibition games
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO DONATE PORTION OF MERCHANDISE SALES IN MARCH TO MARCH OF DIMES
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO DONATE PORTION OF MERCHANDISE SALES IN MARCH TO MARCH OF DIMES The Dirty Birds will donate 10 cents of every dollar sold of merchandise to March of Dimes for the remainder of March CHARLESTON, WV (March 8, 2022) – The Charleston Dirty Birds announce that for
ALBERTO CALLASPO HEADLINES NEXT WAVE OF DIRTY BIRDS ADDED TO THE 2022 ROSTER
CHARLESTON, WV (March 3, 2022) – The Charleston Dirty Birds announce six new players joining the 2022 Roster. Popular Infielder and 2021 Charleston Dirty Birds’ MVP, Alberto Callaspo is returning to Charleston for the 2022 season. Callaspo made his major league debut in 2006 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has
DIRTY BIRDS ANNOUNCE SIX NEW PLAYERS JOINING THE 2022 ROSTER
The Charleston Dirty Birds announce six new players joining the 2022 Roster: catcher Alfredo Gonzalez, right handed pitcher Jordan Stephens, outfielder Anfernee Seymour, right handed pitcher Francisco Carrillo, right handed pitcher Tyler Wilson, and infielder Angel Garced. Alfredo Gonzalez, a catcher who played for the Chicago White Sox in 2018
ATLANTIC LEAGUE CLUBS INTRODUCE BALLPARK PASS
(Feb. 2, 2022, New York) – The Atlantic League (ALPB) and its clubs today announced the introduction of Ballpark Pass, a new concept which will allow any full season ticket holder entry to any ballgame at any park throughout the Atlantic League. “Our clubs are universally excited about the potential
ATLANTIC LEAGUE RESTORES 60’6” PITCHING RUBBER DISTANCE
ATLANTIC LEAGUE RESTORES 60’6” PITCHING RUBBER DISTANCESuccessful Automated Ball - Strike Technology Migrates to Affiliated Minor League (January 13, 2022, New York, N.Y.) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) announced today that it will return the distance of the pitching rubber to its conventional 60’6” and will resume
EDWIN ESPINAL HEADLINES FIRST WAVE OF 2022 DIRTY BIRDS’ ROSTER
The Charleston Dirty Birds announce seven new players joining the 2022 roster. Popular first baseman/DH Edwin Espinal is returning to the Dirty Birds for the 2022 season. Espinal returned to Charleston for the 2021 season after playing for the former West Virginia Power in 2014. Espinal had a productive first
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS TO GIVE AWAY 100 TURKEYS
The Charleston Dirty Birds will host a turkey giveaway to families just in time for the Christmas holiday. The event will take place at Appalachian Power Park on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 4pm. Families in need of a turkey for the holidays are invited to stop by Appalachian Power
TESTA, KELLY, COROMATO NAMED DIRTY BIRDS COACHING STAFF
TESTA, KELLY, COROMATO NAMED DIRTY BIRDS COACHING STAFF Joe Testa, Scott Kelly and Anthony Coromato signed as coaching staff for the 2022 season The Charleston Dirty Birds announced today that two familiar faces will be seen on the field and coaching staff for the 2022 season. Joe Testa and Scott
BILLY HORN NAMED CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS MANAGER
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (December 7, 2021) - The Charleston Dirty Birds announced today that Billy Horn will be the Manager of the Dirty Birds for the 2022 season. “We are thrilled to have someone with Billy’s experience and stellar reputation at the helm of the Dirty Birds for the 2022 season”
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS RELEASE 2022 SEASON SCHEDULE
CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS RELEASE 2022 SEASON SCHEDULE Tuesday-Saturday games will now begin at 6:35pm, and Sunday games will start at 5:05pm. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (November 15, 2021) - The Charleston Dirty Birds have released their full schedule for the 2022 season, which includes 67 home games beginning Thursday, April 21, 2022.
ATLANTIC LEAGUE ADDS 10TH TEAM FOR 2022
ATLANTIC LEAGUE ADDS 10th TEAM FOR 2022 Kentucky Club To Share Legends Ballpark for League’s 24th Season (November 11, 2021, New York) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) announced today it has added a 10th team for 2022. Referred to as the Kentucky team (KY), the club will
West Virginia Power are now the Charleston Dirty Birds!
Charleston Dirty Birds Hatched CHARLESTON WEST VIRGINIA BASEBALL HATCHED AS THE CHARLESTON DIRTY BIRDS On September 28th, the West Virginia Power has retired as the new name, logo and identity was revealed to a great Tuesday night crowd at Appalachian Power Park. You will see below, as our local sports
Today's 9/5 game has been postponed!
Due to present weather conditions and the forecast for the remainder of the day today’s scheduled 1:05 contest between the High Point Rockers and West Virginia Power at Appalachian Park has been postponed and will be made up as part of a Doubleheader on Tuesday, September 14th at 5:05 PM.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WEST VIRGINIA POWER BASEBALL
\\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WEST VIRGINIA POWER BASEBALL
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (September 2, 2021) – West Virginia Power Baseball returned to Charleston, West Virginia for the 2021 season and fans have been enjoying the excitement of a nine-inning carnival all season. The carnival on social media surrounding the Power
ATLANTIC LEAGUE OFFICIALLY APPROVES NEW TEAM FOR HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND
Professional baseball’s return will coincide with Maryland Stadium Authority’s construction of a new multi-use sports and event facility in downtown Hagerstown, Maryland. (New York, Sept. 1, 2021) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) Board of Directors has approved the membership application of Downtown Baseball, LLC to join the
David Kubiak’s Contract Purchased by the Texas Rangers August 26, 2021,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeremy Taylor, Senior Executive Director of Baseball and Stadium Operations Phone: 304‐344‐2287 E‐Mail: jtaylor@wvpower.com Yet Another Power Player Has Contract Purchased RHP David Kubiak’s Purchased by the Texas Rangers August 26, 2021, Charleston, WV. — The Texas Rangers have purchased the contract of starting pitcher David
Save Minor League Baseball: A message to our fans
Relief Act would provide grants to eligible MiLB clubs
RHP Aaron Blair and RHP Edwin Quirarte Heading to MiLB and Mexico Respectively
July, 20, 2021, Charleston, WV. — The San Francisco Giants have purchased the contract of starting pitcher Aaron Blair, while the Leones de Yucatan have purchased the contract of relief pitcher Edwin Quirarte. RHP Edwin Quirarte, who reached the Triple-A level with the San Francisco Giants in 2015, is the
3 Power Players Have Contracts Purchased by Mexican League Team
SP Elih Villanueva, OF Jose Tabata, RP Jean Machi Purchased by Sultanes de Monterrey July, 9, 2021, Charleston, WV. — The Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League have purchased the contracts of three roster members the Power announced today. SP Elih Villanueva, who reached the Major League level with
Preview of the Upcoming Homestand
Furry Friend Friday September 3rd vs High Point Rockers Furry Friend Friday! Fans are invited to bring their pets to the ballpark, all pets are welcome including horses, pigs, goats, iguanas, dogs, cats and even hamsters! Pet passes are just $2, all proceeds from pet passes are donated to the
9/5 Game has Been postponed
Due to present weather conditions and the forecast for the remainder of the day today’s scheduled 1:05 contest between the High Point Rockers and West Virginia Power at Appalachian Park has been postponed and will be made up as part of a Doubleheader on Tuesday, September 14th at 5:05 PM.
Wiz Khalifa Concert July 9th
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (May 17, 2021) – Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist Wiz Khalifa will burst into Appalachian Power Park for a one night event on Friday, July 9th. Bone Thugs N Harmony and Chevy Woods will also be in the stadium for this summer concert for