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NY Sports Day

 

NEWARK ? It?s what most pitchers dream about. Only a handful have thrown no-hitters in professional ball. And the majority of them have never even taken no-nos into the ninth.

 

Brent Billingsley came very close last August 7.

 

"I tried not to think about [the no-hitter]," the left-hander said about what he was thinking at the time. "If I tried not to give up the hit, I would have gotten lit up. I can?t pitch like that."

 

The Newark Bears of the Atlantic League had just signed him the month before when he took the ball that night against the Pennsylvania Road Warriors. He brought the no-hitter into the ninth inning, but ended up with a two hit shutout, winning 8-0.

 

It was the start of a good second half for the 29 year-old Billingsley, who went 5-1 with a 3.83 ERA in nine starts last season for the Bears. He hoped that those numbers would be enough to get him signed to an affiliate, but had no takers this off-season.

 

"Unfortunately teams are still a little leery about my health and stuff, since I had Tommy John surgery on my elbow and another operation to repair a torn rotator cuff," Billingsley explained. "Everything is 100 percent now and some teams did look at me this past off-season. They wanted to see me pitch, but not on their payroll."

 

So, he was signed by the Bears after the Colorado Rockies? organization was no longer interested. According to Billingsley, it was a good decision, since it allows him to work with Newark?s pitching coach Pete Filson, who helped him last year with his pitching style.

 

"I tried to strike a lot of people out, but 27 outs are 27 outs, no matter how you get them," Billingsley said. "I?ve learned how to pitch. Well-placed fastballs are the best thing I can do."

 

It?s that type of maturity and experience that makes the lefty hope for another shot at the Major Leagues. Billingsley had three stints with the Florida Marlins in 1999 and he was considered one of the better prospects for the rebuilding team. Even though he appeared in only eight games with them, it was enough of a taste for the lefty to want more.

 

"It?s kind of driving me now," he said. "I know I can pitch there and the only reason I am not there is because I got hurt. I know I can still do it. It was everything they talked about and more."

 

The Chino Hills, CA native also got to live his dream by pitching against his favorite team at Dodger Stadium in front of family and friends. It meant more to Billingsley since his family always was there for him.

 

"My family always came out, visited me and support me," Billingsley said. "They have been there since Single A, when they used to visit and buy me dinner. And they are there for me this season, especially my wife."

 

That?s one reason why this season is a crossroad for the lefty. During the off-season, Billingsley works as a pitching coach at Chino Hills High School, under his brother, Kyle, who is the head coach.

 

"It?s fun, but I don?t get to be with them during the season, since I go to Spring Training," he said. "The students help me out as well. I talk to them and go over things and that makes me think of my mechanics more."

 

So if Billingsley is still with the Bears come late August, he would consider giving up his career and work with his brother full time.

 

"If I?m throwing well and no team calls, well they think, 'the surgeries got me' and I will see what else there is to do," he said.

 

A few more nights like last August 7, Billingsley won?t have to worry about that decision.

Nice to hear about Brent... I hope somebody signs him. :thumbup