New Haven Independent

Junior Zamora, 31, a native of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, looks to bring experience to a young team with his 12 years of professional baseball experience. Considered one of the team’s top hitters, Zamora has reached as high as Triple-A with the Salt Lake Buzz of the Anaheim Angels organization.

The Cutters’ season begins Friday in Brockton. The first home game at Yale Field is next Thursday.

“It feels very good to be one step away from the majors and so close,” said Zamora, the Cutters’ third baseman.

As they practiced in anticipation of this week’s opener, team members and Manager Mike Church agreed on the mission. “Winning a championship is the one and only goal and anything else is a failure,” Church said. “Goals are meant to be high and you hold yourself to high expectations.”

Like Manager Church, Zamora said he aims to help the team make a run at the championship. “I will do what I have to do to put up numbers and help the team make the playoffs and win a championship,” he said.

Along with trying to win a championship, Zamora still dreams of being picked up by a Major League Baseball affiliate.

Orlando Encarnacion, 28, of Bronx, N.Y., began his career as a pitcher in the New York Mets organization and pitched in his first year with the Cutters. However, a switch to the outfield has allowed him to play everyday.

“I used to play the field and pitch in high school and hitting was something I wanted to do, so I talked to Mike and he let me,” said Encarnacion.

Encarnacion is a veteran on the team and wants to help the team win. He feels the best way he can do that is by hitting and playing everyday. Encarnacion hopes that he will be recognized for his hitting and will be picked up by a Major League Baseball affiliate.

“I hope to put up some good offensive numbers and do every little thing to get to the next step,” said Encarnacion. “My path is to keep playing baseball as a hitter in affiliated baseball.”

Mike Leonard, 24, of Vernon, Conn. is a former Connecticut State Gatorade Player of the Year in high school.

“It was cool at the time, but you realize it’s a small achievement in the scheme of things,” said Leonard. He played the previous three years in the Boston Red Sox organization and looks to make an immediate impact at the catcher position in his first year with the Cutters. Leonard likes the idea of being picked up by a big league team, but just enjoys playing close to home.
“I’d like to win a championship and just have some fun this summer,” said Leonard.
With a well rounded team, Church has a lot of expectations from himself and his team.

“If we win it is because of the players, and if we lose it is because of me,” said Church.

Herbie Epstein is an Independent intern from Quinnipiac University.