Veteran sports advocate Alpheus Finlayson dies

Alpheus Finlayson

Alpheus Finlayson

As of Saturday, September 23, 2023

#Veteran sports advocate, broadcaster and former BAAA president Alpheus Finlayson has died, aged 76, just weeks after the death of his wife, Dawn.

#Born in Nassau in 1947, he studied alongside school colleagues such as Leslie Miller and Malcolm Adderley. Finlayson ran track and field and went on to attend St Augustine’s College where he continued to nurture his pasion for running – taking up the nickname Hawk when he had to put a name on his running shirt as a young man, a name he would be known by throughout his life.

#As an advocate for running, he served as co-captain of the St John’s University Track Team, President of the Pioneer’s Sporting Club, and of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association from 1989 to 1997. He was also elected Vice President of the Central American Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation as well as Vice President of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Area Athletic Associations.

#In 1992, he was president of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association (BAAA) when triple jumper Frank Rutherford won bronze in the Barcelona Olympics, the first track and field medal for The Bahamas.

#Alpheus also presided over the organisation in 1995 and 1997 when the first three World Championship medals were won.

#Alpheus made history when he became the first Bahamian elected to the 27-member Council of the IAAF, the World governing body of track & field. He is a National Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

#His book From Vancouver to Athens: Finlayson Fifty Years of Bahamian International Track & Field Competition is a best-seller. Alpheus has also authored weekly columns on “Track World” from 1980 to 1986 in The Tribune. He produced a television show on ZNS called Track World with Alpheus Finlayson and has written international newsletters with the same name. He also hosted the weekly radio show Track World with Alpheus Finlayson on Guardian Radio 96.9 FM.

#He also worked as a financial services representative for Colina Insurance.

#A host of tributes have been paid online by those who knew him, worked with him, or were part of his church community at St George’s Anglican Church.

#His wife, Dawn, died recently and her funeral was due to take place on Saturday morning at 10am.

‘Hawk’ Finlayson passes away

 Home|Sports|‘Hawk’ Finlayson passes awaySports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 110 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson is shown at a signing event for his book “From Vancouver to Athens – 50 Years of Bahamian International Track and Field Competition”. He died at the age of 76 on Friday.

Noted track and field historian Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson has passed, succumbing at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) at the age of 76 on Friday.

Finlayson, a former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) and former council member of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, will go down as one of the more respected persons in the history of track and field in The Bahamas.

In addition to his administrative duties, he is a former athlete and coach, author and talk show host, bringing The Bahamas and the world closer to track and field.

His passing comes just two weeks after the passing of his wife Dawn, and a day before her burial.

Finlayson was one of the longest-serving presidents of the BAAA, serving from 1989 to 1997. He served during a time when The Bahamas won its first Olympic medal in track and field – bronze from Frank Rutherford in the men’s triple jump in 1992; and first world outdoor championships medal – bronze in the women’s 100 meters (m) from Savatheda Fynes in 1995.

He is also a former vice president of the North, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC). Current NACAC President Mike Sands said it’s because of Finlayson’s breakthrough in sports administration why he was able to ascend to greater heights regionally and globally.

“Hawk was able to show that we have great administrators, sitting on the IAAF Council, now World Athletics. That is no small feat when one considers the extensive campaigning that would have done, moving all over the world. There are 200-plus countries under World Athletics, and whereas he might now have been able to visit all of them, he traveled to quite a number of them and that is what made him so successful. He is well known and well loved. He had that personal touch and that was the strength,” said Sands.

Finlayson made history, becoming the first Bahamian to be elected to the IAAF Council, and is the only Bahamian to attend every world outdoor championships from 1983 in Helsinki, Finland, to 2017 in London, England.

“I’m really saddened by this loss, and many others are saddened, not just locally but regionally and globally as well,” said Sands. “Hawk singularly put The Bahamas on the world stage from a sports administrative perspective. He is the first Bahamian to sit on the council of World Athletics, and so he carried the flag around the world with pride and his trademark hat. You knew him by his trademark hat. He wore it everywhere. He is well loved and well respected by the track and field community worldwide. He will be truly missed. Personally, as a friend and from a perspective of being an advisor and mentor to myself, I cherish the many years we shared together. I appreciate the sound advice he gave me. It’s a great personal loss for me and for many others as well and I extend deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

BAAA President Drumeco Archer also offered words of condolence over the weekend.

“The loss of such an iconic figure in the world of sports and a beloved family man is an irreplaceable void in our hearts and the global community,” said Archer. “Hawk Finlayson was not just a name, he was a global icon and a household name. His unwavering dedication to the world of sports knew no bounds. He was a walking encyclopedia of statistics, effortlessly recalling details that left the rest of us in awe. His knowledge of the sport was unmatched, and he had an unparalleled ability to remember even the smallest of details, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

“His departure is a poignant reminder that the archive of his brilliant mind is now gone, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of sports history. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the sporting world, he was a brother to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine warmth and unwavering support for others made him a true family man, extending his love and kindness to the far reaches of the globe.

“The world knew Hawk Finlayson as a man of his word. When he said he supported you, he meant it wholeheartedly. His support was not just a casual gesture; it was a testament to his character, reflecting his commitment to uplifting others in the pursuit of their dreams.”

As a writer, Finlayson’s prized possession was his book ‘From Vancouver to Athens – 50 Years of Bahamian International Track and Field Competition’.

For 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, he hosted his own radio show ‘Track World with Alpheus Finlayson’ on Guardian Radio 96.9FM – the only weekly radio show dedicated solely to track and field in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

“Beyond his contributions to the sports world, Hawk was a prolific writer and talk show host, sharing his wisdom and insights with audiences around the world. His words resonated deeply with all who had the privilege of listening to him, leaving a lasting impact that will be cherished for generations to come,” said Archer.

“In this time of immense sorrow, we can find solace in knowing that Hawk Finlayson’s love of family was indeed a true love story. As we mourn the loss of Hawk Finlayson, may you find strength in the love and support of family and friends who share in your grief. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.”

For his work in athletics, Finlayson was inducted into The Bahamas’ National Sports Hall of Fame.

Finlayson is survived by his daughter Alexis, son-in-law Khalil, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Nassau Guardian offers deepest condolences to the family and friends of Finlayson.

Jones, Liberty drop opening game to the Sun

 Home|Sports|Jones, Liberty drop opening game to the SunSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 28 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 New York Liberty players react after losing a point during the fourth quarter of a WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun, in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday. The Sun won the game, 78-63, to take a one game to none lead in their WNBA best-of-five semifinal series. AP

Bahamian Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones and the New York Liberty have pretty much handled Jones’ old team, the Connecticut Sun, all year, but they got a rude awakening yesterday.

The playoffs is a different kettle of fish, and the Sun is the team that made all the plays when they needed to yesterday while the regular season record-setting Liberty folded. The Liberty, which won a franchise record 32 games in the regular season, couldn’t handle the pressure yesterday. They fell convincingly, 78-63, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, dropping the opening game of their Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) best-of-five semifinal series.

With the win, the Sun have certainly pulled off one of the most shocking results of the playoffs thus far, particularly after dropping all four of their regular season games to Jones and the Liberty. The Liberty are the second seeded team in the playoffs while the Sun are third.

Jones had a respectable game with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, but as a team, the Liberty struggled offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter. They also couldn’t put a lid on DeWanna Bonner when they needed to.

The Sun played suffocating defense when they needed to as the Liberty shot just 3-for-22 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring just eight points. In the second half, the Liberty were a woeful 8-for-37 from the field. Credit must be given to the Sun’s defense which held the Liberty to a season-low 63 points.

Bonner led the way with 20 points for the Sun, and added seven rebounds and three assists. Rebecca Allen, who was traded from the Liberty to the Sun as part of the Jones’ deal, shot 7-for-9 from the floor, including going 4-for-6 from distance. She had 18 points and seven rebounds. Tiffany Hayes and Natisha Hiedeman dropped in 12 points apiece for the Sun.

Breanna Stewart had 19 points for the Liberty, but shot just 7-for-25 from the field and was 0-for-8 from deep. Jones dropped in 14 on 5-for-8 shooting and Sabrina Ionescu added 12 on 4-for-14 shooting, all four coming from three-point land.

Jones 14 points and 11 rebounds was the 15th time that she’s had a double-double this season but the first time the Liberty lost in one of those efforts.

The Liberty trailed 25-21 after the first quarter but surged ahead 40-37 at the half. The Sun scored the first nine points of the third quarter and never looked back. They went on a 16-2 scoring run to open the third and led 65-55 at the end of three. Bonner scored the first five points of the fourth to put the Sun up 70-55. They were ahead by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter, coasting to the easy win.

The two teams will play each other in Brooklyn again on Tuesday, before the series shifts to Uncasville, Connecticut.

The Sun are aiming to get back to the finals for a second straight year. They lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games last year.

After her much proclaimed trade to the Liberty in the offseason, Jones is trying to lead her new team to their first WNBA Finals appearance since the early 2000s. Neither team has won a WNBA title.

The Bahamas wins nine medals, including four gold, at CACs

 Home|Sports|The Bahamas wins nine medals, including four gold, at CACsSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 346 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Terrion Kemp won three gold medals and secured a pro card in men’s overall physique at the 50th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, over the weekend. The Bahamas won nine medals in total, four gold, three silver and two bronze.

The Bahamas proved once again that it has a mighty sports presence in the region, winning nine medals at the Golden Anniversary 50th International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness’ (IFBB) Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, over the weekend.

The championships wrapped up at the Aruba Marriott Resort on Sunday, with The Bahamas winning nine total medals – four gold, three silver and two bronze. There were eight additional top six finishers.

Terrion Kemp secured a pro card in men’s overall physique, and won three of the four gold medals for The Bahamas.

In the overall points standings, The Bahamas’ 10-member team finished seventh with 125 total points. Costa Rica won with 238 points, host nation Aruba was second with 194 total points and Mexico rounded out the top three nations with 155 total points.

Kemp won three gold medals for the country, taking the top spots in junior men’s physique, open men’s physique and overall men’s physique. Another Kemp, Ivanique Kemp, won the other gold medal for The Bahamas, finishing first in women’s wellness Class D.

Briceton Anderson won two silver medals for The Bahamas, finishing second in men’s fitness and men’s physique Class B. Dorcas Cox won a silver medal in women’s body fitness masters (figure). She was also fifth in open women’s body fitness.

Judah Forbes won a bronze medal in men’s physique Class D and Denica Thompson brought home the other bronze medal for the country, finishing third in women’s wellness Class B.

In men’s bodybuilding, National Champion Godfrey Robinson finished fourth in the middleweight division and Orick Nesbitt was fourth in the heavyweight division. Robinson also had a fifth place in the masters category (over 50). Nesbitt was sixth in that same category.

Andrecka Dames finished fifth in women’s wellness Class B and Ricardo Gibson was fifth in men’s physique Class C. Jason Johnson finished fifth in the men’s fitness challenge.

A total of 150 athletes from 21 countries took part in the four-day event over the weekend in Aruba.

The Bahamas did not compete at the CAC Championships in Bridgetown, Barbados, last year. In 2021, an eight-member team from The Bahamas returned home from the CAC Championships with eight medals – two gold, three silver and three bronze.

The late Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson was a giant in the Bahamian sporting community

 Home|News|The late Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson was a giant in the Bahamian sporting communityNewsSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 23, 2023 567 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Alpheus 'Hawk' Finlayson.

Noted track and field historian Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson has passed, succumbing at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) at the age of 76 on Friday.

Finlayson, a former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) and former council member of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, will go down as one of the more respected persons in the history of track and field in The Bahamas.
In addition to his administrative duties, he is a former athlete and coach, author and talk show host, bringing The Bahamas and the world closer to track and field.

His passing came just two weeks after the passing of his wife Dawn, and a day before her burial.
Finlayson was one of the longest-serving presidents of the BAAA, serving from 1989 to 1997. He served during a time when The Bahamas won its first Olympic medal in track and field – bronze from Frank Rutherford in the men’s triple jump in 1992; and first world outdoor championships medal – bronze in the women’s 100 meters (m) from Savatheda Fynes in 1995.

He is also a former vice president of the North, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).

Finlayson made history, becoming the first Bahamian to be elected to the IAAF Council, and is the only Bahamian to attend every world outdoor championships from 1983 in Helsinki, Finland, to 2017 in London, England.

As a writer, his prized possession was his book “From Vancouver to Athens – 50 Years of Bahamian International Track and Field Competition”.

For 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, he hosted his own radio show ‘Track World with Alpheus Finlayson’ on Guardian Radio 96.9FM – the only weekly radio show dedicated solely to track and field in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

For his work in athletics, Finlayson was inducted into The Bahamas’ National Sports Hall of Fame.
Finlayson is survived by his daughter Alexis, son-in-law Khalil, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Nassau Guardian offers depest condolences to the family and friends of Finlayson.

Contract talks break down

 Home|Sports|Contract talks break downSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 22, 2023 101 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield.

Less than a week after changing his Indiana Pacers’ jersey number from 24 to 7, Bahamian professional basketball player Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield is in limbo as contract extension negotiations between himself and the Pacers has stalled, according to reports late Wednesday. That means that the Grand Bahama native and his team have begun dialogue on finding a potential trade destination.

It is not written in stone that he will be traded as the two sides can still come to an agreement. For now, Hield is with the Pacers and is set to make $18.5 million this year, which can go as high as $19.2 million through bonuses.

The specifics of the contract extension offered by the Pacers are unknown, but what is known is that Hield did not accept the extension. He is eligible for an extension of up to four years. The 30-year-old signed a four-year $94 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in 2020 before being traded to the Pacers in February 2022. This is Hield’s final year on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. With the way the game is being played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) nowadays, requiring more focus on the long ball, it is believed that Hield could find a suitor quickly.

The Pacers are stacked at the guard position this season with the likes of starting point guard Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and the recently signed Bruce Brown.

As for which team wants to grab Hield, that is not known, but the Los Angeles Lakers have been rumored to be a potential landing spot for the Bahamian. Hield was drafted with the sixth pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016 and was traded to the Kings before the season ended. He spent four seasons with the Kings before he was traded to the Pacers.

Hield had a good season, recording a franchise record and career high for made three-pointers with 288. His previous season-high of 282 was done in the 2020-21 season. Those 288 made three-pointers this past season ranked him at number two in the league behind the Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, the son of Bahamian retired basketball player Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson, who had 301.

The veteran fell just 12 made three-pointers short of the elusive 300-made three-point shots club that was entered into by Thompson this year. Thompson joined teammate Stephen Curry and the Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden in that club.

The Grand Bahama native averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in his 80 games played this season. He started at the two-guard spot in 73 of those 80 games. Hield was able to post a career-high of 1.2 steals per game. He shot 45.8 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from deep, which was his best clip from deep since the 2018-2019 season.

The Pacers had a promising season but they struggled in the second half of the season. They finished with a 35-47 win/loss record, five games off the pace from advancing to the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. They finished 11th overall.

Bain looking for improved play against Grenada

 Home|Sports|Bain looking for improved play against GrenadaSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 22, 2023 27 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Giselle Bailey, of Team Bahamas, tries to get away from a defender during The Bahamas’ match against Grenada at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium on Wednesday. Grenada won the CONCACAF Nations League match, 6-1. The two sides will play each other again on Sunday, this time in St. George’s, Grenada.

The Bahamas senior women’s national soccer team will have a short turnaround after being taken down 6-1 at home at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Wednesday. They will now head to St. George’s, Grenada, for a rematch against Grenada on Sunday. Team Bahamas Head Coach Ricqea Bain is looking for a better result.

Both teams will be playing their second game in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League – on the ‘Road to the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Women’s Gold Cup’.

Bain will be looking to get a win although they are the underdogs heading into the match.

“I am hoping to see us win. We are always looking to win. We are looking to put our names out there. We are coming. It is just like the women’s world cup, the younger teams were able to challenge teams like the United States of America. It may not be tomorrow, but we will build and be better every time,” Bain said.

The team was able to get some rest in yesterday before they head to Grenada today. Bain will go over tactics, address where they went wrong and try and implement those changes before the game on Sunday. Two of the things that Bain will be looking to ensure her players do is drop back quicker and to look at Grenada’s movement off the ball.

Goalkeeper for The Bahamas Melina McClure said she is looking to have a better game on Sunday.

“We can learn from the mistakes we made in the match and develop more defensively. We are looking for better ways to get into the attacking third and finish those opportunities we had created in the match. There is a lot we can take away from this going forward,” McClure said.

Bain said they will look at the film and observe some of the good things that they did.

“We are going to look at the good things that we did and not dwell so much on the negative things. We will look at those positives and look to do more of it. We had some moments where we had a lot of possession time, so we need to build off that and shoot toward the goal,” Bain said.

Grenada Head Coach Jake Rennie got his first win as the man in charge of the team on Wednesday. He is also looking for them to get another win.

“It is going to be a much better game knowing that we are back home. The ladies are heading back motivated. This game will be much different. Trust me, it will be a different game,” Rennie said.

Grenada’s defender Malia Ramdhanny scored a goal on Wednesday from a free kick.

“I am hoping to keep the back line organized. I also want to ensure that we can pass the ball around because I know we can do that now that we know how they play,” Ramdhanny said.

It is an important game for both teams but the pressure is on The Bahamas to leave Grenada with a win and get three points before they play a home and away series against the U.S. Virgin Islands in League C Group C action on October 29 on the road and December 3 at home.

Mingoes drop season opener to MAU, 5-1

 Home|Sports|Mingoes drop season opener to MAU, 5-1Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 22, 2023 24 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes midfielder Peter Julmis (blue 9) controls the ball for the Mingoes against the Millenia Atlantic University (MAU) Macaws at Doral Meadow Park in Doral, Florida, on Thursday. The Macaws won, 5-1. Photos: ub athletics

DORAL, Florida – The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team ended the first half against Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) in a 0-0 tie at Doral Meadow Park in Doral, Florida, but the second half was a different story. The Macaws from MAU came out strong and scored in the first minute of the second half and never relented en route to a 5-1 win over the Mingoes.

The Macaws scored in the 46th minute of the match and never yielded after that point.

The lone Mingoes’ score came off a solo goal from Peter Julmis in the 55th minute of the match. Julmis took the ball from about midfield and charged for a clean strike into the bottom corner. After the score, Julmis appeared to hype up the team a bit.

“I didn’t really feel excited like the way I normally feel after scoring a goal because I felt like we as a team weren’t playing our best football,” he said. “Overall, I felt like it gave us a little momentum. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough but I’m looking forward to Friday’s game.”

The Mingoes possessed the ball for considerably more time than the Macaws and had several shots on goal in the first half. Mingoes’ goalkeeper Antonio Beckford also had three brilliant saves in the first half. They will play the Macaws again on Friday, at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

“The Macaws won the tactical battle in the second half and some of that is on me,” said Head Coach Alex Thompson. “They made a key change in their attack and we made a key change in our defense and that change was exploited. Arguably their best player came on in the second half and changed the game and we lost one of our players to an injury which forced us to adjust. They just exploited that.”

Midfielder Junior Kelly left the match with hamstring issues in about the 55th minute and that presented a change in the dynamics of the game.

The Macaws scored in the 46th, 51st, 59th, 78th and 87th minutes of the match.

Making history at inaugural Bahamas elite Karate tournament

As of Friday, September 22, 2023

#HISTORY was made with the introduction of the Para-Karate Division at the inaugural Bahamas Elite Karate Championship in Nassau, Bahamas.

#This tournament was the brainchild of sensei Leonardo Jones, the lead instructor at L.E.A.D Karate Academy who has several students with disabilities in his classes.

#The Para-Karate division allowed individuals with disabilities who participate in the sport of martial arts to showcase their abilities rather than their disability.

#All competitors who participated in this division walked away with a first (1st) place medal, after receiving the opportunity to capture the crowd by demonstrating their katas.

#“Karate in the Bahamas is officially for everyone no matter the age, gender or functionality. The platform is here thanks to sensei Jones.

#“Honorary mention has been extended to Domo Arigato Masters, Master Elrick McKinney, Master Marcus “Shadow” Rolle, Master Ronald “Smokey” Martin.

#“And sensei Gamal Newry for the part they have played in sensei Jones’ training history,” according to a press release.

#For more information about the L.E.A.D Karate Academy and how you can become a part of any class, contact sensei Jones at 242- 813-6332 or via email at:

#leadkarateacademy@ gmail.com

BJ Murray Jr and Smokies a game from advancing to double-A title series

As of Friday, September 22, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#THIRD baseman BJ Murray Jr, one of the few Bahamians left in minor league baseball action, and the Tennessee Smokies are one game from advancing to the Double-A championship series.

#Murray Jr and the Smokies, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, took game one of their best-of-three playoff series against the Cincinnati Reds’ af liate Chattanooga Lookouts on Tuesday at the AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a 3-1 victory.

#In that game, Murray Jr, batting second in the line-up, went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run batted in (RBI) and a run scored for a .667 average.

#Game two of the series was scheduled for last night. If necessary, the third and deciding game will be played tonight.

#“We are trying to win. We are trying to nish this series off as quickly as possible,” said Murray Jr as he geared up for last night’s game. “We are trying to finish this team off as quickly as possible. We definitely have the team to do it.”

#The 23-year-old Murray Jr, who was drafted in round 15 with the 454th pick overall by the Cubs in the 2021 Major League Draft, said they are a position to clinch a berth into the league final.

#“The team is looking good, and we are very confident that we can win this series,” said Murray Jr, who switch hits as a batter, but throws with his right hand.

#The 5-foot, 10-inch Murray Jr, who in 452 at-bats has produced 119 hits with 16 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 74 RBI and 71 runs for an .263 average, admitted that he could perform a whole lot better.

#“Baseball is a hard game, so I could improve in every aspect,” he stated. “There’s no one specific area that I want to get better at. I want to get better at everything.”