Miracle send 3 to All-Star game

Moses to also compete in home run derby

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

Some players would rather enjoy a free weekend than make their way to an All-Star game at the minor-league level.

They shouldn't.

"I played in the Triple-A All-Star game in '95," Fort Myers Miracle manager Riccardo Ingram said. "At the time, it's kind of a downer. You're thinking you'd rather have the weekend off. But as you reflect back, it's a great memory.

"You look back at the players you played with and against, and there will be some big names.

"In '95, Derek Jeter was on my team."

At 7:35 tonight, three members of the Class A Miracle, the minor-league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, will take part in the Florida State League All-Star game at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, spring-training home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Center fielder Denard Span, third baseman Matt Moses and starting pitcher Nick Blackburn will be on hand. Moses also will participate in the home run derby, to begin at 6 p.m.

Moses remembered winning a home run derby as a 12-year-old Little League player.

"Out of 10 outs, I hit 18 home runs," Moses said. "Oh yeah, man, that was fun."

Moses will compete against seven other sluggers, including Vero Beach first baseman Andy LaRoche, who through Thursday led the league with 21 home runs.

"I'm going to be aiming for the Toyota sign on the light pole," Moses said with a laugh.

The sign, pointing to a nearby Toyota dealership, says 750 feet -- although it's actually about 500 feet from home plate.

Moses said he looks forward to competing against LaRoche, as they share the same agent.

"Obviously, I want to win the home run derby, and he wants to win the home run derby," Moses said. "It'll be fun. The home run derby, it's for the fans."

The game will provide a family reunion for Span, who looks forward to sleeping in his own bed at his parents' home in Tampa.

Span's mom and stepfather, Wanda and Stanley Wilson, plan to attend the game along with Span's older brother.

"It's an honor," Span said of playing in the game. "It's a good achievement. It's something I'm looking forward to."

Making the All-Star game should continue boosting the confidence of all three players, Ingram said.

"Those guys are playing with so much confidence," Ingram said. "They're loose and relaxed, and it's letting their abilities come through."