FSL president's pitching days over

By BRENT WORONOFF
Daytona Beach News Journal

DAYTONA BEACH -- Florida State League president Chuck Murphy had quadruple bypass surgery less than two months ago, but that didn't stop the longtime area resident from throwing out the first pitch Saturday night at the FSL All-Star Game. The 75-year-old left hander's toss hit the edge of the grass and bounced to the catcher.

"I didn't realize my arm was that dead," Murphy said. "Everybody says it takes six months to a year to recover. I used to be a pitcher and could throw pretty good, but I had nothing there. But I had pretty good form, they said."

Murphy said he was thrilled with the job the Daytona Cubs did running the game and Friday's Fan Fest that included an autograph session, skills competition and home run derby. It was the first time in Murphy's 18 years as FSL honcho that the All-Star Game was held in his hometown.

"It's been about 10 years since we've had the skills competition. I was happy to see that," Murphy said. "And they got the fans involved. There were a lot of people here."

HOMETOWN ALL-STARS: Four Daytona Cubs, including pitcher Mitch Atkins, started for the East squad. Outfielders Tyler Colvin and Jesus Valdez and infielder Matt Matulia also started.

"It's pretty exciting playing on my home field, knowing there will be fans cheering me on," Colvin said before the game. "People around here actually know who I am."

Matulia, who has played at second base in just five games this year, started at second for the East. Matulia, who is from Eustis, had a large cheering section of his own. He gave them something to cheer about with an RBI triple in the fifth.

"Counting my fiancee's side, there are about 16 of us staying at the beach," Matulia said. "It's been a nice weekend."

SHORT HOPS: Two of the top prospects in the league -- Sarasota's Jay Bruce and Lakeland's Cameron Maybin have something to celebrate every April -- their birthdays. Bruce, who was born April 3, 1987, is one day older than the Flying Tigers' outfielder. . . . It appeared that Maybin was hit in the back by Palm Beach's Adam Ottavino in the third inning, but the umpire ruled the ball hit Maybin's bat. The call benefited the West squad. Maybin ripped the next pitch off the left-field wall for a double and scored on a single by Sarasota's Mike Griffin. . . . The FSL's first All-Star Game was held here in 1936. There were 374 fans in attendance in 1936, and 4,424 on Saturday . . . There were an estimated 30 scouts at the game.