Blair Capel - #14/ C, uTIL
Born: 12/24/1979 in Carleton Place, ON
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 190lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2010
Biography:
Blair Capel grew up east of Ottawa and played his baseball with the Prescott-Russell Baseball Association (Clarence Cougars and Rockland Stars). He was twice invited and selected to play on the Eastern Ontario All-Star team where he played third base and catcher predominantly. His minor league career ended at the age of 18 where he focused his efforts on education exclusively. His senior career began with the Aurora Knights in 2002 where he was invited to camp as a walk-on. Capel sought interest from a Red Sox organization and was subsequently traded in the 2002-03 off season in a massive 7-player swap. After three seasons with the Aurora Red Sox, Capel managed the expansion Thornhill Orioles in the TBC for two years before taking a year off to rest his ailing shoulder. In 2010, he was again invited to a Rockies camp where he joined the team as pseudo “cagy-vet”. At 32, he now guards the right side of the infield and looks forward to a lengthy contract extension in the fall of 2012.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Blazer”, “Cagy-vet”
Baseball experience: 20+ years: playing, managing (York Mills Collegiate, Markham Mariners, Hudson College Huskies), teaching and development clinics
TBC Highlights: 3 career homeruns; 2 at Westmount, 1 at Bishops Cross (Orioles 2007-08); helped turn 3 double plays in one game (Orioles 2007); career high 6 RBIs in 14-6 win over Pirates (Orioles 2008); ruined Paul D’s no-hit bid in 2007 with a double to the left field wall in the bottom of the 7th (Orioles 2007).
Favourite MLB player(s): Jim Edmonds, Craig Biggio, Sandy Alomar Jr., Nick Swisher
MLB lookalike: Frank Catalanatto
Favourite musical band/artist: Tragically Hip, Deftones, Tool
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 190lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2010
Biography:
Blair Capel grew up east of Ottawa and played his baseball with the Prescott-Russell Baseball Association (Clarence Cougars and Rockland Stars). He was twice invited and selected to play on the Eastern Ontario All-Star team where he played third base and catcher predominantly. His minor league career ended at the age of 18 where he focused his efforts on education exclusively. His senior career began with the Aurora Knights in 2002 where he was invited to camp as a walk-on. Capel sought interest from a Red Sox organization and was subsequently traded in the 2002-03 off season in a massive 7-player swap. After three seasons with the Aurora Red Sox, Capel managed the expansion Thornhill Orioles in the TBC for two years before taking a year off to rest his ailing shoulder. In 2010, he was again invited to a Rockies camp where he joined the team as pseudo “cagy-vet”. At 32, he now guards the right side of the infield and looks forward to a lengthy contract extension in the fall of 2012.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Blazer”, “Cagy-vet”
Baseball experience: 20+ years: playing, managing (York Mills Collegiate, Markham Mariners, Hudson College Huskies), teaching and development clinics
TBC Highlights: 3 career homeruns; 2 at Westmount, 1 at Bishops Cross (Orioles 2007-08); helped turn 3 double plays in one game (Orioles 2007); career high 6 RBIs in 14-6 win over Pirates (Orioles 2008); ruined Paul D’s no-hit bid in 2007 with a double to the left field wall in the bottom of the 7th (Orioles 2007).
Favourite MLB player(s): Jim Edmonds, Craig Biggio, Sandy Alomar Jr., Nick Swisher
MLB lookalike: Frank Catalanatto
Favourite musical band/artist: Tragically Hip, Deftones, Tool
Mark DiGiandomenico - #11/ 3B, P
Name/Nicknames: Mark DiGiandomenico/Marcus, M-Diggy
Born/Born In: 03/14/1985 in Weston, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 19 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: 3rd Base, ShortStop, 2nd Base, Batting Practice Pitcher, Regular Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay, Milton Bradley
Favourite Music Artists: The Killers, Chicago
Born/Born In: 03/14/1985 in Weston, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 19 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: 3rd Base, ShortStop, 2nd Base, Batting Practice Pitcher, Regular Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay, Milton Bradley
Favourite Music Artists: The Killers, Chicago
Paul DiGiandomenico - #1/ 2B, P (Bench Boss)
Born: 6/13/1983 in Weston, ON
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’9”
Wt: 165 lbs.
Rockies debut: Our team was called Vaughan when we were first merged with Thornhill in 2005. Our first season as the Rockies was 2007.
Biography:
Paul DiGiandomenico grew up in Weston, ON and got his start playing houseleague and select softball for several years with the now defunct Glenfield Sports Club in the rough Jane/Sheppard neighbourhood. Along with his teammates, he parlayed his ability to dodge stray bullets into a North York city championship with the select team in 1995. In 2000, after a two-year hiatus, Paul was conned by canniving sports agent and all-around bad seed Rick Valenzano into joining hardball with the Great Canadian Amusement Company in the Woodbridge Knights (later Vaughan Vikings) Baseball Association, where he was a part of city championship teams in 2000 and 2004. Paul's senior debut took place in 2005, where he co-founded one of two Vaughan entries in the Thornhill Baseball Club. For the next 4 seasons, management of the club (which became the Rockies in 2007) was passed around between Paul, Rick, Rick's father Dr. Luciano Valenzano (DDS), and Dave "Snake" Giralico, before Paul assumed permanent control in 2009. As a Senior player, Paul was predominantly a starting pitcher, until suffering a devastating shoulder injury in Spring Training of 2009. He now resigns himself to garbage innings on the mound, and is simply on the team because he runs it.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Management”, "Castle", "Coach"
Baseball experience: 20 years
TBC Highlights: CG 1-hitter against the Orioles in 2007 after an afternoon of heavy drinking (thanks again Blair for breaking up the no-no); coaching the Rockies to upsets against recent champs (A's) and previous finalists (Red Sox) in the 2009 playoffs
Favourite MLB coaches: Ozzie Guillen, Ron Washington, the guy from "Major League" (rest in peace)
MLB Lookalike: Roy Halladay
Favourite musical band/artist: Pearl Jam, Billy Talent, the Fighters of Foo
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’9”
Wt: 165 lbs.
Rockies debut: Our team was called Vaughan when we were first merged with Thornhill in 2005. Our first season as the Rockies was 2007.
Biography:
Paul DiGiandomenico grew up in Weston, ON and got his start playing houseleague and select softball for several years with the now defunct Glenfield Sports Club in the rough Jane/Sheppard neighbourhood. Along with his teammates, he parlayed his ability to dodge stray bullets into a North York city championship with the select team in 1995. In 2000, after a two-year hiatus, Paul was conned by canniving sports agent and all-around bad seed Rick Valenzano into joining hardball with the Great Canadian Amusement Company in the Woodbridge Knights (later Vaughan Vikings) Baseball Association, where he was a part of city championship teams in 2000 and 2004. Paul's senior debut took place in 2005, where he co-founded one of two Vaughan entries in the Thornhill Baseball Club. For the next 4 seasons, management of the club (which became the Rockies in 2007) was passed around between Paul, Rick, Rick's father Dr. Luciano Valenzano (DDS), and Dave "Snake" Giralico, before Paul assumed permanent control in 2009. As a Senior player, Paul was predominantly a starting pitcher, until suffering a devastating shoulder injury in Spring Training of 2009. He now resigns himself to garbage innings on the mound, and is simply on the team because he runs it.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Management”, "Castle", "Coach"
Baseball experience: 20 years
TBC Highlights: CG 1-hitter against the Orioles in 2007 after an afternoon of heavy drinking (thanks again Blair for breaking up the no-no); coaching the Rockies to upsets against recent champs (A's) and previous finalists (Red Sox) in the 2009 playoffs
Favourite MLB coaches: Ozzie Guillen, Ron Washington, the guy from "Major League" (rest in peace)
MLB Lookalike: Roy Halladay
Favourite musical band/artist: Pearl Jam, Billy Talent, the Fighters of Foo
David Giralico - #6/ LF, CF
Born: 08/10/1984 in Etobicoke, ON
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 185lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2004
Biography:
David Giralico grew up in the rough neighborhood of Jane and Finch. He learned to play baseball at Torii Park growing up eventually leading him to REP and ELITE teams by the age of 12 (Woodbridge Knights and Vaughan Vikings.) He helped the team reach the OBA finals 3 years in a row, participating in tournaments in Niagara Falls, Windsor and New York. David joined the Rockies in 2004, the year of inception, along with coach Paul DiGiandomenico and Mark DiGiandomenico. He was an active general manager over the years and coach in 2008, helping the team reach the high-caliber status by recruiting former high school and Woodbrige Knight players.
Miscellaneous
Nickname(s): “Snake”, “Prythme Thyme”
Baseball experience: 18+ years: playing (Woodbridge Warriors, Woodbridge Knights, Vaughan Vikings, Bressani Eagles)
Favourite MLB player(s): Rick Henderson, Mo Vaughan, Wade Boggs
Favourite musical band/artist: All 4 One, Rihianna, Mystikal, Jay-Z
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 185lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2004
Biography:
David Giralico grew up in the rough neighborhood of Jane and Finch. He learned to play baseball at Torii Park growing up eventually leading him to REP and ELITE teams by the age of 12 (Woodbridge Knights and Vaughan Vikings.) He helped the team reach the OBA finals 3 years in a row, participating in tournaments in Niagara Falls, Windsor and New York. David joined the Rockies in 2004, the year of inception, along with coach Paul DiGiandomenico and Mark DiGiandomenico. He was an active general manager over the years and coach in 2008, helping the team reach the high-caliber status by recruiting former high school and Woodbrige Knight players.
Miscellaneous
Nickname(s): “Snake”, “Prythme Thyme”
Baseball experience: 18+ years: playing (Woodbridge Warriors, Woodbridge Knights, Vaughan Vikings, Bressani Eagles)
Favourite MLB player(s): Rick Henderson, Mo Vaughan, Wade Boggs
Favourite musical band/artist: All 4 One, Rihianna, Mystikal, Jay-Z
Paolo Marcello – #7/ P, 1B
Born: 06/17/1987 Woodbridge ON
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’8”
Wt: 160lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2011
Biography:
Paolo has played baseball from the age of 5. From the ages of 6-14 Paolo played for the Woodbridge Knights/ Vaughan Vikings Organizations. He then moved on to play elite baseball in the CEBC for Richmond Hill Phoenix, and the Ontario Maple Leafs. Finally his last 3 years in baseball came playing JR Rep for the Thornhill Reds. Paolo primarily is a pitcher but with his versatility can play virtually any position on the field. His hopes are that he can help push the Rockies over the top this season.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): Scoop ... somehow ppl still call me that since rookie ball
Education: Civil Engineer from UWO
Baseball experience: 15 years experience
TBC Highlights: Rook!
Favourite MLB player(s): Robbie Alomar / Doc Halladay
MLB lookalike: Albert Pujols
Favourite musical band/artist: Eminem
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’8”
Wt: 160lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2011
Biography:
Paolo has played baseball from the age of 5. From the ages of 6-14 Paolo played for the Woodbridge Knights/ Vaughan Vikings Organizations. He then moved on to play elite baseball in the CEBC for Richmond Hill Phoenix, and the Ontario Maple Leafs. Finally his last 3 years in baseball came playing JR Rep for the Thornhill Reds. Paolo primarily is a pitcher but with his versatility can play virtually any position on the field. His hopes are that he can help push the Rockies over the top this season.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): Scoop ... somehow ppl still call me that since rookie ball
Education: Civil Engineer from UWO
Baseball experience: 15 years experience
TBC Highlights: Rook!
Favourite MLB player(s): Robbie Alomar / Doc Halladay
MLB lookalike: Albert Pujols
Favourite musical band/artist: Eminem
Jon Maningas - #5/ 3B, P
Born: 01/13/1987 in North York, Ontario....Currently Residing in Maple, Ontario
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’ 8"
Wt: 236 lbs.
Rockies debut: August 2008 (Called Up for one game)... Actual team debut was April 2009
Biography:
Jon Maningas grew up in Maple, Ontario and played for the Maple Diamond Dogs for the first 9 years of his baseball career enjoying many accolades and awards, winning 2 Provincial Championships as the teams leading Pitcher and Hitter. In 2000, the Maple Diamond Dogs were absorbed into the Vaughan Vikings (which combined both Maple Diamond Dogs and Woodbridge Knights ) and continued to play solid Triple-A ball. For the next three years, the Vaughan Vikings Triple-A team made appearances in 3 consecutive Ontario Playdowns, winning the Provincials, finishing as finalists twice and winning a Triple-A US/Canadian tournament in London, Ontario. He continued the next 3 years in high school baseball in Tier 1, finishing as Regional Champions once and losing only 5 regular season games in 4 years. After, Jon captained a team in Vaughan Vikings for the next 3 years leading his team once again in pitching and hitting, leading them to a combined 36-6 record in those 3 seasons, losing twice in the finals in 2 seasons and once in the semis. Seeking better baseball and greater competition, in his final year in Vaughan, Jon was scouted by Paul DiGiandomenico to join the Thornhill Rockies. He played 1 game in 2008 as a fill in for a short Rockies team, and produced a 4 for 5 night, 1 homer, 2 2B and a triple with 5 RBI's from the bottom spot in the order. He joined the Thornhill Rockies in the 2009 season permanently and has not had a losing record in all of his 20 seasons of baseball. At 24, Jon looks to add to his resume and it would be a big feather in his cap to win a championship in Thornhill.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): "Manny", "Panda", "Jonny Mac", "Big Mac"
Baseball experience: 20 Years of Baseball (Maple Diamond Dogs, Vaughan VIkings, Thornhill Reds)
TBC Highlights: 4 Home Runs, 1 at Westmount and 2 at Bishops. In order, first home run was during the only call up game played in the 2008 season. First game in Thornhill ever, a single short of the cycle. 1st Homer as a member of the team, at Westmount over and across the street in left field. The other 3 homers came at Bishops, 2 in the regular season and 1 in the playoffs. Hitting a home run in front of 15 little kids upon request.
Favourite MLB player(s): Big Albert Pujols, Jose Bautista, Pabol Sandoval
MLB Lookalike: Pablo Sandoval
Favourite musical band/artist: Rise Against
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ht: 5’ 8"
Wt: 236 lbs.
Rockies debut: August 2008 (Called Up for one game)... Actual team debut was April 2009
Biography:
Jon Maningas grew up in Maple, Ontario and played for the Maple Diamond Dogs for the first 9 years of his baseball career enjoying many accolades and awards, winning 2 Provincial Championships as the teams leading Pitcher and Hitter. In 2000, the Maple Diamond Dogs were absorbed into the Vaughan Vikings (which combined both Maple Diamond Dogs and Woodbridge Knights ) and continued to play solid Triple-A ball. For the next three years, the Vaughan Vikings Triple-A team made appearances in 3 consecutive Ontario Playdowns, winning the Provincials, finishing as finalists twice and winning a Triple-A US/Canadian tournament in London, Ontario. He continued the next 3 years in high school baseball in Tier 1, finishing as Regional Champions once and losing only 5 regular season games in 4 years. After, Jon captained a team in Vaughan Vikings for the next 3 years leading his team once again in pitching and hitting, leading them to a combined 36-6 record in those 3 seasons, losing twice in the finals in 2 seasons and once in the semis. Seeking better baseball and greater competition, in his final year in Vaughan, Jon was scouted by Paul DiGiandomenico to join the Thornhill Rockies. He played 1 game in 2008 as a fill in for a short Rockies team, and produced a 4 for 5 night, 1 homer, 2 2B and a triple with 5 RBI's from the bottom spot in the order. He joined the Thornhill Rockies in the 2009 season permanently and has not had a losing record in all of his 20 seasons of baseball. At 24, Jon looks to add to his resume and it would be a big feather in his cap to win a championship in Thornhill.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): "Manny", "Panda", "Jonny Mac", "Big Mac"
Baseball experience: 20 Years of Baseball (Maple Diamond Dogs, Vaughan VIkings, Thornhill Reds)
TBC Highlights: 4 Home Runs, 1 at Westmount and 2 at Bishops. In order, first home run was during the only call up game played in the 2008 season. First game in Thornhill ever, a single short of the cycle. 1st Homer as a member of the team, at Westmount over and across the street in left field. The other 3 homers came at Bishops, 2 in the regular season and 1 in the playoffs. Hitting a home run in front of 15 little kids upon request.
Favourite MLB player(s): Big Albert Pujols, Jose Bautista, Pabol Sandoval
MLB Lookalike: Pablo Sandoval
Favourite musical band/artist: Rise Against
Mark Martino - LF
Name/Nicknames: Mark Martino
Born/Born In: 06/24/1987 in North York, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 18 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: Left Field
Favourite MLB Player: Chris Carpenter
Favourite Music Artists: Led Zeppelin, Creed, Radiohead
Born/Born In: 06/24/1987 in North York, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 18 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: Left Field
Favourite MLB Player: Chris Carpenter
Favourite Music Artists: Led Zeppelin, Creed, Radiohead
Daniel Masucci - 1B
Name/Nicknames: Dan Masucci
Born/Born In: 05/26/1986 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 16 years
Bats/Throws: Bats Left, Throws Left
Positions: 1st Base, Outfielder, Pitcher, Catcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay
Favourite Music Artists: Drake, Linkin Park, Disturbed, David Guetta
Born/Born In: 05/26/1986 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 16 years
Bats/Throws: Bats Left, Throws Left
Positions: 1st Base, Outfielder, Pitcher, Catcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay
Favourite Music Artists: Drake, Linkin Park, Disturbed, David Guetta
Daniel Simone - #4 P/CF
Born: 09/10/1984 in Toronto, ON
Bats/Throws: L/L
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 175lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2008
Biography:
Daniel Simone grew up in Woodbridge and played his baseball with the REP and ELITE Woodbridge Knights and Vaughan Vikings. He played 3 years with the York Univerisity Lions who finished 5th and 2nd respectively in Nationals after the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He Jr. A ball for 2 years Thornhill before entering his senior career with the Rockies. He walked on with the Rockies in 2008 with his younger brother Mike to form a 1-2 pitching combo. He is known for his speed on the base paths and nasty two seam cutter.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Lefty”, “Moonie”
Baseball experience: 20+ years:
Favourite MLB player(s): Jacoby Elsbury, Roy Halladay
Bats/Throws: L/L
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 175lbs.
Rockies debut: April 2008
Biography:
Daniel Simone grew up in Woodbridge and played his baseball with the REP and ELITE Woodbridge Knights and Vaughan Vikings. He played 3 years with the York Univerisity Lions who finished 5th and 2nd respectively in Nationals after the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He Jr. A ball for 2 years Thornhill before entering his senior career with the Rockies. He walked on with the Rockies in 2008 with his younger brother Mike to form a 1-2 pitching combo. He is known for his speed on the base paths and nasty two seam cutter.
Miscellaneous:
Nickname(s): “Lefty”, “Moonie”
Baseball experience: 20+ years:
Favourite MLB player(s): Jacoby Elsbury, Roy Halladay
Michael Simone - SP/1B
Name/Nicknames: Michael Simone
Born/Born In: 08/32/1987 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 17 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Left, Throws Right
Positions: Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols
Favourite Music Artists: The Beatles, The Doors, Pearl Jam
Born/Born In: 08/32/1987 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 17 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Left, Throws Right
Positions: Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols
Favourite Music Artists: The Beatles, The Doors, Pearl Jam
Daniel Sinaguglia - SS/P
Name/Nicknames: Daniel Sinaguglia
Born/Born In: 04/22/1987 in North York, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 19 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: ShortStop, Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay
Favourite Music Artists: Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Radiohead
Born/Born In: 04/22/1987 in North York, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 19 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: ShortStop, Pitcher
Favourite MLB Player: Derek Jeter, Roy Halladay
Favourite Music Artists: Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Radiohead
Matthew St. Pierre - C, 1B
Name/Nicknames: Matt St.Pierre/Moose
Born/Born In: 02/22/1987 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 20 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: Catcher
Favourite MLB Player: Joe Carter
Favourite Music Artists: Simple Plan, AC/DC, Blink 182
Born/Born In: 02/22/1987 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Experience: 20 Years
Bats/Throws: Bats Right, Throws Right
Positions: Catcher
Favourite MLB Player: Joe Carter
Favourite Music Artists: Simple Plan, AC/DC, Blink 182