Rockland Boulders Visits Sports Academy! Week 1

Rockland Boulders Visits Sports Academy!

Sports Academy gave a big welcome to three Rockland Boulder players on Thursday, July 3rd! It was a great time as the players got to share their experiences and stories with the kids and answers questions from different campers.



The players that came to visit were Taylor Mangum, Shawn Gilbliar, and Stephen Cardullo.

Taylor grew up in American Fork, UT and also attended Utah Valley University. He has since spent the last seasons (2012-2013) playing in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system. The furthest level Mangum reached was High A last year with the Brevard County Manatees. 2013 also happened to be his best season as he had a 3.91 ERA with 63 strikeouts and five saves in 27 appearances. 2014 will be his first season in a Independent league and with the Boulders.

Shawn grew up in Windham, CT and also attended Eastern Connecticut State College. His time there was historic, since he became the first player at his school to be named a three-time All-American. Gilblair was also voted the Division III Player of the Year twice (2007; 2009) by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Shifting over to his professional career, his best season came in 2012 with the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League. His 2012 season was highlighted by a 11-5 record, 93 strikeouts over 117 IP in 19 starts, and a 3.85 ERA. He did not pitch in 2013.

Stephen is an infielder from Coral Springs, FL. Cardullo played his college ball at Florida State University and was voted a 1st Team All-American in 2009 by Baseball America. He followed up this honor by being drafted in 2010 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 24th round and was in their farm system for two seasons (2010-2011). His best season came in 2011 with the Missoula Osprey's of the Rookie League when he hit .288 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs. Cardullo spent last season with the Boulders.



Campers were able to ask their own questions to these ballplayers. One question that really stood out to me was from Ryan Lee who asked, “Why did you decide to play baseball?” While many players play because they were good, these players reminisced about how it was their Dad who introduced them to the sport when they were very little. With motivation from their parents, and a natural talent, they soon fell in love with the game.

William Friscoe asked, “How did you become a Boulder’s player?” I thought it was interested that some of these players were from all over the country and were not local players. They answered that they were scouted and eventually joined the team. It was a lot of fun to see how someone from another state wound up all the way here in Rockland County.



When asked to leave a quote to campers here is what each ball player said.

“Don’t let your short term wants get in the way of your long-term goals” &
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” –Shawn Gibliar

“Believe in yourself and be a good person” –Stephen Cardullo

“If what you did yesterday still looks good today, you haven’t done much today. –Taylor Mangum

Counselor Patrick Callahan noted that these types of events helps kids learn team work and evolves them into better adults. Director of Sports Academy, Matt Matcovich also found this experience to be worth wild stating that “It was awesome that we can build a relationship between two county organizations and we hope we can continue it.”

All in all it was a great experience. Best stated from Camper Jake Silver, “It was awesome”. For pictures and videos about this event please check out our Facebook page!