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for larger version       Chavez Returns To Familiar Home In Brooklyn
Cyclones fans will remember Ender Chavez as a fan favorite as a member of the team in 2002 and 2003. The outfielder speed, hustle and defense were one of the keys to success for the Cyclones to win the New York Penn League division title in 2003. In his 2007 return, Chavez has provided a spark in the top of the order hitting .261 and stolen two bases in the first nine games of the Cyclone season. Their record is 7-2 and resides in first place in the McNamara Division. The 26 year old Chavez has been through plenty of travels in his minor league career. While he played in the Washington Senators minor league system at the double A level, brother Endy stole the spotlight last season as a sparkplug for the New York Mets. So Ender is now known as the older brother of the Mets fan favorite but he is still looking to get to the major leagues. The road though has been a bit longer than he expected. "It feels weird for me. This year I was supposed to be in Double A with Washington but I couldn't because I had a problem with my passport in spring training and they released me," Chavez said. Because he could not resolve his problems with the United States Embassy in Venezuela, Chavez couldn't leave his home country. By the end of March, the Senators couldn't wait any longer for the problem to be resolved and let Chavez go. "I went to the embassy and they said they had another Ender Chavez here. I didn't know when the problem was going to be fixed. I stayed home, I worked out but I just kept waiting and practicing at home." That answer was quickly solved. After a talk with his brother Endy, a call was made to upper management, and Ender would soon find a home. "Omar (Minaya, the Mets general manager) helped me out with the Mets, signed me and fixed my problem and sent me to extended spring training." Minaya knows the Chavez brothers well. Before the Senators moved to Washington, Minaya was the Montreal Expos GM from 2003-05 and has signed both to play in their minor leagues. "Omar told me he is going to help me out because he said I'm a good player and a good person," Chavez said. He's a pretty good guy. He helped me out and I'm still playing baseball." Chavez doesn't know where he will eventually wind up. He could be leaving soon for the higher levels, trying to realize his dream of playing one day in the majors. Maybe he might wind up playing beside his brother, whose Topps card is pasted on Ender's locker, in the Mets outfield soon. "I want to be there one day. They gave me the opportunity to play and I'm thankful to the Mets organization for helping me." Road Trip The Cyclones will be on the road for a seven day trip to Hudson Valley, Aberdeen and a 6 p.m. game on July 4 against Staten Island. They will return home to play the Yankees at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Hot Dogs Sell on 1957 Night TheCyclones announced that 3,000 hot dogs were sold at Keyspan Park on June 24, before their game against the Hudson Valley Renegades. The hot dogs that are usually priced at 2007 standards were rolled back to a price of only 25 cents two hours prior to the 5 p.m. gametime start. That special occasion was a recreation of the final pitch at Ebbetts Field on September 24, 1957 as the Dodgers won, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-0. Danny McDevitt, who pitched the shutout, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Joe Pignatano, who caught the last game.
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