YONGE STREET STALKERS MILTON TOSSES NO HITTER
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2001
TORONTO (AP-UPI) – Yonge Street Stalkers pitcher Eric Milton tossed a no-hitter and struck out 6 batters in an 8-0 win over the Buffalo Braves on Friday. True, it may have been against a team of bench players, over the hill veterans, and players not wanted on to many Mid-West Baseball League rosters, but for the 25-year-old hurler it was no less a major accomplishment. “It’s not about who’s at the plate,” Milton told reporters after the game. “I gave it everything I had. It’s probably the greatest day of my life.” Milton (4-1), who was acquired by the Stalkers on December 6th, 1999 from the Severn Express along with Brad Penny and Brad Fullmer, for Rafael Palmerio and Terry Shumpert, retired the last 8 batters he faced. He walked five Braves hitters, becoming the first person in the Mid-West Baseball, and regardless of what some may say, one no-hitter is as good as another in the Mid-West Baseball League. “Every no-hitter is a great feat, an impressive feat,” said Buffalo’s Marquis Grissom, who played minor league ball with Milton. “There have been situations like this in September before, where teams are not strong, but this one was impressive, even if it was against us, the Buffalo Braves, who resemble a triple A ball club.” Brad Fuller, who homered for Yonge Street, concurred, “It doesn’t matter. All 28 guys who went up to the plate had an opportunity to get a hit and ruin the no-hitter. It’s still a no-hitter, even against the Buffalo Braves.” Milton, who received a standing ovation from the Yonge Street crowd, forcing rookie Julio Lugo to pop up and Miguel Cairo to ground out to second. Veteran Marquis Grissom worked Milton to a full count, but the Stalkers pitcher eventually sent him down with a 3-2 fastball to complete the masterpiece. “I didn’t want to get too excited until the ninth,” Milton added. “There weren’t many fans, but they were loud. When it came down the end, I was able to finish it off. I’ve always been able to keep calm.”