Rockland well represented in 2019 Can-Am League All-Star Game

When the 2019 Can-Am League vs. Frontier League All-Star Game takes place on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Palisades Credit Union Park in Pomona, New York, the hometown Rockland Boulders will be well represented with five players. Second baseman Ryne Birk, third baseman/shortstop John Brontsema, catcher Adam Ehrlich, relief pitchers’ Robbie Gordon, and Nick Kennedy all will be playing in the game.

After Sunday’s 4-2 win against the New Jersey Jackals, I had the opportunity to speak with all five players. They talked about being named to the All-Star team and playing on their home field in front of the home fans.

Second baseman Ryne Birk

Birk is hitting .311 in 44 games played. He is second on the Boulders with 50 hits, 21 runs scored, ten doubles, two home runs and 23 RBI’s along with three triples and stolen bases and 19 walks.

“It’s pretty cool, you put in a lot of hard work and see it finally pay off which is nice. Being at home is pretty sweet and on the home field and in front of the home fans is going to be a lot of fun.”

Third baseman/shortstop John Brontsema

Brontsema is leading the team in hitting at .327 in 43 games played, first on the team with 53 hits, 24 RBI’s and 13 doubles along with three home runs, six stolen bases and 14 walks.

“Anytime you make the All-Star team at any level in your career it’s an honor and to be able to do it for the Rockland Boulders and represent them at their home field is a pretty special thing and unique. I’m looking forward to it. We have great fans at the ballpark and it’s really cool to play in front of them. They deserve to have an All-Star Game.”

Catcher Adam Ehrlich

In 42 games played this season, Ehrlich is batting .301 with one home run, 23 RBI’s, 44 hits, 17 doubles. He is second on the team with 11 doubles and tied for the team lead with 20 walks.

“It’s pretty cool to be on the All-Star team, getting to do it here in Rockland is an honor. Being healthy for the first time in three years and hitting four to five times a game. It’s going to be a fun day and atmosphere. I will have family in town.”

Relief pitcher Robbie Gordon

In 22 appearances, Gordon is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA, 21 1/3 innings pitched, 30 strikeouts and seven saves.

“It’s an honor being healthy and going out there every day is truly a privilege. It’s awesome. We have a bunch of close guys in the clubhouse to share this experience with them.”

Relief pitcher Nick Kennedy

After pitching in a Can-Am record 53 games last season, Kennedy is already halfway to matching that record appearing in 29 games. Kennedy is 3-2 with a 2.36 ERA that is second in the league. He’s thrown 38 innings with eight walks and 27 strikeouts.

“It’s a tremendous honor, sticking to the same routine and going out and doing the same thing. Not doing anything different and been pretty successful. It’s going to feel awesome with the home crowd and playing against my former league and a lot of fun.”