The Sussex County Miners kick off their season this Friday night when they host the Trios-Rivereas Aigles at Skylands Stadium. The Miners are entering their ninth season in independent ball and their fourth as members of the Frontier League.
The Miners are coming off a 55-40 season full of ups and downs. They won seven straight to make it to the one-game playoff against in-state rival, the New Jersey Jackals. Miners manager Chris Widger knew he had something special with his group and is looking to take the next step this season.
Offensive Leader Returning
The Sussex County Miners are proud to have 75 percent of last year's team returning, clearly reflecting the strong team culture and camaraderie they have fostered. Among the players returning will be outfielder Oraj Anu, who led the team in most offensive categories in 2023. The 25-year-old batted .321, led the team in HRs (20) and RBIs (69), and should be a staple in the lineup.
Best Pitching Staff in the League?
The Miners enter 2024 with potentially having one of the best bullpens, let alone pitching staffs in the entire Frontier League. Billy Parsons returns after a season in which he had a 1.50 ERA, making him the perfect setup man for last year's closer, Robbie Hitt. It will be a good problem for Widger to have with whom he will choose to be the team's closer.
Starting pitcher Mark Moclair will return to the Miners' rotation after a stellar 2023. While Moclair's record last year was 5-6, he led the team in strikeouts with 105 and had an ERA of 3.66. Control was his Achilles' heel last season as he walked 80 batters, which he will look to decrease in 2024.
Skylands Stadium 30th Anniversary
Photo by: Bobby Santoro
It's hard to believe how long Skylands has hosted baseball in Augusta. From the early years of the New Jersey Cardinals to today's Miners team, fans from all over the state have come to see New Jersey's "Field of Dreams."
Going to the ballpark to watch baseball and then grabbing a bite to eat at the Chatterbox (now a Wawa) was the perfect way to spend a summer night. To honor the 30th Anniversary, the Miners will host a charity auction of ballpark founder Rob Hilliard's memorabilia.
The team has also renovated Skylands for this season. A new state-of-the-art clubhouse will await the players when they arrive on Friday. Fans will notice the new Kids Zone down the third baseline and a new slushy concession stand. There will obviously be fireworks and other season staples throughout the season.
What to Expect this Season
Sussex County has been competitive in the Frontier League since joining in 2020. They have continued to put together strong seasons, and this year looks no different. They have a great clubhouse atmosphere and a manager who truly believes in his players. They had the misfortune of playing in a division with the top two teams in the league last season. That would include the defending champs, the Quebec Capitales who started hitting in the postseason to compliment their pitching.
Sussex County opens its season against the defending Frontier League champions, with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. The probable starters have yet to be announced, but it will be a huge statement to start the year off by defeating the Aigles. Opening Day has arrived in Augusta, and it's time to start digging!
Be sure to check out JerseySportingNews.com for Sussex County Miners updates all season long!
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