Ed Wehde

Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- When Lancaster JetHawks and California League All-Star manager Scott Coolbaugh asked Lake Elsinore Storm hitting coach Brian Giles if he'd like to join his coaching staff for the California League-Carolina League All-Star game, Giles was interested, but thought he should ask his family about giving up the time off. That thought didn't last long.

"I said 'Hey, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' " Giles said. "And I thought I might have to check with my wife. But on second thought, I thought, 'No! I'll do it.' When I went out to coach first base I told Cooley I'll do it.""

Giles said the experience has been well worth surrendering the down time. It's been particularly fun for Giles because he's been able to take a trip down Memory Lane.

"It's fun," Giles said. "I'm having a good time. I played in the Carolina League my first A-Ball season. To hear about the same towns and the same ballparks is unbelievable."

Shibilo a late add

Storm reliever Andy Shibilo was a late addition to the California League All-Star roster. San Jose Giants' left-hander Jack Taschner was placed on the disabled list and Shibilo was named to replace him.

"It's great," Shibilo said of the All-Star experience. "They always treat you great."

Shibilo was an All-Star last year in the independent Northern League, but said he's anything but old hat at this.

"It's a great honor to be here," Shibilo said. "It doesn't matter how you do on the field, you come up here and have a good time."

Family affair

Storm infielder Xavier Nady has a family connection with the Carolina League. Last week, his sister, Courtney, got engaged to the brother of Carolina League All-Star Troy Cameron. No date has been set yet.

Highly skilled

The California League triumphed over the Carolina League in the pre-game skills competition by three of the five competitions, with one finishing in a tie.

The first contest, the outfield throw, ended in a tie when none of the four competitors from each league, including the Storm's Ben Johnson, could hit the target at home plate from left field.

"None of us could get it together," Johnson said. "I guess it was a little tougher than it looked. (The target) wasn't that big, but I think at least one of us should have hit it."

In the running competition, San Jose infielder Joe Jester, running last, just beat the low time turned in by Myrtle Beach outfielder Ryan Langerhans. Jester made it from second base to home in 6.86 seconds -- 0.03 seconds faster than Langerhans -- to give the Cal League the win.

Kinston catcher Victor Martinez won the catchers' throwing accuracy contest by hitting a target at second base three times, giving the Carolina League its only win.

High Desert infielder Bill Hall won the bunting contest for the Cal League by registering 10 points.

High Desert catcher Lance Burkhart outhomered Wilmington outfielder Donovan Ross 5-4 in the finals of the home run hitting contest to give the California League the overall skills title.

The gang's all here

Almost the entire Storm front office attended the game, courtesy of the team.

"We did that to build team camaraderie and to support the (players) who made it," general manager Dave Oster said. "This is the fun part for us. It's a reward for a half season of hard work."

Oster also said the game provides a good opportunity to meet executives from other clubs.

"It's a chance to mix a little business with pleasure," Oster said.

Ed Wehde can be reached at (909) 676-4315 ext. 2633 or ewehde@nctimes.com

6/20/01