Samardzija, Grba influencing MLB
Posted on 30 March, 2011 by Mike Torosian
Spring is finally here and Major League Baseball is back! The Serbian Baseball Development Association is pleased to report that two important members of the SBDA will have an influence on the MLB’s 2011 season. To get things started off right for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, our very own Eli Grba will be tossing out the first pitch for the Angels’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 8th. Grba was the first pick in the expansion draft of 1960, going to the Angels. This will be the 50th anniversary of the Angels who began play in 1961 and recorded their first win against the Baltimore Orioles with Grba throwing a complete game.
Additionally, after being promoted from Triple-A Iowa at the end of last season, Jeff Samardzija will remain in the majors with the Cubs. Samardzija, who was competing for a roster spot this spring, had a busy off-season. After taking only a few weeks off, Samardzija began working out and preparing for a very important spring training. In the midst of all the preparation, he and brother Sam still have found time to contribute to the SBDA. Both Samardzija boys have been instrumental in getting the SBDA’s mission out to potential sponsors, including the Chicago Cubs. In addition to the Samardzija’s push for the SBDA, Grba has been pitching the idea to Major League Baseball Players Association as well as to many old friends still involved in baseball. The SBDA hopes that some of these potential sponsors and donors will find interest in our cause as many people already have.
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