THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 19, 1995 TAG: 9507190549
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARY BUMP, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ROCHESTER, N.Y. LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
While the prospects have flowed to and through Norfolk this season, Butch Huskey has stuck around - and produced.
Huskey's two-run home run in the fourth inning broke up a scoreless duel as the Tides topped the Rochester Red Wings, 5-2, giving Norfolk the best record in Triple-A at 61-37.
The shot off Jimmy Haynes, over three banks of advertising signs in leftfield, was Huskey's 16th home run, tying him for the International League lead. He also increased his RBI total to 61.
``I didn't see where it hit,'' Huskey said. ``I never really watch my home runs because I know they're not going to be my last one.''
While heralded players such as Bill Pulsipher and Jason Isringhausen have advanced to the majors and phenoms Paul Wilson and Jay Payton have arrived with the Tides, Huskey has remained in Norfolk.
``There have been a lot of guys coming and going,'' Huskey said. ``That just speaks for the guys the Mets are sending here.''
``As far as I know, I'll be here all year. I haven't heard anything from New York. I'm going to do everything in my power to help this team win. If something happens to take me to New York, I'll help there.''
``I would say he's working himself into the Mets' plans,'' Tides manager Toby Harrah said. ``He's showing he's capable of doing some damage at the plate, and Segui.
Tides pitching coach Bob Apodaca played a role in getting Cornelius into the Mets organization.
``I saw him last year and I just liked his presence on the mound,'' Apodaca said. ``He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he has tenacity, and you can't teach tenacity. His stuff and location just gets better when he gets in trouble. Tonight he got into a couple of jams against a tough-hitting lineup and threw some quality pitches and got double plays (in the third and sixth innings).''
The Tides' Bryan Rogers pitched out of trouble in the seventhander Chris Roberts (5-7) to the mound against Rochester lefty Rick Krivda (5-4). by CNB