T-Birds Breed the Best

“Baseball is a profession just like an auto-mechanic or carpenter. Many people today are still archaic about it, but you make money,” adamantly stated Ray Birmingham, Professor of Physical Education/Baseball Coach.

One of those professionals Birmingham is referring to is Armando Almanza, a former T-Bird pitcher (1992-93) who is a member of the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins. During his tenure at NMJC he led the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) in strikeouts his sophomore year. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1993, and was traded to the Florida Marlins in 1997. His ERA (earned run average) with the Marlins for the past five years is a respectable 4.79. Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees has a 15-year ERA average of only 3.53 in comparison. Almanza led the Marlins in innings pitched from April until the playoffs. But, during September of this year, he injured his arm and had to go on the disabled list for the rest of the season. He didn’t play in the World Series with his teammates due to the injury. “But they kept him on the team,” said Birmingham. He went on to say it was definitely an acknowledgment for what he had done for them this year.

Another spectacular player who recently went to the World Series and attended NMJC is Brendan Donnelly (1990-91.) He pitched for the Anaheim Angels in game six of the World Series last year. Donnelly also won the All Star Game for the American League this summer. He has a microscopic ERA of 1.82.

“That’s two players from NMJC that have reached the pinnacle of their profession. I think that’s a tribute to our sports program,” said Birmingham.

Birmingham’s magnificent coaching skills undoubtedly played a huge part in both of their successes as well. Birmingham has a very solid 783-322 record in his 25 years of coaching. He has never lost more than 18 games in a season since 1991.