Freddy Sanchez

Keeping up with locals who are playing professional baseball. FREDDY SANCHEZ (Burbank High, Glendale Community College, second baseman, Pittsburgh Pirates): The former Foothill League Player of the Year continues to have a stellar season for a team that has struggled. Two weeks ago Sanchez, 28, led the National League in batting with a .358 average, and earned an everyday starting spot with the Pirates. In just his second full major-league season ? his fifth in the bigs ?

Keeping up with locals who are playing professional baseball. Freddy Sanchez (Burbank High; Glendale Community College), second baseman, Pittsburgh Pirates ? Sanchez proved in 2005 that once he was given an opportunity to start on a daily basis, he would produce. He finished the year with a career-best and team-high 17-game hitting streak, including nine multiple-hit contests this year. A year later, Sanchez is proving once again that he's a reliable starter. Sanchez was inserted into the starting lineup and had a 12-game hitting streak that ended May 22. Sanchez went 21 for 47 during the surge, giving him a .350 average on the season, which would have tied him for the league lead had he had enough plate appearances.

Freddy Sanchez remembers where he was when he watched Kirk Gibson's home run in the 1988 World Series. He reminisces about the days when his dad, Fred, would take him to Dodger games, sit in the pavilion and watch their heroes play. Those were the memories he savored as a kid. Now a mature 28-year-old, Sanchez couldn't help but have the same giddy emotions when he returned to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I've played at Yankee Stadium, I've played at Fenway Park and I've played at Wrigley Field," said Sanchez, a 1996 Burbank High graduate who attended Glendale Community College in 1997-98.

FREDDY SANCHEZ Burbank High; third baseman; Pittsburgh Pirates: Prior to this year, the most games the Burbank High graduate played during a major league season was 20 in 2003 when he was called up to the Boston Red Sox. With limited experience, Sanchez had logged just 41 games in three seasons with the Red Sox and Pirates. So, with that kind of track record, many wondered how the infielder would hold up if he was ever given the opportunity to play as an everyday player.

FREDDY SANCHEZ (Burbank High; third baseman; Pittsburgh Pirates): The former Bulldog and Glendale Community College star is getting his share of playing time in his first full season in the major leagues. The 27-year-old infielder has been steady on offense and has impressed many with his defensive skills. At the plate, he is hitting .278 (66 for 237) with 12 doubles, two triples and a home run in 79 games. He also has driven in 18 runs, scored 21 runs and walked 14 times.

Keeping up with locals playing major league baseball. FREDDY SANCHEZ (Burbank High; third baseman; Pittsburgh Pirates): Entering the season, Sanchez was penciled in as a back-up shortstop. But the local star has impressed manager Lloyd McClendon and the skipper has moved the Pirates' "sparkplug" to the hot corner just to give him a starting spot. "As we speak right now, Freddy Sanchez will probably play third base most of the time," McClendon told MajorLeagueBaseball.

Sanchez has big hit in clutch to lead Pirates The low-budget Pittsburgh Pirates might be in last place in the National League's Central Division, but the Pirates recently got a huge boost from former Burbank High and Glendale Community College star Freddy Sanchez. The 27-year-old Sanchez delivered a game-winning triple in the top of the ninth inning off LaTroy Hawkins to give the Pirates a come-from-behind 4-3 win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Jeff Tully Throughout the past year, the local community experienced its share of important, interesting and tragic sports stories. Some of the stories touched us, some informed us and others just entertained us. Although many of the stories deserve recognition, a select few stood out among the others. Chosen by the Leader Sports staff, here is a list of the top 10 sports stories of 2004: 10 Burbank is still king of football rivalry: Led by Jason Barbic and Robert Linda, the Bulldogs defeated Burroughs, 26-12, in November in the 56th annual Big Game rivalry contest.

BURBANK -- It took almost an entire season, but Freddy Sanchez has finally made it back to the major leagues. Sanchez -- a former Burbank High baseball standout -- is on the roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates after being called up from the triple-A Nashville Sounds Sept 7. Sanchez, a 26-year-old infielder, was brought up with outfielder Tony Alvarez, catcher J.R. House and right-handed pitcher Mark Corey, on the...

Catching up with locals who are competing in the professional ranks: BASEBALL Eli Albertson, outfielder, Fort Worth Cats: The former Burroughs High standout has been steady and has contributed to the independent team, which competes in the Central League of Professional Baseball. In 69 games, Albertson is batting .264 average (51 for 193) and has 30 runs batted in, 32 runs scored, 13 doubles, one triple and five home runs. The season ends for Albertson, 25, and the Cats today, as they face the San Angelo Colts in the regular-season finale.