National League

Jeff Tully Dave Roberts remembers what it's like to be a young baseball fan waiting for an autograph from a major league player. A native of San Diego, the 30-year-old L.A. Dodger center fielder said it wasn't too many years ago that he was the one holding a pad and pen hoping for a John Hancock from his favorite standout. "I remember waiting on line to get an autograph from Tony Gwynn when I was little," Roberts said. "So I know how important it is to get an autograph and what it means for the kids to wait for me to sign one for them.

BURBANK — Freddy Sanchez is staying a Pirate. Sanchez, an All-Star second baseman and former Burbank High and Glendale Community College baseball standout, agreed to terms Tuesday on a multi-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The three-year deal is reportedly estimated to be $18.4 million and could keep him with the organization through the 2010 season. According to mlb.com, the contract includes two guaranteed years plus a third-year option. The third year is reported to be a club option with a potential buyout if the organization does not exercise it. However, Sanchez can automatically OK the option to be picked up, if he meets specific criteria during the previous two years.

BURBANK — Freddy Sanchez never set out to become a role model, but that's exactly what he has become. The former Burbank High and Glendale Community College baseball standout added another gem to a season of glimmering achievements Wednesday when he received a special honor. Sanchez, an All-Star infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who overcame physical disabilities as a child, was honored by the Baseball Writers' Assn. of America as the 2006 winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award.

Sheli L. Christy of Burbank, the daughter of Alice Christy of Glendale, and Ronnie Harlan Crume of Burbank, the son of Eleanor Crume of Charleston, S.C., have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated in 1987 from Hoover High School. She was a member of National Charity League of Glendale. She is a member of Big Sisters of America and Aids Project LA, and is employed at Christy's Editorial Film & Video Supply in Burbank. The groom-elect graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Ill., and is employed as a lighting crew chief with Light and Sound Design, Fourth Phase in Newbury Park.

National Charity League Ticktockers presented The National Charity League Burbank Chapter had its Senior Presentation for the Class of 2004 at the Sheraton Universal. The master of ceremonies was Bruce Osgood, principal of Burbank High School. The Ticktockers presented were Kristina Marie Barragan, daughter of Ruben and Karen Barragan; Stefanie Judit Cowan, daughter of Eugene and Maritza Cowan; Briana Nicole Cwik, daughter of Ronald and Carol Cwik; Jacqueline Michele Goglia, daughter of Donald and Jeanette Goglia; Ashley Christine Kurges, daughter of Robert Kurges and Sharon Kurges; Kelly Kimie Reinig, daughter of Patrick and Gail (Hamanaka)

BURBANK — The San Francisco Giants turned to Freddy Sanchez last season to help them win the World Series. If the Giants are to repeat as champions, they'll likely have to do so without the services of the former Burbank High and Glendale Community College standout. Sanchez, a second baseman and a former National League batting champion, suffered a dislocated right shoulder while diving for a ball Friday during San Francisco's 3-2 home win against the Cincinnati Reds. The Associated Press reported the three-time All-Star might miss the remainder of the season and possibly require surgery.

Softball players learn from Olympians A group of local youth softball players got the opportunity to learn fundamentals of the sport from some accomplished athletes. The Burbank Madness, coached by Carmen Roberts, traveled to Lancaster last weekend to take part in a clinic. At the event were U.S. gold medal Olympic members Crystal Bustos, Lovieanne Jung, Jenny Topping, Amanda Freed and Tara Mimms-Flowers. Although temperatures dipped into the 20s, the girls endured and learned many things, from the proper batting stance and how to hit and catch, as well as taking part in throwing and baserunning drills.

BURBANK ? Former Burbank High and Glendale Community College standout Freddy Sanchez will be staying put on the West Coast. Sanchez, a three-time All-Star and the 2006 National League batting champion, signed a two-year extension Friday with the San Francisco Giants. Terms of the deal weren?t announced, though mlb.com reported that Sanchez?s salary package might exceed the two-year, $10 million deal the Pittsburgh Pirates offered him shortly before trading him to San Francisco on July 29. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Sanchez, a second baseman, will be paid $6 million per year.

GLENDALE - The San Francisco Giants' bid for a second consecutive championship might have become more difficult. Freddy Sanchez, a Burbank High graduate and former Glendale Community College standout who helped San Francisco win the World Series last season, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery Tuesday in Arizona. The former All-Star and National League batting champion injured his right shoulder diving for a ground ball during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on June 10. "From what we hear, the surgery went well," San Francisco Manager Bruce Bochy told mlb.com on Tuesday.

Jeff Tully Fans of Jeff Cirillo have to be wondering if the former Providence High baseball standout has played his last game as a major- leaguer. The San Diego Padres gave the veteran his unconditional release Thursday, leaving the infielder without a pro team for the first time in his 10-year career. Cirillo, 34, appeared in 33 games for San Diego this season, batting .213 (16 for 75) with three doubles, one home run and seven runs batted in. A career .297 hitter, Cirillo is a two-time all-star, playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners and Padres.