SJ Sports: Locals Lead Riversharks

The allure of minor league baseball has hit South Jersey in a big way. The Camden Riversharks, now in their third season as an independent minor league team in the Atlantic League, have become a success on and off the field.

The team is averaging more than 4,100 fans per game at Campbell's Field. With the Ben Franklin Bridge as a backdrop, Campbell's Field is one of the most picturesque parks in minor league baseball.

Considering that so many of the games in the spring were affected by the torrential rains, the attendance figure is more than respectable. The same can be said about the team. The Sharks have already earned a playoff berth after winning the South Division title in the first half of the season.

The league playoffs begin on Sept. 16, so the Riversharks will be spending the next two months fine-tuning their game.

Last year they didn't qualify for the playoffs until the last week of the season. Even with a postseason berth assured, manager Wayne Krenchicki says complacency won't be a problem. "Our players have a lot of pride he said and it (complacency) won't happen," Krenchicki said. "We will be able to rest guys on a daily basis so we won't be tired when the playoffs begin."

This year's team is bolstered by the presence of two former South Jersey standouts, outfielder-third baseman Brad Strauss and pitcher Kevin Dougherty. Both are considered among the best players in the Atlantic League.

Strauss, 32, is a 1989 graduate of Haddon Township who still lives there. He has been with the Riversharks since their inaugural season in 2001.

The 22-year-old Dougherty is in his second season with the Sharks. He was a minor league phenom in the New York Mets system, on the fast track to the major leagues before suffering through two shoulder operations.

After going 9-1 last season for the Sharks, Dougherty improved to 10-3 this year after Sunday's 2-1 win over the Pennsylvania Road Warriors.

"Both players have been great for this team," general manager John Brandt said. "It's nice that you can get talented players from your own backyard."

Both Strauss and Dougherty earned a spot on this year's Atlantic League all-star team. Dougherty was the winning pitcher as the South defeated the North, 2-1 in New Hampshire.

Many of the players in the Atlantic League are looking for exposure and a chance to be scouted and signed by a major league organization. Dougherty is one of those players who has generated interest.

The Colorado Rockies almost signed him a few weeks ago. Other teams have continued to monitor his progress.

"We have had a number of organizations call us about Kevin," Brandt said. "He has proven he is healthy and he can win games."

Dougherty hopes to get a shot with another major league organization, but until that call comes, he is happy to be pitching near his Voorhees home and with the Sharks.

"This is a great team and a great organization," he said. "Naturally, I would like to move up, but I have enjoyed being part of this organization."

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Author: Marc Narducci