Unionville’s Peter Hissey could call the hallowed outfield of Fenway Park home some day.
By Dave Conard Sports Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
Unionville product Pete Hissey is making his mark for Portland in the Eastern League.
TRENTON—In a month when Kennett and Unionville youngsters of all ages are competing in their respective district and state playoffs whether it be Cal Ripken or Little league, it is only fitting that one of the area’s finest standout players in the last decade made his return to the area this past weekend.
Peter Hissey, a 2008 graduate of Unionville High School, is getting the opportunity to live his dream, and the dream of so many kids braving the summer heat for a chance to win a championship, every day as a member of the Boston Red Sox AA affiliate Portland Seadogs.
Hissey, who has fully recovered from a broken hand earlier this season, posted a 3-for 4 performance at the plate Saturday night, as the Seadogs invaded Trenton to play the New York Yankees affiliate Thunder in a three game set.
Peter Hissey, member of Unionville’s class of 2008, crushes the ball against the Trenton Thunder in Eastern League action Monday
“I feel great and am fully healed,” said Hissey after Monday’s series finale in which he got to square off against one of the top prospects in the Yankees system in David Phelps, who struck out 12 in a hard pitch count rehab start. “It’s a dream come true to be playing at this level and I am focused right now on doing the best I can every time I am in the lineup.”
The speedy outfielder, which used to terrorize Ches-Mont league pitchers, has worked his way up through the farm system over the past two seasons, since being selected in the 4th round of the 2008 draft.
After spending last year at A Advanced Salem, Hissey has laid claim to a regular position in the outfield for the Seadogs, posting a .286 batting average and a .333 on base percentage, while appearing in 28 games thus far which could result in a call from AAA Pawtucket at any time.
“At this level we don’t spend much time tweaking mechanics of my swing,” added Hissey. “I have to approach it that I will get roughly 100 at bats in any month and take each one as they come. Confidence is such a big factor, if I had to tell the kids out there one thing, it would be to keep your head up no matter how one game goes, you have to have confidence in your self.”
Since getting back in full swing, following his injury, Hissey has been on a 7-for-20 tear at the plate (.350 BA) and has provided Portland with solid defense as he has committed just one error all season and is one of the best fielders in the Eastern League.
“I think one of the highlights thus far has been when we had some of the guys who were rehabbing from the big club Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis here with us, they were great and really tried to help and share their experiences with us,” added Hissey.
It’s every kid that plays ball from age 6 hopes to see their name on the big scoreboard some day, Unionville’s Peter Hissey is living the dream.
Taking the field for them when they came out was pretty special, of course the dream is to play in Fenway Park on the big club,” said Hissey. “Right now, I have to stay focused on each at bat and the rest will take care of itself, the city of Portland is amazing and I love being there, They treat their team very well and it’s 80 degrees up there right now, I can’t wait to get back there.”
Check back with the UnionvilleTimes.com for our “Top of the Tribe” profile on Peter Hissey to run on Friday.
For complete season stats on Peter Hissey and the Portland Seadogs click
http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t546
For more pictures from Monday’s show down with the Thunder click the following link
http://drcphoto.photostockplus.com/
A tireless work ethic has put Peter Hissey in great position to some day play in “The Show”
He was absolutely a pleasure to interview, just loving what he is doing. Still so grounded and yet very appreciative of what he has the chance to do every day, look for our “top of the tribe feature” later in the week where I talked with him for 15 minute after the game, see his responses to the questions we asked, thanks for reading. We will keep an update on Pete through out his career.
What an amazing young man. He has always shared so much of himself. I remember him teaching young children to play baseball in the summer. He would be out in the sun all day and the children just loved him. He encouraged and brought out the best in each child. He is such a wonderful expression and reflection of young man that grew up here. All the best values of who we are. I now live far up north at the foot of the Canadian Rockies but I am always watching to see what his efforts and destiny hold for him. Are prayers and hopes are always with him.