Since Joe Jiannetti (St. Petersburg High) played T-ball in Northeast Little League, he has dreamed of playing in the majors.
Released by the Mets after spending four seasons in their system, the 23-year-old remains determined to reach his goal.
"It was tough being released after spring training, but there were a lot of players let go," Jiannetti said. "I waited a couple of days because usually within a week something comes up. Then when New Jersey called ... I decided I would go with them.
"I know what I need to do while I'm here to get back to the majors. I'll take the experience I gained with the Mets and apply it here to help me get back."
The New Jersey Jackals, based in Little Falls, are part of the eight-team CanAm independent league. Entering Friday, Jiannetti, a second-team Times All-Suncoast selection in 2000, was hitting .322 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 23 games.
In Monday's 7-3 win over North Shore, the infielder had two hits, including a homer, with three RBIs.
Last year at Binghamton (N.Y.), the Mets' Double A affiliate, he hit .353.
"The first time I played T-ball, I knew baseball was the sport for me," Jiannetti said. "My dad really turned me on to it and helped me all through high school."
Jiannetti believes his versatility will help garner attention from major-league teams. He has played third base for most of his career but also has experience at second base and outfield.
Jiannetti credits Mets hitting coach Howard Johnson and infield instructor Tim Teufel for improving his game. Johnson helped him hit to all fields while Teufel helped with footwork.
"A couple of years ago, I thought a swing was just a natural thing," he said. "But I realized it's not all natural ability. You've got to work at perfecting it, and there's always room for improvement.
"I'm looking forward to putting up some numbers and getting recognized by some of the major-league scouts. I hope to make the All-Star team this month, and scouts will be there to see the best of the best. My goal is to get back to the majors with another organization, and I'll do everything I can to make it."
MORE INDEPENDENT BASEBALL: Ian Church (Seminole) is hitting .263 in 29 games with 25 hits, including eight doubles, for the Sioux City (Iowa) Explorers of the Northern League.
George Tsamis (Countryside) is in his second season managing the St. Paul (Minn.) Saints of the Northern League. Tsamis, 37, played eight seasons in the Twins organization.
Third baseman Brady Williams (Dunedin) is hitting .270 with 38 hits for the Bridgeport (Conn.) Bluefish of the Atlantic League.
USF outfielder Jeremy Bellotti (Dunedin) went 2-for-4 with a run June8 in the Keene (N.H.) Swamp Bats season opener in the New England Collegiate league, a wooden bat league.
MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL: Corey Slavik (Boca Ciega) was named a Texas League All-Star. The first baseman is among the top hitters for Tulsa (Okla.), the Rockies' Double A affiliate, leading it with 46 RBIs.
Ryan Harvey (Dunedin) was named a Midwest League (Class A) All-Star. The Cubs' first-round pick in 2003 won the home run derby with nine.
Chris Heintz (Countryside/USF) hit a two-run homer to help Rochester, Minnesota's Triple A affiliate, beat Louisville 7-3 on Monday. He is hitting .291 in 29 games.
Boof Bonser (Gibbs) also is at Rochester and is 6-4 in 16 starts with a 3.82 ERA. The 2000 Gibbs graduate was the Giants' first-round pick in 2000 and traded to the Twins in 2003.
Nick Massett (Pinellas Park) was the first to pitch a complete game this season for Frisco, Texas' Double A affiliate in the Texas League. The right-hander allowed two runs on six hits in a 6-2 win over Midland on June15.
Left-hander Ben Kozlowski (Seminole) earned his fourth win for Chattanooga, the Reds' Double A affiliate, allowing six hits, three runs and striking out seven in seven innings to beat Mississippi 6-4 on June13.
UCF graduate Kevin Richmond (Countryside) signed with the Cardinals. The middle infielder has reported to New Jersey of the short-season Class A New York-Penn league.
TENNIS: Joel Berman (Seminole) qualified for the six-man team that will represent the United States in this month's Maccabiah Games in Israel. He will compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles and serve as an assistant to Barry Gilbert , brother of former pro Brad Gilbert .TRACK: Ashlee Kidd (St. Petersburg) earned her second straight All-American honor for Georgia Tech with a season-best 51.87 seconds for fifth in the 400-meter final of the NCAA national meet. In April, the all-ACC pick was first in the 4x100, second in the 400 and third in the 200 at the conference meet.SAILING: Junior Abigail Ethington (St. Petersburg Catholic) finished 10th at the Navy's Spring Women's Regatta to help USF place 14th. Melissa Marciano (Shorecrest) and Elizabeth Rehse (Osceola) completed their freshman seasons at USF.SOCCER: Keri Gordon (Clearwater Central Catholic) started all 22 games of her season season at William and Mary. The midfielder led it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament four times.
--News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan at 796-5559, e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include a phone number.
