Stars’ Newhan derailed by collision at plate

Victoria Sun

Thursday, June 15, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

One bold charge at home plate was all it took to temporarily halt David Newhan's attempt to get back to the big leagues.

Newhan led off the game for the Stars Wednesday night against Colorado Springs with a triple. One out later, Newhan was thrown out at home plate by shortstop Juan Sosa on a ground ball by John Roskos.

When Newhan slid home, his right leg slammed into Sky Sox catcher George Williams' shin guard, causing a laceration that required three stitches inside and 15 staples on the outside of his leg. Newhan left the game and was taken to the emergency room at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Stars trainer Lance Cacanindin said Newhan would be out for at least two weeks.

"That was a tough break," Stars manager Tony Franklin said. "I certainly hate to see a guy have an interruption to his season.

"He was starting to play exceptionally well. He was swinging the bat well, playing great defense. Newy started stepping right in there and took over the leadoff spot. I think that's when he took off.

"He's a player that runs well and he plays better when he's not batting eighth or ninth, because that is a tough spot. He's the type of player that can be a catalyst for the team."

Newhan was hoping that he would soon be able to jump-start his own career.

The 26-year-old from Yorba Linda, Calif., began the season with the San Diego Padres, but was used sparingly.

He batted .150 with a home run and two RBIs in seven games with the Padres before he was optioned to Las Vegas on May 5.

"It's kind of been a little bit of a struggle, actually," he said before the game. "I felt like coming out of spring training I was swinging the bat real good and was real comfortable.

"It was great to be up there, but I just wasn't playing. I couldn't blame them. (Playing behind Bret) Boone and (Phil) Nevin, these are guys that are definitely proven big leaguers. I was just hoping to get a better chance."

Instead, he wound up back in Las Vegas, where he spent most of last season. In 98 games with the Stars he hit .286 with 25 doubles, 14 homers, 46 RBIs and a team-leading 22 steals.

Last month, Newhan hit a two-run homer his first game back with the Stars, but his dashing debut didn't last as he went 3-for-27 in his first seven games.

"It's been kind of off and on so far," he said of his return to triple-A. "Hopefully I can get something to click for me."

One thing that has helped him is a lineup change. Franklin moved Newhan to the top of the batting order after infielder Ralph Milliard was injured on May 19. Because of his quickness, Newhan is confident he can score with the Stars' big bats behind him.

Entering Wednesday night's game, Newhan was hitting .248 with three home runs and 20 RBIs.

"I'm probably my worst critic," he said. "I'm probably the hardest on myself more than anyone.

"So I'm looking to produce every night regardless of trying to get to the big leagues or not. You've got to produce every night. There are no nights off."