51s all-stars make the most of Memphis trip

Nick Christensen

Friday, July 18, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

Life in the Pacific Coast League doesn't lend itself to moments in the national spotlight.

But Las Vegas catcher Koyie Hill found himself right there Wednesday, at the Triple-A All-Star Game in Memphis, Tenn. Hill, who was 1-for-6 Thursday in the 51s' 13-inning, 6-4 loss to Colorado Springs, was 1-for-1 in Wednesday's game with a walk. But that one hit was quite the moment. It came in the bottom of the ninth, with two out and the Pacific Coast League down 13-9 to the International League in front of a national TV audience on ESPN2.

Hill hit a single to right, keeping the game alive. But it was for naught, as he would be the last PCL all-star to reach base. Still, Hill enjoyed the experience, which was more than he expected after being less than enthused after being selected to the team in June.

"Memphis was an awesome place," he said. "It was a fun time."

Outfielder Bubba Crosby also played in the game, starting for the PCL. He was 0-for-2 with an RBI that tied the game in the first inning.

"I called my folks and grandparents and let them know I was going to be on TV," Crosby said. "When you run out on the field, you feel like you're about as close as you can get to the big leagues. You have a packed house, you're on national television, you're among the best of the best."

But Crosby said that still didn't compare to his first moments in a Dodgers uniform at Coors Field in May.

"It's not even close," he said. "That was a dream, to get to the big leagues. This is a goal, to get to the all-star game."

When asked why they were concerned about Sofield, one replied, "That's players-only stuff. We can't tell you."

But according to insiders, it has a lot to do with the 74 hit batsmen that Las Vegas opponents endured in 2001. Colorado Springs pitchers have hit 39 batters this year, including Las Vegas' Rick Bell Thursday.

"You can't be successful in the big leagues if you don't work on the inner half (of home plate) to open up the outer half. I don't think there's anything evil about that," Sofield said.

Despite a lineup that included MVP Phil Hiatt, current Dodgers closer Eric Gagne and Baltimore catcher Geronimo Gil, the 51s went 68-76 under Sofield. Sofield was criticized harshly, and it was no coincidence that the theme to "Hogan's Heroes" was played when he left the dugout for the first time Thursday.

Despite frequently inviting reporters to hang out at downtown hotels during his tenure with Las Vegas, Sofield was nicknamed "Sgt. Schultz" by members of the local media for repeatedly declining to comment -- "I know nothing!"

But Sofield was positive about his short 51s tenure. "I'd like to think I did the best I could while I was in Vegas. I enjoyed the time. Have I made some changes in my style and my approach? I would imagine."