The Heroic Jeremy Owens
by Mike Ashmore

RICHMOND, VA -- It's one thing when the fans call you a hero. When your manager says it, however, it tends to carry a lot more meaning.

But Durham Bulls skipper and long-time Major League infielder Gary Gaetti didn't mince words when talking about his center fielder.

"Jeremy Owens is my hero," said Gaetti with a smile.

"He plays the game hard for the whole game. He might strike out, and the catcher will drop the ball, and he's down the first base line in 4.1 or 4.2 seconds. I just love that about him. He deserves to be where he is, he plays hard."

Surely, Somerset Patriots fans would agree with Gaetti's assessment.

Following his release from the Boston Red Sox organization after the 2004 season, Owens signed with the Patriots and spent his entire 2005 campaign in the friendly confines of Commerce Bank Ballpark.

His .290 average was the best single-season mark of his career, and his 24 home runs and 77 RBI were third on the team.

The Devil Rays organization took notice, and after playing for their Double-A affiliate in Montgomery, Al., he was promoted to the Triple-A Durham Bulls this year.

So how much credit does Owens give Somerset for where he is today?

"All of it," Owens quickly replied.

"If I'm not able to play that one year, that's probably going to be it. I give them all the credit for helping me get back in (affiliated ball). It was a great atmosphere to be around, you just got to play your game and that was a big help."

Owens' 2005 season was a memorable one, forming an unstoppable trio with Jeff Nettles and Ryan Radmanovich that led the Patriots to a sweep of Nashua in the Atlantic League Championship Series.

"The atmosphere that was around that club, with Sparky there and all that, it was great," said Owens after a recent road game in Richmond, Va.

"It's a first class facility in Somerset. (Head groundskeeper) Ray (Cipperly) takes really good care of that place, and they do a good job."

BIG LEAGUE DREAMS

When the Devil Rays recently were looking for an outfielder to promote from the minors, they eventually called up Dustan Mohr. But Gaetti says that Owens name came up as well.

"I wouldn't have one problem with him going to the big leagues," Gaetti said.

"As far as a guy that can pinch hit and play defense and be a good team player, he'd be perfect for that. I think if he keeps doing what he's doing, it'll happen someday."

Players who come through independent baseball often have that tag attached to them for the remainder of their career, unable to advance to the highest level. According to Gaetti, Owens has long since shed that label of being just an independent ball guy.

"He's obviously proved something to somebody to be at this level," he said.

"Everybody on this team knows Jeremy. They know how he plays and they know what he does and what kind of guy he is. He doesn't have to prove anything."

What he is trying to prove to himself, however, is that he's a Major League player.

"If I was here and I was just content with playing in Double-A or playing in Triple-A, then why do it," Owens said.

"And I want to do it for Somerset for giving me that opportunity to keep playing, so they can say we helped that guy out. They were a big help for me. There's not enough words to describe how much that meant."

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