Toros Manager Jim Bolt runs the Hardball Baseball Academy. One of his star pitchers, Russell Revere, used to coach at Southern University. His 3rd baseman, Eric Brown, played college ball but still has a baseball itch that needs to be scratched .... and his centerfielder (A Continental League All-Star) Joe Hicks, was drafted in the 9th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates and after 4 1/2 years they cut him loose.

Every player has his own unique story but what I like most about these guys is that they are pursuing their dreams and having fun doing it. They make $400 a month to do so.

Bolt tells me,"I coached my 10 year old's Little League team .... I played pro ball and this is something I always wanted to do."

Revere is the "wiley,old veteran" at age 27. He says,"I'm 27 years old ...I'm still out here pitching and running around. I wish I would have done this earlier .... but I wanted to get into coaching. Now, I urge all these young kids to go for it now ... don't wait like I did." Revere is playing in his first season of professional baseball.

Brown is 24 and he tells me,"I know this is a long shot .... but I just see it as ... I'm going to give this my best shot and see what happens from there." Joe Hicks is the one guy on the team that has been with an affiliated minor league team. Drafted out of Forest Brook High School .... where he was both a baseball and a football star .... Joe played in the Pirates organization for 4 1/2 seasons before being sent home. "This is my last chance," he tells me. "I still believe I can play I can make it to the major leagues. I will make it to the majors." Joe ..... was just looking for a chance to prove himself at some level of pro baseball. The Toros called ... and he jumped at the opportunity.

Texas City fans seem to be taking to the Toros also. Colleen Laine's family is a "host" family. The starting right fielder stays with the Laine family. "The kids love him and look up to him. There are no cry babies at this level. It's fun to watch them ... because they're working hard trying to get to the major league level."

In some ways it's like stepping back in time. Hamburgers are $4.00 ....Snow Cones $1.50 and Beer is $3 a can .... unless the Designated Beer Batter gets a hit ... then it's $1.25 Beer for the next half inning. They even pass the hat for the batter ... .if he hits a homerun.

It's good clean fun for the entire family ... .and it's not that far away. Folks in Texas City sure seem to enjoy the fact that they can see professional baseball without having to drive 45 miles to Minute Maid Park. The night my photographer Bob Luna and I stopped by about 250 folks showed up to watch...and they were having a good time .... even though the game started late. The opposing team from McKinney arrived late and had to dress out in their dugout. It seems the team's General Manager didn't get the players their per diem that day .... and they couldn't leave the Dallas area without it. If you're only getting paid $400 a month ... per diem's are very important. Such is life in the Continental Baseball League.

Texas City's team plays only 45 miles away from Minute Maid park .... but in many ways ... the Astros major league home seems a million miles away.