Wright’s track

Former Buena Colt, Cochise Apache, future firefighter a Copper King veteran

By Matt Hickman
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Jun 20, 2008 - 05:31:47 am MST

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By Matt Hickman

Herald/Review

BISBEE — Though he has two years of college eligibility left, Justin Wright’s second season with the Bisbee Copper Kings will likely be his last.

“Its just a decision of mine; I’m kind of at that end,” Wright said. “I haven’t lost the love for the game, it’s just I don’t have that same drive.”

Mark Levy•Herald/Review Bisbee Copper Kings’ Justin Wright hits the brakes after rounding third base during a game last season at Warren Ballpark in Bisbee. Tonight, the Copper Kings host a doubleheader with the Tucson Nationals. The first game starts at 4 p.m. Admission is $5.

The 2005 Buena High School grad played one year at Cochise College the year the Apaches won the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference regular season title and then transfered to Southeast Oklahoma State University in Durant. After one season playing third base, second base and outfield with the Savage Storm, Wright has decided not to go back for his junior year, opting instead to pursue a career with the Sierra Vista Fire Department.

“I loved it,” Wright said of his college days. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication... all in all it was a great experience... Now, I’m excited to start my fire (fighter) career.”

Wright recently completed his EMT 1 and 2 certification at Cochise College and is hoping to get on board with a local firehouse soon.

“My dad’s done it for 30 years and I always wanted to make that my career,” Wright said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

But first up for Wright, the starting second baseman for the Copper Kings is a key weekend series at home against Pacific Southwest Baseball League foe Tucson Nationals.

In the season-opening exhibition series, the Kings took two-of-three from the Nationals. This time, the games count toward the postseason.

“They’re a decent ballclub,” Wright said. “They’ve got a couple throwers who are OK, nothing too exciting. We’ve gotta just go out and compete.”

Today’s first of two doubleheaders was originally scheduled to be played in Tucson, but the Nationals opted to play both games at Warren Ballpark instead.

Today’s first game starts at 4 p.m. with the second game starting at 7 p.m. The cost of admission is $5. The times, teams and locations are the same for Saturday.

“He’s just one of the young men you love having on your team,” Copper Kings manager Butch Hammett said of Wright. “He’s very coachable and willing to play anywhere on the field — one of those true blue-collar players who just loves to play.”

When Wright played for the Copper Kings last season, all of their games were exhibitions. Now, as a charter member of the Pacific Southwest Baseball League, the Kings are finding a crisper, stronger level of play.

“The competition is a little better this summer,” Wright said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the (National Baseball Congress 2007 champion) Havasu Heat. A lot of what I hear is that they’re pretty good.”

Next weekend, the Kings make the long trip to Lake Havasu City for a four-game series with the Heat.

At the end of the regular season, all five league teams will play at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix to determine which team will represent the league in the NBC national tournament.

“The level of play is a step up in the new league,” Hammett said. “Next week we’ll really step into an elite level of play. We are definitely younger than we were last year and we’ve been going through some growing pains. But I think the younger guys are stepping up and we’re hoping with a lot more games under our belts, we’ll be pretty strong for the tournament.”

The Kings will host their own tournament over the Fourth of July weekend. Currently there are seven teams in the tournament field with Bisbee, Casa Grande, Phoenix-based Garden of Gears, the Tucson Nationals, a semipro team out of Nogales and two National Adult Baseball Association teams (Longhorns and Braves) from the Tucson area.

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Reader wrote on Jul 3, 2008 10:25 AM:

" As ususal Matt Hickman writes another article for the Herald and his info is not correct. Although Justin went to Southeast Oklahoma State he was red-shirted and didn't play. Also, he doesn't have any of the certifications (EMT 1 & 2). Can we ever rely on him to report a correct story. Stay in school Justin the fire service will still be there in 2 years. "

Tom wrote on Jul 1, 2008 7:42 PM:

" I am a former SV Reserve and am in complete disbelief at the amount of pure sewage spewed onto this comment page every time an article is written referencing the SV Fire Dept.There is obviously a small group of bitter individuals who take advantage of the anonymity of this page to spread their negativity and malcontent.Keep up the good work Chief Redmond.Continue to hire and promote the bright,motivated and positive.The cancerous tumors will die off with time. "

Rob wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Retired SVFD - Sounds like you were probably "encouraged" to retire with that kind of attitude. Never got the promotion you so so "deserved," huh? So let's blame it on the department, never take a look inside to see what the real problem is. Some people do get hired, get ahead, and are successful based on their own merit (imagine that!) Go get 'em Justin. As others have said, "Follow your dreams." I'll bet you will make become reality. "

Former Reserve wrote on Jun 23, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Justin don't let the negative get to you. I know you and your family and I have nothing but great things to say about them. You will be a success in whatever you pursue. I have nothing but positive things to say about the department and the city, I moved away to take andother job so I could not pursue a full time position. Keep going and don't let anyone take your dreams. "

John wrote on Jun 23, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Sounds like there are some people who have taken this article and using it for a complaint department. Shame on them, I hope they feel big. Move on Justin and don't let those people deter you from what you need to accomplish. Any organization will benefit from your services someday as you will make a great employee. "

not so jealous wrote on Jun 22, 2008 6:10 PM:

" Get real! This is a fine young man that wants to follow in his fathers footsteps. The American Dream! If the reserves are the best for the job they too will get the opportunity. Keep yout jealous personal attacks to yourselves and support a young man making a life decision to start his career dream... "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Jun 22, 2008 5:56 PM:

" It sounds to me like there are some angry, bitter people that perhaps have not focused on their own resonsibilities and worked hard themselves to better their own careers. Those city employees who have taken responibility and worked hard have been rewarded. I believe these people that have been posting their comments need to get a life, and truly look at themselves and what they can do to better themselves and the environment in which they work in. This is about a young man persueing his dreams and we should all be nothing but supportive. Go follow your dreams Justin!!!!! "

dumbfounded wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:37 PM:

" I understand that the SVFD has a reserve program, and these young men have dedicated themselves to working toward their dreams of becoming firefighters as well. I'd guess that they have spent time in the hot sun, cold winters,experienced sleepless nights, and hundreds of hours of training. I hope those responsible for hiring new fire fighters consider this dedication...Justin should take advantage of a scholarship that most people can only dream of. "

Mike wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:10 PM:

" Nepotism is the practice of giving promotions, basic employment, higher earnings, and other benefits to employees who are relatives of management.... The City of Sierra Vista Should learn about this.... I see a lawsuit coming their way... Good luck reserves I wish you all the best... "

Retired SVFD wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:38 PM:

" No he doesnt have time, he needs to get hired before his dad retires.... We LL KNOW the facts here.. Its the BUDDY system and Bill and Randy are both very close. He will be hired over RESERVE FIREFIGHTERS that have dedicated much time to the department... The SVFD and City of Sierra Vista should be looked at for the hiring practices... EEOA does not exist there what so ever ! "

Kalashnikov wrote on Jun 20, 2008 5:05 PM:

" Stay in school kid. Finish your degree and then some. You have plenty of time to attempt a career in the fire service. "

Shannon Walk Wright wrote on Jun 20, 2008 4:05 PM:

" I am SOOOOO very proud of you! You make our family so proud! Keep up the great work! You have grown into such an amazing young man and I know that any road you choose will have amazing outcomes! Congrats! "

Neal wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:36 AM:

" Hey Justin- come back to the Kings next year, I will miss your hard nose style of play and that passion you bring to the game. Good luck in your chosen profession as I'm sure you will give it 100% like in baseball but I hope I never need your service. Best wishes and thank for your committment to the game. "

Brian wrote on Jun 20, 2008 11:11 AM:

" A difficult decision I'm sure. Maybe you can couple you community sprit with that of coaching.. you will make a great one! "

John wrote on Jun 20, 2008 9:31 AM:

" What a great kid and I'm sorry to see him leave the game. I have watched him through Buena and into college and it is sad to see him leave the game..maybe he will change his mind and hold off e firefighting for a few more years. "