Zach McAllister had a ball this past summer. As a member of the Staten Island Yankees the Chillicothe native got to pitch in the Big Apple before reaching the big leagues.

"It’s fast moving, a lot of cars, people everywhere bumping into you. In Chillicothe it’s pretty slow, there aren’t a lot of people out walking around."

Even though he could see Manhattan from his apartment Zach never had time to see the Yankees. But they saw him. And the IVC product, whose being groomed as a starter, continued to grow as a professional.

"Right in the middle of the season is when I thought I did really well. I was able to make pitches when I needed to and if I got in a jam I was getting out of it. They’re more mature with their plate discipline and they’re looking for a pitch to hit. In high school if you make a pitch around the strike zone they might swing at it. You have a bigger strike zone in high school compared to pro ball where if you’re not hitting your spots it’s not going to be a strike."

His 4-6 record doesn't show it, but Zach's numbers were pretty good. He made the New York–Penn League all–star team, striking out 10 batters for every 9 innings and only allowing 3 homeruns. When the season was over he met the Yankees new manager – another Central Illinois guy – Joe Girardi.

"He’s a Midwestern guy and to have him out in New York and be the manager is a great thing. I was able to meet him this past month. He’s a great guy and really wants the team and the whole organization to do well and he’s rooting for everyone."