With star players Reese Havens, Zach Lutz and Ike Davis all nursing injuries, the Brooklyn Cyclones
knew they needed proper reinforcements to stay in the playoff hunt.

Enter 2007 Cyclones infielder and fan favorite JR Voyles.

Nicknamed J-RBI last season after hitting .387 with two home runs and 13 RBI through his first nine games last season, Voyles was a crucial member of the Brooklyn offense before injuring his hamstring and enduring a nasty bean ball to the head that limited his production to just three homers and 29 RBI in 49 games.

Healthy in 2008, some considered him a sleeper prospect with a future as a utility man at higher levels in the organization.

However, before coming to Brooklyn this season, Voyles was struggling in limited duty with the St. Lucie Mets, hitting .216 with only four homers and in 41 games.

“There were some older guys in St. Lucie and the organization felt it would be good if I came back,” said Voyles. “I know what my job is here and I’m looking forward to getting more ABs and producing.”

With three homers and seven RBI in only 11 games with Brooklyn this season, Voyles has given the offense a much needed lift and has gone from a seldom used utility man to a pivotal member of a team fighting for a playoff spot.

Some players may look at a demotion such as Voyles’ as a detriment one when assessing their future success, but the 24-year-old is focused on making the most of his opportunity to get more playing time and helping a team with the fan base like the Cyclones succeed.

“I love playing here and I love the atmosphere,” said Voyles. “I was a little frustrated after my first game [where he went 0-4], but I’m starting to get comfortable and I’m happy I’m helping the team win.”

The coaching staff in Brooklyn couldn’t agree more and loves the versatility and extra base power Voyles has shown in his second stint in Coney Island. Three games out of first place as on Sunday afternoon, the Cyclones staff know that production from players like Voyles is extremely important.

“He’s a guy that can do a lot of things for us,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “He can play second base and third and has power. He knows what it’s like playing here and I know he’s capable of producing here.”

Link-

Box Score to last night’s 5-3 Cyclone win

Photos by Ron Hatcher.