Monthly Archives: July 2010

The Pigs finally pulled together a winning series in Scranton beating the Yankees 5 to 4 this afternoon at PNC Park.

With Brown at the futures game the Pigs were down by a player. Brown was quickly removed from the game with a reported tight hamstring. Hope nothing serious is wrong.

The stars of this game were John Mayberry and Ozzie Chavez. Mayberry was 2 for 5 with 3 RBI and Chavez 3 for 4.

Bump, who started the game, went only 2.2 innings and threw 38 pitches. I’m thinking this has less to do with his almost DL trip and more with him playing in the All Star game on Wednesday. In a rare occurance, Zagurski came on in the 7th and allowed 3 quick runs earning himself a quick exit with only one out. Villarreal and Mathieson came on to close out the game. It was not without excitement though as Mathieson loaded the bases before striking out Greg Golson to end the game.

Tomorrow is the Home Run Derby. It seems like just yesterday the Ironpigs announced that they had been awarded the 2010 All Star Game. Gates open at 5:00pm and per the Ironpig’s website, each fan will receive a ticket holder and lanyard. Great idea to protect the beautiful tickets for these events.

See you tomorrow!

OinK!

The Pigs split a double header in Scranton tonight. I listened to a little of the broadcast and could easily tell by the “OINK” chants that the Pig fans were in attendance. The trip to Moosic is well worth it.

So on to my opinion.. and this is my opinion and not intended to sway your thoughts or ideals, just to express my feelings on this topic.

Baseball Game Giveaways.

At times, and often frequently in the case of the Ironpigs, there are promotional items given away to a certain number of fans who attend a ball game. Whether it is a free t-shirt or glass or soft toss ball or bobble head.. these items all have one thing in common. They are all sponsored by a company or group that wants to promote itself. Everything has an ad attached and is usually of medium to low quality. (Think umbrellas, plastic cups, etc)

Now some of these things are cool. The world series replica rings… yeah, they were cool but the small plastic rings reminded me of when Cracker Jack put more than just tattoos as a prize in each box. The bobble heads seem to be a favorite, but would you stand in line to pay more than $5 for one of these?

Granted, children love this stuff.. and they should. The thing that really gets me is how the older folks react to either getting or not getting these give aways. I’ve seen furious people arguing that they deserve a give away. I’ve seen people attempt to steal a give away. I’ve seen people walking around buying give aways. The day after a give away I always see some on ebay with astronomical prices. (List prices, not selling prices)

I just don’t understand how someone can get so involved with collecting this stuff. Chances are it ends up on a shelf and down the road it moves on to either the trash or a yard sale box.

So for every giveaway there are publically announced restrictions and limits. One per person. Age 18 and older, age 12 and under. Women only. Men only. First 1,000 fans. First 3,000 fans. It is mind blowing how many people do not understand this. On days with giveaways you can walk by fan services and hear the complaints. “I got here just 10 minutes after the gates opened and I didn’t get my plastic cup!!! I need a cup! Where is my cup!? I NEED IT!” Only once did I respond to someone by saying, “People started getting in line 3 hours before the gates opened. If you want one… try getting here earlier” By this woman’s reaction you would have thought that I just place kicked a box of kittens.

So anyways, my opinion is this. Leave the toys, the cups, the whatever they give away to the kids. They are the folks who appreciate that stuff. Would I like a bobble head? Sure. Would I like to see a child cry because I got the last bobble head? No. I usually end up giving anything I get away to the closest kid.

It is really nice for the team, and/or their sponsors, to give away stuff before the game but if you don’t happen to get something.. be cool about it. No matter how much you argue it’s not going to magically make an item show up. Keep in mind that you are there for the game and the entertainment is for the kids. Keep it fun.

That’s all I have to say about that.

OinK!

Although I was unable to attend the Pigapalooza fan fest today, (wedding), it is a real shame that it rained. Hearing a lot of ramblings and grumbles but I agree it is the right call to postpone.

Most of the rides/inflatables/kids activities would have been unavailable in the rain because of safety concerns. Safety is always paramount.

The bands scheduled to play in the outfield lawn would not have been able to perform. Electricity and rain don’t mix. Nor does expensive musical equipment.

The fans who would have shown up would have crowded under the grandstand and it would have been miserable. Anyone who has ever experienced a rain delay at The Coke knows what this is like.

It’s a bummer for fans, but all of Coca Cola Park’s employees are affected by this. I once worked on a project for work for 6 months only to have it deemed “unnecessary” about a week after it was finished. The feeling that all of your hard work and effort is for naught is not a great one. These folks have been working incredibly long hours and put their hearts into this event and wham.. it’s now in August. As disappointed as us fans are… imagine how those who labored to organize it feel. Remember that before you send an angry email or make that telephone call.

Anyways, it is what it is. Let’s hope that all the autograph opportunities and other features of Pigapalooza can make it on August 29th. Perhaps the lineup will be enhanced…

OinK!

Per the Ironpig’s website, Pigapalooza has been rained out.

http://ironpigsbaseball.com/pressbox/news/?article_id=1003

“Pigapalooza” All-Star FanFest has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 29 due to expected heavy rain throughout the day on Saturday, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced today. Fans holding tickets to “Pigapalooza” FanFest can now use their tickets for admission on the newly scheduled date.

Thanks to Eric for letting us know!

Ok, time for some more fan fun stuff. It’s raining and today is Pigapalooza (rain or shine).

The past few weeks we have seen draining heat and little rain so today’s rain is actually welcome.. my garden appreciates it. But this nice weather won’t last. Fall is quickly approaching and it’s going to be cold again.

I want to take another moment to mention the Ironpig’s Fan Cruise by Boscov’s Travel. Yes, I know I have been plugging this to no end, but we really need to support activities like this. If attendance is low, we won’t be offered this again. The fun bus trips that Reading offers.. we won’t see them. Just saying… we don’t support it.. it will go away.

Cruise Details below:

7-Night Bahamas & Florida Cruise
Aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel
Departs New York City
November 14-21, 2010

Package Inclusions

•Seven nights cruise accommodations
•All included meals and entertainment while aboard the ship
•Services of a professional Boscov’s Travel Escort
•Souvenir IronPigs Gift
•Exclusive events with the IronPigs Organization: All Star 1st Baseman Andy Tracy, Kurt Landes (General Manager), Matt Provence (Announcer) and mascots FeRROUS & FeFe
•Cruise taxes and government fees, which are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line

*** All detail provided by Boscov’s Travel

For more details and booking information:
http://boscovstravel.com/groups/ironpigs/cruise.asp

Really, give this some thought. It’s going to be a fun time.

The Pigs were rained out in Syracuse tonight. This might turn into one of those games that is never made up. Depends on the playoff situation for the Cheifs and if they need the game to determine standings.

Also, tomorrow doesn’t look like a great day for a carnival. Greater than 50% chance of rain throughout most of the day.

OinK!

The Ironpigs released more details on the recent transactions and stabilized their roster.

7/8/10

RHP Ryan Madson completed his ML Rehab and activated by Philadelphia.

RHP Brian Gordon placed on the D.L. (right hip strain)

LHP Brian Mazone placed on the D.L. (left turf toe).

7/9/10

LHP J.A. Happ added to Lehigh Valley roster (optioned 7/7).

INF Brian Bocock outrighted to Lehigh Valley (optioned 7/3).

LHP Mike Zagurski optioned to Lehigh Valley from Philadelphia.

INF Keoni De Renne assigned to Reading (AA) from Lehigh Valley.

The Pigs got drubbed by Syracuse tonight losing 0 to 9. Not an impressive performance.

More news on transactions though.. Mazone and Gordon added to the DL to make room for Happ and Zagurski. Not sure what for.. but I have an idea why 🙂

One thing of note that was sent to me today comes from the R-Phils website. The team has organized trips to away games and other baseball sites of interest. No surprise of the Richmond visit, but it looks to be a couple nice trips here.

From the R-Phils Website

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – 3 Days – 2 Nights – Book Your Trip Now
Featuring 2 Games Between The Richmond Flying Squirrels & The Reading Phillies

DATES:

JULY 26 – 28, 2010

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

2 Nights lodging at the Holiday Inn (Richmond)

2 Breakfasts

2 Lunches

Guided tour of Richmond

2 Games w/Lower Level Diamond Club seats featuring the Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. the Reading Phillies

Guided tour of “The Diamond” (home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels) given by Todd Parnell & Chuck Domino

Question/Answer Session with some Reading Phillies Players & R-Phils radio announcer, Brian Seltzer

Visit to Shockhoe Bottom District of Richmond, VA

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Luggage handling

All taxes and meal gratuities

Motor coach transportation

PRICES:

$336.00 per person double occupancy – Order

$321.00 per person triple occupancy – Order

$311.00 per person quad occupancy – Order

$416.00 per person single occupancy – Order

ITINERARY:
The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay with WHITE STAR TOURS. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group.

Day 1
Depart from Reading and head for Richmond, VA with a lunch (included) stop along the way. Upon arrival in Richmond you will check into your hotel. Tonight you will depart for “The Diamond”, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants) where you will enjoy an exciting game between the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the Reading Phillies. Return to your hotel after the game for a relaxing evening.

Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, meet your tour guide for a morning tour of Richmond. In the early afternoon, you will head for the Shockhoe Bottom District of Richmond where you will enjoy lunch (included) at the Tobacco Company. Explore Shockhoe Bottom on your own after lunch. You may want to try the canal walk or a canal cruise, or visit one of the museums in the area on your own. Later in the day you will return to your hotel to freshen up for the evening. Head for the ballpark early tonight for a special private tour of “The Diamond” given by Todd Parnell and Chuck Domino. After the tour, enjoy another fabulous game between Richmond and Reading. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a question and answer session with some Reading Phillies players and R-Phils radio announcer, Brian Seltzer. Afterwards, check out and depart for Baltimore. Arrive at Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor where you will have free time to explore the area which features a variety of shops and eating establishments. Lunch is on your own at Inner Harbor. Depart for home after your visit.

——————————————————————————–

BINGHAMTON & COOPERSTOWN, NY – 3 Days – 2 Nights – Book Your Trip Now
Featuring 2 Reading Phillies vs. Binghamton Mets Games, Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets Game, & Visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame

DATES:

AUGUST 13 – 15, 2010

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

2 Nights lodging in Binghamton, NY at the Holiday Inn Arena

2 Breakfasts

Lunch at Bo Brothers Restaurant overlooking the field at

PNC Field (home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees)

Admission to the Baseball Hall of Fame in nostalgic Cooperstown, NY

Private session w/Baseball Hall of Fame staff to review Philadelphia

Phillies artifacts

Tickets for Reading Phillies vs. Binghamton Mets (2 Games)

Tickets for Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets at CitiField (NY)

Private tour of Binghamton’s NYSEG Stadium

Private tour of Coca-Cola Park (home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs)

Driving tour of Cooperstown

Question/Answer Session with some Reading Phillies Players & R-Phils radio announcer Brian Seltzer

Reading Phillies T-shirt

Luggage handling

All taxes and meal gratuities

Motor coach transportation

PRICES:

$422.00 per person double occupancy – Order

$392.00 per person triple occupancy – Order

$377.00 per person quad occupancy – Order

$537.00 per person single occupancy – Order

ITINERARY:
The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay with WHITE STAR TOURS. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group.

Day 1
Depart from Reading and head for Allentown, PA where you will enjoy a tour of the beautiful Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies ). Coca-Cola Park features an open-air 360-degree concourse. From here, you will travel to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area for lunch at Bo Brothers Restaurant overlooking the field at PNC Field, home of the Scranton Yankees (the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees). Continue traveling to Binghamton, NY where you will arrive at the Binghamton Mets’ NYSEG Stadium for a tour. Check into your hotel in the area and freshen up for the evening’s activities. Reserved seats await you at the game between the Binghamton Mets and the Reading Phillies. After the game you will return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 2
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Cooperstown, NY where admission to the world famous Baseball Hall of Fame is included. Enjoy a private session with the Baseball Hall of Fame staff to review Philadelphia Phillies artifacts. A 90-minute guided driving tour of Cooperstown is also included. Later this afternoon you will return to your hotel to prepare for the evening’s activities. Depart for NYSEG Stadium early today to meet with a few Reading Phillies players and R-Phils radio announcer, Brian Seltzer, for a question and answer session. Afterwards, you will attend another game between the Reading Phillies and Binghamton Mets. After the game, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for New York City. Arrive at CitiField where you will enjoy an exciting game between the National League East rivals, the National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. Depart for Reading after the game.

Thinking this would be something the Pigs could set up for 2011… any interest or thoughts out there?

They play a song at The Coke from the movie, “Madagascar”, whose lyrics basically say.. “We like to move it move it” and that should be the theme song for the 2010 Ironpigs!

More transactions hit today with Ryan Madson being activated and Zagurski optioned back to the Pigs.

Waiting on an answer on who leaves the Ironpigs when Zagurski returns… possibly Savery (with Happ’s arrival) or newly arrived Michael Schwimer?

For your entertainment:

OinK!

From a post a little while back…

Pigapalooza Fan Fest Schedule