Ironpig’s Opening Day Notes/Fun Facts/Weather

The countdown is over and the day is here. Some fun facts and more notes about today’s game at Coca Cola Park.

Righty Vance Worley will get the start for the Ironpigs and will face David Phelps of the SWB Yankees. Phelps was drafted in the 14th round of the 2008 draft by the Yankees. He was the 2010 Yankees minor league pitcher of the year and also named to the 2010 Eastern League All Star team. He finished with a 10-2 win/loss record between AA and AAA last season, with a 2.50 ERA and 141 Strike outs. This will not be an easy game for the Ironpigs hitters. I would expect a pitcher’s duel if Worley shows his good side as well.

The Pigs have not won an opening day game in its 3 year history. Just winning this game once, would allow them to say “Yes, we are over .500” A win today would be great. In fact, it has been 11 years since the Phillies AAA team has won an opening day game.

Hopefully the technical difficulties at the gyro stand will allow me to try one tonight. I have my coupon from the season ticket coupon book ready and I’m sure I will be hungry enough.

Temperature for game time is supposed to be 53 degrees with a 20% chance of rain. The temp will drop slightly when the sun goes down but the wind we had on Tuesday isn’t expected to return tonight. My advice is to dress as warmly and water protected as you can. If you don’t, it will surely rain and if you do, you can always take it off and carry it. I’d rather carry a small bag along then get soaking wet in 40 degree weather.

I wonder if there will be a flyover and/or paratroopers this year. Hoping whoever was selected for the National Anthem remembers they are there to honor our nation and not try out for American Idol… although I believe local American Idol finalist and Lehigh Valley native Tyler Grady will be singing for us one night this weekend.

That’s me signing off from off-season mode.. now to the 2011 Season!

OinK!