DiPro’s Dish – It was the Summer of 2011

Oh when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Ya – I’d always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life…

Oddly enough, as I drove home tonight despite the last game of the season I found myself sporting a large grin. It was almost inexplicable at first until I thought about why I was smiling.

Some time back in February I recall  Mom saying “Why not get season tickets with us and stop this silly boycott?” Luckily I listened. I was fortunate to spend most of the season with Mom before she passed away on August 30. But that’s not what this post is about. I know Mom is looking down and watching me enjoy the many experiences I’ve had at Coca-Cola Park and thank you Mom for helping to begin a new chapter. For me, CCP became an oasis of sorts – a place where you could forget about the daily grind – a place of solace.

The first highlight of the year occurred on the club level listening to “The Voice of the IronPigs” Matt Provence and John Schaeffer broadcast live. It was almost eerie listening to their voices in person as opposed to their emanations from the truck’s stereo speaker. While I didn’t get on the air that night, I was fortunate to get a few opportunities throughout the year and even call some play-by-play. Thank you Matt, John and Mikey the V for the great times. It will forever hold a special place in my memory.

After spending some time at CCP and one evening upon arriving home I decided to Google IronPigs. During that search I stumbled across the Noise Nation fan club. I studied Dan’s picture until I was sure I would recognize him in person. After stalking searching for Dan, I finally mustered up the nerve to approach him behind the bullpen and grabbed my first bell.  I discovered among other things that the Noise Nation had been around since day one and if I wanted to become a true “hardcore” IronPig’s fan it was going to be with them. Fortunately, the Nation ended up being  my new IronPig’s family and the year would certainly not have been the same without them!

July 15th was my first experience with the IronPig’s charities (a great organization-thank you Sarah Marten) at the State of the Pigs Luncheon. I discovered at that time AAA baseball is much different from the majors. The players were accessible and many embraced the fans and went out of their way to befriend us. Michael “Phear the Phro” Schwimer was one the Nation’s strongest supporters. Moss Hogg, Dweezy, Holy Kratz and Richie T (insert hand gesture here) have been a pleasure to meet and if we don’t see them next year I know we all wish them the best of luck in their careers.

I made it my mission to meet as many park dwellers as possible. From Kristy at the Biergarten to “Fred” and Adam at the FMO Painting bar, the IronPigs employees have been exemplary and Mr. Landes should be proud of the organization he helped to create. Special shout-outs to  Tim and Lindsey (it wouldn’t have been the same without them), Mike S (good luck my brother), Mark and Brian among the many others have certainly helped to make the summer memorable. Jan, I have looked forward to see what the next selection at the Pig Stop was and probably gained 10 lbs. – great stuff Jan! Certainly it would not have been one of the best fields in baseball if not for Bill Butler – thank you Bill!

There were certainly many unforgettable moments of the past summer too numerous to list here. From the “flingo” snapping incident to the Epic trip to Rhode Island to wearing a Phearful Phro to Shelley Duncan and Jeff Salazar (L,R,L,R) it was frankly one of the most memorable of summers.

What I will remember the most from the Summer of 2011 is the old friends I re-connected with and the new friends I’ve met. Certainly a huge thanks to Dan Kehl for allowing me to be a part of the Nation. Of course this post would not be complete without mentioning Jimmy T as well as Ron, Dean, Dr. Mark, Jay, Ed, Steve and his wife, Jill, Deb, Sara, Diamond Jim and the rest of the Noise Nation supporters.

So thanks to all of you – all of you who have been so kind and who have made this season about more than the game of baseball. Thanks for making it more about fun, friendship and camaraderie.

Spent my evenin’s down at the Park
And that’s when I met  you yeah
It was the Summer of 2011…

DiPro Out (for now)

OinK On!

DiPro’s Dish