No words – just pictures – SMH…
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Lehigh Valley IronPigs Yankees
Monthly Archives: April 2012
Pigs chase their tails – Yankees 8 – IronPigs 2
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Good News! ‘Pigs Lose – Yanks 8 – Pigs 4
So you’re probably asking yourself… “Has DiPro lost his mind? How is losing good news?”
Believe it or not most of my mind is still intact, but the fact is – it can’t get much worse…
And that my friends is the good news!
There was a bit of bad news tonight when reliever Phillippe Aumont left with was reported by Jeff Schuler at mcall.com as “middle back tightness”. Let’s hope he’s ok and returns soon.
International League Batting Rankings (14 teams)
Only two teams (Louisville and Norfolk) rank below Lehigh Valley in batting average in all of AAA Baseball. By the way, the Toledo Mud Hens are in first place in the IL West, followed by the Clippers of Columbus.Interestingly, the IronPigs have the least walks and also the least K's.
With all that it can only go up from here!
The Last 10 (3-7)
First, it’s only April for starters. Second, there is no reason to believe that things won’t warm up once the weather does. Third, it’s only April. There is no reason for panic – Manager Sandberg has been keeping the line-up fresh, staying aggressive and preserving the bull-pen. Finally, did I mention it’s only April?
Off to the pix and Many thanks to Cheryl Pursell for her excellent photographic contributions!
Oldhead rocked the Park and luckily they will be returning!
Friday, May 18 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Saturday, June 16 (Performance Time- 5:15-6:00 PM)
Friday, July 20 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Friday, August 10 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Check 'em out at oldhead.us
(DiPro)
Another fine entertainment choice by the IronPigs - these guys rock - hard!
(DiPro)
Even FeRROUS was rockin'!
(DiPro)
Domonic Brown is ready!
Brown is 3rd in team BA (.266) and 2nd in RBI's (11) and Hits (21).
(DiPro)
Tough night for starter Pat Misch who was credited with the loss.
3 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
(DiPro)
Following a Cody Overbeck fly out, Hector Luna is safe at 3rd after ripping a ball off the AmericanBank sign in left center.
(DiPro)
Erik Kratz who had 6 hits in his last 3 games - "cuuuut on and missed" for the 2nd out on a nasty slider away.
(DiPro)
Mike Fontenot grounds this one back to the pitcher stranding Luna at third and ending the second inning threat.
(DiPro)
In the second, The Yankees Steve Pearce slams one off the top of his foot...
(DiPro)
...and that's gotta hurt! Pearce would later leave the game.
(DiPro)
FeRROUS tossing Channel 69 Koozies.
(DiPro)
Derrick Mitchell smacks this one over the left center wall for his second HR of the year in the third inning.
(DiPro)
Jayson Nix brother of Philly outfielder Laynce Nix began the game 0 for his last 12 and finished up 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's including this double that...
(DiPro)
...scored Russo & Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Kratz had a chance to get Cervelli but he just beat the tag. The Yankees would go on to score 6 in the third as they bat around.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
B.J. Rosenberg replaces Misch in the fourth.
2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
LHV would score 3 in the sixth including Erik Kratz who ran around the plate as the ball gets past catcher Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Kratzie dives back - SAFE.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Brian Sanches comes on in relief the 6th.
2 IP, 1H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Phillipe Aumont would come on in the 8th and walk the first two batters. He would then...
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
...leave the game with tightness in his back surrendering the hill to Jeremy Horst.
0 IP, 0 Hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
(DiPro)
Horst would finish up the 8th. Unfortunately, the two walks by Aumont scored. That was the end of the scoring for the Yankees total of 8 vs. the Pigs 4 run effort.
1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Andres Blanco strikes out to end the game and has made the last out in the last two games.
(DiPro)
Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Bats on a Plane – Yanks 3 – Pigs 1
IronPigs
Just before the game the bats took off on this plane whose vapor trail is light by the setting sun. The bats that didn't make the flight only manged 3 hits. Enough is ENOUGH! I have had it with these .... snakes on this .... plane!
Sunny Day - Sweeping the clouds away. Coca-Cola Park is bathed in sunlight.
Field artist Bill Butler readies the chalk.
Despite coming into the game with 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA, Yankees prospect starting pitcher Dellin Betances surrendered only 1 hit and the single run the 'Pigs would garner this evening.
The wind blew...
Right fielder Derrick Mitchell.
Center fielder Rich Thompson.
Starting pitcher Austin Hyatt only surrendered 4 hits but allowed 3 runs to cross the plate to give the Yankees the 3-1 victory. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Austin Hyatt reverse angle slow-mo instant replay.
Scott Podsednik scores the lone LHV run off a Kevin Frandsen double who would have the only hit with runners in scoring position.
Reliever Raul Valdes was the highlight of the night going 3 1/3 and only surrendering 1 hit, no runs and 3 K without a walk. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
On this chilly, windy evening those who left in the 3rd inning really didn't miss much after that.
Ferrous entertains the crowd.
The 'Pigs would load the bases in the 4th but leave all the ducks stranded on their way to a 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and leaving a total of 8 stranded on the pond. (Shouldn't this be 'Pigs on the Pond?)
The fireworks bathe the Park in fiery delight - to bad the bats left on that plane and missed them.
Baby you're a firework...
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh" - where are the bats?
The End
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Larish Signs with Red Sox
Former IronPig Jeff Larish announced via Facebook that he is joining the Red Sox organization. Congrats Jeff!
Filed under Uncategorized
Everybody Hits! Sometimes… – ‘Pigs 6 – Yankees 4
Every IronPig to take a swing got a hit! Domonic Brown went 2 for 5, 2 RBI and brought his hitting streak to 6 games. Cody Overbeck 3 for 5 and Erik Kratz 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs including a two-run monster shot to deep center in the 7th.
IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes honors Ryne Sandberg with the presentation of his bronze statue promotional give-away. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Larry Bowa tosses out the first pitch. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Starting pitcher Dave Bush gets the win going 6 innings while surrendering 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB and 4 K including a solo job by former IronPig Dewayne Wise. (DiPro)
Domonic Brown makes a "star-worthy play" in the first to rob Francisco Cervelli. (DiPro) (click to enlarge)
Former IronPig Dewayne Wise goes over Dewall and SWB scores the first run of the game. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Hector Luna is clearly safe at first on a blown call by first-base umpire Jeff Gosney. Gosney had a tough night having a later missed call reversed after consulting with the crew. (DiPro)
Lindsey looks on as a young fan pies Ben after he was unable to finish is "hot dog sundae" in the allotted time. (DiPro)
Derrick Mitchell reaches first when Yankess SS Ramiro Pena watches as the ball goes under his glove. (DiPro)
Tuffy Gosewisch follows Mithchell to first after the ball just brushes his jersey. (DiPro)
Andres Blanco was 1 for 16 before singling to left and scoring Mitchell for the first LHV run in the top of the 3rd. (DiPro)
Mike Fontenot doubles to right scoring Gosewisch.
Domonic Brown smashes his bat and the ball to left for a back-to-back, two RBI double to score Blanco and Fontenot. Brown would get thrown out stealing third and the 'Pigs would garner a 4 run third inning. Domonic is currently riding a 6 game hitting streak and certainly atoned for his 2 errors in the previous game. (DiPro)
Top 4 - Following a double by Mitchell, a single by Gosewisch, Andres Blanco lays down a perfect bunt that stays just fair to load the bases with nobody out. But LHV would leave 'em all stranded after Mitchell is forced out at home and Fontenot grounds into a 6-4-3 double-play. (DiPro)
The pitch... (DiPro)
...Holy Kratz "Forget About It"! it's launched over the 400' mark for a 2 run homer to score Overbeck (who doubled) for the insurance the 'Pigs needed. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Lefty David Purcey comes on in the 7th and in 1 and a 3rd gives up 3 hits and is credited with 2 earned runs. One run is scored when Kevin Russo doubles to left... (DiPro)
Phillippe Aumont in the 8th, 'Wheels and Deals" and the other run that was credited to Purcey is plated on a single by Doug Bernier. Luckily, it didn't matter due to Kratzie's two run blast in the 7th. (DiPro)
Jake Diekman on to close in the 9th and does so earning the save but not without some excitement. After a single by Wise and a double by Steve Pearce, Diekman strikes out former IronPig Jack Cust then Brandon Laird and finally gets Kevin Russo on a grounder to Overbeck. Game over! (DiPro)
Pigs Fly on their way to the team's best start ever! (DiPro)
Friday fireworks tonight as LHV engages the Yankess (as the home team) for game 2 of the 4 game series. Austin Hyatt (2-1, 2.53) takes the hill for the ‘Pigs and Dellin Betances (0-2, 8.83) for the Yanks. More hitting with RISP tonight!
Go Pigs!
The Dish Lehigh Valley IronPigs Domonic Brown
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
There was a ‘Gnat’ at the Park – Larry Bowa visits CCP
Larry Bowa spent a few moments with the media before the game.
Former Philly and Cub Larry Bowa was on hand this evening to honor Ryne Sandberg and sign some autographs.
Larry reminisced about his playing days and joked that originally in the Dejesus trade, Sandberg was the “throw in”. As we know it didn’t quite turn out that way.
Career info AFTER the trade
Ryne Sandberg
2,385 hits in Cub uniform and 282 homers – 1,061 RBI’s – 344 stolen bases – 9 time Gold Glove winner – 10 time All Star – 1 MVP Award
Larry Bowa
Played 3+ years for Cubbies, part of 1984 NL East division title team, #1 for shortstops in fielding percentage in 1983.
Ivan DeJesus
Bats .249 in 3 seasons with Phillies. Traded 3 more times before his career quietly ends in 1988.
Larry spoke of his often emotional play.
“I wasn’t afraid to show my emotions,” Bowa said. “I played hard and had fun. That’s basically the way I was raised. I didn’t have great ability. I had to work hard.” “Getting 2,000 hits is probably the thing I’m most proud of. People said I couldn’t hit at this level. If you work hard you can achieve anything.”
Being well-traveled I was curious to know what Larry thought of Coca-Cola Park and the fans in LHV. Bowa was at the Park previously to watch his nephew Nick Johnson who was with the Columbus Clippers then.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “I was here last year. I sat right behind home plate. I wish we had these facilities when I played.”
“I think Philly is doing a great job with their minor league system. “Nobody wants to stay in the minor leagues, but if I had to stay, I’d want to play here.”
Larry mentioned that even players who know they most likely aren’t going to reach the Major League level would continue to play just to call The Coke their home.
Bowa said he would return to Major League coaching if the right offer came along and he stated that working for the MLB network is a lot of work/research.
Maybe, just maybe Larry will someday return to Coca-Cola Park, this time as a Manager. We can only hope….
The Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Former IronPig signs with Minnesota Twins
According to Joe Thurston via his Twitter:
Joe Thurston: @Joeyballgame I’m excited to be part of the Minnesota @Twins organization and ready to do whatever I can to help out! @RocRedWings
Thurston may return to Coca-Cola Park when Rochester visits at the end of June
Good luck Joe!
DiPro’s Dish
Filed under Uncategorized
‘Pigs Schooled by Bisons – 12-1
On the first Education Day of 2012 the IronPigs where schooled by the Bisons. "Oy Vey"
Starting pitcher Scott Elarton didn't fare well in this first week-day (morning) game of the season.
After advancing to second on a passed ball, Bobby Scales is doubled off on a strong throw from right fielder Lou Montanez while Mike Fontenot looks on.
Domonic Brown - "Cut on and missed" to end the first and it pretty much went down hill from there. The 'Pigs had a tough day all-around and D. Brown had a couple mis-cues in left. Regardless of all that Brown still has a higher AVG (.269) to John Mayberry, Jr.'s (.200). Dom will shake it off and return strong!
Buffalo's third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo hits a sac fly to right that begins the scoring tirade plating Josh Satin (1B).
Omar Quintanilla (SS) is congratulated after hitting the first of 4 home runs on the day including the 2nd homer buy a Buffalo pitcher in the last two games!
Vote for FeFe!
IronPigs Manager Ryne Sandberg surveys the scene.
Catcher Tuffy Gosewisch with a big cut and a strike out on a foul tip held on by catcher Lucas May. The 'Pigs only managed 5 hits and were sent down on strikes 7 times.
Scott Podsednik readies for his at bat. The Podfather did not fare as well as last game going 0-4 with 1 K. In fact only 4 of 12 batters during day managed hits and Cody Overbeck managed the only multiple hit outing with the sole RBI.
IronPigs radio broadcaster Jon Schaeffer discusses lunch with Matt Provence. These two were on fire today! Quote of the day: "I had a cat that I named Kitty" (Matt) "That's like having a kid and naming it human! (Schaeff) (click to enlarge)
After this "cut on and miss", Bobby Scales draws a walk and...
...Vinny Rottino doubles on a drive to center and...
...Scales scores.
Tuffy Gosewisch comforts Elarton after he surrendered 9 runs (8 earned) on 10 hits, 1 BB, 1 K and two - 2 run homers to Quintanilla and Satin. Elarton is still on his comeback tour after recovering from numerous injuries. Surely Scott will shake it off and return strong in his next start.
Scott Elarton wonders what is wrong with this blasted baseball - Uncle Marty some assistance please!?!
"Gimme the new Guy"
B.J. Rosenberg fresh from the R-Phils (to take the place of Michael Schwimer who got the call up to the Phils) makes his IronPigs debut.
Despite the amazing follow-through, Rosenberg gave up the 3rd home-run of the day, a two-run shot to Bison's pitcher Matt Harvey.
In the 6th Rosenberg gets Matt Tuiasosopo to ground into a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning and his debut. He would be replaced by Jeremy Horst.
Rich Thompson (PH) for pitcher Rosenberg leads off the 6th with a single and ends up on 3rd after a Domonic Brown double. There was no sense in sending Richie with the score 11-0. Hector Luna would pop-out to SS to end the inning.
Lindsey Knupp, Director of Promotions/Entertainment always makes sure the kids have fun on Education Day. In fact, the kids sure can bring the NOISE and it's often some of the loudest moments throughout the season at Coca-Cola Park.
Jeremy Horst comes on to finish the afternoon and surrenders the fourth home-run of the day. This time of the solo variety to catcher Lucas May.
After a Kevin Frandsen ground-out, Hector Luna walks to begin the rally!
Fontenot is not and flies out to CF for out number 2.
Cody Overbeck launches a double to CF scoring Luna. Then in a brilliant managerial move, Wally Backman completes a pitching change in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs and the score 12-1. (Perhaps there was a pinch count - we'll give Wally the benefit of the doubt.) Regardless, new pitcher Jeff Stevens would get Lou Montanez to go down swinging to end the misery.
Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.
Tonight the IronPigs will begin a 4 game home (away) stand as the SWB Yankees come to town. SWB has been the home team previously at CCP when their field flooded – it should be interesting. Game time is 7:05 pm and tickets are still available for Ryne Sandberg bronze statue give-away night!
Let’s Go IronPigs!
DiPro’s Dish
Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Big Game on Saturday!
We love our Steelhawks!
Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks will be taking on the Chicago Slaughter for the second time this season in a rematch of the Steelhawks season opener. This time the Slaughter come to the Steelhawks as Lehigh Valley will be looking to continue their recent winning streak. This will be a big game for the Steelhawks as they vie for a playoff spot and hope to maintain their winning record.
In their first meeting this season, the Steelhawks beat the Slaughter 30-28. More recently, Chicago (2-6) is coming off a big upset win over the Green Bay Blizzard in last week’s game. The Steelhawk defense will need to watch QB Perry Patterson (1083 yds, 21 tds, 8 ints) as he leads the offense. WR Ernest Jackson (355 yds, 9 tds) and RB Daniel DeFrene (276 yds, 11 tds) are also threats for the Slaughter.
Lehigh Valley (4-3) had a bye week this last weekend, but picked up a big win in a tough defensive game against Cedar Rapids in week eight. The Steelhawks key offensive threats lie in their receivers who are led by Irani DeAraujo (41 catches, 387 yds, 7 tds). Ryan Leafey continues to lead all IFL running backs in yards per carry (5.5 yds) and is second in the league in rushing yards. DB Marvin Johnson continues to lead the defense with 54 tackles and 3 interceptions. A strong Chicago rushing game will be up against the IFL’s leading defense (only giving up 37.9 pts per game) and a 2nd ranked rushing defense (giving up 39.3 rushing yds per game).
This weeks Steelhawk game has been deemed Health Awareness Night and is presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Halftime will feature a special performance by Lehigh Valley Jazzercise. The Precious Metal dance team will also be holding a Dance Clinic earlier in the day and all the participants will be performing with the Precious Metals in their half time show. As always, fans are invited to come out and tailgate with the Birds of Prey providing live music starting at 4pm, doors will open at 6pm.
Kick off will be at 7:05pm this Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on Service Electric TV2 Sports. They will be broadcasting all Steelhawk home games again this season. For those fans that are out of the area and wish to view the game online, please visit http://www.b2livetv.com and look up the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks under the “TEAMS” Section. Fans unable to watch the games live or on Service Electric can purchase a season viewing pass.
The Steelhawks schedule for the next couple weeks features a short trip to Reading to face the Express for the third time this season, a trip to Green Bay, and then returning to the Valley for three home games in a row beginning May 19th against Omaha, Reading, and Green Bay. Tickets for the next home game are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100, via the Steelhawks Website (www.lvsteelhawks.com), or by visiting the Stabler Arena Box Office at 124 Goodman in Bethlehem. For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.
Season ticket flex packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team’s front office at 610-282-3100. Don’t miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football!
Filed under Steel Hawks, Steelhawks Head Coach
Musical Relievers: Stutes, Schwimer, Rosenberg
The Phillies announced early this morning that reliever Mike Stutes was placed on the 15 day disabled list for inflammation of his right shoulder.
Taking his spot in the Phillies’ bullpen is our own Michael “Phear the Phro” Schwimer. Good luck Michael!
Taking Schwimer’s spot in the Pig’s bullpen is BJ Rosenberg.
Rosenberg has appeared in 5 games for the R-Phils this season with a 1-0 record, 1.12 ERA in 8 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 10 so far.
Game is today at 10:35AM, don’t forget to tune in 1230 and 1320AM for the best baseball broadcast in the business.
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
noisenation.mlblogs.com 