Monthly Archives: April 2012

To borrow a phrase from IronPigs broadcaster Matt Provence, John Suomi The Money (DH) rocked a home run to right field for what turned out to be the game winner. The rest of the ‘Pigs plated 6 runs on 8 hits to beat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 6-5 at a frigid Coca-Cola Park.

DH John Suomi following his blast (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell) (click to enlarge)

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees began the scoring early with a double to left by Steve Pearce (1B) followed up by an RBI single by former IronPig DH Jack Cust.

SWB took a 3 zip lead in the top of the third with a throwing error by Kevin Frandsen plating two again off the bat of Jack Cust.

The ‘Pigs would finally get on the board in the bottom of the third when Andres Blanco (SS) plated Tuffy Gosewisch (C) who reached on a fielders choice. Blanco would plate two on the evening and add some stellar field play. The wide ranging Blanco snared a ball behind 2nd base and snapped a throw to snare Brandon Laird (3B) who strayed a bit too far from 3rd base that surely saved a run and ended a SWB scoring rally.

The IronPigs would score 3 more in the bottom of the 6th when a double by Cody Overbeck (1B) scored Lou Montanez (RF) and Hector Luna (3B) who reached on back to back singles. The scoring rally ended early however on a base running error by Overbeck who while it appeared had an easy chance to make it back to 2nd was called out in a run-down.

SWB would score two more in the game but it was John Suomi’s 0-1 blast to the Bud Light Trough in right field that scored the last run of the evening and led to the 2nd victory in as many nights.

Craig and Annemarie Ritter of Whitehall pose with the first HR ball of 2012 (click to enlarge)

In fact, Suomi’s shot landed right into our own Noise Nation founder Dan Kehl’s seat in the Bud Light Trough while he was away. Craig and Annemarie Ritter of Whitehall were the lucky recipients of the first Home Run Ball at Coca-Cola Park in 2012.

The Pigs start 2-0 for the first time in their history and the last time a Philly AAA team began the season 2-0 was 20 years ago, ironically it was the SWB Red-Barons.

The spectacular week at Coca-Cola Park began with Monday’s Media Day, then Reading on Tuesday, Wednesday’s Red Carpet Premier of IronPigs Fan-tastic to Thursday’s opening day shut-out victory and ended loudly with the best Friday fireworks show yet.

Thursday’s perfect through 6 winner Tyler Cloyd may be in the running for IL Pitcher of the week and still end up back at AA Reading. How do you like that? So far there is great depth in the Minor League pen and the Phils should have no problem calling up some fine tossers – let’s just hope they don’t need to.

The ‘Pigs are on the bus North to Pawtucket for a 4 game series commencing with a double-header tomorrow at 4:05 pm.

Action returns to Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday the 11th at 7:05 pm when the Nationals 19 year old phenom Bryce Harper (.375)  arrives with the Syracuse Chiefs for a 3 game series – it should be fun to watch!

Go Pigs!

DiPro’s Dish

The anticipation – the countdown – the long winter – media day – it  was all done – opening day 2012 had finally arrived. The sky was clear, the Spring air was crisp and the wind wafted that familiar ball park scent that is so fondly remembered from seasons past.

The gates opened at 5:00pm to start the festivities and the queue arrived early in anticipation of the 5th Anniversary

The crowd anticipates opening day festivities. (click to enlarge)

Print sponsored by Service Electric. Larry Holmes and the Lehigh University’s (Duke) upset Basketball Team were also on hand. And of course the IronPigs were playing!

After the always pleasant and courteous service from the ticket office folks, I moved on to the Administrative Offices to spend a few moments with Receptionist Pat Golden. I’ve seen Pat throughout the fall/winter and each time we discussed the upcoming season. I wanted to know her thoughts now that opening day had arrived and Pat was kind enough to oblige.

“I wait 6 months for this and I’m estatic right now especially that it’s so beautiful out. I think this is our best week ever for opening week weather wise – it can’t get any better than this!” Pat’s score prediction was “Pigs all the way! We gotta beat those Yankees! Score 4-2”
-Receptionist Extraordinaire Pat Golden

Strolling to the East Gate I recognized a familiar face, one that I’ve actually know for over 30 years. I called out – Marty! And there he was, the infamous umpire’s attendant and IronPigs documentary star ‘Uncle’ Marty Ondrovic.

As many 40 somethings who fondly remember Marty umpiring our Summer and High-School leagues, I said to him

Uncle Marty Ondrovic - LHV Sports Legend (photo courtesy of Jim Laubach) (click to enlarge)

“You used to umpire our games back in the day.” Uncle Marty replied: “I still do!” Next, I mention recalling Marty writing the score in the dirt between innings and in his signature bellowing voice he again said: “I still do!” That’s the Marty Ondrovic I remember and now in his 80’s you’ll find his enthusiasm and knowledge of Lehigh Valley Sports unsurpassed.

We chatted a bit more about Dean & Denton Lakatosh both fixtures in Lehigh Valley Sports for many years who also played some minor league ball back in the mid 1950’s.

Marty has been in the game for countless years and I was curious what he was feeling on this particular opening day which he’s been a part of so many times in one way or another.

“Well the weather was real nice in March, but now if you see I have a hoodie on and a coat – it sure got colder. Oh yeah, all excited about a new season starting – I’m way ahead of the game as far as rubbing baseballs. I usually do 10 dozen balls a game and believe or not we go through 8 or 9 dozen baseballs in a game and I must have at least 40 cases or 40 dozen ready to go.”
-Umpire Attendant Marty Ondrovic

I can bet that if Baseball Scuffer Magazine created a top 100 list – Uncle Marty would win the Golden Scuffer Award!

As I made my to the Club Level I ran into Nick Wootsick, Manager, Events & Catering. I’ve also seen Nick a few times during the Winter and while on the subject of opening day let’s see what Nick had to say.

“First thought is getting back to the playoffs and hopefully wining the Championship”. Upon listening to my recording I believe I interrupted Nick’s next thought with with my request for his score prediction – sorry about that Nick and thanks for giving me a few moments during a busy opening day. Nick’s score prediction  7-3 ‘Pigs.

Roaming the concourse I encountered Kesha Patterson who put the deuce on the back of my latest Jersey while working in the Majestic Clubhouse Store. Her concession stand is just in front of the section where my season ticket is located. I know Kesha is a big sports fan so let’s see what she had to say about the arrival of opening day.

“I’m very very excited I can’t wait to get the game started. All day I was just thinking about it – they have a lot of new changes even from the small things like the cool decorations. Sandberg is back and I think it’s really going to be a great year! Kesha’s score prediction 5-2 IronPigs”.
-Concessions and Majestic Clubhouse Jersey iron-on Expert, Kesha Patterson

I must have seen Jan Giejda nearly 15 times all around CCP including the Tiki Terrace. Jan is always kind to stop and chat about his menu fare and the food we all enjoy on a nightly basis. Jan was very busy so we’ll get a chance to catch

Another fine Jan Giejda creation (click to enlarge)

up with him in the future.

Later in the evening as the weather grew colder the logical place to gain some warmth was back up to the club level although a bit chili to sit in my seat .

The food lines were long – even Bypass Lane had a longer then normal wait so I worked my over to the Pig Stop to see what Jan had cooked up this evening. The Life Saver looked delicious and the  item was so popular they needed to re-stock.

The Life Saver certainly didn’t disappoint and as I was concentrating on taking photos of the menu sign, I heard a voice jokingly say  “I’m sorry, I’m going to have decline any photos”.  Sure enough wasn’t it Chef Jan! Jan has got to be the hardest working Chef in Baseball and that sandwich was amazing and I’m looking forward to tonight’s.

Since the end of my trip Around the Park was nearly complete I had one further place to visit – The Press Box. All of the media boys were in there toiling away on their laptops using Tweetdeck, opening web pages , and tallying their

The best seat in the house? (click to enlarge)

score books.

When they had a moment I paid a quick visit to the Radio Broadcast room, it’s always entertaining to listen to Matt and Jon but to hear them in person is an interesting experience. There really should be a live webcam broadcasting those guys even without audio as their interaction is at times quite comical.

That was about it for the Around the Park opening night tour and it’s always a pleasure to visit with the IronPigs staff.

PIG OUT

DiPro’s Dish

Wednesday evening brought the excitement of opening day to Coca-Cola Park. The air was brisk, Bill Butler had the field looking prime and the carpet was basted in plush IronPig red.

Tonight, PBS 39 in conjunction with the IronPigs Charities debuted the IronPigs Fan-tastic documentary on the big screen. Producer/Writer Laura McHugh and Executive Producer Amy Burkett of PBS 39 were on hand.

IronPigs GM Kurt Landes (click to enlarge)

IronPigs GM Kurt Landes who was instrumental in the creation of the documentary and the partnership with PBS 39 was up first on the mic.  Landes also urged folks to buy the DVD (or) Blu-Ray. Kurt was delighted to announce the team workout, the first on-field sighting of Coach Ryne Sandberg in 2012 and “the 2012 playoff bound IronPigs”. We’ll be sure to bring the Noise Kurt!

PPProducer/Writer Laura McHugh and the now famous Jimmy T (click to enlarge)

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The first celebrity sighting of the evening was up – live with co-host Laura McHugh. The Noise Nation’s own Jimmy T who is the Fan in Fan-tastic clearly illustrated his contagious enthusiasm, knowledge and love of all things IronPigs. The Nation is fortunate to have Jimmy T as a member and proud to have shared the ‘magic carpet ride’ of 2011 right along with him.

Guests continued to arrive on the red carpet, most notably the Morning Call’s Keith Groller, Jeff Schuler, and Bill White, The Express Times Michael LoRe, and The Voice of the documentary Mike Zambelli who all appear in the film.

Next up was The Voice of the IronPigs, Director of Media Relations Matt Provence. Matt discussed the impact

The Voice of the IronPigs Matt Provence (click to enlarge)

of Ryne Sandberg on both the team and the community. He also discussed the returning players including Rich Thompson, Dom Brown, Erik Kratz, and Michael Schwimer.  Provence offered a look forward to the newly minted Pigs and mentioned Austin Hyatt who went 12-6 with a 3.85 ERA in 28 starts with Reading last year. In addition, Matt mentioned Hector Luna (311 MLB games) and Joe Thurston (184 MLB games) obviously with many years of MLB service in their mitts.

The final celebrity of the evening was our own Nation founder Dan Kehl. Dan and Laura discussed the origination of the OinK board and he was relieved to learn any nose to digit contact will remain on the “cutting-room floor”.  Dan proudly discussed the history of the Noise

Noise Nation Founder Dan Kehl and Laura McHugh Live (click to enlarge)

Nation and memories of CCP over the years.  The Flower Patch and Gift Shoppe in Walnutport was kind enough to provide the Yellow Roses.

While enjoying the view from the Oasis’ four seat tables, the Nation spent a few moments with Kurt Landes discussing the now complete Red Robin Tiki Terrace where just a few minor touches are yet to come including a wind screen and surf boards. The 4 chair tables offer a great view with wait service. The Tiki Terrace has been well covered on The Horn & Bell and to see it ready for action was the culmination of months of anticipation.

There are actually (limited) single game tickets available for the Tiki Terrace. Click here to experience the most unique seating in all of sports for just $10! Get ’em quick!

The debut began to a die hard group of wind blown fans. Despite the blustery conditions the doucementary was sensinational! If you are reading this and you have not seen the piece, be sure to catch it on April 9th at 9:00pm – check your local listings. Better still, support Public Television and  point your browser here.

Sincerest thanks to Laura McHugh, PBS 39, and the IronPigs for the tremendous job chronicling  the organization  and for including the Noise Nation in the production. The Nation was fortunate to play a small part in the whole thing and it has already set this season’s tone and we are ready to Bring the Noise!

PIG OUT & PLAY BALL!

DiPro’s Dish

New concession spot at Coca-Cola Park!

Xilantro Xpress Fine Mexican Cuisine

Xilantro Restaurant - Wayne, PA (click to visit their website)

Luis Marin of the Sarape Restaurants in Chalfont, Horsham, and Blue Bell is happy to bring you, Xilantro, a 70-seat upscale Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located in the heart of Wayne. Overseeing the kitchen is international chef and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Juan Pablo Quiroz.

“Our goal is to introduce the Main Line to authentic old-world Mexican cuisine with a contemporary

flair,” explains owner Luis Marin. “The Xilantro menu will feature a variety of authentic Mexican dishes with the freshest ingredients and a common theme – seasonal, flavorful and spectacular!”

Mariangeli was kind enough to show us the menu.

Italian Next?

Pig Out!

DiPro’s Dish