Monthly Archives: July 2012

As you probably know by now the Philadelphia Phillies have (re)signed a Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for 4 more years. But the announcement was not made in typical fashion.

Most teams would have quietly issued a Press Release stating they are happy to be affiliated with… blah blah blah… and that would have been that.

Not our IronPigs however!

In the usual “Pig and Circumstance” the stage was set and many different P symbols were present with former IronPigs names written on them. During this time as the projector was being setup I saw “Pigs to the Bigs Awards” across the installed movie screen.

There have been in fact 50 ‘Pigs that have gone to the Bigs including 1 coach (Greg Gross) since 2008. Click here for the Official Release PDF.

Suddenly we were at the Best Affiliate Award Show Gala. Erin Holt began the festivities with a video of some former IronPigs now in the Bigs, including a

“The Envelope Please” (click to enlarge)

faux Chooch who in his best accent said: “Baseball be berry berry good to me” – quite a comical moment. The Vanimal even made an appearance in the “Red Carpet” video. Erin who usually brings you many of those great pix around CCP did a great job in front of the camera as did all of the other IronPigs employees who participated. I would pay money for the outtakes – it looked like a blast!! Perhaps in the director’s cut??

With Jon Schaeffer M’Cing the show the winner’s envelope was handed to Diggity who nervously opened the package to reveal that the IronPigs and the Phillies were the “winners”. This prompted GM Kurt Landes to bolt from his chair raising his fists in the air whooping it up – another funny moment for sure.

Kurt thanked his wife, the media, his kids, the employees and his kids again during his raucous “acceptance speech”. The whole production was well thought out and if there is ever a category for best fake acceptance speech at a fake awards show – well then Kurt Landes would surely win the “Fakey” with his touching and humorous performance. It was all a Laugh Out Loud moment!

It was then time for Phillies Assistant Director of Player Development Steve Nowryarta to take the mic and express his gratitude for LHV and the pleasure it was to (re) sign the PDC. Despite the fact that it was printed on the press release I asked Jon Schaeffer why 4 years? The answer was because that is the maximum amount of time allowed by MLB and neither of us could imagine the IronPigs affiliated with anyone but the Phillies – ever.

Steve later commented on proximity of CBP to Lakewood, Reading and of course the Lehigh Valley. While the Phillies as a team are “slumping”, it’s difficult to argue that any other team has a better Minor League System in place and clearly today proved that very fact.

Kurt Landes and Steve Nowryarta sign the extended PDC. (click to enlarge)

So while not particular exciting news it’s still good to know that we won’t be watching the AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays anytime soon!

While I didn’t ask about all 14 of my guesses from the previous post, the 2013 Championship Game at CCP was mentioned. Kurt Landes said LHV would be happy to host despite the fact that the organization must cover all expenses including player’s salaries. He thought MilB would take a wait and see approach on how moving it from stadium to stadium was working out and decide from there. I think we’ll see it in the next few years at least.

During conversation with Kurt Landes, as we were enjoying a make your own Cheesteak bar, I inquired about the rumor of Director of Field Operations, Bill Butler’s departure and promotion to the Kansas City Royals. With a smile, Kurt mentioned it was funny I had asked that question as he had heard that rumor but wasn’t sure where it came from (I didn’t tell him). He and Bill even spoke about it and Kurt assured me that at this time Bill Butler isn’t going anywhere. Anything is possible but it seems that we will continue to have one of the best maintained fields in the game for the time being.

I noticed some work going on out in “The Trough” and asked Kurt about that as well. He said basically just a freshen up of the “It’s outta here” signage area so if anyone

Trough Refresh. (click to enlarge)

has a piece of the old sign, perhaps broken by the bat of Richie T it should do well on eBay!

As always a nice production by the IronPigs and we can never take for granted what we have here in the LHV and we are lucky to be a part of it.

Dishing for 4 more years

So our friend Jon Schaeffer (the other Voice) sent out a media release containing information of a significant announcement tomorrow at Coca-Cola Park at 1:30 pm and speculation is running rampant on what it might be.

Rumors have run the gambit from a new Head Grounds Keeper to a Dome (*snicker*) to pretty much everything in between.

We’ll find out tomorrow but here’s a few guesses to get you started:

1. Coca-Cola Park will be the home of the 2013 Triple-A Championship – it’s possible, not likely since it’s in Durham this year

2. New food vendor – perhaps a local staple?

3. The new IronPigs “Porking” Deck?

4. A New Scoreboard?
a. A “ribbon” board around the club level?

5. New looks for the Mascot(s)?

6. Additional Seating? (Bleacher seats? The extension of the Club Level)

7. A Phillies Alum joining the team or front office?

8. The announcement of Richie T Alley?

9. Free parking for the rest of the season? (*smile*)

10. A major concert coming to Coca-Cola Park?

11. New Unis and/or logo redesign for 2012?

12. The Hockey Stadium Project has been scrapped and all games will be played outdoors at CCP?

13. Section 108 will be renamed the Jimmy T section?

14. The 3 millionth guest through the gate get’s the Park named after them for a day and lifetime season tickets?

15. New food item contest?

Finally and best of all the IronPigs and Phillies are going to switch stadiums for an evening and all IronPigs’ season ticket holders get a free ticket and luxury bus ride to CBP! (hopefully not in the same night!)

Probably none of the above. Regardless, these announcements are usually interesting so we’ll just have to wait and see!

Anyone have any other guesses?

The first guess that is correct will receive two field-level vouchers valid for any Monday – Thursday regular season 2012 game.

Dishing Puzzled (or am I?)

Wierd?

Wait?

What?

Much like this morning’s post it’s difficult to put this season (thus far) into words and it’s not a bad weird – just odd weird. It seems that things have happened this year that are rarely seen. Triple plays, the hidden ball trick, crazy walk-offs, big come-backs, huge (painful) losses, talented “kids” from Reading, Richie T traded, D Mitch busting his arm, who’s on third?, Schwim gone, LF crashing into CF 3 times in a week,  Kratzie doing his best

Avoid the Cloyd

yo-yo impression and the list goes on and on.

“Feast or Famine” was the way fellow fan and friend Joe described it and while I agree with Joe, there are still times that the ‘Pigs just find ways to win games. At the same time there are certainly those “feast or famine” times.

Regardless of all that the IronPigs find themselves in first place in the IL North.

The standings of the Phillies always effects us and this year has been an anomoly with all of the injuries and bullpen issues the Phillies have suffered. Such is the nature of AAA where the goal truly isn’t to win. In 2010, Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com wrote:

Tim Wallach’s job, roughly speaking, is to get the players on his team ready to play in the major leagues. Winning is nice, but secondary. It’s much more important for a young prospect like outfielder Xavier Paul to get regular at-bats against lefties, or work on dropping down sacrifice bunts with a runner on first, than it is to take three of four from the Portland Beavers.

Just before getting the call-up as the Dodger’s 3rd base coach Wallach was the manager for the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes.  Certainly Ryne Sandberg’s job is the same which is why Scott Elarton will pitch 7 innings no matter how many runs he may give up. I’m not picking on Scott by any means just offering an example of how AAA baseball is just different from the Majors.

Regardless of all that the IronPigs find themselves in first place in the IL North.

Eric Kratz carries a big stick and knows how to use it!

LHV has had 92 total transaction as of the latest roster update (7/7).  Since the beginning of May, Erik Kratz has traveled the turn-pike no less than 9 times – I hope he has an E-Z Pass. If you compare today’s starting line-up to that of opening day (4/5) only Frandsen, Overbeck, and Blanco are the same.  There’s been more roster turnovers than IHOP!

Apparently, a player has 72 hours to report to AAA once they have been optioned. It’s a shame Hector Luna most likely will not make the double-header tomorrow either when we sure could use his bat.

Regardless of all that the IronPigs find themselves in first place in the IL North.

Seems the famine has emerged once again and the ‘Pigs  have not scored a run in their last 15 innings – and were shut-out by the Redwings 4 – zip tonight. The dreaded RISP stat returns (1 for 17 and left 12 on base) in their last two games.  “Oy Vey!”

No need for panic – we’ll get some road wins – take a little break for the All-Star festivities – and return home for some more great baseball and wins at Coca-Cola Park! The real question is when will Jimmy T return once again!?! The mystery ensues!

Hopefully, the feared 7 inning double-header will fare well! Let’s go Ty-ler! Speaking of Cloyd, why is he still here – he’s been great since opening day’s call-up. Not complaining and I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it but the Phils sure are taking their time with him – perhaps they learned from the “Brown incident(s)”.

Tyson Brummett will get another spot start in the 2nd game of the double-header. A few games ago I heard Phillippe Aumont “politely” informing Brummett that he was out of “the club” (the reliever club) because he was now a starter at which Tyson “Brummetted” back “I am NOT a starter”! I wonder if Phillippe will let him back in this time? All in good fun I’m sure.

Dishing in first place

While contemplating this post I thought how difficult it may be to put the last 11 days into simple text. For those who watched every pitch of every game you can appreciate the Good Sheppard Rehab appearances by both Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Six nights of fireworks in a row, the heat, walk-offs, and so on.

So many interesting things happened that most likely will never be duplicated again at Coca-Cola Park and the memories are plentiful (most of them “swampy”)…

Dramatic come from behind victories including back-to-back walk-offs, one by a walk and another by a wild pitch, two grand-slams (one ours), awesome Pig Stop menus, IronPigs employees going all-out, 6 nights of fireworks in a row (Who does that?)  and the list goes on and on.

All that topped off with the return of Tim Keeler who while on leave was fortunate to get out to a few games and even had a chat with Matt & Jon on the air. I know he thoroughly enjoyed himself – God Speed Tim!

Among old friends and new friends, those that did not pass-out from the heat enjoyed some great baseball – oh and the worst loss in franchise history way back in June against Pawtucket 14-1 – and it was moderately painful. It was fun however to see infielder Tugg HUElett “the dogs out” pitch a scoreless inning and then follow it up with a home-run!

Further still was an entire day of adventure during July 1st’s day-night double-header. From arriving at the Park at 10:30 for sausage egg and cheese sandwiches to the amazing bar-b-que between games it was over 12 hours of awesomeness. Thank you Kram and Dan for the great cooking!

Here’s a look inside the numbers…

LHV outscored their opponents 64-60 but came away with an 8-4 record during the 12 games and now lead the IL North by 3 games over the Pawtucket RedSox.

The IronPigs combined for a .293 average with 120 total hits – 25 doubles – 5 triples – 7 home-runs including a granny by Tug HUElett himself and a HR each by Utley and Howard along with 41 walks and 68 K’s.

A total of 107 1/2 innings were played resulting in 35 hours and 12 minutes of baseball seen by 114,759 (5 sell-outs) and on 6/26 what I believe to be the 3rd largest crowd in CCP history with only the Phillies appearance and the All-Star Game eclipsing this day.

The average box score game listed temperature was 89 degrees but there were times the real-feel temp was at least 105 – it was dog-gone hot! The waffles and ice cream sure came in handy and you should be sure to get one – just remember it’s enough for at least two or a small family!

All in all – again almost indescribable and I know I’m still missing some stuff from the list but it is surely another IronPig summer not soon forgotten.

Got a couple pix (see below) – to see more check out the NoiseNation FB Page and be sure to follow @CherylPursell on twitter for more great shots. Of course always visit the IronPigs FB Page for even more great shots!

Thank you IronPigs for all of your hard work – fans around the park loved all of it – now try to get a little rest over the break!

In the immortal words of Matt Provence, “How do you like all that?”  The answer given mostly – A LOT!

Going to hit up Reading for the “HR Derby” and the All-Star Game. Stay tuned for those posts – there should be some interesting shots from the infield during the Derby!

The ‘Pigs will play 11 on the road before returning to the LHV on July 20 and we’ll see you there!

Epic Dishing

Classic Ryno

Kevin Frandsen’s shoes honoring his brother DJ. See this great post from Michael LoRe for the touching story.

Chase Utley packed the stands!

Coca-Cola Park – Capacity Crowd.

NBC – Philly’s John Clark was one of the many media on hand for Chase Utley.

The Noise Nation Flag made an appearance during the Day-Night Double-Header.

Independence Day Sunset.

Uncle Sam even made an appearance!

Topped off by tons of fireworks!

Billy “Leechboy” Patrick was the entertainer of the evening at Coca-Cola Park and the singer song-writer is quite a talent. From a Marshall Tucker Band cover to his own hand penned artistry we will see him on the MTV and/or CMTV Music Awards one day – I’ll tell ya that!

Certainly a unique sound with influences (according to Billy) from The Beatles to Bill Monroe to Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr, Phish, and even a hint of Rush all with his own style of looping various percussion, chords and harmonies. Follow him on Facebook and be sure to get out and see him – he will return to Coca-Cola Park a few more times this year!

Billy “Leechboy” Patrick performs at Coca-Cola Park

Click below for a sample of Billy’s talent and a great tune for July 4th!

Dishing in God’s Country