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!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
and even Jimmy T (insert “T” sign here) made an appearance on the 5th in his familiar seat. If you blinked, you missed it!