The final installment of my “Top Ten Reasons to Come to the Park in August” series comes to a close. I hope we can be successful in our final push towards the playoffs.
The Number One Reason to Come to the Park During This Final Home Stand: People!
Likely you’ve made some friends at the park. It’s the folks who sit in your section and your favorite usher and the guy who takes your $3 as you enter the lot. Not to mention the bartenders and the other folks you meet at the game. Some of these nice people you won’t see until April. Perhaps they won’t be back next year. C’mon out and say “hello” and “good-bye” one final time. You’re going to miss them. I know it. Plus, there might be one or two more tailgate parties in the works. Stay tuned for news on that.
Last Night:
The good guys lost a Cloyd game. I’ve been counting on Tyler and John to be rock solid in those two spots in the rotation, but it wasn’t to be last night. Cloyd did fine, of course, taking a no-hit bid through six, but a couple homers chased him. A boot by Orr and a couple hits given up by Savery and we let one slip away.
The IronPhils did well to win last night in extras, with a few of our old friends making contributions: Mayberry, Kratz, Brownie, Franny–even Phillipe got into the act with a scoreless and wild-pitch-less frame. A nifty move by Frandsen on a bunt, to avoid the tag of another old IronPig Miguel Cairo, was a highlight:
Ahead:
One more game in Rochester tonight, then back home for the final 9 games in 10 days. We might get a player or two back, as Ruiz and Scheirholtz are reportedly doing better, and could be activated sometime next week. I can only speculate, but I would think maybe Kratz and Martinez would be the ones to come down. I wouldn’t mind a pitcher, if they could spare Rosenberg. Our friend Michael Schwimer is back, but is having some difficulty with his arm–so we’ll see how that works out. We hope for him to be healthy, first, then worry about the rest. More news on that, as it becomes available.
See you at the park, tomorrow,
@Kram209
PS: Here’s the PigStop Menu:
Saturday, August 25th – London’s Burning…Cajun Grilled London Broil Sandwich with Caramelized Onions & Muenster Cheese
Sunday, August 26th – The Sensation…A Spicy Buttermilk Battered Chicken Breast Sandwich with Fried Banana Peppers, Muenster Cheese & Salsa
Monday, August 27th – The Mac Down…A Cook to Order Mac & Cheese Bar with Assorted Sauces & Toppings
Wednesday, August 29th – North vs. South…Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw on Slider Rolls
Thursday, August 30th – The Quandary Quesadilla…A Monstrous Quesadilla with Carne Asada or Cilantro Lime Chicken, Nacho Chips, Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream & Black Beans
Friday, August 31st – 50-cent Wing Night
Saturday, September 1st – Patty Melt on Marble Rye
Sunday, September 2nd – The All American…Grilled Meatloaf with Cheddar Jack Cheese, Bacon & Caramelized Sweet Onions all Served on a Onion Roll
Monday, September 3rd – Labor Of Love…Pulled BBQ Chicken with Pepperjack Cheese Sauce & Coleslaw Sandwich
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Well, there goes any hope that we ever see Erik Kratz again: Schneider to the DL with a hammy, and LeRud up to the big club from Reading.
There’s no doubt the #1 reason is the people. After a “hard day at the office”, Coca-Cola Park is a solace from the everyday grind. But… it’s not the Park itself although it’s certainly a huge part. Again it’s the people Kram mentioned – friends both old and new – employees from the front office to the back room – other members of the media – a number of my clients I run into at the Park and even the players who acknowledge the fervor of IronPigs’ fans.
I’ve said this many times this summer… “You don’t get to be number one in attendance in all of Minor League Baseball by accident!”
And a great series by Kram. I always thoroughly enjoy reading his posts but not nearly as much as I enjoy watching games with him and his family. It’s all about the people…