Here are my top ten favorite things about the 2012 IronPigs season, in no particular order. Likely, I’ve forgotten something. Please add yours below in the comments. (Coming soon: Least Favorite Things About the 2012 IronPigs. I try to be a good guy, but I’m not a company shill. We’ll keep this one positive, though.)
10. The Coffee Mugs
As I sit here typing, I’m drinking coffee from one of my many IronPigs coffee mugs. As excited and happy as I am to pick up my tickets each year, a little free swag is the icing on the cake. Thanks IronPigs!
(note: coffee mugs were the ticket holder gift this season. Look for my upcoming post “What the IronPigs do for Us” followed quickly by “Suggestions for the 2013 IronPigs”)
9. Autograph Day
There were several “magical” days at the park this year, and mine were probably different from yours. This is one that I’ll remember, though. The kids always love it, and we missed it in 2011. Player turnover rendered the baseball card set near useless, so the kids bought baseballs to have signed by all the players. They managed to get all of them–and the coaches. The game was good, and, close. We stayed into extras despite the school night, as we had the club level to ourselves in the rain. We watched the raindrops dripping from the railings as we awaited a walk-off. And so it was.
8. Technology
There were two technological improvements to the IronPigs experience this year that I enjoyed very much: For the first time, I got involved with the jersey auctions because of the phone bidding. I know it wasn’t without its glitches, but it had to be better than the clipboard blocking and the pen stealing (you know who you are!) of years past. We even got a couple of them (Mitchell, Hudson). I bet IronPigs Charities made more money, too, although I’ve heard nothing official.
The other technology improvement I enjoyed and appreciated was the Bypass in-seat delivery for the club level (along with the “deal of the day”). And, no, contrary to the comments from some of the corporate seats behind me–the same people who complained that their seats were too far from the field–it’s not because I’m too lazy to get up and get my food and drink. It’s because I come to the park chiefly to watch and cheer for baseball, not to stand in line. Kudos here. Glitches were minor, and very infrequent. As far as I could tell, there was no extra charge for the delivery on my bill; however, I did certainly tip the delivery person.
7. Tailgating
I thought we did a pretty good job with our tailgating this year, and I hope to improve on it next year. Most were small affairs with a few friends and family enjoying a sandwich and a soda pop, but it really added to the experience when we did it. I’d love it if more folks would stop by, though, even if it’s just to say hello. Hopefully we can make that happen in 2013.
6. The Day-Night Doubleheader
It was hot, but we sucked the marrow out of that one, didn’t we? It was probably the pinnacle of the season as far as the team and winning. We started the day at the park at 10AM with sausage and egg sandwiches on the grill, coffee, and tomato juice (say, Ed). We “survived” the first game by hiding out in the club to avoid the heat. Then came the between-game festivities featuring pre-smoked ribs by Dan and pre-pulled pork by Mark. Some bean bags and some beverages, with many friends and family stopping by. Then, more baseball! What a day!
5. Crab Fries
How did it take me three-quarters of the season to find these? Goodness, I’m slipping. But I like them, and the food and drink options at the park continue to evolve and multiply. Good stuff at the PigStop all season long by Jan. I hope they continue to add choices and quality.
4. The Tiki Terrace
I didn’t venture out there very often, but all the reviews from about the park were good. Folks loved the food and drink, and the little tables. The addition of another hospitality area was a success as well, I learned. Finally, the fact that they started staying open after the games with music and beverages, created a new “scene” for the park. It’s one that I didn’t frequent, but reviews from fans, off-duty staff, and even the occasional player, were good.
3. Opening Night
Opening night is always special, but I’ll really remember this one. My older son and I arrived late as he had a catchers’ camp. We entered through the main gates, and stopped by the trough to say hello to Dan. We knew the score from the radio, but of course didn’t hear the most important part because it was never mentioned. The first thing Dan said was, “Look carefully at the scoreboard and DON’T SAY ANYTHING.” That’s right, Tyler Cloyd, the last-minute fill-in from AA for scheduled but suspended starter Dave Bush, had a no-hitter going. With the early season game, of course, he didn’t finish it, and we remember the winning one-hit result. But it was another one of those great nights, you know?
2. The Players
While the extensive player turnover this season was one of my least favorite things, I do enjoy the variety. It’s cool to get some new players to watch periodically, even if it does mean saying good-bye to old “friends” like Rich Thompson, Kevin Frandsen, and Erik Kratz. I enjoyed watching them while they were here, and I feel happy for them having the opportunity to advance their careers in the Major Leagues. Meeting Kyle Hudson shortly after he joined the team, welcoming him to town and hearing his genuine appreciation for the park and the fans let me know that we’re doing our part to make the IronPigs what they are today. And it’s probably why the home record was as good as it was this year, as well.
1. Ryne Sandberg
Years from now, I know we’ll look back on 2011 and 2012 as the “Sandberg Years” and it will be with great fondness. The brand of baseball we witnessed these past two years was really super. I loved knowing that we had a chance to win each game. I loved knowing that we had the chance to come back in a game where we were down. I loved knowing that his players had his back, and he theirs. He’d never have it, but I’d be putting a statue out front of the park if it were up to me. Heck, Emily might even stop by periodically for a picture. 🙂
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
See, I knew I’d forget stuff: should have gone with “DiPro’s Game Recaps” or “Cheryl’s Photos.” Crab Fries? Golly. Bad on me.
“the people of the park” are a given, though, and I’ll touch on it in my “negative” post, but in a positive way…. 😉
I agree wholeheartedly on the Sandberg years. We’ve been blessed with two years of this remarkable manager, who will surely be remembered someday as much for his new vocation as for his Hall of Fame days as a player. I know he won’t be here next season — hopefully because the Phillies were smart enough to make him a coach until Charlie retires — so I’m taking this opportunity to say “Thanks for the memories, Ryno! We’ll never forget you!”
OK, here’s something else I forgot (almost): Fathers’ Day! It was a great day at the park, and after the game, one son helped “Uncle DiPro” collect his signed jersey, then we all met on the field for some catch. They’ve had that in Reading for a while, but the first time here, I think. Throwing the ball on the field with my two boys and my buddy DiPro was the most fun I’d had in a long, long time. The young one and I repeated it at the All Star party, but that Sunday was the best!
A few of my memorable/favorite things about the 2012 season:
** It took 5 years, but finally meeting DiPro. One of these years I may even meet Kram!
** The acrylic tumbler. I can’t believe how much I’ve used it already. Somehow I missed out on the coffee mug. Just wait until I see the person who did me a favor and picked up my season tickets for me.
** I’m including the winter cap giveaway because I expect it to come in handy on the cold nights next April.
** Parking by Laynce Nix’s Land Rover (or was it a Range Rover) in the parking lot on July 21st and then not recognizing him when he came out to get his “rain” bats.
** Lindsey Knupp’s outfit on Circus Night.
** Seeing Evan Longoria play for Durham at Coca-Cola Park.
** The emergence of Tyler Cloyd as the ace of the pitching staff.
** Seeing Rich Thompson get back to the major leagues even if it was with Tampa.
** Domonic Brown’s 2 HR game against the Gwinnett Braves and Todd Redmond.
** Kevin Frandsen hitting well over .300 for the Phillies including a home run off Stephen Strasburg. Must be all those Primo hoagies he eats.
** A Ryan Howard Home Run at Coca-Cola Park.
** A Chase Utley Home Run at Coca-Cola Park..
Oh, yeah, lots of good stuff there. I’ll remember that one Howard game, too, because I was sitting in 112 instead of my usual seats. Great night.
Winter hat because eldest gave his (read: mine) away. Same night we almost got kicked out…. (long story, for another day)
My kids love those tumblers. Seems like they’re always dirty when I think of using one.
That Utley night generated some angry phone calls… (another long story)
And, Decal, love to say ‘hello’ but I’m a ghost. I’m everywhere and I’m nowhere. Everybody knows me, yet nobody does. Perhaps I’ll change my name to Seyser Koze.
🙂