Monthly Archives: March 2013

March 31, 2013 · 9:16 pm

Meet The 2013 Syracuse Chiefs

The 2013 International League season begins on April 4 with a four game series at home vs. the Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A team of the 2012 N.L. East Division Champion Washington Nationals. Here’s a look at the team that will be facing our Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. (Players of interest are marked with a **)

Starting Pitchers:
Yunesky Maya, 31 year old RH pitcher from Cuba. He is beginning his third season with Syracuse and was 4-9 5.00 in 2011 and 11-10 3.88 in 2012.
Tanner Roark, 26 year old RH pitcher, he was 6-17 4.39 with Syracuse in 2012.
Ryan Perry, 26 year old RH pitcher, he was a former 1st round draft pick by the Tigers and was traded to the Nationals for Collin Balester in December, 2011. He has a 6-6 career big league record, mostly with Detroit and he split time between AA Harrisburg and AAA Syracuse in 2012, going a combined 3-5 3.07.
Ross Ohlendorf, A veteran 30 year old righty, he has a career major league record of 18-32 with the Yankees, Pirates & Padres. He was 4-4 for the Padres in 2012 and 5-4 in AAA.
Danny Rosenbaum, A 25 year old LH pitcher drafted by the Nationals in the 22nd round in 2009. He was 8-10 3.94 in 26 starts with AA Harrisburg in 2012.

Bullpen:
Erik Davis, A 26 year old RH reliever, he spent the majority of 2012 at AA Harrisburg where he went 7-3 2.52 with 5 Saves. He had 69 strikeouts in 64.1 innings pitched.
Jeff Mandel, A 27 year old righty, drafted by Washington in 2007 out of Baylor University. He was 4-4 4.66 in AA last year and 6-5 2.58 with Syracuse. He was used mostly as a starter last year.
Ryan Tatusko, 28 year old RH pitcher. He pitched at AA Harrisburg in 2012 where he went 4-5 3.50. His best year was 2010 when he was 12-3 in AA.
J.C. Romero, A familiar face from the Phillies bullpen, the now 36 year old lefty has a career big league record of 34-28 with a 4.16 ERA. He is best remembered by Phillies fans for winning game 3 and the clinching game 5 of the 2008 World Series vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jeremy Accardo, Another veteran, the 31 year old righty spent time with the Indians and Athletics in 2012. He has a career big league record of 10-20 4.30 and has 38 career Saves.
Fernando Abad, A 27 year old lefty from the Dominican Republic, he has pitched parts of the past 3 seasons with the Houston Astros. He was 2-0 with 2 Saves in the Pacific Coast League last year.
Mike Crotta, A 28 year old RH pitcher, he missed the entire 2012 season after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his elbow in April, 2012. He pitched in 15 games for the Pirates in 2011.
Patrick McCoy, A 24 year old southpaw, he spent all of 2012 with Harrisburg in the Eastern League where he was 7-3 3.70, all out of the bullpen. He also had 2 Saves.

Catchers:
Jhonatan Solano, The 27 year old catcher played briefly with the Nationals in 2012 and hit .314 in 12 games. He hit .250 at Syracuse last year.
Carlos Maldonado, The 34 year old veteran catcher also spent most of 2012 at Syracuse where he hit .210 with 6 homers.

Infielders:
**Chris Marrero, The 24 year old RH first baseman was a 1st round draft pick by the Nationals in 2006. He had 109 at bats with the Nationals in 2011 but a torn hamstring in the winter leagues caused a major setback in 2012. He spent all of last year at 5 different minor league levels and hit just .244 with Syracuse with 0 HR. Still, the power potential is there and MLB.com has him rated as the #12 prospect for the Nats.

**Jeff Kobernus, A 2nd round pick in 2009, the 24 year old RH hitting second baseman is among the fastest players in the Nationals farm system. He hit .282 with 42 SB at Harrisburg in the Eastern League in 2012. He is rated the #16 prospect for Washington.
Carlos Rivero, The big third baseman hit 15 HR at Reading and 1 with the Ironpigs in 2011 and then played all of 2012 with Syracuse where he hit .303 with 10 HR. He is still only 24.

**Zach Walters, The 23 year old switch hitting shortstop is rated the #14 prospect in the Washington farm system. He played at 3 minor league levels in 2012 and hit a combined .266. He was acquired from Arizona for Jason Marquis on July 30, 2011 and is considered an above average shortstop with a strong arm. Walters hits best from the left side but doesn’t have much power. His versatility is a big plus and he can play well at any infield position.
Will Rhymes, The 30 year old LH hitting second baseman has played in the big leagues for the Detroit Tigers in 2010-2011 and with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012. He has a lifetime big league average of .266 but hit just .256 last year in 46 games with the Durham Bulls.

Mike Costanzo, The 29 year old LH hitting corner infielder/outfielder made his big league debut with Cincinnati in 2012 but had just 1 hit in 18 at bats. He was originally drafted by the Phillies and once hit 27 homeruns in a season with Reading. He hit .262 with 9 HR at Louisville in 2012.

Outfielders
**Corey Brown, The 27 year old LH hitting outfielder is one of the most dangerous hitters in the International League. He was a former first round draft pick by Oakland out of Oklahoma State University and in 2012 he hit .285 with 25 HR and 71 RBI with Syracuse. He also stole 18 bases. You will usually find him batting either first or third in the Syracuse lineup.

**Eury Perez, If Corey Brown doesn’t bat leadoff for Syracuse this year it’s because of the presence of Eury Perez. The 22 year old right-handed outfielder from the Dominican Republic is the #7 prospect for the Nationals according to MLB.com. He was a member of the Dominican team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. He doesn’t have much power but he hit .299 with 26 stolen bases and Harrisburg last year before moving up to Syracuse where he hit .333 with 20 stolen bases. He is considered an above average centerfielder with a strong arm.

**Micah Owings, At the age of 30, the former pitcher with a career 32-33 big league record has decided to try to convert to an outfielder. He has always been a good hitter and has a lifetime major league batting average of .283 in 205 at bats. He also has 9 homeruns at the major league level. With those kind of numbers, most experts feel if he can do an adequate job in the outfield he should eventually make it back to the big leagues.
Jimmy Van Ostrand, The 28 year old RH hitting outfielder was a member of Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. He was signed by Washington out of Independent League baseball last year and played at Harrisburg where he hit .310 with 10 HR.

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March 30, 2013 · 8:47 pm

NoiseCast – Episode 1 – Hawks & Hogs & Things

We are pleased to release our first NoiseCast episode of the 2013 with more to follow. Also, there just may be a few more (new) exciting things coming from The Horn & Bell in 2013 – Stay tuned!

Click below – give a listen – post a comment!

Right click to download.

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Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

March 30, 2013 · 2:43 pm

Meet the 2013 IronPigs: Roster Announced

Here are the 25 players who will break camp with the AAA Phillies: Your 2013 IronPigs.

As long-time readers know, I’m always positive about the new roster when it comes out. I’m always excited to see the players and cheer for their success and I’m always sure that they’re going to do well. I’m often wrong. Just ask frequent guest Lefty33. This year is different, though. This year’s IronPigs roster is packed with prospects–by far the most we’ve ever had. There are more on the way from Reading, too! It’s very possible that we’re seeing the core of the “Future Phillies.” Make no mistake, there could be bumps in the road: injuries, trades, growing pains. There are no guarantees. It should be fun to watch, though. And as always, I’m excited for this season. Perhaps more than ever. Further analysis below, and after. And now, meet the 2013 IronPigs:

STARTING PITCHERS

Jonathan Pettibone

Age: 23 in July

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: 19 Starts in Reading; 7 Starts with IronPigs

Stock: Steady Rise

Analysis: Jon was 4-1, 2.55ERA for the IronPigs late last summer as did his best to push the ‘Pigs towards a possible playoff berth. He’s a right-hander with a sinking fastball. If things go as planned this year, he should not only provide the ‘Pigs with a solid start every five days, but should make his debut with the Phillies at some point as well.

Tyler Cloyd

Age: 26 in May

MLB Experience: Made his debut with the Phillies last year going 2-2, 4.91 over 6 starts

Last Year: Reading, IronPigs, and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising.

Analysis: A smart and accurate pitcher, Tyler should be in the mix to make starts for the Phillies this season should they have the need. He uses pitching strategy and control as he doesn’t have an overpowering fastball. The righty will need to keep up the good work, though, as his fellow starters with the IronPigs will be pushing for the same opportunity.

Ethan Martin

Age: 24 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: AA Chattanooga and Reading

Stock: Rising Steadily

Analysis: Ethan was a first-round pick of the Dodgers who came to the Phillies’ organization last year as part of the Shane Victorino trade. He really hit his stride with Reading, going 5-0 over 7 starts helping the Fightins make the Eastern League playoffs. He needs to continue the pitch control that worked so well for him last year in Reading. He may take Michael Schwimer’s role as “best hair on the IronPigs.”

Adam Morgan

Age: 23

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Clearwater and Reading

Stock: Skyrocketing

Analysis: After skipping Lakewood to head directly to Clearwater last season, the lefty was then promoted for the stretch run in Reading where he went 4-1. Somewhat of a surprise addition, but he’s earned it and I look forward to seeing him pitch. He may even make is MLB debut this year—but at the least he puts pressure on the other young pitchers to produce as well

Brian (BJ) Rosenberg

Age: 28 in September

MLB Experience: Got his first taste of the majors with 22 appearances with the Phillies last season. He started one game.

Last Year: IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Rosenberg suffered through some arm difficulty early in camp, but is now being stretched out to take a spot in the IronPigs rotation. He’s a hard thrower who served the IronPigs well last season as both a reliever and a starter.

RELIEVERS

Jake Diekman

Age: 26

MLB Experience: Appeared in 32 games for the Phillies last season

Last Year: 1.69ERA with the IronPigs, 3.95 for the PHILLIES

Stock: Still rising as the lefty side-armer perfects his delivery and strategy.

Analysis: Jake returns to the IronPigs but perhaps not for long. He will be called upon to help in the bullpen in Philadelphia should other lefties (Bastardo, Horst) falter.

Justin De Fratus

Age: 25

MLB Experience: 5 games with Philadelphia in 2011, 13 in 2012

Last Year: Justin battled back from injury last year to post 2.49 in 17 games for the IronPigs and 3.38 in Philadelphia.

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Last year was supposed to be a special year for De Fratus, but injuries got in the way. This year the RH reliever looks to fully bounce back, and should find himself back in Philadelphia at any time. His slider has been rated as among the best in the Phillies’ system.

Justin Friend

Age: 27 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Justin dominated as the closer for Reading last season, making the AA All-Star team and serving as their closer. He represented himself well and has nothing left to prove in AA. He’s not considered a prospect by the so-called experts, but he continues to move up the system. He came to the Phillies organization as a Rule 5 pick in the Minor League phase.

Cesar Jimenez

Age: 28

MLB Experience: Parts of three different seasons with Seattle

Last Year: Seattle

Stock: Volatile

Analysis: The lefty reliever was claimed on waivers by the Phillies, and will provide veteran depth in the ‘pen to go along with other upper-system leftys like Diekman, Cochran, Valdes, Horst, Savery and Bastardo.

Joe Savery

Age: 28

MLB Experience: Several games over the past two seasons with the Phillies

Last Year: IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The former first-round pick LHP has flourished since moving from the rotation to the ‘pen (with a detour to 1B). He adds another left arm available for relief.

Michael Stutes

Age: 27 in September

MLB Experience: with the Phillies in 2011 and 2012

Last Year: Recovering from injury, he joined the Phillies late in the season

Stock: Rebounding

Analysis: It might be a short stay in Allentown for Stutes. He’ll be among the first called back to the Phillies when they have a need.

Zach Miner

Age: 31

MLB Experience: Parts of four seasons with Detroit: 2006-2009

Last Year: three levels in the Detroit Minor League system

Stock: volatile

Analysis: The former starter from Detroit was originally drafted by the Braves. He continues to make his way back to the majors following Tommy John surgery in 2010, now as a reliever. He’s pitched well in Spring Training and could emerge as a long option for the Phillies if the need arises.

CATCHERS

Tommy Joseph

Age: 22 in July

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: AA with Richmond and Reading

Stock: Soaring

Analysis: The young catcher came over as the main piece in the Hunter Pence deal with San Francisco. He’s had a great spring a looks to be the eventual replacement for Ruiz in Philadelphia. By most accounts, he’s passed Valle on the prospect list for catchers in the Phillies’ system.

Steven Lerud

Age: 28

MLB Experience: 3 games last season with Philadelphia

Last Year: Mostly with Reading, he was called directly to Philadelphia when injuries hit the Phillies

Stock: Slow climb.

Analysis: Steven has played in the International League before, with Norfolk for a short time in 2010. He came up through the Pirates system and will serve as the third catcher (at AAA behind Kratz and Quintero) for the first 25 games while Ruiz serves his suspension.

INFIELD

Cody Overbeck

Age: 27 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: IronPigs

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The IronPigs 1B returns. Spring reports have Cody’s power returning somewhat to the levels reached in Reading two years ago.

Josh Fields

Age: 30

MLB Experience: Parts of five seasons with the White Sox and the Royals

Last Year: AAA for the Dodgers after returning from Japan

Stock: Stable

Analysis: The veteran 3B has played at Coca Cola Park before, in 2008 and 2009 with Charlotte. He can play 1B, DH, and some corner outfield as well. He should add some power to the IronPigs lineup having hit 13 HRs last year.

Cesar Hernandez

Age: 23 in May

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Continues to Rise

Analysis: The 2B prospect continues his development at AAA in 2013 having shown well in 2012. He does not hit for power, but uses his speed to generate a high number of doubles and triples.

Cody Asche

Age: 23 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Clearwater and Reading

Stock: Soaring

Analysis: Just as with good friend LHP Adam Morgan, Cody earned a promotion to AAA somewhat surprisingly in only his second full season of Minor League baseball. The 3B prospect will be a lot of fun to watch this season!

Michael Martinez

Age: 31 in September

MLB Experience: Parts of the past two seasons with the Phillies

Last Year: IronPigs and PHILLIES

Stock: Stable

Analysis: Martinez was a ‘Rule 5’ pick from the Washington organization. The utility player can play infield or outfield as needed, and should start as the IronPigs opening day Shortstop.

Pete Orr

Age: 34 in June

MLB Experience: Parts of 7 seasons with Atlanta, Washington, and Philadelphia

Last Year: PHILLIES and IronPigs

Stock: Stable

Analysis: We welcome back Pete Orr who can provide veteran leadership for the youngsters in the infield, and provide depth for several infield positions for the Phillies. He’s a smart player who has retained his speed over the years and will hit the occasional HR.

OUTFIELD

Darin Ruf

Age: 27 in July

MLB Experience: Last Fall with the Phillies

Last Year: Reading and PHILLIES

Stock: Still Rising

Analysis: Slugger Ruf looks to refine his skills in Left Field and return to the MLB team to help with his right-handed power bat. Enjoy him while you can, as he’ll likely be back in Philadelphia soon. He’s a converted 1B who will continue to see time there periodically. His RH power is an alternative to John Mayberry Jr. for the Phillies.

Tyson Gillies

Age: 24

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading

Stock: Rising cautiously

Analysis: The enigmatic CF who came over from Seattle in the Cliff Lee deal arrives at Coca Cola Park. He’s been plagued by injuries and mishaps over his MiLB career thus far, but his athletic talent cannot be denied. He should be fun to watch in CF as well as on the base paths provided he can stay healthy. Tyson is legally deaf and uses hearing aids off the field.

Jermaine Mitchell

Age: 28

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: AAA Sacramento (Oakland)

Stock: Poised to Rise?

Analysis: Jermaine comes to the IL after parts of the last three seasons in the PCL as part of the Oakland organization. He battled injury last season, which saw his numbers drop. He has speed and some power, and can play all three outfield positions. He had a nice showing in the MLB Spring Training camp for the Phillies this year.

Steve Susdorf

Age: 27 last Thursday

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading and IronPigs

Stock: Steady

Analysis: The 2008 19^th round pick of the Phillies continues to contribute in the outfield. He saw his power numbers dip a bit last year. He hit .339 in Reading in 2011.

Leandro Castro

Age: 24 in June

MLB Experience: None

Last Year: Reading

Stock: Steady Rise

Analysis: The right-batting corner outfield prospect may be able to play some CF as well. His power numbers will need to increase if he’s to continue to progress as a corner outfielder. He can steal bases and hit for average. He gets the promotion to the IronPigs after spending all of last year in Reading, and the previous year in Clearwater.

……

Reviewing the Roster by the Numbers:

Players who will be 25 or younger for the majority of the season

Players who have been listed by the baseball experts, as “prospects.”

Players who have already played for the Phillies

Players with MLB experience

Indeed it should be a special season. Please check back at the Horn and Bell Blog of lvnoisenation.com for news and notes as the season progresses. As we’ve learned, the roster is fluid organism, which may change at any time. We’ll keep you posted!

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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Tagged as ironpigs roster 2013

March 30, 2013 · 10:15 am

IronPigs Introduce New Concessions

Yesterday, the IronPigs released information about the 2013 concessions. There are some exciting new additions, and some changes. Here in KramsKorner we’re always excited by food–perhaps too much so. Early this season we expect to post a Comprehensive Guide to Concessions at Coca Cola Park. But until then, read about what’s new:

Sooeey’te Spot Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt stand will open later in April near home plate, where the souvenir stand used to be. It will feature six flavors nightly, with a variety of toppings. You will be able to make your own, mix and match, and then pay by the ounce.

Boar-ito Stand

Located out near the Bud Light Trough, the re-done Mexican stand will feature make-your-own burritos of pork (of course), beef, chicken, or all vegetarian. Customize your toppings! You’ll also be able to get the Nacho Porker here, and the Walking Taco. Adult beverages at this stand will include LandShark Lager and Lime-a-Ritas.

Bratz Platz Grill

Thought to be located in the ATT Plaza, but location has not been specified. The grill will feature Boss Dogs, Bratwurst, and Jalapeno Bratwurst served with a selection of toppings including sauerkraut, cole slaw, onions, and peppers. The rolls will be pretzel!

Trough Grill

The trough grill will be the only location for the new Bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Fresh fruit smoothies in flavor such as Strawberry Patch, Honest Energy, and Hula Hula will be available near section 107.

Here are some other notes I gathered from the IronPigs press release:

Food and Beverage service will be available in both the Hot Corner AND the Bacon Strip
Bypass Lane will continue in its current form for field level (pick up) and club level (delivery)
Soft drinks (Coca Cola offerings, of course) and Adult offerings (featuring Budweiser products) remain mostly unchanged
32oz beers will continue to be available at the Trough, Tiki Terrace, portables, and Club Bar
Philly Pretzel (yay!), Aww Shucks Corn (yay!), Gyro Company (yay!), and Nuts For You (yay!) all return.
Pig Stop in the club level returns, now under control of the new executive chef, Jerry Rogers

Now, let’s meet the concession team:

Jerry Rogers, Executive Chef

Alex Rivera, Director of Concessions

Brock Hartranft, Manager of Concessions

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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Tagged as bacon wrapped hot dogs, ballpark food, coca cola park, concessions

March 28, 2013 · 1:23 pm

PorkCenter! IronPig’s Set up Social Media Command Post!

From the IronPig’s Media Dept.

INTRODUCING PORKCENTER: MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL’S FIRST SOCIAL MEDIA COMMAND CENTER

Fans Get a First-Hand Look at PorkCenter on Game Days at Coca-Cola Park

NOTES: PorkCenter Rendering Attached

(Allentown, PA) – Minor League Baseball’s first and only fan-interactive social media command center, PorkCenter, debuts this April affording fans the unique opportunity to supplement their game day experience at Coca-Cola Park and beyond. Download the IronPigs brand-new app, available for iPhone and Android on Monday, April 1, for a chance to enter PorkCenter during each IronPigs home game.

PorkCenter is physically located on the Field Level at Coca-Cola Park and features a quad-screen set-up for social media tracking, game watching and more. It will truly be a social media headquarters and sports desk, allowing the IronPigs to engage with fans in a both an in-person and online setting.

PorkCenter, presented by The Morning Call, will be the first operating social media command center in professional baseball when the IronPigs open this April. The IronPigs will have an employee dedicated full-time to creating, producing and directing social media content, believed to be a first in Minor League Baseball.

“This is a complete game-changer when it comes to interacting with our fans on social media,” remarked IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. “Our fans are incredibly loyal to our club in a variety of ways, including through all of our social media channels. This is a reward for their passion and pride in our brand and product.”

Join the conversation by following @PorkCenter on Twitter today and interact from anywhere, including during all IronPigs home games, with unique hashtags such as:

· #AskPork: Ask us anything (really, anything at all) and we will do our very, very best to get back to you with an answer. Where’s the restroom? What time is first pitch? Who is the IronPigs home run leader? Why do we have urinal games? No question is off limits.

· #PorkSwag: Send us your game day photos in IronPigs gear. We’ll retweet your photos and even post the best ones on the videoboard at Coca-Cola Park.

· #PorkIQ: Have an idea that you would like to see us implement? We promise (pinky swear) to consider each and every one.

PorkCenter will constantly evolve, introducing new hashtags, themes, contests and promotions throughout the season. On each game day, fans can register via the IronPigs app for a PorkCenter “tour”, learning the fundamentals of the IronPigs social media experiment. Don’t forget to sign our guest book (a 7’x7’ whiteboard wall) or snap a photo (or video) during your PC visit.

Other interactive elements, such as Google+ Hangouts, exclusive Twitter chats with IronPigs players, are also on tap for PorkCenter’s debut.

In addition to PorkCenter, the IronPigs social media studio includes Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Foursquare, Google+, Pinterest and Vine. Search “IronPigs” on any of these sites to start receiving unique content, exclusive offers and more.

Added V.P., Advertising for The Morning Call Jim Feher: “Helping fans stay connected to the IronPigs is what we do every day. We felt it was important to partner with the IronPigs to bring Pork Center to life,” Jim Feher, VP advertising The Morning Call.

The IronPigs are among the leaders in the online landscape, boasting more website visitors than any other team in Minor League Baseball and rank highly throughout various social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

Coca-Cola Park has been among the most progressive venues in professional sports since its highly-acclaimed debut in 2008, receiving numerous honors and distinctions, including Ballpark Digest’s “Ballpark of the Year” award and “Best Game Operations and Presentation” award as chosen by gameops.com. Earlier this week, the IronPigs announced that Coca-Cola Park would be the first sports venue in the world to feature a “Urinal Gaming System” in a unique partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

A record-setting 688,821 fans visited Coca-Cola Park during the 2012 season – making it the most frequented venue in Minor League Baseball for a third consecutive season. In fact, the IronPigs are the only Minor League franchise to eclipse 600,000 in attendance for each of the last five campaigns.

Single-game tickets for the 2013 season presented by Capital BlueCross as well as the Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game are available now by visiting ironpigsbaseball.com, by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447) or at the Coca-Cola Park ticket window during normal business hours.

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March 28, 2013 · 9:27 am

IronPig Spring Stats Thru 3/27/13

From the IronPig’s media dept. (Click on image for larger text)

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March 28, 2013 · 9:20 am

IronPigs Jon Schaeffer is a Whizz

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have created quite a firestorm of media attention with the recently announced Urinal Gaming System installed at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA.

The ticketing folks despite being quite busy were as always on top of their game and I appreciate the season ticket holder swag! Great job guys and gals!

What fortunate timing the day after the big announcement and the Park was chock full of people eager to talk Urinal Games. A few mentioned that it’s quite fun and surprisingly accurate.

According to the front office reaction to the announcement was for the most part quite positive. There were certainly a few that were downright displeased about the new addition and one who completely misunderstood what the Urinal Game was all about. Definitely a funny story – not really fit to print in this blog – but feel free to use your imagination.

The IronPigs’ Director of New Media and ‘radio guy’ Jon Schaeffer is the Whiz behind the reporting and responding to the myriad of media requests. “Schaeff” aka the Porcelain Prince is not taking this announcement Sitting Down and it’s likely his Number 1 priority at the moment as he’s clearly not Piddling Around with the constant Stream of inquiries.

Seriously though…

When asked his reaction to all the media and fan attention Jon said, “I think we realized that when we sent out the release it was going to receive a lot of fanfare. An overwhelming majority of the feedback has been positive, too. We are excited that it has raised awareness for men’s health and prostate screening. According to American Cancer Society, in 2013, about 240,000 cases of prostate cancer were expected with close to 30,000 fatalities. This is the message that Lehigh Valley Health Network will be communicating throughout the season.”

It’s important to note that despite all the media hype whether good or bad, there is an important message within all this. If the idea of Urinal Games can further foster prostate cancer awareness I’m not sure you can find fault in any of it.

Jon also mentioned, “The idea was actually tossed around by (GM) Kurt (Landes) and (former Director of Multimedia Design and Entertainment) Matt Zidik years ago, but never came into fruition because there wasn’t a supplier in the U.S. with the technology available. Kurt and Captive Media touched base and once it became apparent that it would be available in the U.S., our organization expressed interest.”

There you have it folks, the season hasn’t even started yet but in typical IronPigs’ fashion they have managed to create a buzz that probably hasn’t been seen since opening day 2008.

Only 1 week – 7 days – 168 hours or 10,800 minutes until first pitch. We’re certainly ready, the IronPigs are ready – Are you?

‘You’re In Trouble’ Dishing

DiPro

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March 28, 2013 · 9:18 am

Wanted – Minor League Baseball Blogger

We noticed this on Twitter yesterday:

Donnie Collins (@RailRidersTT)
3/27/13, 5:23 PM Pinstripes Plus looking for writers to follow RailRiders

Attached to the tweet was this link, http://blogs.thetimes-tribune.com/railriders/index.php/2013/03/27/want-to-write-about-baseball-heres-an-opportunity/

From that link:

“…looking for an intern who can follow the RailRiders and write stories for Pinstripes Plus…Basically, the job description is to attend RailRiders home games, interview players and coaches and write feature articles. You must have some writing experience and live in or around Scranton.”

Pinstripes Plus is looking for a dedicated individual to cover the Railriders this season.

Link to Pinstripes Plus online.

For more details, check out the link above.

***

Interestingly enough, our IronPigs don’t have that same problem. You can find news and information from many different sources including this site.

Could the IronPigs be leading the minor leagues in media coverage? Very possible.

Fresh Coat of Paint for Coca Cola Park

We’re getting closer to Opening Day 2013 and even closer to the 222 Showdown!

From Twitter @kurtlandes

Happy Happy! More on IronPig Urinal Games!

Our very own DiPro’s Dish was hard at work tracking down more information on the IronPig’s urinal games. The topic has been widely covered over the Nation since announced yesterday. Major news outlets, radio stations, bloggers galore and everyone else seems to be talking about this!

Digging DiPro got in touch with Captive Media, the founders of the urinal games for a quick QA session. Cambridge grad Mark Melford ,one of the UK founders of Captive Media was kind enough to our questions and his excitement was quite evident.

When did you begin working with the IronPigs on this installation and what (if any) were some of the hurdles encountered?

Iron Pigs contacted us originally back in November last year. The hurdles we have faced have included redesigning our product to work in all countries outside the UK. Iron pigs have the second generation of the “X-stream” device, capable of functioning with US urinals with their larger dimensions.

What is Captive Media’s reaction to the firestorm brought on by this announcement and what may the future hold?

Photo courtesy of Captive Media Ltd.

We’re pleased at the interest, and pleased for IP. It underpins the huge buzz our product generates wherever it goes. Last week, we showcased the technology at the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas … where the reaction was amazing. To see a sample of the TV coverage which accompanied our initial launch, click here. Nonetheless, Iron Pigs is reaping the rewards for being first in its sector – and we congratulate them for that! As innovators ourselves we salute all those who dare to be different and try something before anyone else! The technology is brand new though, and we are very excited about its potential in the US. We already have enquiries from sectors ranging from bars to cruise lines. Last week, we showcased the technology at the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas… where the reaction was amazing.

Would you please say a few words on what it has been like to work with the IronPigs’ organization?

Photo courtesy of Captive Media Ltd.

A pleasure. For us, and with such an unusual product, its hugely valuable to work with clients who “get it” and share the same enthusiasm for the technology we do. That means both the pure boyish excitement about the fun nature of the games PLUS the more serious appreciation of their power for good – in this case raising awareness of Prostate health. That’s a central part out Captive Media’s mission as a company – to use fun and engagement to get messages across to a hard-to-reach audience (young males). In the UK we’ve developed quiz games for the responsible drinking foundation “Drinkaware”, and run campaigns for the MacMillan Cancer charity, who have seen 20-40% increases in awareness as a result. We’ve also promoted brands such as Asahi, Corona or Tiger beer, who have seen their share of market on site rise as a result. It really is a very powerful medium for engaging in this way, and there is stacks of research with stats on impact here.

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The good folks from Captive Media confirmed that a representative will be in attendance for Opening Day next week and that they will hold a formal US launch in NYC later this summer. They also hinted that a major US restaraunt chain might be adding these in the near future as well. If it is as fun as it sounds, I’m sure you will find these games popping up around the country soon!

These games will certainly add to the Mystique of Coca Cola Park and the IronPigs as they continue to lead the way for Minor League Baseball promotions!

OinK!

Links to some fun stuff about the Urinal Games and Captive Media:

HD videos and photos of the product you can down load here.

Product brochures with more info on the product here.

Video clips of UK venue owners talking about their experiences of Captive media here and here.

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